Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2025-10-24 07:21Core Viewpoint - The recent "overproduction check" policy in the coal industry has led to a significant supply-side contraction, which is expected to stabilize and potentially increase coal prices in the long term [1][6]. Group 1: Supply-Side Policy Impact - The "overproduction check" initiated by the National Energy Administration on July 10, 2025, has resulted in a notable decrease in domestic raw coal production, with year-on-year declines of -3.8% and -3.2% in July and August respectively [1]. - The cumulative supply-demand surplus has decreased sharply from 96.29 million tons in the first half of the year to 14.96 million tons by the end of August 2025 [1]. - The price of Qinhuangdao 5500 kcal thermal coal increased from 621 CNY/ton on June 30, 2025, to 699 CNY/ton by September 30, 2025, marking a cumulative increase of 12.6% in Q3 [1]. Group 2: Price Trends and Performance - The average price of Qinhuangdao 5500 kcal thermal coal in Q3 2025 was reported at 672 CNY/ton, reflecting a quarter-on-quarter increase of 6.5% [2]. - The long-term contract price for thermal coal showed a slight decline of -0.7% in Q3, but this is not expected to have a significant negative impact due to the recovery of contract fulfillment rates [2]. - The price of coking coal saw a substantial increase, with the average price for main coking coal at Jing Tang Port reaching 1562 CNY/ton, up 18.8% quarter-on-quarter [2]. Group 3: Production and Cost Management - The overall production of listed coal companies remains within approved capacity limits, with minor overproduction expected to have limited impact on performance [3]. - Cost control has become a key strategy for coal companies in response to declining prices, with significant reductions in labor, material, and safety production costs observed in Q2 2025 [4]. - As coal prices rebound in Q3, it is anticipated that companies will maintain their cost levels rather than pursue further reductions [4]. Group 4: Seasonal Demand and Future Outlook - Despite September typically being a low-demand season for coal, the supply-side contraction is expected to keep prices stable, with a slight increase of 0.1% in September [6]. - The winter season is projected to see stronger demand for heating coal, which, combined with ongoing supply-side policies, may lead to a tighter coal supply and sustained high prices [6]. Group 5: Investment Recommendations - Companies to watch include stable large-scale thermal coal producers such as China Shenhua (601088), China Coal Energy (601898), and Shaanxi Coal and Chemical Industry (601225) [7]. - High-elasticity coal companies like Yanzhou Coal Mining (600188) and Jincheng Anthracite Mining (601001) are also recommended for potential investment [7]. - Quality coking coal companies such as Huaibei Mining (600985) and Pingdingshan Tianan Coal (601666) are highlighted as attractive investment opportunities [7].