Angel Yeast（600298）：2Q24 Earnings Beat； Operating Performance Improved Qoq

Investment Rating - The investment rating for Angel Yeast is maintained as BUY with a target price of RMB 38.39, indicating a potential upside of 24% from the closing price of RMB 30.87 as of August 12, 2024 [8][9]. Core Insights - Angel Yeast reported 2Q24 earnings that exceeded expectations, with revenue and net profit showing significant year-on-year growth of 11.3% and 17.3% respectively. The company is expected to resume growth momentum due to increased demand in its main business and improved overseas performance [3][4]. - The gross profit margin (GPM) for 2Q24 rose by 0.3 percentage points year-on-year to 23.9%, attributed to faster revenue growth from high-margin products and declining molasses prices, which are expected to reduce cost pressures [5][6]. - The company has revised its earnings forecasts upward, projecting EPS of RMB 1.60, RMB 1.80, and RMB 2.07 for 2024, 2025, and 2026 respectively, reflecting a positive outlook on domestic demand recovery and overseas market expansion [5][6]. Revenue and Profit Performance - For 1H24, Angel Yeast's revenue reached RMB 7,180 million, with attributable net profit of RMB 690 million, marking a year-on-year increase of 6.9% and 3.2% respectively. The overseas revenue grew by 17.9% year-on-year, while domestic revenue saw a modest increase of 0.9% [3][4]. - The performance of various product segments showed mixed results, with yeast and deep processing products increasing by 8.8% year-on-year, while sugar and packaging segments experienced declines of 26.5% and 12.8% respectively [4]. Financial Projections - The financial outlook for Angel Yeast includes projected revenues of RMB 14,969 million, RMB 16,629 million, and RMB 18,364 million for 2024, 2025, and 2026 respectively, indicating a steady growth trajectory [7][13]. - The company’s net profit is expected to reach RMB 1,390 million, RMB 1,565 million, and RMB 1,799 million for the same years, reflecting a positive growth trend [7][13].