Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Accumulate" investment rating for the company, indicating a projected increase of 5% to 15% relative to the CSI 300 index over the next six months [17]. Core Views - The company faced performance pressure due to a downturn in the chemical raw materials industry, particularly affecting its titanium dioxide and related products. In 2024, the company achieved a revenue of 27.513 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 2.80%, but net profit dropped by 32.79% to 2.169 billion yuan [4][5]. - The company continues to enhance its competitiveness through vertical integration and global expansion, which are expected to support long-term growth despite current market challenges [6][8]. - The company reported a significant increase in titanium sponge production and sales, with production rising by 34.56% to 69,700 tons and sales increasing by 42.57% to 66,900 tons in 2024 [5]. Summary by Sections Financial Performance - In 2024, the company generated a total revenue of 27.513 billion yuan, with a net profit of 2.169 billion yuan, reflecting a decline of 32.79% year-on-year. The fourth quarter alone saw a revenue of 6.647 billion yuan, with a net loss of 395 million yuan [4][5]. - The company’s gross margin for 2024 was 25.01%, down by 1.69 percentage points from the previous year, while the net profit margin decreased by 3.99 percentage points to 8.14% [5][6]. Product Performance - The titanium dioxide segment showed resilience with a production of 1.2955 million tons, up 8.74%, and sales of 1.2545 million tons, up 8.25%, generating revenue of 18.980 billion yuan, a 6.82% increase [4][5]. - The titanium sponge segment also performed well, with revenue reaching 2.647 billion yuan, a 16.71% increase, driven by a production increase of 34.56% [5]. Strategic Initiatives - The company is focusing on vertical integration by extending its supply chain upstream, which has improved its cost competitiveness. In 2024, it produced 1.493 million tons of titanium concentrate, all for internal use [6][8]. - The company is actively expanding its global footprint to mitigate the impact of anti-dumping investigations in various regions, aiming to establish overseas production bases and enhance its market share [6][8].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Strong Buy" rating for Longbai Group [2][5]. Core Views - Longbai Group's performance is under short-term pressure, but it continues to enhance its industrial chain layout [3][4]. - The company achieved a revenue of 27.539 billion yuan in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 2.78%, while the net profit attributable to shareholders decreased by 32.79% to 2.169 billion yuan [3]. - The core business of titanium dioxide remains strong, with revenue from this segment growing by 6.82% to 18.980 billion yuan in 2024, and sales volume increasing by 8.25% to 1.2545 million tons [3][4]. Financial Performance Summary - In Q1 2025, the company reported a revenue of 7.060 billion yuan, down 3.21% year-on-year, and a net profit of 686 million yuan, down 27.86% [3]. - The overall gross margin for 2024 decreased by 1.7 percentage points to 25.01% due to falling iron ore prices and underperformance in the new energy sector [3][5]. - The company forecasts net profits of 2.778 billion, 3.105 billion, and 3.639 billion yuan for 2025, 2026, and 2027, respectively, with corresponding EPS of 1.17, 1.30, and 1.53 yuan [5][6]. Industry Positioning - Longbai Group is a leading player in the titanium dioxide industry, with significant production capacities of 1.51 million tons for titanium dioxide and 80,000 tons for sponge titanium [4][7]. - The company is focusing on increasing the proportion of chlorinated titanium dioxide and upgrading its product offerings to higher-end markets [4]. - Longbai Group is actively developing upstream mineral resources to strengthen its supply chain and enhance resource utilization [4].

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Accumulate" investment rating for the company, indicating a projected relative increase of 5% to 15% compared to the CSI 300 index over the next six months [17]. Core Views - The company faced performance pressure due to a downturn in the chemical raw materials industry, particularly in titanium dioxide and related products, leading to a 32.79% decline in net profit year-on-year [4][5]. - Despite the challenges, the company is focusing on integrated and globalized operations to ensure long-term competitiveness [4][5]. - The company reported a revenue of 27.513 billion yuan in 2024, a 2.80% increase year-on-year, while the net profit was 2.169 billion yuan, down 32.79% [4][5]. Summary by Sections Financial Performance - In 2024, the company achieved a revenue of 275.13 billion yuan, with a net profit of 21.69 billion yuan, reflecting a year-on-year decline of 32.79% [4]. - The fourth quarter saw a revenue of 66.47 billion yuan, with a net loss of 3.95 billion yuan [4]. - The company produced 1.2955 million tons of titanium dioxide in 2024, an increase of 8.74% year-on-year, with sales of 1.2545 million tons, up 8.25% [4][5]. Product Segmentation - Titanium dioxide business revenue reached 189.80 billion yuan, a 6.82% increase year-on-year, while sponge titanium production rose to 69,700 tons, a 34.56% increase [5]. - Other segments, including iron and zirconium products, saw revenue declines of 24.54% and 15.13%, respectively [5]. Profitability Metrics - The overall gross margin for the company in 2024 was 25.01%, down 1.69 percentage points year-on-year, with a net profit margin of 8.14%, a decrease of 3.99 percentage points [5]. - The gross margin for the titanium dioxide segment improved to 31.25%, up 2.83 percentage points year-on-year [5]. Future Outlook - The company is expected to see earnings per share (EPS) of 1.21 yuan and 1.49 yuan for 2025 and 2026, respectively, with price-to-earnings (PE) ratios of 13.56 and 11.00 based on the closing price of 16.39 yuan on April 24, 2025 [8]. - The company is actively pursuing vertical integration and global expansion to enhance its competitive edge and mitigate risks associated with domestic market fluctuations [4][5].

Core Viewpoint - Longbai Group (002601) has demonstrated a strong commitment to cash dividends, planning a cash distribution of 2.144 billion yuan for 2024 and an additional 1.186 billion yuan in the first quarter of 2025, despite fluctuations in profit performance [1][2]. Dividend Performance - The company's dividend payout ratio surged to 172.88% in the first quarter, with a net profit of only 686 million yuan, indicating a trend of distributing nearly all earnings [2]. - Longbai Group's dividend payout ratio reached 98.89% in 2024, retaining only 22 million yuan of undistributed profits at the end of the period [2]. - Cumulatively, the company has distributed 19.39 billion yuan in cash dividends since its listing, surpassing its total equity fundraising of 13.66 billion yuan, resulting in a payout-to-funding ratio of 141.97% [5]. Shareholder Structure - The company's high dividend performance is linked to its unique shareholder structure, which includes the founding family and key figures from the acquired Longmang Titanium Industry [3][8]. - Following the death of the former controlling shareholder Xu Gang, his daughter Xu Ran inherited 20.95% of the shares, making her the current actual controller of the company [8]. Financial Health and Borrowing - Despite high dividend payouts, Longbai Group's borrowing has increased significantly, with short-term loans rising from 4.1 billion yuan at the end of 2020 to 9.7 billion yuan by the first quarter of 2024 [3][12]. - The company's asset-liability ratio stood at 61.04% at the end of 2024, remaining above 60% for three consecutive years [13]. Future Dividend Sustainability - The sustainability of high dividend payouts will depend on the company's ability to generate profits and manage funds effectively, especially as it ventures into new business areas like lithium iron phosphate [10][11]. - The company has set a shareholder return plan that may limit dividends if the audited asset-liability ratio exceeds 70% or if significant capital expenditures are anticipated [14].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Strong Buy" rating for Longbai Group [2][5]. Core Views - Longbai Group's performance is under short-term pressure, but it continues to enhance its industrial chain layout [3][4]. - The company achieved a revenue of 27.539 billion yuan in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 2.78%, while the net profit attributable to shareholders decreased by 32.79% to 2.169 billion yuan [3]. - The core business of titanium dioxide remains strong, with revenue from this segment growing by 6.82% to 18.980 billion yuan in 2024, and sales volume increasing by 8.25% to 1.2545 million tons [3][4]. Financial Performance Summary - In Q1 2025, the company reported a revenue of 7.060 billion yuan, down 3.21% year-on-year, and a net profit of 686 million yuan, down 27.86% [3]. - The overall gross margin for 2024 decreased by 1.7 percentage points to 25.01% due to falling iron ore prices and underperformance in the new energy sector [3][5]. - The company forecasts net profits of 2.778 billion, 3.105 billion, and 3.639 billion yuan for 2025, 2026, and 2027, respectively, with corresponding EPS of 1.17, 1.30, and 1.53 yuan [5][6]. Industry Positioning - Longbai Group is a leading player in the titanium dioxide industry, with significant production capacities of 1.51 million tons for titanium dioxide and 80,000 tons for sponge titanium [4][7]. - The company is focusing on increasing the proportion of chlorinated titanium dioxide and upgrading its product offerings to higher-end markets [4]. - Longbai Group is actively developing upstream mineral resources to strengthen its supply chain and enhance resource utilization [4][5].

Investment Rating - The investment rating for Longbai Group is "Buy" (maintained) [2] Core Views - The company is facing pressure on its performance in 2024 but is actively advancing its mining development and internationalization of titanium dioxide [1] - The company reported a revenue of 27.54 billion yuan in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 2.78%, but a net profit attributable to shareholders of 2.17 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 32.79% [5] - The report highlights the potential for capacity expansion in the mining sector, despite challenges such as increased impairment losses and financial expenses [5] Financial Summary - Revenue and profit forecasts for 2025-2027 are as follows: - 2025: Net profit of 3.52 billion yuan, EPS of 1.48 yuan, PE ratio of 11.4 times - 2026: Net profit of 4.69 billion yuan, EPS of 1.96 yuan, PE ratio of 8.6 times - 2027: Net profit of 5.29 billion yuan, EPS of 2.21 yuan, PE ratio of 7.6 times [5][6] - The company’s titanium dioxide production in 2024 was 1.2955 million tons, an increase of 8.74% year-on-year, with sales of 1.2545 million tons, up 8.25% year-on-year [5] - The average prices for titanium concentrate and titanium dioxide in 2024 were 2,181 yuan/ton and 15,572 yuan/ton, respectively [5] Market Performance - The current stock price is 16.39 yuan, with a market capitalization of 39.111 billion yuan and a circulating market capitalization of 32.580 billion yuan [2] - The stock has seen a turnover rate of 50.95% over the past three months [2]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for Longbai Group is "Buy" (maintained) [2] Core Views - The company is facing pressure on its performance in 2024 but is actively advancing its mining development and internationalization of titanium dioxide [1] - The company reported a revenue of 27.54 billion yuan in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 2.78%, but a net profit attributable to shareholders of 2.17 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 32.79% [5] - The report highlights the potential for capacity expansion in the mining sector and the stability of profitability from titanium concentrate and titanium dioxide [5] Financial Performance Summary - In 2024, the company produced 1.2955 million tons of titanium dioxide, an increase of 8.74% year-on-year, and sold 1.2545 million tons, an increase of 8.25% year-on-year [5] - The average prices for titanium concentrate, titanium dioxide, and sponge titanium in 2024 were 2,181 yuan/ton, 15,572 yuan/ton, and 48,200 yuan/ton, respectively [5] - The company’s net profit forecasts for 2025-2027 are 3.52 billion yuan, 4.69 billion yuan, and 5.29 billion yuan, respectively, with corresponding EPS of 1.48 yuan, 1.96 yuan, and 2.21 yuan [5][6] Market Position and Strategy - The company is expanding its overseas market share and establishing overseas production bases to achieve a full-process internationalization from raw materials to sales [5] - Longbai Group is focusing on two key mining projects: the joint development of the Hongge North Mining Area and the development of the Xujia Gou Iron Mine, which are expected to sustain growth in mining capacity [5]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Buy" and is maintained [8]. Core Views - The company reported a total revenue of 27.54 billion yuan for 2024, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 2.8%. However, the net profit attributable to shareholders decreased by 32.8% to 2.17 billion yuan, with the net profit excluding non-recurring items also down by 32.8% to 2.10 billion yuan [6][10]. - In Q1 2025, the company achieved a revenue of 7.06 billion yuan, a year-on-year decline of 3.2% but a quarter-on-quarter increase of 6.1%. The net profit attributable to shareholders was 690 million yuan, down 27.9% year-on-year but recovering from a negative quarter-on-quarter result [6][10]. - The company plans to distribute a cash dividend of 5 yuan per 10 shares to all shareholders, totaling 1.19 billion yuan. Additionally, the chairman proposed a share buyback plan with a total fund of no less than 300 million yuan and no more than 500 million yuan for employee stock ownership plans or equity incentives [6][10]. Financial Performance - The company’s titanium dioxide sales reached 1.2545 million tons in 2024, an increase of 8.25% year-on-year, while sponge titanium sales rose by 42.57% to 66,900 tons. However, iron ore sales fell by 30.80% to 3.0022 million tons [10]. - The company is expected to achieve net profits of 2.48 billion yuan, 3.38 billion yuan, and 4.08 billion yuan for the years 2025, 2026, and 2027, respectively [10]. Market Strategy - The company is actively pursuing an overseas expansion strategy, adjusting its export focus towards emerging markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asia due to anti-dumping investigations affecting its international market space [10]. - The company aims to enhance its competitive strength by increasing its capital investment in its wholly-owned subsidiary, thereby supporting its external investments and business expansion [10]. Industry Outlook - The titanium dioxide industry is currently experiencing an imbalance in supply and demand, with prices showing slight fluctuations. However, the company anticipates a recovery in profitability due to increasing demand in sectors such as aerospace and medical [10].

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Outperform the Market" [6][4][31] Core Views - The company is expected to see a decline in net profit for 2024, with a forecasted revenue of 27.51 billion yuan (up 2.8% year-on-year) and a net profit of 2.17 billion yuan (down 32.8% year-on-year). However, in the first quarter of 2025, the company is projected to turn a profit with a net profit of 690 million yuan (down 27.9% year-on-year, but up from a loss) [10][4] - The titanium dioxide market is experiencing increased supply, with domestic production expected to reach 4.67 million tons in 2024 (up 17% year-on-year). The average price for titanium dioxide is forecasted to decline, with an average of 15,526 yuan per ton in 2024 (down 2% year-on-year) [2][19] - The company is actively developing key projects to expand titanium concentrate production capacity, which is expected to support future growth despite current market pressures [3][20] Summary by Sections Financial Performance - In 2024, the company is projected to have a revenue of 27.51 billion yuan and a net profit of 2.17 billion yuan, with a significant drop in net profit attributed to lower iron concentrate prices and underperformance in the new energy sector [10][4] - The first quarter of 2025 shows a revenue of 7.05 billion yuan (down 3.2% year-on-year, up 6.1% quarter-on-quarter) and a net profit of 690 million yuan (down 27.9% year-on-year, but turning profitable quarter-on-quarter) [10][4] Market Dynamics - The company’s titanium dioxide sales volume is expected to grow to 1.2545 million tons in 2024 (up 8% year-on-year), with international sales accounting for 57% of total sales [2][19] - The average price of titanium concentrate is projected to be 2,180 yuan per ton in 2024 (up 3% year-on-year), while iron ore prices are expected to decline [3][20] Investment Recommendations - The company maintains a strong position in the titanium dioxide industry, with an increasing self-sufficiency rate in titanium concentrate. However, increased competition and weak demand in some regions due to macroeconomic factors have led to a downward revision of net profit forecasts for 2025-2026 [4][31] - The revised net profit forecasts for 2025 and 2026 are 3.006 billion yuan and 3.894 billion yuan, respectively, with corresponding EPS of 1.26 yuan and 1.63 yuan [4][31]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Buy" [6] Core Views - The company demonstrates strong resilience as a market leader, with significant dividends reflecting management confidence [1] - The integrated advantages in the titanium dioxide sector support good profitability, although margins in iron and titanium products remain under pressure [2] - The industry landscape for titanium dioxide is expected to improve, with dividends and share buybacks showcasing the company's confidence [3] - Profit forecasts have been adjusted downward due to ongoing pressures in downstream demand, with expected net profits for 2025-2027 revised to 2.9 billion, 3.7 billion, and 4.2 billion RMB respectively [4] Summary by Sections Financial Performance - In 2024, the company achieved revenue of 27.51 billion RMB, a year-on-year increase of 2.8%, while net profit attributable to shareholders was 2.17 billion RMB, down 33% year-on-year [1] - The company reported a revenue of 7.05 billion RMB in Q1 2025, a decrease of 3% year-on-year, with a net profit of 690 million RMB, down 28% year-on-year [1][2] Product Performance - Titanium dioxide sales increased by 8.3% to 1.254 million tons in 2024, with revenue rising by 6.8% to 18.98 billion RMB, despite a 1.3% decrease in average price [2] - The company's gross margin for titanium dioxide improved by 2.8 percentage points to 31.4% due to integrated raw material advantages [2] Market Outlook - The price of titanium dioxide has seen slight increases, with the sulfuric acid method priced at 14,800 RMB/ton and the chloride method at 18,100 RMB/ton as of April 18 [3] - The company is expanding its integrated raw material advantages through ongoing development projects, which are expected to maintain a low-cost competitive edge in the medium to long term [3] Valuation and Estimates - The target price for the company is set at 19.20 RMB, based on a 16x PE ratio for 2025, reflecting a strong market position despite downward adjustments in profit forecasts [4][6] - The company’s estimated EPS for 2025 is projected at 1.20 RMB, with a downward revision from previous estimates [4][5]