| Valuation method | Value, $ | Upside, % |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial intelligence (AI) | 20.45 | -29 |
| Intrinsic value (DCF) | 7.61 | -74 |
| Graham-Dodd Method | n/a | |
| Graham Formula | 5.65 | -81 |
Do-Fluoride New Materials Co., Ltd. is a leading Chinese specialty chemicals manufacturer with a diversified portfolio spanning inorganic fluorides, electronic chemicals, and lithium-ion battery materials. Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Jiaozuo, the company has established itself as a key player in China's basic materials sector, serving both domestic and international markets. Do-Fluoride's core business includes production of smelting-grade fluorides like anhydrous aluminum fluoride and synthetic cryolite essential for aluminum production, alongside high-purity electronic chemicals including lithium hexafluorophosphate for lithium-ion batteries. The company's strategic expansion into lithium battery materials and electric vehicle components positions it at the intersection of industrial chemicals and clean energy technology. With China's dominance in global fluorochemical production and the growing demand for battery materials, Do-Fluoride leverages its vertical integration and technical expertise to serve multiple high-growth industries including aluminum smelting, electronics manufacturing, and energy storage solutions.
Do-Fluoride presents a complex investment case with significant operational challenges evident in its FY2024 financial performance. The company reported a net loss of CNY 308 million despite CNY 8.2 billion in revenue, reflecting margin pressures in its core businesses. Negative operating cash flow of CNY 312 million and substantial capital expenditures of CNY 1 billion indicate aggressive expansion but raise concerns about near-term profitability. While the company maintains a strong cash position of CNY 5.98 billion, its total debt of CNY 4.59 billion suggests leveraged growth strategy. The company's diversification into lithium battery materials offers exposure to electric vehicle growth trends, but current financial metrics indicate execution risks. Investors should monitor the company's ability to return to profitability and generate positive cash flow from its expanded operations.
Do-Fluoride competes in the highly specialized fluorochemicals market where it benefits from China's dominant position in global fluoride production. The company's competitive advantage stems from its vertical integration across multiple fluoride-based product lines, from basic industrial fluorides to high-value electronic chemicals. In the traditional fluoride segment, Do-Fluoride's scale in producing aluminum fluoride and cryolite provides cost advantages in serving China's massive aluminum industry. However, the company faces increasing competition in the lithium battery materials space, where its lithium hexafluorophosphate production places it against both domestic specialists and international chemical giants. Do-Fluoride's diversification strategy allows it to leverage its fluoride expertise across multiple end markets, but this also exposes it to cyclical pressures in both industrial chemicals and battery materials. The company's research and development capabilities in electronic-grade chemicals represent a potential differentiator, though converting technical expertise into sustainable profitability remains challenging. Geographic positioning in China provides access to key raw materials and growing domestic demand, but international expansion may face regulatory and competitive hurdles. The company's current financial performance suggests it is navigating a transitional phase as it invests heavily in capacity expansion amid evolving market conditions.