Core Viewpoint - Bank of America maintains a "Buy" rating for China Hongqiao's subsidiary Shandong Hongqiao, raising the target price from HKD 26.00 to HKD 35.00 [1] Financial Performance - For the first three quarters of 2025, Shandong Hongqiao reported total revenue of RMB 116.93 billion, a year-on-year increase of 6.23% [1] - Net profit reached RMB 19.37 billion, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 23.13% [1] - In Q3, net profit was RMB 6.9 billion, showing an 18% year-on-year growth and a 14% quarter-on-quarter increase, aligning with expectations [1] - Q3 gross margin expanded by 3 percentage points to 26% [1] Profit Growth Drivers - Profit growth is attributed to two main factors: 1. Margin expansion, with industry aluminum profit increasing by RMB 900 per ton and alumina profit rising by RMB 200 per ton in Q3 [1] 2. Contribution from the Wenshan project, which began contributing profits after the acquisition of the remaining 25% stake in Q2 [1] Industry Outlook - The Chinese aluminum industry is expected to remain resilient in Q4 due to low inventory, stable upstream supply, and seasonal demand from the power grid [1] - Current spot aluminum prices have risen above RMB 21,000 per ton, while alumina prices remain in the RMB 2,800–2,900 per ton range, with aluminum profit margins exceeding RMB 5,000 per ton [1] - Spot aluminum profit margins are projected to further increase by RMB 600 per ton compared to Q3 [1] Price Forecast Adjustments - Bank of America has raised its aluminum price forecast for 2025 to RMB 20,600 per ton (+RMB 100 per ton) and for 2026 to RMB 21,000 per ton [2] - As a result, profit forecasts for China Hongqiao for 2025-2027 have been increased by 5%-23%, with expected net profits of RMB 26 billion in 2025 (up 17% year-on-year) and RMB 30 billion in 2026 (up 15% year-on-year) [2] Investment Rationale - Reasons for maintaining a "Buy" rating include: 1. Constructive outlook on aluminum prices [2] 2. Attractive dividend yield (6%-7% under a 63% payout ratio assumption) [2] 3. The Ximangdu project is expected to commence production by the end of 2025, contributing approximately 3% to profits in 2026, with long-term potential to increase to 9% [2] 4. Ongoing share buybacks are expected to support the stock price [2] - The current target price corresponds to a 10x P/E ratio for 2026 forecasts, which remains attractive compared to Chinese copper companies (12-16x) and gold companies (16-17x) [2]
美银：四季度盈利有望获支撑维持中国宏桥“买入”评级 目标价上调至35港元