Grandblue Environment (SH:600323) Soochow Securities·2025-07-07 09:12Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Accumulate" rating for the environmental protection industry [1]. Core Views - The report highlights that the environmental protection sector is entering a mature phase, leading to improved free cash flow and increased dividends due to reduced capital expenditures. The focus is on enhancing operational efficiency through heat supply and IDC collaborations, which are expected to boost ROE and valuations [12][14]. Summary by Sections Industry Trends - The environmental protection sector is experiencing a shift towards maturity, with capital expenditures decreasing and free cash flow turning positive in 2023, continuing to improve in 2024. This trend is expected to enhance dividend payouts significantly [12][14]. - The report notes that the waste incineration segment is seeing a decline in capital expenditures, which is positively impacting free cash flow and dividend distributions [12][14]. Company Insights - Huanlan Environment is expanding its heat supply business, leveraging existing waste incineration projects to improve operational efficiency and cash flow. The company has signed multiple heat supply agreements and is expected to increase its heat supply volume significantly in the coming years [9][10][11]. - The report emphasizes the strong dividend potential of several companies, including Junxin Co. with a cash dividend of 507 million yuan in 2024, Green Power with 418 million yuan, and Huanlan Environment with a proposed dividend of 652 million yuan [12][13][14]. Market Developments - The report indicates that the water services sector is also showing stable growth, with a projected revenue of 655 billion yuan in 2024, despite a slight decline due to one-time gains. The sector is expected to benefit from ongoing water price reforms, which will enhance profitability and valuation [16][18][19]. - The report highlights the increasing penetration of new energy sanitation vehicles, with sales growing by 73% in the first five months of 2025, indicating a shift towards more sustainable practices in the industry [26][32]. Future Outlook - The report suggests that the environmental protection industry is poised for a new phase of growth driven by market reforms and operational efficiencies. Companies that can effectively manage their cash flows and adapt to changing market conditions are expected to see significant valuation increases [20][24].