Core Viewpoint - China Hongqiao (01378) maintains a "buy" rating with a significant price increase of 124.49% from the beginning of 2025 to August 22, 2025, ranking among the top ten performers in the non-ferrous metal sector [1] Group 1: Company Performance - Since the low point in March 2020, China Hongqiao has achieved a cumulative increase of 1316.85% as of August 22, 2025, showcasing a remarkable recovery in the metal sector [1] - The company's net profit attributable to shareholders increased by 35.02% year-on-year in the first half of the year, benefiting from lower coal prices and a low base from last year's impairment profits [1][2] - The average dividend yield from 2020 to 2024 is 10.48%, with a projected yield of 13.69% for 2024, indicating a strong dividend profile and attractive value for dividend investors [1] Group 2: High Dividend Status - China Hongqiao is recognized as the first high-dividend player in the electrolytic aluminum sector due to its leading cost management and cash flow generation, with net cash flow from operating activities increasing from 17.779 billion to 33.983 billion from 2020 to 2024 [2] - The company has a fully integrated aluminum industry chain, which helps mitigate price fluctuations across different products, ensuring stable operational performance [2] - Capital expenditure has been kept low, with only about 38% of operating cash flow allocated to capital expenditures, allowing for further downward flexibility in future spending [2] Group 3: Future Outlook - The electrolytic aluminum sector is expected to experience a dual boost in profitability and valuation, driven by a favorable economic cycle and increasing dividend yields [3] - With long-term interest rates declining and the average dividend yield in the electrolytic aluminum sector exceeding 5%, there is potential for further growth in dividend yields as aluminum prices and dividends rise [3] - China Hongqiao is positioned to lead the recovery in profitability and valuation within the sector, with a projected annualized net profit of 24.72 billion based on the first half of the year, corresponding to a dividend yield of 7.09% [3]
长江证券:中国宏桥最先成为高分红电解铝企业 维持“买入”评级