Investment Rating - The investment rating for the utility sector is "Positive" (maintained) [4] Core Insights - The report emphasizes the importance of core assets in Hong Kong's electric power equipment sector, highlighting the strong approval of coal power installations and the ongoing demand for pumped storage [5][6] - The report indicates that the approval of coal power installations is expected to remain high, with approximately 31 GW approved in the first half of 2025, maintaining levels similar to 2024 [17] - The report notes that the growth in electricity load is expected to outpace overall electricity consumption growth, indicating a long-term trend that will rely heavily on conventional power sources [18] - The wind power sector is experiencing a slowdown in the rapid scaling of turbine sizes, which may lead to improved profitability for wind turbine manufacturers [22][34] Summary by Sections Electric Power Equipment - The report highlights the strong approval of coal power installations, with 90 GW, 83 GW, and 78 GW approved in 2022, 2023, and 2024 respectively, and an expectation to exceed 80 GW in 2025 [17] - The demand for pumped storage is projected to remain high, with significant approvals in recent years, indicating a robust market for this segment [21] - Key companies to focus on include Harbin Electric, Dongfang Electric (H), and Goldwind Technology (H), along with A-share counterparts [6][34] Electricity Production - In June 2025, the industrial electricity production reached 796.3 billion kWh, a year-on-year increase of 1.7%, with a daily average of 26.54 billion kWh [35] - The report notes a narrowing decline in hydropower output and an acceleration in solar power generation, while wind and thermal power growth has slowed [35][38] Coal Industry - In June 2025, coal imports decreased significantly, with a year-on-year decline of 25.9%, attributed to low domestic coal prices [43] - The report indicates that domestic coal production is at a turning point, with a year-on-year increase of 3.0% in June, but with pressures from low prices affecting production levels in key regions [57] - Recommendations include focusing on leading coal companies with high long-term contracts, such as China Coal Energy and China Shenhua Energy [43]

Group 1: Copper Industry - In May, domestic air conditioner sales increased by 2.3%, while production decreased by 1.8%. The copper industry is facing supply disruptions, with both domestic production and imports of scrap copper declining in May. Demand for air conditioning is weaker than expected, leading to potential risks in copper demand. Short-term copper prices are expected to remain volatile, with a gradual increase anticipated following domestic stimulus policies and potential interest rate cuts in the US [4]. Group 2: Oil and Gas Industry - The ongoing military conflict between Israel and Iran continues to dominate the crude oil market. On June 22, the US bombed Iranian nuclear facilities, marking its formal involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict. Despite geopolitical uncertainties, the medium to long-term supply-demand dynamics for crude oil remain favorable, with a continued positive outlook for major oil companies and related services [5]. Group 3: Agriculture and Animal Husbandry - The "618" shopping festival results indicate a significant growth in the pet economy, with over 400 pet brands reporting sales increases of over 100% year-on-year. The number of pet transaction users grew by 32%, and new pet owners increased by 39% [6]. Group 4: Coal Industry - The coal market is experiencing a supply contraction and a rebound in demand, suggesting that coal prices may have reached a temporary bottom. Port coal prices are stable, and there has been an increase in iron and steel production. Coal inventories at Qinhuangdao Port have decreased and are now lower than the same period last year [8]. Group 5: Renewable Energy and Environmental Protection - The wind power sector is advised to focus on wind turbine manufacturers, as second-quarter performance may be under pressure. The solid-state battery sector is seeing increased capital expenditure due to advancements in production lines and policy support. The photovoltaic sector is expected to benefit from upcoming supply and demand policies, with a focus on integrated companies with lower production costs [9]. Group 6: Retail Industry - The recent promotional period concluded with stable results, as e-commerce platforms reported a cumulative sales figure of 855.6 billion yuan, reflecting a 15.2% year-on-year increase. Instant retail sales reached 29.6 billion yuan, up 18.7% year-on-year. This year, platforms are focusing more on ecosystem building and consumer experience, with instant retail gaining traction [10]. Group 7: Pharmaceutical Industry - The review process for innovative drugs is accelerating, with the National Medical Products Administration seeking opinions on optimizing clinical trial approvals. This is expected to enhance the value of quality pipelines and improve market sentiment towards the innovative drug sector. Long-term, the policy aims to support the transition of Chinese innovative drugs from a combination of imitation and innovation to global original research [11].