Core Viewpoint - The lithium battery industry is expected to experience a new round of expansion driven by solid-state technology breakthroughs and increased capital expenditure from 2023 to 2025, leading to a potential reversal in supply-demand dynamics and price increases in certain segments [1][2]. Industry Cycle - The lithium battery midstream is entering a "recovery-prosperity" phase from 2024 to 2025, with revenue and inventory on the rise since the first quarter of 2024, indicating a recovery phase in the inventory cycle [1]. - The current inventory cycle is nested within a mid-cycle capacity expansion, with a second round of weak replenishment expected to last 1-2 years, potentially ending by late 2025 to 2026 [1]. Technological Developments - New technologies and scenarios are creating a second growth peak for lithium batteries, with solid-state batteries being a long-term strategic direction that will reshape the process and material systems [2]. - The establishment of pilot lines for solid-state batteries is expected to begin in 2025, transitioning towards mass production, with a clearer supply chain emerging [2]. - Composite copper foil is anticipated to achieve true industrialization, with production rhythms and penetration rates likely to exceed market expectations [2]. Market Dynamics - The industry is expected to favor differentiated leading players in niche segments, as they possess significant product and cost competitive advantages [2]. - Leading companies are likely to achieve full capacity utilization first, ensuring the most reliable performance and strongest elasticity [2]. - As the lithium battery supply-demand dynamics reach a new turning point in the second half of 2025, attention should be paid to high-demand segments such as lithium hexafluorophosphate, energy storage batteries, lithium iron phosphate, and dry-process separators [2].

Core Viewpoint - Enjie Co., Ltd. is facing unprecedented challenges despite being the global leader in the separator industry for seven consecutive years, with a significant decline in revenue and a net loss reported for the first time since its listing [1][4]. Financial Performance - In 2024, Enjie reported revenue of 10.164 billion yuan, a year-on-year decline of 15.6%, and a net loss of 556 million yuan [1][4]. - For the first three quarters of 2025, revenue increased by 27.85% to 9.543 billion yuan, but the net loss was still 86.32 million yuan, with the gross margin dropping to 15.9%, down from over 40% previously [5]. - The separator industry is experiencing a price war, with a significant drop in prices due to oversupply and raw material price fluctuations [5]. Industry Context - In the first half of 2025, China's separator production reached 13.94 billion square meters, a year-on-year increase of 53.2%, with Enjie maintaining a market share of over 30% [5]. - Prices for wet separators decreased by 19.4% for 7um and 15.7% for 7+2+1um, while dry separators saw a price increase of 6% [2][5]. Strategic Intent - Enjie aims to capitalize on the growth of wet separator production by acquiring Zhongke Hualian, which has established significant production capacity and is expanding further [6]. - The acquisition is expected to optimize costs through supply chain integration, allowing Enjie to directly procure equipment and reduce production line debugging time [6]. - Zhongke Hualian's technological advancements in new materials will support Enjie's positioning in the solid-state battery market [6]. Challenges - Zhongke Hualian has reported continuous losses over the past three years, with a net loss of 191 million yuan in the first three quarters of 2025, necessitating close monitoring of its technology transfer and production capacity [6]. - Enjie faces challenges related to overseas operational costs and uncertainties in the solid-state battery technology pathway, which may impact its global strategy [6].

Core Viewpoint - The lithium battery separator industry is experiencing a significant price increase, driven by a reversal in supply-demand dynamics, cost pressures, and policy guidance, marking a shift from price competition to product quality competition [10][12][15]. Group 1: Price Adjustments and Market Dynamics - Leading separator manufacturer Xingyuan Material announced a 30% price increase for its wet-process separator products, attracting significant market attention [5]. - The separator industry began a reversal trend in August 2025, with wet-process separator prices rising by 10% by the end of October [7]. - The price increase from leading companies signals a clear shift in the supply-demand balance, indicating that the industry has reached a turning point after two years of price wars [8]. Group 2: Supply-Demand Reversal and Structural Shortages - The core feature of the lithium battery separator industry in 2025 is a structural shortage due to supply-demand mismatch, with a 47.6% year-on-year increase in separator shipments [12]. - The demand for high-end wet-process separators is driven by the energy density and power performance requirements in the energy storage market, leading to a significant increase in their market share [12]. - Major manufacturers are operating at over 90% capacity utilization, with wet-process separators rapidly replacing dry-process ones due to performance advantages [13]. Group 3: Cost Pressures and Policy Influence - Rising raw material costs and previous price wars have led to thin or negative profit margins for many companies, making price increases a necessary step for profit recovery [15]. - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's meetings aimed at curbing "involution" in the industry have fostered a policy environment conducive to price recovery, breaking the cycle of irrational competition [10][11]. Group 4: Future Outlook and Strategic Moves - If the current price increases are successful, it will shift the pricing model from cost-based to market-driven, enhancing the industry's confidence in further price hikes [17]. - Major separator manufacturers are expected to strengthen strategic partnerships with battery manufacturers to ensure stable supply amid rising prices [17]. - The industry is likely to face a continued structural shortage of high-end separators, particularly 5μm products, due to high production requirements and limited capable manufacturers [19].

Core Viewpoint - Enjie Co., Ltd. reported a revenue of 3.78 billion yuan for Q3 2025, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 40.98% and a quarter-on-quarter increase of 24.59%, while net profit attributable to shareholders was 0.07 billion yuan, with a non-recurring net profit of 0.1 billion yuan, showing a quarter-on-quarter recovery but a year-on-year decline [1] Group 1 - The company expects continued positive growth in shipments for Q4 2025, with new production bases and line upgrades in 2026 likely to enhance efficiency and align with industry growth rates [1] - Price increases for customers with negative gross margins and mid-to-low tier clients are anticipated, which, combined with favorable demand conditions, active overseas customer expansion, and optimized shipment structure, may further improve profitability [1] - The profitability outlook for dry-process separators is being revised, and the aluminum-plastic film segment is expected to gradually reduce losses as shipment volumes increase [1] Group 2 - The company is actively developing new products such as lithium sulfide, sulfide electrolytes, and ion-conducting membranes, with positive customer progress opening up potential for profitability [1]

Group 1: Market Trends and Demand - There is a trend of switching from dry-process to wet-process separators in energy storage batteries, with some customers already making this transition [2] - The demand for energy storage batteries remains strong, and the demand for power batteries continues to grow, leading to an overall increase in downstream demand [3] Group 2: Supply and Production Capacity - The new production capacity in the separator industry this year is lower than last year, resulting in reduced effective capacity formation, indicating an improvement in supply [2] - The expansion cycle in the separator industry is long and capital-intensive, making it difficult to increase production amid low profit levels and long recovery periods [3] Group 3: Industry Competition and Pricing - The future competition landscape in the separator industry is expected to see increased concentration, with supply growth primarily coming from leading enterprises due to the lack of confidence and capability among small and medium-sized enterprises [4] - The pricing of separator products is influenced by supply and demand as well as product performance, with expectations for gradual recovery in prices and profit levels as downstream demand continues to rise [5] Group 4: Current Orders and Production Utilization - The company currently has a robust order book and high production utilization, with stable growth in downstream customer demand and orders [6] - The company anticipates further growth in shipment volume in 2025, supported by strong demand in the energy storage sector [6]

Summary of Conference Call on Lithium Battery Separator Industry Industry Overview - The separator industry is expected to enter a new round of price increases, with existing price hikes already affecting customers and a second round anticipated soon. New prices are effective immediately [1][2] - The lithium battery sector's inventory cycle is projected to bottom out in Q1 2024, indicating a recovery phase. If inventory trends upward, it will signal a proactive restocking phase, marking the beginning of a prosperous period for the lithium battery industry [1][4] Key Points on Price Trends - Separator products have experienced a rapid price increase of approximately 10% since August, ending a three-year deflationary cycle. This price reversal follows four major rounds of price declines due to increased competition and raw material price drops [1][5] - The separator segment is expected to face shortages starting in the second half of 2026, with price increases potentially continuing until 2027 due to long expansion cycles and limited new capacity [2][8] Supply and Demand Dynamics - The separator industry is currently in a passive destocking phase, with revenue growth occurring alongside declining inventory levels. This trend is expected to continue into 2025 [4][20] - The demand for wet-process separators is growing at 30%, driven by energy storage needs, while dry-process separator growth has slowed to 18% [1][7] Production Capacity and Market Concentration - Major suppliers like Enjie and Xingyuan are expanding conservatively, with new capacity expected to be available no earlier than 2027. This cautious approach is a significant factor in the sustainability of current price increases [1][8] - The market concentration has increased, with the top three companies holding 60% of the market share, indicating a slight recovery in their competitive positions [6][10] Technological Developments - The 5-micron wet-process separator is gaining attention for its higher energy density and safety, with prices approximately 30% higher than standard products. Its adoption is expected to rise significantly, with major clients like CATL increasing their usage [1][14] Challenges and Opportunities - The separator industry faces low profitability levels despite significant growth in shipment volumes. The operational rate is expected to reach 80% next year, enhancing the likelihood of price increases during peak seasons [20] - The industry is undergoing consolidation, with companies like Foshan Technology acquiring smaller firms to strengthen their market position [11] Future Profit Expectations - Companies like Enjie and New Source Material are projected to see significant profit increases if prices rise by an additional 0.05 to 0.1 yuan per square meter in the coming years, indicating strong growth potential as they navigate the current price increase cycle [17][19] Conclusion - The separator industry is at a pivotal moment, with potential price increases, a recovering inventory cycle, and significant technological advancements. However, challenges such as low profitability and cautious expansion plans remain critical factors to monitor in the coming years [20][21][22]

Group 1 - The lithium battery sector is experiencing strong performance, with significant stock price increases, including Tianhong Lithium's rise of 29.97% and 40 stocks in the lithium battery concept gaining over 10% [1] - Lithium hexafluorophosphate prices have surged from 49,300 yuan/ton to 151,500 yuan/ton since July 15, marking an increase of over 200%, which has positively impacted stock prices in the lithium battery supply chain [1] Group 2 - The supply of lithium hexafluorophosphate is tight, with leading companies operating at full capacity while many small and medium enterprises struggle to resume production, indicating potential for further price increases [4] - The performance of the lithium battery supply chain is expected to improve, with active production schedules and stabilizing material prices, leading to a recovery in company earnings [3] - New technologies such as solid-state batteries and high-voltage lithium iron phosphate are rapidly developing, prompting downstream automakers and battery manufacturers to accelerate their investments, presenting new investment opportunities [3]

Group 1 - The lithium battery sector is experiencing strong performance, with significant stock price increases, including Tianhong Lithium Battery rising by 29.97% and several other companies hitting the 20% daily limit up [1] - Lithium hexafluorophosphate prices have surged from 49,300 CNY/ton on July 15 to 151,500 CNY/ton, reflecting an increase of over 200%, which has positively impacted stock prices in the lithium battery supply chain [1] - The supply chain for lithium batteries includes key materials such as lithium hexafluorophosphate, additives, and solvents, with a noted tight inventory situation prompting some manufacturers to seek supplies directly [3] Group 2 - Companies like Huasheng Lithium Battery are expanding their production capacity, with 18,000 tons of additive capacity already established and a 30,000-ton expansion project underway [3] - The overall performance of the lithium battery supply chain is expected to improve, driven by high growth in new energy vehicle sales and a recovery in material prices, leading to enhanced profitability for midstream material manufacturers [3] - New technologies such as solid-state batteries and high-voltage lithium iron phosphate are rapidly developing, with downstream automakers and battery manufacturers increasing their investments, presenting new investment opportunities [3] Group 3 - The wet separator industry is currently facing low profitability, with leading companies experiencing losses in recent quarters despite improving demand [4] - The expansion willingness of major players in the separator industry is low due to high asset costs and long expansion cycles, leading to limited capacity release in the future [4] - The supply of separators is expected to become tighter by 2026, as capital expenditures in the industry have been declining since 2023 [4]

Core Viewpoint - The wet separator industry is experiencing a price rebound despite historically low profitability, with major companies operating at full capacity and limited expansion plans [1][2]. Group 1: Price Trends - Wet separator prices have entered an upward trend, with the top three manufacturers operating at full capacity and dry separator utilization rates around 70-80% [1]. - Prices for 7 and 9μm wet separators have significantly increased, with base film prices rising by 0.07 yuan per square meter since August, and coated film prices increasing by 0.10 yuan per square meter [1]. Group 2: Capital Expenditure and Capacity Release - The industry is facing historical low profitability, with major players like Enjie and Xingyuan reporting losses in Q2 and Q3 of 2025 [2]. - Capital expenditure in the industry has been declining since 2023, with no new lithium battery separator capacity plans announced by listed companies in 2024 [2]. - A consensus has been reached in the industry to avoid blind expansion, with separator expansion cycles taking 1.5 to 2 years, leading to limited effective supply release in the future [2]. Group 3: Industry Concentration and Product Development - The concentration of the separator industry continues to rise, with the CR4 exceeding 70% in the first half of 2025, an increase from 2024 [3]. - There is a growing demand for 5μm ultra-thin high-strength separators due to requirements from energy storage and fast charging applications, which are expected to gain market share rapidly [3]. - Leading companies are developing the next generation of coated separators, enhancing product performance and cost advantages, which may further increase industry concentration [3].

Core Viewpoint - The company reported a net profit of 114 million yuan for the first three quarters of 2025, indicating a significant decline in profitability, but anticipates recovery as the separator industry approaches a turning point, maintaining a buy rating [1] Financial Performance - For the first three quarters of 2025, the company achieved a revenue of 2.958 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 13.53% - The net profit attributable to shareholders was 114 million yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 67.25% - The non-recurring net profit was 16 million yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 94.06% - In the third quarter, revenue reached 1.060 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 11.36%, while net profit was 14 million yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 86.96% [2] Industry Outlook - The separator industry is nearing a turning point, with dry separators experiencing a price increase of nearly 30% by the first half of 2025 - The industry is currently benefiting from high capacity utilization due to strong demand, particularly in energy storage - The company plans to enhance profitability by increasing supply to high-value customers and raising prices for low-profit or loss-making customers [2] R&D and Product Development - The company is focusing on solid-state battery research and market development, with related products being sampled to leading battery manufacturers - The company’s affiliate has achieved a production capacity of hundreds of tons for oxide electrolytes and expects to have ton-level shipments of sulfide electrolytes by 2025 - Various types of rigid skeleton membranes have been developed for different solid-state battery applications, enhancing energy density and safety [3] Valuation - The company adjusted its earnings per share forecast for 2025-2027 to 0.11, 0.37, and 0.46 yuan respectively, reflecting a decrease in separator average prices - The corresponding price-to-earnings ratios are projected at 137.4, 40.9, and 33.0 times, while maintaining a buy rating [4]