| Valuation method | Value, $ | Upside, % |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial intelligence (AI) | 27.96 | 97 |
| Intrinsic value (DCF) | 5.55 | -61 |
| Graham-Dodd Method | 4.71 | -67 |
| Graham Formula | n/a |
Ningbo Water Meter (Group) Co., Ltd. is a leading Chinese manufacturer specializing in comprehensive water metering solutions with a heritage dating back to 1958. Headquartered in Ningbo, China, the company operates within the Electrical Equipment & Parts industry under the broader Industrials sector. Ningbo Water Meter produces an extensive portfolio of water measurement products including multi-jet, volumetric rotary piston, Woltmann, ultrasonic, and AWWA standard water meters, alongside advanced electronic magnetic flow meters and heat meters. The company serves diverse applications across domestic, industrial, and agricultural water management sectors, providing complete solutions from basic metering to sophisticated test bench products and water meter boxes. With international market presence complementing its strong domestic position, Ningbo Water Meter leverages decades of manufacturing expertise to address global water infrastructure needs. The company's focus on technological innovation in water measurement positions it as a key player in China's growing water management industry, contributing to efficient resource utilization and smart city development initiatives worldwide.
Ningbo Water Meter presents a stable but low-growth investment profile characterized by modest financial metrics. With a market capitalization of approximately CNY 2.46 billion and revenue of CNY 1.50 billion, the company demonstrates operational scale within its niche. The investment case is supported by a low beta of 0.361, indicating lower volatility relative to the broader market, and a reasonable dividend yield with CNY 0.20 per share distribution. However, concerning aspects include thin net income margins (approximately 3.5% of revenue), diluted EPS of only CNY 0.26, and minimal revenue growth potential. The company maintains a strong liquidity position with CNY 348 million in cash against negligible debt (CNY 567,000), providing financial stability. The primary investment appeal lies in exposure to essential water infrastructure with defensive characteristics, though investors should note the limited growth prospects and competitive pressures in the mature water meter manufacturing sector.
Ningbo Water Meter operates in a highly competitive water metering market where scale, technological capability, and customer relationships determine competitive positioning. The company's primary competitive advantage stems from its long-established presence in the Chinese market dating to 1958, providing deep industry experience and customer loyalty. Its comprehensive product portfolio covering basic mechanical to advanced electronic meters allows it to serve diverse customer segments from residential to industrial applications. However, the company faces significant challenges from larger domestic competitors with greater scale and international players with superior technological capabilities. The water meter industry is characterized by price sensitivity and standardization pressures, limiting differentiation opportunities. Ningbo's competitive positioning is further constrained by its relatively modest R&D capabilities compared to global leaders, potentially hindering innovation in smart meter technologies that represent the industry's future. The company's strength lies in its cost-efficient manufacturing base and understanding of local market requirements, but it must navigate competition from both state-owned enterprises with privileged market access and private competitors with aggressive pricing strategies. The transition toward smart water infrastructure represents both an opportunity and threat, requiring significant investment to remain competitive against better-capitalized rivals.