Core Insights - The company reported a revenue of 33.2 billion yuan for 2024, representing an 8.75% year-over-year increase, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of 1.02 billion yuan, up 9.19% year-over-year [1] - The company experienced significant growth in core product shipments, particularly in the battery materials sector, with a notable increase in profitability [2] - Nickel production capacity continues to expand, positioning the company among the top three in global MHP nickel production capacity [3] - Earnings per share (EPS) forecasts for 2025-2027 have been adjusted downward, but the company maintains a positive outlook on future nickel capacity expansion [4] Financial Performance - In Q4 2024, the company achieved a revenue of 8.33 billion yuan, a decrease of 19.15% year-over-year but an increase of 10.53% quarter-over-quarter [1] - The company's comprehensive gross margin improved by 3.05 percentage points to 15.29% in 2024, with specific product gross margins also showing increases [2] Product and Market Developments - The company’s core product, ternary precursor materials for power batteries, saw a shipment volume of 189,000 tons in 2024, a 5% increase year-over-year [2] - The sales of nickel resources are set to increase significantly due to a new investment project in Indonesia, which will produce 66,000 tons of nickel annually [3] Production Capacity and Expansion - The company produced 51,677 tons of nickel metal in 2024, a 91% increase year-over-year, and has established a nickel resource capacity of 150,000 tons per year in Indonesia [3] - Future plans include increasing nickel resources from over 120,000 tons to over 216,000 tons by 2025-2027 [3] Valuation and Forecast - The company’s EPS estimates for 2025-2027 have been revised to 0.31, 0.47, and 0.73 yuan, reflecting a downward adjustment [4] - The target price for the company is set at 6.86 yuan, based on a projected price-to-book (PB) ratio of 1.70 for 2025 [4]

Core Insights - The company reported a total revenue of 33.2 billion yuan in 2024, marking an 8.75% year-on-year increase, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of 1.02 billion yuan, up 9.19% year-on-year [1] - Despite significant progress in new energy materials and urban mining operations, the company faced operational pressure as revenue and net profit declined sequentially in the fourth quarter [1][8] New Energy Materials Business - The new energy materials segment showed strong performance with an average capacity utilization rate exceeding 95%, significantly above the industry average [4] - The total shipment of ternary precursor materials for power batteries reached 189,000 tons, a 5% increase year-on-year, maintaining a top two position globally [4] - Sales of nickel-rich high-voltage ternary precursors grew by 66% to 44,000 tons, indicating the company's leading position in high-voltage precursor technology [4] - Cobalt oxide sales reached 20,664 tons, an 88% increase, capturing over 25% of the global supply, and the company achieved a 102% year-on-year growth in cathode material shipments [4] - Despite strong performance, the fourth quarter saw a 19.2% and 69.9% sequential decline in revenue and net profit, respectively, highlighting short-term market demand fluctuations [4] Urban Mining Operations - The urban mining segment experienced significant growth, particularly in battery recycling and tiered utilization, with revenue from battery recycling rising substantially [5] - The company recycled and dismantled 35,930 tons of power batteries, a 31% increase, equivalent to 4.31 GWh, which is a 41% year-on-year growth [5] - Lithium carbonate recovery exceeded 4,000 tons, with a growth rate of over 44% and a lithium recovery rate surpassing 95% [5] - Tungsten recovery reached 6,486 tons, a 39% increase, and cobalt product sales grew by 76% to 12,557 tons, maintaining over 50% of the global market share for ultra-fine cobalt powder [6] - The scrap vehicle business also saw significant growth, with total recovery reaching 280,000 tons, a 133% increase [6] - However, the fourth quarter net profit for this segment declined by 20.95%, indicating short-term profitability challenges [6] Nickel Resource Development - The company achieved a global output of 51,677 tons of nickel metal, a 91% year-on-year increase, and established a nickel resource capacity of 150,000 tons per year in Indonesia [7] - The company ranks among the top three globally in MHP nickel production capacity, with 110,000 tons controlled and 40,000 tons in joint ventures [7] - The company successfully launched the world's first 1,168m³ high-pressure hydrometallurgical reactor, achieving world-class operational and product quality metrics while significantly reducing carbon emissions [7] - Despite these advancements, the fourth quarter saw a 1250.90% sequential decline in non-recurring net profit, indicating ongoing profitability pressures in this segment [7] Summary - The company achieved revenue and net profit growth in 2024 through its dual-driven strategy in new energy materials and urban mining operations [8] - However, the performance fluctuations in the fourth quarter reveal operational pressures that the company must address to enhance profitability and navigate increasing market competition and economic uncertainties [8]

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Accumulate" rating for the company with a target price of RMB 6.86 [7][8]. Core Insights - The company achieved a revenue of RMB 33.2 billion in 2024, representing a year-over-year increase of 8.75%, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of RMB 1.02 billion, up 9.19% year-over-year [1]. - The core product shipments, particularly for nickel and battery materials, have shown significant growth, with the company expanding its nickel production capacity and maintaining a strong market position [2][3]. - The gross margin improved by 3.05 percentage points to 15.29% in 2024, driven by increased sales and improved profitability across various product lines [2]. Summary by Sections Revenue and Profitability - In 2024, the company reported a revenue of RMB 33.2 billion, with a year-over-year growth of 8.75%. The net profit attributable to shareholders was RMB 1.02 billion, reflecting a 9.19% increase [1]. - The company’s core product, the ternary precursor materials for power batteries, saw a shipment volume of 189,000 tons, a 5% increase year-over-year, solidifying its position among the top two globally [2]. Production Capacity and Expansion - The company produced 51,677 tons of nickel metal in 2024, marking a 91% increase year-over-year. It has established a nickel production capacity of 150,000 tons per year in Indonesia, ranking among the top three globally in MHP nickel production capacity [3]. - A significant investment of USD 1.42 billion was made in a hydrometallurgical project in collaboration with Vale Indonesia, aimed at producing 66,000 tons of nickel resources annually [3]. Financial Forecast and Valuation - The earnings per share (EPS) for 2025-2027 are projected to be RMB 0.31, RMB 0.47, and RMB 0.73, respectively. The price-to-book (PB) ratio for 2025 is estimated at 1.70, with a target price of RMB 6.86 [4][6]. - The company’s revenue is expected to grow significantly, with forecasts of RMB 42.18 billion in 2025, RMB 52.18 billion in 2026, and RMB 64.24 billion in 2027, reflecting a robust growth trajectory [6][12].