公用环保｜深圳启动水价价改，价格机制理顺有望提速

Core Viewpoint - Shenzhen's water price reform is set to address rising cost pressures on water supply companies, with proposed increases of 13% across both residential and non-residential categories, aiming to improve profitability in the sector [1][2][3]. Group 1: Event Details - A public hearing for Shenzhen's water price reform is scheduled for April 11, with two proposed pricing schemes for residential and non-residential water usage [2]. - The first scheme proposes increases for residential water prices to 2.67/4.54/9.35 CNY per ton for the first, second, and third tiers, while the second scheme suggests 2.94/5.00/10.29 CNY per ton, reflecting increases of 0%/13%/17% and 10%/25%/28% respectively [2]. - Non-residential water prices are proposed to rise to 4.76 CNY per ton under the first scheme and 4.57 CNY per ton under the second, with increases of 26% and 21% respectively [2]. Group 2: Current Pricing and Financial Performance - Shenzhen's current water pricing has remained unchanged for over seven years, with the first tier residential price at 2.67 CNY per ton, leading to declining profitability for local water supply companies [3]. - Shenzhen Water Group's net profit has decreased from 699 million CNY in 2018 to 166 million CNY in 2023, with gross margins dropping from 31.22% to 20.69% during the same period [3]. Group 3: Cost Transmission Mechanism - The lack of an effective cost transmission mechanism is identified as a core reason for the declining profitability of Shenzhen Water Group, with the current pricing structure not reflecting the annual average cost increase of approximately 3% [4]. - The implementation of new management regulations in October 2021 aims to enhance the market-oriented nature of water pricing and establish a regulatory cycle of three years for price adjustments, which could help rectify the cost transmission issues [4]. Group 4: Historical Context and Future Implications - Historical data indicates that price adjustments in major cities catalyze broader water price reforms across the country, with recent adjustments in cities like Shanghai and Nanjing suggesting a potential acceleration in price mechanism improvements nationwide [5][6]. - Since the introduction of the new management regulations in August 2021, 35 cities have adjusted their water prices, indicating a trend towards improving the long-standing low return issues in the water supply industry [7]. Group 5: Investment Strategy - The ongoing refinement of water pricing policies and the alignment of industry pricing mechanisms are expected to enhance overall returns in the water supply sector, presenting significant investment opportunities in water utility assets [9].