[ET Net News Agency, 4 September 2019] HSBC Global Research lowered its target price
for China Communications Construction (CCC)(01800) to HK$7.1 from HK$8.3 and maintained
its "hold" rating.
The research house said CCC reported a weak set of results for 2Q as strong revenue
growth of 20% was offset by weak GP margin of 11.3% (versus 14.3% in 2Q 2018). A 25%
increase in 1H in subcontracting costs to RMB82bn seems to be the key reason for the
decline in GP margin.
The 31 toll roads in operation reported a net loss of RMB1.24bn during 1H with revenue
of RMB2.8bn. The operational toll road asset value was RMB160bn. HSBC considers this as a
key concern going forward for the company's profitability and poor free cash flows. (KL)