Summary of Zhongshan Public Utilities Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Zhongshan Public Utilities - **Industry**: Water Supply, Solid Waste Management, New Energy Key Financial Highlights - Investment income from joint venture Guangfa Securities amounted to 670 million CNY [2][4] - Water segment revenue reached 786 million CNY, a year-on-year increase of 13.82% [2][4] - Solid waste segment revenue was 399 million CNY, up 14.89% year-on-year [2][4] - New energy business growth rate was 175% [2][4] - Overall revenue for the first half of 2025 was 2.12 billion CNY, a slight decrease of 1.51% year-on-year [4] Strategic Goals - The strategic goal for the 14th Five-Year Plan is "value return, chain leader, industry first" [5] - Focus on enhancing operational performance and market value through effective management tools [5] Investment and Project Development - The company has invested 1.5 billion CNY in 27 projects across high-tech and new energy sectors [2][6] - Seven projects are currently applying for listings on the Science and Technology Innovation Board, Beijing Stock Exchange, and Hong Kong Stock Exchange [7] - The total project budget for the Zhongshan urban drainage plant integration project is 5.56 billion CNY, with 2.08 billion CNY already invested [3][20] Water Pricing and Profitability - A water price adjustment hearing is expected in August, with a minimum increase of 28% anticipated [2][8] - This adjustment is expected to significantly enhance profit margins [8] - The company is also focusing on optimizing pricing mechanisms in wastewater treatment [8] Shareholder Structure and Market Confidence - The company has increased its stake in Guangfa Securities, realizing nearly threefold gains [9] - Jiangsu Lianren Life Insurance has become the third-largest shareholder, indicating market confidence [9][10] Challenges and Risks - The company faces increased accounts receivable and operational cash flow pressures, common in the water utility industry [14][22] - Measures are being taken to improve cash flow and manage accounts receivable effectively [17][22] Future Outlook - The company anticipates a bull market in 2025-2026, which is expected to continue contributing value through Guangfa Securities [9] - The capital expenditure budget for 2025 will focus on drainage, water supply, and investment acquisitions, with a projected decrease in capital expenditures as certain projects near completion [28] Dividend Policy - No specific dividend guidance was provided in the mid-year report, but future dividends will be based on overall operational performance [16][29] Conclusion - Zhongshan Public Utilities is strategically positioned for growth in the water supply and solid waste management sectors, with significant investments in new energy and high-tech projects. The anticipated water price adjustments and strong market confidence from shareholders are expected to enhance profitability and operational efficiency in the coming years.

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Outperform" rating for the public utility and environmental sectors [1][5][7]. Core Views - The report highlights the ongoing pilot projects for hydrogen energy initiated by the National Energy Administration, focusing on large-scale hydrogen production integrated with renewable energy sources [2][14]. - The waste incineration industry is entering a mature phase, with a significant increase in cash flow for listed companies, indicating a positive trend in financial health [15][22]. - The report emphasizes the importance of carbon neutrality, recommending investments in the new energy industry chain and comprehensive energy management [25][26]. Summary by Sections Market Review - The Shanghai Composite Index fell by 0.25%, while the public utility index rose by 0.26%, and the environmental index dropped by 1.19% [1][13]. - Among the 31 primary industry sectors, public utilities and environmental sectors ranked 10th and 22nd in terms of performance [1][27]. Important Events - The National Energy Administration has launched pilot projects in the hydrogen energy sector, focusing on large-scale hydrogen production in areas rich in wind, solar, hydro, nuclear, and biomass resources [2][14]. Specialized Research - The report analyzes the free cash flow of 15 major A-share listed companies in the waste incineration sector, noting that many have achieved positive cash flow by 2024 [15][22]. Investment Strategy - Recommendations include major thermal power companies like Huadian International and regional power companies like Shanghai Electric due to stable profitability [3][25]. - The report suggests investing in leading new energy companies such as Longyuan Power and Three Gorges Energy, as well as high-dividend hydroelectric stocks like Yangtze Power [3][25]. - In the environmental sector, it recommends companies like China Science Instruments and Shandong High Energy Environmental for their growth potential [26]. Company Profit Forecasts and Investment Ratings - A detailed table lists various companies with their investment ratings, market capitalization, earnings per share (EPS), and price-to-earnings (PE) ratios, indicating a generally positive outlook for the sector [7][23].

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Outperform" rating for the public utility and environmental sectors [1][5][7]. Core Views - The report highlights the ongoing pilot projects for hydrogen energy initiated by the National Energy Administration, focusing on large-scale hydrogen production integrated with renewable energy sources [2][14]. - The waste incineration industry is entering a mature phase, with a significant increase in cash flow for listed companies, indicating a positive trend in financial health [15][22]. - The report emphasizes the importance of carbon neutrality, recommending investments in the new energy industry chain and comprehensive energy management [25][26]. Summary by Sections Market Review - The Shanghai Composite Index fell by 0.25%, while the public utility index rose by 0.26%, and the environmental index dropped by 1.19% [1][13]. - Among the 31 first-level industry classifications, public utilities and environmental sectors ranked 10th and 22nd in terms of growth [1][27]. Important Events - The National Energy Administration has launched pilot projects in the hydrogen energy sector, focusing on large-scale hydrogen production in areas rich in wind, solar, hydro, nuclear, and biomass resources [2][14]. Specialized Research - The report analyzes the free cash flow of 15 major A-share listed companies in the waste incineration sector, noting that many have achieved positive cash flow by 2024 [15][22]. Investment Strategy - Recommendations include major thermal power companies like Huadian International and regional power companies like Shanghai Electric due to stable profitability [3][25]. - The report suggests investing in leading new energy companies such as Longyuan Power and Three Gorges Energy, as well as high-dividend hydroelectric stocks like Yangtze Power [3][25]. - In the environmental sector, it recommends companies like China Science Instruments and Shandong High Energy for their growth potential [26]. Company Profit Forecasts and Investment Ratings - A detailed table lists various companies with their investment ratings, market capitalization, earnings per share (EPS), and price-to-earnings (PE) ratios, indicating a generally positive outlook for the sector [7][23].