Investment Rating - The report assigns an "Accumulate" rating for the company with a target price of 23.44 CNY, based on a target PE of 12.5 times [7][4]. Core Views - The company is expected to achieve high growth in revenue and profit driven by investments and acquisitions, with a projected CAGR of 9% for revenue and 27% for net profit from 2018 to 2024 [1][15]. - The domestic container business is anticipated to grow steadily, with significant contributions from the Shenxi Port area, which is expected to see an 18% increase in container throughput in 2024 [2][37]. - The overseas business is projected to benefit from emerging market growth, with a CAGR of 10% for revenue and 12% for profit from 2018 to 2024 [3][46]. Summary by Sections 1. Company Overview - The company is a leading global port operator, focusing on port investment, operation, logistics, and smart technology [15]. - It has a strong historical background as a state-owned enterprise and has established a significant global presence through strategic investments and acquisitions [16][30]. 2. Domestic Business Growth - The domestic container throughput is expected to grow significantly, with the Shenxi Port area projected to account for 81% of the total throughput of mainland-controlled terminals in 2024 [2][30]. - The company’s net profit from domestic operations is primarily driven by investments in key ports in the Yangtze River Delta region [34][40]. 3. Overseas Business Expansion - The overseas revenue and profit are expected to grow due to emerging market opportunities, particularly in Sri Lanka and Brazil, with a focus on enhancing port capabilities [3][47]. - The company has been actively expanding its control over key ports in emerging markets, aligning with the "Belt and Road" initiative [57][64]. 4. Financial Projections - The company’s net profit is projected to reach 46.9 billion CNY in 2025, with a steady increase expected in subsequent years [4][5]. - The report highlights a strong financial outlook, with a consistent increase in EBITDA and net profit margins [5][21].

Core Viewpoint - The company, China Merchants Port, is experiencing steady operational growth and improving profitability, positioning itself as a leading global port operator [1][2]. Performance Summary - In April 2025, the total container throughput reached 17.059 million TEU, a year-on-year increase of 6%, with a cumulative total of 66.118 million TEU for the year, reflecting a 6.9% growth [1][2]. - For Q1 2025, the company reported operating revenue of 4.214 billion yuan, up 8.99% year-on-year, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of 1.091 billion yuan, an increase of 5.21% [2]. - The gross profit margin has been on the rise, with figures of 40.84% in 2023, 42.99% in 2024, and 46.71% in Q1 2025, marking a year-on-year increase of 2.74 percentage points for Q1 2025 [2]. Shareholder Returns - The company has prioritized shareholder returns, with dividend payout ratios of 30.8%, 33.7%, and 40.6% from 2021 to 2023. For 2024, it plans to distribute cash dividends of 1.843 billion yuan, maintaining a payout ratio of 40.8% [3]. Global Strategic Layout - China Merchants Port is enhancing its global strategic layout, focusing on "global layout, lean operation, and innovative upgrades" across four main business areas: port investment, operation, logistics, and smart technology [4]. - The company has made significant strides in overseas markets, with a 15% year-on-year increase in overseas revenue to 5.51 billion yuan in 2024, accounting for 34.2% of total revenue [4]. Business Growth - The overseas port projects achieved a container throughput of 36.835 million TEU in 2024, a growth of 8.1% year-on-year, with notable performances from terminals in emerging markets [5][6]. - The company has maintained a strong financial position, with total assets reaching 204.263 billion yuan and a debt-to-asset ratio of 36.08% as of Q1 2025 [6].