Southwest Securities·2025-07-10 09:42Core Viewpoints - In the first half of 2025, the profitability of thermal power companies improved due to a decrease in coal prices from 765 RMB/ton to 621 RMB/ton, leading to an 11% recovery in stock prices since late January [4] - The thermal power sector is expected to see positive factors in electricity volume, price, and costs in 2025, indicating growth potential [4] - Hydropower and nuclear power sectors remain stable with strong cash flows and high dividend yields, while the deepening of domestic electricity reforms is likely to create diverse investment opportunities [4] Thermal Power - The comprehensive electricity price for thermal power is expected to remain stable in 2025, with coal prices trending downward, leading to further profit recovery in the industry [7] - It is recommended to focus on thermal power companies with smaller declines in electricity prices and lower proportions of long-term coal contracts [7] - The implementation of capacity pricing and auxiliary service income is expected to stabilize thermal power profitability [61] Hydropower - High dividend yields attract incremental capital, with the dividend yield of Changjiang Electric Power remaining between 3.2% and 4.4% from 2017 to 2024 [80] - The hydropower sector is expected to see growth due to the commissioning of new projects, with over 25 million kW of hydropower capacity under construction [73] Nuclear Power - The approval of 11 new nuclear units in 2024 marks a significant acceleration in nuclear project approvals, indicating a stable growth trajectory for the sector [82] - By the end of 2024, China Nuclear Power and China General Nuclear Power have substantial capacities under construction, ensuring future growth [86] Renewable Energy - The installation of wind and solar power is expected to maintain high growth rates, with cumulative installed capacity reaching 1.41 billion kW by the end of 2024 [92] - The implementation of the 136 Document is expected to promote the full market entry of renewable energy, leading to a surge in installed capacity [99] Waste Incineration - The waste incineration sector is entering a mature phase, with operating cash flow and free cash flow both increasing by 18% year-on-year in 2024 [119] - Companies in this sector are expanding overseas, establishing a competitive advantage in countries along the Belt and Road Initiative [122]