Valin Steel(SZ:000932)2025-08-26 06:50Group 1: Financial Performance - The company's performance in the first half of the year, especially in Q2, showed significant improvement year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter, exceeding market expectations due to three main factors: a notable decline in raw material prices, elimination of previous short-term disruptions, and stable competition in the high-end steel market [2][4]. - In H1 2025, the company achieved a steel sales volume of 11.1 million tons, a decrease of 12.6% year-on-year, with an adjusted decline of about 10% when excluding direct sales of steel billets [8]. Group 2: Pricing and Inventory Management - The pricing for specialty steel products is negotiated individually, typically 1-2 months in advance, based on current raw material costs and customer requirements, ensuring a relatively stable profit margin compared to ordinary steel [3]. - The company maintains a lean inventory strategy, with iron ore inventory cycles of approximately 22-25 days and coal/coke inventory cycles of 10-15 days, using a first-in-first-out method for accounting [3]. Group 3: Market Outlook and Demand - The third quarter is traditionally a slow season, particularly for thin plate products, with a slight decline in demand from sectors like home appliances and engineering machinery, although there was some improvement in automotive steel orders [4]. - The company anticipates that industry profitability may narrow in Q3 due to rising raw material prices, particularly coking coal, which has increased significantly more than steel prices [4]. Group 4: Export Strategy - The company views "buy order exports" as detrimental, leading to lower overseas prices and triggering anti-dumping measures, and plans to enhance its overseas presence, particularly in the Middle East and Europe [5]. Group 5: Compliance and Industry Standards - The company has applied for "leading standard enterprise" status under the 2025 Steel Industry Norms, which aims to promote high-quality development and optimize supply in the steel industry [6][7]. Group 6: Capital Expenditure and Dividends - The company plans to invest in projects focused on product structure upgrades and ultra-low emissions, with a capital expenditure of approximately 1 billion yuan in 2025, where 40%-50% will be allocated to ultra-low emissions projects [11]. - The cash dividend ratio has steadily increased, reaching 34% of net profit for 2024, with projections for a combined ratio of 44%-54% for 2024 and 2025 due to ongoing share buyback plans [11].