Summary of Tengyuan Cobalt Industry Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Tengyuan Cobalt Industry - **Industry**: Cobalt and New Energy Materials Key Points and Arguments Strategic Direction - Tengyuan Cobalt adheres to the strategy of "expanding China, online expansion, and downward extension" to drive product upgrades through technological innovation, establishing a dual-driven supply chain of natural and secondary resources, solidifying its leading position in cobalt salts, and expanding into various cobalt products and battery materials [2][4][5] Financial Performance - In the first half of 2025, the company reported revenue of 3.532 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 10%, and a net profit of 419 million yuan, up nearly 40% [4][12] - The gross margin for cobalt products improved to 23.77%, with production capacity increasing from 6,500 metric tons before listing to 31,500 metric tons [4][12] Production and Cost Control - The company operates three production bases: Steel Hardware, Ganzhou Tengyuan, and Ganzhou Tengchi, which enhance cost efficiency through integrated manufacturing processes [6] - The unique reverse flow process allows for significant cost reductions and improved competitiveness in the market [6] Market Trends and Opportunities - Global military spending is expected to grow by nearly 10% in 2024, with a forecasted increase exceeding 10% in 2025, providing growth opportunities for the company, particularly in high-performance electronic materials for drones and large aircraft propulsion systems [7] - The rise of artificial intelligence is anticipated to drive demand for high-end new energy batteries, with projected cobalt demand increases of over 300,000 tons by 2035 due to humanoid robots [8] Supply Chain Challenges - The steel ban has alleviated supply excess but poses challenges in raw material procurement, necessitating a focus on secondary resource recovery [9][10] - The company has established domestic and international waste material channels and signed contracts with multiple suppliers to increase the proportion of secondary resources in raw materials [10] Future Projects and Investments - Key projects for the first half of 2025 include the commissioning of new production facilities and expansion of copper production capacity [13] - The company plans to accelerate globalization through new projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and is actively seeking overseas mining resources [14][15] Production Capacity and Product Focus - The company aims to maintain its production capacity without significant increases in 2025, focusing on maximizing the output of existing products, particularly tetrahydrocobalt [21][22] - The production and sales of cobalt products related to consumer electronics, such as cobalt chloride and tetrahydrocobalt, accounted for over 70% of the product structure in the first half of 2025 [22] Raw Material Inventory and Sales Strategy - Tengyuan Cobalt maintains a leading position in raw material inventory, ensuring no immediate concerns regarding raw material shortages [24] - The sales strategy involves gradual shipments based on financial plans without aggressive price reductions, focusing on small orders in the market [24] Secondary Resource Strategy - Secondary resources now account for over 20% of the company's raw material composition, reflecting a successful strategy implemented since 2020 [25] Regulatory Environment - Potential implementation of a quota system in the DRC is anticipated, but specific details remain unclear [26] Lithium Carbonate Recovery - The lithium carbonate recovery business has seen profitability improvements, but its overall volume remains low, primarily serving as a byproduct [27] This summary encapsulates the essential insights from the conference call, highlighting the company's strategic initiatives, financial performance, market opportunities, and challenges within the cobalt industry.

Summary of Cobalt Industry Conference Call Industry Overview - The cobalt industry is significantly impacted by the Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) export ban, which affects China's cobalt intermediate imports, as 98%-99% of China's primary cobalt is sourced from DRC [2][4][3]. Key Points and Arguments - **Cobalt Price Fluctuations**: The first export ban led to a doubling of cobalt intermediate prices, while the second ban saw a smaller increase of approximately 8.5%, indicating market expectations and inventory levels' influence [2][6]. - **Electrolytic Cobalt Profitability**: Electrolytic cobalt transitioned from positive to negative profitability due to high inventory levels and overcapacity, leading to forced destocking [2][8][11]. - **Sulfuric Cobalt Market**: Sulfuric cobalt briefly achieved profitability in March 2025 but fell back into losses due to supply and demand pressures, including weak demand from ternary battery precursors [9][12]. - **Chloride Cobalt and Ternary Oxide**: These products maintained relatively stable profits due to a make-to-order production model, benefiting from consumer subsidies, although profits are expected to decline due to raw material shortages [10][12]. - **Future Trends**: The cobalt industry is expected to face shortages by the end of August 2025, with prices projected to rise slowly until November [4][32]. Additional Important Insights - **Supply Chain Dynamics**: The cobalt supply chain is shifting towards resource acquisition capabilities and order binding, with a focus on reducing production costs due to profit compression across production stages [4][18]. - **Global Supply Balance**: The global cobalt supply may face an oversupply situation, but DRC's export restrictions create regional supply-demand imbalances [17][20]. - **Inventory Levels**: Current inventory levels vary significantly across different market participants, with electrolytic cobalt social inventory estimated to be around 8 months [15][14]. - **Impact of Price Increases**: Price increases in cobalt significantly affect demand for downstream products, particularly when prices reach around $26-$27 per pound, leading to reduced purchasing from manufacturers [25][32]. - **Future of Cobalt Recycling**: Domestic cobalt recycling is currently limited, contributing about 1,000 tons per month, with potential increases expected as raw material costs rise [24][29]. Conclusion The cobalt industry is navigating a complex landscape shaped by export bans, fluctuating prices, and shifting supply dynamics. The anticipated shortages and price increases in the coming months highlight the need for strategic adjustments within the industry to adapt to these changes.

Core Insights - Cobalt concentrate is a critical raw material in the cobalt industry, with significant implications in sectors like new energy and aerospace, and is undergoing a transition towards technology-driven and green low-carbon development [1][4][22] - China heavily relies on imports for cobalt resources, with over 90% of its supply coming from abroad, leading to a pronounced supply-demand imbalance exacerbated by export bans from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) [1][4][12] - Major Chinese companies like Luoyang Molybdenum and Huayou Cobalt are adopting "going out" strategies to secure overseas resources, aiming to build a dual-circulation supply chain [1][16][20] Cobalt Concentrate Industry Overview - Cobalt concentrate is produced through the beneficiation of primary cobalt ores or associated minerals, typically increasing cobalt content to 15%-25%, and can be categorized into three types based on chemical composition: sulfide, oxide, and mixed [2][4] - The cobalt industry is recognized as a strategic mineral, essential for national industrial security and economic resilience, particularly in the context of the growing demand for electric vehicle batteries and high-end manufacturing [4][12] Development Background of China's Cobalt Concentrate Industry - Cobalt's strategic importance is underscored by its inclusion in the national strategic mineral directory, with policies promoting its use in electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems [4][5] - The Chinese government is implementing policies to enhance resource security, including resource tax reforms and support for overseas mining projects, to address domestic cobalt resource scarcity [4][5] Industry Chain of China's Cobalt Concentrate - The industry chain is characterized by heavy reliance on imports for upstream resources, advanced smelting technology in the midstream, and rapid expansion of downstream applications, particularly in electric vehicle batteries [6][12] - The recycling of cobalt is becoming increasingly important, with recycled cobalt accounting for 18% of the supply, contributing to a circular economy [6][12] Current Status of China's Cobalt Concentrate Industry - China's cobalt production is constrained by limited domestic resources, with annual output hovering between 0.2 to 0.3 million tons, resulting in a self-sufficiency rate of less than 10% [12][14] - The demand for cobalt is surging, particularly from the electric vehicle sector, which is expected to drive the market size to exceed 100 billion yuan [12][14] Competitive Landscape of China's Cobalt Concentrate Industry - The competitive landscape features leading companies like Luoyang Molybdenum and Huayou Cobalt dominating resource control and full industry chain integration, while smaller firms focus on niche markets [20][21] - Foreign companies are deepening their local presence through technology partnerships and investments, particularly in high-end applications [20][21] Future Trends in China's Cobalt Concentrate Industry - The industry is evolving towards diversified resource security, high-end technological breakthroughs, and structured market upgrades, with a focus on overseas resource control and recycling [22][23] - Technological advancements in hydrometallurgy and the development of high-end cobalt materials are expected to reshape the industry's value distribution [23][24] - The demand structure is shifting, with electric vehicles remaining the primary growth driver, while energy storage and high-end industrial applications are emerging as new growth areas [24][25]

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Overweight" rating for the lithium and cobalt industry [2][5]. Core Insights - The report highlights a return to weak realities from strong expectations in the cobalt and lithium markets, with prices rebounding before retreating [14][15]. - The easing of US-China trade relations is expected to buffer the downward trend in lithium prices, although the overall market remains cautious [14][15]. - Cobalt market dynamics are characterized by a tightening supply and a cautious outlook from industry players, with many adopting a wait-and-see approach [16]. Summary by Sections 1. Cycle Assessment - The lithium sector is experiencing a slight price decline, with the Wuxi 2507 contract down 1.57% to 62,600 CNY/ton, and the Guangxi 2507 contract down 1.94% to 61,800 CNY/ton [14]. - Lithium concentrate prices have decreased to 712 USD/ton, down 13 USD/ton from the previous period [14]. - Recommended stocks for overweight positions include Zhongmin Resources, Yahua Group, Cangge Mining, Ganfeng Lithium, Keda Manufacturing, and Tibet Mining [14]. 2. Company and Industry Dynamics Tracking - The report notes significant developments in the industry, including a major discovery at the Tamarack copper-nickel project in Minnesota [19]. - The International Cobalt Institute predicts a shift to a cobalt shortage by the early 2030s, driven by demand growth outpacing supply [19]. - Salt Lake Co. has signed a project cooperation letter indicating a potential investment of around 300 million USD in Highfield Resources [19]. 3. Key Data: New Energy Material Production, Imports, and Metal Prices - Domestic production of lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide saw a month-on-month decline in April [20]. - Lithium carbonate production decreased by 7% month-on-month but increased by 40% year-on-year [22]. - Cobalt sulfate production increased by 11% month-on-month and 48% year-on-year [23]. - The average price of battery-grade lithium carbonate fell by 2.15% to a range of 66,100-64,600 CNY/ton [57]. 4. Listed Company Profit Forecasts - Ganfeng Lithium is projected to have a PE ratio of 86.06 for 2025, while Tianqi Lithium is rated cautiously with a PE of 58.30 for 2025 [94]. - Huayou Cobalt is rated for an overweight position with a PE of 11.79 for 2025 [94].

Financial Performance - The net profit attributable to the parent company increased by 45.85% year-on-year in 2024, driven by expanded copper and cobalt production capacity and increased sales volume [3] - The company has a stable cash flow and a relatively low debt-to-asset ratio, indicating strong financial capability to support acquisitions of quality mineral resources [5] Risk Management - The company employs various insurance strategies, including property insurance and political risk insurance, to mitigate risks associated with overseas asset operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo [1] - To avoid foreign exchange losses, the company locks in exchange rates based on expected foreign currency cash flows and adjusts its asset-liability structure accordingly [2] ESG Commitment - The company integrates sustainable development principles into daily management and operations, actively fulfilling corporate social responsibilities [3] - Future efforts will focus on enhancing ESG governance levels in line with national policies and industry standards [3] Market Outlook - The global demand for cobalt is expected to rise due to the continuous expansion of the electric vehicle market, with projected growth rates exceeding 20% in the coming years [7] - The company anticipates benefiting from increased demand for cobalt in smart wearable devices and robotics [7] Production Capacity - Current production capacities include 5,000 tons of cathode materials and 15,000 tons of electrolytic cobalt, with plans for further expansion [11] - The company is also developing a high-nickel project in Indonesia, aiming for an annual production capacity of 20,000 tons by March 2026 [12] Stock Management - The company completed a share repurchase plan in 2024, having repurchased 129,148 shares to enhance investor confidence [4] - A new market value management system has been established to improve the company's investment value and maximize overall value for shareholders [5] Challenges and Opportunities - The company faces challenges from the uneven distribution of copper, cobalt, and nickel resources globally, particularly the political instability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo affecting cobalt supply [10] - However, the stable demand from traditional industries and the push for sustainable practices present opportunities for growth [9]

Summary of Tengyuan Cobalt Industry Conference Call Company Overview - Tengyuan Cobalt Industry is a comprehensive enterprise engaged in the production and trade of cobalt, nickel, and copper products, leading the industry in precious metal recovery rates. The company has a short production cycle for new factories and flexible production line designs, optimizing fixed asset investments. The strategic focus is on expanding the Chinese market while ensuring upstream raw material supply and consolidating its position as a leader in midstream smelting [1][2][3]. Core Business Insights - The company's products are widely used in various sectors, including electric vehicles (cobalt sulfate, nickel sulfate), AI terminals (cobalt chloride, cobalt oxide), aerospace, hard alloys, infrastructure, and power. Tengyuan has established long-term stable partnerships with leading enterprises in the industry chain and is actively exploring deep cooperation models [1][4]. - In 2024, the company expects revenue to exceed 6.5 billion yuan and net profit to surpass 680 million yuan, with total assets reaching 10.7 billion yuan and a debt ratio of only 17.8%, significantly lower than the industry average [2][11]. Market Trends and Challenges - The international landscape in 2024 is complex, with geopolitical tensions and trade frictions impacting the industry. However, the company believes these factors will have limited effects on its operations. The consumption electronics and AI terminal markets are seen as promising directions for the next 3 to 5 years, supported by government subsidies [1][5]. - The electric vehicle market continues to grow robustly, driven by policies promoting vehicle upgrades and advancements in autonomous driving technology. The company aims to leverage its advantages in material research and production to support the widespread application of high-density batteries [7][8]. Production and Capacity Expansion - The company plans to expand its production capacity significantly, with cobalt production increasing to 46,000 tons, nickel to 60,000 tons, lithium carbonate to 20,000 tons, electrolytic copper to 90,000 tons, ternary materials to 120,000 tons, and nickel sulfate to 20,000 tons by 2025 [2][14]. - A new copper smelting project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is expected to produce 30,000 tons annually by the end of 2026 [2][10]. Research and Development - Tengyuan is increasing its R&D investment by 12% in 2024 compared to 2023, focusing on cost reduction and efficiency improvements, which have led to a 6.13% decrease in carbon emissions [12][13]. Supply Chain and Raw Material Procurement - The company has established a dual-driven strategy to ensure stable raw material supply through both primary production and secondary resource recovery. It sources raw materials from major mining companies and employs a combination of long-term and short-term contracts to manage procurement [3][23][39]. - The company is actively addressing challenges related to power supply and transportation in its DRC operations to enhance production efficiency [15]. Future Outlook - The company is optimistic about its performance in 2025, expecting to achieve over 10% growth in cobalt product sales compared to 2024, driven by technological innovation and cost control [24][37]. - The global outlook for bulk commodities, particularly copper, remains positive, with anticipated price increases despite short-term fluctuations due to macroeconomic factors [10][36]. Conclusion - Tengyuan Cobalt Industry is well-positioned to capitalize on growth opportunities in the electric vehicle and AI sectors while maintaining a strong focus on R&D and operational efficiency. The company's strategic initiatives and robust supply chain management are expected to support its long-term growth objectives in a challenging market environment [1][2][5][45].

Summary of the Conference Call for Hanrui Cobalt Industry Company Overview - Hanrui Cobalt Industry reported total assets of 8.6 billion yuan and net assets of approximately 5.5 billion yuan by the end of 2024, with significant growth in profit and revenue in the first half of the year, primarily due to the release of new production capacities for copper and electrolytic cobalt in the second half of the previous year [1][3] Financial Performance - In 2024, Hanrui Cobalt achieved revenue of approximately 5.9 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 24.25%. The net profit attributable to shareholders was around 200 million yuan, up about 45%. The basic earnings per share were 0.65 yuan [3] - The overall financial condition and cash flow improved compared to the previous year [1][3] Production Capacity and Projects - The company has 10,000 tons of hydroxide cobalt capacity in Africa and 15,000 tons of electrolytic cobalt capacity in Ganzhou, totaling approximately 17,000 tons of electrolytic cobalt and cobalt powder globally, making it one of the largest producers worldwide [1][6] - The production target for the Indonesian project has been postponed from May 2025 to March 2026 due to environmental assessment delays, although the internal target remains to complete production by the end of October this year [1][5] - The company has initiated a recovery plan in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to restore 2,000 tons of electrolytic cobalt capacity to avoid export bans and leverage tariff advantages for direct exports to Europe and the U.S. [1][7] Market Dynamics and Strategy - Facing profit erosion in the cobalt market, the company plans to shift towards electrolytic nickel production, directly producing electrolytic nickel in conjunction with the high-nickel production line in Indonesia [1][4][10] - The company expects cobalt prices to stabilize between 250,000 and 300,000 yuan, with a gross margin of nearly 11% in 2024, up from 5%-6% in 2023, attributed to the shift towards electrolytic cobalt production and market expansion [4][39] Supply Chain and Raw Material Procurement - Hanrui Cobalt primarily purchases raw salt from Glencore under long-term contracts supplemented by short-term contracts to secure quantities, with pricing based on coefficients [1][15] - The company has sufficient cobalt raw material inventory to maintain production for 4-5 months, but continued export suspension from the DRC could lead to domestic raw material shortages [2][16] Challenges and Risks - The DRC's export suspension has led to rising prices for copper and cobalt ores, while raw material prices have not increased, resulting in a decline in pricing coefficients [13] - The company is adjusting its sales strategy and product structure in response to market changes, particularly after the DRC incident, which has caused price inversions in the domestic market [4][17] Future Outlook - The company has no plans to expand smelting capacity domestically but will focus on expansion in Africa and Indonesia as raw material conditions allow [31] - The company is also exploring mergers and acquisitions in the copper and cobalt mining sector, with several mature projects under discussion [38] Conclusion - Hanrui Cobalt is navigating a complex market landscape with strategic shifts towards electrolytic nickel production and recovery plans in the DRC, while maintaining a focus on financial stability and production capacity optimization amidst regulatory and market challenges [1][4][39]

Core Viewpoint - Jinchuan Group Nickel Cobalt Co., Ltd. is preparing for an IPO, aiming to list on the main board, and is recognized as the largest nickel and cobalt producer in China [1][2]. Group 1: Company Overview - Jinchuan Nickel Cobalt is a leading enterprise in China's nickel and cobalt industry, with main operations including mineral resource exploration, non-ferrous metal smelting, and chemical production [1]. - The company has established an annual production capacity of 190,000 tons of electrolytic nickel, 10,000 tons of carbonyl nickel, 10,000 tons of cobalt salts, 5,000 tons of electrolytic cobalt, and 12,000 tons of cobalt tetroxide [1]. - Jinchuan Nickel Cobalt employs over 15,000 staff and has total assets exceeding 50 billion yuan [2]. Group 2: Product and Market Applications - The company's main products include electrolytic nickel, electrolytic cobalt, nickel sulfate, and cobalt chloride, which are widely used in aerospace, nuclear power, biomedicine, new energy, and battery manufacturing [1]. - The "Jintu" brand electrolytic nickel has been awarded the title of "China Famous Brand," and its "mineral nickel" product has received the "Manufacturing Industry Single Champion Product" honor [1]. Group 3: Innovation and Intellectual Property - Jinchuan Nickel Cobalt holds 173 invention patents and has 301 invention patents under review, indicating a strong focus on innovation and technology development [1].