002518.SZ 12m Price Target: Rmb48.50 Price: Rmb39.10 Upside: 24.0% Shenzhen Kstar Science & Tech (002518.SZ) 3Q25 beat: Guides higher data center product sales growth in 2026 backed by new (domestic/overseas) customers, new products (HVDC) on track; Reiterate Buy Kstar announced strong 3Q25 results on Oct 26, 2025, with revenue/gross profit/EBIT/net income at Rmb1,446mn/Rmb404mn/Rmb207mn/Rmb190mn (+42%/+27%/+62%/+38% yoy), +13%/+5%/+26%/+5% vs. GSe. GPM/OPM/NPM was 28%/14%/13% (-3pp/+2pp/0pp yoy and -1pp/+3 ...

Core Viewpoint - Natron Energy, a U.S. sodium-ion battery company, has ceased all operations, closing its factories in Michigan and California, and laying off 95 employees due to underperformance and high production costs [2][3] Group 1: Natron Energy's Situation - Natron Energy had announced a $1.4 billion investment to build a 24GWh sodium-ion super factory in North Carolina a year ago, but failed to secure sufficient customer orders, leading to a rapid deterioration of its financial situation [2] - The company faced engineering challenges with Prussian blue materials, which, despite their theoretical advantages, struggled with synthesis processes, cycle stability, and energy density [2] - The targeted markets for Natron's batteries, such as UPS and industrial energy storage, are highly safety-sensitive but also price-sensitive, making it difficult for new technologies to penetrate without clear performance or cost advantages [2] Group 2: Future of Sodium-Ion Batteries - Despite Natron's failure, the sodium-ion battery technology is not considered dead, as companies in China, including CATL, BYD, and others, continue to advance research and production in this field [3] - These companies aim to leverage mature supply chains and cost control capabilities to find differentiated markets in specific applications like two-wheelers, low-speed electric vehicles, and energy storage [3] - The mainstream adoption of sodium-ion batteries will depend on achieving a balance between cost, performance, and lifespan [4]