Bank CEOs meet with Trump to discuss Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac - Bloomberg
On Tuesday, Bernstein analysts revised their stance on China Resources Gas Group Ltd. (1193:HK) (OTC:CRGGF), downgrading the stock from Outperform to Market Perform and slashing the price target from HK$34.00 to HK$24.00. The adjustment comes as the firm anticipates a challenging year ahead for Chinese gas distributors due to several economic headwinds.
Analysts at Bernstein highlighted that earnings growth for companies in this sector is expected to remain subdued throughout 2025. This forecast is based on factors such as stagnant tariffs and difficulties within the property market. Despite a slight increase in retail gas sales during 2024, ranging between 3-5%, the impact of a warmer winter season was evident on the demand.
The report further detailed that while there were improvements in margins and a growth in extended businesses, these were in line with expectations and did not significantly bolster overall performance. The projections for 2025 do not show a promising change, with most gas distributors aiming for a similar volume growth to the previous year.
Adding to the concerns, the introduction of U.S. tariffs poses additional risks. These tariffs have the potential to cut China’s GDP growth by 1-2%, exerting more pressure on the already strained industry. Additionally, a continued decline in connection fees is anticipated, with estimates suggesting a 10-30% drop, a figure that is more severe than previously projected.
Bernstein’s report concludes with a cautionary outlook for the industry, indicating that these combined factors are likely to dampen the prospects for China Resources Gas Group Ltd. in the coming year.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.