ZTBH(SZ:000957) KAIYUAN SECURITIES·2026-01-09 06:27Investment Rating - The report assigns a "Buy" rating for the company, Zhongtong Bus (000957.SZ), marking its first coverage [1]. Core Insights - Zhongtong Bus is a long-established player in the bus industry, with a strong focus on expanding its overseas business and a solid backing from state-owned Shandong Heavy Industry Group. The company has seen a continuous recovery in profits since 2024, driven by its new energy and export initiatives [5][16]. - The company is expected to achieve revenues of 7.82 billion, 9.38 billion, and 11.88 billion yuan for the years 2025, 2026, and 2027, respectively, with corresponding EPS of 0.67, 0.89, and 1.18 yuan. The current stock price corresponds to P/E ratios of 17.1, 12.9, and 9.8 for the same years [5][8]. Company Overview - Zhongtong Bus is one of the earliest bus manufacturers in China, with a diverse product range covering over 140 models, including electric, hybrid, and fuel-powered buses. The company has sold over 100,000 new energy buses globally [5][19]. - The company has a strong state-owned background, with Shandong Heavy Industry Group as its controlling shareholder, which provides robust support [20]. Industry Analysis - The bus industry in China is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.0% from 2022 to 2024, with large and medium buses expected to grow at a CAGR of 18.2%. The demand for new energy buses is also on the rise, with significant growth in sales observed in 2024 and 2025 [6][39]. - The domestic market is benefiting from policies promoting the replacement of old buses, which is expected to significantly boost sales in 2024 [52]. Company Highlights - Since 2024, Zhongtong Bus has experienced a significant recovery in sales, particularly in large and medium buses, with a notable increase in the proportion of new energy vehicles. The company’s sales volume increased by 51.5% in 2024 [72]. - The company’s overseas sales have been growing rapidly, with a CAGR of 53.9% from 2021 to 2024, and a significant increase in new energy bus exports in the first half of 2025 [7][39]. Financial Summary and Valuation Metrics - The company’s revenue for 2023 was 4.24 billion yuan, with a projected growth to 5.73 billion yuan in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 35.1%. The net profit for 2024 is expected to be 249 million yuan, a significant recovery from previous years [8].