Core Viewpoint - The report from CITIC Securities indicates that the net profit of tracked coal-listed companies is expected to increase by approximately 22% quarter-on-quarter in Q3 2025, despite a year-on-year decline of about 29% in the first three quarters [1] Group 1: Performance Analysis - The performance of thermal coal and anthracite companies has shown significant improvement, while coking coal companies continue to experience a downward trend [1] - The early release of winter storage demand has led to better-than-expected coal prices, with a projected quarter-on-quarter increase of over 15% in Q4 [1] Group 2: Market Outlook - The coal sector is witnessing improvements in policies, coal prices, and earnings expectations, suggesting that the Q4 market performance may have sustainability [1]

Core Viewpoint - There is a significant inflow of funds into the coal sector, with the coal ETF (515220) seeing over 1.3 billion yuan in net inflows for five consecutive days, and a year-to-date growth of over 360%, currently exceeding 14 billion yuan in scale [1] Supply Side - The government has emphasized the need to address "involution" in the coal industry, with policies aimed at reducing excessive competition being implemented [1] - Since July 2025, the monthly year-on-year decline in national raw coal production has exceeded 3% [1] - In November 2025, 22 central safety production assessment teams will conduct inspections across 31 provinces, which may lead to rectifications in issues such as overproduction in the coal industry, further strengthening expectations of supply-side contraction [1] Demand Side - Northern regions have started heating earlier than usual, and by mid-November, the entire northern area will enter the heating season, marking the beginning of the demand peak [1] - The anticipated demand during the winter peak is expected to reverse the current oversupply situation in the coal market [1] Investment Sentiment - With expectations of rising coal prices and improving industry performance, some funds are strategically investing in the coal sector [2] - The coal sector offers high dividend yields, with the CSI Coal Index showing a dividend yield of 4.99% as of October 15, making it attractive amid rising market risk aversion [2] Market Outlook - Both fundamental and financial factors are expected to resonate positively for the coal sector [3] - Minsheng Securities predicts that coal prices may return to above 900 yuan per ton by the end of the year [3] - The coal sector has seen significant declines this year, with institutional holdings remaining low, indicating a healthy chip structure and less crowded trading [3] - The demand from non-electric coal during the peak winter season is expected to catalyze further price increases [3]

Investment Rating - The coal industry is rated as "Outperform" [1] Core Viewpoints - The coal industry is experiencing a performance bottoming out, with improvements expected in the future. In Q2 2025, national raw coal production remained high, but commodity coal consumption decreased by 11.8% month-on-month during the off-season, leading to a significant supply-demand imbalance and high social inventory, which pressured coal prices downwards. Except for the coking coal sector, which benefited from the price dual-track system, the performance of coal companies generally faced pressure [2][11] - The supply side is tightening due to rainfall and production checks, with July's production decreasing by 40 million tons month-on-month and 9 million tons year-on-year. The four major producing regions all saw a reduction in output, with Xinjiang experiencing the largest month-on-month decrease [3][30] - Demand improved significantly in July, entering the peak season, with national commodity coal consumption reaching 450 million tons, a year-on-year increase of 1.9% and a month-on-month increase of 12.5%. The upcoming non-electric consumption peak season in September and October is expected to support coal demand [4][67] - Inventory levels across various segments have decreased, with port inventories lower than the same period last year, which may provide support for coal prices [5] - Coal prices are expected to rebound due to supply contraction expectations and the upcoming non-electric demand peak season. The price of thermal coal has rebounded close to 100 yuan/ton, and the downside potential is limited [5] Summary by Sections Q2 2025 Performance Summary - The coal industry is at a performance bottom, with improvements anticipated. Q2 2025 saw a high national raw coal output but a significant drop in commodity coal consumption during the off-season, leading to a supply-demand imbalance and falling prices [2][11] Supply - July's coal production decreased significantly due to rainfall and production checks, with a month-on-month reduction of 40 million tons and a year-on-year decrease of 9 million tons. The supply tightening expectations remain [3][30] Demand - July marked the peak demand season, with a notable improvement in coal consumption. National commodity coal consumption reached 450 million tons, a year-on-year increase of 1.9% and a month-on-month increase of 12.5%. The upcoming non-electric consumption peak season is expected to sustain coal demand [4][67] Inventory - Inventory levels across various segments have decreased, with port inventories lower than the same period last year, potentially supporting coal prices [5] Price - Coal prices are expected to rebound due to supply contraction expectations and the upcoming non-electric demand peak season. The price of thermal coal has rebounded close to 100 yuan/ton, with limited downside potential [5]