China Coal Energy's stock plummeted 5.27% during intraday trading on Thursday, significantly underperforming the broader market.

The decline follows a target price cut by Citigroup, which lowered its price target for China Coal from HK$18.2 to HK$16.6. The revision was prompted by the company's lower production guidance, with first-quarter commercial coal output falling 3.18 million tonnes year-over-year due to operational changes and challenging geological conditions at some mines.

Broader pressure on the coal sector also contributed to the sell-off, as markets reassessed energy supply risks. The potential easing of the US-Iran conflict could reduce disruption risks in key shipping lanes, potentially limiting the upside for international coal prices and weighing on sector sentiment.