Summary of LB Group 3Q25 Earnings Call Company Overview - **Company**: LB Group - **Industry**: Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) Production - **Market Position**: Largest manufacturer of TiO2 pigments globally, with a production capacity of 1.5 million tons per year, accounting for over 18% of total global production capacity as of 2024 [11][12]. Key Financial Highlights - **3Q25 Net Profit**: Rmb 289 million, a decrease of 66% year-over-year [1][8]. - **Revenue**: Rmb 6,109 million, down 14% year-over-year and 3% quarter-over-quarter [8]. - **Operating Income**: Rmb 382 million, a decline of 63% year-over-year [8]. - **Gross Margin Pressure**: Notable declines in gross margins for iron-based products, sponge titanium, and new energy materials [1]. Core Points and Arguments Positive Aspects - **TiO2 Price Recovery**: The TiO2 price has increased by Rmb 300 per ton since hitting a low in August [2]. - **Production Adjustments**: Smaller TiO2 producers are beginning to reduce production due to unsustainable negative operating margins [2]. Negative Aspects - **Weak TiO2 Market**: The average operating margin for the sulphate method of TiO2 production was negative Rmb 1,507 per ton in 3Q25, indicating severe financial strain across the industry [2][3]. - **Geopolitical Risks**: Ongoing tariff tensions may adversely affect LB's TiO2 export business, posing additional challenges [3]. Market Consensus and Revisions - **Consensus Earnings Estimates**: Current net profit consensus for FY25 is Rmb 2,791 million, which may be overly optimistic given the outlook for TiO2 prices and margins [4]. - **Stock Performance**: The share price has increased by 11.2% since the 2Q results, outperforming the SZCOMP Index, reflecting market expectations of a bottoming out in TiO2 margins [4]. Expected Market Reaction - **Market Sentiment**: Anticipated slightly negative reaction to 3Q25 results due to weaker-than-expected earnings and concerns over the sustainability of current TiO2 margins [5]. Risks to Investment Thesis - **Price Volatility**: Risks include a larger-than-expected decrease in TiO2 prices and higher feedstock cost inflation [13]. - **Capacity Ramp-Up**: Slower-than-expected ramp-up of new capacities could further impact financial performance [13]. Valuation - **Price Target**: Rmb 21.30, based on a 15x one-year forward P/E ratio, reflecting expectations of a recovery in TiO2 margins and steady earnings growth [12]. Conclusion LB Group is facing significant challenges in the TiO2 market, with weak earnings and pressure on margins. However, there are signs of potential recovery in TiO2 prices, and the company maintains a strong market position. Investors should be cautious of geopolitical risks and market volatility as they assess future performance.

Core Viewpoint - The enthusiasm for dividend distribution among listed companies is increasing, reflecting a recovery in profitability and a strong willingness to return value to shareholders and boost market confidence [1][3][4]. Group 1: Dividend Distribution Trends - As of October 30, 214 listed companies in A-shares have announced third-quarter profit distribution plans across various industries, including media, electronics, pharmaceuticals, machinery, and agriculture [1]. - Notable companies like Gigabit plan to distribute a cash dividend of 60.00 yuan per 10 shares, totaling approximately 431 million yuan [1]. - Dahua Technology intends to distribute 1.85 yuan per 10 shares, amounting to around 602 million yuan [1]. Group 2: Performance of Newly Listed Companies - Several companies on the Beijing Stock Exchange, such as Dingjia Precision and Shichang Co., have also announced dividend plans, with Dingjia Precision proposing a cash dividend of 6 yuan per 10 shares [2]. - Dingjia Precision reported a revenue of 334 million yuan for the first three quarters, a year-on-year increase of 12.26%, and a net profit of 54.31 million yuan, up 30.53% year-on-year, indicating robust growth [2]. Group 3: Regulatory Influence and Long-term Return Mechanisms - The China Securities Regulatory Commission has encouraged companies to enhance investor returns and adopt measures like "cancellation-based buybacks" to promote sustainable dividend distributions [3]. - Nanshan Aluminum announced a special dividend of 2.584 yuan per 10 shares, with a total payout exceeding 3 billion yuan, reflecting a strong financial foundation [3]. - Since its listing, Nanshan Aluminum has distributed a total of 13.076 billion yuan in dividends, surpassing its total fundraising in the capital market [3]. Group 4: Established Companies and Their Dividend Policies - Hikvision has maintained a strong dividend policy, with cumulative cash dividends of approximately 68.5 billion yuan since its listing, achieving a dividend payout ratio close to 50% [4]. - Hengli Petrochemical has implemented a "annual + interim" dividend system, with total cash dividends reaching 26.1 billion yuan, significantly exceeding the funds raised from the capital market [4]. - Over the past five years, listed companies have distributed over 10.6 trillion yuan through dividends and buybacks, which is 2.07 times the amount raised through IPOs and refinancing [4].

Core Viewpoint - Lubei Chemical, established in 1996, is a diversified chemical enterprise in China, focusing on titanium dioxide, methane chloride, fertilizers, cement, and salt, with a unique advantage in the circular economy industry chain [1] Group 1: Business Performance - In Q3 2025, Lubei Chemical achieved a revenue of 3.831 billion yuan, ranking third among six companies in the industry [2] - The main business composition includes titanium dioxide revenue of 1.594 billion yuan, accounting for 61.82%, and methane chloride revenue of 390 million yuan, accounting for 15.13% [2] - The net profit for the same period was 104 million yuan, also ranking third in the industry [2] Group 2: Financial Ratios - As of Q3 2025, Lubei Chemical's debt-to-asset ratio was 59.16%, down from 61.94% year-on-year but still above the industry average of 50.28% [3] - The gross profit margin for Q3 2025 was 9.27%, a decrease from 13.44% year-on-year, yet higher than the industry average of 8.53% [3] Group 3: Executive Compensation - The chairman, Chen Shuchang, received a salary of 1.0846 million yuan in 2024, an increase of 90,600 yuan from 2023 [4] - The general manager, Feng Xiangyi, earned 932,300 yuan in 2024, up by 76,200 yuan from the previous year [4] Group 4: Shareholder Information - As of September 30, 2025, the number of A-share shareholders decreased by 1.70% to 47,200 [5] - The average number of circulating A-shares held per shareholder increased by 1.73% to 11,200 [5]

Core Viewpoint - Huiyun Titanium Industry is a significant player in the titanium dioxide production sector in China, with a full industry chain advantage and high product quality, but it faces challenges in revenue and profitability compared to industry leaders [1][2]. Group 1: Business Performance - In Q3 2025, Huiyun Titanium's revenue was 1.328 billion yuan, ranking 4th in the industry, significantly lower than the leader Longbai Group's 19.436 billion yuan and the second-ranked Titan Chemical's 5.765 billion yuan [2]. - The main revenue source was rutile titanium dioxide, generating 729 million yuan, accounting for 87.34% of total revenue [2]. - The net profit for the same period was -112.446 million yuan, also ranking 4th in the industry, with the industry average net profit being 299 million yuan [2]. Group 2: Financial Ratios - As of Q3 2025, Huiyun Titanium's debt-to-asset ratio was 56.45%, higher than the industry average of 50.28% [3]. - The gross profit margin was 7.22%, lower than the industry average of 8.53% [3]. Group 3: Executive Compensation - The chairman, Zhong Zhengguang, received a salary of 813,800 yuan in 2024, a decrease of 112,800 yuan from 2023 [4]. - The general manager, He Mingchuan, earned 777,800 yuan in 2024, an increase of 76,200 yuan from the previous year [4]. Group 4: Shareholder Information - As of September 30, 2025, the number of A-share shareholders increased by 4.84% to 25,300 [5]. - The average number of circulating A-shares held per shareholder decreased by 4.62% to 13,200 [5].

Core Insights - The titanium dioxide sector experienced a 0.73% increase, ranking fifth among concept sectors, with five stocks rising, including Zhenhua Co., which hit the daily limit, and Guocheng Mining, Tianyuan Co., and Jinpu Titanium, which rose by 8.45%, 6.23%, and 3.36% respectively [1] Group 1: Market Performance - The titanium dioxide concept saw a net inflow of 90 million yuan from main funds, with Tianyuan Co. leading the inflow at 86.26 million yuan, followed by Zhenhua Co., Guocheng Mining, and Jinpu Titanium with inflows of 76.28 million yuan, 46.07 million yuan, and 13.72 million yuan respectively [2][3] - The top stocks by net inflow ratio included Tianyuan Co. at 8.61%, Guocheng Mining at 5.65%, and Jinpu Titanium at 5.44% [3] Group 2: Stock Performance - Zhenhua Co. recorded a 10% increase, while Guocheng Mining and Tianyuan Co. rose by 8.45% and 6.23% respectively [1][3] - The stocks with the largest declines included Daon Co. at -9.32%, followed by Titan Chemical at -1.93% and Huiyun Titanium at -1.84% [1][4]

Core Insights - Guangdong Huiyun Titanium Industry Co., Ltd. reported a revenue of 1.328 billion yuan for the first three quarters of 2025, marking a year-on-year increase of 7.92%, with Q3 alone achieving 493 million yuan, a growth of 12.91% [1][2] - The company's success is attributed to its "premium strategy," which focuses on optimizing product quality and after-sales service, leading to steady growth in titanium dioxide production and sales [1] - Huiyun Titanium has been enhancing its industrial chain layout to improve core competitiveness, with key projects starting to yield benefits [1][2] Financial Performance - The net cash flow from operating activities for the first three quarters saw a significant year-on-year increase, and the monetary funds have substantially risen since the beginning of the year, providing solid financial support for future projects and R&D [2] - The company’s revenue growth is supported by the successful launch of the 200,000 tons/year titanium white acid concentration technology renovation project, which effectively reduces raw material procurement costs [1][2] Strategic Initiatives - Huiyun Titanium has entered the mining development sector through acquisitions, enhancing its self-supply capability for key raw materials, which will further stabilize the supply chain and lower procurement costs [1] - The establishment of a marketing company in Singapore is expected to accelerate the company's expansion into overseas markets, laying the groundwork for increased international market share [1] R&D and Market Expansion - The company has increased its R&D investment by 6.48% year-on-year in the first three quarters, resulting in multiple invention patents and breakthroughs in new applications of titanium dioxide [2] - The titanium dioxide products are now being applied in emerging fields such as consumer electronics, new energy batteries, and environmental protection, indicating a shift from traditional chemicals to high-value new materials [2]

Group 1 - The company Jinpu Titanium Industry (SZ 000545) announced that its ninth board meeting was held via telecommunication on October 29, 2025 [1] - For the first half of 2025, the company's revenue composition was as follows: titanium dioxide industry accounted for 97.43%, supply chain accounted for 2.08%, and other industries accounted for 0.49% [1] - As of the report, Jinpu Titanium Industry has a market capitalization of 2.6 billion yuan [1] Group 2 - The A-share market has surpassed 4000 points, marking a significant resurgence after a decade of stagnation, with technology leading the market's transformation [1] - A new "slow bull" market pattern is emerging, indicating a shift in market dynamics [1]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Buy" and is maintained [8]. Core Views - The company reported a revenue of 19.45 billion yuan for the first three quarters of 2025, a decrease of 6.9% year-on-year, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of 1.67 billion yuan, down 34.7% year-on-year [6][12]. - In Q3 alone, the company achieved a revenue of 6.11 billion yuan, a decline of 13.7% year-on-year and 2.8% quarter-on-quarter, with a net profit of 290 million yuan, down 65.7% year-on-year and 58.6% quarter-on-quarter [6][12]. - The company plans to distribute a cash dividend of 1.0 yuan per 10 shares to all shareholders [6][12]. - The titanium dioxide industry is under pressure domestically, but the company is expected to stand out in international markets [12]. Financial Performance - The company’s revenue and net profit have shown significant declines in 2025, with Q3 net profit dropping by 65.7% year-on-year [6][12]. - The company is focusing on enhancing its core competitiveness and expanding its global presence through strategic acquisitions [12]. - The company has maintained a high dividend payout ratio, having distributed over 19.3 billion yuan since its listing [12]. Industry Context - The titanium dioxide industry is experiencing an imbalance in supply and demand, with prices continuing to decline [12]. - The company is actively pursuing an overseas expansion strategy to mitigate the impact of domestic market challenges, including anti-dumping investigations from various countries [12]. - The company is also investing in new energy sectors, which are expected to contribute positively to its profitability in the future [12].

Core Insights - The global titanium dioxide market is experiencing significant dynamics, including fluctuations in corporate performance and international policy adjustments, leading to an evolving competitive landscape in the industry [1] Price Adjustments - A new round of price increases for titanium dioxide has been initiated by several companies, including Longbai Group and Haifengxin, with domestic prices raised by 300 CNY/ton and international prices by 40-50 USD/ton, marking the sixth price surge since mid-August [2] Corporate Performance - Longbai Group reported a notable decline in performance for the first three quarters of 2025, with revenue of 19.436 billion CNY, down 6.86% year-on-year, and a net profit of 1.674 billion CNY, down 34.68%. The third quarter alone saw a dramatic drop in revenue to 6.105 billion CNY, a 13.71% decrease, and net profit plummeting to 289 million CNY, a 65.66% decline [3] International Expansion - Longbai Group is accelerating its overseas expansion by establishing subsidiaries in Malaysia and the UK, with investments of 5 million USD and 50 million USD respectively. Additionally, it plans to acquire assets related to Venator UK's titanium dioxide business for 69.9 million USD, aiming to enhance its international market share and optimize the global supply chain [5] Trade Policies - The Eurasian Economic Commission has imposed a five-year anti-dumping tax on titanium dioxide from China, with rates set at 14.27% for Longbai Group and 16.25% for other Chinese producers. Some companies have received exemptions based on price commitments [6][7] Industry Consolidation - Huiyun Titanium Industry has acquired a 35% stake in Detian Chemical for 30.625 million CNY, reflecting a trend of industry consolidation under cost pressures and aiming to enhance upstream resource control and market competitiveness [8] Price Increases by Competitors - Chemours announced a price increase for titanium dioxide products in the Asia-Pacific region, effective December 1, 2025, with increases of 100 USD/ton for plastics and 150 USD/ton for coatings and paper products, likely driven by rising raw material costs and regional demand changes [10] Anti-Dumping Measures in Brazil - Brazil's foreign trade committee has decided to impose a five-year anti-dumping tax on Chinese rutile titanium dioxide, with rates between 1,148.72 and 1,267.74 USD/ton, while allowing certain technical exceptions for specific products used in melamine decorative laminate base paper [13]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint is that the chemical industry is expected to experience a recovery in profitability due to macroeconomic improvements and supply-side policy advancements, with a focus on sectors like phosphate chemicals, potassium fertilizers, pesticides, MDI, titanium dioxide, and lithium battery materials [1] - The macroeconomic environment has shown steady recovery since 2025, with expectations for CPI to return to positive territory by Q4 2025 and a gradual narrowing of PPI's year-on-year decline, indicating a bottoming out phase for the chemical industry [1] - The chemical industry's capital expenditure is currently contracting, and the pace of new capacity additions is slowing, which is beneficial for improving supply-demand relationships [1] Group 2 - The chemical industry's PB valuation is at historical lows, suggesting significant upside potential, while PE valuation reflects market pricing in future recovery [2] - The agricultural chemicals sector is performing relatively well, with high prices for phosphate and potassium fertilizers, and the pesticide industry entering a recovery phase [2] - The lithium battery materials sector is seeing improved profitability trends due to strong end-demand and orderly expansion by leading companies [2] Group 3 - Emerging applications in AI, OLED, and robotics are driving strong growth in the chemical new materials sector, with significant demand for key materials like photoresists and electronic chemicals [3] - The OLED market is experiencing rapid growth, with domestic panel manufacturers increasing their market share and the scale of organic materials expanding [3] - The robotics industry is creating new demand for high-performance materials such as PEEK and MXD6, which are characterized by lightweight, high strength, and high-temperature resistance [3]