Core Viewpoint - The coal industry is expected to face significant pressure in 2024 due to falling coal prices, leading to an estimated 18.8% year-on-year decline in net profit attributable to shareholders, with a further decline of 29.7% anticipated in Q1 2025 [1][2]. Industry Summary - The total revenue for the coal industry in 2024 is projected to be 1.3574 trillion yuan, a decrease of 4.9% year-on-year, with a net profit of 146.8 billion yuan, reflecting an 18.8% decline [2]. - In Q1 2025, the coal industry is expected to generate 279.5 billion yuan in revenue, down 17.7% year-on-year, and a net profit of 28.65 billion yuan, representing a 29.7% decline [2]. - The supply-demand dynamics for thermal coal are expected to weaken, with a notable increase in coal imports and the release of production capacity in the latter half of 2024, leading to further price pressures [2]. Coal Segment Analysis - The coking coal segment is anticipated to see a revenue decline of 11.4% in 2024, with net profit expected to drop by 45.5% due to weak demand and policy constraints [3]. - Coking coal prices are influenced by the overall health of the black metal industry, with a decrease in demand from key sectors like real estate and infrastructure contributing to price declines [3]. Investment Logic - High-dividend coal companies are expected to exhibit defensive characteristics, with recommendations to focus on firms with strong resource endowments and stable performance, such as China Shenhua (601088), Shaanxi Coal (601225), and China Coal Energy (601898) [4]. - The coal-electricity joint operation model is seen as a way to mitigate cyclical fluctuations and benefit from price differentials between market and long-term contract coal prices, with suggested companies including Xinjie Energy (601918), Shaanxi Coal, and China Shenhua [5]. - The cyclical sector may benefit from economic stimulus policies, with expectations of increased domestic demand driven by government fiscal measures, recommending attention to Shanxi Coking Coal (000983), Huaibei Mining (600985), and Pingdingshan Coal (601666) [6].