Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Positive" investment rating for the coal industry [10] Core Viewpoints - The coal price has experienced unexpected declines in the first quarter, leading to a year-on-year profit drop for most companies. However, companies with a higher proportion of long-term contracts, benefiting from improved calorific value and increased electricity generation, such as Xinji Energy, are expected to perform relatively well [2][7] - Despite the seasonal decline in coal demand post-heating season and high port inventories, the report suggests that the negative factors affecting coal stocks may gradually diminish, recommending a proactive approach towards the coal sector [6][24] Summary by Sections Price Trends - As of March 28, 2025, the average price of Qinhuangdao port Q5500 thermal coal was 722 CNY/ton, a year-on-year decrease of 19.9% and a quarter-on-quarter decrease of 12.2%. The long-term contract price remained more stable at 690 CNY/ton, down 2.6% year-on-year and 1.1% quarter-on-quarter [7][14] - The average price of Shanxi main coking coal at Jing Tang port was 1443 CNY/ton, reflecting a significant year-on-year decline of 40.2% and a quarter-on-quarter decline of 15.4% [15] Production and Sales - In the first two months of 2025, the average monthly coal production in China was 38 million tons, a year-on-year increase of 4%. However, production decreased by 10% compared to the previous quarter [7][17] - Major coal companies like China Shenhua and Shaanxi Coal & Energy reported varied production changes, with Shenhua's production down 2.6% year-on-year and Shaanxi's up 9.4% [17] Profitability Forecast - The report anticipates that key coal companies will see an average profit decline of 7% to 17% year-on-year in Q1 2025, while a quarter-on-quarter increase of 3% to 16% is expected [7][8] - Xinji Energy is highlighted as a company likely to maintain stable performance due to its long-term contracts and operational efficiencies [2][8] Investment Recommendations - The report suggests a marginal allocation strategy focusing on high-quality leaders with stable profits, such as China Shenhua and Shaanxi Coal, as well as growth-oriented companies like Electric Power Investment and Xinji Energy [8]