LB Group(002601) 中原证券·2024-11-01 08:40Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the company, with a target price of 19.21 yuan, implying a potential upside based on the current market conditions [2][6] Core Views - The company achieved a 2.98% YoY increase in revenue to 208.66 billion yuan and a 19.68% YoY increase in net profit to 25.64 billion yuan in the first three quarters of 2024 [2] - Despite a challenging market environment, the company managed to grow its revenue and profit through market expansion and optimized sales strategies [3] - The company's integrated industrial chain and cost advantages have strengthened its competitiveness, particularly in the face of high raw material prices [4][6] Financial Performance - The company's gross margin improved by 0.41 percentage points YoY to 26.95% in the first three quarters of 2024, while the net margin increased by 1.26 percentage points to 12.25% [4] - In Q3 2024, the company's revenue grew by 0.87% YoY and 8.78% QoQ to 70.74 billion yuan, while net profit declined by 4.29% YoY but increased by 9.33% QoQ to 8.42 billion yuan [3] - The company's EPS for the first three quarters of 2024 was 1.08 yuan, and it announced a dividend plan of 3.00 yuan per 10 shares [2] Industry Outlook - The titanium dioxide industry is expected to benefit from macroeconomic recovery and supportive government policies, which could drive future demand growth [4] - The company's technological innovation, cost reduction, and product optimization strategies are expected to enhance its market competitiveness and share [4] Integrated Industrial Chain - The company has been actively expanding its upstream resources, including acquiring titanium-related assets, which has improved its self-sufficiency in raw materials and reduced costs [6] - In 2024, the company produced 1.0456 million tons of titanium concentrate, a 73% YoY increase, all of which was used internally [6] - The company has signed a strategic cooperation agreement to develop the Hongge South Mine, which is expected to further enhance its resource security and cost advantages [6] Valuation and Forecast - The company's EPS for 2024 and 2025 is forecasted to be 1.47 yuan and 1.64 yuan, respectively, with a PE ratio of 13.06x and 11.70x based on the closing price of 19.21 yuan on October 30, 2024 [6] - The report highlights the company's strong industry position and growth prospects, supporting the "Buy" rating [6]