JINZI HAM(SZ:002515) Xin Lang Cai Jing·2025-09-25 09:47Core Viewpoint - Jinzi Ham is investing between 1 billion to 1.3 billion yuan in Zhongsheng Microelectronics, a company focused on high-speed optical module core chip development, despite its current loss status. This investment follows a recent shift in control and attempts to diversify into the semiconductor sector, raising questions about the success of this cross-industry venture given past failures in similar investments [1][2][3]. Investment Details - Jinzi Ham's subsidiary, Fujian Jinzi Semiconductor, plans to invest up to 300 million yuan in Zhongsheng Microelectronics to acquire up to 20% equity, with the first round of investment being 100 million yuan based on a pre-investment valuation of 1 billion to 1.3 billion yuan [1][2]. - Zhongsheng Microelectronics, established in 2019, specializes in the development of high-speed optical module core chips for applications in AI, cloud computing, and telecommunications, but is currently operating at a loss [2][3]. Financial Performance - Jinzi Ham's revenue for the first half of the year was 170 million yuan, a decrease of 14.73% year-on-year, with net profit dropping 25.11% to 22.92 million yuan. The company has seen a decline in revenue since 2021, with a significant drop in its core ham business [5][6]. - Zhongsheng Microelectronics reported a projected loss of 38.83 million yuan for 2024 and 20.37 million yuan for the first seven months of 2025, with revenues of only 20,490 yuan in 2024 and 51,110 yuan in the first seven months of 2025 [2][3]. Market Context - The AI sector's rapid growth has created a demand for computing power, leading to increased interest in the optical module market. However, many companies that entered the computing power rental market have not achieved expected growth, indicating a potential risk for Jinzi Ham's new investment [3][4]. - Jinzi Ham's previous investment in a cloud computing company, Yindun Cloud, ended in failure, raising concerns about the company's ability to successfully navigate cross-industry investments [3][4]. Operational Challenges - Jinzi Ham faces high inventory levels, reaching 278 million yuan, which is 1.64 times its revenue, alongside negative cash flow from operating activities, marking the first negative cash flow since 2021 [6]. - The company is also experiencing underutilization of production capacity, particularly in its specialty meat products, which could lead to significant challenges in managing new production capacities [7].