Core Viewpoint - Daqin Railway's net profit decreased by nearly 30% in the first half of 2025, primarily due to a decline in coal transportation volume and structural adjustments in the market [4][5]. Financial Performance - In the first half of 2025, Daqin Railway achieved an operating income of 37.286 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 1.86% [4]. - The company's net profit after deducting non-recurring items was 4.099 billion yuan, representing a year-on-year decrease of 29.87% [4]. - The total cargo volume transported by the company was 328 million tons, a year-on-year decline of 2.96%, accounting for 25.58% of the national railway cargo volume [4]. Coal Transportation Insights - The coal transportation volume decreased by 30 million tons in the first half of the year, with the core Daqin Line transporting 189 million tons, down 2.17% year-on-year [4]. - The weak demand for coal was attributed to a moderate recovery in the domestic economy and structural adjustments, with thermal power generation declining by 2.4% year-on-year in the first half of 2025 [4]. Market Conditions - The price of CCTD's 5500 kcal thermal coal was 699 yuan per ton as of August 28, down 17.08% year-on-year and 9.34% since the beginning of the year [4]. - The coal market is expected to improve in the second half of the year, as the decline in coal prices has led to some mines reducing production due to prices nearing production costs [5]. Strategic Outlook - Daqin Railway faces challenges in the second half of the year, including high coal inventories and low coal prices affecting shipment enthusiasm [5]. - The company plans to stabilize its bulk cargo base and seize market opportunities related to seasonal demand and potential price recovery [5].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Long coal production was 32.2 million tonnes, and attributable sellable coal production was 18.9 million tonnes, tracking well against full year production guidance [4] - Cash operating costs were $93 per tonne, flat compared to the previous year, with an implied cash operating margin of $40 per tonne [5][11] - Revenue for the first half was $2.68 billion, with operating EBITDA of $595 million at a 23% margin, reflecting a 15% decrease in revenue compared to the previous year [5][30] - Profit after tax was $163 million, with a fully franked interim dividend of $82 million declared, representing a 50% payout ratio [6][34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - ROM coal and saleable coal production were 15% to 16% higher than the first half of the previous year, while attributable sales were effectively flat due to temporary disruptions [10] - Attributable saleable coal was up 11% compared to the previous year, indicating strong operational performance despite challenges [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Realized thermal coal price was $138 per tonne, down 12% from the previous year, while metallurgical coal price was $207 per tonne, down 35% [23][24] - The company observed cuts to supply from Indonesia (12%) and Colombia (24%), which could support a recovery in international thermal coal prices [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain low cash operating costs and optimize production volumes, product quality, and efficiency metrics to deliver the best outcomes for shareholders [36] - There is a focus on operational recovery and maintaining production guidance of 35 to 39 million tonnes for the full year [36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that geopolitical events and weather disruptions impacted sales and logistics, but they are optimistic about recovering delayed shipments in the third quarter [20][30] - The company is confident in the demand for metallurgical coal, particularly from India and Southeast Asia, as these regions are expected to see growth [56] Other Important Information - The company retains a strong balance sheet with $1.8 billion in cash and no external debt, providing flexibility for future growth opportunities [6][34] - The capital expenditure guidance for 2025 is set at $750 million to $900 million, with ongoing investments required to ensure productivity [36] Q&A Session Summary Question: Why is the decline in profit from certain mines more drastic than others? - Management attributed this to the drop in API five prices, which affected margins, particularly from low CV coal [40][42] Question: Is the year-over-year increase in coal royalty per sellable tonne due to the royalty rate change? - The increase is due to both the royalty rate change and lower coal prices, resulting in a relatively flat royalty across periods [45][48] Question: How likely is it that inventory will be digested by year-end? - Management is on schedule to catch up on first-half underperformance and aims to reduce inventory by the end of August or early September [51][54] Question: What are the growth opportunities for coking coal outside of China? - Significant growth opportunities are seen in India and Southeast Asia, driven by infrastructure plans and GDP growth [56] Question: Are there plans for further expansion in coal production volume? - The company is focused on optimizing existing assets for productivity rather than significant expansions at this time [57][59] Question: What is the expected sales mix for 2025? - The sales mix is expected to remain relatively consistent, with minor variations due to production impacts from weather [80][82] Question: What is the interest rate on the cash balance held? - The company is currently receiving between 4% to 5% on its cash balance [85] Question: Will Yancoal consider acquisitions in China? - While open to growth opportunities, competing against the majority shareholder in China may not be practical [100] Question: How does the company assess potential M&A opportunities? - The company evaluates all opportunities in the best interest of shareholders, maintaining a strong balance sheet to support growth [90][92]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Yancoal reported a revenue of AUD 2.68 billion, a 15% decrease compared to the previous year, primarily due to lower average realized coal prices and delayed sales volumes [29][30] - Operating EBITDA was AUD 595 million, reflecting a 40% decrease, resulting in a margin of 23% [5][30] - Profit after tax was AUD 163 million, translating to AUD 0.02 per share, with a 50% payout ratio leading to an interim dividend of AUD 82 million [6][30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Long coal production reached 32.2 million tonnes, with attributable sellable coal production at 18.9 million tonnes, indicating a strong operational performance [4][10] - Cash operating costs remained flat at AUD 93 per tonne, an 8% improvement over the previous year [11][14] - Attributable saleable coal was up 11% compared to the previous year, despite flat sales due to temporary disruptions [12][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The realized thermal coal price was AUD 138 per tonne, down 12% from the previous year, while metallurgical coal prices fell 35% to AUD 207 per tonne [22][23] - The company noted a stable customer mix, with significant contributions from China and Japan, although global demand for metallurgical coal remains sluggish [20][21] - Supply cuts from Indonesia (12%) and Colombia (24%) were observed, which could support a recovery in international thermal coal prices [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Yancoal aims to maintain production guidance of 35 to 39 million tonnes for the full year, with a focus on optimizing operational performance and cost management [34] - The company is committed to reinvesting in its assets to ensure productivity and cost-effectiveness, with capital expenditure guidance set between AUD 750 million and AUD 900 million [35] - Management remains open to M&A opportunities, evaluating both domestic and international prospects while being cautious in the current coal market conditions [89][91] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in recovering delayed shipments and optimizing inventory levels, targeting to catch up on first-half underperformance by the end of Q3 [19][53] - The company anticipates a potential recovery in coal prices, driven by geopolitical events and supply-demand dynamics, while acknowledging the need to navigate the current market cycle [25][113] - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining financial discipline and operational efficiency in the short term [113] Other Important Information - The company has no external debt and holds AUD 1.8 billion in cash, providing a strong financial position for future growth opportunities [6][30] - Yancoal's sustainability strategy includes initiatives for decarbonization and improving safety performance, with a commitment to reducing TRIFR [7][8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Why is the profit decline from certain mines more drastic than others? - Management attributed the decline to the drop in API five prices, which affected margins, particularly from low CV coal [39][41] Question: Is the year-over-year increase in coal royalty per sellable tonne due to the royalty rate change? - Management confirmed that the increase is due to both the royalty rate change and lower coal prices, resulting in relatively flat royalties across periods [44][47] Question: How likely is it that inventory will be digested by year-end? - Management indicated that they are on schedule to catch up on inventory by the end of August or early September [53] Question: What are the growth opportunities for coking coal outside of China? - Management highlighted significant growth opportunities in India and Southeast Asia, driven by infrastructure needs and economic growth [55] Question: Are there plans for further expansion in coal production volume? - Management stated that while there are conceptual projects under study, the current production profile is steady, focusing on optimizing existing assets [56][59] Question: Will Yancoal consider acquisitions in China? - Management noted that while they are open to M&A opportunities, competing against their majority shareholder in China may not be practical [105] Question: What is the expected sales mix for 2025? - Management indicated that while there may be a marginal difference in the thermal coal mix, it would not be substantial [84]