Group 1 - CITIC Group is a large comprehensive enterprise group founded in 1979, headquartered in Beijing, and is one of the first multinational enterprises established after China's reform and opening up [1] - The group operates under a unique "finance + industry" dual-drive model, covering sectors such as finance, resource energy, high-end manufacturing, and engineering contracting [1] - CITIC Group has a significant presence in both domestic and international markets, consistently ranking in the Fortune Global 500 [1] Group 2 - CITIC Bank, established in 1987, is one of the earliest emerging commercial banks in China, providing a wide range of financial services [3] - CITIC Securities, founded in 1995, is the largest securities company in China, leading in investment banking market share for five consecutive years [5] - CITIC Special Steel, established in 1993, is a global leader in special steel manufacturing, with products used in high-end applications [7] Group 3 - CITIC Heavy Industries, founded in 2008, specializes in heavy machinery manufacturing and has a global presence in 68 countries [10][11] - CITIC Offshore Helicopter, established in 1999, is the largest general aviation operator in China, focusing on offshore oil and emergency rescue services [13] - CITIC Guoan Information Industry, founded in 1997, holds a significant position in the integrated information services sector [15] Group 4 - CITIC Metal, established in 1988, is a leading trader of metal and mineral products, with a focus on iron ore and non-ferrous metals [17] - CITIC Publishing Group, founded in 1993, is a leading publishing group in China, focusing on book publishing and digital reading [18] - CITIC Resources Holdings, established in 1997, engages in the exploration and trading of natural resources [20] Group 5 - CITIC International Financial Holdings serves as the main asset integration platform for CITIC Group, covering various sectors including finance and manufacturing [22] - CITIC International Telecommunications is one of the largest international telecommunications hubs in the Asia-Pacific region [24] - CITIC Financial Asset Management, restructured in 2023, focuses on managing non-performing assets and financial services [26] Group 6 - CITIC Group's listed companies benefit from a "strategic control + market-oriented operation" model, enjoying resource synergy while maintaining competitiveness in niche markets [26] - Many of the group's listed companies are currently undervalued compared to their industry positions, presenting potential investment opportunities [26] - The ongoing national policy for state-owned enterprise value reassessment and the effective layout of emerging industries may lead to structural opportunities for CITIC Group companies [26]

Investment Rating - The report assigns a "Buy" rating to the company, CITIC Special Steel [3] Core Views - CITIC Special Steel is positioned as a leading player in the special steel industry, with a robust product portfolio that meets the evolving demands of various sectors, including energy and automotive [6][10] - The company has demonstrated resilience in its financial performance, with a focus on high-temperature corrosion-resistant alloys and high-strength steel products, which are expected to see significant sales growth [6][10] - The report highlights the company's strategic initiatives in digital transformation and cost reduction, which are anticipated to enhance operational efficiency and profitability [6][10] Financial Performance Summary - The projected revenue for CITIC Special Steel is expected to be 114,018.80 million in 2023, with a slight decline to 112,254.93 million in 2024, followed by a recovery to 116,879.83 million in 2025 and 122,999.66 million in 2026 [2] - The net profit attributable to shareholders is forecasted to be 5,721.19 million in 2023, decreasing to 5,191.47 million in 2024, before rebounding to 5,754.78 million in 2025 and reaching 6,503.84 million in 2026 [2] - The report indicates a sales gross margin of 13.14% in 2023, with a slight improvement expected in subsequent years [18] Product and Market Positioning - CITIC Special Steel offers over 3,000 types of products and more than 5,000 specifications, catering to diverse applications in automotive manufacturing, energy, and machinery [13][46] - The company has a strong focus on high-end special steel products, which are critical for various industries, including renewable energy and automotive [6][10] - The report emphasizes the company's commitment to quality control and technological innovation, which positions it favorably against international competitors [6][10] Strategic Initiatives - The company is actively pursuing digital transformation, investing over 1 billion annually to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs [6][10] - CITIC Special Steel is expanding its market presence, particularly in overseas markets, to capitalize on the growing demand for high-performance steel products [6][10] - The report notes the company's strategic partnerships and collaborations that enhance its competitive edge in the special steel sector [6][10]