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Stock Analysis & ValuationGuangzhou Baiyun International Airport Co., Ltd. (600004.SS)

Professional Stock Screener
Previous Close
$9.56
Sector Valuation Confidence Level
Moderate
Valuation methodValue, $Upside, %
Artificial intelligence (AI)25.80170
Intrinsic value (DCF)5.58-42
Graham-Dodd Method8.57-10
Graham Formula8.92-7

Strategic Investment Analysis

Company Overview

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Co., Ltd. operates Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, one of China's major aviation hubs and a critical gateway to Southern China. As a comprehensive airport operator, the company provides essential aviation services including aircraft take-off/landing, passenger transit, security screening, and ground handling services. Beyond core aviation operations, the company has diversified into complementary businesses including duty-free retail, logistics and distribution, property management, hotel services, and advertising. Strategically located in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Guangzhou Baiyun serves as a vital transportation node for one of China's most economically dynamic regions. The airport handles both domestic and international flights, connecting mainland China with global destinations while supporting regional economic development. As China's aviation market continues to expand, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport plays a crucial role in the country's transportation infrastructure and economic growth strategy.

Investment Summary

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport presents a mixed investment case with both attractive fundamentals and notable risks. The company benefits from its strategic position in China's prosperous Guangdong province and serves as a key hub in the rapidly growing Greater Bay Area. Strong financial metrics include robust operating cash flow of CNY 3.41 billion, healthy cash reserves of CNY 4.73 billion, and manageable debt levels with a net income of CNY 926 million. The beta of 0.381 suggests lower volatility than the broader market. However, investors should consider regulatory risks in China's aviation sector, exposure to economic cycles affecting travel demand, and potential impacts from geopolitical tensions on international travel. The company's diversification into non-aviation businesses provides revenue stability but may dilute focus from core operations. The dividend yield, while present, may not be sufficiently attractive for income-focused investors given the current payout ratio.

Competitive Analysis

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport occupies a strong competitive position as one of China's three major hub airports alongside Beijing Capital and Shanghai Pudong. Its primary competitive advantage stems from its strategic location in the Pearl River Delta, one of China's most economically vibrant regions with strong manufacturing, trade, and business activity. The airport benefits from significant catchment area demand and serves as the main hub for China Southern Airlines, providing stable baseline traffic. The company's diversified revenue streams beyond traditional aeronautical services—including retail, advertising, and logistics—provide competitive insulation against aviation cyclicality and enhance profitability per passenger. However, the airport faces intensifying competition from nearby hubs including Hong Kong International Airport and Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport, both of which are expanding capacity and competing for transit traffic. Regulatory constraints on pricing for aeronautical services in China limit revenue flexibility compared to international peers. The airport's competitive positioning is further challenged by high-speed rail expansion in China, which continues to capture short-haul domestic traffic. Long-term competitiveness will depend on capacity expansion plans, airline relationship management, and successful development of commercial revenue streams.

Major Competitors

  • Beijing Capital International Airport Co., Ltd. (0694.HK): As operator of Beijing's primary airport, this competitor benefits from serving China's political capital and largest city, generating strong origin-destination traffic. Its strengths include premium international traffic and higher aeronautical charges. However, it faces capacity constraints and increasing competition from Beijing Daxing International Airport, which has diverted traffic and airlines. Compared to Guangzhou Baiyun, it has less exposure to the manufacturing and export-driven economy of Southern China.
  • Shanghai International Airport Co., Ltd. (600009.SS): This competitor operates Shanghai Pudong International Airport, China's primary international gateway and major hub for China Eastern Airlines. Its strengths include superior international traffic mix, higher commercial revenue per passenger, and strategic location in China's financial capital. Weaknesses include exposure to international travel volatility and competition from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport for domestic traffic. Compared to Guangzhou Baiyun, it has stronger international connectivity but less exposure to the manufacturing and logistics hub of the Pearl River Delta.
  • Hong Kong International Airport (0388.HK): Operating one of the world's busiest cargo airports and premier international hubs, this competitor benefits from Hong Kong's strategic position, liberal aviation policy, and high-quality service standards. Strengths include superior international connectivity, higher yield passengers, and strong cargo operations. Weaknesses include high operating costs, limited expansion possibilities, and political uncertainties affecting travel patterns. It competes directly with Guangzhou Baiyun for international transit traffic in Southern China.
  • Shenzhen Airport Co., Ltd. (000089.SZ): As operator of Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport, this competitor benefits from serving China's technology and innovation hub with strong business traffic. Its strengths include proximity to high-tech industries and growing international routes. Weaknesses include smaller scale compared to Guangzhou Baiyun and capacity constraints. It represents direct regional competition for traffic in the Pearl River Delta, particularly as Shenzhen's economy continues to grow rapidly.
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