Summary of U.S. Machinery & Electricals Outlook 2026 Industry Overview - The report focuses on the machinery and electrical equipment industry, highlighting a cyclical recovery expected in 2026 after a challenging 2025, where estimates fell by 5-10% due to a downturn in core markets such as truck, agricultural, and construction equipment [1][12]. Key Points Cyclical Recovery - 2026 is anticipated to be a recovery year driven by aligned monetary and fiscal policies, which are expected to restart positive estimate revisions, with potential upside in low single digits to mid single digits [1][12]. - The recovery is not yet priced into the market, with current pricing reflecting a PMI of around 50, indicating stagnation [2][13]. Construction Equipment - Construction equipment is viewed as a tightly coiled spring, with looser monetary policy and strong fiscal impulses expected to impact the non-residential sector positively in 2026 [3][14]. - The supply/demand balance for construction equipment is tightening, with utilization rates and rental rates increasing, while inventories of used and new equipment are decreasing [3][14]. Truck and Agricultural Equipment - North American heavy-duty truck production is projected to decline by 6% year-over-year in 2026, with production expected to hit 225,000 units, which is 40,000 units below replacement levels [4][15]. - Agricultural equipment demand is expected to reach a 40-year low, declining by 10-15% year-over-year, but improving farmer profits and tighter inventories signal a potential trough [4][15]. Electrical Equipment - Demand for electrical equipment is expected to remain strong in 2026, with growth driven by data center capacity build-out, although regulatory obstacles and political factors may create friction [5][16]. - Four key factors to monitor include regulatory impacts on growth, shifts in utility capital expenditures, political implications of electricity price inflation, and the increasing importance of behind-the-meter solutions for data centers [5][16]. Investment Implications Top Stock Picks for 2026 - **United Rentals (URI)**: Top pick with a price target of $1,128, representing a 42% potential upside, driven by a cyclical recovery and business transformation [6][17]. - **Trimble (TRMB)**: Price target of $99, with a 25% potential upside, benefiting from low tech penetration in construction and expected earnings growth [6][18]. - **Hubbell (HUBB)**: Price target of $530, with a 23% potential upside, expected to benefit from organic growth and a cyclical recovery [6][19]. - **PACCAR (PCAR)**: Price target of $125, with a 12% potential upside, positioned to benefit from cyclical recovery in the truck market [6][22]. - **Eaton (ETN)**: Price target of $395, with a 25% potential upside, navigating growth challenges but set for recovery [6][23]. Valuation Insights - The report emphasizes that many stocks in the machinery and electrical sector are undervalued, trading at a discount compared to historical averages, suggesting significant upside potential as the market recovers [12][46]. Additional Insights - The report notes that the effects of tax reform could unlock $800 billion in fiscal stimulus, positively impacting non-residential construction and truck sectors [12][46]. - The cyclical recovery is expected to lead to a double-digit growth in estimates, driven by monetary policy and fiscal stimulus [12][46]. This comprehensive outlook indicates a significant potential for recovery in the machinery and electrical sectors, with specific stocks poised to benefit from the anticipated economic conditions in 2026.

Company Overview - Ramaco Resources operates a portfolio of mining assets across key Appalachian regions, supplying metallurgical coal to major steel producers in the U.S. and abroad. The company generates revenue primarily through the extraction and sale of coal to domestic and international steel producers and coke plants [6] - As of the latest financial data, Ramaco reported a total revenue of $579.5 million and a net income of -$32.9 million, with a dividend yield of 2% [5] Recent Developments - On November 14, Beck Capital Management disclosed a new position in Ramaco Resources, acquiring 151,835 shares valued at approximately $5 million, which accounts for 1.2% of the fund's $433.8 million in U.S. equity holdings [2][3] - The shares of Ramaco Resources were priced at $14.41, reflecting a 34% increase over the past year, outperforming the S&P 500, which increased by 15% during the same period [4] Financial Position - Ramaco's third-quarter results indicate record liquidity of $272 million and a net cash position of over $77 million, marking its strongest balance sheet on record. Cash costs remained competitive at $97 per ton, with adjusted EBITDA reported at $8.4 million despite declining benchmark coal prices [10] - The company is transitioning beyond coal, with plans to accelerate the development of its Brook Mine in Wyoming, aiming to produce approximately 3,400 tons per year of rare earth and critical mineral oxides, representing a 175% increase from prior expectations [11]

Industries change, and companies either change with them or get left behind. For years, IPG Photonics ( IPGP ) was the technology leader in the then-novel field of industrial fiber lasers. While the company once enjoyed robust margins, rivals caught up, shrinking prices andAnalyst’s Disclosure:I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own o ...

Core Insights - The upcoming five days are critical for the retail sector, with expectations on consumer demand post-Black Friday [1] Retail Spending Trends - Adobe estimates that 17% of total online holiday spending will occur during Cyber Week, while the National Retail Federation predicts 186.9 million Americans will shop between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday, marking a record high [2] - Shoppers plan to allocate approximately 60% of their budget to online purchases and 40% to physical stores during this period [3] - Black Friday is projected to remain the largest in-store shopping day of the year, with e-commerce sales expected to grow by 8.3% compared to last year [4] Consumer Behavior - Salesforce indicates that Black Friday sales have outperformed Cyber Monday sales in previous years and are expected to do so again this year [5] - Despite economic uncertainties, consumers are still making purchases, albeit more selectively, with retail CEOs noting a focus on perceived value [6] - Bank of America reports a 4.5% year-over-year increase in holiday spending, suggesting a positive outlook for consumer discretionary spending [8] Economic Context - There are indications of a bifurcated economy, with some consumers facing inflationary pressures that limit discretionary spending [12] - The consumer discretionary sector has shown resilience amidst recent market volatility, indicating potential for recovery [8][10] Sector Performance - The consumer discretionary sector has experienced mixed momentum, with some companies performing well while others struggle, highlighting the idiosyncratic nature of retail performance [15][16] - Companies like TJX are currently outperforming others in the sector, while brands like Burlington have reported disappointing results due to external factors like weather [16][18]

Core Insights - Ariel Investments' "Ariel Global Fund" reported a +4.99% return in Q3 2025, underperforming the MSCI ACWI Index (+7.62%) and the MSCI ACWI Value Index (+6.13%) [1] Group 1: Fund Performance - The global equities market experienced a rally in Q3 2025, driven by AI enthusiasm, resilient corporate earnings, the first U.S. rate cut of the year, and targeted policy easing across key regions [1] - The Ariel Global Fund's performance was +4.99% for the quarter, indicating a lag behind broader market indices [1] Group 2: FedEx Corporation Analysis - FedEx Corporation (NYSE:FDX) was highlighted as a key stock, with a one-month return of 9.89% but a 52-week decline of 8.66% [2] - As of November 18, 2025, FedEx's stock closed at $263.08, with a market capitalization of $62.075 billion [2] - The company is making progress in improving margins under new leadership, with a planned spin-off of FedEx Freight (LTL) by June 2026 expected to unlock significant value [3] - Additional catalysts for FedEx include the upcoming anniversary of the USPS contract termination in October 2025, clarity on tariffs, and potential cyclical recovery [3] Group 3: Hedge Fund Interest - FedEx Corporation was held by 67 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q2 2025, an increase from 62 in the previous quarter [4] - Despite its potential, the company is not considered among the top 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds [4] - The revenue for FedEx increased by 3% year-over-year in Q1 2026, driven by strength in U.S. domestic package services [4]

Market Momentum Shift - Investors are moving away from AI investments due to valuation concerns, with healthcare emerging as the best-performing sector, typically viewed as defensive [1] - The cyclical recovery, supported by monetary and fiscal stimulus, is leading to earnings growth in cyclical sectors, making them more attractive compared to AI and cloud sectors [2] Currency and Asset Performance - The US dollar has increased over 3% since its low on September 17, while Bitcoin and gold have seen declines after peaking on October 6 and October 20 respectively [3] - The strength of the dollar is considered temporary, with ongoing pressures expected to weaken it in the future [4][5] Economic Outlook - Despite recent dollar strength, it remains down approximately 9% year-to-date, with structural factors suggesting continued pressure on the dollar [7] - The cyclical recovery is anticipated to continue, with expectations of further interest rate reductions, which could support earnings growth in sectors outside of technology [10][11] Investment Strategy - A selective approach to buying the dip is recommended, focusing on sectors such as financials, healthcare, and energy that are expected to benefit from the cyclical recovery and a weakening dollar [9][12]

So, I think everybody's trying to figure out what to make of this market right now. I want to ask you not about an investment but a trade. Right now, it seems like one of the more attractive uh trades in the market right now with the government shutdown, trade tensions, also questions about the labor market would be VIX futures.Do you see it that way as well or are you seeing some other opportunities with all this volatility. >> Right. I I might say that that trade is happening uh in spite of those um seemi ...

Core Viewpoint - Stifel upgraded Schneider National from Hold to Buy with a price target of $25, indicating a positive outlook for the company's stock performance [1]. Group 1: Stock Performance - Shares of Schneider National rose more than 3% intra-day following the upgrade call [1]. - The company's shares had underperformed this year due to prolonged weakness in freight markets, characterized by slow capacity exits and depressed demand [1]. Group 2: Valuation and Market Conditions - Valuation declines relative to peers have made the risk-reward profile for Schneider National more favorable [1]. - Stifel noted signs of tightening supply due to regulatory pressures, which could indicate a potential cyclical recovery for the industry [2]. - At current stock levels, the potential upside for Schneider National outweighs the downside risks, assuming stable demand conditions [2].

Manitowoc Company (MTW) FY Conference Summary Company Overview - Manitowoc Company is a crane manufacturer listed on the NYSE, founded in 1902, and has transitioned from a product-focused company to a customer-oriented business emphasizing aftermarket services [5][4][3]. Industry Context - The crane industry has faced a challenging cycle over the past decade, but there are indications that the market may be at or near the bottom of this cycle [1][2]. - The company is optimistic about the potential for growth driven by infrastructure spending and cyclical recovery in the crane market [13][14]. Financial Goals and Performance - Manitowoc aims to grow its revenue from $2.2 billion to $3 billion, with a significant focus on increasing non-new machine sales from approximately $650 million to $1 billion [4][29]. - The aftermarket business, which includes parts and services, is expected to be a major driver of EBITDA and return on invested capital (ROIC) [4][29]. Key Growth Drivers 1. **Secular Growth**: Increased infrastructure spending globally, particularly in the U.S. for electricity generation and data centers, is expected to drive demand for cranes [15][16]. 2. **Cyclical Recovery**: The European tower crane market is showing signs of recovery after a downturn, with increased housing needs in the UK and Germany [17][24]. 3. **Mergers and Acquisitions**: Successful acquisitions, such as the H and E crane business and Aspen equipment, have contributed positively to the aftermarket and overall revenue [27][28]. 4. **Organic Growth Initiatives**: Expansion of service locations and technician workforce to enhance customer service and support [39][37]. Market Dynamics - The company has noted a significant increase in the value per machine due to larger cranes being utilized, which has implications for revenue growth despite lower unit volumes compared to historical peaks [22][21]. - The impact of tariffs on steel and components is being closely monitored, as it could affect pricing and margins [49][52]. Strategic Focus - Manitowoc is committed to continuous improvement through initiatives like the "Manitowoc Way," which emphasizes operational efficiency and safety [9][11]. - The company is also focusing on enhancing its aftermarket services, which are less cyclical and provide more stable revenue streams [29][30]. Challenges and Considerations - The crane business is inherently cyclical, and while there are positive signs, the company remains cautious about predicting market turns [53]. - High leverage (around four times) is a concern, limiting the company's ability to engage in stock buybacks or further acquisitions until it is reduced [48]. Conclusion - Manitowoc is positioned for potential growth through strategic initiatives focused on aftermarket services, infrastructure spending, and cyclical recovery in the crane market. The company remains vigilant about market conditions and operational efficiency to drive long-term value [54][53].

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The focus is on the **Chinese equity market**, which has seen a significant increase of **+42% over the past year** and **+26% year-to-date in USD** [1] Core Arguments 1. **Equity vs Rate Correlation** - There is a **bullish disconnect** between equities and rates in China, typically positively correlated through the cycle. However, at policy tipping points, equities can rally while rates remain low due to adequate policy easing. This signals the beginning of a cyclical inflection, similar to the US scenario from **2010-2012** [1] 2. **Liquidity Uplift** - China's **money supply** is rising, with **M1 growth** increasing from **0% earlier this year to over 5%** and **M2 growth** from **7% to nearly 9%**. This increase in liquidity is expected to lead to higher asset prices. Additionally, excess liquidity in China has risen from **9.1% of GDP in 3Q24 to 12.6% in 2Q25** [7] 3. **October Plenary** - The upcoming **October Plenary** will be crucial for understanding China's economic direction, particularly regarding the **15th Five-Year Plan**. Key areas of focus may include supporting consumption and improving supply/demand balance. The shift from a supply-side focus to a more balanced approach is anticipated to take years, not months [12] Additional Insights - A focus on **consumer sectors** is recommended, as companies like **Anta (9.5x EV/EBITDA)**, **Yum China (9.4x)**, **Galaxy Entertainment (8.5x)**, and **CR Beer (7.5x)** are trading at attractive multiples. This suggests potential for significant upward movement if consumption is prioritized in policy discussions [13] - The **anti-involution policy** is seen as a long-term strategy, indicating a shift in focus from supply-side growth to a more sustainable economic model [12] Conclusion - The overall sentiment remains **bullish** on the Chinese equity market, driven by favorable liquidity conditions, potential policy shifts towards consumption, and historical parallels with previous market cycles in the US. Investors are encouraged to monitor developments closely, particularly the outcomes of the October Plenary [1][7][12][13]