Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference call focuses on the **Metals & Mining** industry, utilizing the **HOLT valuation framework** to analyze various sub-sectors and companies within this space [1][2][3]. Core Insights and Arguments Valuation Methodology - HOLT's valuation framework is based on a **discounted cash flow model**, emphasizing **Cash Flows Return on Investment (CFROI)** as a key metric for comparing performance across companies and time [1][13]. - The report suggests that there is no single valuation methodology for metals & mining; a combination of **short-term trading multiples (EV/EBITDA)**, cash returns, and **Net Present Value (NPV)** is preferred [1]. Sub-Sector Valuation Insights - **Gold**: - Gold stocks are seen as **undemanding** with market-embedded expectations around **6%**, compared to near-term CFROI forecasts of **~8%** [3][29]. - Top picks include **ABX**, **KGC** in North America, and **EDV** in Europe [3][31]. - **Aluminium**: - Aluminium stocks are viewed positively, trading at a **15-30% discount** to historical EV/EBITDA averages [4][36]. - Preferred stock for exposure is **NHY** [4][37]. - **Copper**: - Copper stocks are considered **expensive** with high market expectations, trading close to historical averages [5][50]. - Recent downgrades include **FCX**, **SCCO**, and **LUN** to Neutral, and **KGHM** to Sell due to a cautious outlook [5][51]. - **Diversified Miners**: - Market expectations are in line with forecasts at **~4%**, but these stocks trade at a premium compared to other sub-sectors [8][43]. - Preference for **GLEN** over **RIO**, **BHP**, and **Vale** due to better capital discipline [8][44]. - **Steel**: - EU steel stocks are pricing in low returns due to high capital intensity and regulatory uncertainties, while US steel stocks are expected to perform better due to protective tariffs [9][57]. - Preferred US steel stocks include **NUE** and **STLD** [9][57]. Additional Important Insights - The report highlights the **structural challenges** faced by the steel industry in Europe, including high costs related to CO2 emissions and energy [58][59]. - The **EU Steel Action Plan** may provide support for returns on decarbonization projects, potentially leading to a re-rating of the sector [60]. - The **HOLT methodology** does not assign ratings or target prices but serves as an analytical tool for evaluating company performance [66][67]. Conclusion - The Metals & Mining industry presents varied investment opportunities across sub-sectors, with specific stocks recommended based on their valuation relative to market expectations and forecasts. The report emphasizes a selective approach, particularly in the context of changing commodity prices and regulatory environments.

Valuation Assessment - Enterprise Multiple (EV/EBITDA) helps assess company valuation [1] - The metric is used in comparing industry peers for investors and analysts [1] Formula and Application - The report explains the formula for Enterprise Multiple (EV/EBITDA) [1] - The report details applications of EV/EBITDA [1]

Core Viewpoint - Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM) is expected to report a significant decline in second-quarter earnings and revenues due to lower oil and natural gas prices, with earnings estimated at $1.49 per share, reflecting a 30.4% year-over-year decrease [2][6]. Financial Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for second-quarter revenues is $82.8 billion, indicating an 11% decline from the previous year [2]. - XOM has consistently beaten earnings estimates in the past four quarters, with an average surprise of 3.58%, but the current model does not predict an earnings beat for this quarter [3][4]. Market Conditions - The average spot prices for West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil in the second quarter were lower than in the first quarter, with prices of $63.54, $62.17, and $68.17 per barrel for April, May, and June respectively, compared to $75.74, $71.53, and $68.24 per barrel in the first quarter [7]. - Lower oil prices are expected to reduce XOM's upstream earnings by $800 million to $1.2 billion, while natural gas price changes may decrease profits by $300 million to $700 million [8]. Valuation Metrics - XOM's current EV/EBITDA ratio is 6.90, which is above the industry average of 4.35, indicating that the stock may be overvalued despite its lower price compared to peers like BP and Chevron [6][11]. Strategic Developments - The acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources enhances XOM's production capabilities in the Permian Basin, a region known for low production costs [13]. - The company is also investing in alternative energy projects, such as carbon capture and lithium battery technology, which present potential growth opportunities but require significant capital [14]. Competitive Landscape - Other major energy players like Chevron and BP are also set to report second-quarter earnings, with Chevron having a positive Earnings ESP of +3.63% and BP at 0.00% [15][16].

Investment Rating - The industry view is rated as Attractive [2] Core Insights - Internet names were flat last week, with notable performances: AMZN increased by 1% due to Prime Day, while GOOGL and META remained flat [2][10] - The report highlights the upcoming 2Q EPS, indicating a cautious market sentiment [2] - AMZN, GOOGL, and META are trading at 29X, 18X, and 26X their 2026 EPS estimates, reflecting changes of -6%, -2%, and +16% compared to the trailing twelve months average [2] Summary by Sections Market Performance - The overall market performance for the Internet sector was flat, with SPX and NDX showing no significant movement [10] - Specific companies showed varied performance: U increased by 11%, while LYFT and CHWY decreased by 8% each [2] Valuation Metrics - The report provides valuation metrics for major companies, with AMZN, GOOGL, and META trading at 3.4X, 5.4X, and 9.7X EV/Revenue for 2025 estimates [4] - The NTM EV/EBITDA for AMZN, GOOGL, and META is 13.8X, 11.5X, and 14.7X, respectively, compared to their historical averages [8] Company-Specific Insights - AMZN's market cap is $2,428,641 million, with a 1-week performance of +0.7% [5] - GOOGL's market cap stands at $2,214,715 million, with a slight increase of 0.4% [5] - META's market cap is $1,858,351 million, showing a minor decline of -0.2% [5] Sector Analysis - The digital ads sector saw a market-cap weighted average performance of 0.0%, while e-commerce had a 0.7% increase [5] - The travel sector's market-cap weighted average performance was 0.1%, indicating stability [5]

Core Insights - Enbridge Inc. (ENB) is trading at a premium valuation of 15.36x trailing 12-month EV/EBITDA compared to the industry average of 14.05x, indicating strong market positioning [1][7] - The company has a substantial C$28 billion project backlog that is expected to generate incremental cash flows through 2029, enhancing its revenue stability [6][7] Company Overview - Enbridge is a leading midstream energy player in North America, operating the world's longest crude oil and liquids transportation network, spanning 18,085 miles, and a gas transportation pipeline network of 71,308 miles [4] - The company transports 20% of the total natural gas consumed in the United States, generating stable, fee-based revenues from long-term contracts, which minimizes exposure to commodity price volatility [5][9] Financial Stability - 98% of ENB's EBITDA is supported by regulated or take-or-pay contracts, providing a buffer against market volatility [7][9] - More than 80% of the company's profits come from activities that allow automatic price or fee increases, ensuring protection against rising costs and inflation [9] Market Performance - Over the past year, ENB's stock has gained 42.6%, outperforming the industry composite's 38.3% and other competitors like Enterprise Products Partners LP (EPD) and Kinder Morgan (KMI) [13] - The stock's performance reflects positive developments in the company's operations and market conditions [13] Integration Challenges - Enbridge's recent acquisitions of large U.S. gas utility companies are still in the integration phase, which may pose risks if the integration does not meet expectations [16]

Core Viewpoint - Energy Transfer LP (ET) has shown a strong performance with a 6% increase in stock price over the last month, outperforming the industry growth of 3.4% [1][2] Group 1: Company Overview - Energy Transfer operates a vast pipeline network exceeding 130,000 miles across 44 U.S. states, focusing on strategic acquisitions and organic growth [7] - The company has significant export capabilities, with the ability to export over 1.1 million barrels per day of natural gas liquids (NGLs) and 1.9 million barrels per day of crude oil, holding an estimated 20% share of the global NGL export market [9] - Nearly 90% of Energy Transfer's revenues come from fee-based contracts, providing stable cash flow and reducing exposure to commodity price volatility [12] Group 2: Recent Developments - Energy Transfer is expanding its natural gas liquids export facilities to meet rising global demand and has entered agreements to supply natural gas for new gas-fired power plants [2][10] - The company has received connection requests from nearly 200 data centers across 14 states, indicating strong demand from the digital infrastructure sector [11] Group 3: Financial Performance - The current quarterly cash distribution rate is 32.75 cents per common unit, with management raising distribution rates 14 times in the past five years [13] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates year-over-year earnings growth of 12.5% for 2025 and 0.49% for 2026 [14] - Energy Transfer units are trading at a trailing 12-month EV/EBITDA of 10.32X, which is below the industry average of 11.6X, suggesting the firm is undervalued [17] Group 4: Comparative Analysis - Energy Transfer's trailing 12-month return on equity (ROE) is 11.47%, lower than the industry average of 13.95% [20] - In comparison, ONEOK's ROE stands at 15.58%, indicating stronger profitability [22]

Core Viewpoint - Occidental Petroleum Corporation (OXY) is currently trading at a premium compared to the industry average, indicating a marginal overvaluation [1][4]. Financial Metrics - OXY's trailing 12-month EV/EBITDA is 4.99X, while the industry average is 4.76X [1]. - Hess Corporation (HES) is trading at an EV/EBITDA of 7.41X, also at a premium compared to its industry [5]. - OXY shares gained 10.3% last month, outperforming the industry's rally of 8.4% [5]. Competitive Advantage - Occidental operates as a low-cost operator with high-quality assets globally, providing a competitive edge over peers [2][14]. - The company has made significant capital investments, over $7 billion in 2024, and plans to invest between $7.2 billion and $7.4 billion in 2025, which is substantially higher than Hess Corporation's planned $4.5 billion investment [14]. Production and Strategic Initiatives - The acquisition of CrownRock assets has boosted OXY's production volumes and reduced well operating costs [10][15]. - For 2025, total production is anticipated to range between 1,390 and 1,440 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day (Mboe/d), with the Permian region contributing approximately 760–786 Mboe/d [12]. - International production for 2025 is projected to fall between 226 and 236 Mboe/d [13]. Earnings Performance - OXY has surpassed earnings estimates in each of the last four reported quarters, with an average earnings surprise of 24.34% [16]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for OXY's 2025 and 2026 earnings per share has decreased by 30.06% and 29.06%, respectively, in the past 60 days [19]. Return on Equity - OXY's trailing 12-month return on equity (ROE) is 16.89%, slightly lower than the industry average of 16.6% [21].

Core Viewpoint - CICC maintains its adjusted EBITDA forecast for Wynn Macau (01128) for 2025 and 2026, with the current stock price corresponding to 8.0 times the 2025 EV/EBITDA. The firm maintains an outperform rating and a target price of HKD 6.90, implying a 26% upside from the current stock price [1]. Group 1: Financial Performance - Wynn Macau reported Q1 2025 results with net revenue of USD 866 million, a year-on-year decline of 13% and a quarter-on-quarter decline of 7%, recovering to 69% of Q1 2019 levels [2]. - Adjusted property EBITDA for Q1 2025 was USD 252 million, down 26% year-on-year and 14% quarter-on-quarter, recovering to 65% of Q1 2019 levels, and falling short of Bloomberg's consensus estimate of USD 274 million [2]. Group 2: Management Insights - Management indicated that tariff policies may impact and delay capital expenditure plans for U.S. operations, but expect no effect on capital and operational expenditures in Macau [3]. - In April 2025, the mid-market betting volume remained stable compared to the same period in 2024, with direct VIP turnover showing year-on-year growth [3]. - The management emphasized that high-end mid-market business is the core development area for the Macau gaming industry, despite a highly competitive marketing rebate environment [3]. - The Wynn Palace's culinary landmark "Fleur" officially opened in May 2025, and the average fixed operating cost for Q1 2025 was USD 2.64 million, expected to maintain this level throughout the year [3]. - During the May Day Golden Week in 2025, mid-market betting volume increased compared to the same period in 2024, with hotel occupancy reaching 100% [3].

Core Viewpoint - Morgan Stanley has included Yum China Holdings Inc. (YUMC.N) in its Top Pick list, indicating a positive outlook for the company [1]. Group 1: Financial Performance and Targets - The company reiterated its target for a 4%-6% year-over-year growth in system sales by 2025 [2]. - The net new store target for 2025 remains at 1,600-1,800, with an acceleration in store expansion expected in the second half of the year [3]. - Same-store sales growth (SSSG) is expected to fluctuate quarterly, with a focus on increasing customer traffic, while average transaction value (TA) is under pressure [3]. Group 2: Recent Developments - Overall sales momentum during April and the Labor Day holiday met company expectations [4]. - The impact of aggressive promotions from delivery platforms on the delivery business is considered limited, with a focus on retaining core customers through its own super app [4]. - KFC reported a 4% decline in average transaction value in Q1 2025, attributed to a higher proportion of lower-value delivery orders and an increase in KCOFFEE and breakfast orders [4]. - Pizza Hut (PH) will continue to focus on low-price strategies to attract demand, with long-term improvements expected in restaurant profit margins [4]. Group 3: Valuation and Market Position - The valuation method suggests a target EV/EBITDA multiple of 10x for 2025, based on a 30% premium relative to the average EV/EBITDA of the Chinese consumer sector since Yum China's IPO in 2016 [5]. - Current expected EV/EBITDA for the consumer sector in 2025 is 8.5x, which is deemed reasonable due to the company's superior performance in cost savings and efficiency [5]. - The company has a market capitalization of approximately $16.54 billion, with a price target set at $57.00 [6].

Industry Overview - The Zacks Oil and Gas - Refining & Marketing industry includes companies that sell refined petroleum products and non-energy materials, and some operate terminals and transportation services [3] - The primary activity involves buying crude and processing it into various refined products, with refining margins being highly volatile and influenced by inventory levels, demand, imports, and capacity utilization [4] Current Challenges - The industry faces challenges from volatile crude prices, regulatory pressures, and rising operational costs, with seasonal Q4 refining margin weakness and global supply additions potentially impacting profitability [5][6] - Increasing operational costs from store expansions and wage pressures are significant concerns for downstream operators, necessitating careful cost management [7] Long-term Growth Potential - Despite current challenges, the industry is positioned for long-term growth due to strong global demand for refined products, with refining utilization rates remaining high [6] - Companies with integrated refining systems can leverage geographic diversification and operational efficiencies to maximize margins, while investments in refinery optimization and sustainability initiatives provide competitive advantages [6] Industry Performance - The Zacks Oil and Gas - Refining & Marketing industry has underperformed compared to the broader Zacks Oil - Energy Sector and the S&P 500, declining by 10.7% over the past year, while the sector increased by 3.3% and the S&P 500 gained 17.2% [12] - The industry's Zacks Industry Rank is 198, placing it in the bottom 20% of 246 Zacks industries, indicating a bearish outlook [8][10] Valuation Metrics - The industry is currently trading at an EV/EBITDA ratio of 3.64X, significantly lower than the S&P 500's 17.27X and slightly below the sector's 4.21X [14] - Over the past five years, the industry's EV/EBITDA has ranged from a high of 6.96X to a low of 1.80X, with a median of 3.63X [14] Key Companies - **Phillips 66**: Operates 13 refineries with a total capacity of 2.2 million barrels per day, with a market capitalization of $51 billion and a projected earnings growth of 7.8% for 2025 [15][16] - **Marathon Petroleum**: A leading independent refiner with a market capitalization of $45.6 billion, known for its strong cash flow generation and shareholder returns [17][18] - **Valero Energy**: The largest independent refiner in the U.S. with a refining capacity of 3.2 million barrels per day, has a market capitalization of $19.5 billion [19] - **Galp Energia**: A Portuguese integrated energy firm with a market capitalization of $11.4 billion, operates two refineries in Portugal and has a four-quarter average earnings surprise of 51.2% [20]