Orient Securities·2025-12-07 09:46Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Positive" investment rating for the utility sector [4]. Core Insights - Coal prices are rapidly declining, and the enthusiasm for wind power development is higher than that for photovoltaic (PV) projects [2][7]. - The utility sector is expected to continue to be a valuable dividend asset, with low-priced utility assets worth attention [7]. - The report suggests that the profitability of the thermal power industry is expected to continue to grow, with improved commercial models [7]. Summary by Sections Coal Market - Coal prices have decreased across the board, with the Qinhuangdao port Shanxi Q5500 thermal coal price at 785 RMB/ton as of December 5, 2025, down 31 RMB/ton (3.8%) week-on-week [7][13]. - Coal inventories at ports and power plants are rising, leading to increased pressure on coal traders to lower prices [7][23]. Renewable Energy - The report anticipates a slowdown in new PV installations in 2026, while wind power investment enthusiasm is expected to be stronger due to higher project profitability [7]. - The report highlights that the current stage of wind power projects has higher returns compared to PV, leading to greater investment interest in wind energy [7]. Utility Sector Performance - The utility sector index rose by 0.1% but underperformed compared to the CSI 300 index, which increased by 1.3% [38]. - The report indicates that the utility sector is still a favorable long-term investment option, particularly in a low-interest-rate environment [7]. Investment Recommendations - The report recommends several stocks within the thermal power sector, including Huadian International, Guodian Power, and Huaneng International, among others [7]. - For hydropower, it suggests focusing on high-quality river basin projects, with specific stocks mentioned [7]. - The report also notes the long-term growth certainty in nuclear power and suggests companies like China General Nuclear Power [7].