Core Viewpoint - North Control Water's performance in the first half of 2025 showed a decline in revenue and net profit, primarily due to unexpected impairment losses, but the company maintains a strong dividend policy and potential for cash flow improvement [1][3]. Financial Performance - In 1H25, North Control Water achieved revenue of 10.459 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 7.5%, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of 0.897 billion yuan, down 20.1% year-on-year, which was below previous expectations [1]. - The company declared an interim dividend of 0.674 billion yuan, representing 80% of net profit (excluding perpetual bond distributions), with a corresponding dividend per share (DPS) of 7.35 Hong Kong cents, up 5% from 7.0 Hong Kong cents in 1H24 [1][3]. Business Segments - Water treatment service revenue increased by 2% year-on-year, while water governance construction service revenue decreased by 57% to 0.071 billion yuan [2]. - The revenue from sewage and reclaimed water treatment services grew by 3% to 4.52 billion yuan, with a gross margin increase of 1 percentage point to 60% due to a rise in average water prices [2]. - The supply service revenue remained stable at 1.45 billion yuan, but gross margins declined due to changes in customer structure and rising operational costs [2]. Capital Expenditure and Cash Flow - Capital expenditure in 1H25 decreased by 40% to 0.94 billion yuan, while free cash flow significantly improved to 1.75 billion yuan [3]. - The company’s cash flow showed a positive trend, with operating net cash inflow expected to be 1.94 billion yuan, compared to 0.25 billion yuan in 1H24 [3]. - The company’s design capacity reached 43.3 million tons per day, with new signed projects adding 120,000 tons per day, aligning with its light asset transformation strategy [3]. Profit Forecast and Valuation - The profit forecast for 2025-2027 has been slightly adjusted, with net profit estimates of 1.52 billion yuan for 2025, reflecting a decrease of 1.3% [3]. - The target price is set at 3.15 Hong Kong dollars, based on a target price-to-earnings (PE) ratio of 18.9 times for 2025, indicating a positive outlook for cash flow and profitability improvement [3].
北控水务集团(0371.HK)：减值拖累净利 1H25派息同比+5%