This paper examines the effectiveness of the optimization and adjustment of state-owned capital layout from the perspective of value creation using the setting of Chinese central state-owned enterprises (CSOEs) M&As. The results show that the optimization and adjustment of state-owned capital layout has the effect of value creation, which can improve the efficiency of state-owned capital, but this effect only exists after the reform of the Third Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee. Further research shows that the value creation effect of state-owned capital layout optimization is heterogeneous. Compared with the CSOEs of specific functional and public service, the value creation effect of state-owned capital layout optimization is more significant in the commercial CSOEs, and the value creation effect of CSOEs through professional integration and holding merger is more significant. The study also confirm that the optimization of state-owned capital layout reduces the competition among CSOEs, and achieves the advantage of resource integration. Overall, this paper provides a new perspective for understanding the optimization of state-owned capital distribution, which has important practical guiding value for SASAC to promote the strategic reorganization of state-owned capital at microcosmic level and achieve the goal of state-owned economy.