HTSC·2025-11-17 10:32Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company has been upgraded to "Buy" with a target price of RMB 7.60 / HKD 6.26 [7][5] Core Views - The report highlights a significant increase in sulfur prices due to supply-demand imbalances, with prices rising by 152% to RMB 3930 per ton as of November 14, 2025. This trend is expected to benefit the refining sector of the company [1][4] - The report anticipates an 8.6% year-on-year growth in sulfur consumption in China for 2024, driven by demand from various sectors including lithium batteries and new materials [1][2] - The company is positioned as the largest sulfur supplier in China with an annual production capacity of 8.88 million tons, which is expected to enhance its profitability amid rising sulfur prices [4][5] Summary by Sections Supply and Demand Dynamics - Global sulfur supply is facing constraints due to peak crude oil processing in China and reduced overseas supply, while demand is steadily increasing from sectors such as phosphate fertilizers and new materials [1][2] - In the first nine months of 2025, China's apparent sulfur consumption reached 16.75 million tons, a 6.1% increase year-on-year, with imports accounting for 47% of the total [2] Refining Sector Insights - The refining sector's growth is being challenged by structural changes in natural gas supply and a decline in independent refinery operations, leading to limited growth in sulfur production from crude oil [3] - The report notes that geopolitical factors, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, have tightened international sulfur supply due to reduced refinery operations and export bans [3] Financial Projections and Valuation - The company is expected to report a net profit of RMB 36.8 billion for 2025, with upward revisions for 2026 and 2027 net profit forecasts to RMB 46.3 billion and RMB 54.6 billion, respectively [5][11] - The report provides a valuation based on a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 20.0x for A-shares and 15.0x for H-shares for 2026, reflecting the company's integrated advantages and transformation into new materials and non-oil businesses [5][12]