Shanxi Securities·2025-10-21 09:22Investment Rating - The report upgrades the coal industry investment rating to "Leading the Market" for the fourth quarter, indicating expected performance exceeding the benchmark index by over 10% [1][37]. Core Insights - The coal price remained stable in September, with expectations for investment opportunities in the sector during the fourth quarter. The report highlights a potential recovery in coal prices and demand due to seasonal factors and policy changes [1][7]. - Domestic coal supply continues to contract, while coal imports are expected to increase as domestic production is controlled. The report suggests that if coal prices stabilize and rebound, this could further stimulate import demand [6][7]. - The report emphasizes that the fourth quarter may see better performance than the third quarter, with coal prices expected to recover due to limited supply growth and anticipated demand during the winter peak [7]. Supply and Demand Summary - Supply: From January to September 2025, the cumulative output of raw coal reached 3.57 billion tons, a year-on-year increase of 2.0%, but the growth rate is declining. In September alone, the output was 412 million tons, down 1.8% year-on-year but up 5.38% month-on-month [4]. - Demand: The terminal demand in the first nine months of 2025 was supported by manufacturing and infrastructure investments. Fixed asset investment decreased by 0.5% year-on-year, with manufacturing investment up 4.0% and infrastructure investment up 1.1%. However, real estate investment fell by 13.9% [4]. Import Data Summary - In September, coal imports increased month-on-month, but the cumulative import volume from January to September 2025 was 34.6 million tons, a year-on-year decrease of 11.1%. The September import volume was 46 million tons, down 3.34% year-on-year but up 7.64% month-on-month [5]. Price Analysis - In September, coal prices showed a stable upward trend, with different price movements across various coal types. The report notes that while prices for Shanxi premium mixed 5500 thermal coal and other types adjusted, they exhibited varying degrees of increase month-on-month [6]. Investment Recommendations - The report recommends focusing on coal sector investments in the fourth quarter, highlighting that the overall valuation of the sector is low and there is potential for a rebound. Specific companies to watch include Jin Kong Coal Industry, Shan Coal International, and Huayang Co., with a focus on elastic varieties [7].