HK/China Equity Long-Short

Osbert Tang, CFA

Equity Bottom-Up

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With industrial and commercial gas sales yet to fully recover from the negative impact of Covid-19 and lower contribution from connection fees, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/china-gas-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:14315:1" rel="noopener">China Gas Holdings (384 HK)</a> registered a core profit growth of just 5.5% YoY for 1H FY20/21. Without the impact of Rmb appreciation, this would have grown by 7.8%. An interim DPS of HK$0.10 is declared, same as a year ago. 
Despite a slowing 1H, China Gas introduced its guidance for a 15-20% YoY growth in full-year core profit, suggesting a significant pick-up in 2H. Management expects this to be generated from accelerated gas volume recovery, YoY expansion in dollar margin, good progress on Smart MicroGrid and improving cash flow. The stock now trades on undemanding 3.1x P/B and 12.2x PER for 12-month forward. With our top pick <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/enn-energy-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:316:1" rel="noopener">ENN Energy (2688 HK)</a> rallied by 40.6% since end-Mar, compared with 5.1% for China Gas and 23.9% for the overall sector, we see room for China Gas to catch up during this winter gas peak season. 
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With industrial and commercial gas sales yet to fully recover from the negative impact of Covid-19 and lower contribution from connection fees, China Gas Holdings (384 HK) registered a core profit growth of just 5.5% YoY for 1H FY20/21. Without the impact of Rmb appreciation, this would have grown by 7.8%. An interim DPS of HK$0.10 is declared, same as a year ago. 
Despite a slowing 1H, China Gas introduced its guidance for a 15-20% YoY growth in full-year core profit, suggesting a significant pick-up in 2H. Management expects this to be generated from accelerated gas volume recovery, YoY expansion in dollar margin, good progress on Smart MicroGrid and improving cash flow. The stock now trades on undemanding 3.1x P/B and 12.2x PER for 12-month forward. With our top pick ENN Energy (2688 HK) rallied by 40.6% since end-Mar, compared with 5.1% for China Gas and 23.9% for the overall sector, we see room for China Gas to catch up during this winter gas peak season. 


China Gas Holdings (384 HK): Slower 1H Growth but Positive Guidance from Post-Result Call

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events, Quiddity Advisors

David Blennerhassett

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events

Quiddity Advisors

Event-Driven

Last Week in Event SPACE: Vedanta, Cardinal Res., Japan Retail Fund, HSBC, Opticomm, Tiffany/LVMH

We believe the 18.5% drop in core profit in 1H20 for <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kunlun-energy-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:10054:1" rel="noopener">Kunlun Energy (135 HK)</a> is largely a result of the loss at the E&amp;P segment.  The swing from profit to loss at E&amp;P amounted to Rmb830m, well accounted for the Rmb780m reduction in 1H20 reported profit. While the other segments are mostly weaker YoY, the magnitude is generally manageable (except LNG processing and terminal). At the same time, the contraction in dollar margin is disappointing.In our view, the weak result is within expectation. We expect sequential improvement in 2H20, as higher oil price reduces E&amp;P loss, gas sales growth stays solid, dollar margin improves slightly and LNG gasification volume rebounds. Meanwhile, we think the near-term catalyst will be the progress of its sale of pipeline to PipeChina, and the potential special dividend as resulted. At 0.95x 12-month forward P/B multiple, which is 1 SD below the average since 2016, we view Kunlun's valuation as inexpensive. We put Kunlun at HK$9.00 per share based on sum-of-the-parts valuation.

We believe the 18.5% drop in core profit in 1H20 for Kunlun Energy (135 HK) is largely a result of the loss at the E&amp;P segment.  The swing from profit to loss at E&amp;P amounted to Rmb830m, well accounted for the Rmb780m reduction in 1H20 reported profit. While the other segments are mostly weaker YoY, the magnitude is generally manageable (except LNG processing and terminal). At the same time, the contraction in dollar margin is disappointing.In our view, the weak result is within expectation. We expect sequential improvement in 2H20, as higher oil price reduces E&amp;P loss, gas sales growth stays solid, dollar margin improves slightly and LNG gasification volume rebounds. Meanwhile, we think the near-term catalyst will be the progress of its sale of pipeline to PipeChina, and the potential special dividend as resulted. At 0.95x 12-month forward P/B multiple, which is 1 SD below the average since 2016, we view Kunlun's valuation as inexpensive. We put Kunlun at HK$9.00 per share based on sum-of-the-parts valuation.

Kunlun Energy (135 HK): Weak 1H20 Expected, Near Term Focus on Pipeline Disposal

<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/china-resources-gas-group-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:20525:1" rel="noopener">China Resources Gas (1193 HK)</a> reported a set of weak 1H20 result with profit dropped by 18.2% YoY and overall gas sales volume down 5.3%. While gas sales segment profit edged up 6.5% YoY, other segments including gas connection, gas appliances and gas station all recorded sharp plunge in profit. Gas connection is the worst segment with a 42% YoY decline in profit.Along with other China gas utilities, we believe 2H20 outlook will improve for CR Gas. However, its heavy exposure to industrial customers, significant proportion of connection revenue and small contribution from distributed energy are challenges. Also, its 15x 12-month forward PER does not look particularly cheap. We maintain our preference on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/enn-energy-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:316:1" rel="noopener">ENN Energy (2688 HK)</a> in the China gas utilities sector and expect near-term pressure on CR Gas given its weak result.

China Resources Gas (1193 HK) reported a set of weak 1H20 result with profit dropped by 18.2% YoY and overall gas sales volume down 5.3%. While gas sales segment profit edged up 6.5% YoY, other segments including gas connection, gas appliances and gas station all recorded sharp plunge in profit. Gas connection is the worst segment with a 42% YoY decline in profit.Along with other China gas utilities, we believe 2H20 outlook will improve for CR Gas. However, its heavy exposure to industrial customers, significant proportion of connection revenue and small contribution from distributed energy are challenges. Also, its 15x 12-month forward PER does not look particularly cheap. We maintain our preference on ENN Energy (2688 HK) in the China gas utilities sector and expect near-term pressure on CR Gas given its weak result.

CR Gas (1193 HK): Sharp Contraction in 1H20 Profit Is Disappointing

We take <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/enn-energy-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:316:1" rel="noopener">ENN Energy (2688 HK)</a>'s 13.8% YoY growth in core earnings in 1H20 positively, especially amid the tough operating environment facing the industry. While gas sales profit has slowed, this was partly offset by higher contribution from integrated energy. We are also delighted to see a 5.2% expansion in gas sales dollar margin and a 1.9pp expansion in overall gross margin. Management revealed good gas sales recovery momentum in the last three months and guided for full-year core earnings growth of 15% but we believe this is likely conservative. In 2H20, further contribution from integrated energy, lower input costs, recovery in gas consumption and execution of new projects are the major drivers for ENN. Also, we are comfortable with its financial position, with 40% gearing in 1H20. ENN stays as our top pick in the China gas utilities sector, despite its sharp outperformance against peers YTD.

We take ENN Energy (2688 HK)'s 13.8% YoY growth in core earnings in 1H20 positively, especially amid the tough operating environment facing the industry. While gas sales profit has slowed, this was partly offset by higher contribution from integrated energy. We are also delighted to see a 5.2% expansion in gas sales dollar margin and a 1.9pp expansion in overall gross margin. Management revealed good gas sales recovery momentum in the last three months and guided for full-year core earnings growth of 15% but we believe this is likely conservative. In 2H20, further contribution from integrated energy, lower input costs, recovery in gas consumption and execution of new projects are the major drivers for ENN. Also, we are comfortable with its financial position, with 40% gearing in 1H20. ENN stays as our top pick in the China gas utilities sector, despite its sharp outperformance against peers YTD.  

ENN Energy (2688 HK): Key Takeaways from Post-1H20 Result Call - Still Best Placed in the Sector

China

Enn Natural Gas Co.,Ltd. offers natural gas engineering services. The Company provides natural gas engineering investment, gas station construction, and energy equipment distribution services. Enn Natural Gas also operates coal materials, chemicals,  and biopharmaceutical products trading businesses.

Shenzhen Gas Corporation Ltd., supplies gas in Shenzhen. The Company business includes wholesale of gas, pipeline and the supply of bottled gas, investment and construction in the distribution network of gas transmission.

Foran Energy Group Co.,Ltd. operates as a natural gas production company. The Company mainly offers liquefied and compressed natural gas transmission and distribution services. Foran Energy Group also provides natural gas high pressure pipe network construction services.

Xinjiang Xintai Natural Gas Co., Ltd. distributes and sells natural, liquefied petroleum, and manufactured gases throughout China.

Shaan Xi Provincial Natural Gas Company Ltd. transports natural gas through pipelines.

Shaanxi Provincial Natural Gas Co, Ltd. (002267 CH)

Chongqing Gas Group Corporation Limited supplies gas, installs gas facilities and equipment in Chongqing.

Xinjiang Haoyuan Gas Company Limited processes, sells, services and delivers natural gas. The Company's main products include delivery and sale of natural gas, and home residents pipeline installation services.

China Tian Lun Gas Holdings Ltd. processes and distributes natural gas through urban pipelines.  The Company operates in Henan Province, China.  China Tian Lun Gas also operates a compressed natural gas filling station.

Huadian Power International Corporation Limited generates and sells electricity which is all fed into the Shandong Provincial Grid operated by Shandong Electric Power (Group) Corporation (SEPCO), the immediate holding company of the Company.  The Company also sells heat.

China Longyuan Power Group Corp Ltd designs, develops, manages, and operates wind farms.  The Company also sells the electricity generated by the wind farms.

TOKYO GAS CO., LTD. produces and supplies liquefied natural gas to Tokyo and the surrounding areas.  The Company maintains and manages gas supply equipment and sells air conditioning appliances.  Tokyo Gas operates power generation business as well.

Petronas Gas Berhad processes and separates natural gas into its components from the gas field offshore Terengganu. The Company stores, transports, and distributes these components as well as trades utilities to petrochemical plants.

OSAKA GAS CO., LTD. produces and supplies natural gas primarily in Osaka, Kyoto, and Hyogo areas.  The Company provides gases and energy products for residential, commercial, and industrial customers.  Osaka Gas also constructs and maintains gas supply lines.  In addition, the Company sells gas appliances.

China Resources Gas Group Ltd distributes natural gas and petroleum gas in the cities of Chengdu, Fuyang, Huaibei, Linhai, Suzhou and Wuxi in the PRC. The Company also operates compressed natural gas filling stations in Chengdu, Nanjing and Wuxi. The group also is involved in bottled liquefied petroleum gas distribution in cities of Fuyang, Suzhou and Wuxi.

PetroVietnam Gas JSC transports, stores, and markets petroleum gas.  The Companies products include liquefied petroleum gas, dry gas, compressed natural gas, and liquefied natural gas.  PetroVietnam's services include gas gathering, gas importation, gas transportation and distribution, gas engine development and gas operation and maintenance.

APA Group is a natural gas infrastructure company. The Company owns and or operates gas transmission and distribution assets whose pipelines span every state and territory in mainland Australia. APA Group also holds minority interests in energy infrastructure enterprises.

Southwest Gas Corporation purchases, transports, and distributes natural gas to residential, commercial, and industrial customers in portions of Arizona, Nevada, and California.  The Company also provides construction services to utility companies, including trenching and installation, replacement, and maintenance services for energy distribution systems.

National Fuel Gas Company is an integrated natural gas company with operations in all segments of the natural gas industry, including utility, pipeline and storage, exploration and production, and marketing operations.  The Company operates across the United States.

China Gas Holdings Ltd. invests in, operates and manages natural gas distribution pipelines.  The Company distributes and sells natural gas to residential, commercial and industrial users, and bottles and sells compressed natural gas.  China Gas also constructs and operates gas stations.

UGI Corporation distributes and markets energy products and services.  The Company is a domestic and international distributor of propane.  UGI also distributes and markets natural gas and electricity, and sells related products and services in the Middle Atlantic region of the United States.

ENN Energy Holdings Ltd. distributes natural gas in China.  The Company, through its subsidiaries, invests in, operates, and manages gas pipelines, and sells and distributes piped and bottled gas in China.

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ENN Energy (2688 HK)

China Gas Holdings (384 HK): Slower 1H Growth but Positive Guidance from Post-Result Call

Despite a slow growth in 1H, financial position and dollar margin have both improved; and it issues encouraging full-year guidances. As a laggard...

Osbert Tang, CFA

Last Week in Event SPACE: Vedanta, Cardinal Res., Japan Retail Fund, HSBC, Opticomm, Tiffany/LVMH

Last Week in Event SPACE ... Plus, other events, CCASS movements and Mood Spins. (This insight covers specific insights & comments...

David Blennerhassett

Kunlun Energy (135 HK): Weak 1H20 Expected, Near Term Focus on Pipeline Disposal

We believe the 18.5% drop in core profit in 1H20 for Kunlun Energy (135 HK) is largely a result of the loss at the E&P segment. The swing from...

Osbert Tang, CFA

CR Gas (1193 HK): Sharp Contraction in 1H20 Profit Is Disappointing

China Resources Gas (1193 HK) reported a set of weak 1H20 result with profit dropped by 18.2% YoY and overall gas sales volume down 5.3%. While gas...

Osbert Tang, CFA

ENN Energy (2688 HK): Key Takeaways from Post-1H20 Result Call - Still Best Placed in the Sector

We take ENN Energy (2688 HK)'s 13.8% YoY growth in core earnings in 1H20 positively, especially amid the tough operating environment facing the...

Osbert Tang, CFA

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