(Yicai Global) Aug. 28 -- Nearly half of the 310 companies listed in the Chinese mainland that have so far issued earnings forecasts for the January-to-September period predict profit. Many of them are in the poultry, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, communications and electronics sectors.

Out of 144 firms, 87 forecast earnings gains, while the remainder expect to remain profitable, according to the China Securities Journal, which cited data from financial information service provider Wind.

The African swine fever epidemic has temporarily changed the country's meat eating habits, leading to a rise in demand for high-protein white meats such as chicken, brokerage Founder Securities said in a research report.

Improved production capacity and more innovative drugs are new growth points in the drug sector.

Increased investment in research and development in the computing and communication electronics industries is also ensuring continued good performance. Electronics firm Luxshare Precision Industry and optoelectronics maker Guide Infrared had the highest projected net profit and profit growth in these sectors.