Core Viewpoint - The report initiates coverage on Yuehai Investment with a "Buy" rating and a target price of HKD 9.10, corresponding to a 2025 target PE of 14.0 times [1] Group 1: Company Overview - Yuehai Investment is a quality water service platform controlled by Guangdong state-owned assets, with its core asset being the Dongshen Water Supply Project [1] - The company's business includes five main segments: water services, property investment and development, department store operations, hotel ownership and management, and energy road and bridge [1] - After divesting Yuehai Land, the company's fundamentals have stabilized, and it has strong free cash flow, which is expected to continue providing high dividend returns [1] Group 2: Dongshen Water Supply Project - The Dongshen Water Supply Project has supplied a cumulative total of 30 billion cubic meters of water to Hong Kong since 1965, accounting for nearly 80% of Hong Kong's freshwater consumption [2] - The projected water supply to Hong Kong in 2024 is 8 million tons, with a water price of HKD 6.42 per ton [2] - The project has undergone two pricing phases, with a "bundled reduction" mechanism implemented since 2020, and the basic water price is expected to grow at a rate of 2.39% year-on-year from 2024 to 2026 [2] - The DCF valuation of the Dongshen Water Supply Project is estimated to be between HKD 45 billion and HKD 62 billion, assuming contract renewal until 2120 [2] Group 3: Financial Performance and Dividend Outlook - Free cash flow is expected to reach HKD 9.229 billion in 2024, with a cash dividend payout ratio of 65% following the divestment of Yuehai Land [3] - The dividend payout ratio, considering physical dividends, is projected to be 78.87%, significantly higher than the industry average of 57.76%, with a dividend yield of 5.65% [3] - For 2025-2027, the company is expected to maintain a dividend payout ratio of 65%, with projected dividend yields of 6.02%, 6.28%, and 6.54% respectively, making it attractive compared to peers [3] Group 4: Market Perspective and Valuation - The market expresses concerns regarding the uncertainties surrounding the renewal of the Dongshen Water Supply Project's franchise rights, water pricing, and transaction pricing [3] - The company believes that the visibility of the renewal is strong due to its historical significance and multiple asset restructuring plans [3] - The DCF valuation of the Dongshen project, along with contributions from other water resources and businesses, indicates that Yuehai Investment remains a valuable investment even under pessimistic assumptions [3] - The forecasted net profits for 2025-2027 are HKD 4.218 billion, HKD 4.397 billion, and HKD 4.576 billion, with year-on-year growth rates of 34.2%, 4.2%, and 4.1% respectively [4] - The company is assigned a target PE of 14.0 times for 2025, leading to a target price of HKD 9.10, reflecting its stable growth and high dividend yield compared to industry averages [4]
粤海投资(0270.HK)：稀缺对港供水资产 聚焦主业价值提升