GF SECURITIES·2025-03-20 07:08Investment Rating - The industry rating is "Buy" [4] Core Viewpoints - The coal sector has experienced a high-level retreat in the first two months of 2025, underperforming the market by 11.8 percentage points. As of March 18, the coal sector has declined by 10.0%, ranking last among all industry indices [4][14] - Domestic coal prices have been weak since the beginning of the year, but have stabilized since March. The average price of thermal coal in Qinhuangdao port is 678 RMB/ton, down 11.4% from the end of 2024 [4][29] - The report suggests that coal prices have a support level at the bottom, and the sector's valuation and dividend advantages are becoming more pronounced [4][38] Summary by Sections 1. Coal Sector Review - The coal sector has underperformed the market, with a cumulative decline of 10.0% as of March 18, 2025, and a ranking of 30 out of 30 among industry indices [4][14] - The sector's performance in the first two months saw thermal coal down 15.5%, coking coal down 11.4%, and coke up 1.4% [4][14] 2. Coal Market Review - Electricity consumption growth has slowed to 1.3% in the first two months, while non-electric demand has improved. Coal imports have also slowed to a growth rate of 1.8% [4][29] - Domestic coal prices have been weak, with thermal coal and coking coal prices declining since the beginning of the year but stabilizing in March [4][29] - International coal prices have dropped by 10-20% since the beginning of the year, with significant declines in high-calorific thermal coal [4][43] 3. Recent Market Dynamics - Port thermal coal prices have slightly decreased, while prices at production sites have generally increased. The report anticipates a gradual recovery in demand due to inventory reductions at power plants [4][38] 4. Industry Perspective - The report indicates that coal prices are expected to stabilize and gradually recover due to a rebound in industrial demand and a slowdown in production growth [4][38] - Key companies highlighted include Shaanxi Coal and China Shenhua, which are expected to maintain stable profitability and high dividends [4][38] 5. Key Companies - The report identifies several companies with strong dividends and stable earnings, including Shaanxi Coal, China Shenhua, and others with lower valuations and potential for growth [4][5]