Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is maintained at "Buy" [1] Core Views - The demand for sugar substitutes is still under pressure, but there is potential for recovery in the future [3] - The company reported a significant decline in revenue and net profit for Q3, with revenue at 1.1 billion RMB (down 27% year-on-year) and net profit at 56.77 million RMB (down 65% year-on-year) [1][4] - Despite the current challenges, the report anticipates a gradual recovery in the sugar substitute market due to supply-side support and cost factors [4] Summary by Sections Financial Performance - In Q3, the company achieved revenue of 1.1 billion RMB (down 27% year-on-year, down 4% quarter-on-quarter) and a net profit of 56.77 million RMB (down 65% year-on-year, down 38% quarter-on-quarter) [1] - For the first three quarters of 2025, the company reported revenue of 3.54 billion RMB (down 12% year-on-year) and a net profit of 390 million RMB (down 4% year-on-year) [1] Price and Margin Analysis - The average prices for sugar substitutes have increased year-on-year, with specific increases for various products: Trichloro-sucrose +70%, Acesulfame -3%, Methyl-maltose +21%, and Maltose-ethyl +18% [2] - The company's gross margin for the first three quarters of 2025 improved by 1.3 percentage points to 21.5% due to the increase in product prices [2] Market Outlook - The export volume of Trichloro-sucrose decreased by 41% year-on-year in September 2025, indicating pressure on overseas demand [3] - The report expects a gradual recovery in the sugar substitute market as domestic demand improves and supply-side coordination strengthens among major companies [3] Profit Forecast and Valuation - The profit forecasts for 2025-2027 have been revised downwards, with net profits projected at 470 million RMB, 670 million RMB, and 770 million RMB respectively, reflecting a significant reduction from previous estimates [4] - The target price for the company is set at 21.58 RMB, based on a 26 times PE ratio for 2025 [4]

Investment Rating - The industry rating is "Positive" (maintained) [3] Core Viewpoints - The chemical industry is experiencing a weak recovery with significant structural differentiation among sub-industries. The average revenue growth for listed companies in the basic chemical sector was 1.07% and 4.29% for 2024 and Q1 2025, respectively, while net profit growth was -9.3% and 11.9% [4][21] - The Producer Price Index (PPI) for the chemical industry fell by 2.8% year-on-year in March 2025, with specific declines in chemical raw materials and products, chemical fibers, and rubber and plastic products [4][9] - The highest net profit growth in Q1 2025 was observed in the following sub-industries: Chlor-alkali (129.52%), Fluorine chemicals (91.39%), Food and feed additives (68.1%), Other chemical raw materials (66.78%), and Pesticides (62.22%) [4][21] Summary by Sections 1. Industry Performance - The chemical industry is under pressure from overcapacity, with a weak recovery in demand. The performance of various sub-industries is not synchronized, leading to significant structural differentiation [4][82] - The average profit margin in March 2025 dropped to 4.45%, marking a historical low [4][18] 2. Sub-Industry Insights 2.1 Chlor-alkali - The chlor-alkali sector saw a significant increase in profitability in Q1 2025, driven by improved real estate sales and stable automotive production. However, prices have started to decline since April [24][34] 2.2 Refrigerants - The refrigerant market is experiencing price increases due to supply constraints and steady demand from the automotive and home air conditioning sectors. The average price for refrigerants rose by 58.1% year-on-year in Q1 2025 [35][41] 2.3 Food and Feed Additives - The demand for food and feed additives remains stable, with a low cost share in downstream products. The market for amino acids and vitamins has seen price increases, with significant growth in net profits for leading companies [44][50] 2.4 Other Chemical Raw Materials - A supply contraction has led to structural price increases for certain chemical raw materials, such as acrylic acid and polyols, with notable profit improvements for companies in this sector [60][64] 2.5 Pesticides - The pesticide industry is facing overcapacity, but there is potential for price increases in certain small varieties due to supply constraints and inventory depletion in overseas markets [67][79] 3. Investment Recommendations - The report suggests focusing on companies benefiting from domestic demand, such as phosphate and potassium fertilizer leaders, as well as firms in the vitamin and AI materials sectors. The impact of tariffs on exports is also highlighted as a factor to consider [83]