香港中华煤气（00003）：核心利润增长5%，绿能驱动结构升级

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is maintained as "Buy" with a target price of HKD 7.04 [7][24]. Core Insights - The company reported a core profit growth of 5% for 2024, driven by structural upgrades in green energy, despite a revenue decline of 3% to HKD 55.5 billion [1][5]. - The gas sales volume in Hong Kong remained stable, with a slight increase of 0.1% year-on-year, while the company expects to benefit from a favorable pricing mechanism [2][3]. - The renewable energy and green energy sectors show significant growth potential, with net profit from renewable energy reaching HKD 322 million, a 544% increase year-on-year [4][5]. Summary by Sections Financial Performance - For 2024, the company reported revenues of HKD 55.5 billion, a decrease of 3% year-on-year, and a core profit of HKD 5.95 billion, an increase of 5% year-on-year [1][6]. - The net profit attributable to shareholders was HKD 5.71 billion, down 6% year-on-year [1][6]. Gas Sales - The gas sales volume in Hong Kong was 27,159 TJ, with residential gas volume decreasing by 1.4% and commercial/industrial gas volume increasing by 1.4% and 5.2% respectively [2][3]. - The company anticipates stable gas sales in Hong Kong for 2025, maintaining an EBITDA margin of approximately 52% [2][3]. Renewable Energy Growth - The renewable energy segment is expected to grow rapidly, with the company shifting towards a light-asset strategy, projecting significant revenue growth from carbon services and asset management [4][5]. - The green energy business, including green methanol and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), is strengthening its capacity to capture future demand [4][5]. Profit Forecast Adjustments - The profit forecasts for 2025 and 2026 have been adjusted downwards by 6% and 9% respectively, with expected net profits of HKD 6.24 billion and HKD 6.56 billion [5][24]. - The target price has been revised down to HKD 7.04 from HKD 7.63, reflecting a price-to-book ratio of 2.3x for 2025 [5][24].