Core Viewpoint - Guotai Junan Securities International maintains a "Buy" rating for China Hongqiao (01378) and raises the target price to HKD 40.9, reflecting improved profitability and favorable market conditions in the aluminum sector [1] Financial Performance - In the first three quarters of 2025, China Hongqiao reported a net profit increase of 23.1%, driven by rising electrolytic aluminum prices and decreasing electricity costs [1] - Revenue for the same period reached RMB 116.9 billion, marking a 6.2% year-on-year growth, with gross margin expanding to 25.2%, an increase of 1.0 percentage points [1] - The average aluminum price in the third quarter was approximately RMB 20,700 per ton, up from about RMB 20,200 per ton in mid-2025 [1] Production Capacity and Cost Management - The company is shifting more production capacity to Yunnan province, benefiting from lower electricity costs during the non-water period [1] - Management expects production capacity in Yunnan to increase to 2.16 million tons by the end of the fourth quarter of 2025, a significant rise from approximately 1.74 million tons in mid-2025 [1] Shareholder Returns and Management Confidence - China Hongqiao has initiated a new share buyback plan of no less than HKD 3 billion, following a previous buyback of HKD 2.6 billion for 18.7 million shares in the first half of 2025 [2] - The company has maintained a dividend payout ratio above 45% over the past three years, with ratios of 46.8%, 47.0%, and 63.4%, reflecting management's confidence in future growth and commitment to shareholder value [2]
国泰君安证券国际：维持中国宏桥“买入”评级 目标价上调至40.9港元 公司持续受益于铝价上行行情