Chang Jiang Shang Bao·2025-12-12 07:39Core Viewpoint - Ninghu Expressway continues the construction of the Ningyang Yangtze River Bridge project, aiming to enhance the regional highway network and solidify its leading position in the southern Jiangsu road network [1][2]. Investment Project - The company plans to invest no more than 90.33 billion RMB in the construction of the southern approach of the Ningyang Yangtze River Bridge [2]. - To ensure the project's smooth implementation, Ninghu Expressway will increase its capital contribution to the subsidiary Longtan Bridge Company by 3.27 billion RMB, while Nanjing Highway Development Group will contribute 1.247 billion RMB [2]. - The remaining construction funds of 4.516 billion RMB will be raised through bank loans [2]. - After the capital increase, Ninghu Expressway's shareholding in Longtan Bridge Company will rise from approximately 57.33% to about 63.80% [2]. Strategic Importance - The project will effectively connect the southern approach of the Ningyang Yangtze River Bridge with the Hu-Ning Expressway, enhancing traffic flow and regional connectivity [3]. - This investment is crucial for improving the southern Jiangsu highway network and reinforcing the company's dominant position in the region [3]. Company Overview - Ninghu Expressway, established on August 1, 1992, is the only listed toll road company in Jiangsu Province and one of the largest listed companies in the domestic highway sector [4]. - The company primarily engages in the investment, construction, operation, and management of the Jiangsu section of the Hu-Ning Expressway and other toll roads within Jiangsu Province [4]. - As of June 30, 2025, the company operates 12 toll road projects and has 3 new projects under construction, totaling approximately 1,000 kilometers [4]. Financial Performance - From 2020 to 2024, the company's revenue increased from 8.032 billion RMB to 23.2 billion RMB, while net profit rose from 2.464 billion RMB to 4.947 billion RMB, despite some fluctuations due to the pandemic [4]. - In the first three quarters of 2025, the company's revenue was 12.981 billion RMB, a year-on-year decrease of 7.66%, and net profit was 3.837 billion RMB, down 6.86% year-on-year [4]. - As of the end of the third quarter of 2025, the company had cash and cash equivalents of 734 million RMB and financial assets of 2.923 billion RMB, with significant short-term and long-term liabilities [4]. Foreign Investment Interest - Ninghu Expressway has attracted significant foreign investment interest, particularly from BlackRock, which has increased its stake over four consecutive quarters, holding 126 million shares, or 2.49%, as of September 30, 2025 [5][6]. - Morgan Stanley reduced its stake in the second quarter of 2025 but increased it again in the third quarter, while State Street Bank entered the top ten shareholders list in the first quarter of 2025 [6].