Core Viewpoint - Lier Chemical's 2024 annual performance shows a significant decline in revenue and profit, indicating ongoing challenges in the pesticide industry due to intense competition and market conditions [1][2]. Financial Performance - Revenue for 2024 was 7.311 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 6.87% - Profit was 215 million yuan, down 64.34% year-on-year, marking the lowest profit level since 2017 - Gross margin was 16.06%, compared to 23.34% in the previous year [1]. Market Conditions - The pesticide industry has not shown significant recovery in 2024, with continued intense competition and most pesticide product prices remaining at low levels - Market inventory is gradually returning to normal, but overall supply exceeds demand, impacting industry development [1]. - The price for glyphosate raw materials is reported at 47,000 yuan/ton, while refined glyphosate raw materials are priced at 72,000 yuan/ton [1]. International Sales - International sales revenue for 2024 was 3.437 billion yuan, accounting for 47.01% of total revenue - This represents a decline from 6.158 billion yuan (60.76% of total revenue) in 2022 and 3.958 billion yuan (50.42% of total revenue) in 2023 [2]. Shareholder Information - The company plans to implement a profit distribution plan of "10 for 2 yuan (including tax)" for a total dividend of 160 million yuan - Shanghai Yuanhong Investment Management Co., Ltd. has become the seventh largest shareholder with 5.3327 million shares, valued at approximately 49.11 million yuan [3]. Future Outlook - The company anticipates significant adjustments in the supply structure of the industry, with opportunities arising from supply contraction and the introduction of new products - The global pesticide market is expected to show steady growth due to increasing food demand driven by population growth and the rapid development of genetically modified crops [3].

Group 1 - China Telecom reported a net profit of 33.01 billion yuan for 2024, an increase of 8.4% year-on-year, with total revenue of 523.57 billion yuan, up 3.1% [1] - Minfeng Special Paper achieved a net profit of 72 million yuan, a year-on-year increase of 54.09%, despite a revenue decline of 9.82% to 1.46 billion yuan [2] - Kuaiji Elevator's net profit decreased by 8.46% to 132 million yuan, with total revenue falling by 4.93% to 1.58 billion yuan [3] Group 2 - Zhongjian Technology reported a net profit of 356 million yuan, up 23.16% year-on-year, with total revenue of 812 million yuan, an increase of 45.39% [4] - China Communication Technology announced the resignation of Vice President Zhao Xiaodong due to work changes [6] - Honghua Digital received a warning letter from the Zhejiang Securities Regulatory Bureau for failing to disclose the use of idle raised funds in a timely manner [8] Group 3 - Huazhong Shuanghe received a drug registration certificate for Gadobutrol injection, applicable for MRI examinations [10] - Ruihe Co. reported overdue loans totaling 15.2 million yuan due to slow accounts receivable turnover caused by a major client's debt crisis [12] - Lubo Chemical received a dividend of 76.5 million yuan from its subsidiary [13] Group 4 - Sihai Visual plans to use up to 500 million yuan of idle funds to purchase low-risk, short-term financial products [14] - Binjiang Group won the land use rights for two plots at a total price of 7.742 billion yuan [16] - Canan Co. received a utility model patent certificate for a needle sheath feeding mechanism [18] Group 5 - David Medical's subsidiary's medical device registration application was accepted by the Zhejiang Provincial Drug Administration [20] - Rejing Bio obtained 30 overseas qualification certifications for various in vitro diagnostic reagents and instruments [22] - Jincheng Mining signed a contract worth approximately 21.5 million USD for infrastructure support at a Zambian mine [24] Group 6 - Baiyun Mountain's subsidiary received approval for clinical trials of a new herbal tea product [26] - Hunan Haili successfully acquired land use rights for two plots in Yongxing County [28] - Nanshan Aluminum's subsidiary was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange [30] Group 7 - Jinghua New Materials' application for a simplified procedure to issue shares was accepted by the Shanghai Stock Exchange [32] - Ningbo Construction filed a lawsuit for overdue project payments totaling 112 million yuan [34] - Tiantong Co. received a government subsidy of 47.52 million yuan [36] Group 8 - Zhongqi Co. appointed Zhang Zipeng as the new general manager [38] - Ruihu Mold reported a net profit of 350 million yuan, up 73.20% year-on-year, with total revenue of 2.424 billion yuan [40] - Mega Chip reported a net profit of 211 million yuan, a year-on-year increase of 26.30%, with total revenue of 2.139 billion yuan [42] Group 9 - Shenhuo Co. reported a net profit of 4.307 billion yuan, a decrease of 27.07% year-on-year, with total revenue of 38.373 billion yuan [44] - Feikai Materials plans to acquire 100% of JNC Suzhou and related patents for a total consideration of 3.7 billion yuan [46] - Junpu Intelligent announced that its major shareholders committed not to reduce their holdings for 12 months [48] Group 10 - Yaxing Anchor Chain confirmed that its production and operations are normal amid market interest in marine economy concepts [50] - Guangzhou Development plans to invest 5.612 billion yuan in a coal power environmental replacement project [52] - Ruihu Mold intends to issue convertible bonds to raise up to 880 million yuan for various projects [54]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the company [6] Core Views - The company's performance is under pressure due to declining pesticide prices, with a revenue decrease of 9.09% year-on-year to 10.435 billion yuan and a net profit drop of 23.19% to 1.202 billion yuan in 2024 [1][4] - The company has completed the first phase of the Yuchuang project, producing qualified products, which positions it to benefit from the anticipated recovery in the agricultural protection industry [3][4] Summary by Sections Financial Performance - In 2024, the company achieved revenue of 10.435 billion yuan, a decrease of 9.09% year-on-year, and a net profit of 1.202 billion yuan, down 23.19% year-on-year [1] - The average selling prices for raw materials and formulations fell by 16.0% and 9.4%, respectively, leading to a revenue decline in both segments [2] - The raw material business generated revenue of 6.418 billion yuan, down 13.1%, while the formulation business brought in 1.545 billion yuan, down 7.8% [2] Project Development - The Yuchuang Phase I project in Liaoning has been completed and is in the process of trial production, with several products already meeting quality standards [3] - As of the end of 2024, the company has invested 2.78 billion yuan in the Yuchuang project, accounting for 80% of the total budget [3] Market Outlook - The agricultural protection industry is currently in a low prosperity state, but there are signs of recovery as inventory levels normalize and supply-demand dynamics improve [3] - The company is expected to benefit from the overall recovery in the agricultural protection sector as it is a leading player in the domestic pesticide industry [3][4] Profit Forecast and Valuation - The profit forecasts for 2025-2027 have been adjusted downward due to the ongoing low price environment for pesticide products, with expected net profits of 1.378 billion yuan, 1.625 billion yuan, and 1.910 billion yuan for those years, respectively [4][5] - The report highlights that the company's product structure will be further enhanced with the full completion of the Yuchuang project, supporting the "Buy" rating [4]

独立董事 2024 年度述职报告 李晨 扬农化工: 独立董事2024年度述职报告（李晨） 江苏扬农化工股份有限公司 一、独立董事基本情况 （一）个人工作履历、专业背景以及兼职情况 本人李晨，为法律专业人士，在律师事务所从事律师职业多年，现为北京大 成（南京）律师事务所律师、高级合伙人、执行主任。2022 年 6 月起任扬农化工 独立董事。 （二）在扬农化工董事会专门委员会的任职情况 公司董事会下设审计委员会、薪酬与考核委员会、提名委员会和战略委员 会，我分别担任审计委员会委员、薪酬与考核委员会委员和提名委员会委员。 （三）独立性情况的说明 作为扬农化工的独立董事，我不存在《上市公司独立董事管理办法》第六条 所述情形，不存在影响独立性的情况。 二、独立董事年度履职概况 （一）出席董事会及专门委员会情况 本年应参加董 出席现场会议 以通讯方式 委托出席 缺席 事会次数 （次） 参加（次） （次） （次） 《公司章程》 （六）与中小股东沟通情况 及《董事会议事规则》的规定和要求，出席了全部董事会会议，认真审议议案， 并以严谨的态度行使表决权，充分发挥了独立董事的作用，维护了公司的整体利 益和中小股东的利益。我认为公 ...

Group 1: Financial Performance - In 2024, the company achieved a sales structure improvement contributing $53 million for the year and $17 million in Q4 [2] - The overall sales revenue for 2024 showed a year-on-year decline, but the decline in the overall plant protection market was similar, indicating no loss of market share for the company [2] - The company's EBITDA and profit margins improved year-on-year, with Q4 sales showing a 2% increase when excluding currency effects [3] Group 2: Product Development and Market Strategy - The new product introduction rate for 2023 and 2024 was 22%, with no improvement in 2024, reflecting challenges in differentiated product sales [1] - The company is committed to launching new products and enhancing its sales team's capabilities to focus on high-value products [2] - The company strategically decided to reduce focus on volatile-priced products, opting instead for value-innovative products [3] Group 3: Regional Sales Insights - North America was the only region to show year-on-year growth in agricultural business despite a shrinking market size [2] - The company maintains a cautious approach to selling bulk plant protection products, focusing on those that contribute positively to overall profitability [3] Group 4: Cost Management and Operational Efficiency - The "Advancement" plan aims to optimize financial health and reduce costs, although it has led to increased sales and management expenses due to restructuring costs [4] - The company reported a $68 million reduction in operating expenses when excluding special items related to the "Advancement" plan [4] Group 5: Market Challenges and Opportunities - The potential impact of U.S. tariffs on the supply chain is uncertain, but the company believes its diversified production locations mitigate risks [5] - The "One Certificate, One Product" policy is expected to benefit the company's formulation products, although the price outlook remains under pressure [6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2024, gross profit increased by 14% and EBITDA rose by 45% compared to the same period last year [10][11] - Full year EBITDA for 2024 was 15% higher than 2023, marking one of the few companies in the industry to show growth in EBITDA [10][11] - Sales for Q4 2024 decreased by 2% to $1.1 billion, but at constant exchange rates (CER), they increased by 2% [15] - Full year sales declined by 11% to $4.1 billion, with an 8% decrease in CER [17][19] - The company achieved a gross margin of 25.6% in 2024, up from 22.7% in 2023 [18][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a significant improvement in gross profit and EBITDA margins due to better cost management and a favorable product mix [15][19] - The sales volume remained stable, but pricing pressures led to an overall decline in sales [17][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In North America, the company saw a growth in sales despite a declining market, attributed to strategic deals with major distributors [68][69] - Latin America experienced a 4% increase in local currency sales, but an 8% decline in dollar terms due to currency impacts [22][26] - Asia Pacific saw a decline of 6-7% in sales, influenced by strategic decisions to align sales closer to the agricultural season [22][23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a "Fight Forward" transformation plan aimed at improving financial health and operational efficiency [34][36] - The strategy includes centralizing corporate functions, optimizing geographical presence, and focusing on high-value products while exiting low-profit markets [41][42][43] - The company aims to enhance its competitive position in the value innovation segment, targeting growers seeking innovation at acceptable prices [47][48] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted ongoing pressure on grower profitability and overcapacity in the market, particularly from Chinese producers [7][8] - Despite challenges, the company is optimistic about maintaining momentum into 2025, supported by improved performance metrics in Q4 2024 [75] - The management emphasized the importance of strategic decisions to walk away from low-profit products to focus on value innovation [72][73] Other Important Information - The company reduced its inventory significantly, from $2.4 billion at the end of 2022 to $1.05 billion in 2024, reflecting efficient inventory management [32] - Operating cash flow improved to $528 million, with free cash flow reaching $364 million, higher than the previous year [30][31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Recent price trends of pesticides and market demand - Management indicated that while some active ingredients have seen price increases, the majority remain at historical lows due to overproduction [60][63] Question: Stability of NPI rate and performance of differentiated products - The stable NPI rate reflects ongoing R&D investment, with improvements in sales of differentiated products noted in Q4 [64][65][66] Question: Regional sales performance and North America outlook - Management clarified that while overall sales declined, North America saw growth due to strategic partnerships, maintaining market share [68][69] Question: Impact of Bayer's potential withdrawal from glyphosate market - Management refrained from commenting on competitors but reiterated their strategic focus on high-value products [72] Question: Potential rebound in sales and profits for 2025 - Management did not provide specific guidance but expressed optimism based on Q4 performance improvements [75] Question: Effectiveness of the Fight Forward plan amid rising expenses - Management explained that increased expenses are due to one-time costs related to restructuring and transformation initiatives [76][77] Question: Future business outlook amid U.S. tariff increases - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by tariffs but emphasized the company's diversified production footprint as a mitigating factor [78][84] Question: Implementation of the one product or one registration policy in China - Management is preparing for the policy's implementation, expecting opportunities for growth through differentiated product innovation [86][87] Question: Guidance on short and mid-term targets for expense reduction - Management reiterated that they do not provide guidance but are focused on optimizing operational costs [88] Question: Status of management structure adjustments - Management confirmed that the transformation process is ongoing, with a focus on enhancing competitive strategies and KPIs [89][90]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Hesai Technology, indicating strong growth potential in the lidar market and expected revenue increases for 2025-2027 [8][12][32]. Core Insights - Hesai Technology reported a net revenue of RMB 2.077 billion (approximately USD 285 million) for 2024, marking a year-on-year growth of 10.7% and achieving a non-GAAP net profit of RMB 13.7 million, reversing a loss from the previous year [3][4]. - The company experienced a significant increase in gross margin, reaching 42.6% in 2024, up from 35.2% in 2023, primarily due to cost optimization and increased sales volume [4][5]. - Hesai's Q4 2024 performance was particularly strong, with net income of RMB 720 million (approximately USD 98.6 million), a year-on-year increase of 28.3%, and a non-GAAP net profit of RMB 170 million [4][5]. - The company anticipates a revenue of RMB 3-3.5 billion (approximately USD 411-480 million) for 2025, representing a growth of 44%-69% compared to 2024 [6][8]. Summary by Sections Hesai Technology - Hesai Technology is positioned as a leading player in the autonomous driving and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) lidar market, with a projected shipment of 1.5 million units in 2025 [8]. - The company has secured exclusive design contracts with top European OEMs, indicating strong demand for its lidar products [6][7]. - Hesai's new product line, including the JT series of 3D lidar for robotics, is expected to enhance its market presence and revenue streams [7]. Ideal Automotive - Ideal Automotive is transitioning from an electric vehicle manufacturer to an artificial intelligence company, with plans to leverage AI in its product offerings [9][10]. - The company is expected to achieve significant revenue growth, with projected net profits of RMB 13.35 billion and RMB 19.18 billion for 2025 and 2026, respectively [11]. Energy and Aluminum Sector - The report highlights the robust performance of Electric Power Energy and Shenhua Co., with both companies benefiting from rising aluminum prices and stable coal operations [12][13]. - Electric Power Energy is noted for its strong cash flow and stable profit margins, while Shenhua Co. is expected to see enhanced earnings due to its high aluminum production capacity [14][15]. Chemical Industry - Baofeng Energy reported a revenue of RMB 32.983 billion (approximately USD 4.5 billion) for 2024, driven by increased production and sales of polyethylene and polypropylene [24][26]. - The company is expanding its coal-to-olefins project in Xinjiang, which is expected to significantly boost its production capacity and market competitiveness [30][31]. Defense and Alloy Market - The report indicates that increased defense spending in China is likely to drive demand for chromium salts and high-temperature alloys, benefiting companies in the materials sector [38][39].

Core Viewpoint - The company, Fengshan Group, is focusing on three main business segments: pesticides, new energy electronic chemicals, and high-end fine chemicals. The pesticide segment is currently the primary revenue source, while the new energy segment is in a growth phase due to certification processes and product validation timelines [1]. Group 1: Pesticide Business - The recent price increase of pesticide products like chlorpyrifos and glyphosate is attributed to limited supply of upstream raw materials, particularly thionyl chloride, and production halts due to environmental compliance issues [2]. - The company has maintained stable relationships with suppliers, ensuring normal production and meeting demand despite market constraints. The capacity utilization rate is at historical highs, leading to improved profit margins due to price increases [2]. - The pesticide industry is experiencing a cyclical downturn in 2023 and 2024, with low inventory levels across the supply chain. However, as the market stabilizes, there is potential for increased purchasing activity driven by rising prices and inventory replenishment [3]. Group 2: Hubei Investment Project - The Hubei investment project focuses on producing various chlorinated compounds, which are widely used in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, dyes, and fragrances. The project has entered trial production and is already generating sales [3][4]. - The company is leveraging advanced technologies in production, such as automation and distillation, to reduce costs and enhance product competitiveness. This project is expected to significantly contribute to the company's performance [4].

Investment Rating - The report assigns an "Outperform" rating to multiple companies in the agrochemical sector, including Wanhu Chemical, Baofeng Energy, Yanhai Co., and others, while some companies like SRF and Junzheng Group are rated as "Neutral" [1]. Core Insights - Stimulus policies in both China and India are expected to benefit agricultural development, with China focusing on enhancing the supply of important agricultural products and India increasing its agricultural budget [4][24]. - Fertilizer prices in China have been rising, with significant increases noted for urea, monoammonium phosphate (MAP), potassium chloride (MOP), and compound fertilizers [5][10][11][12]. - India's horticultural crop output is projected to reach a record high of 362.09 million tons in the 2024-2025 crop year, surpassing food crop production [28]. Summary by Sections 1. China Agrochemical Sector - The 2025 Central No. 1 Document emphasizes enhancing grain supply security and promoting rural revitalization [4]. - Recent price increases for major fertilizers in China include urea at 1,844.65 yuan/ton, MAP at 3,250 yuan/ton, MOP at 3,308.33 yuan/ton, and compound fertilizers at 3,000 yuan/ton [5][10][11][12]. 2. India Agrochemical Sector - The Indian government has increased the agricultural budget for 2025-2026 to 1.27 trillion rupees, up from 1.22 trillion rupees, aiming to launch new initiatives for long-term agricultural benefits [24][41]. - The output of economic crops in India is expected to reach a record 362.09 million tons, with significant growth anticipated in the production of tomatoes, onions, and potatoes [28]. 3. Technological Advancements - AI is being utilized in agriculture for soil testing, precision irrigation, and crop yield estimation, enhancing agricultural productivity [6][21][23]. - The Indian government plans to digitize crop surveys by 2025-2026, improving data accuracy and farmer support [33].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q4 revenue was $1,220 million, below guidance, but grew 7% year-over-year, with a 9% increase excluding divested sales from the Global Specialty Solutions business [22] - Full year 2024 sales declined 5%, while EBITDA decreased 8%, but EBITDA margin remained stable at 21% [25] - For 2025, full year sales are expected to be between $4,150 million and $4,350 million, flat at the midpoint compared to the prior year, with adjusted EPS projected between $3.26 and $3.70 [27][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales from the growth portfolio accounted for over 75% of the revenue growth in Q4, with the plant health business growing 33% [22] - The company anticipates branded sales to continue growing in 2025, but overall sales of Ronaxapyr are expected to decline due to cost-plus contracts and market repositioning [13][14] - The core portfolio is expected to grow at or slightly above market rates, while the growth portfolio is projected to grow significantly above market rates [19][75] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported elevated channel inventories in several regions, including Latin America and Asia, impacting sales and pricing strategies [23][24] - The distribution channel in Brazil has undergone consolidation, affecting sales performance and prompting the exploration of new market routes [18] - The market for diamides is expected to grow from $2 billion to an estimated $5 billion over time, with FMC's branded diamides holding a significant market share [51][53] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on a diamide growth strategy, emphasizing the need to lower channel inventory and implement cost reduction measures [9][10] - FMC plans to invest in the sales organization to support new active ingredients and explore new routes to market, particularly in Latin America and EMEA [16][18] - The company aims to achieve substantial growth in 2026 and 2027, driven by new product introductions and a balanced core and growth portfolio [19][75] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the need for aggressive actions to reposition the company and improve market visibility, especially in light of evolving distribution channels [8][9] - The company expects a challenging first quarter in 2025 due to high channel inventories and cautious purchasing behavior from customers [30][31] - Management expressed confidence in the growth potential of new active ingredients and the overall strategy to drive commercialization of innovative products [19][76] Other Important Information - The restructuring program has exceeded savings targets, delivering $165 million in net savings for 2024, with expectations for over $250 million in run rate savings by the end of 2025 [36][41] - Free cash flow for 2024 was $614 million, a significant increase from the previous year, but is expected to decrease to between $200 million and $400 million in 2025 [42][44] - The effective tax rate for adjusted earnings was lower than expected at 10.9% for 2024, with a projected range of 13% to 15% for 2025 [39] Q&A Session All Questions and Answers Question: How does the company expect RenaxaPure to evolve from 2026 and beyond? - Management believes they can compete with generics at current pricing levels and will focus on expanding market reach while also developing high-end formulations to differentiate from generics [79][80][82] Question: Can you clarify the volume guidance for 2025? - Management explained that the increase in volume growth expectations is due to a strategic decision to lower channel inventory, which will drive more sales directly to the market rather than through the channel [85][86]