Green Urban and Economic Revitalization Project (RRP PRC 49021-002)

FINANCIAL ANALYSIS

A. Introduction and Methodology

1. The financial analysis for the proposed project was undertaken in accordance with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) guidelines.1 A financial analysis was conducted for all revenue- generating subcomponents—i.e., those concerning water supply, wastewater management, and heating (Table 1)—to test if their financial internal rate of return (FIRR) is above the weighted average cost of capital (WACC). A tariff and affordability assessment was carried out. Additionally, a financial sustainability analysis was done to assess the capacity of the project cities of , , , and to service debt, meet operation and maintenance costs as well as recurring costs, and provide counterpart funding as required by the project.

Table 1: Revenue-Generating Subcomponents Output 3: Key infrastructure and SME facilities in non-coal industrial parks in project cities constructed 1. Hegang high-tech graphite-based materials and e-mobility industrial park—wastewater treatment plant and SME support facilities 2. Jixi wastewater treatment plant and discharge infrastructure in Industrial Park Output 5: Integrated urban infrastructure and services in project cities improved 1. Hegang District heating system energy efficiency improvements 2. Jixi No. 3 water treatment plant upgrade and expansion 3. Qitaihe water treatment plant upgrade and water supply pipe replacement and expansion SMEs = small- and medium-sized enterprises. Source: Asian Development Bank.

2. Key assumptions for the financial analysis are (i) physical contingencies at 4% of base cost, (ii) price contingencies accounting for cumulative cost inflation over the construction period, (iii) annual project operating costs estimated based on reported operating costs of existing facilities plus incremental operating costs by component, (iv) recurrent costs associated with capital investments based on a percentage of the nominal price value of fixed assets before depreciation, and (v) domestic and international inflation based on World Bank data for 2014 and Asian Development Outlook 2016 (Table 2). Financing costs include capitalized interest and commitment fee charges. Interest during construction was computed on 4 April 2017, at a 5-year fixed swap rate of 2.178%. An ADB spread of 0.5% and a maturity premium of 0.1% are added. The commitment fee is levied against the total undisbursed amount of the loan each year for the ADB loan, and interest at 2.86% for the European Investment Bank (EIB) loan. Interest during construction is capitalized for the ADB loan but not for the EIB loan. For purposes of calculating the WACCs, the cost of equity was determined to be 5.5% based on a risk-free rate of 3.5% and an assumed risk premium of 2%. The corporate tax rate is 25%.

Table 2: Inflation Assumptions (%) Item 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022+

International rate of price inflationa 1.4 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 Domestic cost escalation factorsb 2.2 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.3 a World Bank Manufacturer’s Unit Value (MUV) Index, July 2014. b ADB. 2016. Asian Development Outlook 2016 Update: Meeting the Low-Carbon Growth Challenge. Highlights. Manila. Source: Asian Development Bank.

1 ADB. 2014. Financial Management, Cost Estimates, Financial Analysis, and Financial Performance Indicators. Operations Manual. OM G2/BP. Manila; ADB. 2005. Financial Management and Analysis of Projects. Manila; ADB. 2009. Financial Due Diligence: A Methodology Note. Manila. 2

B. Financial Viability Analysis

3. The financial viability analysis of the revenue-generating subcomponents was conducted to test whether their FIRR is greater than the WACC, and if a positive financial net present value can be obtained using the WACC as the discount factor, and how the FIRRs respond under sensitivity tests. Sensitivity tests examined the robustness of the FIRRs to changes in the underlying parameters, i.e., increases in capital and operating costs, decrease in revenues, or delays in implementation. Technical data and costs were obtained from the draft feasibility study report to form the basis of the financial analysis and the FIRR calculation. The FIRRs of the revenue-generating subcomponents were calculated at 3.67% (Hegang Luobei wastewater treatment plant WWTP]), 3.72% (Hegang district heating), 3.27% (Jixi WWTP), 8.46% (Jixi water supply), and 3.94% (Qitaihe water supply), exceeding the corresponding WACCs of 0.79%, 1.39%, 1.38%, 1.08%, and 1.64%, respectively. The FIRRs remain robust under a 10% increase in the investment cost, a 10% increase in operation and maintenance costs, a 10% decrease in revenues, and a 1-year implementation delay.

4. The five subcomponents will generate revenue through tariffs, so the FIRRs were calculated by assuming tariffs based on reasonable market rates and/or willingness to pay—CNY9.5 per cubic meter (m3) for the Hegang Luobei WWTP, CNY26.0 per square meter (m2) for Hegang’s district heating, CNY2.30 per m3 for the Jixi WWTP, CNY2.5 per m3 for Jixi water supply, and CNY4.5 per m3 for Qitaihe water supply.

5. The FIRR and sensitivity analysis is summarized in Table 3.

Table 3: Financial Internal Rate of Return and Sensitivity Analysis (CNY million) Opera- Capital ting 1 Cost Cost Revenue Year Subcomponent Tariff Indicator Base +10% +10% –10% Delay WACC 1. Hegang Luobei County CNY FIRR (%) 3.67 2.65 2.29 1.34 2.62 0.79% high-tech graphite-based 9.5/m3 materials and e-mobility FNPV 37.32 25.74 18.71 6.80 23.66 industrial park wastewater treatment plant and business support facilities 2. Hegang district heating CNY FIRR (%) 3.72 2.75 2.73 2.09 2.71 1.39% system energy efficiency 26.0/m2 improvements FNPV 60.95 28.56 25.60 13.17 25.98 3. Jixi City wastewater CNY FIRR (%) 3.27 2.26 2.22 1.40 2.18 1.38% treatment and discharge 2.3/m3 infrastructure in Jiguan FNPV 23.87 11.87 10.33 0.27 10.04 District industrial park 4. Jixi City No. 3 water CNY FIRR (%) 8.46 7.21 6.80 6.80 7.02 1.08% treatment plant 2.5/m3 upgrading and expansion FNPV 83.82 74.46 62.58 62.99 69.02 5. Qitaihe water treatment CNY FIRR (%) 3.94 2.94 2.60 2.82 2.82 1.64% plant upgrading and 4.5/m3 water supply system FNPV 167.90 100.93 67.27 85.01 85.01 replacement and expansion CNY = Chinese yuan, FIRR = financial internal rate of return, FNPV = financial net present value, m2 = square meter, m3 = cubic meter, WACC = weighted average cost of capital. Source: Asian Development Bank estimates.

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C. Tariffs and Affordability

6. A tariff and affordability analysis was carried out for the three revenue-generating subcomponents that serve residents in Hegang (district heating), and Jixi and Qitaihe (water supply). It was not carried out for the other two subcomponents serving companies in industrial parks. The analysis included determining the percentage of household income to meet the estimated monthly bills for heating and water consumption. The analysis involves comparing the average per capita disposable income of the consumers with their water and heating consumption. The tariff is affordable if it does not exceed 5% of per capita income.

7. From 2011 to 2015, the per capita disposable income of the urban resident population increased by an annual average of 9.1% (from CNY13,005 to CNY20,132) in Hegang, by 9.4% (from CNY12,044 to CNY18,891) in Jixi, and by 6.7% (from CNY15,002 to CNY20,776) in Qitaihe. From 2015, the per capita disposable income is estimated to grow by 9% on average in Hegang and Jixi, and by 7% on average in Qitaihe.

8. In Hegang, the average housing area per capita grew by an annual 4.3% between 2011 and 2015, from 22.83 m2 to 27.07 m2, based on historic growth rates. Its district heating tariff for housing is CNY26/m2, and is assumed to stay at that level for the period considered in the analysis. In Jixi, on average, urban water consumption per capita was 148 liters per day (l/d) in 2012 and is expected to increase by 32 l/d between 2012 and 2022, and by 20 l/d from 2022 to 2030, with no further increase expected after 2030. The assumed average water tariff is CNY2.50 per m3 per ton for residents during the project implementation period. In Qitaihe, average urban water consumption per capita was 150 l/d in 2015, with an expected increase to 160 l/d by 2020 and to 180 l/d by 2030, and no further increase after 2030. The water tariff assumed is CNY3.0/m3 per ton for residents during the project implementation period.

9. Table 4 shows that the tariffs for district heating and water consumption are affordable because they do not exceed 5% of per capita incomes.

Table 4: Tariffs for and Affordability of District Heating and Water Supply Item 2017 2018 2019 2020 2025 2030 2035 Hegang (district heating: CNY26.0/m2) Average income CNY 22,444 24,464 26,666 29,066 44,722 68,810 105,873 Heating consumption CNY 745.86 768.23 791.28 815.02 1,043.17 1,335.18 1,474.15 % 3.32 3.14 2.97 2.80 2.33 1.94 1.39 Jixi (water supply: CNY2.5/m3 per ton) Average income CNY 23,919 26,072 28,418 30,976 47,660 73,330 112,828 Water consumption CNY 148.94 151.88 154.88 157.94 188.65 222.47 245.62 % 0.62 0.58 0.55 0.51 0.40 0.30 0.22 Qitaihe (water supply: CNY3.0/m3 per ton) Average income CNY 23,786 25,451 27,233 29,139 40,870 57,322 80,397 Water consumption CNY 168.55 170.74 172.95 175.20 205.17 240.26 265.27 % 0.71 0.67 0.64 0.60 0.50 0.42 0.33 CNY = Chinese yuan, m2 = square meter, m3 = cubic meter. Source: Asian Development Bank estimates.

D. Financial Sustainability Analysis

10. A fiscal strength and project financial sustainability assessment was carried out for Hegang Municipal Government (HMG), Jixi Municipal Government (JMG), Qitaihe Municipal Government (QMG), and Shuangyashan Municipal Government (SMG). The project cities are required to provide counterpart funding and pay debt service for the investment project, and 4

finance the operation and maintenance of the non-revenue-generating subcomponents after construction. The Hegang Luobei County Government (LCG) will provide counterpart fund and debt service for its industrial WWTP.

11. Historical revenue and expenditure. The financial statements for 2011–2015 of HMG, JMG, QMG, SMG, and LCG were assessed for performance, capital structure, generation of internal funds to support current operations, i.e., the ability to finance a reasonable proportion of capital expenditures, to service debts, and to finance the operation and maintenance of the non- revenue-generating subcomponents after construction. The main sources of municipal incomes were from taxes (e.g., value added tax, business tax, income tax, resource tax, real property tax), non-tax revenues, and subsidies. Expenditures include general public services, education, public safety, personnel welfare, environmental protection, agriculture, forestry and water, and transportation. Fiscal revenues and growth rates between 2011 and 2015 are shown in Table 5.

Table 5: Historical Revenue and Expenditure (CNY million)

Average Item 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Growth Rate (%) Hegang Revenue 2,777 3,024 2,411 2,063 1,862 (9.5) Municipality Expenditure 6,650 8,511 8,044 7,742 9,547 9.5 Hegang Luobei Revenue 307 443 470 463 516 13.9 County Expenditure 848 1,216 1,275 1,460 1,815 20.9 Jixi Municipality Revenue 2,828 2,822 2,145 1,976 1,706 (11.9) Expenditure 5,824 4,645 5,352 5,851 6,503 2.8 Qitaihe Revenue 1,574 1,579 1,496 1,325 1,598 0.4 Municipality Expenditure 3,733 4,376 4,700 4,216 5,917 12.2 Shuangyashan Revenue 3,232 3,604 3,367 2,261 2,370 (7.5) Municipality Expenditure 8,559 10,346 10,966 10,876 12,380 9.7 ( ) = negative. Source: Project cities’ statistical yearbooks.

12. Projections of municipal and county revenues and expenditures are based on planned budgets; revenues are expected to increase by 5% after 2015, expenditures by 3%.

13. Results of the fiscal impact analysis and affordability assessment. The total investment under project outputs 1, 3–5 is estimated at $789.0 million (CNY5,443.2 million equivalent). HMG will finance $70.1 million (CNY483.3 million equivalent); JMG will finance $65.7 million (CNY453.2 million equivalent); QMG will finance $94.3 million (CNY650.5 million equivalent); SMG will finance $81.5 million (CNY562.0 million equivalent); and LCG will finance $3.5 million (CNY24.0 million equivalent). The contributions by the municipal governments and the county government were analyzed in terms of affordability relative to projected revenues and expenditures from 2017 to 2021. Annual counterpart funds required during construction, and a comparison as a percentage of projected revenues, are in Table 6. Since the projected expenditures exceed projected revenues, ADB will require assurances from the borrower, HMG, JMG, QMG, SMG, and LCG that sufficient budget allocation be made available to cover counterpart funds.

Table 6: Counterpart Fund, Debt Service, and Operation and Maintenance as Percentage of Revenue and Expenditure (CNY million) Item 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Hegang Total revenue 2,053 2,156 2,264 2,377 2,496 2,620 2,751 2,889 Municipality Total expenditure 10,128 10,432 10,745 11,067 11,399 11,741 12,094 12,456 Counterpart 97.42 126.43 78.79 113.06 67.58 0.0 0.0 0.0 fund 5

Item 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Debt service 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 79.24 77.93 76.63 O&M 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 5.84 5.98 6.11 Total 97.42 126.43 78.79 113.06 67.58 85.08 83.91 82.74 Percent of total 4.75 5.86 3.48 4.76 2.71 3.25 3.05 2.86 revenue Percent of total 0.96 1.21 0.73 1.02 0.59 0.72 0.69 0.66 expenditure Hegang Total revenue 568 597 627 658 691 725 762 800 Luobei Total expenditure 1,925 1,983 2,043 2,104 2,167 2,232 2,299 2,368 County Counterpart 3.04 6.33 9.30 2.64 2.71 0.0 0.0 0.0 fund Debt service 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.69 2.55 2.41 O&M 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Total 3.04 6.33 9.30 2.64 2.71 2.69 2.55 2.41 Percent of total 0.53 1.06 1.49 0.40 0.39 0.37 0.33 0.30 revenue Percent of total 0.16 0.32 0.46 0.13 0.13 0.12 0.11 0.10 expenditure Jixi Total revenue 1,881 1,975 2,074 2,178 2,287 2,401 2,521 2,647 Municipality Total expenditure 6,899 7,106 7,319 7,538 7,764 7,997 8,237 8,484 Counterpart 27.91 88.51 179.12 108.59 49.09 0.0 0.0 0.0 fund Debt service 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 45.46 44.68 43.89 O&M 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 22.62 22.62 22.62 Total 27.91 88.51 179.12 108.59 49.09 68.07 67.29 66.51 Percent of total 1.48 4.48 8.64 4.99 2.15 2.84 2.67 2.51 revenue Percent of total 0.40 1.25 2.45 1.44 0.63 0.85 0.82 0.78 expenditure Qitaihe Total revenue 1,761 1,849 1,942 2,039 2,141 2,248 2,360 2,478 Municipality Total expenditure 6,277 6,466 6,660 6,859 7,065 7,277 7,495 7,720 Counterpart 51.21 144.46 308.17 103.05 43.72 0.0 0.0 0.0 fund Debt service 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 59.83 58.76 57.68 O&M 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 21.24 21.24 21.24 Total 51.21 144.46 308.17 103.05 43.72 81.07 79.99 78.92 Percent of total 2.91 7.81 15.87 5.05 2.04 3.61 3.39 3.18 revenue Percent of total 0.82 2.23 4.63 1.50 0.62 1.11 1.07 1.02 expenditure Shuangya- Total revenue 2,612 2,743 2,880 3,024 3,175 3,334 3,501 3,676 shan Total expenditure 13,134 13,528 13,934 14,352 14,783 15,226 15,683 16,154 Municipality Counterpart 79.63 167.12 218.76 65.62 30.84 0.0 0.0 0.0 fund Debt service 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 62.66 61.58 60.51 O&M 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 30.09 30.09 30.09 Total 79.63 167.12 218.76 65.62 30.84 92.75 91.67 90.60 Percent of total 3.05 6.09 7.60 2.17 0.97 2.78 2.62 2.46 revenue Percent of total 0.61 1.24 1.57 0.46 0.21 0.61 0.58 0.56 expenditure O&M = operation and maintenance. Source: Asian Development Bank estimates.

14. The analysis shows that local governments are operating at low margins of revenues over expenditures. The project financial sustainability is contingent on support from a higher-level government for counterpart funding and debt servicing. It is anticipated that fiscal revenues will grow in line with the development programs supported by the project and by national, provincial, and local governments, providing additional resource mobility to finance subcomponents. The revenue generated is expected to be sufficient to cover operation and maintenance costs for all subcomponents. In this regard, the project’s legal agreements include assurances that additional resources will be made available as required.