申万宏源：深圳拟四月上旬调整水价 水务板块公用水业属性增强

Core Viewpoint - Shenzhen plans to hold a public hearing on water price adjustments on April 11, 2025, proposing to increase the comprehensive water price from 3.45 yuan per cubic meter to 3.90 yuan per cubic meter, representing a 13.05% increase, which is a significant development following the water price hearing in Guangzhou last year [1][2] Group 1: Water Price Adjustment - The current water price in Shenzhen has been in effect since July 26, 2017, and the upcoming adjustment is expected to influence surrounding areas, enhancing the public utility attributes of the water sector [2] - Comparatively, several cities around Guangzhou and Shenzhen have not adjusted their water prices for years, with Foshan last adjusting in 2016 and Zhongshan in 2012 [2] Group 2: Pricing Methodology - The pricing of residential water is determined based on a "permitted cost plus reasonable return" method, where the permitted cost serves as the foundation for price adjustments [3] - The pricing authority is required to conduct cost audits and maintain cost transparency, establishing a regular cost audit system to determine pricing costs [3] Group 3: Regulatory Framework - In 2021, the National Development and Reform Commission introduced policies allowing water prices to be adjusted every three years, providing local water companies with the potential for price increases [4] - The revised regulations clarify pricing principles, methods, and adjustment procedures, emphasizing timely adjustments based on cost assessments [4] Group 4: Investment Opportunities - Although there are no publicly listed companies operating Shenzhen's water services, the price adjustment is expected to benefit three categories of companies: 1) Urban water operators in the Greater Guangzhou-Shenzhen area, with a focus on companies like Hanlan Environment (600323.SH), Shunkong Development (003039.SZ), and Zhongshan Public Utilities (000685.SZ) [5] 2) Other water operators in Guangdong and raw water suppliers in Shenzhen and Dongguan, with a focus on Yuehai Investment (00270) [5] 3) Undervalued water companies in other regions, with a focus on Xingrong Environment (000598.SZ) [5]