HUAYOU COBALT(603799) 华源证券·2025-04-29 11:26Investment Rating - The report assigns an "Accumulate" rating for the company, marking its first coverage [6]. Core Views - The company has demonstrated strong profitability resilience despite a decline in metal prices, with cobalt, nickel, and lithium margins reaching historical lows. The current price levels provide a foundation for potential increases, which could significantly boost the company's performance [7][9]. - The company has established a comprehensive business structure with five major sectors: new energy, new materials, Indonesian nickel, African resources, and recycling [13][16]. - The report highlights the cyclical nature of metal prices, indicating that cobalt prices are at a long-term historical low, with potential for substantial increases due to demand growth and supply constraints [33][51]. Summary by Sections Market Performance - As of April 28, 2025, the closing price of the company's stock is 33.36 yuan, with a market capitalization of approximately 56.76 billion yuan [4]. Financial Forecast and Valuation - The projected revenue for 2023 is 66.30 billion yuan, with a forecasted decline to 60.95 billion yuan in 2024, followed by a recovery to 70.44 billion yuan in 2025. The net profit attributable to the parent company is expected to rise from 3.35 billion yuan in 2023 to 5.07 billion yuan in 2025 [6][8]. - The report anticipates a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 11.19 for 2025, which is below the industry average, indicating potential undervaluation [8]. Investment Logic - The company has maintained stable revenue and profitability despite fluctuations in metal prices, with nickel and lithium segments showing growth while cobalt has declined. The overall business structure is resilient, with significant upside potential if metal prices recover [20][29]. - The report emphasizes that the current low prices of cobalt, nickel, and lithium create a favorable environment for future price increases, which could enhance the company's earnings significantly [7][9]. Cobalt Market Insights - Cobalt prices are currently at a long-term low, with expectations for a significant rebound driven by demand growth and supply constraints, particularly from the Democratic Republic of Congo [33][51]. - The report notes that the recent export ban from the Democratic Republic of Congo could further tighten supply, enhancing the potential for price increases [36]. Nickel Market Insights - Nickel supply is dominated by Indonesia, which is expected to account for 60% of global production in 2024. The report indicates that while supply is increasing, rising costs and the closure of high-cost mines may stabilize prices [53][60]. Lithium Market Insights - The lithium market is experiencing a supply-demand mismatch, with prices at historical lows. The report forecasts that the price of lithium carbonate will stabilize around 80,000 yuan per ton in 2025, with potential for increases as demand recovers [67][72].