HK/China Equity Long-Short

Osbert Tang, CFA

Equity Bottom-Up

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/dongfang-electric-corporation-limited" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:1251:1" rel="noopener">Dongfang Electric (1072 HK)</a> reached another record year with net profit surging 24.2% in FY23. Favourable product mix has benefited gross margin which expanded 0.8pp YoY.</li>
<li>Record new orders of Rmb86.5bn (+31.9% YoY) have been signed and there is a recovery in momentum in 4Q23. Its end-FY23 backlog should be enough to cover 3.1x FY24F revenue.</li>
<li>DEC is well-positioned to capture the demand for hydrogen energy and power storage. With 19.3% 3-year earnings CAGR, its 5.1x PER and 8.2% dividend yield are attractive.</li>
</ul>



Dongfang Electric (1072 HK) reached another record year with net profit surging 24.2% in FY23. Favourable product mix has benefited gross margin which expanded 0.8pp YoY.
Record new orders of Rmb86.5bn (+31.9% YoY) have been signed and there is a recovery in momentum in 4Q23. Its end-FY23 backlog should be enough to cover 3.1x FY24F revenue.
DEC is well-positioned to capture the demand for hydrogen energy and power storage. With 19.3% 3-year earnings CAGR, its 5.1x PER and 8.2% dividend yield are attractive.


Dongfang Electric (1072 HK): Good Profit, Record Orders

<ul>
<li>The collapse in share price of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/dongfang-electric-corporation-limited" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:1251:1" rel="noopener">Dongfang Electric (1072 HK)</a> is too excessive. The concerns on margin and orders are overplayed and its latest financial result is solid.</li>
<li>Recurring profit surged 24.8% in 3Q23 and gross margin expanded both YoY and QoQ. For 9M23, new orders rose 19.2% to reach 98% of full-year FY22 level.</li>
<li>We estimate backlog at Rmb197bn, or 3x consensus FY23F revenue, and this provides excellent protection to forward earnings. Its 5.8x and 4.4x PERs are just too undervalued.</li>
</ul>


The collapse in share price of Dongfang Electric (1072 HK) is too excessive. The concerns on margin and orders are overplayed and its latest financial result is solid.
Recurring profit surged 24.8% in 3Q23 and gross margin expanded both YoY and QoQ. For 9M23, new orders rose 19.2% to reach 98% of full-year FY22 level.
We estimate backlog at Rmb197bn, or 3x consensus FY23F revenue, and this provides excellent protection to forward earnings. Its 5.8x and 4.4x PERs are just too undervalued.


Dongfang Electric (1072 HK): We See an Opportunity

<ul>
<li>The market should be happy with the 43.9% YoY growth in recurring earnings at <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/dongfang-electric-corporation-limited" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:1251:1" rel="noopener">Dongfang Electric (1072 HK)</a> in 1Q23. Gross margin of 18.7% is the highest since 2Q21.</li>
<li>New orders surged 26.1% YoY and 92.4% QoQ to a record Rmb22.6bn in 1Q23. We estimate backlog equals to 1.42x FY23F consensus revenue, meaning a very secured pipeline.</li>
<li>While EPS dilution is a concern, this has already been reflected in share price. The acquisitions of subsidiaries will enhance FY23 earnings. Its 8x PER and 0.8x P/B are inexpensive.</li>
</ul>


The market should be happy with the 43.9% YoY growth in recurring earnings at Dongfang Electric (1072 HK) in 1Q23. Gross margin of 18.7% is the highest since 2Q21.
New orders surged 26.1% YoY and 92.4% QoQ to a record Rmb22.6bn in 1Q23. We estimate backlog equals to 1.42x FY23F consensus revenue, meaning a very secured pipeline.
While EPS dilution is a concern, this has already been reflected in share price. The acquisitions of subsidiaries will enhance FY23 earnings. Its 8x PER and 0.8x P/B are inexpensive.


Dongfang Electric (1072 HK): Profit Surged, Record New Orders Signed

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/dongfang-electric-corporation-limited" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:1251:1" rel="noopener">Dongfang Electric (1072 HK)</a>'s management update suggested that its outlook remains encouraging. Order backlog of Rmb87.8bn well covers the FY22 revenue at 1.57x.  </li>
<li>It is positive towards pumped storage, alternative power storage and hydrogen energy. Although they may not have significant near-term contribution, DEC is well-positioned in the long term.</li>
<li>While new A-shares issue will dilute EPS, this should lower gearing (including contract liabilities) to 32.1%, from 49.2%, and is positive to H-share holders as book value will be enhanced.</li>
</ul>



Dongfang Electric (1072 HK)'s management update suggested that its outlook remains encouraging. Order backlog of Rmb87.8bn well covers the FY22 revenue at 1.57x.  
It is positive towards pumped storage, alternative power storage and hydrogen energy. Although they may not have significant near-term contribution, DEC is well-positioned in the long term.
While new A-shares issue will dilute EPS, this should lower gearing (including contract liabilities) to 32.1%, from 49.2%, and is positive to H-share holders as book value will be enhanced.


Dongfang Electric (1072 HK): Positive Takeaways from Post-Result Presentation

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/dongfang-electric-corporation-limited" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:1251:1" rel="noopener">Dongfang Electric (1072 HK)</a>'s 35.1% increase in FY22 recurring earnings demonstrated its healthy operations. Slowdown in 4Q22 (+14.4% YoY) is more a result of pandemic disruption. </li>
<li>Record new orders of Rmb65.6bn were signed FY22 (+16.3% YoY), and 4Q22 even saw a 25% growth. End-FY22 backlog is estimated to be enough to cover 1.66x FY22 revenue.</li>
<li>DEC targets a 35% growth in power generation equipment production volume in FY23. Power storage, including pumped storage, and hydrogen energy are important engines going forward.</li>
</ul>



Dongfang Electric (1072 HK)'s 35.1% increase in FY22 recurring earnings demonstrated its healthy operations. Slowdown in 4Q22 (+14.4% YoY) is more a result of pandemic disruption. 
Record new orders of Rmb65.6bn were signed FY22 (+16.3% YoY), and 4Q22 even saw a 25% growth. End-FY22 backlog is estimated to be enough to cover 1.66x FY22 revenue.
DEC targets a 35% growth in power generation equipment production volume in FY23. Power storage, including pumped storage, and hydrogen energy are important engines going forward.


Dongfang Electric (1072 HK): Heading Towards Another Fruitful Year

China

Dongfang Electric Corporation Limited manufactures and sells hydro and steam power generators and AC/DC electric motors. The Company also provides repair, upgrade, maintenance, and other services for the products.

Dongfang Electric (1072 HK)