Group 1 - The chemical sector continues to show strength, with the Chemical ETF (516020) experiencing a price increase of 2.73% as of the latest update [1][8] - Key stocks in the sector include Haohua Technology, which reached the daily limit, and Junzheng Group, which surged over 9%, along with other notable gains from companies like Luxi Chemical and Huafeng Chemical [1][8] - Since 2025, the Chemical ETF has shown a cumulative increase of 47.53%, significantly outperforming major indices such as the Shanghai Composite Index (22.38%) and the CSI 300 Index (20.25%) [10][11] Group 2 - The chemical industry has faced negative growth in capital expenditure since 2024, but the "anti-involution" trend and the accelerated elimination of outdated overseas capacity are expected to lead to a contraction in supply [12] - The "14th Five-Year Plan" emphasizes expanding domestic demand, which is anticipated to drive growth in chemical product demand, especially with the onset of a U.S. interest rate cut cycle [12] - The chemical industry may experience a cyclical turning point in 2026, transitioning from valuation recovery to earnings growth, referred to as the "Davis Double Play" [12] Group 3 - The Chemical ETF (516020) tracks the CSI Sub-Industry Chemical Theme Index, with nearly 50% of its holdings concentrated in large-cap leading stocks, including Wanhua Chemical and Salt Lake Co., allowing investors to capitalize on strong investment opportunities [13] - The ETF also diversifies its holdings across key sectors such as phosphate and nitrogen fertilizers, fluorine chemicals, and other leading stocks in the chemical sector [13] - Investors can also access the Chemical ETF through linked funds, which have specific subscription and redemption fee structures [5][14]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Positive" investment rating for the basic chemical industry, specifically for the spandex sector [5]. Core Insights - The spandex industry is expected to improve as supply and demand dynamics optimize due to accelerated capacity clearance. The report highlights the potential for recovery in spandex prices and profitability for leading companies with significant domestic capacity and cost advantages [3][43]. Supply Side Summary - The spandex industry is at the end of its expansion phase, with domestic capacity increasing from 593,900 tons in 2015 to 1,420,000 tons by January 2026, with major players like Huafeng Chemical leading the market [8][20]. - Since 2019, over 200,000 tons of capacity from small and medium enterprises have been shut down, leading to a concentration of supply among leading companies [26]. - The industry has faced prolonged negative gross margins since May 2023, indicating financial difficulties for many companies, which may lead to further exits from the market [29][41]. Demand Side Summary - Spandex demand is projected to grow significantly, driven by trends in activewear and tight-fitting clothing. The apparent consumption of spandex is expected to rise from 510,000 tons in 2017 to 1,027,000 tons by 2024, with a CAGR of 10.51% [33][35]. - The demand for spandex is primarily concentrated in the apparel sector, which accounts for 76% of total usage, with applications in leisurewear, jeans, underwear, and swimwear [33][34]. Supply-Demand Balance Summary - The supply-demand balance for the domestic spandex industry is improving, with limited new capacity expected and ongoing pressure on existing capacity. The anticipated demand growth from the activewear trend is expected to support this balance [40][41]. Investment Recommendations - The report recommends investing in leading companies with price and volume elasticity, specifically Huafeng Chemical (002064, Buy), Taihe New Materials (002254, Buy), and Xinxiang Chemical Fiber (000949, Not Rated). The potential profit increases from spandex price rises are highlighted, with significant earnings boosts projected for these companies [3][43][44].

Core Viewpoint - The expansion phase of the spandex industry is nearing its end, and the elimination of backward production capacity is expected to drive an upward trend in industry prosperity [1][2]. Supply Side - As of the end of 2025, China's spandex production capacity is projected to be 1.44 million tons per year, with an industry operating rate of 85%. The supply-demand situation from 2022 to 2025 is expected to remain loose, with an average annual operating rate between 70% and 80%, leading to many companies operating at a loss [2]. - The concentration of the spandex industry is high, with a CR5 of 84% as of the end of 2025. The leading companies by production capacity are Huafeng Chemical (400,000 tons/year), Xiaoxing Spandex (246,000 tons/year), Zhujing Huahai (225,000 tons/year), Xinxiang Chemical Fiber (220,000 tons/year), and Taihe New Materials (100,000 tons/year) [2]. - New production capacity additions by 2025 include Huafeng Chongqing (75,000 tons/year), Xiaoxing Ningxia (36,000 tons/year), and Lycra Yinchuan (10,000 tons/year). Huafeng Chongqing is expected to continue expanding in 2026, while Xinxiang Chemical Fiber plans to add 100,000 tons/year, with the first phase of 50,000 tons/year expected to start construction in Q1 2026 [2]. - A total of 58,000 tons/year of spandex production capacity is expected to be eliminated by 2025, including 30,000 tons/year from Lianyungang Du Zhong Spandex and 28,000 tons/year from Taiguang Chemical Fiber [2]. Demand Side - The performance of spandex is excellent, with a projected CAGR of 11% for apparent consumption in China from 2017 to 2024. Spandex is often referred to as the "MSG of textiles," significantly enhancing the performance and quality of fabrics even at low addition ratios [3]. - Spandex is primarily used in blends with other fabrics, commonly found in tight-fitting clothing, sportswear, swimwear, and hygiene products such as medical bandages and diapers. The demand for spandex is expected to grow rapidly as its application range and addition ratios expand [3]. Related Companies - Huafeng Chemical: By the end of 2025, spandex production capacity will be 400,000 tons/year, with an additional 75,000 tons/year expected to be gradually put into production by the end of 2026 [4]. - Xinxiang Chemical Fiber: By the end of 2025, spandex production capacity will be 220,000 tons/year, with a planned additional capacity of 100,000 tons/year, including a first phase of 50,000 tons/year expected to start construction in Q1 2026 [4]. - Taihe New Materials: By the end of 2025, spandex production capacity will be 100,000 tons/year [4].

Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Positive" and maintained [8] Core Insights - In the previous two cyclical bull markets, alpha leading stocks significantly outperformed the basic chemical sector. These leaders possess both supply-demand improvements and cost advantages, leading to price elasticity and sustainable low-cost expansion. In cyclical bull markets, they exhibit performance drivers of volume and price increases, providing excess returns for investors [2][6][38]. - The report emphasizes the importance of investing in high-quality leading companies such as Wanhua Chemical, Hualu Hengsheng, Longbai Group, Yangnong Chemical, Huafeng Chemical, and Boyuan Chemical [2][6][38]. Summary by Sections Introduction: Why Focus on Leading Stocks in Cyclical Bull Markets? - The PPI (Producer Price Index) has shown a continuous narrowing of decline and is expected to turn positive by October 2025. This indicates a potential recovery in industrial product pricing and an improvement in market demand and supply conditions. The chemical industry, as a key industrial raw material, is likely to reflect these changes first, suggesting a transition from demand stagnation to a new round of inventory replenishment or capacity adjustment [4][14]. Performance of Alpha Leaders in Previous Cyclical Bull Markets - The report analyzes the stock selection and performance of alpha leaders during the last two cyclical bull markets (2016-2018 and 2020-2021). The selected stocks include Wanhua Chemical, Hualu Hengsheng, Longbai Group, and Yangnong Chemical, with the addition of Huafeng Chemical and Boyuan Chemical in the second round. The performance data shows that these leaders significantly outperformed the basic chemical index [5][18]. - In the first cycle (2016-2018), the highest stock price increases for these leaders were 488.9% for Wanhua Chemical, 281.4% for Hualu Hengsheng, 147.7% for Longbai Group, and 247.5% for Yangnong Chemical, with an average increase of 291.4%. The basic chemical index saw a maximum increase of around 39% during the same period [18][19]. - In the second cycle (2020-2021), the highest increases were 311.0% for Wanhua Chemical, 276.5% for Hualu Hengsheng, 314.2% for Longbai Group, 188.0% for Yangnong Chemical, 290.1% for Huafeng Chemical, and 728.7% for Boyuan Chemical, with an average increase of 351.4% compared to a maximum of 136% for the basic chemical index [18][19]. Investment Recommendations - The report suggests focusing on high-quality leading companies for investment opportunities, as they are expected to benefit from supply-demand improvements and cost advantages. The overall chemical sector is currently at a low point, but with anticipated global economic growth, demand for chemical products is expected to increase. The report also highlights the potential for a recovery in PPI and chemical prices in 2026 [6][38][39].

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Accumulate" rating for the industry [1] Core Viewpoints - The supply side of the spandex industry is nearing the end of capacity expansion, and the elimination of outdated capacity is expected to improve industry prosperity [4][9] - The demand for spandex is robust due to its excellent performance and wide application, with a CAGR of 11% in apparent consumption from 2017 to 2024 [4][19] - The competitive landscape shows that China is a major producer of spandex, with a high industry concentration, as indicated by a CR5 of 84% by the end of 2025 [4][22] Supply Side Summary - As of the end of 2025, China's spandex capacity is 1.44 million tons/year, with an industry operating rate of 85% [4] - The industry has been experiencing a continuous oversupply from 2022 to 2025, with an average annual operating rate between 70%-80% [4][24] - Major spandex producers include Huafeng Chemical (400,000 tons/year), Xiaoxing Spandex (246,000 tons/year), and others, indicating a significant head effect in the industry [4][24] Demand Side Summary - Spandex is often referred to as the "MSG of textiles," significantly enhancing the performance and quality of fabrics even in small proportions [4][19] - The demand for spandex is expected to grow rapidly as its application range and blending ratio in textiles expand [4][19] Competitive Landscape Summary - China's spandex production capacity accounts for 79% of the global total, with a production capacity of 1.375 million tons in 2024 [22] - The industry is characterized by fierce competition, with many companies operating at a loss due to low overall operating rates [22][24] Price Review and Outlook Summary - As of January 15, 2026, the price of spandex in China is 23,000 yuan/ton, with a price difference of 10,864 yuan/ton [4][28] - The price of spandex has been under pressure due to oversupply, but the report anticipates a recovery in prices as outdated capacity is eliminated [27][31] Investment Targets Summary - Key investment targets in the spandex industry include Huafeng Chemical, Xinxiang Chemical Fiber, and Taihe New Materials, each with varying capacities and profitability levels [33][47] - Huafeng Chemical is noted for its significant market share and cost advantages, while Xinxiang Chemical Fiber is expanding its capacity despite market fluctuations [47][56]

Core Viewpoint - Huafeng Chemical Co., Ltd. has applied for a patent for a preparation method of sulfonic acid modified polyurethane fibers, indicating a focus on innovation in material science and potential market expansion in the textile industry [1] Group 1: Patent Application Details - The patent application is titled "A Preparation Method of Sulfonic Acid Modified Polyurethane Fibers" with publication number CN121295377A and was filed on November 2025 [1] - The preparation method involves a three-step process: prepolymerization and chain extension reaction, ring-opening reaction with sulfonic acid lactone compounds, and final spinning process to produce the fibers [1] Group 2: Technical Advantages - The method introduces sulfonic acid groups after the chain extension reaction, which helps avoid adverse effects on polymer stability that could arise from improper timing of sulfonic acid introduction [1] - The resulting sulfonic acid modified polyurethane fibers exhibit excellent mechanical properties along with good dyeing performance and color fastness [1]

Core Insights - The chemical industry is expected to experience a recovery in profitability in 2026, marking a new starting point for supply-demand rebalancing, driven by anti-involution policies and advancements in new productive forces such as AI and robotics [2][5]. Group 1: Industry Overview - The chemical industry faced a downturn in profitability and valuation in 2025, but signs of stabilization and recovery are anticipated in 2026 [2]. - The peak of capital expenditure in the chemical sector has passed, with fixed asset investment turning negative in the second half of 2025, indicating the end of the capacity expansion cycle [5][14]. - The Producer Price Index (PPI) for chemicals is expected to gradually turn positive in 2026 after a prolonged period of decline [14]. Group 2: Investment Themes - Capital expenditure is decreasing, and leading companies like Wanhua Chemical are expected to see a recovery in profitability as they reduce capital spending and increase their global market share in MDI [5]. - The anti-involution policy is reshaping supply dynamics, with a focus on quality development and the exit of outdated capacities, benefiting companies with innovative capabilities and export advantages [5]. - New materials are driving demand growth in traditional chemicals, with companies like Dinglong Technology and Anji Technology positioned to benefit from domestic substitution in high-end materials [5]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - Chemical prices have been under pressure, with the chemical product price index declining approximately 8.8% in 2025, but stock prices in the sector have rebounded by 33.3% [10][16]. - The operating rates of mainstream chemical products are showing signs of weakness, with inventory levels varying significantly across different products [17][18]. - The supply-demand balance for phosphate rock remains tight, with stable prices for high-grade phosphate rock, while the market for phosphate fertilizers is influenced by policy and demand fluctuations [46][43]. Group 4: Global Trends - The global chemical supply is shifting towards China, which has become the largest chemical producer, while European chemical production faces challenges due to high energy costs [31][33]. - The restructuring of supply chains due to tariff disturbances is prompting companies to adapt, with a focus on overseas expansion for leading chemical firms [26][22]. - The anti-involution policies are expected to enhance industry cash flow and promote sustainable development by curbing disorderly expansion and prioritizing profitability [40].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Recommended" rating for the chemical industry [1] Core Insights - The chemical industry is expected to experience an upward cycle due to the implementation of "anti-involution" policies in China and the accelerated exit of some European facilities [29] - The report highlights the potential for domestic substitution of semiconductor materials from Japan due to rising geopolitical tensions, which could benefit various companies in the sector [5] - The chromium salt industry is undergoing a value reassessment driven by increased demand from AI data centers and commercial aircraft engines, with a projected supply-demand gap of 340,900 tons by 2028 [8] Summary by Sections Industry Performance - The chemical industry has shown strong relative performance with a 1-month increase of 10.7%, 3-month increase of 9.6%, and a 12-month increase of 45.1%, outperforming the CSI 300 index [3] Price Trends - Key products such as lithium carbonate and polysilicon have seen significant price increases, supported by policy guidance and industry self-discipline [12] - The price of chromium salts has remained stable, with metal chromium priced at 82,000 CNY/ton as of January 9, 2026 [15] Investment Opportunities - Focus on companies with low-cost expansion capabilities, such as Wanhu Chemical and Hualu Hengsheng, as well as those in sectors with improving market conditions like chromium salts and phosphates [6][9] - High dividend yield opportunities are identified in state-owned enterprises like China Petroleum and China National Chemical [10] Key Company Tracking - Companies such as Dongfang Shenghong and Huabei Yihua are highlighted for their earnings potential, with projected EPS growth for 2026 [30] - The report tracks specific price movements for various chemicals, including a notable increase in the price of ammonium phosphate and a stable price for urea [17][19]

Core Viewpoint - The report highlights the growth trends in China's synthetic fiber industry, indicating a production increase and providing insights into market dynamics from 2026 to 2032 [1] Industry Overview - In November 2025, China's synthetic fiber production reached 6.88 million tons, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 5.7% [1] - From January to November 2025, the cumulative production of synthetic fibers in China was 72.404 million tons, with a cumulative growth rate of 4.9% [1] Companies Mentioned - The report lists several key companies in the synthetic fiber sector, including Hengyi Petrochemical, Rongsheng Petrochemical, Xin Fengming, Tongkun Co., Hengli Petrochemical, Jilin Chemical Fiber, Huafeng Chemical, Aoyang Health, Taihe New Materials, and Jiangnan High Fiber [1] Research and Consulting - The insights are derived from a report by Zhiyan Consulting, a leading industry consulting firm in China, which specializes in providing in-depth industry research reports, business plans, feasibility studies, and customized services [1]

Core Viewpoint - Huafeng Chemical's stock has shown significant growth in recent trading sessions, with a notable increase in both price and trading volume, indicating strong market interest and potential investment opportunities [1][2]. Group 1: Stock Performance - As of January 9, Huafeng Chemical's stock price increased by 2.04%, reaching 11.98 CNY per share, with a trading volume of 311 million CNY and a turnover rate of 0.53%, resulting in a total market capitalization of 59.451 billion CNY [1]. - Year-to-date, the stock price has risen by 8.91%, with a 31.36% increase over the past 20 days and a 37.39% increase over the past 60 days [1]. Group 2: Financial Performance - For the period from January to September 2025, Huafeng Chemical reported a revenue of 18.109 billion CNY, reflecting a year-on-year decrease of 11.11%, while the net profit attributable to shareholders was 1.462 billion CNY, down 27.45% year-on-year [2]. - Cumulatively, the company has distributed 5.124 billion CNY in dividends since its A-share listing, with 2.481 billion CNY distributed over the past three years [3]. Group 3: Shareholder Structure - As of September 30, 2025, the number of shareholders for Huafeng Chemical decreased by 25.68% to 48,400, while the average number of tradable shares per shareholder increased by 34.55% to 102,258 shares [2]. - Among the top ten circulating shareholders, Hong Kong Central Clearing Limited holds 72.5173 million shares, an increase of 3.3948 million shares from the previous period, while the Southern CSI 500 ETF reduced its holdings by 562,700 shares [3].