Core Viewpoint - Shandong Dongyue Future Hydrogen Energy Materials Co., Ltd. (Future Materials) has been selected for an IPO site inspection, which is considered one of the strictest IPO reviews, raising concerns about its IPO prospects [1][2]. Group 1: IPO Process and Challenges - Future Materials' IPO application was accepted on June 27, 2023, and it was selected for the second batch of IPO site inspections in 2025 [1]. - The new regulations state that even if a company selected for site inspection withdraws its application, the inspection will still proceed, and regulatory penalties may apply for any issues found [2]. - As of July 18, 2023, Future Materials' IPO review status was updated to "inquiry," indicating that the process is ongoing despite the site inspection [2]. Group 2: Company Performance and Financials - Future Materials has shown overall revenue growth during the reporting period, but 2024 is projected to see a decline in both revenue and net profit compared to 2023 [3]. - Revenue figures for 2022, 2023, and 2024 are 524 million, 721 million, and 640 million respectively, with a year-on-year growth of 37.60% in 2023, but a decline of 11.23% in 2024 [3]. - Net profit for the same years is 143 million, 230 million, and 165 million, with a growth of 60.84% in 2023 and a decline of 28.26% in 2024 [3]. Group 3: Production Capacity and Utilization - The company faces challenges with low capacity utilization rates for its main products, which are critical for its IPO success [6]. - For example, the capacity utilization rates for perfluorinated proton exchange membranes were 9.00%, 10.29%, and 45.25% for 2022, 2023, and 2024 respectively [6]. - Other products also show low utilization rates, such as perfluorinated ion exchange resins at 42.00%, 71.72%, and 53.11% [6]. Group 4: Fundraising and Investment Plans - Future Materials plans to raise 2.446 billion for various projects, including a 3 million m²/a perfluorinated proton membrane project and a 5,000 t/a melt-processable polytetrafluoroethylene (PFA) project [10][12]. - The company aims to significantly increase the production capacity of its high-performance fluorinated functional membranes to meet growing market demand [10]. - However, the necessity of expanding capacity is questioned due to the current low utilization rates of existing production [10][13].

Core Insights - The hydrogen energy industry is gaining significant attention in China, with the Wujiang Economic and Technological Development Zone hosting a meeting to foster collaboration among 28 hydrogen enterprises from Suzhou, Shanghai, and Jiaxing, indicating a strategic focus on the hydrogen sector [1][2] - Hydrogen energy has been legally recognized in China as a key component of the energy transition strategy, with local government plans emphasizing its development as a priority area [1][2] - Wujiang Development Zone is positioned as a crucial growth hub for the hydrogen industry, housing nearly 100 hydrogen-related enterprises and achieving an industry scale close to 10 billion yuan [2][3] Industry Development - The hydrogen energy industry in Wujiang is characterized by a complete supply chain, from production to application, with significant advancements in technology and product offerings [3][4] - Companies like Suzhou Qingqi Technology are leading in catalyst production and have developed high-efficiency alkaline electrolyzers, showcasing the region's technological capabilities [3] - The integration of various hydrogen applications, such as hydrogen-powered bicycles and energy storage systems, is being facilitated through collaboration among local enterprises [4][5] Government Support and Policies - The Wujiang Development Zone has established a 2 billion yuan new energy fund to support the growth of hydrogen enterprises, with a focus on early-stage investments and technological innovation [5] - Talent attraction initiatives include financial support for startups and research facilities, demonstrating the local government's commitment to fostering the hydrogen industry [5] - The development of the hydrogen industry is seen as a strategic choice for Wujiang to enhance its production capabilities and secure a competitive edge in future markets [2][5]

Core Viewpoint - Shandong Dongyue Future Hydrogen Energy Materials Co., Ltd. (Future Materials) has restarted its IPO process and submitted its application to the Shanghai Stock Exchange, marking its third attempt to go public after previous failures due to various issues. The company aims to raise 2.446 billion yuan for R&D, expansion, and working capital, with a significant portion allocated for production expansion despite rising inventory levels and declining turnover rates [1][2][3]. Financial Performance - Future Materials has experienced fluctuating financial performance, with revenues increasing initially but then declining. For the years 2022 to 2024, the company reported revenues of 524 million yuan, 721 million yuan, and 640 million yuan, respectively, with net profits of 143 million yuan, 230 million yuan, and 165 million yuan. The revenue for 2024 is projected to decrease by 11.23%, and net profit is expected to drop by 28.26% [2][3][4]. Product Pricing and Market Pressure - The company faces market price pressures for several products, particularly the perfluorinated proton exchange membrane, which saw its price drop from 909.68 yuan per square meter in 2022 to 655.41 yuan in 2024, a decrease of 27.95%. The overall revenue contribution from high-performance fluorinated functional membranes has also declined from 93.99% in 2022 to 60.20% in 2024 [4][5][6]. Key Customer Relationships - Future Materials has established a significant partnership with Dalian Rongke, a leading vanadium flow battery company, which has become its largest customer, contributing 66.45% of the sales revenue from perfluorinated proton exchange membranes in 2024. This relationship is crucial for maintaining stable order sources amid declining overall revenue [6][7][8]. Inventory and Production Capacity - The company has a production capacity of 625,000 square meters for perfluorinated proton exchange membranes, with a utilization rate of 45.25% and a sales-to-production ratio of 84.98%. Future Materials plans to invest 559 million yuan in expanding its production capacity significantly [11][12]. Related Party Transactions - Future Materials has frequent related party transactions, with significant sales and purchases involving its major customer and supplier, Dongyue Fluorosilicon Technology Group. The company has taken steps to reduce the scale of these transactions by engaging third-party suppliers [14][16][17]. Control and Ownership Structure - The ownership structure of Future Materials is complex, with control shifting among shareholders over the years. As of now, Zhang Jianhong is the controlling shareholder, holding the highest voting rights, while the previous controlling parties have seen their influence diminish due to financial difficulties and restructuring [20][22][24].