智通财经网·2025-06-19 03:55Core Viewpoint - Zhongyuan Securities maintains an "outperform" investment rating for the power and utilities sector based on industry development prospects, performance growth expectations, and valuation levels [1] Industry Overview - The power and utilities sector is characterized by strong defensiveness and stable performance growth, with projected revenue and net profit growth in 2024 [1] - As of June 15, 2025, the power and utilities index increased by 2.25%, outperforming the CSI 300 index by 4.05 percentage points [1] Subsector Analysis - Hydropower shows the most stable performance and highest dividend ratio, while nuclear power is affected by declining market electricity prices [2] - In 2024, power generation companies contributed over 82% of the net profit in the power and utilities sector [2] - Hydropower revenue and net profit are expected to grow due to favorable water conditions and reduced financial costs [2] Investment Themes - Hydropower is highlighted as a representative of dividend assets with a deep natural monopoly and significant profit potential due to low generation costs [3] - Long-term investment focus is recommended on major hydropower operators such as Yangtze Power, Huaneng Hydropower, and Chuanwei Energy [3] - Coal-fired power is gradually enhancing its utility attributes, with a recommendation to consider the joint development of hydropower and coal-fired power by Guotou Power [3] - Nuclear power operators are expected to maintain strong profitability, although market price declines may impact their performance in 2025 [3] - New energy generation faces challenges from declining average electricity prices despite rapid capacity growth [3]