Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rising trend of "aluminum replacing copper" in various industries due to the increasing copper prices and supply-demand imbalances, indicating a long-term technological shift rather than a short-term market speculation [6][7][8]. Group 1: Copper-Aluminum Price Ratio - The current copper-aluminum price ratio is at a historical high of 4.21 times, up from a low of 1.7 times in 2005, reflecting significant supply-demand differences and elasticities between the two metals [10][12]. - The widening price ratio is driving the shift from aluminum as a technical alternative to a real necessity in various applications [16]. Group 2: Supply-Demand Dynamics - Copper demand is increasing due to its role in the new energy era, while supply is constrained by long development cycles of 7-10 years and low environmental approval rates [17][18]. - In contrast, aluminum supply constraints are primarily at the smelting stage, with the industry undergoing a restructuring phase where companies with stable, low-cost, and green power resources will have competitive advantages [19][20]. - Both metals face supply elasticities, but the core constraints differ significantly, with aluminum becoming a feasible alternative in specific scenarios as technology advances [22]. Group 3: Technological Innovations - Systematic technological innovations in new materials, processes, and structures are making large-scale aluminum replacement of copper feasible [24]. - Key technological breakthroughs expected by 2025-2026 include solutions for creep, electrochemical corrosion, and improved conductivity, which will address traditional aluminum material pain points [25][26]. Group 4: Industry Applications - In the power transmission sector, aluminum has already replaced copper in long-distance transmission lines, and its use in 5G base stations and data centers is increasing due to weight and cost considerations [27]. - The air conditioning industry is moving towards aluminum, with major players like Daikin already using over 50% aluminum in their products by 2024 [28]. - The automotive sector is rapidly advancing in aluminum applications, with new aluminum alloy materials developed to solve corrosion issues and optimize creep performance, expected to be implemented by 2026 [30]. Group 5: Investment Logic - The current investment logic in the aluminum sector revolves around the "aluminum replacing copper" trend and the strategic value driven by resource nationalism [33]. - The electrolytic aluminum capacity utilization rate is nearing full capacity, with major companies like China Aluminum and China Hongqiao leading in production [34][36]. - Companies with aluminum ore and energy resources are expected to have more elastic performance in the face of price increases, with a focus on optimizing resource combinations [38]. Group 6: Financial Performance and Valuation - Financial performance metrics indicate that companies like China Hongqiao and Nanshan Aluminum International have lower P/E ratios, while ROE is high for companies like Nanshan Aluminum and Huafeng Aluminum [39][40]. - The overall aluminum sector is not undervalued, but individual stock differentiation is evident, with some companies like Nanshan International Aluminum and China Hongqiao appearing relatively undervalued [41][42].