IBES Report in - WHC is a Buy, page-1061

@Smokey Mcpot Not Structural changes, but Structural Shortage.

Basically a shortage due to a mismatch. (Same concept as Structural Unemployment, where unemployment exists despite an excess of jobs).

China bans Australian Coal -> Chinese companies forced to buy from non-australian coal miners, hence the US Coal prices for example are going parabolic. -> Australian coal prices also rise slightly as customers which used to be fulfilled by US seek coal from elsewhere.

In a few months coal will adjust to a more healthy equilibrium. The rise in Coal was caused by Chinese moves, and it's likely there is a downward coal price adjustment (for Ex-Aus supply) and a slight upward (for Aus Supply). Long term, for producers who did ship to china, there will be the consequence of lower margin, as they'll have to ship further away.

However, if the US suppliers have to fulfil chinese demand, then there'll be a hole in the market for Australia to fill.

I think these short term coal price movements could be misleading is all i'm pointing out.