Haitong Securities International·2025-07-15 11:37Investment Rating - The report suggests that domestic thermal power companies have low PE valuations and potential for higher dividends, with overseas leaders like Duke Energy having PEs around 20 [2][10]. Core Insights - The report highlights that thermal power asset acquisition/sale transactions have PB valuations significantly higher than the secondary market valuations for thermal power stocks, indicating that thermal power stocks are undervalued [1][11]. - It notes that since 2022, there have been multiple asset transactions, primarily in northern and central regions, with 7 acquisitions (4 by power companies and 3 by coal companies) and 4 sales (all by power companies) [2][10]. - The median PB valuation for thermal power assets in these transactions is 1.3, while the median PB for listed thermal power companies is 0.9, suggesting a disparity in valuation [11][12]. - The median PE valuation for thermal power assets exceeds 10, with a range of 7.2 to 31.8 for the relevant transactions, indicating that industry capital values thermal assets at a premium [12]. Summary by Sections Investment Advice - Domestic thermal power companies are viewed as having low PE valuations with room for dividend increases, while international leaders are valued around 20 times PE [2][10]. Asset Transactions - The report details 11 acquisition/sale cases, with 3 having negative book values but acquired at a premium, and the remaining 8 having PBs ranging from 1.0 to 2.6 [11][12]. - The report emphasizes that the thermal power sector is experiencing significant asset transactions, particularly in the northern and central regions of China [2][10]. Valuation Metrics - The report indicates that the median PB for thermal power assets is 1.3, compared to 0.9 for listed companies, highlighting the undervaluation of thermal power stocks [11][12]. - The median PE for thermal power assets is noted to be over 10, with a range of 7.2 to 31.8, suggesting that industry capital values thermal assets at a higher level than the secondary market [12].