Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2025-10-09 07:37Core Viewpoint - The coal industry in the first half of 2025 (25H1) experienced a significant decline in profits, with total profits amounting to 149.2 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 52.9% [1][3] Group 1: Profit and Revenue Trends - In 25H1, the coal industry's total profit was 149.2 billion yuan, down 52.9% year-on-year, with profits for Q1 and Q2 at 80.4 billion yuan and 68.8 billion yuan respectively, reflecting declines of 47.4% and 58.1% [1][3] - The average net profit per ton of coal in 25H1 decreased by 30%, with Q2 net profit for the sector declining by 14% quarter-on-quarter, indicating that Q2 may represent the lowest point for the year [3][4] - The number and proportion of loss-making companies in the coal industry continued to rise, reaching a loss ratio of 56% by June 2025, an increase of 13.6 percentage points compared to the end of 2024 [1] Group 2: Capital Expenditure and Debt Levels - Capital expenditure in the coal industry slowed down in 25H1, but listed companies still saw a 47% year-on-year increase, with total capital expenditure reaching 84 billion yuan [2] - The industry's total debt reached a record high of 4.8 trillion yuan, while the asset-liability ratio remained stable at around 60% [2] Group 3: Cost and Expense Management - The average cost per ton of coal decreased, with a reduction of 19.5% and 4.2% in average costs for 25H1, leading to a significant drop in net profit per ton [3][4] - The average return on equity (ROE) for sample companies in 25H1 was only 1.9%, down from 5.4% in 24H1, indicating increased profitability pressure [4] Group 4: Market Outlook and Recommendations - The coal market has shown signs of recovery since July 2025, with significant price increases for major coal companies, suggesting potential for improved performance in the second half of the year [3][4] - Investment recommendations include focusing on companies that are expected to benefit from the stabilization of coal prices and those with strong performance resilience, such as China Shenhua and China Coal Energy [5]