制冷剂：反内卷优等生，长期高度如何展望

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference call focuses on the refrigerant industry, specifically the transition from third-generation (3rd Gen) to fourth-generation (4th Gen) refrigerants and the implications for companies involved in this sector [1][2]. Core Insights and Arguments - The height and duration of 3rd Gen refrigerants are expected to exceed market expectations, while 4th Gen refrigerants are unlikely to deteriorate quickly, remaining dependent on the 3rd Gen framework [1][4]. - Fluorinated compounds are experiencing increasing demand in new materials due to their superior stability and electrochemical properties, particularly in applications like lithium batteries and high-speed cables [1][5]. - Recent price increases for R32 refrigerant have surpassed market expectations, driven by a year-on-year increase in household air conditioner production, indicating a shift in pricing power towards sellers [1][6]. - The valuation of the refrigerant sector should be viewed from a strategic perspective, as the significant rise in R32 prices suggests that related companies' annualized performance warrants a higher valuation, moving away from the cyclical commodity concept [1][7][8]. - The refrigerant industry is currently optimistic in terms of valuation, with companies gradually shedding cyclical influences, suggesting potential for valuation improvement [1][9]. Future Trends - The price of 3rd Gen refrigerants is expected to continue rising over the next 5 to 10 years due to the immaturity of 4th Gen refrigerants and the lack of substitutes [1][10]. - Although patents for 4th Gen refrigerants will expire, the immature synthesis routes will keep their prices high, indicating a long-term advantage for companies with 3rd Gen capabilities [1][10]. Competitive Landscape - Leading companies that accumulated profits during the golden period of 2nd and 3rd Gen refrigerants are likely to reinvest in R&D, enhancing their core competitiveness in the 4th Gen refrigerant and high-end fluoropolymer markets [2][11]. - The refrigerant industry is characterized by low cost contributions to downstream products, allowing for high price elasticity and a positive price outlook [3]. Investment Considerations - The refrigerant sector is recommended as a strong investment opportunity, with leading companies like Juhua, Sanmei, Yonghe, and Dongyue showing strong competitive advantages and currently trading at low valuations of 9 to 10 times earnings [12]. - The ongoing price increases and the long-term potential for 3rd Gen refrigerant prices to rise without limits, combined with the strong R&D capabilities of leading firms, make this sector worthy of long-term investment focus [12].