Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events, Quiddity Advisors

Travis Lundy

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events

Quiddity Advisors

Event-Driven

The last time I wrote about <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> was in early June 2021 when I discussed the little extra trick one might use to maximise dividend payout. It worked. But I was bullish.At that time, my conclusion was...<blockquote>I am still VERY bullish on Kunlun Energy vs a basket of the three listed HK peers, and at this point, a dollar-neutral position is probably appropriate. </blockquote>The stock was a little wishy-washy the day the Special Dividend went ex- - for whatever reason I do not know - then rallied sharply but since 4 June, though the stock itself rallied 30% from that post ex-div rally to early September, the sharp rise in gas input costs caused the shares to fall back to their post-div rally point last week. However the stock has continued to outperform peers - outperforming a basket of three liquid HK-listed city gas peers by 37.9% since I last wrote (the dots). <section class="figure"><section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/237/339/original/Screenshot+2021-10-25+at+6.55.32+PM.png?1635159349" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="237339"></figure></section>But despite that performance... </section>I am still VERY bullish on Kunlun Energy vs a basket of the three listed HK peers, and at this point, EITHER a dollar-neutral position OR an outright long is appropriate. More below the fold.

The last time I wrote about Kunlun Energy (135 HK) was in early June 2021 when I discussed the little extra trick one might use to maximise dividend payout. It worked. But I was bullish.At that time, my conclusion was...I am still VERY bullish on Kunlun Energy vs a basket of the three listed HK peers, and at this point, a dollar-neutral position is probably appropriate. The stock was a little wishy-washy the day the Special Dividend went ex- - for whatever reason I do not know - then rallied sharply but since 4 June, though the stock itself rallied 30% from that post ex-div rally to early September, the sharp rise in gas input costs caused the shares to fall back to their post-div rally point last week. However the stock has continued to outperform peers - outperforming a basket of three liquid HK-listed city gas peers by 37.9% since I last wrote (the dots). But despite that performance... I am still VERY bullish on Kunlun Energy vs a basket of the three listed HK peers, and at this point, EITHER a dollar-neutral position OR an outright long is appropriate. More below the fold. 

Kunlun Energy - People Still Don't Get It So Gas It Up Some More

HK/China Equity Long-Short

Osbert Tang, CFA

Equity Bottom-Up

We touched base with <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> to seek answers on five questions that we think are of significant interests to investors. These include topics on the impact of the rally in LNG price, mechanism for retail gas price adjustment, outlook for dollar margin, impact on the terminal and processing segment, gas volume availability and the future of the E&amp;P segment. These questions are all well answered by Kunlun's management.Overall, based on our discussions, the impact of higher LNG price on Kunlun's profitability and dollar margin should be manageable. It has secured enough gas sources and there should not be worries on shortage. We also anticipate the earnings volatility caused by the upstream E&amp;P business will be sharply lower in two to three years' time; and with better earnings stability and quality, Kunlun should continue to see re-rating.

We touched base with Kunlun Energy (135 HK) to seek answers on five questions that we think are of significant interests to investors. These include topics on the impact of the rally in LNG price, mechanism for retail gas price adjustment, outlook for dollar margin, impact on the terminal and processing segment, gas volume availability and the future of the E&amp;P segment. These questions are all well answered by Kunlun's management.Overall, based on our discussions, the impact of higher LNG price on Kunlun's profitability and dollar margin should be manageable. It has secured enough gas sources and there should not be worries on shortage. We also anticipate the earnings volatility caused by the upstream E&amp;P business will be sharply lower in two to three years' time; and with better earnings stability and quality, Kunlun should continue to see re-rating.

Kunlun Energy (135 HK): Five Questions to Management Get Answered

<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> posted a very impressive 1H21 result with profit from continuing operations soared 249.9% YoY. All business segments recorded profitability improvement with very encouraging 46.7% YoY growth for its natural gas sales business. The exploration and production segment also achieved a good turnaround, thanks to a 28.3% YoY increase in average realised oil price.We believe the market should be happy with Kunlun's 1% increase in natural gas sales dollar margin even in a period of rising LNG price. Also, the solid momentum of new projects, which 16 were added in 1H21, compares well with peers. We think there is upside to our earnings forecasts and its current valuation of 11.5x PER (on continuing operations) for FY21 is appealing relative to peers. More updates will be provided after the post-1H21 result call.

Kunlun Energy (135 HK) posted a very impressive 1H21 result with profit from continuing operations soared 249.9% YoY. All business segments recorded profitability improvement with very encouraging 46.7% YoY growth for its natural gas sales business. The exploration and production segment also achieved a good turnaround, thanks to a 28.3% YoY increase in average realised oil price.We believe the market should be happy with Kunlun's 1% increase in natural gas sales dollar margin even in a period of rising LNG price. Also, the solid momentum of new projects, which 16 were added in 1H21, compares well with peers. We think there is upside to our earnings forecasts and its current valuation of 11.5x PER (on continuing operations) for FY21 is appealing relative to peers. More updates will be provided after the post-1H21 result call.

Kunlun Energy (135 HK): Our Initial Thoughts on 1H21 - Sharply Ahead of Expectations

<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> should have a decent operating performance in 1H21, with good growth achieved for natural gas sales, LPG sales, LNG terminal and also the exploration and production segment. Their performance all look to be ahead of the full-year guidance put forward in FY20 result announcement in Mar 2021 - this is encouraging.Gas project M&amp;A momentum stays decent and, with IRRs of 10-12%, the returns are ahead of the hurdle level of 8%. Following <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>  Shiyan gas explosion, local governments now prefer large SOEs to invest in projects given their more stringent safety standards, and this is an advantage of Kunlun. The gas industry also entails less regulatory risks amid government's heightened regulatory measures towards various industries lately. The recent pull-back has made valuations even more appealing, in our view.

Kunlun Energy (135 HK) should have a decent operating performance in 1H21, with good growth achieved for natural gas sales, LPG sales, LNG terminal and also the exploration and production segment. Their performance all look to be ahead of the full-year guidance put forward in FY20 result announcement in Mar 2021 - this is encouraging.Gas project M&amp;A momentum stays decent and, with IRRs of 10-12%, the returns are ahead of the hurdle level of 8%. Following China Gas Holdings' (384 HK)  Shiyan gas explosion, local governments now prefer large SOEs to invest in projects given their more stringent safety standards, and this is an advantage of Kunlun. The gas industry also entails less regulatory risks amid government's heightened regulatory measures towards various industries lately. The recent pull-back has made valuations even more appealing, in our view.  

Kunlun Energy (135 HK): Positive Takeaways from Discussion with Company

Asia Pac IPO & Placement Research, China biotech, Aequitas Research

Ke Yan, CFA, FRM

Asia Pac IPO & Placement Research, China biotech

IPOs and Placements coverage across Asia Pacific

Aequitas Research

We cover all listing across the Asia Pacific along with follow-up placements. As of Dec 2020, our team had covered 539 IPOs with a hit rate of 73.5% and 685 placements with a hit rate of 66.8%.

We combine fundamental bottom-up views with our proprietary quantitative framework to provide a holistic coverage across new listings and placements. Our coverage includes pre-IPO notes before the deal is launched, follow-up analysis once the deal is live and post-listing trading analysis as well.

Quantitative Analysis

<ul>
<li>We analyze the weekly Hong Kong Connect flows with our data engine for holding position as of April 12th.</li>
<li>The top stocks by inflows and outflows were tabulated for all market, HSCEI, mid cap and s/mid cap groups.</li>
<li>We highlight flows for China Mobile, Xiaomi, Bank Of China.</li>
</ul>


We analyze the weekly Hong Kong Connect flows with our data engine for holding position as of April 12th.
The top stocks by inflows and outflows were tabulated for all market, HSCEI, mid cap and s/mid cap groups.
We highlight flows for China Mobile, Xiaomi, Bank Of China.


Hong Kong Connect Flows (Apr 12th): China Mobile, Xiaomi, Bank Of China

Hong Kong

Zhongyu Gas Holdings Limited operates in exploration, exploitation, development and production of coal bed methane and the sale of coalbed methane in the PRC. It also develops, constructs and operates natural gas projects in PRC, which include design and construction of natural gas pipeline network and ancillary facilities, and sale and maintenance of natural gas and its 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.

Towngas China Company Ltd. distributes and markets gas.  The Company sells LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) in  bulk and in cylinder, provides piped LPG and natural gas, constructs gas pipelines, operates city gas-pipeline networks and gas stations, and sells LPG  and natural gas household appliances.

Binhai Investment Company Ltd, through its subsidiaries, operates gas businesses.  The Company constructs gas pipeline networks, provides piped gas to customers in mainland China, wholesales and retails liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by way of refueling gas cylinders or tanks for domestic, industrial and commercial customers, and sell LPG equipment and domestic gas appliances.

China Power International Development Limited, through its subsidiaries, develops, constructs, owns, manages, and operates large power plants in China.

HK Electric Investments and HK Electric Investments Limited is a fixed single investment trust in Hong Kong with a focus on the power industry. The Trust is a vertically integrated power utility and its operations comprise the generation, transmission, distribution, and supply of electricity to Hong Kong Island and Lamma Island.

Guangdong Investment Limited, through its subsidiaries, operates water supply, power and electricity, and infrastructure businesses.  The Company also invests in and develops real estate properties, operates department stores, and provides financial services.

China Oil and Gas Group Ltd. is engaged in the investments in, and the operation and management of the natural gas and energy related business. Gas operations include city piped gas business, natural gas vehicle refilling stations, pipeline construction and operation, as well as transportation, delivery and distribution of compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Beijing Gas Blue Sky Holdings Limited operates as an integrated natural gas provider, distributor, and operator. The Company offers natural gas transportation, trading, and distribution services. Beijing Gas Blue Sky Holdings serves customers in Hong Kong.

Beijing Enterprises Water Group Limited, through its subsidiaries, develops water treatment systems.  The Group specializes in water services and environmental protection businesses, with waste water treatment as its core business segment.

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.

Indraprastha Gas Limited processes and distributes compressed natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas. The Company has been jointly promoted by Bharat Petroleum Corporation and Gas Authority of India.

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.

New Jersey Resources Corporation provides retail and wholesale energy services to customers in New Jersey and in states from the Gulf Coast to New England, and Canada.  The Company's principal subsidiary, New Jersey Natural Gas Co., is a local distribution company serving customers in central and northern New Jersey.

Gujarat Gas Limited provides natural gas. The Company supplies piped natural gas to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Gujarat Gas serves customers in India.

ONE Gas, Inc. is a regulated natural gas utility. The Company distributes natural gas to customers in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas. ONE Gas serves the residential, commercial, industrial, transportation, and wholesale industries.

Spire Inc. is a public utility company involved in the retail distribution of natural gas. The Company serves an area in eastern Missouri and parts of several other counties. Spire also operates underground natural gas storage fields and transports and stores liquid propane.

Enagas SA imports, stores, and transports natural gas. The Company imports liquid natural gas on methane carriers and operates regasification plants in Barcelona, Huelva, and Cartagena. Enagas also receives natural gas through pipelines over the Pyrenees Mountains and across the Strait of Gibraltar. The Company transports gas throughout Spain through its high-pressure pipelines.

Italgas S.p.A. provides gas distribution services. The Company offers delivery points management, pressure reduction plants, withdrawal cabins, fault reporting, and laboratory testing services. Italgas conducts its business in Italy.

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.

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China Gas Holdings (384 HK)

Kunlun Energy - People Still Don't Get It So Gas It Up Some More

There are a few ways to look at Kunlun Energy vs Peers. Traditional measures show Kunlun as dreadfully cheap vs peers. The traditional measures are...

Travis Lundy

Kunlun Energy (135 HK): Five Questions to Management Get Answered

The impact of higher LNG price on the dollar margin and profitability of Kunlun's city gas projects should be manageable. Earnings volatility from...

Osbert Tang, CFA

Kunlun Energy (135 HK): Our Initial Thoughts on 1H21 - Sharply Ahead of Expectations

We think the market should welcome Kunlun's very solid 1H21 result, and particularly its 1% expansion in gas sales dollar margin and the turnaround...

Osbert Tang, CFA

Kunlun Energy (135 HK): Positive Takeaways from Discussion with Company

Kunlun Energy should have a decent 1H21 driven by good natural gas sales, LPG sales, LNG terminal and recovery of the exploration and production...

Osbert Tang, CFA

Hong Kong Connect Flows (Apr 12th): China Mobile, Xiaomi, Bank Of China

We analyzed southbound Hong Kong connect flows in the past week and highlight flows for China Mobile, Xiaomi, Bank Of China.

Ke Yan, CFA, FRM

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