ENERGY TECHNOLOGY(SZ:002812) 2 1 Shi Ji Jing Ji Bao Dao·2025-12-27 01:20Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rise and fall of Enjie Co., Ltd., a key player in the lithium battery separator market, highlighting the company's strategic decisions, market dynamics, and the impact of recent industry downturns on its financial performance and the wealth of its founders. Company Overview - Enjie Co., Ltd. specializes in lithium battery separators, crucial for battery safety and energy density, with a focus on reducing the thickness of these separators to enhance performance [1][7]. - The company was founded by Paul Xiaoming Lee and his brother Li Xiaohua, who returned to China after studying polymer materials in the U.S. [6][7]. Market Performance - As of December 26, Enjie Co., Ltd. reached a stock price of 56.71 yuan per share, with a year-to-date increase of over 70%, resulting in a market capitalization of 557 billion yuan [1]. - However, the stock price has dropped significantly from its peak, losing 80% of its value and over 250 billion yuan in market capitalization [4]. Financial Growth and Challenges - Enjie Co., Ltd. experienced rapid growth from 2016 to 2021, with revenue soaring from less than 1.2 billion yuan to 8 billion yuan and net profit increasing from 1.7 billion yuan to over 2.7 billion yuan [9]. - The company set an ambitious target of reaching a separator production capacity of 15 billion square meters by 2025, despite the global production being only 7.6 billion square meters at that time [10]. Industry Downturn - The lithium battery industry faced a downturn in 2023, with lithium carbonate prices plummeting from 500,000 yuan per ton to 100,000 yuan, leading to reduced demand and price cuts for separators [10]. - Enjie Co., Ltd. reported a 119.46% year-on-year decline in net profit in the first half of 2025, marking its first loss since its listing [11]. Debt and Cash Flow Issues - The company has significant construction projects totaling 3.32 billion yuan, with high fixed asset depreciation becoming a burden amid low industry operating rates [11]. - Accounts receivable reached 5.25 billion yuan, representing 51.67% of 2024 revenue, with extended turnover days indicating cash flow pressures [11]. Wealth Impact on Founders - The wealth of the Lee family has drastically decreased, with their net worth dropping from 72.5 billion yuan in 2021 to 10 billion yuan in 2025, reflecting a loss of 62.5 billion yuan [12][13]. Capital Operations and Strategic Moves - Between 2020 and 2022, the Lee family engaged in significant share sell-offs, totaling 3.517 billion yuan, during a period of high stock prices [15]. - In 2025, the Lee family committed to repurchasing shares, acquiring 42.77% of the company at a significantly lower price than their previous sell-off [16]. Future Strategies - Enjie Co., Ltd. is focusing on global expansion, with plans for production bases in Hungary, the U.S., and Malaysia, alongside a commitment to technological innovation [17]. - The company announced plans to acquire a manufacturer of separator equipment, aiming to strengthen its technological capabilities and market position [17]. Market Recovery Signs - In late 2025, there are indications of a recovery in lithium battery demand, with separator prices beginning to rebound, and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology discussing measures to stabilize the industry [18].