Shenwan Hongyuan Securities·2026-01-29 14:41Core Insights - The coal industry is undergoing a significant restructuring on the supply side, with policies aimed at controlling coal consumption in power generation and coal-to-gas projects, leading to a tighter supply environment. The emphasis on high-quality and compliant production capacity is expected to increase [4][6][10] - Demand for coal remains stable, driven by resilient electricity consumption and growth in the coal chemical sector, particularly in coal-to-oil and coal-to-olefins projects. Overall coal demand is projected to see slight growth in 2026 [4][6][10] - Investment recommendations include focusing on growth-oriented companies such as TBEA, Jinkong Coal, Huayang Co., Xinjie Energy, Huaihe Energy, and Yancoal Energy, as well as stable dividend-paying companies like China Shenhua, Shaanxi Coal, and China Coal Energy [4][10] - Contrary to common perceptions, the report argues that coal will maintain its strategic importance in energy supply, with a robust demand foundation supporting the industry's fundamentals. The cash-generating nature of the coal sector is expected to strengthen, with coal prices likely to remain at reasonable high levels, enhancing profitability and dividend capacity [4][10] Supply Side Analysis - The domestic coal production growth rate is slowing, with December 2025 coal production at 4.37 million tons, a year-on-year decrease of 1.0%. The overall production for 2025 is projected at 48.32 billion tons, a 1.2% increase year-on-year [22][24] - The report highlights that the supply-demand balance is tightening, with significant policy changes and production adjustments in key coal-producing regions [4][6][10] Demand Side Analysis - Industrial coal demand is showing a steady increase, while thermal power demand is experiencing temporary pressure. The chemical sector is emerging as a new growth driver, with coal consumption in chemical industries growing by 7% year-on-year in December [4][10] - The report indicates that the overall coal consumption is expected to stabilize and achieve slight growth in 2026, supported by ongoing electricity demand [4][10] Key Events and Policy Changes - Recent policy changes include the implementation of stricter safety regulations and the introduction of export tariffs by Indonesia, which are expected to impact global coal supply dynamics [6][10] - The report notes the establishment of a new coal transportation base in Guazhou, which is expected to enhance coal distribution efficiency and support national energy security [6][10] Price Dynamics - The seasonal adjustment of national railway freight rates is expected to influence coal price volatility, with price movements likely to accelerate during periods of freight rate adjustments [10] - The report anticipates that coal prices will rebound, particularly in the peak demand season, driven by improved demand and operational conditions [10]