Core Viewpoint - The coal market is expected to see a recovery in performance in Q4 2025, driven by rising coal prices and a favorable supply-demand balance, with potential for a spring rally in Q1 2026 [1][7]. Price Trends - The average price of Qinhuangdao 5500 kcal thermal coal increased from 672 CNY/ton in Q3 2025 to 765 CNY/ton in Q4 2025, marking a 13.8% increase [3]. - In Q4 2025, the price fluctuated significantly, peaking at 834 CNY/ton before dropping to a low of 670 CNY/ton, yet still achieving a notable average increase [2]. Profitability Outlook - The profitability of coal companies is expected to improve, with thermal coal prices rising and coking coal prices also showing significant increases, particularly in long-term contracts [4]. - The average price for coking coal at Jing Tang Port rose to 1726 CNY/ton in Q4 2025, a 10.5% increase from Q3 [4]. Production Dynamics - The "overproduction check" policy has led to a mixed production performance among listed coal companies, with some reporting declines while others saw increases in output [5]. - Major coal producers like China Shenhua and China Coal Energy reported production decreases of 5.0% and 2.1% respectively, while Shaanxi Coal and Yanzhou Coal Energy reported increases of 3.6% and 1.0% [5]. Cost Management - Cost control remains a priority for coal companies, with strategies shifting from volume-driven to cost-focused approaches due to previous low coal prices [6]. - Despite a slight increase in costs expected in Q4 due to rising coal prices and year-end expense settlements, companies have managed to maintain a focus on cost efficiency [6]. Future Supply and Demand - The exit of certain coal supply capacities is anticipated to significantly improve the coal supply-demand balance, with a potential reduction of around 100 million tons if implemented nationwide [8]. - This policy aligns with previous market predictions and is expected to lead to a notable reduction in coal inventories, enhancing price elasticity in 2026 [8]. Investment Recommendations - Companies to watch include stable large-cap thermal coal firms such as China Shenhua, China Coal Energy, and Shaanxi Coal, as well as high-elasticity coal firms like Yanzhou Coal Energy and Jin Coal Industry [9].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Recommended" rating for the coal industry, indicating a positive outlook for the sector [2][3]. Core Insights - The report highlights a slight increase in fund holdings in the coal sector, with total market value rising to 6.874 billion yuan in Q4 2025, up 12.13% from Q3 2025, but still at a low level compared to historical data [9]. - The report notes that the coal sector's fund holding ratio is at its lowest in three years, suggesting low investment crowding in the sector [9]. - Key companies such as China Shenhua and Zhongmei Energy are favored by funds, with significant increases in holdings for Yancoal Energy and Shanxi Coal International [9]. - Short-term supply tightening and ongoing replenishment demand are expected to stabilize and potentially rebound coal prices, projected to fluctuate between 750-1000 yuan per ton [9]. - The report recommends focusing on companies with high spot market elasticity, such as Jinko Coal Industry and Shanxi Coal International, as well as industry leaders like China Shenhua and Shaanxi Coal Industry [9]. Summary by Sections Fund Holdings Analysis - Fund holdings in coal stocks increased to 6.874 billion yuan in Q4 2025, a 12.13% rise from Q3 2025, with a holding ratio of approximately 0.36% of total fund holdings [9]. - The report identifies the top five companies by fund holdings, including China Shenhua and Shaanxi Coal Industry, with notable increases in holdings for Yancoal Energy and Shanxi Coal International [9]. Price Outlook - The report anticipates that coal prices will stabilize and rebound due to supply constraints and replenishment needs, with a seasonal fluctuation expected between 750-1000 yuan per ton [9]. - The analysis indicates that the coal industry is likely to return to a state of basic supply-demand balance in 2023-2024, driven by production cuts and regulatory normalization [9].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a rating of "Buy" for several key companies in the coal industry, including China Shenhua, Shaanxi Coal and Energy, and Xinji Energy, among others [11][14]. Core Insights - The coal market is currently experiencing a weak supply-demand balance, with prices expected to remain stable amidst high inventory levels and fluctuating demand [18][30]. - The report highlights the potential for "black swan" events, particularly from increased demand in the U.S. and reduced production/export from Indonesia, which could significantly impact coal prices [3]. - The report emphasizes the importance of monitoring companies with overseas operations, such as Qinfa and Yancoal Australia, as they may benefit from shifts in the global coal trade [3]. Market Overview - The CITIC Coal Index reached 3743.77 points, up 1.44%, outperforming the CSI 300 Index by 2.06 percentage points [77]. - The U.S. coal stock BTU reached a new high of $39.95 per share, indicating a strong market performance [2]. - Indonesia is tightening coal supply by closing illegal mining operations, which could further influence global coal prices [2]. Key Areas of Analysis - **Thermal Coal**: Daily consumption is rising, but high inventory levels are leading to a weak market sentiment. Prices are expected to fluctuate as the market approaches the Chinese New Year [18][30]. - **Coking Coal**: The first round of price increases has faced resistance, and market sentiment is weakening. Focus is on pre-holiday stockpiling needs [37][51]. - **Coke**: Price increases have been delayed, and market sentiment is declining, with steel mills maintaining cautious purchasing strategies [51][75]. Key Companies - The report recommends focusing on companies such as China Shenhua, Yancoal Australia, and Qinfa, which are well-positioned to capitalize on market changes [14][12]. - Companies like Peabody (BTU) and Jin控煤业 are also highlighted for their potential growth opportunities [14][12].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a rating of "Buy" for several key companies in the coal industry, including China Shenhua, Shaanxi Coal and Energy, and Xinji Energy, while maintaining an "Overweight" rating for Pingmei Shenma Group [5][11]. Core Insights - The coal market is expected to face a dual weakness in supply and demand as the Spring Festival approaches, leading to a potential stabilization in coal prices [18][31]. - The report highlights the impact of AI on reshaping the U.S. coal market, indicating a rebound in demand that could influence global coal trade dynamics [2][3]. - Indonesia's government is tightening regulations on illegal mining, which may affect coal supply and prices globally [2][3]. Market Overview - The CITIC Coal Index rose to 3743.77 points, an increase of 1.44%, outperforming the CSI 300 Index by 2.06 percentage points [78]. - The report notes that U.S. coal consumption is experiencing explosive growth, while exports are expected to slow down, leading to a tighter global coal trade balance [3][35]. - As of January 23, 2026, the price of thermal coal at northern ports was reported at 691 RMB/ton, reflecting a week-on-week decrease of 13 RMB/ton [31][19]. Key Areas of Analysis - **Thermal Coal**: The report indicates a rise in daily consumption and cost support, but high inventory levels may lead to price fluctuations [18][31]. - **Coking Coal**: The first round of price increases has faced resistance, and market sentiment is weakening due to rising costs impacting profitability for coking enterprises [38][49]. - **Coke**: The market is experiencing a pause in price increases, with a shift in sentiment leading to increased selling pressure from intermediaries [52][76]. Focused Companies - Key companies recommended for investment include China Shenhua, Yancoal Australia, and Shaanxi Coal and Energy, with a focus on those involved in smart mining and international coal markets [14][12]. - The report also highlights companies like Peabody (BTU) and China Qinfa, which are positioned to benefit from international market dynamics [14][3].

Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Positive" (maintained) [1] Core Viewpoints - The report indicates that coal prices are at a turning point, with both thermal coal and coking coal prices expected to rebound. The price of thermal coal is influenced by policies and is expected to go through a four-step process: repairing central and local long-term contracts, reaching the coal-electricity profit-sharing line, and approaching the breakeven point for power plants [4][15] - The report highlights that the current thermal coal price is below the profit-sharing line of 750 CNY/ton, but it is expected to gradually recover to this reasonable price level. The demand for coal is increasing due to the heating season and industrial production ramping up [3][4] - Coking coal prices are more market-driven and are expected to fluctuate based on supply and demand fundamentals. The report provides target prices for coking coal based on the ratio of coking coal to thermal coal prices [4][15] Summary by Sections Investment Logic - Thermal coal prices are expected to rise due to the dual influence of tightening supply and increasing demand. The report outlines that the price recovery will be driven by the repair of long-term contracts and the need to reach a profit-sharing position for coal and power companies [4][15] - Coking coal prices are determined by market dynamics, with target prices provided based on the ratio to thermal coal prices [4][15] Investment Recommendations - The report suggests a dual logic for coal stocks: cyclical elasticity and stable dividends. It identifies four main lines for stock selection: 1. Cyclical logic: Jin控煤业 and 兖矿能源 for thermal coal; 平煤股份, 淮北矿业, and 潞安环能 for metallurgical coal 2. Dividend logic: 中国神华 and 中煤能源 3. Diversified aluminum elasticity: 神火股份 and 电投能源 4. Growth logic: 新集能源 and 广汇能源 [5][16] Key Market Indicators - As of January 24, the price of Qinhuangdao Q5500 thermal coal is 685 CNY/ton, a decrease of 10 CNY/ton from the previous period. The report notes that the price has reached the estimated target range of 800-860 CNY/ton [3][21] - The report also mentions that the average PE ratio for the coal sector is 15.05, and the PB ratio is 1.34, indicating a relatively low valuation compared to other sectors [10][21]

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 report maintains a "Buy" rating for the coal industry, recommending several companies based on their performance and market conditions [2][3]. Core Insights - The coal prices are expected to stabilize and rebound due to tightening supply and ongoing replenishment demand, despite current weak market conditions [11]. - In 2025, domestic raw coal production is projected to reach 4.83 billion tons, an increase of 7.28 million tons (+1.2%) year-on-year, while total imports are expected to decline by 9.6% to 490 million tons [11]. - The report suggests that coal prices may return to a seasonal fluctuation range of 750-1000 RMB/ton, as supply constraints and regulatory normalization take effect [11]. - Investment recommendations focus on companies with high spot market exposure and strong balance sheets, particularly those in Shanxi province, which has completed overproduction governance [11][16]. Company Performance Predictions - The report provides earnings per share (EPS) and price-to-earnings (PE) ratios for key companies, all rated as "Recommended": - Jinko Coal Industry: EPS of 1.68 RMB, PE of 9 for 2024 [2] - Shanxi Coal International: EPS of 1.14 RMB, PE of 9 for 2024 [2] - Lu'an Environmental Energy: EPS of 0.82 RMB, PE of 16 for 2024 [2] - Huayang Co.: EPS of 0.62 RMB, PE of 15 for 2024 [2] - Yancoal Energy: EPS of 1.44 RMB, PE of 10 for 2024 [2] - China Shenhua: EPS of 2.95 RMB, PE of 14 for 2024 [2] - Shaanxi Coal and Chemical Industry: EPS of 2.31 RMB, PE of 9 for 2024 [2] - China Coal Energy: EPS of 1.46 RMB, PE of 9 for 2024 [2] - CGN Mining: EPS of 0.04 HKD, PE of 96 for 2024 [2] - Xinji Energy: EPS of 0.92 RMB, PE of 8 for 2024 [2] - Huaibei Mining: EPS of 1.80 RMB, PE of 7 for 2024 [2] - Lanhua Sci-Tech: EPS of 0.49 RMB, PE of 13 for 2024 [2] Market Dynamics - The coal sector has shown a weekly increase of 1.4%, outperforming the broader market indices [18][21]. - The report notes that the focus on high dividend yields and stable earnings among leading companies enhances their defensive value amid uncertain international conditions [12].

Core Insights - The report highlights a decline in electricity generation in Shanxi Province, with a total generation of 440.58 billion kWh in 2025, representing a year-on-year decrease of 0.8% [1] - The breakdown of electricity generation by type shows that thermal power accounts for 80.5% of the total, with a generation of 354.58 billion kWh, down 3.6% year-on-year [1] - Renewable energy sources are showing growth, with wind power generation increasing by 13.8% to 55.58 billion kWh and solar power generation rising by 13.2% to 25.875 billion kWh [1] Electricity Generation Overview - In December 2025, Shanxi Province's electricity generation was 42.26 billion kWh, reflecting a year-on-year decline of 3% [1] - The total electricity generation in Shanxi Province is primarily driven by thermal power, followed by wind and solar energy, indicating a shift towards renewable sources despite the overall decline [1] Industry Context - The report is part of a broader analysis by Zhiyan Consulting, which focuses on the energy sector in China from 2026 to 2032, assessing market trends and investment opportunities [1] - The data is sourced from the National Bureau of Statistics and is organized to ensure comparability with previous years, reflecting the evolving landscape of industrial enterprises in the region [2]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a positive outlook on the coal industry, suggesting an "Overweight" rating, indicating that the industry is expected to outperform the overall market [22]. Core Insights - The coal industry is anticipated to see a recovery in prices and profits in the second half of 2025, driven by seasonal demand and improved market conditions [1]. - Domestic raw coal production is projected to grow slightly by 1.2% year-on-year in 2025, while coal imports are expected to decline by 9.6% [2][11]. - The fourth quarter of 2025 is expected to witness a significant rebound in both thermal coal and coking coal prices, with thermal coal prices rising approximately 13.9% quarter-on-quarter [2][15]. Summary by Sections Supply and Demand Dynamics - Domestic raw coal production for 2025 is estimated at 4.832 billion tons, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 1.2%. Monthly production figures for October, November, and December are projected at 407 million, 427 million, and 437 million tons, respectively, with slight declines in growth rates [5]. - Coal imports for 2025 are expected to total 490 million tons, a decrease of 9.6% compared to the previous year, with notable monthly fluctuations in the last quarter [11]. Price Trends - In Q4 2025, the average spot price for thermal coal at Qinhuangdao port is projected to be around 767 RMB/ton, down 6.99% year-on-year but up 13.9% from Q3 2025 [14][15]. - Coking coal prices are also expected to rise, with the average price for Shanxi's main coking coal reaching 1,727 RMB/ton, marking a 0.8% increase year-on-year and a 10.44% increase from Q3 2025 [15]. Company Performance Forecasts - Key companies in the coal sector are expected to report varying performance in Q4 2025. China Shenhua is projected to achieve a net profit of 14.129 billion RMB, a year-on-year increase of 12.16% [16]. - Other companies such as TBEA and Erdos are also expected to show significant profit growth, while companies like Shaanxi Coal and Energy may see declines due to price pressures [16]. Valuation Metrics - The report includes a valuation table for key coal companies, indicating their expected earnings per share (EPS) and price-to-earnings (PE) ratios for 2025 and beyond, providing insights into their market positioning [17].

Core Viewpoint - Jin控煤业 has provided insights into its interest-bearing liabilities, including long-term loans and other interest-bearing debts, indicating a focus on financial management and debt servicing [2] Financial Summary - As of Q3 2025, the balance of long-term loans stands at 300 million yuan [2] - Interest expenses include the repayment of corporate bond interest in Q1 2025 and loan interest due from January to September 2025 [2] - The decline in interest income is attributed to the transfer of deposits to banks after the liquidation of Datong Coal Mine Group Financial Responsibility Co., resulting in lower deposit rates [2]