Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2025-08-21 06:40Core 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]