SHANGFENG CEMENT(SZ:000672) Hua Xia Shi Bao·2025-05-11 08:33Core Viewpoint - Gansu Shafeng Cement Co., Ltd. reported a decline in net profit for 2024, but it continues to maintain a high dividend payout, raising concerns about its sustainability [2][10]. Financial Performance - In 2024, Shafeng Cement's revenue was 5.448 billion yuan, a decrease of 14.83% year-on-year, with a net profit of 627 million yuan, down 15.70% [4][5]. - The company experienced a significant net profit increase of over 400% in the first quarter of 2024, attributed to a recovery in the cement industry and a decrease in manufacturing costs [5][6]. - The average selling price of cement in the first quarter of 2024 was 397 yuan per ton, up 9.3% from the previous year [5]. Investment and Financial Strategy - Shafeng Cement has been actively engaging in investment and financial activities, with a net cash outflow of 1.475 billion yuan from investment activities in 2024, an increase of 82.7% year-on-year [7][8]. - The company plans to invest up to 3 billion yuan in new economic equity investments and up to 10 billion yuan in low-risk entrusted financial management [8]. - In 2024, the profit contribution from the cement clinker main business was approximately 55%, while the contributions from extended industry and investment wings were each around 22% [7]. Research and Development - The company's R&D expenditure decreased by 14.73% in 2024, amounting to approximately 125.9 million yuan compared to 147.6 million yuan in 2023 [10]. - Analysts have expressed concerns that excessive focus on investment and dividends may lead to neglect of core business areas that drive long-term growth [3][10]. Dividend Policy - Shafeng Cement announced a high dividend payout of 6.3 yuan per 10 shares, totaling 601 million yuan, which represents 95.73% of its net profit for 2024 [9][10]. - The company has a history of consistent dividend payments since its listing in 2013, with a total of 14 cash distributions amounting to 3.95 billion yuan [10].