GEELY AUTO(00175) 光大证券·2025-03-23 09:53Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Geely Automobile, with an updated target price of HK$21.88, corresponding to a 15x PE for 2025E [4][6]. Core Insights - Geely Automobile's total revenue for 2024 increased by 34.0% year-on-year to CNY 240.19 billion, with net profit attributable to shareholders rising by 213% to CNY 16.63 billion, aligning closely with expectations [1][4]. - The company experienced a strong performance in Q4 2024, with total revenue up 29.7% year-on-year and net profit up 45.4% year-on-year [1]. - Geely's total sales volume for 2024 rose by 32% to 2.177 million units, with new energy vehicle sales surging by 92% to 888,000 units [2]. Summary by Sections Financial Performance - In 2024, Geely's gross margin improved by 0.6 percentage points to 15.3%, with Q4 2024 gross margin reaching 17.3% [2]. - The SG&A expense ratio decreased by 1.4 percentage points to 7.6% [2]. - The report forecasts net profits of approximately CNY 13.91 billion for 2025E and CNY 16.06 billion for 2026E, with an upward revision from previous estimates [4][5]. Strategic Developments - The internal integration and smart transformation are accelerating, with the establishment of Geely Technology Group and the completion of the equity transfer of Lynk & Co to Zeekr [3]. - Geely plans to launch 10 new products and several facelifts in 2025, enhancing operational efficiency through resource synergy [3]. - The company aims to complete its "Smart Geely 2025" strategy, focusing on AI and data integration, which is expected to strengthen its competitive position in the mainstream price segment [3]. Market Position and Outlook - Geely's global strategy is progressing, with expectations for overseas sales to exceed 10% of total sales, supported by resources from Volvo and expanded KD factory layouts [3]. - The report highlights the potential for continued profit optimization driven by the launch of high-value models and internal cost reductions [4].