Core Insights - The report highlights a significant growth in China's new energy vehicle (NEV) sales and battery installations in September 2025, driven by supportive policies and improved cost-performance ratios [1][2]. Group 1: Industry Performance - In September 2025, the lithium battery index increased by 17.12%, outperforming the CSI 300 index, which rose by only 2.59% [2]. - NEV sales reached 1.604 million units in September 2025, marking a year-on-year growth of 24.63% and a month-on-month increase of 14.98% [1][2]. - The market share of NEV sales in September was 49.72%, indicating a strong demand [1]. Group 2: Battery Installation and Material Prices - The total installed capacity of power batteries in September 2025 was 76.0 GWh, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 39.45%, with ternary materials accounting for 18.16% of the installations [1][2]. - As of October 14, 2025, the price of battery-grade lithium carbonate was 73,000 CNY/ton, down 4.58% from early September, while lithium hydroxide was priced at 76,300 CNY/ton, a decrease of 2.09% [3]. - Cobalt prices increased significantly, with electrolytic cobalt at 375,500 CNY/ton, up 39.59% from early September [3]. Group 3: Investment Outlook - The industry maintains a "stronger than market" investment rating, with lithium battery and ChiNext valuations at 29.01 times and 43.42 times, respectively [4]. - The overall industry outlook remains positive, with a focus on raw material price trends, monthly sales, and relevant policies [4]. - The report suggests that while the short-term investment opportunities should be monitored closely, the long-term prospects for the NEV sector are promising, with expected performance differentiation among individual stocks [4].

Core Viewpoint - The lithium battery sector outperformed the CSI 300 index in August, driven by market style shifts, continuous growth in electric vehicle sales, performance growth in the lithium battery sector, and developments related to solid-state batteries [1][3]. Group 1: Lithium Battery Sector Performance - In August 2025, the lithium battery index rose by 13.23%, while the new energy vehicle index increased by 14.99%, compared to a 10.90% rise in the CSI 300 index, indicating stronger performance of the lithium battery sector [1]. - The sector's performance is attributed to the ongoing growth in electric vehicle sales, which reached 1.395 million units in August 2025, marking a year-on-year increase of 26.82% and a month-on-month increase of 10.54% [1]. Group 2: Sales and Production Data - In August 2025, the installed capacity of power batteries in China was 62.5 GWh, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 32.42%, with ternary material installations accounting for 17.44% [1]. - Leading companies in installed capacity include CATL, BYD, and Zhongchuang Innovation [1]. Group 3: Raw Material Prices - As of September 12, 2025, the price of battery-grade lithium carbonate was 71,000 CNY/ton, up 3.65% from early August, while lithium hydroxide rose by 12.25% to 76,800 CNY/ton [2]. - Other raw materials also saw price increases, with cobalt electrolyte priced at 274,000 CNY/ton (up 1.48%) and lithium iron phosphate at 34,700 CNY/ton (up 0.58%) [2]. Group 4: Industry Outlook - The industry maintains a "stronger than the market" investment rating, with the lithium battery and ChiNext valuations at 27.58 times and 44.35 times, respectively [3]. - The overall industry outlook remains positive, with a focus on upstream raw material price trends, monthly sales, domestic and international policies, and advancements in solid-state batteries [3].

Group 1 - The "anti-involution" policy is benefiting the rare metals industry, with supply disruptions from lithium mines leading to an expected increase in lithium prices [1] - As of 2025, 54 companies in the A-share non-ferrous metals sector have released performance forecasts, with over 80% (44 companies) expected to be profitable, including Zijin Mining and Luoyang Molybdenum with net profits exceeding 5 billion yuan [1] - The solid-state battery, as the next-generation solution for lithium batteries, is anticipated to achieve an energy density exceeding 500 Wh/kg, significantly enhancing battery performance [1] Group 2 - In July 2025, China's power battery installation volume increased by 34.85% year-on-year, with ternary materials accounting for 19.50% of the total, led by CATL, BYD, and Zhongchu Innovation [2] - Upstream raw material prices have generally risen, with battery-grade lithium carbonate priced at 82,000 yuan/ton, up 33.88% since early July, and lithium hydroxide at 74,800 yuan/ton, up 23.91% [2] - The CSI Rare Metals Theme Index rose by 2.45% as of August 15, 2025, with significant gains in component stocks such as Zhongke Sanhuan and Platinum New Materials [2]