Core Viewpoint - The strategic cooperation agreement between Shanghai Chemical Research Institute and Hebei Jinli New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. aims to enhance the development and technological upgrade of high-performance ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) separator materials for lithium batteries [1][2]. Group 1: Company Overview - Hebei Jinli New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. was established in 2010 and focuses on the research, production, and sales of lithium battery wet separators and coated separators [1]. - The company's products, including wet separators, coated separators, and breathable membranes, are primarily used in downstream sectors such as new energy vehicles, energy storage stations, electric tools, electric two-wheelers, and 3C electronic products [1]. - Jinli's major clients include well-known lithium battery manufacturers such as BYD, CATL, Guoxuan High-Tech, and Yiwei Lithium Energy [1]. Group 2: Product and Technology - Jinli has achieved mass production of 3μm ultra-thin separators, which can enhance the energy density of batteries by over 15%, catering to the needs of high-end consumer electronics and long-range electric vehicles [1]. - The company's separator products are compatible with emerging technologies such as solid-state batteries, sodium-sulfur batteries, and fuel cells, positioning them advantageously in the next-generation energy storage market [1]. Group 3: Industry Context - Shanghai Chemical Research Institute, established in 1956, has a history of developing production processes for UHMWPE, with a significant milestone being the successful development of a 30,000 tons/year UHMWPE production facility in Puyang, Henan, which commenced operations in March 2023 [2]. - Lithium battery separators are thin films with a microporous structure that separate the positive and negative electrodes of batteries, preventing short circuits while allowing electrolyte ions to pass through [2]. - The domestic production capacity for lithium battery UHMWPE separator materials is limited, with only five companies capable of producing these materials in China, indicating a high reliance on imports [2].

Core Viewpoint - The company reported a decline in revenue and net profit for 2024, with significant challenges in its membrane business, but anticipates potential recovery in 2025 due to market expansion and cost optimization efforts [1][2][3]. Financial Performance - In 2024, the company achieved revenue of 10.164 billion, a year-on-year decrease of 15.6%, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of -0.556 billion [1]. - For Q4 2024, revenue was 2.699 billion, down 8.47% year-on-year but up 0.65% quarter-on-quarter, with a net profit of -1.0 billion [1]. Business Segment Analysis - The company shipped 8.825 billion square meters of lithium membranes in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 42.33%, driven by capacity release and market expansion [2]. - Revenue from membrane business was 8.82 billion, with a significant drop in average selling price and a gross margin of 7.7%, down substantially from previous levels [2]. - The gross margin for lithium battery membranes was 7.39%, reflecting a decline of 32.44 percentage points, primarily due to inventory costs [2]. Future Outlook - The company expects Q4 2024 shipments to exceed expectations due to increased inventory sales, despite pressure on profitability from declining membrane prices and additional costs [3]. - For Q1 2025, shipments are projected to continue growing year-on-year, supported by negotiations with downstream customers and a significant impairment charge taken in Q4 2024 [3]. - The company aims to enhance profitability through product mix optimization, cost reduction, and recovery in ancillary business profits, reinforcing its competitive position in the market [3].