Xin Lang Cai Jing·2025-04-29 09:03Core Viewpoint - The performance of major rare earth companies in China has significantly declined in the past year, with only Xiamen Tungsten achieving profit growth while others faced substantial losses [1][2]. Company Performance - Among the five leading rare earth companies, only Xiamen Tungsten reported a net profit increase of 7.88%, reaching 1.728 billion yuan, despite a revenue decrease of 10.66% to 35.196 billion yuan [2][10]. - Northern Rare Earth's net profit fell by 57.64% to 1.004 billion yuan, with revenue declining by 1.58% to 32.966 billion yuan [2][10]. - Shenghe Resources experienced a net profit drop of 37.73% to 207 million yuan, with revenue down 36.39% to 11.371 billion yuan [2][10]. - China Rare Earth and Guangsheng Nonferrous both reported losses of 287 million yuan and 299 million yuan, respectively, marking their first losses in three years [1][2]. Market Conditions - The overall rare earth market faced a downward price trend, impacting company revenues and profits. For instance, the average price of praseodymium-neodymium oxide fell by 26.09% to 393,100 yuan per ton [4][6]. - Supply exceeded demand in the rare earth market, with domestic production capacity increasing and inventory levels rising significantly [6][7]. - The total control indicators for rare earth mining and separation increased, with mining indicators rising by 5.9% to 270,000 tons and separation indicators by 4.2% to 254,000 tons [6][7]. Cash Flow and Inventory Issues - Cash flow for major rare earth companies deteriorated, with China Rare Earth's operating cash flow turning negative at -594 million yuan, a 271.65% decline [8][10]. - Northern Rare Earth's cash flow decreased by 57.76% to 1.026 billion yuan, while Guangsheng Nonferrous reported negative cash flow for three consecutive years [10]. - Inventory levels surged, with Northern Rare Earth's rare earth salt and metal inventories increasing by 18.3% and 78.12%, respectively, totaling 165,000 tons [7][10]. Policy and Future Outlook - The Chinese government has increased support for the rare earth industry, with new regulations set to take effect in October 2024, aimed at ensuring orderly development [13]. - The introduction of export controls on certain rare earth elements is expected to tighten supply and potentially increase prices in overseas markets [13]. - Early 2024 showed signs of recovery in the rare earth industry, with companies like China Rare Earth and Guangsheng Nonferrous projecting profits for the first quarter [12].