HK/China Equity Long-Short

Osbert Tang, CFA

Equity Bottom-Up

<ul>
<li>
<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>'s net profit grew 7.9% in 2H24, accelerating from 2.6% in 1H24. It is encouraging to see the dividend payout ratio increase by 2pp YoY.</li>
<li>An increase in the adoption of the residential price linkage system is positive for the dollar margin, while the distortion from E&amp;P expiry will no longer impact earnings. </li>
<li>With net cash equals HK$2.56/share, or 31% of the share price, such financial strength is unmatched by peers. Its PER valuations are also inexpensive.</li>
</ul>



Kunlun Energy (135 HK)'s net profit grew 7.9% in 2H24, accelerating from 2.6% in 1H24. It is encouraging to see the dividend payout ratio increase by 2pp YoY.
An increase in the adoption of the residential price linkage system is positive for the dollar margin, while the distortion from E&amp;P expiry will no longer impact earnings. 
With net cash equals HK$2.56/share, or 31% of the share price, such financial strength is unmatched by peers. Its PER valuations are also inexpensive.


Kunlun Energy (135 HK): Remains Very Decent

<ul>
<li>
<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> has suspended trading. The possibilities include privatisation, third-party offer, increase in stake by <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/enn-natural-gas-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:16456:1" rel="noopener">ENN Natural Gas (600803 CH)</a>, and a change in control. </li>
<li>It trades on 1.16x 12-month forward P/B, vs. 5-year average of 2.42x and 1.31x since 2024. Given the lower forward ROE, it is difficult to return to the 5-year average.</li>
<li>For PER, it should be higher than <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> but lower than <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/china-resources-gas-group-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:20525:1" rel="noopener">CR Gas (1193 HK)</a>. At 10.8x (average of the two), it equates to HK$74.26.  </li>
</ul>



ENN Energy (2688 HK) has suspended trading. The possibilities include privatisation, third-party offer, increase in stake by ENN Natural Gas (600803 CH), and a change in control. 
It trades on 1.16x 12-month forward P/B, vs. 5-year average of 2.42x and 1.31x since 2024. Given the lower forward ROE, it is difficult to return to the 5-year average.
For PER, it should be higher than China Gas Holdings (384 HK) but lower than CR Gas (1193 HK). At 10.8x (average of the two), it equates to HK$74.26.  


ENN Energy (2688 HK): Privatisation or What? A Look at the Valuations

<ul>
<li>Despite <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>'s marginal 3.8% drop in 1H FY25 net profit, it has rebounded from a 25.8% collapse in FY24. It maintained an interim DPS of HK$0.15.</li>
<li>Dollar margin expanded Rmb0.02/cu.m. and gross margin was up 0.8pp. Profit from value-added services grew 15.4%, though overall earnings are dragged by LPG and JVs.</li>
<li>FY25 is a year of profit recovery. Its improving cash flow, reduction in capex, and stronger balance sheet should support a stable dividend, putting it on a 7.8% yield.  </li>
</ul>


Despite China Gas Holdings (384 HK)'s marginal 3.8% drop in 1H FY25 net profit, it has rebounded from a 25.8% collapse in FY24. It maintained an interim DPS of HK$0.15.
Dollar margin expanded Rmb0.02/cu.m. and gross margin was up 0.8pp. Profit from value-added services grew 15.4%, though overall earnings are dragged by LPG and JVs.
FY25 is a year of profit recovery. Its improving cash flow, reduction in capex, and stronger balance sheet should support a stable dividend, putting it on a 7.8% yield.  


China Gas Holdings (384 HK): Earnings Have Stabilised

<ul>
<li>
<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>'s FY24 result is distorted by non-recurring items and provisions. Adjusted net profit, however, has declined by only 4.3%, and is only 2.6% below consensus. </li>
<li>FY25 guidance looks positive as a 6% increase in dollar margin and a 5% increase in gas volume are expected. The Apr-May operating figures support such projections.</li>
<li>China Gas maintained its DPS despite a drop in reported profit, showcasing its confidence. Assuming the same dividend in FY25 and FY26, it will sit on a yield of 7%. </li>
</ul>



China Gas Holdings (384 HK)'s FY24 result is distorted by non-recurring items and provisions. Adjusted net profit, however, has declined by only 4.3%, and is only 2.6% below consensus. 
FY25 guidance looks positive as a 6% increase in dollar margin and a 5% increase in gas volume are expected. The Apr-May operating figures support such projections.
China Gas maintained its DPS despite a drop in reported profit, showcasing its confidence. Assuming the same dividend in FY25 and FY26, it will sit on a yield of 7%. 


China Gas Holdings (384 HK): Still Warrants a Look

<ul>
<li>We think <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> will see its operating momentum accelerate in 2H23, leading by better natural gas sales growth and sustained positive dollar margin performance.</li>
<li>It has strengthened its financial position in 1H23, with net cash amounting to 36% of market cap. This has demonstrated its cash-generating capability and controlled capex. </li>
<li>Its 7.0x and 6.6x PERs for FY23 and FY24 are inexpensive. Its annualised ROE of 10.6% is also attractive. There is room for the other businesses to recover in 2H23.</li>
</ul>


We think Kunlun Energy (135 HK) will see its operating momentum accelerate in 2H23, leading by better natural gas sales growth and sustained positive dollar margin performance.
It has strengthened its financial position in 1H23, with net cash amounting to 36% of market cap. This has demonstrated its cash-generating capability and controlled capex. 
Its 7.0x and 6.6x PERs for FY23 and FY24 are inexpensive. Its annualised ROE of 10.6% is also attractive. There is room for the other businesses to recover in 2H23.


Kunlun Energy (135 HK): The Story Is Still Going On

China

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.

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Shenzhen Gas Corp Ltd A (601139 CH)

Kunlun Energy (135 HK): Remains Very Decent

Kunlun's net profit grew 7.9% in 2H24, accelerating from 2.6% in 1H24. Its increased dividend payout ratio, strong financial position and positive...

Osbert Tang, CFA

ENN Energy (2688 HK): Privatisation or What? A Look at the Valuations

Possibilities for ENN Energy including privatisation, third-party offer, stake increase by parent, and change in control. A price of at least...

Osbert Tang, CFA

China Gas Holdings (384 HK): Earnings Have Stabilised

China Gas saw a slight dip in 1H FY25 profit but is rebounding from the sharp drop in FY24. Improved margins, profit from VAS, and a stronger...

Osbert Tang, CFA

China Gas Holdings (384 HK): Still Warrants a Look

Adjusted FY24 profit shows slight decline, but FY25 guidance looks positive with expected increases in dollar margin and gas volume. Assuming same...

Osbert Tang, CFA

Kunlun Energy (135 HK): The Story Is Still Going On

Kunlun is expected to accelerate its operating momentum in 2H23, driven by increased natural gas sales and a positive dollar margin. Its strong...

Osbert Tang, CFA

Price Gauge

52-week Range

Market Cap (USDm)

P/E

Dividend (Yield)

Kunlun Energy (135 HK): Remains Very Decent

​Kunlun's net profit grew 7.9% in 2H24, accelerating from 2.6% in 1H24. Its increased dividend payout ratio, strong financial position and positive...

Osbert Tang, CFA

ENN Energy (2688 HK): Privatisation or What? A Look at the Valuations

​Possibilities for ENN Energy including privatisation, third-party offer, stake increase by parent, and change in control. A price of at least...

Osbert Tang, CFA

China Gas Holdings (384 HK): Earnings Have Stabilised

​China Gas saw a slight dip in 1H FY25 profit but is rebounding from the sharp drop in FY24. Improved margins, profit from VAS, and a stronger...

Osbert Tang, CFA

China Gas Holdings (384 HK): Still Warrants a Look

​Adjusted FY24 profit shows slight decline, but FY25 guidance looks positive with expected increases in dollar margin and gas volume. Assuming same...

Osbert Tang, CFA

Kunlun Energy (135 HK): The Story Is Still Going On

​Kunlun is expected to accelerate its operating momentum in 2H23, driven by increased natural gas sales and a positive dollar margin. Its strong...

Osbert Tang, CFA

Kunlun's net profit grew 7.9% in 2H24, accelerating from 2.6% in 1H24. Its increased dividend payout ratio, strong financial position and positive...

Possibilities for ENN Energy including privatisation, third-party offer, stake increase by parent, and change in control. A price of at least...

China Gas saw a slight dip in 1H FY25 profit but is rebounding from the sharp drop in FY24. Improved margins, profit from VAS, and a stronger...

Adjusted FY24 profit shows slight decline, but FY25 guidance looks positive with expected increases in dollar margin and gas volume. Assuming same...

Kunlun is expected to accelerate its operating momentum in 2H23, driven by increased natural gas sales and a positive dollar margin. Its strong...