Summary of Dekang Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Dekang Agriculture and Animal Husbandry - **Industry**: Pig Farming Key Points and Arguments Business Model and Strategy - Dekang has established a low-investment, high-turnover, and high-return farming system by transforming industry challenges into advantages, achieving a pig farming profit of approximately 403 RMB per head in 2024, with ROE and ROIC at 38% and 29% respectively, significantly outperforming peers [2][3] - The company has adopted a "No. 2 Farm" model, which is a light-asset, low-cost, and high-efficiency cooperative farming approach that reduces capital expenditure and enhances production efficiency [2][12] Financial Performance - In 2024, Dekang's total breeding cost is projected to be 13.6 RMB per kilogram, with a slaughter volume increasing from 1.37 million heads in 2020 to 8.78 million heads in 2024, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 44%, far exceeding the industry average of 0.2% [2][5] - The company has maintained a research and development expense ratio of approximately 1.2% from 2018 to 2024, indicating a strong commitment to breeding innovation [4][10] Breeding and Technology - Since 2013, Dekang has built a core breeding group, introducing advanced breeding technologies and equipment, resulting in a breeding capacity that supports over 30 million piglets [2][6] - The company has achieved significant improvements in breeding efficiency, with a notable reduction in feed-to-meat ratios and earlier market readiness for pigs, enhancing profitability [10] Talent Management and Incentives - Dekang emphasizes talent incentives, with an average salary of 149,000 RMB per employee in 2024, higher than the industry average of 123,000 RMB, and an executive average salary of 810,000 RMB, also above the industry average [7] Future Development Directions - The company plans to continue promoting its light-asset model and enhance its epidemic prevention systems while advancing AI precision farming technologies [8] - Dekang aims to maintain its leading position in biotechnology through ongoing investments in breeding research and development [9] Market Position and Competitive Advantages - Dekang has been recognized for its effective epidemic prevention measures, being designated as a "disease-free zone" by the Ministry of Agriculture in multiple locations since 2021, which supports stable growth [13][14] - The company’s innovative farming model and strong financial performance position it well for future growth, making it a focal point for investors [14] Additional Important Insights - The "No. 2 Farm" model allows for a more efficient production process, with a focus on training and strict entry requirements for farm operators to ensure high-quality output [12] - Dekang's strategic focus on the southwestern region of China, where 7 out of 10 core pig farms are located, has contributed to its competitive edge in the market [5]

Core Insights - Dekang Agriculture has successfully transitioned from a heavy asset model to a light asset model in pig farming, becoming a leading example in China's agricultural sector [1] - The company has achieved significant growth in pig production, with a projected output of 8.78 million pigs in 2024, up from 1.37 million in 2020, showcasing its cost advantages and operational efficiency [1][2] Group 1: Business Model and Performance - Dekang's light asset model has resulted in a low investment, high turnover, and high return pig farming system, with a per-head profit of 403 RMB in 2024 [1] - The company's return on equity (ROE) and return on invested capital (ROIC) are 38% and 29% respectively, outperforming other major players in the industry [1] - The total cost of pig farming for Dekang is estimated at 13.6 RMB per kilogram in 2024, positioning it among the top tier of listed pig farming companies [1] Group 2: Management and Strategic Development - The management team has over 30 years of experience in the agricultural sector, with a focus on breeding and technology services, which has allowed the company to adapt to industry changes effectively [2] - Dekang has established a robust breeding system and team, maintaining an average R&D expense ratio of 1.2% since 2018, which is leading among listed companies [2] - The company has innovatively developed the "No. 2 Farm" model to address challenges in traditional pig farming, ensuring higher income for contract farmers even during financial pressures [2]