Hua Xia Shi Bao·2025-09-04 01:54Core Viewpoint - The coal industry is experiencing significant profit declines, with 23 out of 25 listed coal companies reporting revenue drops and all 25 showing negative net profit growth in the first half of 2025, indicating a severe contraction in industry profitability [1][2]. Financial Performance - In the first half of 2025, the total net profit of 25 coal companies was 554.72 billion yuan, down nearly 250 billion yuan from 808.11 billion yuan in the same period last year, and a decrease of almost 500 billion yuan compared to 1,057.54 billion yuan in 2023 [1][2]. - The top four coal companies, including China Shenhua, China Coal Energy, Shaanxi Coal and Electricity, and Yanzhou Coal Mining, collectively earned over 100 billion yuan less than in the first half of 2024 [1]. - China Shenhua maintained the highest revenue at 1,381.09 billion yuan, down 18.34% year-on-year, with a net profit of 246.41 billion yuan, a decrease of 12.03% [2]. Price Decline Factors - The decline in coal prices is attributed to a combination of factors, including a 10.9% drop in sales volume and a 12.9% decrease in average selling prices for coal, leading to a significant reduction in sales revenue [3]. - The average selling price of coal for Shaanxi Coal was 439.67 yuan/ton, down 23.81% year-on-year, while China Coal Energy reported a drop of 114 yuan/ton in its comprehensive sales price [3]. Supply and Demand Dynamics - The coal supply remains high, with a production increase of 5.4% year-on-year, while demand is weak, leading to a surplus in the market [4]. - The price of thermal coal has seen significant declines, with the NCEI index showing a 24 yuan/ton decrease in long-term contract prices compared to the end of the previous year [4]. Profitability Trends - The number of coal companies with profits exceeding 10 billion yuan has halved, dropping from 15 to 8, with several companies experiencing profit declines exceeding 80% [5]. - The number of loss-making companies increased from 1 to 5, with the most significant loss reported by Anyuan Coal at 290 million yuan [5]. Market Outlook - Despite short-term pressures, there are optimistic forecasts for coal prices in the latter half of the year, with expectations of improved demand during seasonal peaks [7][8]. - Analysts suggest that while the supply side may see marginal contractions, the demand side remains resilient, potentially alleviating downward pressure on coal prices [8].