25 August 2025 | 7:16PM CST China Solar: Tracking profitability inflection Early sign of module price hike emerged in Aug, but sustainability in question given worsening S/D outlook Our China Solar Profitability Tracker follows monthly supply/demand and inventory dynamics by sub-sector, and the spot prices/input costs implied cash GP & EBITDA margin trends for companies under our coverage. Key highlights in Aug MTD: Research | Equity Mengwen Wang +86(21)2401-8932 | mengwen.wang@goldmansachs.cn Goldman Sachs ...

Summary of Conference Call on Glass Industry Industry Overview - The conference call discusses the glass industry, specifically focusing on float glass and solar glass sectors in Greater China [1][6]. Key Points and Arguments Solar Glass Fundamentals - Solar glass supply has tightened since June due to industry-wide losses and declining demand, with maintenance on 9,700 tons per day (t/d) of capacity [2][10]. - Effective operating capacity has decreased to approximately 86,000 t/d, supporting about 45-46 gigawatts (GW) of monthly module production [2][10]. - Inventory levels have dropped to around 27 days, down from a peak of 36 days, due to reduced supply and restocking by module producers [21][23]. - Solar glass prices increased to Rmb10.5-11 per square meter (sqm) in August, driven by resilient module demand and reduced supply [2][22]. Float Glass Market Conditions - Float glass prices remain under pressure due to high supply and muted demand, with operating capacity at 159,000 t/d, down about 10% from the peak of 177,000 t/d in November 2021 [3][27]. - Demand from property developers is weak, with order days at processing plants at a multi-year low of 9.6 days as of the end of July [3][37]. - The industry is experiencing a significant decline in demand, with over 30% shrinkage in the same period [3]. Potential Anti-Involution Impact - The possibility of anti-involution in the glass sector is considered unlikely, but if implemented, it could occur through energy consumption controls, which would effectively reduce supply and potentially increase prices [4][43]. - Approximately 33.4% of float glass capacity still relies on coal, while smaller production lines account for 37% of overall capacity, which could be affected by stricter energy regulations [4][45]. - If anti-involution were to occur, it could lead to a significant reduction in supply for both float and solar glass, creating upward price pressure [4][57]. Stock Implications and Price Targets - The analysis maintains an underweight (UW) rating on float glass companies like Xinyi Glass and Kibing due to ongoing price pressures [5]. - An overweight (OW) rating is maintained on Xinyi Solar and Flat Glass, with price targets raised to reflect improved industry fundamentals and potential anti-involution impacts [5][66]. - Price targets for various companies were adjusted, including: - Xinyi Solar: from HK$3.10 to HK$3.50 - Flat Glass Group: from Rmb19.40 to Rmb20.10 - Xinyi Glass: from HK$6.70 to HK$7.00 - Kibing Group: from Rmb4.50 to Rmb4.90 [5][66]. Earnings Estimates Adjustments - Earnings estimates for Xinyi Solar and Flat Glass were updated to reflect actual earnings and market conditions, with EPS estimates raised by 16% for 2025 [59][66]. - For Kibing Glass, EPS estimates for 2026 and 2027 were increased by 77% and 23%, respectively, due to improved market conditions [73]. Other Important Insights - The glass industry is currently facing a challenging environment with high supply and low demand, particularly in the float glass segment [3][38]. - The potential for anti-involution policies could significantly alter market dynamics, but the likelihood of such measures being implemented remains low [43][57]. - The overall sentiment in the glass market is cautious, with producers facing ongoing challenges related to profitability and inventory management [3][22].

Summary of Conference Call on Solar Glass Industry Industry Overview - The conference call focused on the solar glass industry, specifically discussing the performance and outlook for Xinyi Solar and Flat Glass [1][2][7][35]. Key Points and Arguments 1. **Performance Decline**: Both Xinyi Solar and Flat Glass reported results significantly below expectations due to lower recognized glass prices and asset impairment losses. Xinyi Solar's 1H25 revenue decreased by 7% year-on-year to Rmb10.9 billion, with net income down 59% to Rmb746 million [25][29]. 2. **Price Forecast Adjustments**: The pricing forecast for solar glass has been lowered by 9%-20% for 3Q25-2026, now expected to be Rmb10-11/sqm. This adjustment reflects deteriorating supply-demand dynamics and ongoing raw material price deflation [2][15][30]. 3. **Capacity and Cost Changes**: Effective capacity is expected to decline by approximately 20% in 2H25, with idling furnaces contributing to a 10% increase in unit production costs due to fixed energy and depreciation costs [3][19][27]. 4. **Earnings Estimates Revision**: EBITDA forecasts for 2025E-26E have been cut by an average of 58% for Flat Glass and 73% for Xinyi Solar, with target prices remaining largely unchanged due to valuation roll-over [4][30][34]. 5. **Market Dynamics**: The solar glass market is experiencing a profitability downturn, with expectations of a deeper decline in 2H25-2026 driven by lower prices and higher costs. The anticipated glass shipment is expected to nearly halve to an average of 25GW per month in Aug-Dec 2025 [2][14][32]. 6. **Inventory Management**: There has been a fast depletion of producer-side inventory since mid-July, primarily due to module-side inventory re-stocking. This has led to a temporary stabilization of glass prices at Rmb10/sqm [8][12][9]. 7. **Regulatory Environment**: Management indicated that no glass price regulations have been imposed, but Tier 1 players are expected to be better positioned in a regulated pricing scenario. There is also a positive outlook on potential poly capacity buyout developments [27][32]. Additional Important Insights - **Export Tax Rebate Cuts**: The anticipation of further export tax rebate cuts has led to front-loading of export module shipments, impacting glass demand and pricing [13][14]. - **Long-term Industry Outlook**: The industry landscape is viewed as deteriorating rapidly, with structural margin pressures on Tier 1 players due to aggressive expansion by Tier 2 players and slower demand growth [32][35]. - **Key Risks**: Potential risks include stronger-than-expected solar demand, slower industry-wide capacity expansion, and faster-than-expected cost reduction progress by the companies [34][36]. This summary encapsulates the critical discussions and insights from the conference call regarding the solar glass industry, focusing on the performance and outlook of Xinyi Solar and Flat Glass.

Summary of Conference Call on China Solar Glass Equities Industry Overview - The conference call focuses on the solar glass industry in China, specifically discussing the performance of Xinyi Solar (XYS) and Flat Glass Group (FGG) amidst profit warnings for the first half of 2025 [1][2]. Key Points and Arguments 1. **Profit Warnings**: - XYS and FGG have issued warnings indicating a significant decline in net profits for 1H25, expected to drop between 56% to 85% year-over-year due to reduced average selling prices (ASPs), impairments for production equipment, and inventory write-offs [2][3]. - XYS's profit is projected to be between RMB 616 million and RMB 797 million, while FGG's profit is expected to be between RMB 230 million and RMB 280 million [10]. 2. **Market Dynamics**: - The industry is experiencing ongoing supply consolidation, with effective capacity down approximately 10% since May 2025. Further supply cuts are anticipated as demand enters a low season [2][9]. - Despite the challenges, there is a belief that investors are looking past these issues, contributing to recent rallies in share prices [2][9]. 3. **Government Reforms**: - Potential government-led reforms aimed at reducing overcapacity in the solar glass sector are highlighted as catalysts to monitor [2]. 4. **Valuation and Target Prices**: - The target prices for XYS and FGG remain unchanged, with XYS at HKD 4.20 and FGG at HKD 13.80 for H-shares and RMB 22.60 for A-shares. Both companies are expected to benefit from market consolidation and their cost advantages [4][9]. 5. **Earnings Estimates**: - XYS's earnings estimates for 2025 remain unchanged, with a projected price-to-earnings (PE) ratio of 11.8x and a price-to-book (PB) ratio of 0.8x. FGG's estimates show a PE ratio of 18.2x and a PB ratio of 1.0x [4][11]. Financial Highlights - **Xinyi Solar (XYS)**: - Revenue for 2024 is projected at RMB 21,921 million, with a decline to RMB 18,480 million in 2025, followed by a recovery to RMB 23,151 million in 2026 [13]. - Net profit is expected to drop to RMB 476 million in 2025, with a recovery to RMB 2,100 million by 2026 [13][14]. - **Flat Glass Group (FGG)**: - Revenue is expected to decrease from RMB 18,683 million in 2024 to RMB 15,626 million in 2025, with a rebound to RMB 19,759 million in 2026 [20]. - FGG's net profit is projected to be negative in 2025, at -RMB 40 million, before recovering to RMB 1,234 million in 2026 [20][21]. Risks and Considerations - **Downside Risks**: - Risks include lower-than-expected ASPs for solar glass, slower solar farm installations, increased competition, and potential international trade tensions [11][12]. - For FGG, risks also encompass weaker-than-expected global solar demand and faster-than-expected industry capacity expansion [11][12]. Conclusion - The solar glass industry in China is facing significant challenges in the short term, with profit warnings from major players like XYS and FGG. However, the potential for market consolidation and government reforms may provide a pathway for recovery and investment opportunities in the future [2][9].

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference call focused on the **Basic Materials** sector in the **Asia-Pacific** region, particularly in **cement, steel, metals, and coal** industries [1] - There is a noted trend of **supply rationalization** and **demand boost**, although the near-term impact is expected to be limited [1] Core Insights and Arguments Supply Rationalization - The **Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT)** announced plans to stabilize growth in **10 key industries**, expanding to include metals and petrochemicals [1] - **Cement** sector capacity is to be cut to **1.6 billion tons (bnt)** from **2.1 bnt**, with a flexibility of 10% [2] - **Steel** production is expected to see a **3-5% supply cut** in FY25, with state-owned enterprises (SOEs) likely to cut **8-10%** from July to December [2][16] - **Lithium** production is facing disruptions, with a subsidiary of Zangge Mining ordered to suspend operations [36][37] Demand Boost - The announcement of a **RMB1.2 trillion** investment in the **Tibet mega-dam** is expected to positively impact market sentiment and drive demand for cement and steel [1][49] - The cement demand from the mega-dam project is projected at **30-40 million tons**, which is significant for local demand in Tibet [50] - The steel consumption from the mega-dam is estimated at **8-9 million tons** over the construction period [51] Price Trends - The average national cement price decreased by **0.5% week-over-week (WoW)** to **RMB330/ton** [11] - Steel margins are improving, with average rebar spot margin at **RMB99/ton**, compared to a loss of **RMB82/ton** in FY24 [16] - The price of imported iron ore increased by **2.3% WoW** to **US$99/ton** [23] Other Important Insights - The **solar sector** is undergoing significant changes, with a **30% production capacity cut** in solar glass and discussions of potential industry consolidation [26][30] - The **high-quality development action plans** for copper, aluminum, and gold industries aim to enhance resource assurance and technological innovation [32][33][34][35] - The **National Energy Administration (NEA)** is verifying coal production in eight provinces, but the impact on supply is expected to be limited [3][41][43] Conclusion - The **Basic Materials** sector is experiencing a shift towards supply rationalization and demand stimulation, particularly influenced by government initiatives and large infrastructure projects. However, the immediate effects on prices and production levels may take time to materialize, and ongoing disruptions in lithium and coal production could pose risks to supply stability [1][36][41]

Summary of the China Solar Sector Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference call focused on the **China Solar Sector**, particularly the implications of the **Draft Amendment to the Price Law** issued by the NDRC and the State Administration for Market Regulation on July 24, 2025, which aims to regulate "involutionary" competition in the market [1][2]. Key Points and Arguments 1. **Revised Low-Price Dumping Definition**: - The Draft Amendment clarifies that business operators are prohibited from engaging in dumping sales below cost prices to gain market dominance [2]. - This change is expected to standardize market pricing and prevent unfair competition, which has been prevalent in the solar sector [1]. 2. **Simplified Law Enforcement Procedure**: - The amendment simplifies the process for identifying illegal low-price dumping, allowing for more effective enforcement of the Price Law [3]. - This is anticipated to enhance the regulatory environment for solar companies, potentially stabilizing prices in the sector [1]. 3. **Positive Impact on Solar Sector**: - The amendment is viewed positively for the solar sector, as many solar products have been sold below cost since the second half of 2024 [1]. - Companies like **GCL Technology**, **Tongwei**, and **Daqo Energy** are expected to benefit from higher average selling prices (ASP) and potential capacity consolidation [1]. 4. **Downstream Segments**: - Downstream segments such as solar glass, wafers, and solar cell manufacturers are also likely to benefit from the regulatory changes [1]. - The focus is on cost leaders within each segment to capitalize on the improved pricing environment [1]. Company Valuations and Risks 1. **Daqo New Energy**: - Target price set at **US$27.00** based on DCF valuation, with a WACC of **11.7%** [9]. - Risks include slower-than-expected polysilicon capacity reduction and higher power costs [10]. 2. **GCL Technology**: - Target price set at **HK$1.70**, with a WACC of **9.1%** [11]. - Similar risks as Daqo, including polysilicon demand fluctuations [12]. 3. **Tongwei**: - Target price set at **Rmb25.00/share**, with a WACC of **9.7%** [13]. - Risks include potential government support for less efficient solar equipment makers [14]. Additional Insights - The conference highlighted the importance of regulatory changes in shaping the competitive landscape of the solar industry in China. - The focus on preventing dumping practices is expected to lead to a healthier market environment, benefiting both upstream and downstream players in the solar supply chain [1][2][3].

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly state an investment rating for the solar industry, but it suggests that polysilicon and module names could exhibit the highest potential upside within the sector due to inexpensive valuation and limited downside risks [4]. Core Insights - The solar glass manufacturers in China are beginning to cut production due to persistently weakening demand, with estimates suggesting a reasonable production cut of 10-20%, leading to an effective monthly production of around 45-50GW [2]. - The government is expected to push for capacity cuts across the solar supply chain, starting with the polysilicon segment, and discussions are ongoing regarding acquiring smaller players [3]. - There is a stronger commitment from the government to tackle overcapacity, with expectations of more policy support to phase out obsolete capacity and deter price competition, despite lingering fundamental pressures in the second half of 2025 [4]. Summary by Sections Production and Demand - Solar glass manufacturers are cutting production due to weak demand, with a potential cut of 10-20% rather than the 30% estimated by some media [2]. - The effective production capacity could be around 45-50GW monthly, with the possibility of resuming operations once prices rebound [2]. Government Policies - The government is anticipated to implement capacity cuts in the solar supply chain, particularly in the polysilicon segment, and is discussing measures to acquire smaller players [3]. - There is speculation about policies to curb excess capacity, with a belief that the government is determined to reduce involution competition [4]. Market Sentiment and Valuation - Despite expected fundamental pressures in the second half of 2025, market sentiment may improve in the long term due to better supply-demand dynamics [4]. - Polysilicon and module names are highlighted as having the highest potential upside within the sector, attributed to inexpensive valuations and limited downside risks [4].

Investment Ratings - The report maintains a "Sell" rating on Flat A/H, Xinyi Solar, and Tongwei, while it has a "Buy" rating on Longi [10][11][19]. Core Insights - The recent rally in share prices for Solar Glass and Poly is seen as an overreaction to supply-side policy expectations, with a noted average increase of 17% from June 30 to July 2 [1][2]. - There is an anticipated decline in demand for solar modules, with projections indicating a year-over-year decrease of 57% in China and 40% globally for the second half of 2025 [2]. - The report highlights the need for significant production cuts in the glass segment to balance supply and demand, estimating that a 30% cut is necessary given the current oversupply situation [5][6]. Summary by Key Sub-segments Poly - Poly inventory reached 140GW by the end of June, equating to four months of average demand, indicating significant oversupply [5]. - The report anticipates a 15% decline in poly prices in the second half of 2025 to 2026, driven by excess capacity [20]. Glass - A 30% production cut is deemed necessary to align supply with demand, with current monthly supply at 50GW against an average demand of 34GW [6]. - The report suggests that the industry may face prolonged margin pressure due to challenges in executing production cuts [6]. Module - Increased inventory pressure is expected to enhance the bargaining power of module manufacturers, leading to price discounts of 5%-10% on contracts for Poly and Glass [6]. - Longi is expected to maintain a relatively resilient profitability outlook due to anticipated upstream price cuts [7]. Company-Specific Insights Longi - Longi is rated "Buy" due to its potential EBITDA inflection in the second half of 2025 and superior mid-cycle return on equity (ROE) compared to peers [7][10]. - The 12-month target price for Longi is set at Rmb19.8, indicating a potential upside of 27.2% from the current price [10]. Xinyi Solar - Xinyi Solar is rated "Sell" due to a deteriorating industry landscape and structural margin pressures, with a target price of HK$1.9, reflecting a downside of 31.2% [11][12]. Flat A/H - Flat A/H is also rated "Sell," with a target price of Rmb10.3, indicating a downside of 39.1% [15][16]. Tongwei - Tongwei is rated "Sell" due to its high exposure to the Poly segment and anticipated structural margin pressures, with a target price of Rmb13, suggesting a downside of 27% [19][23].

Investment Rating - The investment rating for Xinyi Solar is Neutral, with a target price of HK$2.30, indicating an expected share price return of -7.6% and an expected total return of -5.7% [4]. Core Insights - The solar glass industry is experiencing a significant supply cut of approximately 30% by PRC solar glass makers in July due to weak demand, high inventory levels, and low prices [1][2]. - Xinyi Solar's current solar glass capacity is fully utilized, and the company has no concrete plans for output cuts, depending instead on market demand [1][7]. - The average market prices for solar glass have dropped significantly, with 2.0mm and 3.2mm solar glass prices decreasing by 21.4% and 17.6% respectively in May-June [3]. - Xinyi Solar's net profit is forecasted to decline by 70% year-on-year to Rmb550 million in 1H25E, primarily due to price cuts, although a recovery is expected in the second half of the year [1][9]. Summary by Sections Industry Overview - The solar glass production cut began in June, with a total daily capacity reduction of 6,870 tons, representing 7.0% of China's total operational capacity [2]. - The average inventory period for solar glass has increased from 27.0 days to 32.4 days as of June 26 [6]. Company Performance - Xinyi Solar's operational daily capacity remains at 23,200 tons, accounting for 22% of global solar glass capacity, and it may consider output reductions in 2H25E if demand weakens further [7]. - The company has seen improved demand for its solar glass produced in Malaysia, with prices approximately 30% higher than domestic sales [8]. Financial Forecast - The financial forecast for Xinyi Solar indicates a net profit of Rmb866 million for 2025E, with a projected P/E ratio of 23.8x and a P/B ratio of 0.7x [4][9]. - The expected diluted EPS for 2025E is Rmb0.095, reflecting a decline of 15.3% year-on-year [9].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a cautious outlook on the solar industry, expecting significant capacity cuts and a decline in capital expenditures, leading to a weaker pricing outlook and flattened profitability curve [4]. Core Insights - The profitability for solar value chain segments is likely to fall below pre-rush installation levels in May, with cash profitability expected to deteriorate to average levels seen in Q1 2025 [2][4]. - A rapid decline in upstream pricing is observed due to weaker demand and aggressive low-pricing strategies by Tier 2-3 players, impacting the overall market dynamics [2][19]. - Proactive price stabilization efforts by leading players are crucial to monitor in June, as inventory pressures are expected to continue increasing [2][14]. Summary by Sections Pricing Trends - As of May 15, 2025, spot prices for Poly/Wafer/Cell/Module/Glass/Film/Inverter in China showed average declines of -2%/-14%/-3%/-3%/-6%/-3% MTD, and -8%/-17%/-7%/-2%/+8%/+1% compared to pre-rush installation levels [2][19][20]. - Glass prices appear more resilient compared to other segments, primarily due to lower inventory days [20]. Profitability Metrics - Spot price implied cash gross profit margins (GPM) for various segments showed significant declines, with Tier 1 cash GPM for Poly/Wafer/Cell/Module/Glass/Film averaging flat/-13pp/+1pp/-4pp/-3pp/flat MTD [10]. - Monthly average cash profitability in May is likely to deteriorate to levels seen in Q1 2025, indicating a challenging environment for the industry [2][7]. Production and Inventory Dynamics - Production volumes are expected to decline by an average of 4% month-over-month in May, with specific declines in Poly/Wafer/Cell/Module [12]. - Inventory days are likely to rebound to an average of 30 days in May from 25 days in April, indicating a higher production-to-demand ratio [13][15]. Future Outlook - The report anticipates deeper solar capital expenditure declines of -55% year-over-year in 2025, with lower capacity utilization rates expected [4]. - Continued supply increases for Glass are projected, which may lead to a rapid inventory restock and a potential price cut to Rmb12/sqm in Q3 2025 [3][14].