The second trading day of the week was a good one for New Oriental Education & Technology Group (EDU 13.07%) shareholders. On the back of an analyst's recommendation upgrade, their stock surged more than 13% higher in price. That absolutely crushed the S&P 500's (^GSPC 1.11%) 1.1% increase.Inexpensive and attractive, says prognosticatorThat move was made by J.P. Morgan, in the person of analyst DS Kim. That morning, Kim changed his recommendation on New Oriental to overweight (buy, in other words) from his ...

Investment Rating - The investment rating for Aluminum Corporation of China (Chalco) is "Buy" with a target price of Rmb9.62 per share based on a 2.22x 2025E P/B [18] - The investment rating for Baoshan Iron & Steel is "Buy" with a target price of Rmb8.2 per share based on a 0.85x 2025E P/B [22] - The investment rating for Tianqi Lithium is "Hold" with a target price of HK$23.0 for H-shares and Rmb26.26 for A-shares [24][27] Core Insights - The report indicates cautious market expectations regarding demand recovery in the aluminum sector in China, with a near-term pecking order of steel > aluminum > lithium > copper > gold > battery > thermal coal > cement [1] - Total aluminum production in China for the week of June 12-18, 2025, was 845kt, flat week-over-week (WoW), and up 3% year-over-year (YoY) [2] - Total aluminum inventory in China stood at 722kt on June 19, 2025, reflecting a 1% increase WoW but a significant 38% decrease YoY [3] - Apparent aluminum consumption in China was 849kt during the same week, down 6% WoW but up 5.8% YoY for the year-to-date [4] Production Summary - China's total aluminum production year-to-date reached 20.9 million tonnes (mnt), representing a 3.2% increase YoY, while aluminum billet production was 8.4mnt, up 6.2% YoY [2] - Aluminum billet production for the week was 365kt, flat WoW, and up 9% YoY [2] Inventory Summary - The total inventory of aluminum ingots was 493kt, down 3% WoW and 40% YoY, while aluminum billet inventory was 229kt, up 9% WoW but down 30% YoY [3] - The inventory levels are lower than the same period in 2021-2024 on a lunar calendar basis [7] Consumption Summary - Apparent consumption of aluminum ingots was 885kt, down 3% WoW but up 1% YoY, while aluminum billet apparent consumption was 329kt, down 7% WoW but up 3% YoY [4] - Year-to-date apparent consumption of aluminum in China reached 21.6mnt, reflecting a 5.8% increase YoY [4]

Core Viewpoint - Momentum investing focuses on "buying high and selling higher" rather than traditional strategies of "buying low and selling high" [1] Group 1: Momentum Investing Strategy - Momentum investors often face challenges in determining the right entry point, as stocks may lose momentum when their valuations exceed future growth potential [2] - Investing in bargain stocks that have recently shown price momentum can be a safer strategy, utilizing tools like the Zacks Momentum Style Score to identify potential opportunities [3] Group 2: ODP Corp. Analysis - ODP Corp. has shown a price increase of 0.3% over the past four weeks, indicating growing investor interest [4] - The stock has gained 11.8% over the past 12 weeks, with a beta of 1.32, suggesting it moves 32% higher than the market [5] - ODP has a Momentum Score of A, indicating a favorable time to invest based on momentum [6] - The stock has received a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) due to upward revisions in earnings estimates, which attract more investors [7] - ODP is trading at a low Price-to-Sales ratio of 0.07, meaning investors pay only 7 cents for each dollar of sales, indicating a reasonable valuation [7] Group 3: Additional Investment Opportunities - Besides ODP, there are other stocks that meet the criteria of the 'Fast-Paced Momentum at a Bargain' screen, suggesting further investment opportunities [8] - Investors can explore over 45 Zacks Premium Screens tailored to different investing styles to identify potential winning stocks [9]

Core Viewpoint - Coca-Cola's stock has risen 15% this year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's 2% increase, raising concerns about potential overvaluation and a possible correction of 25-50% [2] Valuation Concerns - Coca-Cola's stock is currently priced around $70, trading at 29 times its earnings, resulting in an earnings yield of only 3.4%, which is high compared to Google’s 19 times earnings [2] - The company's average revenue growth of approximately 2% over the last three years does not justify its high valuation multiple [2][6] Sales Growth Factors - Coca-Cola experienced a 6% year-over-year increase in organic sales growth in the last quarter, driven by rising sales volumes, effective pricing strategies, and revenue growth management [3] - Initiatives to enhance cold drink equipment deployment and optimize the brand portfolio towards higher-margin products are contributing to this growth [3] Margin Expansion - The operating margin has improved from 28% in 2022 to 30% in the last twelve months, indicating enhanced operational efficiency and profitability [4] Future Growth Expectations - Organic revenue growth is expected to remain in the mid-single digits, while margin expansion is not anticipated to continue at the same rate, suggesting a need for Coca-Cola's valuation to align more closely with companies experiencing 5-10% revenue growth [5] Comparative Valuation - If Coca-Cola were valued at Block Inc.'s multiple of 15 times earnings, its stock price would be around $40, raising questions about whether Coca-Cola's growth profile justifies a lower multiple [6] Economic Ties - Coca-Cola's performance is closely linked to global economic growth, increasing disposable incomes, and population growth, particularly in emerging markets [7] - A robust economy, characterized by stabilizing inflation and renewed consumer confidence, could enhance discretionary spending and demand for Coca-Cola's products [8] Safe Haven Investment - During volatile market conditions, Coca-Cola is often viewed as a "safe haven" investment, attracting investors seeking stability and predictable earnings, which can lead to increased valuations [9] Risk-Reward Analysis - Comparing Coca-Cola with companies like Google and Block helps investors understand the relative risk-reward dynamics of the investment [10][11] - The Trefis High Quality Portfolio, which includes 30 stocks, has outperformed the S&P 500 over the past four years, indicating a more stable performance with superior returns [12]

Core Viewpoint - Nvidia Corporation (NASDAQ: NVDA) is positioned well for growth heading into 2025, with valuations having decreased despite a strong performance in share prices [1]. Group 1: Company Analysis - The stock of Nvidia has experienced a significant run, indicating strong market interest and potential for future earnings growth [1]. - The focus is on identifying high-quality companies with strong balance sheets and shareholder-friendly policies, which aligns with Nvidia's financial health [1]. Group 2: Investment Strategy - The investment approach emphasizes a disciplined valuation method and a mix of quantitative and qualitative measures to uncover underappreciated opportunities in stocks [1]. - A long-only investment strategy is adopted, with a focus on long-term growth potential [1].

Core Viewpoint - Boeing's stock is currently viewed as unattractive due to poor operational performance and financial health, despite a seemingly reasonable valuation of approximately $205 [3][13]. Financial Performance - Boeing's revenues have declined by 9.2% from $76 billion to $69 billion in the past 12 months, contrasting with a 5.5% growth for the S&P 500 [11] - The company's operating income over the last four quarters was -$10 billion, resulting in an operating margin of -14.7%, compared to 13.2% for the S&P 500 [11] - Boeing's net income for the last four quarters was -$12 billion, leading to a net income margin of -16.6%, while the S&P 500 had a margin of 11.6% [11] Valuation Metrics - Boeing has a price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 2.3, which is lower than the S&P 500's ratio of 3.0 [5]. - The stock has fallen 57.0% from a high of $269.19 on March 12, 2021, to $115.86 on June 13, 2022, compared to a peak-to-trough decline of 25.4% for the S&P 500 [12]. Growth and Profitability - Boeing's top line has increased at an average rate of 4.9% over the last three years, compared to a 5.5% rise for the S&P 500 [11]. - Boeing's profit margins are significantly lower than most companies in the Trefis coverage universe, indicating extremely weak profitability [7][15]. Financial Stability - Boeing's total debt was $54 billion at the end of the most recent quarter, with a market capitalization of $154 billion, resulting in a high debt-to-equity ratio of 32.9% compared to 19.9% for the S&P 500 [11]. - Cash and cash equivalents account for $24 billion of Boeing's total assets of $156 billion, leading to a moderate cash-to-assets ratio of 15.1% [11]. Downturn Resilience - Boeing's stock has performed significantly worse than the S&P 500 during recent downturns, indicating extremely weak resilience [9][15]. - The stock has not yet recovered to its pre-crisis peak, highlighting ongoing challenges [12].

Core Viewpoint - Qualcomm's stock has shown moderate performance with a year-to-date increase of approximately 3% amid U.S.-China trade uncertainties, but the company reported strong Q2 FY'25 results, with revenue up 15% year-over-year to $10.84 billion and earnings per share at $2.85, driven by a rebound in the smartphone market [2][3] Revenue Growth - Qualcomm's revenue has grown at an average rate of 5.3% over the past three years, slightly below the S&P 500's 5.5% growth [5] - In the last 12 months, Qualcomm's revenue increased by 12.1%, from $36 billion to $42 billion, compared to the S&P 500's 5.5% growth [5] - Quarterly revenues rose by 17.5% to $11 billion from $9.4 billion a year prior, outperforming the S&P 500's 4.8% improvement [5] Profitability Metrics - Qualcomm has a price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 4.2, compared to 3.0 for the S&P 500 [7] - The company's price-to-free cash flow (P/FCF) ratio is 12.4, while the S&P 500 stands at 20.5 [7] - Qualcomm's price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is 16.2, significantly lower than the S&P 500's 26.4 [7] - The operating margin for Qualcomm is 26.4%, compared to 13.2% for the S&P 500, indicating strong profitability [8] Financial Stability - Qualcomm's debt is $15 billion, with a market capitalization of $176 billion, resulting in a debt-to-equity ratio of 8.5%, lower than the S&P 500's 19.9% [10] - Cash and cash equivalents amount to $14 billion out of $55 billion in total assets, leading to a cash-to-assets ratio of 25.7%, compared to 13.8% for the S&P 500 [10] Downturn Resilience - Qualcomm's stock has shown slightly better performance than the S&P 500 during recent downturns, including a 45.1% decline during the inflation shock of 2022, compared to a 25.4% decline for the S&P 500 [12] - The stock fully recovered to its pre-crisis peak by May 2024 and has since risen to around $160 [12] - Historical performance during the COVID-19 pandemic and the global financial crisis also indicates resilience, with Qualcomm recovering fully from significant declines [12][13] Overall Assessment - Qualcomm's operational performance and financial standing are assessed as very strong across key metrics, making the stock appealing at its current valuation [3][15]

Core Viewpoint - Chewy Inc's stock has experienced a downgrade from "buy" to "hold" by Jefferies, despite an increase in the price target from $41 to $43, primarily due to valuation concerns [1] Group 1: Stock Performance - Chewy's stock is down 2.8% in pre-market trading [1] - The stock has increased by 113% over the last 12 months and 41.2% year-to-date [1] - The stock reached a two-year high of $47.55 on June 3 [1] - The 10-day moving average has served as a reliable support level during recent pullbacks [1] Group 2: Analyst Sentiment - A majority of analysts remain positive, with 20 out of 28 covering firms maintaining a "buy" or better rating [2] - There is potential for sentiment to shift if momentum fades [2] - Short interest has decreased by 17.2% in the last two weeks, with 7.8% of the float sold short, which could support future gains [2] Group 3: Options Market - Options are currently pricing in relatively low volatility, with Chewy's Schaeffer's Volatility Index (SVI) at 65%, placing it in the 29th percentile of its annual range [2] - This suggests that options premiums are affordable [2]

Core Viewpoint - CrowdStrike Holdings is considered overvalued at a price-to-earnings ratio of 122 times its adjusted trailing earnings, despite its impressive growth performance [1][6]. Group 1: Valuation and Growth - CrowdStrike's price-to-sales (P/S) ratio is 28.1, significantly higher than the S&P 500's 3.2, indicating a premium valuation [2]. - The company has achieved an average revenue growth rate of 40% over the past three years, compared to the S&P 500's 6.3% [2]. - In the most recent quarter, CrowdStrike's revenues grew by 20% to $1.1 billion, outperforming the S&P 500's growth rate [2]. Group 2: Profitability - Reported operating income for the last twelve months was -$252 million, resulting in a negative operating margin of -6.1% [3]. - On an adjusted basis, the operating margin was 20.3%, excluding stock-based compensation and one-time expenses [3]. - The company generated an operating cash flow of $1.4 billion, leading to a cash flow-to-sales ratio of 33.4%, which is significantly better than the S&P 500's 15.7% [3]. Group 3: Financial Stability - CrowdStrike has a debt of $785 million against a market capitalization of $122 billion, resulting in a low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.6% [4]. - Cash and cash equivalents amount to $4.6 billion, representing 53% of total assets, which is substantially higher than the S&P 500's 14.8% [4]. Group 4: Market Resilience - CrowdStrike's stock has shown greater volatility during market downturns, with a 58.3% decline during the 2022 Inflation Shock, compared to the S&P 500's 25.4% [5]. - During the 2020 Covid pandemic, the stock fell by 50.0%, again worse than the S&P 500's 33.9% decline [5]. - Although the stock recovered to pre-crisis levels, its higher volatility indicates weaker resilience during market crashes [5]. Group 5: Future Outlook - Current consensus estimates project average sales growth of 21% over the next couple of years, a slowdown from the previous three-year average of 40% [7]. - Given the high valuation and potential for a broader market downturn, it is suggested that now may not be the best time to invest in CrowdStrike stock [8].

Core Viewpoint - Pfizer's stock has declined approximately 25% from its 52-week high, primarily due to pipeline setbacks and management concerns regarding R&D spending and acquisitions [1][2][11] Valuation - Pfizer's current price-to-sales (P/S) ratio is 2.1, compared to 3.0 for the S&P 500, indicating it is slightly undervalued [8] - The price-to-free cash flow (P/FCF) ratio stands at 9.5 versus 20.5 for the S&P 500, and the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is 16.8 compared to 26.4 for the benchmark [8] Revenue Performance - Pfizer's revenues have seen a marginal decline over recent years, with an average shrinkage of 9.0% over the last three years, while the S&P 500 experienced a growth of 5.5% [8] - However, revenues grew by 11.7% from $60 billion to $64 billion in the last 12 months, outperforming the S&P 500's growth of 5.5% [8] Profitability - Pfizer's profit margins are around the median level for companies in the Trefis coverage universe, with an operating margin of 24.3% compared to 13.2% for the S&P 500 [8] Financial Stability - The company's balance sheet is considered weak, with a debt figure of $61 billion and a poor debt-to-equity ratio of 46.2% compared to 19.9% for the S&P 500 [13] - Cash and cash equivalents amount to $17 billion, yielding a cash-to-assets ratio of 8.3% versus 13.8% for the S&P 500 [13] Downturn Resilience - Pfizer's stock has historically underperformed the S&P 500 during market downturns, with a peak-to-trough decline of 57.3% from a high of $61.25 to $26.13 [14][15] - The stock has not yet recovered to its pre-crisis high, currently trading around $23 [14] Future Outlook - Despite current challenges, Pfizer has a robust pipeline, particularly in oncology, with potential blockbuster drugs that could enhance future revenues [12] - The acquisition of Seagen is beginning to positively impact sales and earnings, although it has not fully offset the revenue loss from COVID-19 products [10][12]