Core Viewpoint - The company Xingyuan Material, a leading lithium battery separator manufacturer, is planning to go public in Hong Kong to raise funds for overseas expansion, particularly in Malaysia and the United States, while also establishing a research and development center in Singapore [2][3]. Company Overview - Xingyuan Material specializes in lithium battery separators, which are crucial components that prevent physical contact between electrodes and facilitate ion conduction [2]. - The company claims to be one of the few suppliers to all of the world's top ten lithium-ion battery manufacturers, with a projected global market share of 14.4% in 2024, ranking second in the market [2]. Financial Performance - Despite revenue growth, the company's profitability has been declining, with a projected revenue of 3.541 billion yuan in 2024, up 17.52% year-on-year, but a net profit of 364 million yuan, down 36.87% [4]. - The gross profit margin has decreased from 44.8% in 2022 to a projected 28.1% in 2024, with a further drop to 23.6% in the first quarter of this year, attributed to increased market competition and declining average selling prices [3][4]. Market Dynamics - The company aims to expand its overseas production capacity due to a perceived supply-demand gap in the global market for battery separators, driven by the increasing adoption of electric vehicles [3]. - The competitive landscape in the separator industry is expected to intensify, which has already impacted the company's performance [3]. Industry Trends - The trend of "southbound" financing in the lithium battery sector is notable, with eight companies having submitted IPO applications to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange this year, including Xingyuan Material [4][5].