Core Viewpoint - The coal sector is experiencing a rise in stock prices, driven by increased demand due to cold weather and tightening supply conditions, suggesting a favorable investment outlook for quality coal companies [1] Group 1: Stock Performance - Major coal stocks have seen significant gains, with China Shenhua up 4.13% to HKD 42.38, Yanzhou Coal up 2.79% to HKD 11.43, China Coal up 2.55% to HKD 11.28, and China Qinfa up 1.56% to HKD 3.26 [1] Group 2: Demand and Supply Dynamics - A cold wave has led to lower temperatures in central and eastern regions, contributing to increased coal demand [1] - The average daily coal output from the four ports in the Bohai Rim region reached 1.682 million tons, an increase of 142,000 tons (9.19%) from the previous week, although it represents a year-on-year decrease of 0.8% [1] - As of January 23, port inventories stood at 26.28 million tons, down 906,000 tons (3.33%) week-on-week, but up 3.48% year-on-year [1] Group 3: Future Outlook - The tightening supply-demand balance in the coal market is expected to persist over the next 3-5 years, with quality coal companies maintaining high barriers to entry, strong cash flow, and attractive dividends [1] - The recent price stabilization in coal is anticipated to reshape sector valuations, making coal investments appealing, especially after recent market corrections [1]

Summary of Conference Call on Coal Industry Industry Overview - The conference focused on the coal industry, specifically discussing coal prices and production trends for 2025 and 2026 [1][2][3]. Key Points and Arguments Coal Production Data - National raw coal production for 2025 is projected to reach 4.83 billion tons, a year-on-year increase of 1.2% [2]. - December 2025's monthly raw coal production was 440 million tons, showing a year-on-year decline of 1.0% [2]. - Daily average production in December was 14.1 million tons, aligning with expectations [2]. - The production trend indicates a high supply in the first half of 2025, followed by a decrease in the latter half, leading to a constrained overall supply [3]. Predictions for 2026 - The coal production for 2026 is not expected to exceed that of 2025 due to two main factors: 1. Gradual exit of pre-synthetic capacity, particularly in major production areas like Shaanxi [4]. 2. Increased safety regulations starting February 1, 2026, which will raise costs for smaller mines, potentially leading to capacity exits [5][6]. - Estimated capacity exit due to safety regulations could be around 70-80 million tons over two years [5]. Import Coal Trends - December 2025 saw a record high of 58 million tons in coal imports, attributed to: 1. Significant price increases in October and November, prompting coastal power plants to increase imports [6][7]. 2. Year-end contracts leading to concentrated customs declarations [7]. - Uncertainties in Indonesia's export policies, including new tariffs and quotas, may reduce coal exports in 2026 compared to 2025 [8][10]. Price Trends - Current coal prices show a slight decline, with Qinhuangdao 5500 kcal coal priced at 685 RMB, down from 695 RMB [10]. - Inner Mongolia coal prices increased to 1800 RMB, up by 30 RMB from the previous week [10]. - The differentiation between thermal coal and coking coal prices continues, with coking coal showing stronger performance [10][12]. Inventory and Demand - National power plant inventories decreased by 2.7 percentage points week-on-week and 2.9 percentage points year-on-year, indicating strong demand [14]. - The available days of inventory are currently at 17.9 days, down 4.1 days from the previous year [14]. - A cold weather forecast could further tighten inventory levels and boost prices [14][11]. Future Outlook - The coal market is expected to remain stable with a slight upward trend in prices over the next 1-2 weeks, influenced by weather conditions and inventory levels [11][12]. - Post-Spring Festival, the market may shift into a seasonal downturn for thermal coal while coking coal could enter a demand peak [24][25]. Additional Insights - The overall trend in global commodity prices, including oil and natural gas, shows a strong correlation with coal prices, indicating a robust demand environment [17][18]. - The shift towards clean energy sources continues to impact coal demand, with significant growth in renewable energy generation [19][20]. - The coal industry's performance in 2026 will heavily depend on electricity generation growth, which is projected to be around 3% [21][22]. Investment Recommendations - The focus remains on companies with strong dividend yields and low valuations, such as China Shenhua, Zhongmei Energy, and Huaihe Energy, which are expected to perform well in a stable market [27][28]. - Specific stocks like Yanzhou Coal Mining Company are highlighted as key investment opportunities for 2026 due to their strong fundamentals and market positioning [30][31].

Investment Rating - The report recommends a "Buy" rating for several companies in the coal mining sector, including China Coal Energy (H+A), Yanzhou Coal Mining (H+A), China Shenhua Energy (H+A), and Shaanxi Coal and Chemical Industry [3][8]. Core Insights - The report highlights the significant increase in U.S. natural gas futures prices due to a polar cold wave and short covering, with prices rising by 25% to $4.875 per million British thermal units, marking the highest settlement price since December 8 [2]. - The report emphasizes the potential for coal consumption to increase as power producers may switch to coal to control fuel costs amid rising natural gas prices [3][8]. Summary by Sections Energy Price Overview - As of January 23, 2026, Brent crude oil futures settled at $65.88 per barrel, up $1.75 (+2.73%) from the previous week, while WTI crude oil futures settled at $61.07 per barrel, up $1.63 (+2.74%) [1]. - Natural gas prices also saw significant increases, with Northeast Asia LNG spot prices at $11.81 per million British thermal units (+4.04%) and U.S. HH natural gas futures at $5.35 per million British thermal units (+72.18%) [1][2]. Investment Recommendations - The report specifically recommends focusing on companies that are performing well, such as China Coal Energy, Yanzhou Coal Mining, China Shenhua Energy, and Shaanxi Coal, as well as companies involved in smart mining like Keda Control and those in recovery like China Qinfa [3][8]. - Additional companies to watch include Peabody (BTU), Jinkong Coal Industry, Lu'an Environmental Energy, and others that may see growth in the future [3]. Coal Market Dynamics - The report notes slight adjustments in coal prices, with Newcastle coal at $111.50 per ton, down $0.05 (-0.04%), while European ARA coal prices increased to $98.50 per ton, up $1.85 (+1.91%) [1][40]. - The overall coal market is expected to benefit from the rising natural gas prices, potentially leading to increased coal consumption in power generation [3].

Investment Rating - The report recommends a "Buy" rating for several companies in the coal mining sector, including China Coal Energy (H+A), Yanzhou Coal Mining (H+A), China Shenhua Energy (H+A), and Shaanxi Coal and Chemical Industry [3][9]. Core Insights - The report highlights the significant increase in U.S. natural gas futures prices due to a polar cold wave and short covering, with prices rising by 25% to $4.875 per million British thermal units, marking the highest settlement price since December 8 [2]. - The report emphasizes the potential for coal consumption to increase as power producers may switch to coal to control fuel costs amid rising natural gas prices [8]. - The report notes that the performance of coal mining companies is expected to improve as annual report disclosures approach, following the principle that "strong performance leads to strong stocks" [3]. Summary by Sections Energy Prices Overview - As of January 23, 2026, Brent crude oil futures settled at $65.88 per barrel, up $1.75 (+2.73%) from the previous week, while WTI crude oil futures settled at $61.07 per barrel, up $1.63 (+2.74%) [1]. - Natural gas prices have also seen significant increases, with Northeast Asia LNG spot prices at $11.81 per million British thermal units, up $0.46 (+4.04%) [1]. Key Companies and Recommendations - The report specifically recommends focusing on companies such as Keda Control Technology, which is advancing in smart mining, and China Qinfa, which is experiencing a turnaround [3]. - Additional companies to watch include Peabody (BTU), Jinkong Coal Industry, Lu'an Environmental Energy, and others that may see growth in the future [3]. Market Dynamics - The report discusses the impact of weather on natural gas production, particularly in the Marcellus shale region, which may face operational challenges due to snow [8]. - It also notes that the U.S. natural gas inventory surplus is rapidly decreasing, with expectations that it will fall below the five-year average by the end of March [8].

Core Insights - The coal industry is experiencing a slight increase in coking coal prices while thermal coal inventories continue to decline, indicating a potential stabilization in prices moving forward [7][85][87]. Market Dynamics - Thermal coal prices have shown a slight decrease, with the CCI5500 thermal coal index reported at 691 RMB/ton, down 11 RMB/ton week-on-week [13][86]. - The production capacity utilization rate for thermal coal mines is at 89.8%, reflecting a 1.2 percentage point increase week-on-week [23]. - Inventory levels at major ports have decreased, with a reported 6.939 million tons, down 2.4% week-on-week [23][30]. Industry Outlook - The coal industry is expected to see a significant improvement in profitability in 2026, with a projected total profit of 2.97 billion RMB in 2025, down 47% year-on-year [7][87]. - The supply side is anticipated to experience a substantial decrease in growth rates compared to previous years, with coal prices expected to gradually rise [7][87]. - The long-term contracts for coal supply in 2026 are expected to remain stable, with stricter safety regulations likely to limit production [88][89]. Key Companies - Notable companies with stable profit distributions include China Shenhua, Yanzhou Coal, and Shaanxi Coal, which are expected to benefit from the anticipated demand recovery and supply constraints [7][87]. - Companies with high elasticity benefiting from improved demand expectations include Huabei Mining and Shanxi Coking Coal [7][87]. - Long-term growth companies identified include Huayang Co., New Energy, and Baofeng Energy, which are expected to show significant growth potential [7][87].

Investment Rating - The investment rating for Yanzhou Coal Mining Company (兖矿能源) is "Outperform" [1] Core Views - Yanzhou Coal Mining Company has established itself as a leading coal enterprise with a strong focus on growth and high dividends, supported by a diversified business model that includes mining, high-end chemical materials, high-end equipment manufacturing, smart logistics, and new energy [2][4] - The company has significant coal resources and production capacity, with a total coal resource of 889.74 billion tons and an exploitable reserve of 177.44 billion tons as of the end of 2024 [2][10] - The coal quality is excellent, characterized by low ash, low sulfur, and high calorific value, which enhances its market reputation [2][55] - The coal chemical business is technologically advanced and poised for growth, with plans to expand production capacity significantly in the coming years [2][4] - The company is actively pursuing acquisitions to enhance its resource base and operational capabilities, including recent acquisitions of mining assets [22][24] Summary by Sections 1. Company Overview - Yanzhou Coal Mining Company was founded in 1997 and has listings in multiple stock exchanges, becoming an international energy company with a diversified portfolio [2][10] - The company aims to create green energy and lead energy transformation, focusing on five main industries: mining, high-end chemical materials, new energy, high-end equipment manufacturing, and smart logistics [10][21] 2. Coal Resource and Production Capacity - The company has a rich distribution of coal resources across various regions, including Shandong, Shaanxi, Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, and Australia, with a total coal resource of 464.3 billion tons and an exploitable reserve of 60.05 billion tons [2][55] - The company plans to achieve a coal production target of 300 million tons per year, with significant capacity expansions expected from new mines in the coming years [2][4] 3. Coal Chemical Business - The coal chemical segment is a key growth area, with advanced technologies and plans for new projects that will enhance production capacity and product diversity [2][4] - The company is set to launch several high-end coal chemical projects, including an 80,000-ton ethylene project and a 50,000-ton high-temperature Fischer-Tropsch project [2][4] 4. Other Business Segments - The company is diversifying into non-coal mining, logistics, and equipment manufacturing, with significant resources in molybdenum and potassium salts [2][4] - Recent acquisitions have strengthened the company's logistics capabilities, enhancing its integrated logistics system [22][24] 5. Financial Forecast and Valuation - Revenue projections for 2025-2027 are estimated at 135.8 billion, 145.7 billion, and 147.4 billion yuan, with net profits of 10.6 billion, 13.3 billion, and 13.4 billion yuan respectively [2][4] - The stock is expected to have a reasonable valuation range of 15.9 to 17.2 yuan by 2026, indicating a potential upside of 15% to 24% compared to the closing price on January 19, 2026 [2][4]

Investment Rating - Moody's downgraded the family rating of Shandong Energy and its subsidiary Yanzhou Coal from Ba1 to Ba2, with a stable outlook [4][5]. Core Insights - The downgrade reflects the high leverage, rising debt, and weakening profitability of Shandong Energy, mirroring the structural challenges faced by the coal industry amid energy transition and cyclical downturns [1][4]. - Despite the downgrade, Shandong Energy maintains a strong resource endowment and financing capability, with overall debt risk being manageable [1][49]. Summary by Sections Rating Adjustment Event Review - On August 1, 2025, Moody's downgraded Shandong Energy's corporate family rating from Ba1 to Ba2, with a stable outlook, and also downgraded the baseline credit assessment (BCA) of Shandong Energy and Yanzhou Coal [4][5]. Shandong Energy Analysis - Shandong Energy is the largest coal enterprise in Shandong Province, with a significant portion of its revenue derived from coal trading and other businesses [7]. - The company has substantial coal reserves totaling 889.74 billion tons, with a recoverable reserve of 177.44 billion tons, ranking fifth among coal enterprises [7]. Profitability - Shandong Energy's net profit peaked at 24.041 billion yuan in 2022 but fell to 15.203 billion yuan in 2024 due to declining coal prices [8][11]. - The gross profit margin decreased from 16.41% in 2022 to 9.81% in 2024, significantly below the industry average of 24.17% [8]. Debt - The asset-liability ratio of Shandong Energy rose from 66.98% at the end of 2020 to 72.84% by the end of 2024, exceeding the industry average [15]. - As of June 2025, Shandong Energy's total interest-bearing debt was 447.58 billion yuan, with a short-term debt ratio of 39.22% [15]. Cash Flow - Operating cash flow showed significant volatility, with a net inflow in 2021-2022 due to rising coal prices, but a decline in 2023 as prices fell [24]. - The company plans to invest 84.80 billion yuan in 2025, indicating ongoing capital expenditure pressures [29]. Contingent Liabilities - As of June 2025, Shandong Energy had external guarantees totaling 44.268 billion yuan, with a significant portion related to its investment in Yulong Petrochemical [30]. External Support - Shandong Energy benefits from strong government support in various aspects, including resource acquisition and project approvals [31]. Coal Industry Trends and Influencing Factors Coal Prices - Coal prices have been on a downward trend in 2025, averaging around 80% of the 2024 levels, with some recovery observed in July due to production cuts and increased demand [33]. Demand Side - The rapid development of clean energy has significantly suppressed the demand for thermal coal, with clean energy capacity surpassing thermal power for the first time in August 2023 [35]. Supply Side - Coal production has been increasing, leading to high inventory levels and a decline in capacity utilization, which fell to 69.30% by June 2025 [39]. Conclusion - The downgrade of Shandong Energy's rating is a reflection of the cyclical downturn in the coal industry and individual operational challenges, yet the company retains strong resource advantages and financing capabilities [49]. - The coal industry faces a soft demand environment, but government policies may provide support for coal prices in the near term [49].

Core Viewpoint - Yanzhou Coal Mining Company has evolved from a local coal enterprise to a large international energy group through continuous mergers and acquisitions, establishing a diversified industrial chain with five main sectors: mining, high-end chemical new materials, high-end equipment manufacturing, smart logistics, and new energy [1] Company Summary - The company has rich coal resources with a wide distribution and significant capacity growth potential [1] - The coal chemical business is technologically advanced and has promising growth prospects, while other business segments are also performing well [1] - The company is expected to benefit from an improving coal industry fundamentals and a moderate increase in coal prices by 2026, with a high market coal share that provides elasticity, growth potential, and high dividend attributes [1] - The estimated reasonable valuation range for the company's stock in 2026 is between 15.9 and 17.2 yuan, indicating a premium of 15% to 24% compared to the closing price on January 19, 2026 [1] - The initial coverage rating for the company is "outperform the market" [1]

Core Viewpoint - Yanzhou Coal Mining Company has evolved from a local coal enterprise to a large international energy group through continuous mergers and acquisitions, establishing a diversified industrial chain with five main sectors: mining, advanced chemical new materials, high-end equipment manufacturing, smart logistics, and new energy [1] Company Overview - The company has rich coal resources with a wide distribution and significant capacity growth potential [1] - The coal chemical business is technologically advanced and has promising growth prospects, while other business segments are also performing well [1] Industry Outlook - The coal industry is expected to see a fundamental improvement by 2026, with a moderate increase in coal prices [1] - The company has a high market coal share, which provides it with elasticity, growth potential, and high dividend attributes [1] Valuation - The estimated reasonable valuation range for the company's stock in 2026 is between 15.9 and 17.2 yuan, indicating a premium of 15% to 24% compared to the closing price on January 19, 2026 [1] - The initial coverage rating is set at "outperform the market" [1]

Group 1 - The coal sector in Hong Kong is experiencing increased activity, with notable stock price rises for companies such as Strength Development (up 3.3%), Yancoal Australia (up 2.8%), and Yanzhou Coal Mining (up 2.6%) [1] - According to a report by Founder Securities, the tightening of supply in the coal industry is becoming a key investment theme, with the oversupply situation expected to reverse as policies to restrict production capacity continue to be implemented until 2026 [1] - Companies with a high proportion of long-term contracts, such as China Shenhua and China Coal Energy, are expected to have stable performance, while undervalued stocks like Yanzhou Coal (Hong Kong) and China Coal Energy (Hong Kong) may see valuation recovery if coal prices remain high [1] Group 2 - Since 2025, coal stocks have been negatively impacted by declining coal prices, but the pessimistic outlook has significantly eased following the issuance of Document No. 108 [1] - The trend of reducing competition remains unchanged, and there are expectations for improved performance in the fourth quarter; if prices maintain high levels, there is potential for performance recovery in 2026 [1]