Snowsky Salt(SH:600929) Xin Lang Cai Jing·2025-12-03 10:30Core Viewpoint - The acquisition of a 41% stake in Hunan Meter New Materials Technology Co., Ltd. by Xue Tian Salt Industry for approximately 261 million yuan raises concerns due to the company's declining performance and the target company's unstable financial results [1][3]. Group 1: Xue Tian Salt Industry's Performance - Xue Tian Salt Industry is facing significant performance challenges, with a net profit of 304 million yuan in 2024, representing a 57.13% year-on-year decline [1]. - The company's gross profit margin decreased from 29.85% in 2021 to 26.61% in 2024, while operating profit margin fell from 10.52% to 7.04%, and net profit margin dropped from 8.40% to 5.64% during the same period [1]. - Total operating revenue for 2024 was 5.392 billion yuan, down 13.90% year-on-year, indicating a lack of growth in core business [1]. Group 2: Acquisition Details - The acquisition price for the 41% stake in Meter New Materials will be 261 million yuan, increasing Xue Tian Salt Industry's ownership from 20% to 61% [1]. - Meter New Materials specializes in the production and sales of lithium cobalt oxide, with a designed capacity of 7,500 tons and a certified capacity of 5,500 tons [2]. Group 3: Meter New Materials' Performance - Meter New Materials reported a net loss of 2.6413 million yuan in 2024, but this figure surged to 35.607 million yuan in the first three quarters of 2025, indicating significant volatility in performance [3]. - The company's sodium battery cathode material business is still in the research and development stage and has not yet achieved large-scale production, which limits immediate growth prospects [3]. Group 4: Market and Industry Risks - The acquisition exposes Xue Tian Salt Industry to multiple risks, as Meter New Materials' products are limited to the consumer electronics sector and do not target the rapidly growing electric vehicle market [4]. - The lithium battery industry is experiencing cyclical adjustments, with significant fluctuations in raw material prices and increasing competition, which could impact future performance [4]. - The demand for lithium cobalt oxide is closely tied to the consumer electronics market, which is currently facing a slowdown, raising concerns about growth potential [4].