Ge Long Hui A P P·2025-11-04 05:35Core Viewpoint - The performance of four mainland Chinese airlines in Q3 showed significant divergence, with Eastern Airlines reporting the strongest net profit growth of 34% year-on-year, followed by Southern Airlines with a 20% increase. In contrast, Spring Airlines and Air China experienced declines in net profit of 6% and 11%, respectively [1] Group 1: Airline Performance - Eastern Airlines achieved the highest net profit growth at 34% year-on-year [1] - Southern Airlines followed with a net profit increase of 20% year-on-year [1] - Spring Airlines and Air China reported net profit declines of 6% and 11%, respectively [1] Group 2: Revenue and Cost Analysis - Revenue per available seat kilometer exceeded expectations, with stable data reported for September [1] - A decline in fuel costs is expected to benefit the overall cost structure [1] - Excluding fuel, unit cost performance varied, with Air China lagging in cost optimization [1] Group 3: Ratings and Future Outlook - The firm reiterated a "underperform" rating for Air China, Eastern Airlines, and Southern Airlines due to ongoing pressure on domestic ticket prices, posing downside risks to profits in 2025 and 2026 [1] - A "buy" rating was maintained for Spring Airlines, attributed to its cost leadership position and expected stable growth in 2025 and 2026 [1]