Market Overview - The S&P 500 index has experienced significant volatility in 2025, peaking in February and briefly entering correction territory in April, but has since achieved a record high [1][2] - Current trading levels for the S&P 500 are over 25 times earnings, with U.S. stocks representing 65% of global stocks, indicating historically high valuations [2] Investment Strategy - Tom Gardner, CEO of The Motley Fool, suggests that investors can still outperform the market by focusing on areas that are currently overlooked [3][5] - Emphasis is placed on seeking dividend-paying, defensive, and value stocks as a more cautious investment approach in the current high valuation environment [5][6] Stock Recommendations - **Enterprise Products Partners (EPD)**: A leading midstream energy company with over 50,000 miles of pipeline, offering a 6.9% dividend yield. The company has a strong track record of increasing dividends for 26 consecutive years and is expected to generate steady cash flows due to long-term contracts with inflation escalation clauses [9][11] - **Brookfield Infrastructure (BIPC/BIP)**: This company focuses on defensive assets such as utilities and railroads, with 85% of its funds from operations being contracted or regulated. It has achieved a 15% CAGR in funds from operations per unit over the past 15 years and targets over 10% FFO growth and 5% to 9% annual dividend growth [12][13] - **Nucor (NUE)**: The largest steel producer in North America, known for its cost-efficient electric arc furnaces and vertical integration. Nucor has increased its dividend for 52 consecutive years and is currently trading 30% below its all-time highs, presenting a potential value opportunity [14][17]

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Department of Commerce has preliminarily determined that Oman is circumventing anti-dumping and countervailing duties on similar products from China by using hot-rolled steel produced in China to manufacture circular welded carbon steel pipes (CWP) [1][3]. Group 1: Investigation and Findings - The investigation began on November 19, 2024, focusing on circumvention activities across Oman, with Al Jazeera Steel Products Company SAOG identified as the mandatory respondent [3]. - The average anti-dumping duty rate for Chinese CWP is 85.55%, while the countervailing duty rate is as high as 198.49% [3]. - The U.S. has intensified scrutiny on imported steel products, particularly those processed through third countries to evade tariffs [3][4]. Group 2: Market Impact - In 2024, the U.S. imported approximately 50,000 tons of CWP from Oman, accounting for 2.5% of total imports, with Chinese hot-rolled steel remaining competitive in the global market due to price advantages [4]. - The preliminary ruling may lead to the imposition of tariffs on Omani CWP similar to those on Chinese products, potentially exceeding 200%, which would significantly raise export costs for Oman and affect its competitiveness in the U.S. market [5]. - U.S. domestic steel producers like Nucor and Steel Dynamics may benefit from this situation as their market share could increase [5]. Group 3: Broader Context - The global steel market is currently facing an oversupply situation, with low-priced steel from China entering the U.S. market through third countries, leading to ongoing trade disputes [5]. - Similar circumvention issues have been observed in global trade, with countries like Vietnam and Thailand also facing investigations by the U.S. [4].

Market Overview - The market capitalization of major US stocks shows varied performance, with Oracle at 762.30 billion, Mastercard at 321.36 billion, and Visa at 770.15 billion, reflecting increases of +0.66%, +0.86%, and +0.68% respectively [3] - Exxon Mobil's market cap is 679.53 billion, with a slight decrease of -0.98%, while Johnson & Johnson and Netflix show minor changes of -0.08% and -0.05% respectively [3] - Companies like Wells Fargo and Cisco have market caps of 270.15 billion and 279.59 billion, with respective increases of +0.98% and -0.58% [3] Notable Stock Movements - T-Mobile US Inc experienced a significant increase of +6.20%, reaching a market cap of 272.19 billion [3] - General Electric and Coca-Cola saw market caps of 285.05 billion and 298.76 billion, with increases of +0.37% and +0.91% respectively [3] - Companies like Disney and Goldman Sachs have market caps of 229.06 billion and 221.80 billion, with slight changes of +0.01% and -0.60% [3] Sector Performance - The technology sector shows mixed results, with Intel at 991.05 billion, down -3.28%, while AMD increased by +2.46% to 254.92 billion [5] - The consumer goods sector is represented by companies like Procter & Gamble and Coca-Cola, with market caps of 371.68 billion and 298.76 billion, showing slight increases [3][4] - The energy sector, represented by Exxon Mobil and Chevron, shows varied performance, with Exxon down -0.98% and Chevron up +0.66% [3] Summary of Key Companies - Oracle's market cap stands at 762.30 billion, reflecting a positive trend [3] - Mastercard and Visa show strong performance with market caps of 321.36 billion and 770.15 billion, both increasing [3] - Companies like Pfizer and Comcast have market caps of 1579.81 billion and 1332.00 billion, with Pfizer showing minimal change and Comcast down -3.16% [4][5]

Core Viewpoint - Nucor Corporation (NUE) is expected to report strong second-quarter 2025 results, driven by higher selling prices and volumes, with an earnings surprise of 13.2% in the last quarter and an average earnings beat of 31.6% over the past four quarters [1][4]. Financial Performance - Nucor's second-quarter earnings estimate is pegged at $2.62, with an Earnings ESP of +0.69% [4]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for consolidated revenues is $8,405.1 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 4.1% [9]. - The average sales price per ton for the steel mills unit is estimated at $962, indicating a 2.6% increase from the previous quarter, with shipments projected at 5,359,000 tons, a 2.5% sequential rise [13]. Market Dynamics - Higher steel tariffs and mill price hikes have contributed to increased hot-rolled coil prices, enhancing Nucor's outlook [8]. - The steel mills segment is expected to experience the largest growth due to improved average selling prices, while the steel products and raw materials segments are also forecasted to see earnings growth [10][11]. - U.S. steel prices have rebounded after a decline in 2024, influenced by tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, which raised steel import tariffs to 50% in June 2025, further driving up prices [12]. Stock Performance - Nucor's shares have decreased by 7.7% over the past year, contrasting with a 21.5% decline in the Zacks Steel Producers industry [2]. - Nucor currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) [5].

Core Viewpoint - Analysts project that Nucor (NUE) will report quarterly earnings of $2.62 per share, reflecting a 2.2% decline year over year, while revenues are expected to increase by 4.1% to $8.41 billion [1] Earnings Estimates - The consensus EPS estimate has been adjusted downward by 0.2% over the past 30 days, indicating a reassessment by covering analysts [1][2] Revenue Projections - 'Net sales to external customers - Steel products' are estimated at $2.53 billion, down 6.5% year over year - 'Net sales to external customers - Steel mills' are projected to reach $5.36 billion, up 10.3% from the previous year - 'Net sales to external customers - Raw materials' are expected to be $517.16 million, reflecting a slight increase of 0.2% year over year [4] Sales Volume Estimates - 'Sales Tons to outside customer (Steel) - Total Steel Mills' is expected to reach 5,255 thousand tons, compared to 4,617 thousand tons in the same quarter last year - 'Sales in Tons Outside Customers - Total steel products' is projected at 1,106 thousand tons, up from 1,074 thousand tons year over year [5] Price Projections - 'Average Steel Product Price per ton' is estimated at $2,284 per tonne, down from $2,517 per tonne year over year - 'Average sales price per ton (Steel) - Total Steel Mills' is expected to be $1,024 per tonne, compared to $1,051 per tonne in the same quarter last year [6] Segment-Specific Sales Estimates - 'Sales Tons to outside customer (Steel) - Sheet' is projected at 2,508 thousand tons, down from 2,869 thousand tons year over year - 'Sales Tons to outside customer (Steel) - Bars' is expected to reach 1,698 thousand tons, compared to 2,005 thousand tons in the previous year [7] - 'Sales Tons to outside customer (Steel) - Structural' is estimated at 487 thousand tons, down from 512 thousand tons year over year - 'Sales Tons to outside customer (Steel) - Plate' is projected at 574 thousand tons, up from 448 thousand tons in the same quarter last year [8] Cost Estimates - 'Average scrap cost per ton' is expected to be $389 per tonne, compared to $396 per tonne in the same quarter last year [9] Stock Performance - Nucor shares have returned +12.2% over the past month, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +5.9% change, with a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) indicating expected performance in line with the overall market [10]

Company Overview - Algoma Steel Group Inc. (ASTL) is expected to report a year-over-year decline in earnings due to lower revenues for the quarter ended June 2025, with a consensus estimate of a loss of $0.45 per share, representing a significant change of -800% [1][3] - Revenues are anticipated to be $425.54 million, reflecting a decrease of 10.5% compared to the same quarter last year [3] Earnings Expectations - The earnings report is scheduled for release on July 29, and the stock price may increase if the actual results exceed expectations, while a miss could lead to a decline [2] - The consensus EPS estimate has remained unchanged over the last 30 days, indicating stability in analyst expectations [4] Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) model compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, providing insights into potential earnings surprises [6][7] - A positive Earnings ESP reading is a strong indicator of an earnings beat, especially when combined with a favorable Zacks Rank [9] Industry Context - Nucor (NUE), another player in the steel producers industry, is expected to report earnings of $2.62 per share for the same quarter, indicating a year-over-year change of -2.2% [17] - Nucor's revenues are projected to be $8.41 billion, up 4.1% from the previous year, with a positive Earnings ESP of +0.69%, suggesting a likely earnings beat [18]

Company Overview - Nucor is one of the largest steelmakers in North America and is recognized as a Dividend King, having increased its dividend for over 50 consecutive years [1][7] - The company utilizes electric arc mini-mills, which provide flexibility in production compared to traditional blast furnaces, allowing it to adjust output based on demand [2] Market Dynamics - The steelmaking industry is cyclical, with demand and pricing fluctuating alongside economic activity, leading to volatility in stock prices [4] - Currently, Nucor's stock is down approximately 30% from its peak in 2024, which is an improvement from a previous decline of over 40% [4][5] Dividend and Growth Strategy - Nucor's management aims to achieve higher highs and higher lows through a capital investment plan focused on technology upgrades, product expansion, and higher-margin products [8] - The company plans to invest around $3 billion in capital spending in 2025, indicating potential for further growth and dividend increases [9] Investment Timing - The optimal time to invest in Nucor is when the stock is out of favor, as is the case currently, rather than when it is popular among investors [10] - Despite the stock being down 30%, it remains an attractive long-term investment for those seeking exposure to the steel sector, given its resilient business model [11]

Core Viewpoint - Wall Street anticipates a year-over-year decline in Nucor's earnings despite higher revenues, with a focus on how actual results will compare to estimates [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - Nucor is expected to report quarterly earnings of $2.53 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 5.6% [3][18]. - Revenue is projected to be $8.41 billion, which is an increase of 4.1% from the same quarter last year [3][18]. Estimate Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised 5.76% higher in the last 30 days, indicating a positive reassessment by analysts [4][19]. - The Most Accurate Estimate is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in an Earnings ESP of +2.41%, suggesting a bullish outlook on earnings [12][19]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model indicates that a positive Earnings ESP reading is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, especially when combined with a Zacks Rank of 1, 2, or 3 [10][11]. - Nucor's current Zacks Rank is 3 (Hold), which, along with the positive Earnings ESP, suggests a likelihood of beating the consensus EPS estimate [12][19]. Historical Performance - Nucor has consistently beaten consensus EPS estimates in the last four quarters, with a notable surprise of +13.24% in the most recent quarter [13][14][19]. Industry Context - Nucor is positioned within the Zacks Steel - Producers industry, where it is expected to deliver results that reflect both the challenges and opportunities in the steel market [18].

Core Insights - Nucor Corporation will host a live conference call to discuss its second quarter earnings for 2025 on July 29, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time [1][2] - The conference call will be led by Leon Topalian, Nucor's Chair, President, and CEO, and will include a review of the company's financial results followed by a Q&A session [1] Company Overview - Nucor and its affiliates are engaged in the manufacturing of steel and steel products, with operations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico [2] - The range of products includes carbon and alloy steel in various forms such as bars, beams, sheets, plates, and more, as well as fabricated concrete reinforcing steel and metal building systems [2] - Nucor is recognized as North America's largest recycler and also brokers ferrous and nonferrous metals, pig iron, and hot briquetted iron [2]

Company Overview - Nucor Corporation (NYSE: NUE) is one of the largest steel-producing companies in North America, supplying steel products to various industries including data centers, automotive, and construction [1]. Operational Scale - The company operates in at least 300 facilities, indicating a significant scale of operations within the steel industry [1].