Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the company [2][8]. Core Views - The company's revenue decreased due to a decline in construction income, while the total dividend payout saw a slight increase. Capital expenditures continue to contract, leading to improved free cash flow [3][8]. Financial Summary - In 2024, the company achieved revenue of 24,270 million RMB, a year-on-year decline of 1%. The net profit attributable to shareholders was 1,678 million RMB, down 12% year-on-year. The decline in revenue was primarily due to a 42% drop in BOT water project construction income, which amounted to 2,616 million RMB [8]. - The total dividend payout for the year was 1,435 million RMB, slightly up from 1,420 million RMB in 2023 [8]. - The overall gross margin remained stable at 37%, while management expenses decreased by 7% to 3,071 million RMB [8]. Operational Performance - The company operated sewage treatment capacity of 19.65 million tons and recycled water plants of 2.09 million tons in 2024, with sewage treatment volume increasing by 5%. The average contract price for water treatment rose to 1.54 RMB/ton from 1.49 RMB/ton in 2023, with a gross margin increase of 2 percentage points to 57% [8]. - The operational water supply capacity was 10.24 million tons, with a 2% increase in supply volume. The actual average contract price for water supply remained stable at 2.15 RMB/ton, while the gross margin decreased by 5 percentage points to 40% due to increased amortization from more water pipe construction and renovation [8]. - Revenue from technical services and equipment sales reached 2,549 million RMB, a 4% year-on-year increase, with a gross margin of 42%, down 1 percentage point [8]. - Urban resource service revenue grew by 19% year-on-year to 6,028 million RMB, with a gross margin of 19%, down 1 percentage point [8]. Capital Expenditure - The company's total capital expenditure for 2024 was 4,105 million RMB, a significant decrease from 6,990 million RMB in 2023. Of this, 1,694 million RMB was allocated for the acquisition of property, plant, and equipment, while 2,350 million RMB was used for the construction and acquisition of water plants [8].
北控水务集团（00371）：资本开支收缩，派息总额稳中略有提升