Lier Chemical (SZ:002258) Bank of China Securities·2025-09-23 07:09Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the company [1][5] Core Views - The company has shown significant improvement in its performance for the first half of 2025, with total revenue reaching RMB 4.507 billion, a year-on-year increase of 35.36%, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of RMB 270.55 million, up 191.21% year-on-year [3][9] - The report highlights the company's competitive edge in the chlorinated pyridine herbicide sector, supported by scale effects and technological advantages, which are expected to bolster future growth [3][5] Financial Performance Summary - For the first half of 2025, the company reported total revenue of RMB 4,506.89 million, a 35.36% increase from RMB 3,329.53 million in the same period of 2024 [9] - The gross profit margin improved to 18.53%, up 1.43 percentage points year-on-year, with a notable increase in revenue from the pesticide raw materials segment, which grew by 62.67% to RMB 2,757 million [8][9] - The company plans to distribute a cash dividend of RMB 2 per 10 shares, reflecting a payout ratio of 59.17% for the first half of 2025 [3] Earnings Forecast - The earnings per share (EPS) estimates for 2025, 2026, and 2027 are projected to be RMB 0.56, RMB 0.70, and RMB 0.87, respectively, with corresponding price-to-earnings (PE) ratios of 21.7x, 17.4x, and 14.0x [5][7] - The report indicates an upward revision in profit forecasts due to the recovery in prices of certain products, with expected revenue growth rates of 10.8%, 11.0%, and 10.2% for the years 2025 to 2027 [7][16] Market Position and Competitive Landscape - The company is positioned as a leading player in the chlorinated pyridine herbicide industry, benefiting from a recovery in prices of certain products and an increase in sales volume [5][8] - The report emphasizes the company's extensive production capabilities across multiple locations, making it a significant producer of herbicides in China [8][9]