Investment Rating - The report provides a positive investment outlook for the electricity and natural gas sectors, recommending specific companies for investment based on their performance and market conditions [4][16]. Core Insights - In July, the national electricity consumption exceeded 1 trillion kWh for the first time, reaching 10,226 billion kWh, a year-on-year increase of 8.6% [4][7]. - The increase in electricity consumption was primarily driven by urban and rural residents, contributing 38% to the total growth, with significant contributions from the secondary and tertiary industries as well [8][9]. - The report highlights the impact of high temperatures on electricity demand, noting that July was the hottest month since 1961, which significantly boosted residential electricity usage [8][9]. - Natural gas prices in Europe have rebounded due to geopolitical tensions, while prices in Asia and the US have decreased, indicating a mixed market environment [16][20]. - The report emphasizes the potential for improved profitability in the biomass energy sector following the introduction of new methodologies for carbon emissions reduction [4][16]. Summary by Sections Electricity - July's total electricity consumption reached 10,226 billion kWh, marking a historic milestone with an 8.6% year-on-year growth [4][7]. - The first, second, and third industries, along with urban and rural residents, contributed to the overall electricity consumption growth, with the second industry showing a recovery in electricity usage [8][9]. - Recommendations include investing in hydropower, green energy, nuclear power, and thermal power companies such as Guodian Power and Huaneng International [14][15]. Natural Gas - The report notes a stable supply-demand balance in the natural gas market, with US prices dropping to $2.76/mmBtu, while European prices have seen fluctuations due to geopolitical risks [16][20]. - Recommendations for investment include companies in the city gas sector and integrated natural gas traders, highlighting firms like Kunlun Energy and New Hope Energy [41][42]. Environmental Sector - The introduction of new methodologies for biomass energy projects is expected to enhance profitability, with a focus on companies like Evergreen Group and China Everbright [4][16]. Market Performance - The report reviews market performance from August 18 to August 22, indicating that the gas, public utility, electricity, and environmental sectors underperformed compared to the Shanghai and Shenzhen 300 index [43][44].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a positive outlook on the electricity and gas sectors, indicating a favorable investment environment [5]. Core Insights - In July, the national electricity consumption exceeded 1 trillion kWh for the first time, reaching 10,226 billion kWh, a year-on-year increase of 8.6% [10][11]. - The increase in electricity consumption was primarily driven by urban and rural residents, contributing 38% to the total growth, while the secondary and tertiary industries contributed 33% and 25%, respectively [11]. - The report highlights the impact of high temperatures in July, which were 1.3°C above the historical average, leading to increased electricity demand from residential sectors [11]. - In the gas sector, European gas prices have rebounded due to geopolitical tensions, while Asian and US gas prices have declined [19][30]. - The report suggests that the gas supply-demand balance remains loose, with US gas production at historical highs, contributing to lower prices [22][23]. Summary by Sections 1. Electricity: July National Electricity Consumption Exceeds 1 Trillion kWh - The national electricity consumption reached 10,226 billion kWh in July, marking a historic milestone [10]. - The first industry saw a 20.2% increase in electricity consumption, while the second and third industries grew by 4.7% and 10.7%, respectively [12]. - Cumulative electricity consumption from January to July was 58,633 billion kWh, a 4.5% year-on-year increase [14]. 2. Gas: Gas Supply-Demand Remains Loose, Geopolitical Tensions Affect European Gas Prices - As of August 22, the Henry Hub spot price in the US was $2.76/mmBtu, a weekly decrease of 7.19% [19]. - The TTF spot price in Europe rose to €33.10/MWh, reflecting an 8.17% increase due to geopolitical tensions [20]. - The report notes that European gas inventories are significantly lower than last year and the five-year average, raising concerns about supply stability [30]. 3. Weekly Market Review - The report indicates that the gas, public utilities, electricity, and environmental sectors underperformed relative to the CSI 300 index during the period from August 18 to August 22 [47]. 4. Company and Industry Dynamics - The report mentions the release of a notice regarding the bidding arrangement for new energy projects in Gansu Province, indicating ongoing developments in the renewable energy sector [54]. - Key announcements from companies such as Guodian Power and Kunlun Energy highlight their financial performance and strategic initiatives [55][58]. 5. Key Company Valuation Table - The report includes a valuation table for key companies in the public utility sector, indicating buy ratings for several firms, including China Nuclear Power and Huaneng International [59].

Core Viewpoint - Hong Kong and Mainland gas sales remain stable, with core profits steadily increasing after excluding exchange rate impacts, supporting a "buy" rating for the company [5] Group 1: Financial Performance - Hong Kong Chinese Gas reported a revenue of HKD 27.514 billion for the first half of 2025, a year-on-year increase of 0.1%, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of HKD 2.964 billion, a decrease of 2.5% year-on-year, but a 5% increase when excluding exchange rate impacts [1] - The company plans to distribute an interim dividend of HKD 0.12 per share, maintaining an annual dividend of HKD 0.35 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 4.97% based on the closing price on August 20 [1] Group 2: Hong Kong Operations - In the first half of 2025, Hong Kong gas sales volume was 14,935 TJ, remaining stable year-on-year, with residential gas usage increasing to offset the negative impact of residents consuming gas in mainland China [1] - The company increased maintenance fees and basic pricing, enhancing profitability in the Hong Kong gas business, with after-tax operating profit rising 6% to HKD 2.15 billion [1] - The Hong Kong government is accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis, which is expected to increase gas sales potential to 5,500 TJ, providing long-term growth momentum for the gas business [1] Group 3: Mainland Operations - In the first half of 2025, the total gas sales volume in Mainland China was 18.58 billion cubic meters, a slight decrease of 0.3% year-on-year, with industrial and residential increases offsetting declines in commercial and distribution sectors [2] - The gross margin for city gas sales was HKD 0.54 per cubic meter, an increase of HKD 0.04 per cubic meter, with residential gas prices rising despite a decrease in average costs [2] - The company is effectively controlling the decline in connection business by expanding into rural and old urban areas, with a slight decrease of 5% in completed residential connections [2] Group 4: Extended Business and Renewable Energy - The after-tax profit from extended businesses reached HKD 250 million in the first half of 2025, a year-on-year increase of 39%, focusing on smart kitchens, insurance, and home safety [3] - The company’s photovoltaic power generation increased by 44% to 1.18 billion kWh, with net profits from photovoltaic business and asset management totaling HKD 172 million [4] - The green fuel business faced challenges with a tax-adjusted operating profit of -HKD 190 million, primarily due to low prices for SAF, but future production capacity for green methanol is expected to reach 300,000 tons per year by 2028 [4]

Core Viewpoint - Hong Kong and mainland gas companies are experiencing stable gas sales, but growth in mainland city gas sales is slowing down, with potential for price margin recovery diminishing. The company maintains a clear dividend policy and has growth potential in renewable and green energy sectors [1][2]. Group 1: Hong Kong Gas Performance - Hong Kong China Gas reported 1H25 revenue of HKD 27.5 billion, flat year-on-year; core profit was HKD 3.08 billion, down 3% year-on-year; net profit attributable to shareholders was HKD 2.96 billion, also down 3% year-on-year [1]. - Gas sales in Hong Kong remained stable at 14,935 TJ in 1H25, with residential gas volume up 2.5% due to a 0.8°C decrease in average temperature; commercial gas volume decreased by 2.3% due to changes in tourism patterns [1]. - The company expects gas sales in Hong Kong to remain flat in 2025, benefiting from a well-established pricing mechanism, with an anticipated EBITDA margin of around 52% [1]. Group 2: Mainland City Gas Performance - The company’s city gas sales volume reached 18.58 billion cubic meters in 1H25, essentially flat year-on-year; industrial gas volume remained stable, while commercial gas volume decreased due to warm winter effects [2]. - The city gas price margin was CNY 0.54 per cubic meter in 1H25, up 0.04 CNY year-on-year; the cost of gas purchase decreased by CNY 0.06 per cubic meter due to optimized self-sourced gas [2]. - The company anticipates that the price margin recovery will converge to CNY 0.02 per cubic meter in 2025, despite an expected expansion in pricing mechanisms [2]. Group 3: Renewable and Green Energy Potential - The company’s renewable energy business net profit reached HKD 116 million in 1H25, up 6% year-on-year; the shift towards a light-asset strategy is expected to drive growth in carbon services and asset management sales from 2025 to 2027 [2]. - The green energy business, including green methanol and SAF, is solidifying its production capacity, with a collaboration on green methanol with Fuan Energy and a SAF plant in Malaysia expected to begin trial production in September [2]. Group 4: Financial Adjustments and Target Price - The company adjusted its net profit forecasts for 2025-2027 to HKD 6.03 billion, HKD 6.46 billion, and HKD 6.79 billion, reflecting a three-year CAGR of 6% [2]. - The target price has been raised to HKD 7.63, up from HKD 7.04, based on a 2.5x PB for 2025, considering the potential of renewable energy and green fuel business [2].

Core Viewpoint - Daiwa has revised its earnings forecast for Hong Kong and China Gas (00003) for the fiscal years 2025 to 2026, lowering the per-share earnings estimate by 1% to 9%, while introducing a forecast for fiscal year 2027 and raising the 12-month target price for gas from HKD 6.1 to HKD 7.1, maintaining a "Hold" rating [1] Financial Performance - Hong Kong and China Gas reported a core profit of HKD 3.084 billion for the first half of the year, representing a year-on-year decline of 3%, primarily due to weak pricing from renewable fuel producer EcoCeres' sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) [1] - The after-tax net operating profit increased by 3% year-on-year, but core profit decreased by 3%, mainly impacted by foreign exchange factors that resulted in an increase of HKD 213 million in financial expenses [1] - The interim dividend per share is HKD 0.12, unchanged from the same period last year [1] - The performance for the first half of 2025 and the revised guidance align with Daiwa's expectations [1]

Core Viewpoint - Daiwa has revised its earnings forecast for Hong Kong and China Gas (00003) for the fiscal years 2025 to 2026, lowering the per-share earnings estimate by 1% to 9%, while also introducing a forecast for fiscal year 2027 and raising the 12-month target price from HKD 6.1 to HKD 7.1, maintaining a "Hold" rating [1] Financial Performance - Hong Kong and China Gas reported a core profit of HKD 3.084 billion for the first half of the year, representing a year-on-year decline of 3%, primarily due to weak pricing from renewable fuel producer EcoCeres' sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) [1] - The after-tax net operating profit increased by 3% year-on-year, but core profit decreased by 3%, largely impacted by foreign exchange factors that resulted in an increase of HKD 213 million in financial expenses [1] - The interim dividend per share is HKD 0.12, unchanged from the same period last year [1] Business Outlook - The performance for the first half of 2025 and the revised guidance align with Daiwa's expectations [1]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the company with a target price of HKD 7.63, up from the previous HKD 7.04 [6][26]. Core Insights - The company's 1H25 performance showed stable revenue at HKD 27.5 billion, with core profit slightly down by 3% year-on-year to HKD 3.08 billion, primarily due to higher financial costs from exchange rate factors [1][5]. - Gas sales in Hong Kong remained flat year-on-year, with residential gas volume increasing by 2.5% due to lower average temperatures, while commercial gas volume decreased by 2.3% [2][3]. - The company is expected to benefit from a stable local demand in Hong Kong, with an EBITDA margin projected to remain around 52% for 2025 [2]. - The growth rate of city gas sales in mainland China has slowed, with a slight increase in residential gas volume and a decrease in commercial gas volume due to warm winter conditions [3]. - The renewable energy and green fuel segments show growth potential, with net profit from renewable energy reaching HKD 116 million, up 6% year-on-year [4]. Summary by Sections Financial Performance - 1H25 revenue was HKD 27.5 billion, core profit was HKD 3.08 billion, and net profit attributable to shareholders was HKD 2.96 billion, both down 3% year-on-year [1]. - The company maintains a stable interim dividend per share (DPS) of HKD 0.12, with an expected full-year DPS of HKD 0.35, corresponding to a dividend yield of 5.0% [1]. Gas Sales - Hong Kong gas sales volume for 1H25 was 14,935 TJ, remaining flat year-on-year, with residential gas volume increasing by 2.5% and commercial gas volume decreasing by 2.3% [2]. - The company expects gas sales in Hong Kong to remain stable in 2025, benefiting from a well-established pricing mechanism [2]. Mainland City Gas - The company reported city gas sales volume of 18.58 billion cubic meters in 1H25, remaining flat year-on-year, with industrial gas volume stable and commercial gas volume declining [3]. - The average city gas price difference was RMB 0.54 per cubic meter, up 0.04 RMB year-on-year, with expectations for price difference recovery to converge [3]. Renewable Energy and Green Fuel - The renewable energy business net profit reached HKD 116 million in 1H25, with expectations for continued growth in carbon services and asset management [4]. - The green energy business is expanding, with partnerships for green methanol and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production [4]. Profit Forecast Adjustments - The report adjusts the company's net profit forecasts for 2025-2027, with a projected CAGR of 6% [5][26]. - The target price is raised to HKD 7.63 based on a revised price-to-book ratio of 2.5x for 2025, reflecting the potential of renewable energy and green fuel businesses [5][26].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited [1] Core Views - The company's revenue for the first half of 2025 was HKD 27.514 billion, a year-on-year increase of 0.1%, while the net profit attributable to shareholders was HKD 2.964 billion, a decrease of 2.5%. Excluding foreign exchange losses, the net profit increased by 5% year-on-year, aligning with expectations [4][6] - The company proposed an interim dividend of HKD 0.12 per share, maintaining a stable annual dividend of HKD 0.35 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 4.97% based on the closing price on August 20 [4][6] - The gas sales volume in Hong Kong remained stable, with a slight increase in residential gas usage offsetting the negative impact of residents consuming gas in mainland China. The company has strong pricing power in Hong Kong, with recent price adjustments enhancing profitability [6] - The mainland business showed a slight decline in gas sales volume, but the gross margin improved. The company effectively controlled the decline in connection business, minimizing its impact on overall performance [6] - The company's extended business segment saw a significant profit increase, and strategic investments are expected to support growth [6] - Renewable energy initiatives are gaining traction, with solar power generation increasing by 44% year-on-year. The company is also expanding its green fuel business, with expectations for future growth [6] Financial Data and Earnings Forecast - Revenue projections for 2023 to 2027 are as follows: HKD 56,971 million (2023), HKD 55,473 million (2024), HKD 54,725 million (2025E), HKD 56,732 million (2026E), and HKD 58,295 million (2027E) [5][7] - Net profit projections for the same period are: HKD 6,070 million (2023), HKD 5,712 million (2024), HKD 6,131 million (2025E), HKD 6,543 million (2026E), and HKD 6,912 million (2027E) [5][7] - The price-to-earnings ratio for 2025-2027 is projected to be 21.4, 20.1, and 19.0 respectively, indicating a stable valuation outlook [6]

Core Insights - The company reported stable gas sales and a 3% increase in after-tax operating profit for the first half of 2025, reaching 4 billion RMB [15][16][30] - The renewable energy segment showed a 6% profit growth, with significant increases in solar power generation and energy storage contracts [12][57][60] - The company is expanding its hydrogen energy initiatives, with projects aimed at producing green hydrogen and establishing charging stations [26][29][82] Utility Business - Gas sales volume remained stable, with a slight increase in price differential of 0.04 RMB per cubic meter [9][30] - The water business showed robust performance, with an 8% profit increase, driven by expansion into community and rural projects [10][44] - The company secured long-term gas supply contracts totaling 15 billion cubic meters per year, enhancing its supply chain stability [11][41] Growth Business - The renewable energy sector, particularly solar power, saw a 44% increase in generation, with a total of 1.18 billion kWh produced [12][57] - The company is actively pursuing strategic partnerships and financing, raising 450 million USD for its extended business initiatives [50][53] - The advanced biofuels segment is expanding, with a new joint venture aimed at producing green methanol and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) [14][97] Financial Overview - The company declared an interim dividend of 0.12 HKD per share, reflecting a stable financial position [15] - The net profit attributable to shareholders for the first half of 2025 was 2.96 billion HKD, marking a 3% increase [16][19] - Capital expenditures for the first half of 2025 were reported at 2.5 billion HKD, down from 3.3 billion HKD in the previous year [22] Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) - The company achieved an MSCI rating of AA, indicating strong performance in sustainability practices [100] - It has been recognized as a leader in the gas utility sector for three consecutive years in the Sustainable Development Yearbook [100]

Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong stock market has shown a "slow bull" trend since 2025, with the Hang Seng Index rising 25.45% year-to-date, entering a technical bull market, driven by the "AI+" technology narrative, while the utility sector attracts long-term capital due to its high dividends and stable growth [1] Group 1: Gas Business Performance - The gas business of Hong Kong and mainland China has shown steady performance in the first half of 2025, with Hong Kong's gas sales remaining stable despite external challenges [2][3] - Hong Kong and mainland gas operations have maintained stability, with Hong Kong's gas sales benefiting from a solid customer base and the development of the Northern Metropolis, which is expected to increase gas demand significantly [3][4] - In mainland China, despite a 0.9% year-on-year decline in natural gas consumption, the company managed to keep sales volume stable and improve gross margin by 0.04 RMB per cubic meter [4][5] Group 2: Supply Chain and Resource Management - The company has made significant progress in integrating supply chain resources, securing long-term gas supply contracts totaling 15 billion cubic meters per year and establishing a robust storage and peak-shaving infrastructure [6][7] - The integration of supply chain resources enhances the company's bargaining power and ability to meet customer demands effectively [7] Group 3: Diversified Business Development - The company has expanded its business model beyond traditional gas supply, launching the "Mingqi Home" brand to offer smart kitchen solutions, which saw a 25% year-on-year increase in sales due to government subsidies [9] - The company is actively developing renewable energy, achieving 2.6 GW of cumulative photovoltaic grid connection and a 44% year-on-year increase in photovoltaic power generation in the first half of 2025 [10] - The company is also focusing on energy storage solutions and has initiated projects to enhance its energy management capabilities, including a partnership for a sulfur-based liquid flow battery storage system [11] Group 4: Green Fuel Initiatives - The company is investing in green methanol production, with plans to reach a capacity of 30,000 tons by 2028, and has successfully completed large-scale green methanol refueling operations [13][15] - The company is also involved in hydrogen energy projects, including a green hydrogen initiative expected to supply households by 2026, and has established partnerships to develop sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) [14][15] Conclusion - The company's dual-driven model of relying on a stable traditional business while innovating in new growth areas demonstrates strong resilience and adaptability in the face of market fluctuations, providing a valuable reference for sustainable development in the energy sector [15][16]