公用事业及环保产业行业研究：垃圾焚烧迎“水电时刻”，合作IDC完善长逻辑

Investment Rating - The report suggests that the current sector has investment value, recommending a focus on operators with potential for increased capacity utilization, leading indicators in power generation per ton and heating ratio, lower reliance on subsidies, and higher cash dividend capabilities [1]. Core Insights - The report highlights that the waste incineration sector is entering a phase of positive free cash flow, with significant increases in dividend ratios expected in the coming years. The average dividend ratio is projected to rise from 35% in 2023 to 47% in 2024, driven by a 307% year-on-year increase in free cash flow [3][23][30]. - The report emphasizes the importance of collaboration with IDC (Internet Data Center) operators, which is expected to optimize cash flow curves and business models for waste incineration operators. This partnership is anticipated to create a win-win scenario for all parties involved [3][54]. Summary by Sections Section 1: Industry Overview - The waste incineration industry has achieved a 100% harmless treatment rate for domestic waste by the end of 2023, with a significant shift towards incineration over landfill methods [12][13]. - The fixed cost structure of waste incineration plants is characterized by a high proportion of depreciation and amortization costs, approximately 42.8%, leading to stable cash outflows [15][18]. Section 2: Financial Performance - The report notes that the waste incineration sector is expected to see a substantial increase in free cash flow, with the first year of positive free cash flow occurring in 2023. The average dividend payout ratio is projected to increase significantly in 2024 [3][23][30]. - The cash flow structure is stable, with variable costs linked to fuel prices being only 5.5% of total costs, while the majority consists of labor and auxiliary costs [15][18]. Section 3: Risks and Challenges - The report identifies several risks, including delayed subsidy payments, lower-than-expected capacity utilization for newly commissioned plants, and potential issues with the commercial model leading to accounts receivable delays [2][26]. - The impact of subsidy reductions on project internal rates of return (IRR) is highlighted, with a decrease of 0.1 CNY/KWh potentially lowering IRR from 7.9% to 6.2% [29][34]. Section 4: Strategic Recommendations - The report recommends focusing on regional operators in high electricity price areas (e.g., Yangtze River Delta, Pearl River Delta, Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei) that have lower reliance on subsidies and higher cash dividend capabilities [1]. - Collaboration with IDC is seen as a strategic move to enhance cash flow and stabilize revenue streams, particularly in light of increasing energy demands from data centers [54][56].