Anti - involution in battery value chain

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中国电池材料:实地探访中国电池供应链- 锂价上涨促使生产提前-Battery Materials_ China Battery Supply Chain on the Ground_ Prod pull-forward given increasing lithium price
2025-08-18 02:52
Summary of the Conference Call on China Battery Materials Industry Overview - The report focuses on the **China Battery Supply Chain**, particularly the production pipeline of the top battery manufacturers in China, with a specific emphasis on **lithium prices** and **battery materials** [1] Key Insights - **Production Estimates**: ZE Consulting has revised its estimates for the production pipeline of the top-5 battery makers in August 2025, increasing the month-over-month (MoM) growth from **4%** to **10%** and year-over-year (YoY) growth from **32%** to **39%** [1] - **Lithium Price Impact**: The increase in production is primarily driven by a **16%** rise in lithium spot prices month-to-date (MTD), prompting **CATL** to pull forward production [1] - **Demand for Energy Storage Systems (ESS)**: There is a noted strong demand for ESS, contributing to the increased production estimates [1] - **Battery Materials Production**: Battery materials are expected to follow the upward trend, with a projected **4-9%** MoM production increase in August [1] - **Lithium Production Forecast**: Lithium production is expected to increase by **5%** MoM, reaching a record high of **83.1k tons** despite lower output from CATL [1] Company-Specific Insights - **CATL Valuation**: - CATL-H is valued at **HK$425/share**, based on a **16.6x** 2025E EV/EBITDA multiple, which aligns with its historical average since the A-share listing. This target price implies a **28.2x** 2025E P/E and **22.4x** 2026E P/E [14] - CATL-A is valued at **Rmb404/share**, using a **16.4x** 2025E EV/EBITDA multiple, also reflecting its historical average. The target price suggests a **27.8x** 2025E P/E and **23.2x** 2026E P/E [16] - **Risks for CATL**: - Key risks include lower-than-expected electric vehicle (EV) demand, increased competition in the EV battery market, and higher raw material costs [15][16] Other Companies Mentioned - **Hunan Yuneng New Energy Battery Material**: - Valued at **Rmb65.8/share** based on a **12.6x** 2025E EV/EBITDA multiple, with risks including lower-than-expected LFP cathode shipments and higher expenses [17][18] - **Shenzhen Dynanonic**: - Valued at **Rmb25.5/share** using a **12.5x** 2026E EV/EBITDA multiple, with risks including lower-than-expected LFP cathode shipments and expenses [19][20] Additional Considerations - **Upside Catalyst Watch**: A **90-day upside catalyst watch** has been initiated for Hunan Yuneng and Dynanonic, indicating potential growth in the battery value chain, including lithium and cathode materials [1] - **Production Forecasts for Battery Components**: - Cathode production is forecasted to increase by **9%** MoM [6] - Anode production is expected to rise by **4%** MoM [7] - Electrolyte production is projected to grow by **6%** MoM [11] - Overall, the battery materials sector is experiencing significant growth, driven by rising lithium prices and strong demand for energy storage solutions [1]