Investment Rating - The report assigns a Buy rating to BYD Co. and a Sell rating to SAIC Motor [9][13]. Core Insights - The China NEV industry is experiencing a slowdown in capacity expansion, with net additions expected to be 2.5 million units in 2025, a 13% year-over-year increase, followed by further declines in subsequent years [1]. - Capital expenditure (capex) expectations for 2025 have increased due to stronger demand driven by trade-in subsidies, while 2026 capex remains stable [2]. - The cost curve has steepened between different groups of OEMs, with group 1 players managing better EBITDA margins compared to groups 2 and 3 amid intensified competition [3]. - Demand for NEVs is projected to rise by 11% in 2024 compared to previous expectations, with significant contributions from trade-in subsidies [6]. - Utilization rates are expected to improve in 2025-2026 but may decline in 2027-2028, leading to potential consolidation in the industry [7][8]. Summary by Sections Industry Capacity and Capex - NEV capacity in China is still expanding but at a slower pace, with net additions of 2 million and 1.5 million units expected in 2026 and 2027, respectively [1]. - Market expectations for capex have increased due to positive outlooks from OEMs, driven by trade-in subsidies [2]. Cost and Profitability - OEMs are facing lower EBITDA margins due to increased competition, with group 1 players showing better cost control compared to groups 2 and 3 [3]. - The cash conversion cycle is tightening, indicating deteriorating cash flow for many players [5]. Demand and Market Dynamics - Domestic NEV demand is expected to reach 10.9 million and 14.1 million units in 2024 and 2025, respectively, with a portion stimulated by trade-in subsidies [6]. - The NEV market is highly competitive, with transaction prices declining by 6% year-over-year in early 2025 [7]. Future Outlook - A potential decline in retail PV volume is anticipated in 2027, leading to a 1% decrease in NEV volume demand despite higher penetration [7]. - The report suggests that consolidation in the industry may begin in 2027-2028, with a positive turnaround expected post-consolidation starting from 2029 [8].