Summary of New Steel Co. Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: New Steel Co. (新钢股份) - **Date**: September 18, 2025 Key Points Financial Performance - **Net Profit Growth**: New Steel Co. reported a significant increase in net profit for the first half of the year, reaching 174 million yuan, an increase of 152 million yuan year-on-year [4][2] - **Production and Sales Decline**: The company experienced a 13.93% decrease in production and a 12.04% decrease in sales compared to the previous year, primarily due to a major furnace overhaul in Q1 and increased environmental investment [2][6] - **Profitability Comparison**: Despite the growth in net profit, there remains a gap compared to Q4 of the previous year, attributed to the costs associated with the furnace overhaul and environmental compliance [2][6] Strategic Initiatives - **High-Value Product Focus**: The company is shifting towards producing high-value, high-margin products, with a notable 97.6% increase in high-end hot-rolled products [2][9] - **Cost Management**: New Steel Co. has successfully reduced logistics costs by over 100 million yuan in the first half of the year through increased sea freight and negotiating railway transport discounts [2][6] - **Collaboration with Baowu Group**: The partnership with Baowu Group has enhanced procurement efficiency, particularly in raw materials and auxiliary materials, leading to cost advantages [2][8][16] Market Strategy - **End-Market Development**: The company has focused on maintaining and expanding its end-market presence, particularly in high-strength carbon plates and international markets like the Middle East, achieving a 66.7% focus on key customers [5][10] - **Production Adjustments**: New Steel Co. plans to continue adjusting production based on profitability, with expectations for improved performance in Q3 compared to Q2 [3][17] Investment and Cash Management - **Investment Income**: The company's investment income has decreased due to lower interest rates set by the central bank, impacting returns from long-term financial products [11][12] - **Cash Reserves**: New Steel Co. holds substantial cash reserves (approximately 2-3 billion yuan) for loan repayments, raw material purchases, and technological upgrades [12][13] Environmental and Regulatory Compliance - **Environmental Investments**: Increased spending on environmental projects has impacted costs, but the company is committed to complying with national policies and improving production efficiency [2][9][20] Future Outlook - **Market Trends**: The company anticipates that the profitability trend will continue into Q3, driven by structural adjustments and a focus on high-margin products [3][17] - **Dividend Policy**: New Steel Co. has maintained a high dividend payout ratio exceeding 90%, reflecting its commitment to shareholder returns [18][19] Challenges and Risks - **Loan Pressure**: The company faces pressure from environmental loans, which may limit profit flexibility [2][6] - **Market Volatility**: Fluctuations in raw material prices, particularly coking coal, could impact procurement strategies and overall cost management [14][15] Conclusion New Steel Co. is navigating a challenging environment with strategic shifts towards high-value products, effective cost management, and a strong focus on compliance and market development. The outlook remains cautiously optimistic with expectations for continued profitability improvements in the upcoming quarters.

Core Viewpoint - The steel industry has achieved profit margin improvement through self-discipline and cost control in the context of "anti-involution," with expectations for increased industry concentration in the future [1]. Industry Summary - The steel industry is experiencing a shift towards self-discipline and cost management, leading to profitability recovery, which is recognized as a consensus across various sectors including photovoltaic, lithium battery, and automotive industries [1]. Company Summaries - Baosteel's semi-annual report shows a revenue of 151.37 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 7.3%, while net profit attributable to shareholders reached 4.88 billion yuan, an increase of 7.4%. Operating cash flow surged by 190% to 16.647 billion yuan, maintaining strong profitability and industry leadership [1]. - Baosteel's chairman emphasized a focus on mid-to-high-end products, which are expected to perform better in the market regardless of trade and tariff barriers [1]. - New Steel's semi-annual revenue was 17.512 billion yuan, down 18.33% year-on-year, but it achieved a net profit of 111 million yuan, marking a turnaround. The company has formed a special task force to enhance sales of high-end products, with significant increases in sales of hot-rolled high-end products by 97.6% and over 20% for premium steel and silicon steel [1].

Core Viewpoint - Xinyu Steel Co., Ltd. reported a decline in revenue and a return to profitability in the first half of 2025, driven by strategic adjustments in production and cost management [1][2]. Financial Performance - In the first half of 2025, the company achieved operating revenue of 17.512 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 18.33% [1]. - The net profit attributable to shareholders was 111 million yuan, compared to a loss of 75.4729 million yuan in the same period last year [1]. Industry Context - The steel industry continues to face weak downstream demand and high supply levels, leading to fluctuating steel prices and slow recovery in overall profitability [2]. - The company is responding to market pressures by reducing production scale to mitigate risks associated with price declines [2]. Operational Strategies - Xinyu Steel is focusing on enhancing efficiency rather than scale, optimizing production processes to improve operational metrics such as blast furnace utilization [2]. - The company has implemented cost reduction initiatives, including competitive procurement strategies and targeted cost control measures for raw materials [2][3]. Product Development - The steel industry is shifting towards high-end, intelligent, and green products, with Xinyu Steel actively promoting differentiation in its product offerings [4]. - In the first half of 2025, the company reported significant increases in sales of high-end products, with hot-rolled high-end varieties up by 97.6% and other premium products also showing substantial growth [4]. Future Outlook - Xinyu Steel aims to establish itself as a global leader in high-quality silicon steel and thick plates, planning to exit low-end trading businesses and focus on high-value-added products [5].