Aier(300015) 甬兴证券·2024-11-27 13:06Investment Rating - The report assigns an "Accumulate" rating for the company, indicating a positive outlook for its stock performance relative to the market index [4][7]. Core Insights - The company reported a stable revenue of approximately 16.3 billion yuan for the first three quarters of 2024, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 1.58%. The net profit attributable to the parent company was about 3.45 billion yuan, up 8.5% year-on-year [3]. - The growth in surgical volume outpaced revenue growth, with outpatient visits increasing by 9.23% and surgical procedures by 6.92% in the first half of 2024. However, the average price per service declined year-on-year [3]. - The company is expanding its network of county hospitals and continuing its internationalization strategy, having acquired 87 medical institutions and 100% of the UK-based Optimax Group [3]. Summary by Sections Financial Performance - For the first three quarters of 2024, the company's gross margin was 51.0%, with a net profit margin of 21.2%. The gross margin for Q3 2024 was reported at 53.9%, showing a decline of 2.4 percentage points year-on-year [3]. - The company expects revenues of approximately 21.14 billion yuan in 2024, with net profits projected at 3.68 billion yuan, reflecting a price-to-earnings (PE) ratio of about 35.8x [4][6]. Growth Projections - Revenue growth is forecasted at 3.8% for 2024, with further increases to 8.8% in 2025 and 5.2% in 2026. Net profit is expected to grow by 9.6% in 2025 and 7.6% in 2026 [6][4]. - The company is anticipated to benefit from a recovering macroeconomic environment, particularly in its domestic business [3]. Strategic Developments - The company is enhancing its county hospital network and pursuing international expansion, which is expected to increase its patient coverage and operational advantages [3]. - The acquisition of Optimax Group is a significant step in entering the UK ophthalmology market, indicating a strong commitment to international growth [3].