Industry Rating - The industry investment rating is maintained at "Outperform" [1] Core Viewpoints - Short-term focus on the new order cycle and accelerated delivery leading to improved capacity utilization and reduced variable costs, indicating a potential turnaround for companies in the sector [2] - Long-term attention on the reform dividends from equipment procurement and supply system changes, emphasizing the strategic importance of the types of equipment produced and the innovative leadership in processes, materials, and components [2] Summary by Sections 2024A & 2025Q1 Financial Analysis - The defense and military industry reported total revenue of 680.77 billion yuan in 2024, a year-over-year decline of 2.09%, with a net profit of 24.22 billion yuan, down 38.69% year-over-year [5][9] - The first quarter of 2025 showed total revenue of 130.11 billion yuan, a decline of 2.84% year-over-year, with a net profit of 6.22 billion yuan, down 18.37% year-over-year [5][9] - The industry is expected to enter a new procurement cycle in 2025, following the resolution of negative factors affecting performance [5][9] Structural Differentiation - The recovery of the sector is accompanied by increasing structural differentiation among various sub-sectors and companies, with significant growth in missile-related operations and fixed assets maintaining over 10% growth [5][9] - The industry is characterized by a co-existence of downward cycles in performance and upward cycles in supply-side capabilities, indicating a solid long-term fundamental outlook [5][9] Key Companies to Watch - Companies to focus on include: - Aviation mainframe manufacturers: AVIC Shenyang Aircraft, AVIC Harbin Aircraft, AVIC Engine, and AVIC Xi'an Aircraft [16][17] - New materials: Fushun Special Steel, Steel Research Institute, and others [19][20] - Military electronics: Huazhong University of Science and Technology, and others [21][22] - Missile manufacturers: North Navigation, and others [30][31] Financial Metrics - The overall gross margin for the defense and military sector was 19.77% in 2024, with a net profit margin of 3.56% [9][10] - The sector's fixed assets and construction in progress grew by 6.86% in 2024, indicating ongoing investment despite short-term challenges [14][26] Market Trends - The industry is witnessing a shift towards informationization and smart technologies, with new models expected to drive demand in the coming years [23] - The focus on military-civilian integration is expected to enhance the growth of new materials, with increasing penetration of military applications in civilian products [20]

Core Insights - The report maintains a positive outlook on the defense and military industry, indicating a potential recovery in performance as the new procurement cycle begins in 2025, following a challenging 2024 [1][5][9] - Short-term focus should be on the acceleration of delivery and improved capacity utilization, while long-term attention should be on the reform benefits from equipment procurement and supply chain changes [2] 2024 Financial Performance - The defense and military sector reported total revenue of 680.77 billion yuan in 2024, a year-over-year decline of 2.09%, with a net profit of 24.22 billion yuan, down 38.69% [5][9][12] - The overall gross margin stabilized at 19.77%, despite a decrease in net margin to 3.56% [9][10] 2025 Q1 Performance - In Q1 2025, the sector generated revenue of 130.11 billion yuan, a decrease of 2.84% year-over-year, with a net profit of 6.22 billion yuan, down 18.37% [5][9] - Positive signals from upstream inventory replenishment were noted, particularly in military electronics, which saw a revenue increase of 12.03% [5][9] Structural Differentiation - The report highlights increasing structural differentiation among various segments within the defense sector, with missile and related transactions expected to see significant growth in 2025 [5][9][14] - The report emphasizes the importance of strategic direction in equipment models and the innovation of processes, materials, and components [2][5] Key Segments to Watch - Notable companies to focus on include: - **Aerospace and Engine Manufacturing**: Companies like Runbei Aerospace, Aero Engine Corporation, and Longda Co. are highlighted for their potential in domestic production [5][9] - **Military Electronics**: Companies such as Zhonghang Guangdian and Aerospace Electronics are recommended for their roles in the evolving military electronics landscape [5][22] - **New Materials**: Companies like Fushun Special Steel and Steel Research High-Tech are noted for their growth driven by military-civilian integration [5][20] Future Outlook - The report anticipates a gradual recovery in profitability and performance as the sector transitions from destocking to restocking phases, particularly in 2025 [5][9][23] - The ongoing reforms in the military procurement and supply chain are expected to create new growth opportunities for companies that can adapt to the changing landscape [2][5][26]

Summary of Key Points from Conference Call Records Industry Overview - The records discuss the military trade (military trade system) and its international performance, particularly focusing on China's military equipment exports and the implications of the India-Pakistan conflict on military trade dynamics [1][2][8]. Core Insights and Arguments - **China's Military Trade Position**: China is the fourth largest military trade exporter globally, with over 60% of its weapons sold to Pakistan, primarily high-end equipment, enhancing China's recognition in the international military equipment market [1][2][8]. - **Impact of India-Pakistan Conflict**: The recent conflict highlighted the advanced capabilities of Chinese military equipment, as Pakistan successfully used Chinese-made J-10C aircraft to shoot down Indian jets, showcasing the effectiveness and brand strength of Chinese military exports [2][8]. - **Investment Trends**: In Q1, public investment institutions reduced their holdings in the air force industry chain, particularly in leading military aircraft and engine companies, while significantly increasing their positions in companies related to munitions, such as Feilihua and Aerospace Electronics [1][4]. - **Potential of Key Companies**: Companies like AVIC Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (中航沈飞) and AVIC Optoelectronics (中航光电) are highlighted as quality stocks within the air force industry chain, with ROE nearing or exceeding 20%, currently at low valuation and expectation levels, indicating potential for growth in the trillion-yuan military trade market [1][5]. Important but Overlooked Content - **Data Link Importance**: The significance of data link systems in modern warfare is emphasized, as they enhance information warfare capabilities. Companies like CETC 54 and 712 Institute are expanding their offerings in this area, indicating a long-term growth potential [2][16]. - **Market Dynamics**: The military trade's impact on China's A-share military assets is significant, opening up vast foreign trade markets and enhancing profitability through systemic equipment exports, which leads to stable long-term business relationships [12]. - **Technological Advancements**: The transition from traditional to intelligent warfare systems is noted, with a focus on the increasing demand for connectors in military applications, particularly in active phased array radars, which are crucial for modern military operations [17][18]. Future Outlook - **AVIC Optoelectronics' Growth**: The company is expected to perform well in the next military business development cycle, despite short-term pressures. The anticipated recovery in orders and the company's strategic positioning in the market suggest a favorable outlook [20][21]. - **Strategic Developments**: AVIC Shenyang's recent advancements in asset quality and its focus on transitioning to next-generation aircraft (4th, 5th, and future 6th generation) are expected to enhance its competitive edge in the international market [14][15]. This summary encapsulates the critical insights and trends discussed in the conference call records, providing a comprehensive overview of the military trade landscape and the strategic positioning of key companies within the industry.