Layn(SZ:002166) Tianfeng Securities·2025-05-28 00:30Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Buy" with a target price not specified [7] Core Viewpoints - The company is leveraging synthetic biology to enhance the production of plant extracts, addressing key technological challenges in scaling natural product production [1] - The dual technology strategy of "natural extraction + biosynthesis" has been elevated to a strategic goal, with significant progress in the biosynthesis of natural sweeteners and polysaccharides [2] - The company has achieved breakthroughs in natural sweeteners and functional polysaccharides, including the mass production capability of steviol glycosides and the full synthetic pathway for monk fruit sweetener [3][4] Summary by Sections Industry Overview - The plant extract industry in China entered a quality improvement phase in 2021, with technological innovations driving development [1] Company Developments - Since 2016, the company has collaborated with research institutions to develop biosynthesis technologies for natural sweeteners, resulting in the establishment of two R&D platforms [2] - The company has obtained 8 patents in synthetic biology and has a production capacity of over 1,000 tons annually, with an expected annual output value exceeding 1 billion yuan [2] Product Progress - The company has developed a high-value steviol glycoside, Reb M2, which is set to receive FDA GRAS certification by February 2025, allowing it to be marketed in the US [3] - The company is the first to achieve a fully synthetic pathway for monk fruit sweetener, addressing the limitations of natural sourcing [3] - A new functional polysaccharide, L-β-glucan, has been developed with various health benefits and is expected to receive FDA GRAS certification by 2025 [4] Financial Forecast & Investment Recommendations - The company has adjusted its revenue forecasts for 2025-2027 to 2.08 billion, 2.48 billion, and 2.99 billion yuan respectively, with net profits of 212.53 million, 288.09 million, and 395.93 million yuan [5] - The company is expected to maintain strong growth in the plant extraction and synthetic biology sectors, justifying the "Buy" rating [5]