Group 1 - The report emphasizes the defensive attributes of the public utility sector, particularly in light of recent policy changes aimed at enhancing price governance mechanisms [1][14][30] - In March, the Shanghai Composite Index fell by 0.07%, while the public utility index rose by 1.87%, indicating a relative outperformance of the sector [1][32] - The report highlights the significant drop in coal prices, which enhances the profitability of thermal power generation, with a projected increase in earnings per kilowatt-hour as coal prices decrease [2][16][18] Group 2 - The report recommends major thermal power companies such as Huadian International and Shanghai Electric, citing their resilience in the face of declining coal prices and electricity prices [3][30] - It notes that the water and waste incineration sectors are entering a mature phase, with improved free cash flow and a favorable investment environment due to declining risk-free rates [31] - The report identifies high-dividend water power stocks, particularly Changjiang Electric Power, as having strong defensive characteristics and long-term investment value [24][25][29] Group 3 - The report discusses the expected stability in nuclear power company earnings, recommending companies like China Nuclear Power and China General Nuclear Power [3][30] - It highlights the growth potential in the renewable energy sector, recommending leading companies such as Longyuan Power and Three Gorges Energy, which are expected to benefit from ongoing government support for new energy development [3][30] - The report also points out the significant market opportunity in the domestic waste oil recycling industry, recommending companies like Shanggou Environmental Energy as beneficiaries of upcoming EU policies [31]

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Outperform" rating for the public utility and environmental sectors [1][4]. Core Insights - The report emphasizes the high-quality development of the environmental equipment manufacturing industry, aiming to create a trillion-level industry with international competitiveness by 2027 [2][16]. - It highlights the synergy between computing power and electricity, particularly in the context of data centers, which require substantial and reliable electricity supply [18][20]. - The report suggests that the profitability of coal-fired power generation is expected to remain reasonable due to the simultaneous decline in coal and electricity prices [28]. Summary by Sections Market Review - The Shanghai Composite Index rose by 1.59%, while the public utility index increased by 2.19% and the environmental index by 2.53% [1][29]. - Among the sub-sectors, coal-fired power saw a 3.39% increase, while renewable energy generation rose by 1.48% [31]. Important Policies and Events - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, and the State Administration for Market Regulation jointly issued opinions to promote the high-quality development of the environmental equipment manufacturing industry [2][16]. - By 2030, the report anticipates a complete upgrade of the environmental equipment manufacturing industry towards green, low-carbon, and circular development [2]. Investment Strategy - Recommendations include major coal-fired power companies like Huadian International and regional power companies like Shanghai Electric due to stable electricity prices [3][28]. - For renewable energy, leading companies such as Longyuan Power and Three Gorges Energy are recommended, alongside regional offshore wind power companies [3][28]. - The report also suggests focusing on water and waste incineration sectors, which are entering a mature phase with improved free cash flow [3][28]. Industry Dynamics - The report notes that the electricity and heat production and supply industry prices fell by 0.8% year-on-year in February 2025 [17]. - It highlights the increasing importance of green electricity and nuclear power in meeting the energy demands of data centers [24][21]. Company Performance - The report lists several companies with "Outperform" ratings, including Huadian International, Longyuan Power, and China Nuclear Power, among others, indicating their strong market positions and growth potential [6][28].