Shanxi Securities·2025-08-07 12:30Investment Rating - The coal industry is rated as "Leading the Market - A" with an upward adjustment [4] Core Viewpoints - The long-term price inversion of annual contracts has been resolved, boosting market confidence. The previous inversion lasted from February 28, 2025, to August 4, 2025, leading to a decline in contract fulfillment rates. The combination of peak summer demand and anti-involution policies has accelerated the rise in market coal prices, restoring market confidence [1][2] - The bottom of coal prices has been reached, with expectations for price increases potentially exceeding market forecasts. The current rise in coal prices began with thermal coal, and the upward momentum for coking coal has outpaced that of thermal coal. The low point of the year has passed, and it is expected that prices will not decline again in the second half of the year [2] - The resolution of the long-term price inversion is likely to trigger positive feedback, enhancing contract fulfillment rates, improving spot demand, and further increasing spot prices. Coal stocks have shown a strong response to positive news, with significant upward potential remaining [2] Summary by Sections - Market Dynamics: The recent increase in the price of thermal coal at Qinhuangdao Port has surpassed the annual contract price, indicating a shift in market dynamics. The market is currently experiencing a recovery in confidence due to the resolution of the long-term price inversion [1][2] - Investment Recommendations: With the acceleration of coal price increases, coal stocks are expected to perform well. Key stocks to watch include Huayang Co., Jinkong Coal Industry, Shanmei International, Lu'an Environmental Energy, Shanxi Coking Coal, Pingmei Shenma, and Huaibei Mining. Leading coal companies such as Shaanxi Coal and China Shenhua also present high allocation value [2]