Core Thesis - Teck Resources Limited is viewed positively due to its strategic focus on copper and zinc, particularly through its Quebrada Blanca project and a proposed merger with Anglo American [1][3][6] Company Overview - Teck Resources Ltd is a Canadian producer of copper and zinc, with a significant focus on its Quebrada Blanca project in Chile, which is central to its operational strategy [3] - The company has exited steelmaking coal and energy sectors, reducing commodity beta and reallocating capital towards copper and zinc while returning cash to shareholders [3] Operational Insights - Teck's portfolio is primarily located in the Americas, featuring key assets such as Quebrada Blanca, Highland Valley Copper, Antamina, and Carmen de Andacollo, along with zinc operations from Red Dog and Trail [4] - The Quebrada Blanca project is characterized by long-life, low-strip operations with high-quality ore, but faces near-term production constraints due to tailings management facility limitations, with steady-state production anticipated in 2027 [4] Growth Potential - The company has opportunities for growth through low-capex debottlenecking and potential adjacency to the QB-Collahuasi project, although execution risks exist due to joint venture agreements and regulatory approvals [5] - Management has enhanced operational oversight with dedicated senior vice presidents and a special advisor for tailings management remediation, focusing on strategy and capital discipline [5] Merger Considerations - The proposed merger with Anglo American presents potential benefits through increased scale, synergies, and copper adjacency, but also introduces complexities related to integration and deal completion [6] - Teck's equity is highly sensitive to copper market dynamics, with upside dependent on successful execution of the Quebrada Blanca project, tailings remediation, and de-risking the merger [6]

Company Overview - ArcBest Corporation is a century-old, multi-segment logistics operator with a unionized less-than-truckload (LTL) network and an asset-light brokerage and managed transportation business [2] - The company operates 239 service centers across North America, employing approximately 15,000 individuals, with about 56% represented by the Teamsters [2] Financial Performance - For 2024, ArcBest's projected revenue is $4.53 billion, with the asset-based LTL segment contributing $3.33 billion (74% of total revenue) and the asset-light logistics segment contributing $1.20 billion [3] - The EBITDA margin for the LTL segment is 10.2%, while the asset-light logistics segment has a margin of 3-4% [3] - The company has a collective bargaining agreement that ensures predictable 4.2% annual labor cost escalations through mid-2028 [3] Market Dynamics - The North American LTL market is valued at $85 billion, with the top 10 carriers controlling 75% of the revenue [4] - The liquidation of Yellow in 2023 removed approximately 9-10% of national capacity, benefiting ArcBest by redistributing assets to more rational operators and improving rate discipline [4] Industry Outlook - Despite a freight recession expected from 2023 to 2025, industry pricing has remained rational, and a modest rebound in manufacturing could quickly normalize volumes [5] - ArcBest's higher-cost structure due to unionization provides significant operating leverage, with potential for dramatic earnings increases if tonnage or oversized freight mix recovers [5] Investment Thesis - ArcBest's shares are trading near their liquidation value of $50-$84 per share, based on terminal, fleet, and brokerage assets, presenting an asymmetric upside opportunity [6] - A mid-cycle recovery could drive 2028 EPS to $10-12, while normalization in shipment weights could push EPS to $18-20, indicating a potential 2-3x upside [6] - Key catalysts for growth include industrial recovery, tonnage normalization, terminal monetization, and potential mergers and acquisitions [6]

Core Thesis - Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) is experiencing a bullish sentiment driven by significant institutional options trading and upcoming catalysts, suggesting a medium-term price increase [2][3][5]. Institutional Activity - On December 8, 2025, a large institutional trade involved the purchase of 30,000 April 17, 2026 $110 call contracts, amounting to approximately $300 million in notional exposure, indicating a strategic bet on MRK's price movement [2]. Strategic Options Positioning - The proposed strategy includes a split-strike risk reversal, selling April $85 puts to finance the $110 calls, which aims to limit downside risk while positioning for potential upside [3]. Fundamental Drivers - Key growth drivers include the launch of Winrevair, which is on track for blockbuster status, the sustained performance of the Keytruda franchise, and a robust pipeline with promising developments in cardiology, vaccines, and respiratory diseases [4]. Market Context - Merck is trading at a valuation discount within the healthcare sector, coupled with a strong dividend yield that provides a safety net, making it an attractive investment during a macro rotation into healthcare defensives [5]. Historical Performance - Since a previous bullish thesis in April 2025, MRK's stock price has increased by approximately 30.50%, attributed to improving margins and strong free cash flow generation [6].

Core Thesis - V.F. Corporation (VFC) is experiencing a significant growth trajectory, with 75% of its business showing growth this quarter, an increase from 65%-70% last quarter and 60% in 1Q26, indicating a broad-based recovery across multiple segments and geographies [3][6] Financial Performance - As of February 5th, VFC's share price was $20.10, with trailing and forward P/E ratios of 37.16 and 18.42 respectively [1] - The Americas region has shown particularly strong performance, noted as one of the best in over three years, with positive gross margin trends and an optimistic outlook for reaching or exceeding a long-term target of 55% [4] Direct-to-Consumer Channel - Growth in the direct-to-consumer (DTC) channel is highlighted as a key driver of consumer demand, providing a fast lever for scaling new products, especially through digital platforms [4][6] Brand Performance - Vans brand is stabilizing despite facing revenue headwinds, with expected declines in the mid-single digits for 4Q26, while global e-commerce growth marks the first increase in over four years [5] - Altra is being cultivated as a high-potential brand, with a revenue target of $1 billion, emphasizing a disciplined approach to debt and a focus on organic growth [6] Management Strategy - Management maintains a transparent guidance philosophy aimed at achieving the top end of revenue ranges, with a focus on robust DTC and digital execution [6] - The company has seen a stock price appreciation of approximately 72% since previous bullish coverage, reflecting improved revenue, EPS, gross margins, and debt reduction [7]

Core Thesis - TC Energy Corporation (TRP) is viewed positively due to its disciplined execution, conservative risk management, and long-term growth potential, despite current market valuations [1][5]. Financial Performance - TRP's share price was $59.91 as of February 5th, with trailing and forward P/E ratios of 22.59 and 21.64 respectively [1]. - The company reported a steady Q3 2025 performance, aligning with expectations and guiding capital expenditures at the low end of the $5.5–$6.0 billion range for 2025 [2]. - The dividend remains secure, with growth anticipated at the lower end of 3–5%, which is sufficient to keep pace with inflation [3]. Growth Outlook - Management indicated that long-term growth is sustainable beyond 2028, although they are cautious about extending guidance further until project returns are clearly understood [3]. - Upcoming initiatives are expected to increase spending to approximately $7 billion annually by 2028–29, indicating a robust pipeline of opportunities [3]. Market Position - TRP shares are currently trading at a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.5, reflecting market expectations, while the dividend yield of 4.45% is below the five-year average of 6.02% [4]. - The company's regulated and infrastructure pipeline assets are considered high-quality holdings in North America, providing dependable cash flow and capital discipline [5]. Investment Perspective - Although TRP is not currently a bargain, its operational competence and long-term growth potential make it a cornerstone holding, with opportunities for accumulation if yields rise closer to 5.5–6.0% [5]. - The company's performance exemplifies reliable, compounding competence without excessive risk [5].

We came across a bullish thesis on Genesis Energy, L.P. on Latticework’s Substack by MOI Global Equity Research. In this article, we will summarize the bulls’ thesis on GEL. Genesis Energy, L.P.'s share was trading at $17.33 as of February 4th. GEL’s trailing P/E was 41.53 according to Yahoo Finance. Sable Offshore (SOC) Ends Losses, Jumps 14.9% on Bullish Rating, PT Kanok Sulaiman/Shutterstock.com Genesis Energy is an MLP focused on offshore pipeline transportation in the Gulf of Mexico, marine transpo ...

We came across a bullish thesis on Intel Corporation on R. Dennis’s Substack by OppCost. In this article, we will summarize the bulls’ thesis on INTC. Intel Corporation's share was trading at $48.78 as of January 28th. INTC’s trailing and forward P/E were 88.08 and 85.47 respectively according to Yahoo Finance. Photo by Slejven Djurakovic on Unsplash Intel Corporation designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and sells computing and related products and services worldwide. A recent large block trade in ...

Company Overview - Akamai Technologies, Inc. has transformed from a content delivery network (CDN) provider to a broader distributed cloud, cybersecurity, and edge computing platform, with cybersecurity now being the primary growth engine [3] - The company operates one of the most distributed networks globally, with thousands of edge locations in over 130 countries, enabling low latency and high reliability for enterprises [3] Financial Performance - The content delivery segment is facing pressure, with revenues expected to be flat to down modestly due to increased competition and pricing compression [4] - The security business is projected to grow around 10%, driven by the critical nature of cybersecurity spending [4] - The cloud computing segment, while smaller, is expected to grow at an annual recurring revenue rate of 40-45% by year-end, contributing to overall segment growth of just under 15% [4] Valuation Metrics - Akamai trades at a forward P/E of approximately 13x and an EV/EBITDA of around 9x, making it one of the cheaper options among peers in the security and cloud sectors [5] - The company has actively reduced its share count over the past decade through aggressive share buybacks, with significant authorization remaining [5] - Despite concerns over elevated stock-based compensation affecting economic margins, the company's essential products and improving mix towards higher-growth segments create a cautiously bullish risk-reward profile [5] Market Comparison - A comparison with Cloudflare, Inc. highlights similar views on infrastructure software, emphasizing valuation discipline and transformation-led upside at Akamai Technologies, Inc. [6]

We came across a bullish thesis on Maplebear Inc. on Compounding Your Wealth’s Substack by Sergey. In this article, we will summarize the bulls’ thesis on CART. Maplebear Inc.'s share was trading at $36.08 as of February 3rd. CART’s trailing and forward P/E were 20.77 and 15.70 respectively according to Yahoo Finance. Sysco (SYS) Soars 11% on Upbeat Outlook Maplebear Inc., doing business as Instacart, engages in the provision of online grocery shopping services to households in North America. CART delive ...

Core Thesis - Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is viewed positively by Quality Value Investing, highlighting its brand strength, customer loyalty, and effective omnichannel execution, contrasting with Morningstar's "no-moat" rating [1][3][6] Company Overview - Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is a mid-cap omnichannel retailer in the home furnishings sector, operating brands like Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, and West Elm, with a strong focus on affluent customers [2] Financial Performance - The company has achieved mid-single-digit annualized revenue growth over the past five years, maintaining profitability with mid-double-digit net margins due to disciplined cost control [4] - A new $1 billion buyback authorization was announced, with over $266 million of stock repurchased in Q3, indicating strong capital allocation and value creation [5] Investment Highlights - Return on invested capital significantly exceeds QVI's target and the company's weighted average cost of capital, supporting a positive long-term shareholder return profile [5] - The stock price has appreciated approximately 36.51% since previous bullish coverage, reflecting confidence in margin expansion and operational efficiency [6]