电力及公用事业行业2024年年报及2025年一季报总结：板块防御性突出，水电业绩恒强

Investment Rating - The report maintains an investment rating of "Outperform the Market" for the electricity and utilities sector [8] Core Viewpoints - The electricity and utilities sector demonstrates strong defensive characteristics and stable performance, with hydroelectric power showing consistent profitability [5][12] - The sector includes 225 listed companies, primarily state-owned enterprises, with significant contributions from thermal, hydro, and other power generation sectors [5][12] - In 2024, the sector's operating revenue reached 25,527.42 billion, a year-on-year increase of 0.12%, while net profit attributable to shareholders was 2,081.10 billion, up 6.79% [17][41] - The financial cost rate of the sector continues to decline, enhancing profitability, with a net cash flow from operating activities of 6,243.77 billion in 2024, an increase of 11.75% [26][25] - The sector's dividend yield is positioned in the top third of the market, with a three-year average dividend payout ratio of 43.16% [34][53] Summary by Sections 1. Sector Stability and Defensive Characteristics - The electricity and utilities sector is characterized by stability and strong defensive capabilities, with a 2024 index increase of 13.84% [13][17] - The sector's financial cost rate decreased to 4.44% in 2024, aiding in reduced financing costs and improved profitability [26][25] - The sector's net asset return rate was 8.38% in 2024, with gross and net profit margins of 21.61% and 10.61%, respectively [25][46] 2. Hydroelectric Power Performance - Hydroelectric power is the most profitable sub-sector, with a gross margin of 54.41% and a net margin of 38.16% in 2024 [42][41] - Hydroelectric power contributed 23.91% of the sector's net profit in 2024, with a significant focus on shareholder returns [41][52] - The sector's overall profit contribution from power generation enterprises was 82% in 2024, with hydroelectric power ranking among the top contributors [41][37] 3. Individual Company Performance - Individual company performance varies, with hydroelectric companies showing the most stable results [5][6] - In 2025 Q1, hydroelectric power generation increased by 5.9% year-on-year, benefiting from favorable water conditions [50][49] - The financial performance of companies in Henan province showed a decline in revenue but an increase in net profit in 2024 [8][6] 4. Investment Recommendations - The report suggests maintaining a long-term investment perspective, focusing on large hydroelectric and nuclear power companies with stable profitability [8][5]