大能源行业2025年第13周周报：水价调整持续推进企业盈利有望改善-2025-03-31

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the water utility sector is "Positive" (maintained) [4] Core Insights - Continuous water price adjustments are expected to improve corporate profitability, with Shenzhen's proposed water price increase of 13.05% from 3.449 CNY/m³ to 3.8991 CNY/m³ [4][10][14] - The adjustment is part of a broader trend since 2021, where various cities have initiated price hearings to reflect increased investment costs [6][14] - The water pricing mechanism is based on "permitted costs + reasonable returns," with adjustments occurring every three years [5][11] Summary by Sections Water Price Adjustment - Shenzhen's water price adjustment hearing is scheduled for April 11, 2025, marking the first adjustment in eight years [4][10] - The proposed price increase includes a smaller rise for residential users and a more significant increase for non-residential users [6][14] Policy and Regulatory Framework - The pricing framework established in 1998 mandates that urban water prices are determined by costs, taxes, and profits, with a reasonable profit margin of 8-10% on net assets [5][11] - The recent policy revisions emphasize the need for periodic adjustments to reflect actual costs and investments [11][12] Market Implications - The water price adjustments in Shenzhen may set a precedent for other cities in Guangdong province, which have not adjusted prices for several years [6][14] - Companies such as Huanlan Environment (Foshan), Zhongshan Public Utilities, and others are recommended for attention due to potential price adjustments [15]