HUAYOU COBALT(SH:603799) EBSCN·2026-01-06 12:01Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the company, indicating an expected investment return exceeding the market benchmark by more than 15% over the next 6-12 months [5][17]. Core Views - The company is expected to achieve a net profit attributable to shareholders of 5.85-6.45 billion yuan in 2025, representing a year-on-year growth of 40.8%-55.2% [1]. - The fourth quarter of 2025 is projected to see a net profit of 1.63-2.23 billion yuan, with a median estimate of 1.93 billion yuan, reflecting a quarter-on-quarter increase of 28% and a year-on-year increase of 70% [1][2]. - The growth in performance is attributed to the production ramp-up of the nickel project in Indonesia, recovery in downstream material business, and rising prices of cobalt and lithium [2]. Summary by Relevant Sections Performance - The company’s growth is driven by the successful ramp-up of nickel production from the Indonesian Huafei project and stable high production from the Huayue project [2]. - The average price of MB cobalt in Q4 2025 is expected to be 23 USD per pound, up 45% quarter-on-quarter, while the average domestic price of lithium carbonate is projected at 88,000 yuan per ton, up 21% quarter-on-quarter [2]. Projects - The Pomalaa project, with a capacity of 120,000 tons of metal nickel, has commenced construction, and the lithium sulfate project is expected to further reduce costs [2]. - The company is also advancing preparations for the Sorowako project, which aims for a production capacity of 60,000 tons of nickel [2]. Industry Outlook - The Congo (DRC) cobalt export quota has been implemented, suggesting a potential supply shortage in the global cobalt market from 2025 to 2027, which may keep cobalt prices elevated [3]. - The report forecasts that the average prices for cobalt and lithium in 2025 will contribute significantly to the company's performance in 2026 and 2027 [3]. Profit Forecast and Valuation - The projected net profits for 2025, 2026, and 2027 are 6.19 billion, 9.48 billion, and 11.99 billion yuan respectively, with year-on-year growth rates of 49%, 53%, and 26% [3]. - The current price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios are 21, 14, and 11 for the years 2025, 2026, and 2027 respectively, indicating a favorable valuation [3].