Core Viewpoint - The successful issuance of the "Zero Carbon Smart Phase II Green Asset-Backed Special Plan (Carbon Neutral)" by Towngas Smart Energy reflects strong market recognition of the company's asset quality and comprehensive energy management capabilities, with a subscription multiple of 2.4 times [3]. Group 1: Financial Details - The issuance scale of the green asset-backed plan is 470 million RMB, with a priority interest rate of 2.2%, marking the second issuance within a 5 billion RMB shelf program [3]. - The renewable energy business segment is expected to see a significant increase in after-tax operating profit, projected to grow by 514% to 479 million HKD in 2024 [3]. Group 2: Business Strategy and Development - The company aims to become a leading green smart energy enterprise by creating a three-dimensional system of "investment + service + platform," which includes investments in distributed solar, energy storage, and value-added services such as smart microgrids and carbon trading [4]. - The funds raised will be directed towards renewable energy projects, specifically in high-quality solar and energy storage initiatives, contributing to the energy transition and carbon neutrality goals [4]. Group 3: Market Position and Future Outlook - As of the end of 2024, the company's photovoltaic grid-connected capacity reached 2.3 GW, positioning it as a leader in the distributed solar industry [3]. - The company has signed over 400 MWh of energy storage contracts in 2024, with expectations for new contracts in 2025 to exceed those of 2024, indicating a strong growth trajectory in the energy storage sector [3].

Core Viewpoint - The company aims to enhance liquidity by selling its entire stake in several wholly-owned subsidiaries engaged in rooftop photovoltaic power generation projects in China for approximately RMB 470 million [1] Group 1: Transaction Details - The company entered into an agreement on June 3, 2025, to sell its stake and outstanding loans related to the rooftop photovoltaic projects [1] - The total consideration for the sale is approximately RMB 470 million [1] - The company will also subscribe to part of the equity-level asset-backed securities issued under the second phase of the asset-backed special plan, amounting to RMB 24 million, which represents about 5.1% of the total principal amount of the asset-backed securities [1] Group 2: Use of Proceeds - The net proceeds from the sale will be used to invest in rooftop photovoltaic and energy storage projects, repay bank loans, and serve as general working capital [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent developments in the commercial energy storage sector in Anhui, highlighting significant projects and collaborations aimed at enhancing energy storage capabilities and integrating renewable energy solutions [2][5]. Group 1: Project Developments - A 37.5MW/100.5MWh energy storage station has been successfully connected to the grid in He County, Anhui, marking it as the largest user-side energy storage project in the region [3][5]. - The total investment for the He County project is 115 million yuan, and it employs a lithium iron phosphate storage system [5]. - As of now, there are 23 publicly announced user-side energy storage projects in Anhui since 2025, with a total capacity of 484.874MW/1451.319MWh [6][8]. Group 2: Project Distribution and Collaboration - The projects are primarily located in cities such as Hefei, Anqing, and Wuhu, with Hefei accounting for 32% of the total projects [6]. - The collaboration between Tianneng and Honghua Smart Energy aims to deepen strategic partnerships focusing on multi-scenario applications and virtual power plant construction [5]. - The largest tender project announced is a 300MW/600MWh user-side energy storage project in Woyang County [8]. Group 3: Future Prospects - The article indicates a growing trend in the energy storage market, with various companies like China Power Construction and Sunshine Power involved in the development of these projects [6][11]. - The integration of energy storage with renewable energy sources is emphasized as a key strategy for future energy solutions [5][6].

Financial Performance - The company reported a revenue of HKD 21,314 million for 2024, representing an increase from HKD 19,842 million in 2023, marking a growth of approximately 7.4%[36] - The company achieved a net profit attributable to shareholders of HKD 1,606 million in 2024, slightly down from HKD 1,575 million in 2023, indicating a decrease of around 1.5%[36] - The group’s overall revenue increased by 7.4% to HKD 21.314 billion, while core business profit rose by 34.5% to HKD 1.601 billion (up 37.2% in RMB) [42] - The group’s revenue for 2024 was 19.626 billion RMB, up 9.6%, while revenue in HKD increased by 7.4% to 21.314 billion HKD[139] - Total operating expenses for 2024 amounted to 19.420 billion HKD, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 6.8%[141] - The net profit attributable to shareholders for 2024 rose by 2.0% to 1.606 billion HKD, while core business profit surged by 34.5% to 1.601 billion HKD (up 37.2% in RMB) before non-operating gains and losses[147] User and Project Growth - The number of users across all enterprises reached 1,606, an increase from 1,575 in 2023, reflecting a growth of about 2%[34] - The company has secured a total of 749 projects across 27 provincial regions in mainland China, up from 536 projects at the end of 2023, representing an increase of approximately 39.7%[32] - The total number of urban gas projects reached 191, with 4 new projects added during the year, covering 19 provincial regions, and the total customer base reached 17.64 million, with 870,000 new customers added[72] - In 2024, the group's overall gas sales volume increased by 5% to 17.201 billion cubic meters, with a total customer base reaching 17.64 million, adding 870,000 new customers during the year[138] Renewable Energy Initiatives - The company aims to enhance its renewable energy business, which accounted for 20% of gas consumption in 2024, up from 19% in 2023[35] - The renewable energy business achieved a net profit of HKD 479 million in the year, representing a fivefold increase year-on-year, with over 1,000 renewable energy projects constructed across 24 provinces[95] - The renewable energy business is expected to enter a growth phase in 2024, aligning with the national target of exceeding 1.5 billion tons of standard coal in renewable energy consumption by 2030[94] - The group is actively exploring the application of hydrogen blending in natural gas, with a goal to cover 100,000 household customers in the "Hydrogen into Ten Thousand Homes" project in Weifang, Shandong[90] - The group aims to develop biomass natural gas projects and explore hydrogen blending opportunities in natural gas pipelines by 2025[47] Financial Management and Investments - The group maintains a prudent financial management policy, ensuring adequate cash and credit levels to support operations and business development[148] - The financing cost for 2024 decreased by 5.4% to 729 million HKD, attributed to strict capital expenditure control and successful low-interest loans[146] - The group has issued medium-term notes totaling RMB 1.8 billion with an average interest rate of 4.2% and an average term of 4.4 years as of December 31, 2024[151] - The group raised a total of RMB 1.5 billion through the issuance of 1-year and 3-year panda bonds in June 2023, with an average interest rate of 3.27%[151] - The group successfully established and issued a green asset-backed securities program with an initial issuance scale of RMB 515 million, part of a total shelf of RMB 5 billion[169] Sustainability and ESG Efforts - The company has been recognized as one of the "Best 1%" Chinese enterprises in gas utilities by S&P Global CSA, highlighting its commitment to sustainability[11] - The group has received multiple awards for its ESG disclosures and sustainable practices, reinforcing its reputation in the industry[19] - The group has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 26% compared to 2023, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability[110] - The group has engaged over 5,000 participants in a biodiversity and new energy summit, highlighting the global focus on renewable energy and biodiversity issues[119] - The group has received recognition for its ESG efforts, maintaining a strong position in the S&P Global ESG ratings[46] Strategic Initiatives and Future Plans - The company plans to continue expanding its market presence and investing in new technologies to drive future growth[36] - The group plans to enhance its resource pool and strengthen international trade business, including the import of liquefied natural gas[48] - The group will continue to expand energy storage projects and actively promote Energy as a Service (EaaS) business development[48] - The group is focusing on the "Gas+" business model, targeting public institutions, industrial, and construction sectors to provide comprehensive energy services[47] - The group has initiated a strategic cooperation with national pipeline networks and major oil companies to ensure diverse and sufficient gas supply[45] Board and Management - Dr. Zheng Mu Zhi has been an independent non-executive director since May 2007 and is currently the chairman of the remuneration committee and a member of the audit and risk committee[55] - Mr. Li Min Bin has served as an independent non-executive director since May 2007 and is the co-CEO of East Asia Bank, overseeing overall operations and management[57] - Dr. Lu Gong Hui has been an independent non-executive director since April 2022 and is a member of multiple committees including audit and risk, nomination, and remuneration[59] - Mr. Liao Ji Li has been a non-executive director since November 2021, with over 20 years of experience in private equity investments across various sectors in Greater China[62] - Mr. Huang Wei Yi has been the executive director and CEO since March 2007, recognized as one of Forbes' "Best CEOs of Chinese Listed Companies" in 2012 and 2013[64]

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Accumulate" rating for the gas industry [1] Core Views - Concerns over economic recession due to tariffs have led to a significant drop in US gas prices, while tariffs have temporarily halted the recovery of European gas prices, with domestic prices remaining stable [1][10] - The report highlights a supply-demand analysis indicating a 2.1% week-on-week increase in total gas supply in the US, while total demand increased by 7% week-on-week [15][17] - The report emphasizes the ongoing adjustments in pricing mechanisms and the gradual recovery of demand in the domestic market [50][51] Price Tracking - As of April 17, 2025, US HH gas prices decreased by 20.6%, European TTF prices increased by 6.8%, and domestic LNG prices remained stable with a week-on-week change of -0.5% [10][12] - The average total supply of natural gas in the US reached 1,124 billion cubic feet per day, with a year-on-year increase of 6.3% [15] Supply and Demand Analysis - The report notes that the US gas market is experiencing a week-on-week price drop of 20.6% due to tariff-induced inflation concerns, while total demand has increased by 7% [15][17] - In Europe, gas consumption for March 2025 was 60.5 billion cubic meters, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 1.8% [17] Pricing Progress - The report indicates that 61% of cities have implemented residential pricing adjustments, with an average increase of 0.20 yuan per cubic meter [39] - The pricing mechanism is expected to continue evolving, with potential for further adjustments in the future [39] Important Events - The report details the increase of tariffs on US LNG to 140%, noting that the impact on supply is limited due to the small proportion of US LNG in China's total imports [46] - Ongoing negotiations regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict are highlighted as a significant factor influencing European gas supply dynamics [49] Investment Recommendations - The report recommends focusing on companies that can optimize costs and benefit from the evolving pricing mechanisms, particularly highlighting New Energy and China Gas as key players [50][51] - It suggests monitoring companies with strong long-term contracts and flexible scheduling capabilities, such as Jiufeng Energy and Xin'ao [51]

Core Viewpoint - Honghua Smart Energy (01083) has demonstrated strong performance in revenue and core profit growth, reflecting positive market sentiment and expectations for future development [1][2]. Financial Performance - In 2024, Honghua Smart Energy achieved revenue of HKD 21.314 billion, a year-on-year increase of 7.4%, while core profit surged by 34.5% to HKD 1.601 billion [2]. - The company declared a final dividend of HKD 0.16 and a special dividend of HKD 0.03, totaling HKD 0.19 [2]. Market Reaction - Following the earnings report, the company's stock price rose by over 9% on March 17, ultimately closing with a gain of 7.93%, reflecting a cumulative increase of nearly 15% since the beginning of March [1]. Analyst Ratings - Various domestic and international brokerages, including CICC, Citigroup, and Huatai Securities, have issued positive reports on the company, indicating strong recognition of its value [1][2]. - Target prices from analysts range from HKD 3.45 to HKD 4.99, with ratings such as "Outperform" and "Buy" [2][10]. Business Growth and Strategy - The company is focusing on its gas business, with gas sales volume expected to increase by 5% to 17.201 billion cubic meters in 2024, supported by the implementation of a pricing mechanism [3][4]. - The comprehensive gas price difference improved to HKD 0.56 per cubic meter, with expectations for further growth in 2025 [3]. Renewable Energy Development - Honghua Smart Energy's renewable energy segment reported a significant profit increase of 514% to HKD 479 million in 2024, with solar power generation capacity reaching 2.3 GW [5][6]. - The company is adopting a light-asset model, which is expected to drive further growth in its renewable energy business, contributing to overall profitability [6][7]. Future Outlook - Analysts anticipate that the company's renewable energy business will continue to be a key driver of growth, with projections for new installations of 0.6 GW and 0.5 GW in 2025 and 2026, respectively [6][10]. - The ongoing implementation of the pricing mechanism and the light-asset strategy are expected to enhance the company's performance and cash flow stability in the long term [10][11].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the company [1] Core Insights - The company reported a significant increase in core profits, driven by its renewable energy business, which saw a net profit increase of over 400 million HKD year-on-year [6] - The company plans to distribute a total dividend of 0.19 HKD per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 5.79% based on the closing price on March 14 [6] - The gas sales volume is expected to grow steadily, with total gas sales projected to reach 17.2 billion cubic meters in 2025, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 4.5% [6] - The renewable energy segment, particularly solar power, is expected to continue its rapid expansion, with plans to achieve 6 GW of solar assets on the balance sheet by 2030 [6] Financial Data and Profit Forecast - Revenue (million HKD): - 2023: 19,842 - 2024: 21,314 (7.4% YoY growth) - 2025E: 21,861 (2.6% YoY growth) - 2026E: 22,739 (4.0% YoY growth) - 2027E: 23,499 (3.3% YoY growth) [2][7] - Net Profit (million HKD): - 2023: 1,575 - 2024: 1,606 (2.0% YoY growth) - 2025E: 1,809 (12.7% YoY growth) - 2026E: 1,928 (6.5% YoY growth) - 2027E: 2,029 (5.3% YoY growth) [2][7] - Earnings per Share (HKD/share): - 2023: 0.48 - 2024: 0.47 - 2025E: 0.52 - 2026E: 0.55 - 2027E: 0.58 [2][7] Market Data - Closing Price (HKD): 3.28 [3] - Market Capitalization (billion HKD): 114.17 [3] - 52-week High/Low (HKD): 3.67/2.69 [3]

上 市 公 司 公 司 点 评 / 公 司 点 公用事业 2025 年 03 月 17 日 港华智慧能源 (01083) ——核心利润大幅增长 光伏添成长动力 报告原因：有业绩公布需要点评 | 投资要点： | | --- | 财务数据及盈利预测 资料来源：Bloomberg 证券分析师 | | 2023 | 2024 | 2025E | 2026E | 2027E | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 营业收入（百万港元） | 19,842 | 21,314 | 21,861 | 22,739 | 23,499 | | 同比增长率（%） | -1.2 | 7.4 | 2.6 | 4.0 | 3.3 | | 归母净利润（百万港元） | 1,575 | 1,606 | 1,809 | 1,928 | 2,029 | | 同比增长率（%） | 63.2 | 2.0 | 12.7 | 6.5 | 5.3 | | 每股收益（港元/股） | 0.48 | 0.47 | 0.52 | 0.55 | 0.58 | | 净资产收益率（%） | 6.89 | 6.85 | 6.86 ...

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Buy" with a target price of HKD 4.00 [7][25][8] Core Insights - The company reported a revenue of HKD 21.314 billion for 2024, representing a year-on-year increase of 7%, and a core net profit of HKD 1.601 billion, which is up 35% year-on-year, exceeding the forecast of HKD 1.45 billion [1][2] - The natural gas sales volume for 2024 increased by 5% year-on-year, with the city gas gross margin rising by RMB 0.02 per cubic meter [1][2] - The company plans to maintain a dividend payout ratio of 41%, with expected dividend yields of 6.2%, 6.5%, and 6.8% for 2025-2027 [1][4] Summary by Sections Revenue and Profitability - The company achieved a core net profit of HKD 1.601 billion in 2024, a 35% increase from the previous year, and revenue reached HKD 21.314 billion [1][6] - The forecast for core net profit for 2025 and 2026 has been raised to HKD 1.71 billion and HKD 1.81 billion, respectively [1][4] Natural Gas Sales - The total gas sales volume for 2024 is projected to be 17.2 billion cubic meters, with industrial, commercial, and residential sales increasing by 2.5%, 4.5%, and 5.2% respectively [2][4] - The forecast for gas sales growth for 2025 and 2026 has been adjusted to 4.8% and 4.6% [2][4] Renewable Energy - The company’s distributed photovoltaic capacity reached 2.3 GW by the end of 2024, with a projected increase to 2.5 GW and 3.0 GW in 2025 and 2026, respectively [3][4] - The renewable energy segment is expected to contribute significantly to profit growth, with net profit estimates for this segment raised by 70% and 66% for 2025 and 2026 [3][4] Valuation and Target Price - The target market capitalization for the company is set at HKD 13.9 billion, with a target price of HKD 4.00 based on a valuation of 7x PE for the city gas business and 11x PE for the renewable energy business [4][25] - The previous target price was HKD 3.85, indicating a positive outlook for the company's valuation [4][25]

Financial Performance - The company's revenue increased by 7.4% to HKD 21.314 billion, with a core profit growth of 34.5% to HKD 1.601 billion[4] - The net profit for the year was HKD 1,796,494 thousand, slightly down from HKD 1,811,324 thousand in 2023, reflecting a decrease of 0.8%[21] - The total operating expenses for 2024 were HKD 19,419,838 thousand, up from HKD 18,177,618 thousand in 2023, indicating a rise of 6.8%[19] - The total comprehensive income for the year was HKD 936,186 thousand, a significant decrease from HKD 1,630,696 thousand in 2023[21] - The operating profit for the year ended December 31, 2024, was HKD 2,205,148,000, compared to HKD 2,196,434,000 in 2023, showing a slight increase of 0.4%[46] - Financing costs decreased to HKD 728,603,000 in 2024 from HKD 769,839,000 in 2023, a reduction of about 5.4%[46] - The company recognized a net other income of HKD 179,587,000 in 2024, down from HKD 426,559,000 in 2023, representing a decline of approximately 57.9%[44] - The profit attributable to shareholders for 2024 was HKD 1.606 billion, a 2.0% increase, with core business profit rising by 34.5% to HKD 1.601 billion[76] Revenue and Sales Growth - The net profit from renewable energy business surged fivefold to HKD 479 million, with cumulative photovoltaic grid connection reaching 2.3 GW and annual power generation doubling to 1.83 billion kWh[4] - The total gas sales volume rose by 5% to 17.201 billion cubic meters, with an improved gas price margin of RMB 0.56 per cubic meter, up RMB 0.02 from the previous year[4] - The number of urban gas customers reached 17.64 million, an increase from 16.77 million in the previous year[5] - Total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024, reached HKD 21,314,027,000, an increase from HKD 19,841,511,000 in 2023, representing a growth of approximately 7.4%[39] - In 2024, the group's total sales volume reached 5.087 billion cubic meters, an increase of 5.5% year-on-year, with revenue of RMB 19.626 billion, up 9.6%[67] Dividends and Shareholder Returns - The company plans to distribute a final dividend of HKD 0.16 per share and a special dividend of HKD 0.03 per share, totaling HKD 0.19 per share[4] - The company declared a final dividend of HKD 661,319,000 for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to HKD 536,717,000 in 2023, marking an increase of about 23.2%[50] - The board proposed a final dividend of HKD 0.16 per share and a special dividend of HKD 0.03 per share, totaling HKD 0.19 per share, subject to shareholder approval at the annual general meeting[86] - The cash dividends will be payable, with shareholders having the option to receive new shares instead of cash under the scrip dividend scheme[86] Strategic Initiatives and Business Development - The company is focusing on optimizing core business and enhancing competitiveness through new growth models in renewable energy and smart energy systems[10] - The company is actively developing virtual power plants and energy-as-a-service (EaaS) projects, providing integrated energy management services[12] - The company aims to leverage national policies promoting renewable energy and distributed photovoltaic systems to create growth opportunities[8] - The group aims to expand its renewable energy projects and actively promote Energy as a Service (EaaS) to adapt to changing electricity pricing policies and the rapid integration of new energy sources[16] - The company has initiated a strategic merger of two gas companies in Jinan, Shandong, to optimize resource allocation and enhance asset value[13] Operational Efficiency and Cost Management - The group is committed to cost reduction and efficiency improvement while embracing technology to enhance resilience and contribute to national carbon neutrality goals[17] - Employee costs rose to HKD 1,421,232,000 in 2024 from HKD 1,306,363,000 in 2023, an increase of about 8.8%[43] - The company's tax expenses for 2024 were HKD 408,654,000, compared to HKD 385,110,000 in 2023, indicating an increase of approximately 6.1%[48] Financial Position and Liabilities - As of December 31, 2024, the group's current liabilities exceed current assets by approximately HKD 5.598 billion, with borrowings of about HKD 3.696 billion due within one year[27] - The group has a funding capacity of approximately HKD 13.452 billion through its medium-term note program and HKD 15.432 billion remaining under Panda bonds, along with unused credit facilities of about HKD 10.248 billion from banks and its parent company[27] - The reclassification of convertible bonds resulted in HKD 1.867 billion being moved from non-current to current liabilities as of December 31, 2024[34] - As of December 31, 2024, the group's borrowings totaled HKD 15.427 billion, down from HKD 16.282 billion in 2023[79] Governance and Compliance - The company has complied with all applicable code provisions of the Corporate Governance Code during the year[90] - An audit and risk committee has been established to review and monitor the group's financial reporting, risk management, and internal control systems[90] - The audit and risk committee met with internal auditors and external auditors on February 27, 2025, to review the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2024[90] Market and Credit Ratings - Moody's and S&P maintained stable credit ratings of Baa1 and BBB+, respectively, reflecting the group's solid business and credit history[83]