Investment 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].

Core Viewpoint - The bus industry is experiencing a growth phase driven by both export increases and domestic demand recovery, with leading companies expected to continue releasing performance elasticity [1][2] Export Growth - In 2024, China's medium and large bus exports are projected to reach 45,000 units, a year-on-year increase of 38%, benefiting from demand in the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America, as well as an increase in market share for Chinese brands [2][3] - The top five export markets for Chinese buses in 2024 will be the Middle East, Asia, the Commonwealth of Independent States, Latin America, and Africa, accounting for approximately 90% of total exports [4][5] Domestic Market Recovery - Domestic sales of medium and large buses are expected to reach 71,000 units in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 27%, driven by public transport subsidies and the recovery of the tourism market [2][6] - The new round of public transport subsidies will increase the single vehicle subsidy from 60,000 to 80,000, further stimulating domestic demand [2][6] Industry Structure - The bus industry has a high concentration, with the top three companies accounting for over 70% of exports and over 60% of domestic sales [2][5] - The gross profit margin for leading companies, especially in the new energy sector, is significantly higher than that of domestic sales, which will help improve profitability [2][4] New Energy Bus Market - In 2024, global sales of new energy medium and large buses are expected to reach approximately 62,000 units, with a penetration rate of 18%, and domestic penetration reaching 56% [3][4] - The average selling price (ASP) for new energy buses exported from China is around 1.2 to 1.8 million yuan per vehicle, which is 2 to 4 times that of fuel buses [4]