Copper Supply Deficit
Search documents
铜:基本面趋紧,进一步上调预期-Copper_ tighter fundamentals; further upgrades
2025-10-19 15:58
Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - **Industry**: Copper Mining - **Key Players**: Zijin Mining, Jiangxi Copper (JCC), China Molybdenum Co. (CMOC) Core Insights and Arguments 1. **Copper Price Forecasts**: UBS's Global Metals & Mining team has raised copper price forecasts for 2026/27/28 by 8%/19%/11%, adjusting prices from US$10,582/11,023/11,574 per ton to US$11,464/13,095/12,809 per ton due to tighter market fundamentals [2][8] 2. **Supply Disruptions**: Significant disruptions at major mines, including Grasberg, Kamoa Kakula, and El Teniente, have led to substantial downgrades in mine supply forecasts for 2026/27, with Grasberg's guidance cut by 200kt and Kamoa Kakula by 150kt [3][8] 3. **Deficit Outlook**: The refined copper market is expected to shift into a deficit starting in 2026, with demand growth projected at 3% against supply growth of less than 1%, leading to inventory drawdowns that support price increases [4] 4. **Earnings Upgrades**: Earnings forecasts for Zijin, CMOC, and JCC have been raised by 4% for 2025E and 11-13% for 2026E, reflecting increased copper price expectations [5][19] 5. **Valuation Methodology Change**: Zijin Mining's valuation methodology has shifted from a single PE multiple to a Sum of the Parts (SOTP) approach, reflecting the revaluation of its gold assets following Zijin Gold International's listing [18][20] Important but Overlooked Content 1. **Market Reactions**: The market has reacted positively to the earnings upgrades, with price targets for Zijin-H/A raised by 33% to HK$47.40 and CMOC-H/A by 17% to HK$20.50, indicating strong investor confidence [5][20] 2. **Production Normalization**: A forecasted recovery in mine supply growth is expected in 2027/28, contingent on the normalization of production at Grasberg and the restart of Cobre Panama [3] 3. **China's Copper Demand**: China's copper demand is projected to grow, with specific sectors like construction and electrical appliances showing varied growth rates, impacting overall demand dynamics [15] 4. **Long-term Price Stability**: The long-term price forecast for copper remains stable, with nominal prices expected to hold steady through 2030, indicating a balanced outlook for the industry [9] Financial Metrics and Projections - **Zijin Mining**: Projected net profits for 2025/26/27E are Rmb48.7bn, Rmb65.2bn, and Rmb79.4bn, respectively, based on higher copper price forecasts [19] - **JCC Price Target**: JCC's price target has been raised by 75% to HK$50.00, reflecting a significant increase in earnings expectations [5][20] - **CMOC Earnings**: CMOC's earnings projections have been adjusted upwards, with a new price target of Rmb19.20 for CMOC-A [5][20] This summary encapsulates the critical insights and financial projections discussed in the conference call, highlighting the evolving landscape of the copper mining industry and the implications for key players.