I have wriiten so much about Huaneng Power International ADR (NYSE: HNP) that I am not sure there is much more to say. This is another one in my must-own category, so it is just a matter of when you get in. Most of my sentiments can be found in Volatile Markets: Huaneng Power (HNP) is my pick for the next 50 years.
HNP pays a sizable 3.6% dividend yield and has plenty of room to run. It has come down a lot with the rest of the inflated Chinese stock market, but this one is not threatened by competition and is a good long-term value. It is the largest utility company in China, entrenched in government projects and receives support that would be full of conflicts of interest in a western economy.
I have made the case recently that electric utilities have been great investments over the long term in Serious Money: Electric utilities are the place to be, and I am still a believer. China's growth curve will continue to dwarf that of the United States. It takes electricity for all the things you know about and many you do not. I am not sure that the average investor is aware for example that the production of aluminum consumes a lot of electricity. And it is being used in increasing amounts as reducing energy costs often means reducing weight.
Aluminum is used in windows, cars, planes, electronics, and this is a great trend to follow as well. One of my top picks last year was Aluminum Corp of China ADS (NYSE: ACH), and I would have included it here if not for its sky-high price.
The largest potential downside to HNP might be costs associated with environmental clean-up. Somehow I tend to think the expenses will be broadly diverted to all industries paying for it. China is addressing these issues, but has a long way to go.
HNP is increasing equity every day. We have all read lately that the Chinese stock market might be ready to bust, and it has been tamed plenty in the last two months, but if it does, I will probably ride it out long term with this particular stock. It is beyond my imagination how it cannot be a success in the long term.
Among the many Chinese stocks one might consider, Huaneng Power is likely to be less volatile and is currently the only Chinese stock we would put new money in.
To find potential opportunities and verify my track record, read Chasing Value and Serious Money.
DISCLOSURE: I currently own shares of HNP.
Sheldon Liber is the CEO of a small private investment company and the principal for design and research at an architecture & planning firm.











Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-05-2008 @ 1:04PM
Tank Williams said...
With the recent president comments on ethanol flex fuel cars, don't you think related stocks in this sector may come into favor?
such as ADM- ethanl producer
HEGP- flex fuel stations
etc?