1. Report Industry Investment Rating No information about the report industry investment rating is provided in the content. 2. Core Viewpoints of the Report - The mainstream transaction price of bauxite in Guinea decreased by $0.4 per dry ton to $72.5 per dry ton. The rainy season in Guinea has affected bauxite mining and transportation, leading to a decline in bauxite shipments, which supports the ore price. However, market rumors of the resumption of a large mine in Guinea may reverse the expected structural shortage of imported ore supply in the third quarter, so the upward range of the ore price is expected to be limited [3][10]. - The operating capacity of alumina increased by 1.1 million tons week - on - week to 94.95 million tons, and the national alumina inventory increased by 19,000 tons week - on - week to 3.207 million tons. With the gradual resumption of production of reduced - capacity and the release of new capacity, the operating capacity of alumina is gradually recovering. Bullish sentiment has cooled, and alumina may face an adjustment [3][14]. - The operating capacity of electrolytic aluminum increased steadily, with a week - on - week increase of 10,000 tons to 44.214 million tons. Some remaining capacity in Guizhou Anshun is being resumed, the replacement capacity of Yunlv Yixin is being put into production, and the technical renovation project of Baise Yinhai is gradually resuming production. The downstream demand of aluminum is weakening, with the weekly average operating rate of domestic aluminum downstream processing leading enterprises decreasing by 0.1% to 58.8%. The inventory of aluminum ingots decreased, while the inventory of aluminum rods increased [3]. - In the case of recycled cast aluminum alloy, downstream enterprises are gradually entering the high - temperature holiday, with insufficient new orders. High scrap aluminum prices and a sharp increase in industrial silicon prices have led to great loss pressure on enterprises, and the operating rate of recycled aluminum enterprises will continue the downward trend [3]. - The short - term risk of aluminum prices is still high, and it is recommended to wait and see, paying attention to market changes. The Fed's interest - rate meeting and the China - US London talks are about to take place, and attention should be paid to the meeting results and negotiation outcomes [3]. 3. Summary According to Relevant Catalogs 3.1. Strategy Suggestions - Alumina: It is recommended to lay out short positions at high levels when the price rebounds [4]. - Shanghai Aluminum: It is recommended to wait and see [4]. - Cast Aluminum Alloy: It is recommended to wait and see [4]. 3.2. Bauxite - The supply of domestic bauxite is tightening, and the price is temporarily stable. Stricter safety production supervision and environmental inspections in Shanxi and Henan have restricted bauxite mining activities, and some mines have suspended production. Frequent rainfall in major domestic producing areas has also restricted ore mining [10]. - The mainstream transaction price of Guinea's bulk bauxite decreased by $0.4 per dry ton to $72.5 per dry ton. The rainy season in Guinea has affected bauxite mining and transportation, and the bauxite shipment volume has shown a downward trend. The expected tightening of spot supply supports the upward movement of the ore price, but the expected structural shortage of imported ore supply in the third quarter may be reversed, so the upward range of the ore price is limited [3][10]. 3.3. Alumina - As of last Friday, the built - up capacity of alumina was 113.02 million tons, with a week - on - week increase of 100,000 tons, the operating capacity was 94.95 million tons, with a week - on - week increase of 1.1 million tons, and the operating rate was 84.01%. The domestic spot weighted price was 3,257 yuan per ton, with a week - on - week increase of 37.9 yuan per ton. The national alumina inventory was 3.207 million tons, with a week - on - week increase of 19,000 tons [14]. - Newly invested capacity in Shandong, Guangxi, and other regions is gradually contributing to alumina production. A medium - sized alumina enterprise in Shandong has expanded and upgraded its capacity, and it is expected to reach full production this week. Although a red mud reservoir in a south - western alumina enterprise has a landslide risk due to heavy rain, the current production has not been affected [14]. 3.4. Electrolytic Aluminum - As of last Friday, the built - up capacity of electrolytic aluminum was 45.232 million tons, remaining unchanged week - on - week, and the operating capacity was 44.214 million tons, with a week - on - week increase of 10,000 tons [23]. - The operating capacity of electrolytic aluminum is increasing steadily. Some remaining capacity in Guizhou Anshun is being resumed, the replacement capacity of Yunlv Yixin is being put into production, contributing a net increase of 35,000 tons of capacity, and the 120,000 - ton capacity of the Baise Yinhai technical renovation project will be gradually powered on and resumed production in the third quarter [3][23]. 3.5. Cast Aluminum Alloy - The operating rate of recycled aluminum alloy leading enterprises decreased by 0.3% week - on - week to 53.1%. Downstream enterprises are gradually entering the high - temperature holiday, with insufficient new orders. High scrap aluminum prices and a sharp increase in industrial silicon prices have led to great loss pressure on enterprises, and the operating rate will continue the downward trend. However, recent concentrated shipments from delivery brand enterprises to spot - futures traders support the operating rate to remain relatively high in the off - season [34]. 3.6. Downstream开工率 - The weekly average operating rate of domestic aluminum downstream processing leading enterprises decreased by 0.1% to 58.7%. - Aluminum profiles: The operating rate of aluminum profile leading enterprises remained stable at 50.5% week - on - week. In the industrial profile segment, the operating rate remained unchanged. In the building profile segment, affected by the downturn in the real estate industry and seasonal factors, sample enterprises reported average existing orders and weak new orders, and the operating rate remained unchanged [43]. - Aluminum plates and strips: The operating rate of aluminum plate and strip leading enterprises remained stable at 63.2% week - on - week. With high aluminum prices, downstream customers are waiting and watching, and the finished product inventory of each aluminum plate and strip enterprise is high. Enterprises reported that it is the off - season for exports, and there is little hope for the recovery of export orders. In addition, aluminum plate and strip enterprises in various regions have not reduced production due to high - temperature power rationing [43]. - Aluminum cables: The operating rate of domestic cable leading enterprises decreased by 0.4% week - on - week to 61.6%. Although the operating rate of some enterprises has improved marginally due to order scheduling and the delivery of UHV and power transmission and transformation orders, some enterprises' strategy of reducing raw material and finished product inventories has led to a weakening of the overall operating rate. Attention should be paid to whether the matching of power grid orders in August can reopen the industry's concentrated delivery cycle [46]. - Primary aluminum alloy: The operating rate of primary aluminum alloy leading enterprises remained stable at 54% week - on - week. Although the task of aluminum - water alloying and the strategy of aluminum rod conversion continue to provide marginal support, most sample enterprises are restricted by weak terminal demand, insufficient new orders, thin profit margins, and high - temperature holidays, and the operating rate is weakly stable [46].

Core Viewpoint - The credit rating agency has maintained a stable credit rating outlook for the company, indicating its strong market position and diversified regional layout, while also highlighting potential risks related to raw material price fluctuations and increasing debt levels [3][7]. Company Overview - The company, known as Lichong Group, operates in three major business segments: recycled aluminum alloy, aluminum alloy wheels, and functional intermediate alloys, all of which are leaders in their respective niche markets [3][5]. - The company has a diverse production base across multiple regions in China and has established subsidiaries in countries such as Thailand, the USA, South Korea, Brazil, and Mexico, which helps mitigate operational and marketing costs [5][16]. Financial Performance - For the fiscal year 2024, the company reported a revenue of 272.46 billion yuan, a significant increase from 233.65 billion yuan in 2023, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 16.54% [4][12]. - The net profit for 2024 was recorded at 7.16 billion yuan, up 16.45% from the previous year [4][12]. - The company's total debt increased to 133.78 billion yuan in March 2025, compared to 119.02 billion yuan in 2024, indicating a rapid growth in debt levels [4][12]. Operational Challenges - The company faces increased cost pressures due to fluctuations in raw material prices, particularly for electrolytic aluminum and recycled aluminum, which could impact sales revenue and profitability [5][6]. - The scale of accounts receivable and inventory has significantly increased, reaching a combined total of 119.72 billion yuan by March 2025, which constitutes 51.82% of total assets, raising concerns about working capital management [6][13]. Market Environment - The automotive industry in China is expected to continue growing, with the company benefiting from strong demand in the downstream automotive supply chain [10][11]. - The company has a strong customer base, including major clients like Great Wall Motors and General Motors, with the top five customers accounting for 22.63% of total sales in 2024, indicating a relatively low concentration risk [14][16]. Future Outlook - The company is expected to expand its business further as new production capacities come online, although the utilization rates for some segments remain uncertain [7][17]. - The company is actively involved in the recycling of aluminum and has developed a dual-cycle procurement system for recycled aluminum, enhancing its competitive edge in the market [15][16].

Industry Outlook - The Chinese government has introduced several macro development plans and industrial policies, such as the 14th Five-Year Plan and the New Energy Vehicle Industry Development Plan (2021-2035), which encourage innovation and green development in new materials and new energy sectors [1] - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has issued the "Aluminum Industry High-Quality Development Implementation Plan (2025-2027)", aiming for a 3%-5% increase in domestic aluminum resources and over 15 million tons of recycled aluminum production by 2027 [2] Company Performance - In Q1 2025, the company achieved a revenue of CNY 347,589.43 million, representing a year-on-year growth of 19.83%, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of CNY 11,662.67 million, with a year-on-year increase of 125.50% [4][6] - For the full year 2024, the company reported a revenue of CNY 1,397,651.34 million, reflecting a growth of 17.01% compared to the previous year [7] Competitive Advantages - The company has established a comprehensive core technology system in the recycled aluminum sector, with five key advantages: intelligent sorting pre-treatment system, low-carbon combustion system, waste heat recovery, precise alloy composition control, and a digital quality control platform [3] Future Growth Strategies - The company plans to drive future profitability through a dual strategy of "recycled casting aluminum alloy + recycled deformed aluminum alloy" and will focus on optimizing sales and procurement strategies, increasing capacity utilization, and reducing costs [5][10] - The company aims to expand its production capacity in the casting and deformed aluminum alloy sectors, leveraging domestic capital markets to seize industry integration opportunities [9][10] Financial Management - The company is addressing rising debt levels, which increased from 55% to 75% over three years, by exploring various financing methods and controlling operational funding needs [8] - The company has a current production capacity of 1.05 million tons, with a utilization rate of approximately 78% in 2024, exceeding the industry average [13]

Report Summary 1. Research Information - **Research Date**: April 21, 2025 [1] - **Research Industry**: Automotive parts [2] - **Research Object**: Lizhong Group [8] - **Reception Personnel**: Vice President and Secretary of the Board of Directors Li Zhiguo, and Securities Affairs Representative Feng Yuqi [8] - **Participating Institutions**: More than 60 institutions including Puhou Momentum, Jiashi Private Equity, and Ruijun Asset Management [9][10][11] 2. Company's 2024 Performance and Business Operations - **Overall Performance**: The company achieved a cumulative operating income of 27.24637 billion yuan in 2024, a year - on - year increase of 16.61%. The net profit attributable to shareholders of listed companies was 707.12 million yuan, a year - on - year increase of 16.77%. Excluding equity incentive expenses, the net profit was 747.23 million yuan, a year - on - year increase of 5.31% [15] - **Functional Intermediate Alloy Business**: Maintained its leading position in the industry. The sales volume and income increased steadily, with an annual operating income of 2.295 billion yuan, a year - on - year increase of 11.94% [16] - **Recycled Cast Aluminum Alloy Business**: The demand increased, and new production capacity was gradually released. The annual sales revenue was 15.696 billion yuan, a year - on - year increase of 25.84% [17] - **Aluminum Alloy Wheel Business**: Orders were sufficient, and the number of project awards increased. The annual operating income was 9.235 billion yuan, a year - on - year increase of 4.46%. However, the Mexican factory was in the production ramp - up stage, and exchange losses affected the performance [19] - **New Energy Lithium - Battery New Materials Business**: The first - phase project was put into operation, and the annual operating income was 20.63 million yuan, a year - on - year increase of 1963% [20] 3. Long - Term Development Goals and Strategies - **Focus on Core Business**: Focus on the three main businesses of recycled cast aluminum alloy, aluminum alloy wheels, and functional intermediate alloy materials, and deepen the high - end application of aluminum alloy [21] - **Strengthen Technological Leadership**: Continuously increase R & D investment, develop new products and technologies, and cultivate new productive forces [23] - **Focus on Green Industry Chain**: Promote the circular utilization of recycled aluminum resources, build a green supply chain, and achieve sustainable development [24] - **Emphasize Shareholder Returns**: Implement a stable cash dividend policy and strengthen investor relations management [25] 4. Progress in Material R & D and Emerging Industry Layout - **Material R & D**: Developed a series of materials such as heat - treatment - free alloy materials, brazable die - cast aluminum alloys, silicon - aluminum dispersion composite materials, and aluminum - based rare - earth intermediate alloys [26] - **Application and Verification**: Some materials have been certified and mass - produced, while others are in the verification or small - batch supply stage [26][27] 5. Overseas Layout and Progress - **Early Overseas Factories**: Built Thai factories in 2010 and 2019, expanding overseas aluminum alloy wheel production capacity [29] - **New Overseas Projects in 2024**: The Mexican and Thai projects were put into operation, strengthening the global strategic layout [29] - **Recent Thai Plan**: Purchased land and factories in Thailand to build a third aluminum alloy wheel factory [29] 6. Layout in Recycled Aluminum Recycling and Utilization - **Recycling System**: Improved the "domestic and international dual - cycle" procurement system for recycled aluminum [30] - **Aluminum Recycling Industry Chain**: Cooperated with new energy vehicle companies to develop the automotive disassembly business and promote the circular utilization of vehicle materials [30]