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Stock Analysis & ValuationChina Spacesat Co.,Ltd. (600118.SS)

Professional Stock Screener
Previous Close
$91.26
Sector Valuation Confidence Level
Moderate
Valuation methodValue, $Upside, %
Artificial intelligence (AI)36.79-60
Intrinsic value (DCF)11.44-87
Graham-Dodd Method4.04-96
Graham Formulan/a

Strategic Investment Analysis

Company Overview

China Spacesat Co., Ltd. is a premier Chinese aerospace manufacturer and technology application company specializing in small and micro satellite development. Operating as a subsidiary of the state-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), the company designs and manufactures advanced satellite platforms including CAST10, CAST20, CAST2000, CAST3000, and CAST4000 series. Its comprehensive product portfolio encompasses optical remote sensing, electromagnetic and microwave remote sensing, and science/technology testing satellites. Beyond manufacturing, China Spacesat provides integrated satellite ground application systems, terminal equipment manufacturing, and satellite operation services. The company serves critical sectors including communications, satellite navigation, remote sensing, cloud computing, information security, smart cities, national defense, and economic development. Headquartered in Beijing and listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, China Spacesat represents China's strategic push for technological self-reliance in space infrastructure and plays a vital role in the country's expanding space economy, supporting both civilian and defense applications.

Investment Summary

China Spacesat presents a specialized investment opportunity within China's strategic aerospace sector, backed by its parent company CASC which provides significant state support and contract flow. The company operates in a protected market with high barriers to entry, benefiting from China's national space ambitions. However, investment attractiveness is tempered by concerning financial metrics including negative operating cash flow (-CNY 316.8 million), minimal net income (CNY 27.9 million on revenue of CNY 5.16 billion), and a low EPS of 0.02. The company's beta of 0.422 suggests lower volatility than the broader market, potentially appealing to risk-averse investors seeking exposure to China's space program, but the financial performance raises questions about operational efficiency and profitability in the current period. The modest dividend yield of CNY 0.01 per share provides limited income appeal.

Competitive Analysis

China Spacesat occupies a unique competitive position as a specialized satellite manufacturer within China's state-controlled aerospace ecosystem. Its primary competitive advantage stems from its affiliation with CASC, China's main space contractor, which ensures preferential access to government contracts, R&D resources, and national space programs. The company has developed specialized expertise in small and micro satellites through platforms like CAST2000-4000, positioning it well for the growing demand for satellite constellations and specialized space applications. However, its competitive positioning is largely confined to the domestic Chinese market due to export restrictions and geopolitical considerations affecting space technology. While the company benefits from China's push for space independence and reduced reliance on foreign technology, it faces limitations in international market access compared to global competitors. Its integration capabilities across satellite manufacturing, ground systems, and operation services provide a comprehensive solution for domestic clients, but technological sophistication may still lag behind leading Western aerospace firms in certain advanced satellite technologies. The company's financial performance suggests challenges in translating its privileged market position into strong profitability, potentially indicating inefficiencies or pricing pressures within China's defense-industrial complex.

Major Competitors

  • Beijing Aerospace Changfeng Co., Ltd. (000901.SZ): Another CASC subsidiary specializing in aerospace technology and defense systems. Competes directly in China's domestic satellite and aerospace market with similar government backing. Strengths include shared technological resources within the CASC system and access to national defense contracts. Weaknesses include potential overlap and internal competition within the state-owned enterprise structure, potentially limiting efficiency and market focus compared to more specialized firms.
  • Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT): Global aerospace and defense giant with advanced satellite capabilities. Strengths include technological leadership, global market access, and extensive experience in complex space systems. Weaknesses include limited access to the Chinese market due to export controls and geopolitical tensions, creating a protected domestic environment for China Spacesat. Lockheed's satellite technology is generally more advanced but not directly competing in China's domestic market.
  • Airbus SE (AIR.PA): European aerospace corporation with significant satellite manufacturing capabilities through Airbus Defence and Space. Strengths include advanced technology, global customer base, and strong commercial satellite business. Weaknesses include limited penetration in the Chinese market due to political considerations and competition from protected domestic players like China Spacesat. Airbus faces restrictions in transferring sensitive space technology to China.
  • Maxar Technologies Inc. (MAXR): Specialized space technology company focused on Earth intelligence and space infrastructure. Strengths include advanced satellite imaging technology and established commercial relationships globally. Weaknesses include exclusion from the Chinese market due to US export controls, preventing direct competition with China Spacesat in its domestic market. Maxar's technology is more advanced in certain areas but inaccessible to Chinese customers.
  • Thales Alenia Space (SESG.PA): Joint venture between Thales and Leonardo specializing in satellite systems and space infrastructure. Strengths include sophisticated satellite technology and European institutional contracts. Weaknesses include limited access to the Chinese market and inability to compete effectively against state-supported domestic players like China Spacesat for Chinese government contracts. The company faces geopolitical barriers in the Chinese market.
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