Core Viewpoint - Yancoal's production declined due to rainfall, while sales volume increased due to improved shipping delays, leading to a significant drop in average selling prices (ASP) for both thermal and metallurgical coal [1][2][3] Production and Sales - Attributable production volume decreased by 9% YoY to 9.3 million tonnes in 3Q25, while attributable sales volume increased by 3% YoY, with thermal coal remaining flat and metallurgical coal rising by 14% YoY [2] - For the first nine months of 2025, total attributable production grew by 4% YoY to 28.2 million tonnes, representing 72-80% of Yancoal's full-year guidance of 35-39 million tonnes [2] Average Selling Price (ASP) - Thermal coal ASP fell by 17% YoY to A$130 per tonne in 3Q25, while metallurgical coal ASP dropped by 25% YoY to A$195 per tonne, both within the market price ranges [3] Financial Performance - Estimated revenue for Yancoal in 3Q25 is approximately A$1.48 billion, reflecting a 17% YoY decline but a 30% QoQ increase [1] - Earnings forecasts for 2025E, 2026E, and 2027E have been revised down by 54%, 49%, and 40% respectively, primarily due to lower ASP assumptions, although there is a slight increase in volume forecast due to a 3.75% increase in equity interest in Moolarben mines [1] Cash Position and Valuation - As of September 2025, Yancoal had a gross cash position of A$1.8 billion, representing approximately 24% of the current market capitalization [3] - The net present value (NPV)-based target price has been revised down by about 9% to HK$31 from HK$34, reflecting the new earnings forecast and the rollover of the valuation base to 2026E [1] Guidance and Costs - Full-year guidance remains unchanged with attributable saleable production expected to be between 35-39 million tonnes, operating cash costs projected at A$89-97 per tonne, and capital expenditures estimated at A$750-900 million [4]

Core Viewpoint - The coal industry is experiencing a tightening supply-demand situation, leading to improved coal prices in Q3, although year-on-year performance is expected to remain negative due to high base effects from the previous year [3]. Supply Side - Domestic coal production growth is gradually slowing due to safety regulations and overproduction checks, with coal imports continuing to decline, showing a 23% year-on-year drop in September and an 11.1% cumulative decline from January to September [1]. - Safety regulations and overproduction checks are expected to continue constraining coal production, making large-scale production increases unlikely [5]. Demand Side - In July and August, total electricity consumption exceeded 1 trillion kilowatt-hours, with hydropower generation experiencing negative growth from April to August, leading to increased demand for coal-fired power generation [2]. Price and Performance Outlook - The coal market is expected to see a seasonal demand surge in Q4, with coal prices likely to rise due to potential higher-than-expected demand and cold winter forecasts [4]. - The profitability outlook for the coal sector is improving, with a high dividend yield of 4.99% for the CSI Coal Index as of October 15, attracting investment amid rising market risk aversion [5]. Investment Recommendations - Investors are advised to focus on the only coal ETF in the market (515220), as both fundamental and financial conditions may resonate positively [6].

Core Insights - The overall performance of the power industry is showing positive trends, with many thermal and hydropower companies experiencing significant profit increases, with net profits nearly doubling year-on-year [2] Group 1: Thermal Power Companies - Jiantou Energy (000600.SZ) expects a 231.75% year-on-year increase in net profit for the first three quarters, amounting to approximately 1.583 billion yuan [3][4] - Suihengyun A (000531.SZ) anticipates a net profit increase of 87.83% to 180.38%, with expected profits between 345 million and 515 million yuan [4][5] - The rise in profits for these companies is attributed to a decrease in coal prices, which has lowered operational costs for thermal power generation [4][5] Group 2: Hydropower Companies - Xichang Power (600505.SH) projects a net profit increase of approximately 150.51% year-on-year, with expected profits around 12.4 million yuan [7] - Qianyuan Power (002039.SZ) expects a net profit increase of 70% to 100%, with profits estimated between 451 million and 530 million yuan [7] - The performance improvement for hydropower companies is driven by increased water inflow and effective cost management, leading to higher sales and reduced financial expenses [7][8] Group 3: New Energy Companies - Zhonglv Electric (000537.SZ) reported a 95.41% increase in power generation but a decline in net profit by 0.44% to 23.35%, attributed to factors like limited power generation from existing projects and falling electricity prices [2][3] - The company is shifting its strategy from solar to wind energy while maintaining some solar projects, aiming for a capital return rate of 7% for new investments [3]

Core Insights - Domestic thermal coal prices increased month-on-month, while international offshore prices for thermal coal from Australia, South Africa, and Europe decreased [2][4] - Coal inventory at three major ports decreased both month-on-month and year-on-year, indicating a tightening supply [3][5] - Daily coal consumption by the six major power generation groups declined month-on-month and year-on-year, reflecting reduced demand [3][5] Inventory and Consumption - As of September 29, total coal inventory at Qinhuangdao, Huanghua, and Caofeidian ports was 12.188 million tons, down 2.137 million tons month-on-month, a decrease of 17.32%, and down 2.368 million tons year-on-year, a decrease of 18.84% [3] - Daily average coal consumption by the six major power generation groups was 839,800 tons, down 105,400 tons month-on-month, a decrease of 11.15%, and down 24,800 tons year-on-year, a decrease of 2.87% [3] Price Movements - As of September 30, the price of Shanxi mixed 5500 thermal coal at Qinhuangdao was 701.00 RMB/ton, an increase of 9 RMB/ton month-on-month, a rise of 1.30% [2] - International thermal coal prices showed a downward trend: Newcastle port price was $103.30/ton, down $6.40/ton month-on-month, a decrease of 5.83%; South Africa's Richards Bay price was $82.20/ton, down $6.60/ton, a decrease of 7.43%; and European DES ARA price was $91.30/ton, down $8.00/ton, a decrease of 8.06% [2] Production Trends - In August, coal production from key state-owned mines in Shaanxi, Shanxi, and Inner Mongolia showed mixed results: Shaanxi produced 21.119 million tons, up 360,000 tons year-on-year, an increase of 0.67%, and up 467,000 tons month-on-month, an increase of 2.26%; Shanxi produced 46.328 million tons, down 707,400 tons year-on-year, a decrease of 13.25%, but up 986,000 tons month-on-month, an increase of 2.17%; Inner Mongolia produced 18.214 million tons, down 33,000 tons year-on-year, a decrease of 0.18%, but up 378,000 tons month-on-month, an increase of 2.12% [2]

Group 1 - The domestic thermal coal and Australian prices continued to rise month-on-month, while South African and European offshore prices fell [1][2] - As of August 22, the Qinhuangdao thermal coal price was 702.00 CNY/ton, an increase of 63 CNY/ton, or 9.86% from the previous month [1][2] - The Newcastle port thermal coal price in Australia was 110.80 USD/ton, up 1.60 USD/ton, or 1.47% month-on-month [1][2] - South African Richards Bay thermal coal price was 89.70 USD/ton, down 4.20 USD/ton, or 4.47% month-on-month [1][2] - European three-port thermal coal price was 98.70 USD/ton, down 3.70 USD/ton, or 3.61% month-on-month [1][2] Group 2 - In July, the monthly output of raw coal decreased both month-on-month and year-on-year; the output from key state-owned coal mines in Shaanxi, Shanxi, and Inner Mongolia also saw a decline [3] - The total raw coal output in July was 38,098.70 million tons, a decrease of 4,008.7 million tons, or 9.52% month-on-month [3] - The coal inventory at the three major ports continued to decline month-on-month, while the average daily coal consumption of the six major power generation groups increased [3] - As of August 22, the total coal inventory at Qinhuangdao, Huanghua, and Caofeidian ports was 1,234.40 million tons, down 98.80 million tons, or 7.41% month-on-month [3] - The average daily coal consumption of the six major power generation groups was 94.04 thousand tons, an increase of 5.82 thousand tons, or 6.60% month-on-month [3] Group 3 - Domestic and international shipping costs continued to rise month-on-month [4] - As of August 22, the shipping cost from Qinhuangdao to Shanghai for 40-50 thousand DWT was 31.30 CNY/ton, a month-on-month increase of 10.21% [4] - The shipping cost from Newcastle, Australia to China was 15.60 USD/ton, up 1.50 USD/ton, or 10.64% month-on-month [4] Group 4 - The conclusion indicates that domestic thermal coal and Australian prices continued to rise month-on-month, while the output of raw coal and key state-owned coal mines in Shaanxi, Shanxi, and Inner Mongolia decreased [5] - The coal inventory at the three major ports continued to decline month-on-month, and the average daily coal consumption of the six major power generation groups increased [5] - Domestic and international shipping costs also saw a month-on-month increase [5]

Summary of Coal Industry Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference call focuses on the coal industry, specifically the production costs and financial pressures faced by coal companies [1][2][3]. Key Points and Arguments - **Rising Production Costs**: Coal companies have seen a steady increase in production costs over the years, with labor costs exceeding 20%, materials and power costs around 20%, depreciation and amortization costs between 10%-20%, and safety maintenance costs between 15%-20% [1][2]. - **Indirect Costs Decline**: The overall indirect cost rate in the coal industry has decreased, with management expenses being the largest component at approximately 8%. Employee compensation constitutes over 50% of management expenses [4]. - **Resource Tax Increases**: Resource tax is a significant part of the taxes and additional charges for coal companies, with some provinces raising resource tax rates to increase fiscal revenue. For instance, Shanxi raised its resource tax to 10% and Xinjiang to 9% [5]. - **Cost Increase from 2015 to 2023**: The average cost of thermal coal has increased by approximately 130 CNY/ton, while coking coal has risen by around 307 CNY/ton, with the latter experiencing a higher increase due to labor and safety costs [6][7]. - **Mining Rights and Construction Costs**: The price of mining rights has surged from 2-3 CNY/ton to 10-15 CNY/ton, and construction costs have risen from 500 CNY/ton to an average of 1,169 CNY/ton, with some regions exceeding 1,800 CNY/ton [3][10]. - **Financial Pressures**: New mines are expected to raise production costs by about 40 CNY/ton, with the average production cost of thermal coal now at approximately 130 CNY/ton, indicating limited room for cost reduction [11]. - **Comparison with 2015**: The current coal market differs significantly from 2015, with improved supply-demand dynamics and lower debt levels among coal companies, leading to a more stable financial environment [12][15]. - **Future Price Predictions**: The bottom price for coal is estimated to be around 610 CNY, with limited upward elasticity due to increasing renewable energy installations impacting demand [16]. - **Investment Recommendations**: Investors are advised to focus on leading companies with strong dividend yields above 4.5%, such as China Shenhua, Shaanxi Coal, and others, while also considering coking coal companies for potential gains [17]. Additional Important Information - **Labor Cost Drivers**: The rise in labor costs is attributed to the diminishing low-cost labor advantage, inflation-driven wage increases, and stricter safety regulations [9]. - **Tax and Additional Charges**: Taxes and additional charges account for about 10% of coal revenue, with resource tax being the most significant component [5]. - **Market Dynamics**: The coal market is currently experiencing a phase of temporary supply-demand imbalance, primarily due to seasonal factors like warm winters affecting electricity demand [14].

Core Viewpoint - Yancoal's production and sales volumes showed mixed results in 2Q25, with production increasing but sales declining due to logistical challenges, leading to a downward revision of earnings forecasts while maintaining a BUY rating based on expected improvements in sales ratios and thermal coal price recovery [1][2]. Group 1: Production and Sales Performance - Yancoal's attributable production volume in 2Q25 grew by 15% YoY to 9.4 million tonnes, while attributable sales volume decreased by 6% YoY to 8.1 million tonnes [1]. - The sales volume of thermal coal decreased by 9% YoY to 6.8 million tonnes, while metallurgical coal sales increased by 30% YoY to 1.3 million tonnes [1]. - In 1H25, total attributable production volume increased by 11% YoY to 18.9 million tonnes, accounting for 48-54% of the full-year guidance of 35-39 million tonnes [1]. Group 2: Financial Performance - Yancoal's revenue in 2Q25 was approximately A$1.14 billion, representing a 26% YoY decline and a 14% QoQ decline [1]. - The blended average selling price (ASP) dropped by 22% YoY in 2Q25, with thermal ASP down 20% YoY to A$130 per tonne and metallurgical ASP down 38% YoY to A$197 per tonne [2]. - As of June 2025, Yancoal held a gross cash balance of A$1.8 billion, which is about 20% of its current market capitalization [2]. Group 3: Guidance and Outlook - Yancoal's full-year guidance remains unchanged, with attributable saleable production expected to be between 35-39 million tonnes, operating cash costs projected at A$89-97 per tonne, and capital expenditures estimated at A$750-900 million [3]. - Management expresses confidence in reaching the upper end of the production guidance range for the full year [1].

Summary of Conference Call Company and Industry - The conference call primarily discusses the coal industry and a specific coal company’s performance and market conditions. Key Points and Arguments 1. **Price Stability**: The average selling price of coal has stabilized around 380, with slight increases noted in June compared to May, which was also around 380 [1][2] 2. **Market Recovery**: There are indications of market recovery as the price has returned to approximately 390 or above, although real-time comprehensive data is not available [2] 3. **Import Coal Predictions**: It is anticipated that coal imports will decrease, with projections suggesting a reduction of several million tons for the year [3] 4. **Production Capacity**: The company is operating at full production capacity, indicating limited room for growth in output [4] 5. **Regulatory Environment**: There are ongoing discussions about expediting the approval process for new mining projects, which is currently complex and time-consuming [5] 6. **Industry Self-Regulation Challenges**: The coal industry faces challenges in self-regulation, necessitating administrative intervention due to the complexity and diversity of enterprises involved [6][7] 7. **Sales Strategy**: The company is focused on maintaining profit margins through strategic sales policies, despite the current market conditions [8] 8. **Dividend Policy**: The company plans to maintain or increase dividend payouts, reflecting confidence in financial performance despite price fluctuations [9] 9. **Cost Management**: The production cost is stable at around 290, with expectations that costs will remain manageable throughout the year [10] 10. **Long-term Resource Availability**: The company estimates that current resources can sustain production for approximately 70 years, assuming no significant depletion occurs [15][16] Other Important but Overlooked Content - **Impact of Freight Costs**: The discussion includes the implications of freight costs on revenue and how they are accounted for in financial reporting [12][14] - **Coal Production Data**: Clarification on the production data and how certain companies are not included in the reported figures [16] - **Electricity Generation Contribution**: The coal company’s contribution to electricity generation is noted, with figures indicating a slight increase in revenue from this segment [17][18] This summary encapsulates the essential insights from the conference call, highlighting the company's current market position, strategic outlook, and operational challenges within the coal industry.

Report Summary 1. Report Industry Investment Rating No relevant content provided. 2. Core View The report concludes that as of late June, coal production in major producing areas has declined, but overall supply remains relatively abundant. Power plant inventory depletion is slow, and with the impact of imported coal, power plants only maintain necessary purchases. Port inventory is continuously decreasing. As temperatures rise nationwide, power plant daily consumption will continue to increase seasonally, and there will be necessary purchases later. The port FOB price is temporarily stable, and coal prices in the pithead area are expected to remain stable [5]. 3. Summary by Directory Market Review - On June 23, port market price - holding sentiment persisted, and trader quotes continued to rise. For example, the 5500 - kcal market quote was 615 - 620 yuan/ton, and different regions had their own price ranges for various coal types [3]. Important News - In May 2025, China imported 2865.3 million tons of thermal coal (non - coking coal), a year - on - year decrease of 16.06% and a month - on - month decrease of 0.96%. From January to May 2025, the cumulative import of thermal coal was 14500.2 million tons, a year - on - year decrease of 7.9%. In May 2025, China imported 738.7 million tons of coking coal, a year - on - year decrease of 23.7% and a month - on - month decrease of 16.9% [4]. Logical Analysis - **Supply**: Pithead prices have temporarily stopped falling and stabilized. Some coal mines have shut down, and the coal mine operating rates in major coal - producing areas in Shanxi, Shaanxi, and Inner Mongolia have declined. As of June 22, the coal mine operating rate in Ordos was 66%, and in Yulin it was 44%. The daily coal output in Ordos and Yulin was around 3.7 million tons, but the overall domestic supply was still abundant. The domestic and imported markets showed different trends, with the domestic coal price basically stable and imported coal prices falling [5]. - **Demand**: Power plant loads were generally low, and inventories were at high levels. Power plants mainly relied on long - term contract coal. Some coastal power plants had nearly completed their August imported coal purchases. Non - power sectors such as cement had low operating rates, while the operating rates of coal - to - methanol and coal - to - urea were high, and the demand for chemical coal was fair, providing stable support for coal prices in the pithead area [5]. - **Inventory**: Due to shipping losses, port inflows decreased. The daily average freight volume of the Datong - Qinhuangdao line dropped to 1 million tons, and the number of approved carriages by the Hohhot Railway Bureau dropped to around 30. Outflows were low, and port inventory continued to decrease. As of June 23, the inventory at Bohai Rim ports was around 26.7 million tons, a reduction of 5 million tons from the high level but still relatively high. Coastal power plant daily consumption increased seasonally, but inventory depletion was slow, and inland power plant inventories remained high [5].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Synchronize with the Market" rating for the coal industry [1][5][42] Core Viewpoints - The coal supply growth rate has slowed down, with a cumulative production of 1.585 billion tons from January to April 2025, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 6.6%, but the growth rate is declining [3][13] - Demand is supported by infrastructure investment, with fixed asset investment increasing by 4.0% year-on-year in the same period, while the real estate sector continues to show negative growth [4][17] - Coal imports have shown a negative growth trend, with a cumulative import volume of 15.267 million tons from January to April 2025, down 5.3% year-on-year [24] - Coal prices, particularly for thermal and coking coal, have been under pressure, with prices for Shanxi premium mixed 5500 thermal coal decreasing since the beginning of 2025 [26][38] Summary by Sections Supply Side - The growth rate of raw coal supply has significantly decreased, with April's production at 389 million tons, a year-on-year increase of 3.8%, marking a substantial decline from the previous month [3][13] Demand Side - The terminal demand from January to April 2025 is supported by infrastructure, with non-electric demand performing better than electric demand. The cumulative growth rate for thermal power is -4.1%, while coking coal and pig iron show positive growth [4][20] Import Coal - The coal import growth rate remains negative, with April's imports at 3.783 million tons, down 16.4% year-on-year [24] Price and Profit Performance - Coal prices have been under pressure, with the average price of Shanxi premium mixed 5500 thermal coal decreasing since the start of 2025 [26][38] Investment Recommendations - The report suggests focusing on undervalued companies with strong performance support, particularly those with a small proportion of non-coal business such as Xinjie Energy and Huahua Energy, as well as those with a large proportion like Shaanxi Energy and Electric Power Investment Energy [5][38]