CHINA RAILWAY(601390) 国信证券·2025-03-31 14:46Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Outperform the Market" [1][4][16] Core Views - The company experienced revenue and profit pressure in 2024, with operating revenue of 1,157.4 billion yuan, down 8.2% year-on-year, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of 27.89 billion yuan, down 16.7% year-on-year. New contract signing amounted to 27,151.8 billion yuan, a decrease of 12.4% year-on-year, while the year-end backlog increased to 50,265 billion yuan, up 13.8% year-on-year [1][5][16] - Despite the challenges in the real estate market and tightening local government debt controls, the company maintained stable gross margins and effective cost control, with an overall gross margin of 9.8% in 2024, a decrease of 9.2 percentage points from the previous year [1][8][16] - The company has a strong cash flow position, with a net cash flow from operating activities of 28.05 billion yuan, although it decreased by 10.2% year-on-year. The estimated free cash flow was 47.6 billion yuan, down 27.1% year-on-year, but it has remained positive for three consecutive years [12][15][16] Summary by Sections Financial Performance - In 2024, the company reported operating revenue of 1,157.4 billion yuan, a decline of 8.2% from 2023, and a net profit of 27.89 billion yuan, down 16.7% year-on-year. The new contract signing decreased by 12.4% to 27,151.8 billion yuan, while the backlog increased by 13.8% to 50,265 billion yuan [1][5][16] - The gross margin for 2024 was 9.8%, showing stability despite a decrease of 9.2 percentage points from the previous year. The company effectively controlled management, research and development, sales, and financial expenses, with respective changes of -12.1%, -11.2%, +1.2%, and +28.1% [1][8][16] Cash Flow and Assets - The company’s accounts receivable and contract assets increased significantly, with accounts receivable at 248.06 billion yuan, up 56.3% year-on-year, and contract assets at 333.12 billion yuan, up 42.2% year-on-year. This was attributed to longer collection cycles due to tight cash flow from downstream clients [12][15][16] - The company maintained positive operating cash flow, with a net cash flow of 28.05 billion yuan, although it decreased by 10.2% year-on-year. The free cash flow was estimated at 47.6 billion yuan, down 27.1% year-on-year, but the ratio of free cash flow to net profit was 170.7%, remaining above 100% for three consecutive years [12][15][16] Investment Outlook - The investment recommendation is to lower profit forecasts while maintaining the "Outperform the Market" rating. The construction industry faces short-term pressures due to slowing demand and ongoing local government debt management. However, the company’s strong brand influence and financing cost advantages position it well for future improvements in asset quality and cash flow [16][18]