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中广核矿业(01164):2024年税前经营性利润符合预期,铀价企稳推动基本面筑底回升

Investment Rating - The investment rating for China General Nuclear Power Corporation (1164 HK) is maintained as "Buy" with a target price of HKD 2.00 [7][8]. Core Views - The company has issued a profit warning, expecting a net profit of HKD 317 to 367 million for 2024, representing a year-on-year decline of 26% to 35%. This is primarily due to the accrual of dividend withholding tax and losses from the termination of operations related to the Fission acquisition. However, the tax-adjusted operating profit is expected to grow by 41% to 50%, reaching HKD 790 to 840 million, driven by rising uranium prices [1][2]. - The report expresses optimism regarding the recovery of uranium prices, supported by policies promoting nuclear energy in the US and Europe, which are expected to create a supply-demand gap that will drive prices upward in the medium to long term [1][3]. Summary by Sections Earnings Forecast and Valuation - The earnings per share (EPS) forecast for 2024 has been revised down by 35% to HKD 0.05 per share, while the EPS for 2025 and 2026 remains at HKD 0.10 and HKD 0.14 respectively. The target price is set at HKD 2.00, based on a price-to-earnings (PE) ratio of 20x for 2025 [4][12]. Revenue and Profitability - The projected revenue for 2024 is HKD 9,919 million, with a year-on-year growth of 34.72%. The net profit attributable to the parent company is expected to be HKD 364.07 million, reflecting a decrease of 26.76% compared to 2023. The company anticipates a recovery in profitability with a projected net profit of HKD 764.89 million in 2025 [6][17]. Uranium Market Outlook - The spot price of uranium is expected to stabilize, having dropped from USD 76 to USD 65 per pound, while long-term contract prices have increased to USD 81 per pound, indicating ongoing supply-demand tensions in the industry. Key drivers for future uranium demand include regulatory changes in the US and potential shifts in Germany's nuclear policy [3][4].