Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Buy" and is maintained [9]. Core Views - The company's core profit attributable to shareholders for the first half of 2025 is HKD 7.872 billion, a decrease of 15.9% compared to HKD 9.363 billion in the same period of 2024, primarily due to high base effects and weak coal production performance [2][6]. - The thermal power segment's core profit attributable to shareholders is HKD 2.641 billion, a year-on-year decrease of 2.7%, impacted by last year's high base from the acquisition of the Guangxi Hezhou thermal power project [2][6]. - The renewable energy segment achieved a core profit attributable to shareholders of HKD 5.637 billion, a year-on-year increase of 1.5%, despite facing impairment losses [2][6]. Summary by Sections Financial Performance - The company's thermal power sales volume for the first half of 2025 is 71.1 billion kWh, a decrease of 1.4% year-on-year, with an average coal-fired electricity price of HKD 0.391 per kWh, down 6.1% [9]. - The average standard coal price is HKD 823.8 per ton, a decrease of 11.8% year-on-year, leading to a reduction in overall fuel costs to HKD 21.717 billion, down 12.2% [9]. - The renewable energy segment's installed capacity increased significantly, with wind power and solar power capacities growing by 33.6% and 159.2% respectively [9]. Investment Recommendations - The company is expected to maintain a stable dividend of HKD 0.356 for the first half of 2025, with projected earnings for 2025-2027 being HKD 12.763 billion, HKD 13.108 billion, and HKD 13.805 billion respectively [9]. - Corresponding EPS for these years are projected to be HKD 2.47, HKD 2.53, and HKD 2.67, with PE ratios of 7.51, 7.31, and 6.94 respectively [9].

Group 1: Financial Performance - Hong Kong and China Gas Company reported a revenue of HKD 27.514 billion for the first half of 2025, representing a year-on-year growth of 0.07% [1] - The company's after-tax operating profit increased by 2.86% to HKD 3.996 billion, while the profit attributable to shareholders decreased by 2.5% to HKD 2.964 billion [1] - Basic earnings per share were HKD 0.159, with an interim dividend of HKD 0.12 per share [1] Group 2: Utility Business in Hong Kong - The average temperature in Hong Kong during the first half of the year was lower than the same period last year, leading to an increase in residential gas sales [1] - The overall gas sales volume in Hong Kong remained stable, supported by the completion of gas application facilities in various commercial buildings, sports venues, hotels, and hospitals, as well as the recovery of the tourism industry [1] - The company is advancing its hydrogen commercialization process, including projects for hydrogen supply at construction sites and hydrogen charging, which are expected to drive future profit growth [1] Group 3: Utility Business in Mainland China - Despite challenges from tariff issues and a warm winter in the north, the gas sales volume in urban areas remained stable [1] - The company maintained stable profits in its gas business through price adjustment efforts, refined management, and close cooperation with upstream gas suppliers [1] - The comprehensive price difference for urban gas increased by RMB 0.04 per cubic meter to RMB 0.54 per cubic meter [1] Group 4: Renewable Energy Business - The core profit of Honghua Smart Energy, a subsidiary, grew by 2% to HKD 719 million, with cumulative photovoltaic grid connection reaching 2.6 GW and commercial energy storage reaching 260 MWh as of June 30, 2025 [2] - The company is promoting an integrated decarbonization business model of "photovoltaics + energy storage + electricity sales" to enhance business profitability [2] Group 5: Green Methanol Business - The green methanol business achieved a breakthrough with the establishment of a joint venture, VENEX, with Fuan Energy, planning to set up a factory in Foshan with an initial production capacity of 200,000 tons per year, expected to commence production in the second half of 2027 [2] - The company is collaborating with the Hong Kong SAR government and industry partners to advance the construction of a green shipping fuel hub in Hong Kong, focusing on green methanol production, storage, transportation, and trading [2]

Group 1: Pricing and Market Participation - The company's domestic hydropower projects are priced by the price regulatory authority and currently do not participate in market trading [1] - As of now, Hubei Province has not released supporting details regarding the implementation of the 136 document on market-oriented pricing for renewable energy [1] Group 2: Development Directions and Strategies - During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the company will focus on renewable energy development, including the construction of three pumped storage projects and the establishment of centralized wind and solar power bases [2] - The company aims to enhance asset returns by optimizing operational processes and leveraging digital intelligence for efficiency improvements [2] Group 3: Market Performance and Pricing Changes - The Hubei electricity spot market transitioned from trial operation to formal operation in June 2025, with a slight decrease in electricity prices for thermal and renewable energy projects compared to the same period last year [2] - The internal rate of return for pumped storage projects is set at 6.5%, with a pricing mechanism that includes prior approval and periodic adjustments [2] Group 4: Shareholder Returns - The company has established a shareholder return plan for the next three years (2024-2026) and emphasizes a stable cash dividend strategy to enhance long-term shareholder value [3]