CNNP(SH:601985) Zheng Quan Shi Bao Wang·2025-05-06 06:29Core Viewpoint - China Nuclear Power (601985), one of the largest nuclear power operators in China, has reported a decline in net profit despite a slight increase in revenue for 2024, indicating a significant divergence between revenue growth and profit performance [1][2]. Financial Performance - In 2024, China Nuclear Power's operating revenue increased by 3.09% year-on-year, while the net profit attributable to shareholders decreased by 17.38%, highlighting a concerning trend of revenue growth not translating into profit [2]. - The company's net cash flow from operating activities also fell by 5.58% year-on-year, marking a second consecutive year of decline in cash flow [2]. - The gross profit margin for 2024 dropped to 3.97%, the lowest level in the past decade, with the first quarter of 2024 showing a mere 1.22% gross margin [2]. Cost and Efficiency Issues - Rising electricity costs have been identified as a key factor contributing to the decline in net profit and gross margin [4]. ESG Performance - The carbon emission density increased to 0.016 tons of CO2 equivalent per ten thousand yuan of industrial output in 2024, the highest level in three years [5][6]. - The proportion of R&D personnel decreased to 20.87%, the lowest in four years, indicating potential challenges in innovation and talent retention [5]. - Employee turnover rate remained above 1% from 2022 to 2024, with 2024's rate at 1.07%, which is higher compared to peers like Yangtze Power (0.3%) and China General Nuclear Power (1.01%) [5]. Shareholder Returns and Dividends - The company has not implemented any share buybacks since 2020, despite the launch of initiatives aimed at enhancing shareholder returns [7]. - The dividend payout ratio for 2024 was 41.80%, with a cash dividend total of 36.69 billion yuan, but the dividend yield has declined for two consecutive years, reaching a low of 1.73% in 2024 [8][9]. - Cumulatively, the company has raised over 426 billion yuan since its IPO, significantly exceeding its total dividend payouts of 242.81 billion yuan, indicating a weaker commitment to shareholder returns [8].