中国人民大学法学院教授国务院反垄断反不正当竞争委员会专家咨询组成员孟雁北：《指南》在总结反 垄断执法实践经验的基础上，针对公用事业领域突出的垄断问题，通过共七章45条的规定，对公用事业 领域垄断协议、滥用市场支配地位的整体分析框架、具体行为表现和认定标准，以及经营者集中的分析 框架和审查重点作出了细化规定。同时还规定了公平竞争审查、制止滥用行政权力排除、限制竞争行 为、经营者法律责任等内容，形成我国公用事业领域事前、事中、事后全覆盖的反垄断制度规则体系， 系统性地构建了我国公用事业领域反垄断监管制度。 市场监管总局指出，根据执法实践，公用事业领域的垄断协议行为以横向垄断协议为主，较多出现在瓶 装燃气行业，对此，《指南》作出了针对性规定。同时，对于公用事业领域可能存在的纵向垄断协议、 组织与实质性帮助行为等，《指南》也对其具体表现进行了细化。这些内容有助于公用事业经营者准确 识别法律风险。 浙江省公平竞争政策与反垄断研究院院长王健：《指南》明确列举了横向垄断协议的两种表现形式，其 中"通过口头约定、召开会议、签订自律公约等方式，固定销售价格水平、价格变动幅度或者利润水 平"，就是对某瓶装液化气经营者垄断协议案的 ...

Core Insights - Hangzhou has experienced a significant increase in water consumption due to hot weather, with daily water supply reaching a record high of 1.9393 million tons on August 18, surpassing the previous peak of 1.8875 million tons [1] - The total daily water supply within the integrated service area of the municipal water group reached 4.2716 million tons, exceeding the historical maximum of 4.1929 million tons [1] - The current water supply capacity of the municipal water group is 5.483 million tons per day, with the Jiangbei main urban area capable of supplying 2.55 million tons per day, meeting the summer peak demand [1] Group 1 - The municipal water group has implemented special measures to ensure peak water supply, including enhancing the operation management of water treatment plants, coordinating station networks during peak periods, and strengthening water quality monitoring [1] - Recent infrastructure improvements include the expansion of Xiangfu Water Plant, which will double its capacity from 250,000 tons per day to 500,000 tons per day by December 2024 [1] - Successful completion of the DN1600 water supply connection pipeline has further enhanced the water delivery capacity of Xiangfu Water Plant [1] Group 2 - In January, the DN1600 water supply pipeline on Fengqi East Road in the main urban area was put into operation, addressing the growing water demand in the Xiasha area [2] - The entire western line water supply network in Jiande City was completed, ending the history of decentralized water supply for towns like Datong and Lijia [2] - Multiple connecting pipelines in Fuyang District have been completed, improving the interconnectivity and complementary capacity of the water supply network across different areas [2]

Core Viewpoint - The trial operation of the Luhuakeng Water Plant in Humen Town, Dongguan marks a significant achievement in establishing a dual water source supply system, utilizing both the Xijiang and Dongjiang rivers for high-quality water supply [1][2]. Group 1: Project Overview - The Luhuakeng Water Plant has a designed total capacity of 500,000 cubic meters per day and a total investment of 1.28 billion yuan, playing a crucial role in Dongguan's dual water source security system [2]. - The plant is strategically located near the Luhuakeng Reservoir and is part of the Pearl River Delta water resource allocation project [2]. Group 2: Technological and Environmental Innovations - The water plant features a three-tier water quality monitoring system and employs a comprehensive water treatment process that includes pre-treatment, conventional treatment, ozone activated carbon deep treatment, and safety disinfection [3]. - A smart water management system has been developed, utilizing data models and automated control programs for efficient operation and emergency response to water source pollution [3]. - The facility incorporates green and low-carbon development principles, integrating modern water treatment technology with natural landscapes, and includes a wastewater recycling process to reduce resource consumption [3]. - The plant also features a high-efficiency hydropower generation and rooftop photovoltaic project with a capacity of 3.8 megawatts, contributing to energy self-sufficiency and cost reduction [3].

Core Points - The State Administration for Market Regulation has released a draft guideline on antitrust measures in the public utility sector, seeking public feedback [1][2] - The public utility sector includes essential services such as water, electricity, gas, heating, sewage treatment, waste disposal, broadcasting, and public transportation, which often exhibit natural monopoly characteristics [1][2] - The draft aims to clarify the basic principles of antitrust enforcement in the public utility sector, detailing the analysis and identification of monopolistic behaviors to promote compliance and healthy development [2] Summary by Category - **Antitrust Guidelines** - The draft guideline provides detailed considerations for identifying abusive market dominance behaviors, including unfair pricing, refusal to deal, and tying arrangements [1] - Specific attention is given to limiting trading practices, such as requiring customers to purchase services exclusively from designated providers [1] - **Sector Characteristics** - The public utility sector is characterized by its public nature, regional focus, and policy implications, leading to unique types and manifestations of monopolistic behavior [2] - The guideline aims to establish a long-term regulatory mechanism to ensure the sustainable and healthy development of the public utility sector [2]

Market Overview - On August 18, despite a lack of direction in the Hong Kong stock market, individual stocks showed good performance, with the Hang Seng Index down 93 points or 0.4% to close at 25,176 points, while the Hang Seng Tech Index rose 0.7% to 5,579 points [1] - The market saw a trading volume exceeding 311.9 billion HKD, indicating active trading. Net inflow from the Stock Connect decreased to 870 million HKD [1] - The overall market performance was stable, with 959 stocks rising, highlighting increased investor interest in high-performing stocks and industry leaders [1] Economic Analysis - Since July, the momentum of economic recovery in China has weakened, and the Hang Seng Index's valuation has significantly recovered, with a forecasted PE of approximately 11 times, returning to levels seen in 2018-2019 [2] - The risk premium is at a historical low, and the AH premium has reached a near six-year low. A technical correction in the index is considered a normal phenomenon within a high-level fluctuation [2] - The ample liquidity in the market supports Hong Kong stocks, while the 10-year Chinese government bond yield has risen to 1.78%, indicating a shift towards asset rebalancing from bonds to stocks [2] Real Estate Sector - The new housing transaction volume continued to decline year-on-year, with a reported 1.23 million square meters sold in 30 major cities, down 15.5% year-on-year [3] - The decline in transaction volume was worse than the previous week's 12.3% drop, with a month-on-month decrease of 4.9% [3] Industry Dynamics Consumer Sector - 361 Degrees (1361 HK) announced a strategic partnership with Stand Robot, focusing on wearable robots and high-performance materials, which positively impacted its stock price, rising 2.3% [4] Automotive Sector - The automotive sector saw a rally, with Great Wall Motors (2333 HK) rising 10.2%, driven by favorable sales and performance news [4] - Other automotive stocks like Geely (175 HK) and BYD (1211 HK) also saw increases of 2.6% and 0.8%, respectively [4] Innovative Pharmaceuticals - The innovative drug sector saw most major companies rise, with a focus on expanding medical insurance coverage and supporting pharmaceutical innovation [5] - China Biopharmaceutical (1177 HK) reported steady growth in the first half of the year, while Haijia Medical (6078 HK) forecasted a decline in revenue and net profit but improved cash flow due to reduced receivables [5] New Energy and Utilities - The new energy and utilities sector experienced narrow fluctuations, with some stocks like Harbin Electric (1133 HK) and Weisheng Holdings (3393 HK) rising by 1.3% and 4.5%, respectively [6] - Hong Kong and China Gas (1083 HK) reported expected mid-term results but saw a decline of 7.2% in stock price, possibly due to profit-taking [6] Company-Specific Updates China Water Affairs (855 HK) - The company announced an increase in water prices for a new supply project in Hubei, with price hikes of 9.6% to 64.4% effective from September 1 [7] - Two additional water supply projects are entering the hearing stage, with a total daily supply capacity of 104,000 tons [8] - The likelihood of a full acquisition offer for Kangda Environmental (6136 HK) is low, and it is not expected to impact the company's financial status [9] - The target price for China Water Affairs has been raised to 6.90 HKD, reflecting a potential upside of 11.1% [10] 361 Degrees (1361 HK) - The company reported a revenue increase of 11.0% to 5.71 billion RMB in the first half of the year, with a net profit of 860 million RMB, also up 8.6% [12] - The children's clothing segment showed strong performance, with a 25.8% increase in sales [13] - E-commerce revenue grew by 45% to 1.82 billion RMB, driven by promotional events and new product launches [14] - The target price for 361 Degrees has been adjusted to 7.74 HKD, corresponding to a 10 times FY26E PE ratio [15]

Group 1: Green Development in Ningxia - Ningxia's green development is significantly driven by green finance, with the National Development Bank increasing green loan investments to support low-carbon infrastructure, ecological protection, and industrial transformation [1] - The transformation from a dry area to a green oasis is exemplified by the development of the "Green Electricity Town" in Minning, which features a shared energy storage station that has completed 36.08 million kilowatt-hours of charge and discharge as of August 6 [2][3] Group 2: Financing and Project Support - The National Development Bank's Ningxia branch has issued 1.44 billion yuan in loans to support innovative energy storage technologies, which help stabilize the grid and ensure 24-hour green electricity supply for Minning [3] - The Ningdong Energy Chemical Base has successfully integrated a 1.64 million kilowatt photovoltaic project, with nearly 1.9 billion yuan in loans provided by the bank, contributing to the region's industrial growth and reducing carbon emissions [4][5] Group 3: Water Resource Management - The construction of the Xiangshan Ecological Restoration and Irrigation Project aims to extend irrigation to 230,000 acres, providing water security for over 30,000 residents in the arid region of Zhongwei [6][7] - The Longcheng Water Supply Plant is undergoing a digital upgrade to enhance efficiency, with 14 million yuan in loans issued to support the project, which is expected to increase water supply by approximately 1.246 million cubic meters annually [8][9]

Investment Rating - The report initiates coverage on Yuehai Investment with a "Buy" rating and sets a target price of HKD 9.10, corresponding to a 2025 target PE of 14.0 times [1][7]. Core Views - Yuehai Investment is a high-quality water utility platform controlled by Guangdong state-owned assets, with its core asset being the Dongshen Water Supply Project, which has undergone significant structural changes since 1997 [1]. - The company has a strong free cash flow and is expected to maintain high dividend returns following the divestment of Yuehai Land [1][19]. Summary by Sections Investment Highlights - The Dongshen Water Supply Project is a premium asset, accounting for nearly 80% of Hong Kong's freshwater supply, with a projected revenue of HKD 63.60 billion in 2024, representing 34% of total revenue [20]. - The company has turned positive in free cash flow since 2023, with projections of HKD 92.29 billion in 2024, and maintains a high dividend payout ratio of 65% [21]. - The divestment of Yuehai Land allows the company to focus on its core water business, enhancing stability and potentially increasing valuation [22]. Valuation and Financial Projections - The DCF valuation of the Dongshen Water Supply Project is estimated between HKD 450 billion and HKD 620 billion, with a stable profit contribution from other water resources and businesses [2][23]. - The forecasted net profit for 2025-2027 is HKD 42.18 billion, HKD 43.97 billion, and HKD 45.76 billion, with corresponding EPS of HKD 0.65, HKD 0.67, and HKD 0.70 [5][11]. Market Perspective - The report contrasts with market concerns regarding the uncertainty of the Dongshen project's operating rights renewal, water pricing, and transaction pricing, asserting that the renewal visibility is strong due to the project's historical significance [4][23]. - The report emphasizes that the water pricing will remain reasonable despite rising costs, as the Hong Kong Water Supplies Department aims to adjust water pricing cautiously [4][23].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q2 2025 was $14,200,000, an increase of $700,000 or 5.4% compared to Q2 2024, driven by a 3.8% increase in active service connections, increased consumption, and higher rates [14] - Operating expenses for Q2 2025 were $11,600,000, up $900,000 or 8.5% from Q2 2024, with notable increases in depreciation, personnel costs, and other operating expenses [15] - Net income for Q2 2025 was $1,600,000 or $0.06 per diluted share, compared to $1,700,000 or $0.07 per diluted share in Q2 2024 [16] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2025 was $6,900,000, an increase of approximately $100,000 or 2.1% from Q2 2024 [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total active service connections increased by 3.8% to 65,639 as of June 30, 2025, with an annualized growth rate of 3.5% [10] - The Tucson acquisition added approximately 2,200 connections and $7,700,000 in rate base, expected to generate around $1,500,000 in annual revenue [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The single-family dwelling unit market in the Phoenix area saw a 14% decrease in building permits in Q2 2025 compared to 2024, with the City of Maricopa experiencing a 24% decrease [12] - Despite the decrease in permits, population growth in the City of Maricopa was strong, with a 7.4% increase in 2024, indicating potential for future revenue growth [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for long-term value creation through acquisitions, infrastructure investments, and regulatory strategies, with a focus on sustainable growth [6][10] - The recent acquisition of Tucson's water systems is expected to enhance operational efficiency and customer service while expanding the utility portfolio in Pima County [20] - The company is processing rate cases to address cost increases and support future growth, with a proposed $6,500,000 annual rate increase under consideration [13][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the mixed economic environment, including high inflation and interest rates, but expressed confidence in the company's growth strategy and operational performance [24] - The company believes that the recent legislative changes in Arizona will drive growth in service areas and improve aquifer sustainability [7] Other Important Information - The company invested $35,400,000 in infrastructure improvements year-to-date, focusing on major utilities in Pinal County [11] - The Highway 347 expansion project is expected to support growth in the City of Maricopa, which is projected to grow nearly 90% by 2040 [8] Q&A Session Summary - The Q&A session did not take place as the call concluded without any questions being addressed [29][30]

Core Viewpoint - The water supply transformation in Yuncheng County, benefiting 420,000 residents, is a significant achievement driven by Heze Ruiyuan Company, showcasing their commitment and innovation in improving public welfare [1][4]. Group 1: Project Overview - The water source replacement project, covering 22 towns and 439 administrative villages, is nearing completion by July 2025, achieving a 100% water quality compliance rate [1][8]. - The project addresses severe water quality issues, including high salinity and fluoride levels, which posed health risks and hindered local ecological and economic development [4]. Group 2: Implementation Strategies - Heze Ruiyuan Company established a special task force with local government and technical teams to implement three key measures for project advancement [6]. - New corrosion-resistant materials (PCCP and PE pipes) were utilized to enhance pipeline durability, alongside an intelligent scheduling system for real-time monitoring of water pressure distribution [6]. - A "daily scheduling, weekly summary" mechanism was established to strengthen process management, resulting in the completion of six months' worth of work in just four months [6]. Group 3: Project Impact - The project has laid 631 kilometers of pipelines, ensuring comprehensive coverage of Yuncheng County's 22 towns and streets [8]. - The water source replacement will provide clean and safe water to 420,000 residents, with fluoride and hardness levels reduced by 80%, and an expected 35% decrease in waterborne disease consultations [8]. Group 4: Long-term Sustainability - Heze Ruiyuan Company has developed a "construction and management integration" service system to ensure long-term water quality safety and transparency for residents [9]. - Monthly third-party water quality testing and advanced real-time monitoring systems are in place to detect and respond to any anomalies promptly [9]. - The introduction of the "Yunzhou Water" WeChat mini-program and hotline services enhances public access to water quality information and service requests, significantly improving resident satisfaction [9].

Group 1 - The demand for water in Suzhou is increasing due to the ongoing high temperatures, prompting the Suzhou Water Authority to implement a comprehensive water supply guarantee plan [1] - The water quality monitoring team has increased the frequency of monitoring due to favorable conditions for algae growth during summer, focusing on key indicators such as algae and odor substances [1] - The Suzhou Water Authority is conducting inspections and follow-ups on water supply facilities to ensure the stability of critical infrastructure during high-temperature periods [1] Group 2 - Water treatment plants are facing challenges from fluctuations in raw water quality, peak water demand, and pipeline pressure during the summer supply period [2] - Emergency drills have been organized to enhance response capabilities for scenarios such as water source pollution and pipeline bursts, ensuring effective handling of emergencies [2] - Water supply hotlines are available 24/7 to address residents' inquiries and repair requests, ensuring timely resolution of water-related issues [2]