Core Insights - The coal industry is experiencing a dual improvement in supply and demand, leading to higher-than-expected coal prices, with supply-side policies reducing overproduction and increasing safety inspections [1][2] - The La Niña phenomenon is expected to drive winter storage demand due to cold weather predictions, while unusual high temperatures in southeastern coastal areas have led to record-high daily coal consumption [1] - The market is shifting towards defensive dividend attributes and coal's low baseline fundamentals, enhancing its attractiveness [1] Supply Side - The coal supply contraction is leading the entire industry, with national coal production in July and August at 380 million and 390 million tons, significantly lower than the average monthly production of approximately 400 million tons over the past 18 months [2] - In August, the industrial raw coal production was 390 million tons, a year-on-year decrease of 3.2%, with a slight month-on-month increase of 10 million tons [2] - The total annual coal production is expected to be around 4.75 billion tons, a year-on-year decrease of 30 to 50 million tons [2] Demand Side - The total electricity consumption in August grew by 4.6%, a significant increase from the 2.5% growth in Q1, with expectations for the annual growth rate to exceed 5% [2] - Despite entering the typical demand off-season in September and October, demand has exceeded expectations, maintaining high levels in the East China region post the October holiday [2] Coal Prices - As of October 17, 2025, the price of Q5500 coal at Huanghua Port was 750 RMB/ton, an increase of 34 RMB/ton (4.7%) from the previous week [3] - Domestic supply remains stable while imports are expected to continue declining, with Q3 profits anticipated to rebound due to improved demand [2][3] Coking Coal - As of October 17, 2025, the price of main coking coal at Jingtang Port was 1690 RMB/ton, up 30 RMB/ton (1.8%) [3] - The average daily iron and steel production has slightly decreased, but demand is expected to remain strong [3] Investment Recommendations - The report recommends investing in core dividend stocks such as China Shenhua (601088.SH), Shaanxi Coal and Chemical Industry (601225.SH), and China Coal Energy (601898.SH) [3] - Continued recommendations include Yanzhou Coal Mining (600188.SH) and Jincheng Anthracite Mining (601001.SH) [3]
国泰海通:煤价持续大涨 风偏下降背景下低位煤炭吸引力提升