Air China(601111) 国泰君安·2024-11-01 02:49Investment Rating - The report maintains a rating of "Buy" for China National Aviation (601111) [4] Core Views - The Q3 earnings of China National Aviation significantly exceeded expectations, showcasing strong profitability and effective revenue management strategies [2][3] - The company is advised to adopt a contrarian investment strategy during the off-peak season in Q4 [2][3] Summary by Sections Earnings Performance - In Q3 2024, the company achieved a net profit of 41 billion yuan, which is a substantial improvement compared to the same period in 2023 and 2019, exceeding market expectations [3] - The total net profit for the first three quarters of 2024 reached 14 billion yuan, marking a turnaround from losses in previous years [3] Operational Metrics - The company’s available seat kilometers (ASK) increased by approximately 13% compared to Q3 2019, indicating a recovery in operational capacity [3] - The passenger load factor rose by over 5 percentage points year-on-year in Q3 2024, reflecting a more aggressive revenue management approach compared to competitors [3] Market Outlook - The demand for air travel continues to grow, with excess capacity being gradually absorbed, and a positive trend in supply-demand recovery is anticipated [3] - The international flight capacity is expected to improve, particularly with the recent lifting of restrictions on Chinese airlines by Canada, which may accelerate recovery on North American routes [3] Long-term Value Proposition - The company’s high-quality route network and customer base are expected to enhance long-term profitability, with a projected net profit of 8 billion yuan in 2024, increasing to 150 billion yuan by 2026 [3] - The strategic acquisition of Shandong Airlines has positioned the company favorably in terms of fleet size and operational efficiency [3] Target Price - The target price for the stock is maintained at 13.52 yuan, with the current market price at 7.33 yuan [4]