September 3, 2025 10:48 AM GMT China Materials | Asia Pacific Anti-Involution Trip Day 3 On the third day of our anti-involution Trip, we focused on the coal industry in Shanxi. Price rebound in July and August not making all coal mines profitable. Despite the price for both coking and thermal coal rebounding over the last two months, some ~40-50% of SOE mines are still running at a loss, with loss-making coking coal mines now representing ~20% of industry capacity. Overproduction inspection and anti-involu ...

Core Viewpoint - Shougang Fushan Resources reported a 38% year-on-year decline in attributable net profit to HK$404 million for 1H25, which was better than expected due to a milder decline in earnings driven by a larger-than-anticipated reduction in costs despite falling coal prices [1]. Production and Sales - Raw and clean coking coal output increased by 17% and 19% year-on-year to 2.64 million tons and 1.54 million tons, respectively, with 100% of raw coal being washed. Clean coking coal sales volume rose 16% year-on-year to 1.55 million tons, primarily due to a temporary production suspension at Xingwu Coal Mine in 1H24 [1][2]. Price Trends - The average selling price of clean coking coal fell 45% year-on-year to Rmb1,067 per ton in 1H25. This decline was steeper than the 36% and 39% year-on-year decreases in Shanxi main coking coal prices at Jingtang Port and Shanxi Liulin No.9 coking coal, respectively. The price drop was attributed to a shift in coal quality following the full mining of lower-group coal at Xingwu Coal Mine [2]. Cost Management - The unit production cost of raw coking coal decreased by 28% year-on-year to Rmb328 per ton in 1H25. Cash costs fell 32% year-on-year to Rmb241 per ton, while cash costs excluding uncontrollable expenses declined 31% year-on-year to Rmb185 per ton [3]. Cash Flow and Dividends - Net operating cash inflow decreased by Rmb727 million year-on-year to Rmb453 million in 1H25. As of the end of June, the company held available free funds of HK$9.48 billion (HK$8.41 billion excluding the 2024 final dividend). The firm plans to pay an interim dividend of HK$0.06 per share for 1H25, resulting in a payout ratio of 76% and a dividend yield of approximately 2.2% based on the current share price [4]. Market Outlook - Coking coal prices rebounded in 3Q25, with a cautiously optimistic outlook for coking coal fundamentals in 2H25. Prices have risen since July, supported by tightening supply in certain regions. The price of Liulin No.9 coking coal increased from Rmb968 per ton in June to Rmb1,278 per ton by August 28, with a quarterly average of Rmb1,209 per ton in 3Q25, up 10% compared to 2Q25 [5]. Future Projections - The upside for coking coal prices will depend on domestic supply contractions, influenced by expectations of weaker demand amid sluggish steel consumption and declining profit margins. Coking coal imports, particularly from Mongolia, may see marginal improvement as coal prices recover [5]. Financial Adjustments - The company has lowered its coal price and cost assumptions, cutting its 2025 and 2026 earnings forecasts by 4% to HK$892 million and HK$978 million, respectively. The stock is currently trading at 15.8x and 14.4x 2025e and 2026e P/E ratios. The company maintains an OUTPERFORM rating with a target price of HK$3.00, implying 17.1x and 15.6x 2025e and 2026e P/E ratios and offering an 8% upside [5].

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview: Coal in China - **Current Price Levels**: As of year-to-date (YTD), thermal and coking coal prices in China are at RMB680 and RMB1280 per ton, respectively, reflecting a decrease of approximately 50% compared to 2022 prices due to increased domestic capacity and import hikes [1][8] - **Future Price Expectations**: The coal sector is expected to stabilize in the second half of 2025 and into 2026, with net supply growth slowing to 0-1% per annum compared to 6-7% in 2021-2023. Coal imports are projected to decline from 536 million tons in 2024 to 430-440 million tons by 2026 [1][8] Core Insights and Arguments - **Supply Disruptions**: Recent heavy rains in Inner Mongolia and tightened safety checks in northern provinces may lead to production cuts in coal and steel, potentially supporting near-term coal prices [2][45] - **Contract Price Adjustments**: The contract price for coal is lifted to RMB670 per ton for 2025-2026, aligning with the benchmark of RMB675 per ton. This adjustment is crucial as approximately 80% of Shenhua's coal output is sold on a contract basis [1][9][56] - **Earnings Projections**: Shenhua's earnings for 2025-2027 are raised by 7-29%, while Yankuang's earnings are lifted by 20-21% due to changes in coal price assumptions. However, China Coal's earnings are expected to stabilize with a neutral rating maintained [3][65][70] Company-Specific Highlights - **Shenhua Energy**: - New price objective (PO) set at HKD38 for H shares and RMB43 for A shares, reflecting a 19% and 10% increase, respectively [6][59] - Anticipated dividend yield of 5-6% based on a proposed interim dividend payout of 75% [56][57] - Plans to acquire 13 assets from the parent company, valued at RMB258 billion, which is expected to enhance profitability [58] - **China Coal**: - Price objective increased by 29% to HKD11 per share and RMB13 for A shares, maintaining a neutral rating [65][66] - Despite a strong cash position of approximately RMB80 billion, the company is reluctant to increase dividend payouts [66] - **Yankuang Energy**: - Earnings for 2026-2027 are projected to increase by 20-21%, with a new price objective of HKD9 for H shares and RMB12.5 for A shares [70][71] - The company is consolidating Xibei Mining, which will significantly increase its production capacity [68] Additional Important Insights - **Market Dynamics**: The coal market is expected to be influenced by the "anti-involution" campaign, which aims to stabilize prices and reduce competition among coal producers [49] - **Long-term Supply Outlook**: China's coal production is projected to stabilize, with a focus on maintaining quality and pricing standards in contracts, reflecting a shift in market dynamics [40][44] - **Coking Coal Price Recovery**: Recent rebounds in coking coal prices are attributed to stronger-than-expected steel production and supply-side adjustments, including the implementation of a "276 Days" production plan by Shanxi Coking Coal [18][19] Conclusion The coal industry in China is navigating through significant price adjustments and supply disruptions, with major companies like Shenhua, China Coal, and Yankuang adapting their strategies to stabilize earnings and maintain competitive positions. The outlook for coal prices appears cautiously optimistic, with expectations of stabilization in the coming years.

Financial Performance - BHP's full-year profit decreased by 26% [1] Market Dynamics - Key exports, including iron ore and coking coal, experienced pressure due to weak demand from China [1]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The focus is on the **metals industry**, particularly in relation to **China's economic policies** and their impact on commodity prices, including iron ore, coking coal, and lithium [1][3][11]. Core Insights - **Sentiment Shift**: There has been a notable shift in sentiment regarding China's supply-side reforms, steel production cuts, and infrastructure projects, which has positively influenced the metals market [3][11]. - **Price Movements**: Since July, iron ore prices have increased by **11%**, coking coal futures have surged by **51%**, alumina by **16%**, spodumene by **28%**, and lithium carbonate by **18%** [4][11]. - **Fundamental Lag**: Despite the positive sentiment, the underlying fundamentals have not yet aligned, as significant structural changes in China's economy are required to support these reforms [5][11]. - **Iron Ore Positioning**: Managed money positioning in iron ore has shifted from **245 kilots net short** to **39 kilots net short**, indicating a significant change in market sentiment [5][11]. Price Forecasts and Market Dynamics - **Iron Ore Outlook**: The forecast for iron ore prices is expected to remain rangebound between **$95 and $100 per ton** through the second half of the year, with a recent overshoot to **$105 per ton** viewed as excessive [6][11]. - **Met Coal Challenges**: Met coal fundamentals are under pressure, with imports to China down **8% year-to-date** [6][11]. - **Infrastructure Investment**: The launch of the Tibet hydropower project is anticipated to drive further infrastructure investment, which could bolster demand for metals [3][11]. Additional Considerations - **Production Cuts**: Production cuts in China could potentially increase seaborne demand for met coal, while the lithium supply-demand balance is improving, although rapid price rebounds could disrupt supply discipline [11][13]. - **Monitoring Future Developments**: Attention is being paid to upcoming policy meetings in China, with expectations of limited stimulus due to robust GDP growth [14][11]. - **China's Steel Production**: Recent data indicates that China's steel production has decreased more than expected, which may lead to higher port inventories of iron ore [6][11]. Conclusion - The metals industry is currently experiencing a sentiment-driven rally, primarily influenced by China's policy signals and infrastructure projects. However, the sustainability of this rally is contingent upon actual demand growth and the alignment of market fundamentals with the optimistic sentiment observed in recent weeks [11][5].