Zhong Guo Zheng Quan Bao·2025-11-19 20:13Core Viewpoint - The traditional coal-fired power industry is undergoing significant transformation, shifting from a cyclical asset to a stable value asset due to changes in energy structure and market reforms [1][2]. Industry Transformation - The coal-fired power sector has transitioned from being a "power provider" to a "regulatory guarantor," with its role evolving to include peak supply and frequency regulation in response to the instability of renewable energy sources [1][2]. - The installed capacity of coal-fired power has decreased from 66% in 2015 to 40% by July 2025, while its generation share has dropped from 74% to 65% [1]. New Profitability Framework - The profitability of coal-fired power is now influenced by three main factors: rising capacity prices, increasing auxiliary service revenues, and the gradual improvement of the coal-electricity linkage mechanism [2][3]. - The capacity price mechanism, effective from 2024, will provide fixed compensation based on installed capacity, with expected prices rising from 100 yuan/kW·year in 2024-2025 to 165 yuan/kW·year in 2026, and up to 230 yuan/kW·year in leading provinces [2]. - Auxiliary service revenues are projected to grow significantly, with Huaneng International's net income from auxiliary services expected to rise from 1.473 billion yuan in 2022 to 2.458 billion yuan in 2024 [3]. Market Dynamics - The shift towards market-based trading has reduced the influence of traditional pricing factors, allowing coal-fired power companies to optimize pricing strategies and enhance revenue per unit of electricity generated [2][3]. - The marketization of pricing mechanisms has effectively smoothed out cost fluctuations, leading to a more stable return on equity (ROE) for coal-fired power plants, projected to stabilize around 10% [3]. Financial Performance and Outlook - The coal-fired power sector is experiencing improved financial metrics, with a projected 8.2% growth in equity for 2023-2024 and a further 3.5% increase in the first half of 2025 [4][5]. - Operating cash flow for the coal-fired power sector is expected to reach 144 billion yuan in the first half of 2025, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 29.4% [5]. - The sector's dividend payouts are also on the rise, with a 91% year-on-year increase in total dividends in the first half of 2025, indicating a sustainable dividend capacity [5]. Investment Recommendations - Investors are advised to focus on three main lines of opportunity within the coal-fired power sector: leading companies with improving performance, firms committed to high dividends, and regionally stable leaders [5].