Core Viewpoint - Gree Electric Appliances' executive Zhu Lei publicly accused Skyworth of plagiarizing Gree's advertising design style, highlighting a growing tension in the air conditioning market regarding material technology and branding strategies [1][5][6]. Group 1: Market Dynamics and Competition - The air conditioning market remains competitive, with ongoing discussions about the use of aluminum instead of copper in core materials, which has become a focal point for public scrutiny [5]. - Gree has stated it will not increase prices or adopt aluminum technology, while competitors like Haier and Midea are moving forward with such applications [6]. - Gree emphasizes its "true copper" product positioning, asserting that all key components of its air conditioners are made from pure copper, contrasting with Skyworth's ambiguous stance on aluminum technology [9][13]. Group 2: Skyworth's Business Challenges - Skyworth, once a leading television brand, is struggling with a transition from home appliance manufacturing to diversification, including ventures into smart cars and global markets [14][20]. - The company has repeatedly failed to meet its ambitious revenue target of 100 billion yuan, with 2023 revenues at 69.031 billion yuan, a 29.1% increase, but a projected decline in 2024 to 65.013 billion yuan, a 5.8% drop [23]. - Complaints about Skyworth's air conditioning products have surfaced, indicating issues with warranty service and product quality, which could impact brand reputation [15]. Group 3: Automotive Ventures - Skyworth's foray into the automotive sector, initiated in 2010, has faced challenges, particularly in the domestic market, with only about 40,000 units sold in 2024 [24]. - The overseas market has become a crucial support for Skyworth's automotive division, with significant sales in the Middle East, contributing approximately 87.5% of total global sales [24]. - To achieve its revenue goals, Skyworth is considering spinning off its white goods, solar energy, and automotive divisions for additional funding, while also focusing on AI transformation in its operations [25][31].

Core Insights - The report maintains a positive outlook on the home appliance sector, particularly focusing on the cost reduction potential of aluminum replacing copper in air conditioning systems [2][5] - The adoption of aluminum-copper technology is seen as a significant step towards reducing production costs amid rising copper prices and resource scarcity [10][15] Group 1: Aluminum-Copper Technology Impact - The use of aluminum instead of copper in air conditioning units can lead to substantial cost savings, with estimates suggesting a reduction of 208 to 277 RMB per unit when replacing 50% of copper, and up to 416 to 554 RMB when replacing 100% [11][12] - Copper currently constitutes about 26% to 33% of the cost in standard air conditioning units, with high-end models reaching over 40% [11][12] - The global market has seen significant adoption of aluminum-copper products, particularly in Japan where approximately 40% to 50% of air conditioners use aluminum heat exchangers [15][16] Group 2: Domestic Market Challenges - Despite the cost advantages, the domestic promotion of aluminum-copper air conditioners faces challenges, including inferior thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance compared to copper [19][20] - Consumer perception is a major barrier, as negative opinions about aluminum's reliability persist, complicating market acceptance [19][20] - The first domestic aluminum-copper air conditioner was launched by Wanbao in collaboration with JD.com, targeting the mid-to-low-end market, which may help accelerate industry-wide material transitions [16][17] Group 3: Industry Performance and Trends - The home appliance sector has shown mixed performance, with the overall index increasing by 0.44%, while specific segments like white goods and black goods experienced varied changes [21][22] - Recent data indicates a decline in domestic sales growth for air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines, reflecting broader market challenges [33][47] - The report highlights the importance of monitoring raw material prices, with copper and aluminum prices showing significant fluctuations that could impact production costs [29][31]

Summary of Hisense Home Appliances Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Hisense Home Appliances - **Industry**: Home Appliances Key Points Industry and Market Conditions - The fourth quarter of 2025 continues to face operational pressures due to the decline of national subsidies and high base effects from the previous year. However, some product categories are seeing a rebound in price indices, leading to slight improvements in profit margins. The overseas market is undergoing inventory destocking, with expectations for order recovery in December and early next year [2][3][4]. Product and Business Development - The newly launched water-based paint factory in Changsha is expected to enhance the central air conditioning business and improve processing depth, aiding in order growth in the mature markets of Europe and America. Currently, water machine products account for about 5% of total revenue, with positive outlooks for the water-cooled and liquid-cooled market trends [2][5]. - Hisense is exploring aluminum alternatives to copper to mitigate the impact of rising copper prices, with some experience in overseas markets. The domestic market will require consideration of technology maturity and consumer acceptance [2][6]. Strategic Focus and Brand Development - The company anticipates that the effects of subsidy exhaustion will be less severe than historical policies. Hisense is focusing on building core competencies and brand recognition in the post-subsidy era, targeting consumer segments with products like fresh air conditioners and embedded refrigerators to gain competitive advantages [2][7]. - The competitive landscape in the air conditioning market is expected to shift in 2026, with leading companies focusing more on core capabilities and brand image enhancement. Hisense aims to strengthen its competitive edge to perform better in the post-subsidy environment [2][8]. Operational Efficiency and Market Strategy - Hisense plans to maintain profitability in the processing sector while expanding market share in emerging markets. The company is integrating resources from Nantong, Hisense Hitachi, and Jiakang to improve overall efficiency and reduce ineffective SKUs [2][9]. - The air conditioning division has faced operational pressures in 2025, prompting management to implement integration and efficiency measures, including procurement and channel collaboration [2][10]. Revenue and Profit Guidance - For 2026, the central control products are expected to achieve positive growth, with varying quarterly performances. The public construction segment is projected to grow from 15% to 35% of revenue, while the renovation segment is expected to decrease from 35% to 15% [2][11]. - The company is optimistic about overall performance in 2026, despite challenges in the renovation segment, which has seen a decline of over 20% each quarter [2][11]. International Market Outlook - Hisense's international sales have shown good growth, with regions like Latin America exceeding 30% growth. However, some areas like ASEAN have experienced declines due to adverse weather conditions. The company plans to enhance market share and average selling price (ASP) in mature markets while expanding product offerings in flexible markets like Latin America and ASEAN [2][12]. - The 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America is expected to significantly boost Hisense's growth in these regions, leveraging sponsorship to enhance brand visibility and market penetration [2][13]. Risk Management and Supply Chain - Hisense is managing risks related to increased tariffs on exports to Mexico by optimizing local procurement and maintaining a competitive edge through its Mexican manufacturing base [2][14]. - The company is also addressing the impact of the domestic new energy vehicle tax reduction and softening European demand by optimizing product structures to enhance market competitiveness [2][14]. Financial Planning and Capital Expenditure - Hisense plans to maintain a dividend payout ratio of around 50% and is exploring new incentive schemes for employees. Capital expenditures will include the construction of the Changsha mobile phone factory and the second and third phases of the Thailand industrial park, aimed at meeting future demand in Europe and the U.S. [2][17]. Future Guidance - Specific revenue and profit guidance for 2026 will be assessed based on domestic and international market conditions, with plans to communicate updates to the market as necessary [2][18].

Core Viewpoint - A group of 19 air conditioning companies, including Haier, Midea, Hisense, TCL, Aux, and Xiaomi, has signed a self-discipline convention to promote breakthroughs in aluminum substitution for copper technology [1] Group 1: Industry Developments - The self-discipline convention aims to advance the application of aluminum in air conditioning systems, indicating a shift in material usage within the industry [1] - The collaboration among major players suggests a collective effort to innovate and improve efficiency in air conditioning manufacturing [1] Group 2: Company Specifics - Snow Qi Electric (001387.SZ) clarified on the investor interaction platform that it focuses on the research, production, and sales of large-capacity refrigerators (over 400L) and commercial display cabinets, and does not currently engage in air conditioning products [1]

Summary of the Conference Call for AUX Electric Company Overview - **Company**: AUX Electric - **Industry**: Home Appliances, specifically Air Conditioning Key Points and Arguments Sales and Growth Projections - AUX Electric expects a **three-digit growth** in exports by 2026, with domestic sales growth slightly above the market average despite competitive pressures [2][27] - The company anticipates a **20% year-on-year increase** in order volume for 2026, achieving double-digit growth [2][8] Market Conditions and Competition - The export business faced a decline in 2025 due to climate and geopolitical factors, but strong performance in key markets like the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America is expected to drive future growth [2][8] - The domestic market remains competitive, with no significant changes in sales performance noted recently [5][6] - The introduction of Xiaomi's **10-year warranty** has not significantly impacted the market, as consumers perceive little difference between warranty lengths [6][33] Cost Management and Production - Rising copper prices have increased costs, but AUX Electric is managing this by locking in prices for export orders and passing costs onto the domestic market [4][16] - The company plans to produce **1 million compressors** in 2026, with initial costs expected to align with external sourcing by that year [4][20] Inventory and Sales Channels - Inventory levels in overseas markets are normalizing after fluctuations due to climate impacts [9][10] - AUX Electric employs a dual model of **national agents and self-operated sales companies** to expand its overseas market presence [9][10] Future Focus Areas - The company aims to enhance its focus on **central air conditioning, multi-split systems, and thermal management** sectors, which are seen as natural extensions of its HVAC business [27][28] - AUX Electric currently holds about **10% market share** in the central air conditioning sector, which is targeted for growth due to higher profit margins compared to home air conditioning [28] ODM Business Model - The company operates an **ODM model** for overseas business expansion, allowing local distributors to manage inventory based on their needs [31] Emerging Markets and Brand Strategy - AUX Electric is prioritizing expansion into emerging markets with increasing air conditioning penetration, such as Egypt, Argentina, and Indonesia [12][13] - The company has launched a new sub-brand, "Aubert," focusing on online sales, while "Hua Suan" targets offline sales with lower pricing [23] Financial Outlook - AUX Electric's current valuation is considered low, with a **75% dividend yield**, indicating strong investment appeal despite competitive pressures in the domestic market [35] Conclusion - Overall, AUX Electric is positioned for growth in both domestic and international markets, leveraging its production capabilities and strategic focus on emerging markets and product diversification to navigate competitive challenges and cost pressures [27][34]

Core Viewpoint - Copper prices are currently at historical highs, with LME copper futures reaching $10,800 per ton on November 24, 2025, driven by supply constraints and increased demand from sectors like AI [3]. Group 1: Copper Price Trends - LME copper prices hit a new high of $11,200 per ton at the end of October 2025, the highest since May 2024 [3]. - The price increase is attributed to supply-demand imbalances, including reduced copper mine output and expanding application demand [5]. - In September, LME copper prices rose by 3.94% year-on-year, influenced by the suspension of production at Indonesia's Grasberg copper mine due to landslides [5]. Group 2: Impact on Air Conditioning Industry - The rising copper prices have significantly increased production costs for air conditioning manufacturers, with copper accounting for 22%-25% of air conditioning costs [5]. - In September, China's air conditioning production fell by 13.5% year-on-year to 10.567 million units due to increased costs and other market factors [5]. - Air conditioning companies are facing intense competition, making it difficult to pass on increased costs to consumers, which may impact industry profits [6]. Group 3: Industry Adaptation and Future Trends - The air conditioning industry is undergoing a new round of restructuring, with larger companies benefiting from government support while smaller firms face increased pressure [6]. - Rising costs may accelerate the adoption of alternative materials, such as aluminum and steel, in air conditioning components, as companies seek to mitigate the impact of high copper prices [7]. - The technology for replacing copper with aluminum in HVAC components has matured over the past decade, with ongoing research to establish reliability and corrosion resistance standards for aluminum parts [7].