Steady Earnings Growth in 1Q26
发布时间:2026-05-25 来源:华泰证券
Milkyway Chemical(Milkyway)reported 1Q26 revenue of RMB3.7bn(+12.02%YoY,+40.48%QoQ),attributable NP of RMB184mn(+7.07%YoY,+81.13%QoQ),and ex-nonrecurring net profit of RMB169mn(+4.80%YoY).Attributable NP was above our expectation of RMB180mn,mainly for two reasons:1)The impact of geopolitical disruption on chemical customers was more manageable than we had expected.Some seaborne cargoes shifted to alternative transport methods,such as multimodal transport and air freight.2)Demand growth from new energy customers was better than expected,according to management.Looking into 2026,we are positive on the company as aleader in chemical logistics.Backed by its self-owned warehousing and transportation capabilities,the company continues to expand non-chemical customers and deepen its cooperation with existing customers.Its global logistics network and strong operating capabilities should help it stay resilient amid geopolitical disruption.Maintain BUY.
Resilient MGL&MCL defying geo-headwinds&a high base
For the global freight forwarding business,1Q26 revenue declined YoY,mainly due to the geopolitical situation,high seaborne freight rates in the same period last year,and ahigh profit base,according to management.The U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict disrupted the supply of some chemicals and raw materials.Supply-side uncertainty affected the operating rates of some customers.To cope with geopolitical volatility,the company used its comprehensive portfolio as an industry leader and shifted some seaborne freight to multimodal transport and air freight.It also passed through the impact via surcharges.Meanwhile,as asupply chain logistics service provider,the company may benefit from tight transport capacity and higher transportation costs caused by price increases for some chemicals.For the integrated warehousing and distribution business,1Q26 revenue and freight volume increased YoY driven by rapid demand growth from new energy customers after policy changes in the solar industry,according to management.Looking ahead,we expect the company to maintain operating resilience against geopolitical event shocks.This should be supported by its global logistics network and diversified customer base.It should also benefit from new logistics demand created by the restructuring of the global energy mix.
MCD benefiting from yellow phosphorus price hikes
In 1Q26,the differentiated distribution business benefited from strong downstream demand and rapid growth in yellow phosphorus sales volume,according to management.In 1Q26,the average spot price of yellow phosphorus rose by+4.1%YoY and+8.5%QoQ from 4Q25,according to SunSirs.On the demand side,the business benefited from new energy and electronic chemicals.On the supply side,it benefited from strict domestic control over yellow phosphorus capacity,according to Huatai chemical team’s report“S/D of Yellow Phosphorus Improving&Likely to Ride Sulfur Price Hikes”dated January 21,2026.Looking ahead,anti-involution policies may constrain capacity for some chemicals.As the upstream chemical industry recovers,the differentiated distribution business and supporting supply chain services should see both volume and price recover,making Milkway akey beneficiary.
Earnings forecast and valuation
We maintain our 2026,2027,and 2028 attributable NP forecasts at RMB742mn,RMB887mn,and RMB1.0bn,respectively.The corresponding EPS is RMB4.69,RMB5.61,and RMB6.61.We apply amultiple of 15.73x 2026E PE,which is in line with its average PE over the past three years less 0.5 standard deviation.The valuation discount mainly reflects remaining soft upstream industry demand and uncertainty over the impact of geopolitical conflicts.Our target price arrives at RMB73.76(previously RMB74.47 based on 15.9x 2026E PE).Maintain BUY.
Risks:Chemical industry prosperity weaker than we expected,geopolitical risks,and safety risks.