CITIC Securities forecasts that net profit for the coal-listed companies in its tracked sample rose about 31% quarter-on-quarter in the second quarter of 2026, and increased about 19% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, with coking coal and anthracite producers expected to show greater earnings elasticity, according to Jiemian News. The brokerage said coal prices have eased in the short term but it expects seasonal demand to support price gains, and projects the supply-demand balance to keep improving in the third quarter amid supply contraction, which it said would be positive for coal prices and further sequential earnings growth in the sector.