Si Lu Hai Yang·2026-01-22 09:28Investment Rating - Moody's downgraded the family rating of Shandong Energy and its subsidiary Yanzhou Coal from Ba1 to Ba2, with a stable outlook [4][5]. Core Insights - The downgrade reflects the high leverage, rising debt, and weakening profitability of Shandong Energy, mirroring the structural challenges faced by the coal industry amid energy transition and cyclical downturns [1][4]. - Despite the downgrade, Shandong Energy maintains a strong resource endowment and financing capability, with overall debt risk being manageable [1][49]. Summary by Sections Rating Adjustment Event Review - On August 1, 2025, Moody's downgraded Shandong Energy's corporate family rating from Ba1 to Ba2, with a stable outlook, and also downgraded the baseline credit assessment (BCA) of Shandong Energy and Yanzhou Coal [4][5]. Shandong Energy Analysis - Shandong Energy is the largest coal enterprise in Shandong Province, with a significant portion of its revenue derived from coal trading and other businesses [7]. - The company has substantial coal reserves totaling 889.74 billion tons, with a recoverable reserve of 177.44 billion tons, ranking fifth among coal enterprises [7]. Profitability - Shandong Energy's net profit peaked at 24.041 billion yuan in 2022 but fell to 15.203 billion yuan in 2024 due to declining coal prices [8][11]. - The gross profit margin decreased from 16.41% in 2022 to 9.81% in 2024, significantly below the industry average of 24.17% [8]. Debt - The asset-liability ratio of Shandong Energy rose from 66.98% at the end of 2020 to 72.84% by the end of 2024, exceeding the industry average [15]. - As of June 2025, Shandong Energy's total interest-bearing debt was 447.58 billion yuan, with a short-term debt ratio of 39.22% [15]. Cash Flow - Operating cash flow showed significant volatility, with a net inflow in 2021-2022 due to rising coal prices, but a decline in 2023 as prices fell [24]. - The company plans to invest 84.80 billion yuan in 2025, indicating ongoing capital expenditure pressures [29]. Contingent Liabilities - As of June 2025, Shandong Energy had external guarantees totaling 44.268 billion yuan, with a significant portion related to its investment in Yulong Petrochemical [30]. External Support - Shandong Energy benefits from strong government support in various aspects, including resource acquisition and project approvals [31]. Coal Industry Trends and Influencing Factors Coal Prices - Coal prices have been on a downward trend in 2025, averaging around 80% of the 2024 levels, with some recovery observed in July due to production cuts and increased demand [33]. Demand Side - The rapid development of clean energy has significantly suppressed the demand for thermal coal, with clean energy capacity surpassing thermal power for the first time in August 2023 [35]. Supply Side - Coal production has been increasing, leading to high inventory levels and a decline in capacity utilization, which fell to 69.30% by June 2025 [39]. Conclusion - The downgrade of Shandong Energy's rating is a reflection of the cyclical downturn in the coal industry and individual operational challenges, yet the company retains strong resource advantages and financing capabilities [49]. - The coal industry faces a soft demand environment, but government policies may provide support for coal prices in the near term [49].