浙商金属新材料——钴，王者归来

Summary of Conference Call on Cobalt and Nonferrous Metals Industry Industry Overview - The nonferrous metals sector has shown strong performance, particularly during market adjustments, ranking first among 31 industries in January 2025 and again in the following week, indicating a preference for nonferrous metals due to solid fundamentals and the arrival of peak downstream demand [2][3] - The traditional demand peak for industrial metals such as copper, aluminum, and steel occurs during the "golden March and silver April" period, which is expected to drive demand [2] Key Insights and Arguments - Aluminum Sector: - Yun Aluminum Co. is highlighted as a "gold stock" with a nearly 40% increase since the beginning of 2025. The drop in alumina prices has reduced costs, while primary aluminum prices still have room for a 20%-30% increase. Electrolytic aluminum companies maintain high profitability at around 3,500 yuan per ton, with imported ore prices decreasing to 95 USD per ton [2][4] - Steel Sector: - The steel sector has performed well, ranking seventh among 31 industries. Current inventory levels are the lowest since 2020, and a reduction in crude steel production by 50 million tons is expected. The "golden March and silver April" period is anticipated to support iron and steel prices, leading to a positive outlook for companies like Hualin Steel, New Steel, and Nanshan Steel [5] - Congo (DRC) Export Ban: - The DRC's export ban, effective February 24, 2025, has led to significant price increases for related mineral products, with prices rebounding from 149,500 yuan to 180,000 yuan. This ban is expected to create supply shortages, reducing supply by over 70,000 tons and alleviating previous oversupply issues [6][7] Potential Risks and Opportunities - Cobalt Price Increase: - Rising cobalt prices benefit smelting companies and those with mineral resources, allowing for increased processing fees and profits. The cost increase for lithium cobalt batteries in the consumer electronics sector is limited, with downstream acceptance remaining high [8][9] - Company Performance Expectations: - Huayou Cobalt is expected to perform well with an annual production of 40,000 tons, benefiting from price increases and a projected value increase of 1 billion yuan from its own inventory. The nickel project is also expected to enhance performance elasticity [10] - Nomu Company, with an annual output of 110,000 tons, stands to gain significantly if cobalt prices remain high, although there are concerns about potential price suppression from oversupply [11] - Tengyuan and Hanrui companies are also expected to see profit increases due to their existing inventories benefiting from price rises [12] Future Outlook - The cobalt industry is anticipated to stabilize with government measures potentially supporting prices between 200,000 to 250,000 yuan in the coming years. This presents a favorable evaluation opportunity for the industry, with many companies, including Huayou Cobalt, still undervalued [13]