STL(SZ:002648) HTSC·2025-10-27 06:58Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is maintained at "Buy" with a target price of RMB 20.20 [1][4]. Core Views - The company's Q3 performance showed a slight revenue decline but overall operational improvement is expected due to the recovery of raw material supply and the competitive advantage of light hydrocarbon routes [2][3]. - The company reported Q3 revenue of RMB 11.31 billion, a year-on-year decrease of 12.15% but a quarter-on-quarter increase of 1.61%. The net profit attributable to the parent company was RMB 1.01 billion, down 38.21% year-on-year and 13.95% quarter-on-quarter [1][2]. - The overall industry remains under pressure, but improvements in supply and demand dynamics are anticipated to gradually enhance industry conditions [3]. Summary by Sections Financial Performance - In the first three quarters of 2025, the company achieved revenue of RMB 34.77 billion, a year-on-year increase of 7.73%, and a net profit of RMB 3.76 billion, up 1.69% year-on-year [1][2]. - The company's gross margin in Q3 was 21%, reflecting a quarter-on-quarter increase of 1.7% due to the recovery of raw material supply [2]. Industry Outlook - The ethylene-ethane and propylene-propane price spreads decreased by 10% and 5% respectively in Q3, indicating ongoing industry pressure [3]. - The company is actively advancing several projects, including a high-performance catalyst new material project with a total investment of approximately RMB 3 billion [3]. Earnings Forecast and Valuation - The earnings forecast for 2025-2027 has been adjusted to RMB 5.06 billion, RMB 6.81 billion, and RMB 8.29 billion respectively, reflecting a year-on-year growth rate of -17%, +35%, and +22% [4]. - The target price of RMB 20.20 corresponds to a 10x PE for 2026, considering the company's high dependence on raw material imports from the US [4].