Core Viewpoint - CICC maintains the net profit forecast for China Merchants Port (00144) for 2025 while introducing a net profit estimate of HKD 7.7 billion for 2026, with the current stock price corresponding to 8.2 times the 2025 P/E ratio and 8.0 times the 2026 P/E ratio [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - The company's 1H25 performance was below expectations, with revenue of HKD 6.457 billion, a year-on-year increase of 11.4%, and a net profit of HKD 3.584 billion, corresponding to basic earnings per share of HKD 0.854, a decrease of 19.5% year-on-year [2] - The decline in net profit was primarily due to reduced investment income from the associate company Shanghai Port Group, which was affected by dilution of shareholding after a capital increase by Postal Savings Bank [2] - Excluding this one-time non-operating loss, the company's core port business revenue and profit growth exceeded expectations, driven by higher-than-expected throughput [2] Group 2: Operational Efficiency - The company achieved significant operational efficiency, with a year-on-year decrease in cost expenses, resulting in a gross profit margin of 51%, an increase of 2.9 percentage points [4] - Administrative expense ratio decreased by 0.8 percentage points, reflecting effective cost control measures [4] Group 3: Growth Potential - The company is optimistic about long-term growth potential from overseas terminal cargo volume, with significant increases in throughput at overseas terminals, such as a 542.9% increase at the Sri Lanka HIPG terminal [5] - The company is enhancing operational capabilities through the introduction of new container shipping routes and equipment upgrades at overseas terminals, contributing to business volume growth [5] - The overall container throughput for the company's controlled terminals increased by 11.3% year-on-year, with notable growth in the Pearl River Delta and overseas terminals [3]
中金:维持招商局港口(00144)跑赢行业评级 上调目标价至16.5港元