兖煤澳大利亚：1H24 net profit -57% YoY below expectations; No interim dividend suggests potential M&A

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "BUY" rating for Yancoal Australia with a target price revised down to HK$42 from HK$45, indicating a potential upside of 17% from the current price of HK$35.90 [2][11]. Core Insights - Yancoal's 1H24 net profit decreased by 57$420 million, primarily due to higher-than-expected unit costs and a significant decline in blended coal average selling price (ASP) [2][3]. - The company has a strong net cash position of A1.42 billion as of the end of June 2024, which may facilitate potential M&A activities [2][3]. - Despite the challenges, Yancoal maintains its full-year guidance for production and operating cash costs, with expectations for a unit cash cost reduction in the second half of 2024 [2][3]. Financial Performance - Revenue for 1H24 was A3.1 billion, down 21% year-over-year, with coal sales volume growth of 16.9 million tonnes being offset by lower prices [2][3]. - The unit cash operating cost in 1H24 was A$101 per tonne, a decrease of 7$7.138 billion for FY24, reflecting an 8.2% decline compared to FY23 [14]. Production and Cost Guidance - Yancoal's full-year production guidance remains unchanged at 35-39 million tonnes, with operating cash costs expected to be between A$89-97 per tonne [2][3]. - The report anticipates a 7$176 per tonne, contributing to the decline in revenue and profit [2][3]. - The report highlights the potential for Yancoal to benefit from product diversification and long-term growth strategies, particularly in light of its strong cash position [2][3]. Valuation Metrics - The report provides a valuation based on net present value (NPV) with key assumptions including long-term thermal and metallurgical coal prices starting in 2027 at A$130 and A$200 per tonne, respectively [11][12]. - The projected P/E ratio for FY24 is 6.6, indicating a relatively attractive valuation compared to historical performance [14].