Core Viewpoint - Black Sesame is likely to be taken over by a state-owned enterprise, which may lead to a change in control and is expected to positively impact the company's internal control, funding, business, and market expansion [1][4]. Group 1: Company Background - Founded in 1984, Black Sesame is a large private enterprise group focused on the black sesame industry, including research, production, and sales of health products [3]. - Black Sesame was listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in 1997 and is recognized as the first stock in China's black sesame industry [3]. - The largest shareholder, Guangxi Black Five Categories Food Group, currently holds a 30.25% stake in Black Sesame [3]. Group 2: Financial Performance - Black Sesame's revenue has declined for four consecutive years, with figures of 40.25 billion, 30.16 billion, 26.77 billion, and 24.65 billion from 2021 to 2024 [5]. - The company reported net profits of -1.09 million, -1.4 million, 4300 million, and 7800 million during the same period [5]. - In Q1 2025, revenue was 4.42 billion, a year-on-year decrease of 3.74%, with a net profit of 225 million, down 29.61% year-on-year [5]. Group 3: Challenges and Strategic Shifts - Black Sesame's core product, sesame paste, has seen a significant drop in sales, from 900.67 million units in 2015 to 562.68 million units in 2020 [5]. - The company has attempted multiple cross-industry ventures, including a 2.56 billion acquisition of a logistics park and a 7 billion acquisition of an e-commerce platform, both of which were later divested due to misalignment with core business [6]. - In 2023, Black Sesame announced a 35 billion investment in a battery storage project, which was subsequently paused due to market conditions [6]. - The company has decided to refocus on its core business, emphasizing health food products and the black sesame strategy [6]. Group 4: Potential Benefits from State-Owned Enterprise Involvement - The entry of a state-owned enterprise could enhance Black Sesame's financial strength, resource integration, and governance, addressing existing internal control issues [4][7]. - The state-owned enterprise may leverage its advantages in the cultural tourism and health sectors to promote product upgrades and market expansion for Black Sesame [7].