Core Viewpoint - The company reported its 1H25 performance, which met expectations with a revenue of 44.5 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 5.2%, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of 3.44 billion yuan, up 8.1% year-on-year [1][2] Financial Performance - 1H25 total natural gas sales reached 12.51 billion cubic meters, a year-on-year increase of 5.5%, with pipeline gas sales in Beijing at 9.19 billion cubic meters, down 1.7% year-on-year [1] - The pre-tax profit from natural gas distribution and trading business was 970 million yuan, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 13.2% [1] - The company confirmed investment income from joint ventures, including 1.26 billion yuan from the National Pipeline Network, 330 million yuan from VCNG, 310 million yuan from China Gas, and 370 million yuan from Beijing Waterworks, maintaining overall stability [1] Development Trends - The signing of a three-year processing agreement for 4.5 million tons of LNG with major domestic suppliers is expected to enhance the profitability stability of the company [1] - The company anticipates that increased LNG receiving income may partially offset the new costs arising from the operation of the South Port LNG project, thereby improving overall profitability stability [1] Debt Structure and Dividend Policy - The company has optimized its debt structure, benefiting from lower domestic financing rates and converting some foreign currency debt to RMB, resulting in a reduction of over 100 million yuan in financial expenses year-on-year [2] - The company plans to maintain a mid-term dividend of 0.85 HKD per share, with management committing to a full-year dividend of 1.62 HKD per share, based on the higher value between this and 35% of operating profit for 2025 [2] - The company’s capital expenditure cycle is nearing completion, suggesting potential for long-term dividend increases [2] Profit Forecast and Valuation - The company maintains its profit forecasts for 2025 and 2026, with current stock prices corresponding to 6.8 times and 6.7 times the earnings for those years [2] - The company retains an outperform rating and a target price of 35 HKD, implying an 8.2% upside potential based on 7.4 times and 7.2 times the earnings for 2025 and 2026, respectively [2]