EBSCN·2025-05-18 12:45Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Accumulate" rating for the coal mining industry [6] Core Viewpoints - Coal prices are accelerating downward, with a focus on the demand boost during the summer electricity peak [1] - High coal inventory levels are contributing to the price decline, and a recovery in demand is necessary for price stabilization [4] - The report suggests a defensive approach to the current sector, recommending companies with high long-term contract ratios and stable profits, such as China Shenhua and China Coal Energy [4] Summary by Sections Coal Price Trends - As of May 16, the inventory of coal at ports in the Bohai Rim is 32.53 million tons, down 1.57% week-on-week but up 33.72% year-on-year, at a record high for the same period [1][4] - The average closing price of thermal coal at Qinhuangdao port (5500 kcal weekly average) is 619 RMB/ton, down 19 RMB/ton (-3.05%) week-on-week [2][4] Supply and Demand Dynamics - The operating rate of 110 sample washing coal plants is 62.1%, down 0.3 percentage points week-on-week and down 5.8 percentage points year-on-year, remaining at a five-year low [3] - The average daily pig iron output is 2.447 million tons, down 0.4% week-on-week but up 3.3% year-on-year [3] Key Company Financials - China Shenhua: EPS forecast for 2025 is 2.5 RMB, with a PE ratio of 16 [5] - China Coal Energy: EPS forecast for 2025 is 1.31 RMB, with a PE ratio of 8 [5] - Shanxi Coking Coal: EPS forecast for 2025 is 0.37 RMB, with a PE ratio of 17 [5] Inventory Tracking - The coal inventory at Qinhuangdao port is 7.6 million tons, up 0.93% week-on-week and up 48.15% year-on-year [4] - The independent coking plant's coking coal inventory is 7.5256 million tons, down 2.92% week-on-week [4]