智通财经网·2025-12-30 13:47Group 1 - The core viewpoint is that despite challenges from tariff policies and fluctuating consumer confidence, the U.S. materials sector is expected to see its highest profit growth in five years, with a projected increase of 20% in 2026, second only to the technology sector [1][4] - The profitability of companies in the metals and packaging industries is anticipated to receive the most significant boost, with both sub-sectors expected to grow by over 30% due to strengthened steel prices and increased demand for packaging from consumer goods manufacturers [5][8] - Analysts indicate that U.S. steel producers will continue to benefit from tariffs on imports, which grant them pricing power, and companies like Nucor Steel are seeing an increase in backlog orders driven by energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors [8][10] Group 2 - The packaging and metal segments are leading the profitability growth in the materials sector, with companies like Amcor expected to achieve profit growth of 12% to 17% by 2026, marking the highest growth in five years [12] - Despite some challenges, the demand for packaging remains mixed, prompting companies in the packaging industry to focus on cost-cutting and operational adjustments to mitigate the impact of economic conditions [12][13] - The chemical and building materials industries are also expected to recover, with analysts predicting that lower interest rates will enhance demand for companies like Sherwin-Williams and CRH Cement, boosting confidence in residential and non-residential construction transactions [13]