INDUSTRIAL SECURITIES·2024-05-03 04:32Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) [3][4]. Core Views - CCCC is recognized as a world-class leader in transportation construction, with 2023 performance significantly exceeding expectations and 2024 operational targets being raised. The company has shown stable long-term growth in net profit despite some volatility in recent years [3][9]. - The company aims for a new contract target growth of no less than 13.5% and revenue growth of no less than 8.2% for 2024, indicating strong operational confidence [3][22]. Summary by Sections Company Overview - CCCC is the largest port, highway, and bridge design and construction company globally, as well as the largest international engineering contractor in China. The company is controlled by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) [9][12]. Performance and Growth - CCCC's revenue compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2018 to 2023 is 9.1%, with net profit CAGR at 3.9%. In 2023, the company achieved a revenue of 758.68 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 5.1%, and a net profit of 23.81 billion yuan, up 23.61% year-on-year [13][22]. - The company’s new contract structure shows a dominant focus on infrastructure construction, with 88.9% of new contracts in this sector, and a significant recovery in overseas orders, which grew by 47.5% in 2023 [13][24]. Market Stability and Growth Drivers - The report highlights stable demand in transportation and port dredging, with ongoing investment opportunities in highway construction despite a slowdown in overall growth rates. The company is well-positioned to benefit from urban renewal and overseas projects [25][30]. - CCCC's market share in road and bridge construction has improved, with a notable increase in new contracts despite industry-wide slowdowns [25][29]. Profitability and Financial Health - The report indicates a high certainty of enhanced profitability, with expectations for improved return on equity (ROE) and operating cash ratios due to increased contributions from overseas and urban projects [3][4]. - The company’s dividend payout ratio has improved, reaching 20% in 2023, which is expected to continue growing due to strong free cash flow [4][22]. Future Outlook - CCCC's strategic focus on major transportation and urban projects, along with its leadership in overseas construction, positions it well for future growth. The company is expected to maintain a robust performance trajectory supported by government infrastructure spending and urbanization trends [3][4][36].