Investment Rating - The investment rating for the environmental engineering and services sector is "Positive" [2] Core Viewpoints - The environmental industry is gradually returning to rationality after experiencing a decline in national subsidies, PPP projects, and mixed ownership reforms. Companies are focusing on core business development while exploring new growth areas such as renewable energy and AI+environmental solutions [24] - In 2024, the environmental sector achieved a total revenue of CNY 395.986 billion, a year-on-year decrease of 1.2%, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of CNY 26.289 billion, a decrease of 10.7%. However, in Q1 2025, the sector's revenue increased by 1.5% year-on-year to CNY 87.873 billion, and net profit rose by 1.3% to CNY 8.723 billion, indicating a steady improvement in performance [24] Summary by Relevant Sections Water Sector - In 2024, the water sector generated revenue of CNY 75.376 billion, a decrease of 1% year-on-year, while net profit increased by 24.1% to CNY 11.822 billion. In Q1 2025, revenue remained flat at CNY 16.785 billion, with net profit growing by 7.6% to CNY 2.663 billion. Recent policy changes are expected to catalyze market-oriented water price reforms, benefiting efficient water companies [3][35] Solid Waste Sector - The solid waste treatment sector achieved revenue of CNY 174.722 billion in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 10.6%, with net profit rising by 10.2% to CNY 14.248 billion. In Q1 2025, revenue grew by 8.6% to CNY 41.34 billion, and net profit increased by 7.9% to CNY 4.3 billion. The new paradigm of waste incineration combined with data centers is expected to enhance profitability and cash flow [4][30] Environmental Monitoring/Testing Sector - The environmental monitoring/testing sector reported revenue of CNY 11.146 billion in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 1.5%, with net profit rising significantly by 46.2% to CNY 0.733 billion. In Q1 2025, revenue decreased by 6.3% to CNY 1.788 billion, while net profit remained stable with a slight increase of 0.4% [4] Environmental Equipment Sector - The environmental equipment sector generated revenue of CNY 61.497 billion in 2024, a decrease of 10.27%, with net profit falling by 33% to CNY 2.873 billion. In Q1 2025, revenue decreased by 6.42% to CNY 13.822 billion, and net profit decreased by 4.6% to CNY 0.986 billion. The demand for energy-saving equipment is expected to rise as the government promotes energy efficiency [5][6] Investment Recommendations - Three main investment lines are highlighted: 1. Water and waste incineration operations, which are expected to benefit from market reforms and stable cash flows. Recommended companies include Xirong Environment and Hongcheng Environment. 2. Environmental equipment, which is anticipated to see increased demand due to ongoing energy-saving initiatives. Suggested companies include Zhongtai Co. and Ice Wheel Environment. 3. Circular economy initiatives, with significant growth potential as outlined in the "14th Five-Year Plan" for circular economy development. Recommended companies include Inke Recycling and High Energy Environment [6][30]