上半年盈利承压印证底部，煤价中枢有望稳步回升

Core Viewpoint - The coal industry is currently in the early stages of a new economic cycle, with a combination of fundamental and policy factors supporting the sector. The report suggests that it is an opportune time to accumulate coal sector assets at lower prices [6]. Price Summary - As of August 23, the market price for Qinhuangdao port thermal coal (Q5500) is 702 RMB/ton, an increase of 7 RMB/ton week-on-week. The price for thermal coal from Yulin, Shaanxi remains stable at 630 RMB/ton, while the price from Dongsheng, Inner Mongolia is 535 RMB/ton, also stable. However, the price from Datong has decreased by 9 RMB/ton to 575 RMB/ton [2]. - Internationally, Newcastle NEWC5500 thermal coal FOB price is 71.0 USD/ton, up by 1.0 USD/ton week-on-week, while ARA 6000 kcal thermal coal price is 100.7 USD/ton, up by 6.2 USD/ton [2]. Production Capacity Utilization - As of August 22, the capacity utilization rate for sample thermal coal mines is 91.9%, a decrease of 2.0 percentage points week-on-week. In contrast, the utilization rate for sample coking coal mines is 85.21%, an increase of 1.5 percentage points week-on-week [3][6]. Consumption Trends - Coastal provinces have seen an increase in daily coal consumption, with a rise of 16.30 thousand tons/day (6.86%) week-on-week. Inland provinces also experienced an increase of 31.20 thousand tons/day (8.72%) week-on-week [4][6]. - Chemical coal consumption has increased by 6.83 thousand tons/day (1.00%) week-on-week, while the steel furnace operating rate has decreased to 83.4%, down by 0.23 percentage points [5][6]. Investment Insights - The coal sector is characterized by high performance, cash flow, and dividends, with a favorable long-term outlook. The report emphasizes the importance of investing in high-quality coal companies that demonstrate strong profitability and cash flow [7]. - The report suggests that the coal sector is currently undervalued, with a potential for valuation improvement as coal prices stabilize and rise. The sector is expected to maintain a tight supply-demand balance in the next 3-5 years, reinforcing the attractiveness of coal assets [6][7].