Core Viewpoint - Kemin Food, once known as the "first stock of noodles," is facing its most severe test since implementing its dual business strategy, with significant declines in both revenue and net profit reported in its latest quarterly results [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Performance - The company's revenue for the first three quarters was 3.195 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 8.07% [1]. - The net profit attributable to shareholders was 124 million yuan, down 20.17% year-on-year, while the net profit excluding non-recurring items was 113 million yuan, a decline of 22.55% [1]. - A notable concern is the substantial drop in net profit for the third quarter, which exceeded the revenue decline [1]. Group 2: Core Business Challenges - The traditional noodle business is experiencing unprecedented challenges due to overall industry slowdown and intensified competition [3]. - Kemin Food, previously dominant in the mid-to-high-end noodle market, is now facing pressure from both national brands and regional small manufacturers, leading to price wars that compress profit margins [3]. - Changing consumer preferences are also impacting the company, as traditional white noodles are increasingly viewed as "refined carbohydrates," resulting in a diversification of staple food choices [3]. - In response, the company is attempting product innovation by launching low-GI noodles and whole wheat noodles, but these efforts have led to a significant increase in sales expenses, further eroding profit margins [3]. Group 3: Cross-Industry Risks - The foray into the pig farming sector has not yielded the expected growth and has instead become a burden on performance [4]. - Kemin Food entered the pig farming industry in 2023 through the acquisition of a controlling stake in Xingjiang Muge, but this strategic shift coincided with a downturn in the pig cycle, resulting in substantial losses for the acquired entity and the company's first loss since its listing [4]. - Although the company has seen an increase in pig output this year, the declining sales prices have led to a year-on-year decline in this segment's performance [4]. - The volatility in pig market prices has increased the impairment losses on inventory assets, negatively impacting overall profits [4]. - The company's financial burden is also increasing, with significant debt repayment pressure and weak short-term solvency, raising concerns about the safety of its cash flow [4]. - Management has acknowledged two core challenges: reversing the decline in food business sales amid decreasing market demand and managing the costs of pig farming amidst price fluctuations [4].