Shenwan Hongyuan Securities·2025-10-14 08:52Investment Rating - The report maintains a positive outlook on the public utility sector, particularly highlighting the recovery in hydropower and the continued cost reduction in thermal power [4][6]. Core Insights - The thermal power sector is experiencing improved profitability due to a decrease in coal prices, with the average spot price of 5500 kcal thermal coal in Qinhuangdao at 672 RMB/ton, down 176 RMB/ton year-on-year [4]. - Hydropower generation is expected to recover in Q4 2025, following a significant improvement in autumn rainfall, which is projected to enhance the generation capacity of major hydropower companies [4]. - Nuclear power generation has shown a year-on-year growth of 11.33% in the first three quarters of 2025, with new units expected to come online, further boosting output [4]. - The natural gas sector is witnessing a gradual recovery in consumption, with a total apparent consumption of 2845.6 billion m³ from January to August 2025, reflecting a slight year-on-year decrease of 0.1% [4]. Summary by Sections Thermal Power - In Q3 2025, the average utilization hours for thermal power equipment were 2783 hours, a decrease of 144 hours year-on-year, but profitability is expected to remain positive [4]. - The report anticipates that thermal power companies in northern China will continue to achieve above-average performance due to stable electricity prices [4]. Hydropower - The report notes a decline in hydropower generation in July and August 2025, with a year-on-year decrease of 9.8% and 10.1% respectively, but forecasts a recovery in Q4 due to improved rainfall [4]. - The Yangtze River power generation saw a slight decline of 0.29% year-on-year from January to September 2025, but significant improvements are expected in October [4]. Nuclear Power - The report highlights that new nuclear units are expected to contribute to steady growth in electricity generation, with a strong approval rate for new projects [4]. - The long-term outlook for nuclear power remains positive, with a strong certainty of growth in installed capacity [4]. Natural Gas - The report indicates that the natural gas consumption has been recovering since May 2025, with a notable increase in demand expected due to stable supply and geopolitical factors [4]. - The report projects that the reduction in LNG prices and the adjustment of residential gas prices will benefit city gas companies' profitability [4]. Company Performance Forecast - The report provides a performance forecast for key companies in the public utility sector for the first nine months of 2025, with notable growth expected for companies like Datang Power and Huaneng International [5]. - The report recommends several companies for investment, including Guotou Power, Chuanwei Energy, and Longjiang Power, based on their expected performance recovery [4][6].