Mechanism-based Power Tariff May Reshape Earnings Stability
发布时间:2026-05-12 来源:华泰证券
China National Nuclear Power (CNNP) has posted 2025 results with revenue of RMB82,075mn (+6.2% YoY), attributable net profit (NP) of RMB9,304mn (+6.0% YoY; slightly above our forecast of RMB9,282mn), and recurring NP of RMB9,148mn (+6.8% YoY). For 1Q26, revenue was RMB18,925mn (-6.7% YoY) and attributable NP was RMB2,064mn (-34.2% YoY), within our forecast range of RMB2.0-2.3bn. We believe the earnings decline was mainly due to an increase in nuclear unit overhauls, lower market-based electricity tariffs, and equity dilution in the new energy segment. Despite short-term earnings pressure, mechanism-based nuclear power pricing is likely to be fully implemented nationwide within the year (with Guangxi and Liaoning already taking the lead), while accelerated commissioning of new units should significantly enhance the stability of the company's medium- to long-term earnings base, in our view. Maintain BUY.
Nuclear power: rising share of market-based electricity trading
For 2025, CNNP's nuclear power generation reached 200.8bn kWh (+9.7% YoY), nuclear power revenue was RMB67,107mn (+4.0% YoY), and attributable NP was RMB8,958mn (+18.5% YoY), reflecting solid operations. However, in 1Q26, due to concentrated overhauls of seven generating units (five more than in 1Q25) and YoY declines in market-based electricity tariffs, nuclear power generation fell by 3.3% YoY, nuclear power revenue declined by 6.6% YoY, and the attributable NP fell by 21.7% YoY. As of end-March, CNNP operated 27 controlled nuclear power units with installed capacity of 26.2GW, while 18 units with installed capacity of 20.7GW were under construction or approved for construction. Units such as Tianwan Unit 7 and the Hainan small modular reactor are likely to commence commercial operation within 2026, supporting strong capacity growth visibility. Although deeper marketization may amplify short-term tariff fluctuations, the nationwide rollout of mechanism-based nuclear power pricing this year could, in our view, reshape the earnings and valuation framework for baseload power assets.
Renewables: quasi-REITs improved financial structure
For 1Q26, renewable energy segment revenue declined by 7.1% YoY, while the attributable NP fell by 206.7% YoY. In addition to lower blended electricity tariffs, the main reason was the reduced attributable equity stake following the third-phase quasi-REIT issuance by CNNP Rich Energy in November 2025 and the introduction of strategic investors. The company continues revitalizing existing assets through quasi-REIT structures and similar financing tools, using proceeds to repay debt and acquire new projects, effectively lowering the asset-liability ratio and easing funding pressure. By end-March, the company's renewable energy operational capacity had reached 34.0GW, with 7.87GW under construction, indicating continued scale expansion. We expect profitability to improve once electricity tariffs stabilize.
Revise down earnings forecasts and target price
We lower our 2026/2027 attributable NP forecast by 20/22% to RMB8,052/ 9,134mn and introduce a 2028 forecast of RMB11,042mn (three-year CAGR 6%), implying EPS of RMB0.39/0.44/0.54. The downward revisions mainly reflect lower market-based electricity tariffs and equity dilution in the renewable energy business in 2026. Considering the expected nationwide rollout of mechanism- based nuclear power pricing and accelerating commissioning of new generating units, we believe CNNP's medium- to long-term earnings stability is poised for a re-rating. We value the stock at 26x 2026E PE, above its peers' average of c. 20x on Wind consensus, for our target price of RMB10.14 (previous: RMB10.78, based on 22x 2026E PE).
Risks: Number of nuclear power approvals below our expectations, project commissioning slower than we expect, risk of electricity price declines.