Key Takeaways Brent and WTI rebound to six-month highs amid U.S.-Iran tensions and supply concerns.Sasol Limited is seeing earnings estimate upgrades and projects 4.3% growth next year.National Energy Services Reunited forecasts 87.8% earnings growth for the current year.Global oil prices have started the year with a mix of moderate gains and persistent volatility, deeply influenced by geopolitical tensions and underlying macroeconomic fundamentals. Both Brent crude, the global benchmark, and West Texas Int ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Core FFO for Q4 2025 at $2.23 per diluted share, aligning with the midpoint of guidance, contributing to a full-year Core FFO of $8.74 per share [18] - Same-store NOI for Q4 was in line with guidance, with revenues slightly unfavorable by one cent but offset by favorable expenses [18] - The net debt-to-EBITDA ratio was reported at 4.3x, with 87% of outstanding debt fixed at an average maturity of 6.4 years and an effective rate of 3.8% [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average physical occupancy improved to 95.7%, a 10 basis point increase from both Q4 2024 and Q3 2025 [12] - Renewal lease rates improved by 50 basis points, while new lease rates remained flat [12] - The company completed 1,227 interior unit upgrades in Q4, totaling 5,995 for the year, achieving rent increases of $95 above non-upgraded units [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted strong performance in mid-tier markets, particularly in Virginia and South Carolina, with Charleston, Greenville, Richmond, and the DC area showing strong pricing power [13] - Austin was identified as the weakest market due to a high inventory delivered over the past four years [14] - The company expects to see a decline in new deliveries by over 60% in 2026 from peak levels, supporting demand across markets [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on strategic investments in technology initiatives to enhance resident experience and operational efficiency, with a capital investment increase of over 10% in 2026 [7] - The development pipeline was reported at $932 million, with plans to start construction on five to seven new projects in 2026 [9] - The company aims to leverage its strong balance sheet to pursue growth opportunities, particularly in a market with limited access to capital for others [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about entering 2026 with stronger fundamentals and anticipated improvements in blended lease rates and effective rent growth [5] - The company highlighted easing headwinds from the previous year, supported by expectations for sustained GDP growth and improving consumer sentiment [6] - Management noted that the demand for rentals remains solid, supported by job growth, immigration, and wage gains [6] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 207,000 shares at a weighted average price of $131.61, marking its first repurchase since 2001 [20] - Initial earnings guidance for 2026 projects Core FFO between $8.35 and $8.71 per share, with expectations for rental pricing growth [21] - The company plans to refinance $300 million in bonds maturing in September 2026, which will result in incremental interest expense [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you run through the new renewal and blended outlook numbers again? - Management provided guidance of about 1%-1.5% for blended rates in 2026, with renewals expected to be in the 5.25% range, anticipating strength into summer and less moderation in late summer and fall [28][30] Question: Can you comment on the transaction market and your decision to focus on development? - Management noted aggressive cap rates for core assets and a 50-75 basis point spread between core and value-add properties, emphasizing a focus on development to drive long-term earnings growth [33][36] Question: What gives you confidence in new lease growth despite macro challenges? - Management highlighted improving operating fundamentals, declining new deliveries, and strong demand metrics such as job growth and migration trends as key factors supporting confidence in new lease growth [51][78] Question: How do you expect turnover to impact your leasing strategy? - Management expects consistent turnover rates, with no significant increases anticipated, which supports renewal performance and pricing strategies [58] Question: What is the outlook for concessions in various markets? - Management indicated that concessions have been consistent, with some markets seeing increases while others stabilize, particularly in urban areas like Dallas and Atlanta [82]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The focus is on the **Basic Materials** sector in China, with a preference order for 2026 being **copper/gold > aluminum > lithium > coal > steel** [2][4] - The **MSCI China Materials** index is expected to outperform the **MSCI China** index by **3%** in the first week of January 2026, driven by supply disruptions and mergers and acquisitions [2][4] Company-Specific Insights - **Zijin Mining** is highlighted as the top pick for 2026, with a positive profit alert projecting a **2025 net profit** of **RMB 51-52 billion**, representing a **59-62% YoY increase** [4][9] - **Jiangxi Copper (JXC)** has been upgraded to Neutral (N) due to a positive outlook on copper, despite a recent **40%+ share price surge** that has factored in the acquisition of SolGold [2][5] - **Baosteel** and **Angang Steel** have been downgraded to Neutral (N) and Underweight (UW) respectively, due to low steel margins and weaker-than-expected anti-involution efforts [2][5] Market Dynamics - Supply disruptions are expected to continue, with **South32** placing its **Mozal Aluminum smelter** on care and maintenance in March 2026, and a strike at **Capstone Copper's Mantoverde** mine expected to reduce copper supply by **77kt** [4][9] - The **Chinese base metal demand growth** is forecasted to slow to **2.5%** for copper and **1.5%** for aluminum YoY [4][9] Earnings Forecasts - **4Q25 earnings** for steel companies are projected to be the weakest, with **Angang** and **Baosteel** expected to see earnings declines of **86%** and **33%** respectively [4][11] - **Zijin** and **CMOC** are expected to report solid growth, with **CMOC** anticipated to announce a positive profit alert with a **53% YoY increase** [4][11] Stock Recommendations - **Bullish on copper** and **bearish on steel**; **Zijin** remains the top pick for its copper/gold exposure [5][11] - **Hongqiao** and **Chalco** are recommended as buyers on dips due to the positive correlation between aluminum and copper prices [5][11] Regulatory and Policy Impacts - The **Ministry of Commerce** reinstated steel export licensing from January 1, 2026, which may lead to increased near-term exports and keep global prices under pressure [9] - Regulatory uncertainties in lithium mining rights are highlighted, particularly with the cancellation of mining rights affecting **Tianqi** and **Ganfeng** [9] Commodity Price Forecasts - **Copper prices** are forecasted to reach **$12,000/ton** in 1Q26, while **aluminum prices** are expected to stabilize around **$3,000/ton** [12][14] - **Lithium prices** are projected to increase significantly, with battery-grade lithium expected to reach **$17,500/ton** by 2026 [14] Conclusion - The Basic Materials sector in China is poised for a challenging yet opportunistic year in 2026, with significant variations in performance across different commodities and companies. The focus on supply dynamics, regulatory impacts, and strategic acquisitions will be crucial for investors navigating this landscape.

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported second quarter earnings per share of $1.67, a 17% increase year over year from $1.43 in 2024 [5] - Total Marine revenues increased by $7.8 million or 2% compared to 2024, and operating income increased by $4.2 million or 4% [13] - Distribution and Services segment revenues were $363 million with operating income of $35 million and operating margin of 9.8% [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Inland marine transportation saw barge utilization rates in the low to mid 90% range, with pricing gains and operating margins in the low 20% range [6][7] - Coastal marine transportation revenues increased 3% year over year and 14% sequentially, with operating margins in the high teens [17] - Power generation revenues increased 31% year over year, driven by robust demand from data centers and industrial customers [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Spot market rates increased in the low single digits sequentially and in the mid single digits year over year [7] - Average coastal barge utilization was in the mid to high 90% range, reflecting strong customer demand [8] - The oil and gas segment experienced a 27% year over year decline in revenues, although operating income increased significantly due to cost management [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain capital discipline while pursuing long-term value creation through strategic investments and acquisitions [30] - There is a focus on adapting to macroeconomic conditions and maintaining strong operational performance despite challenges [28] - The company anticipates continued growth in inland marine revenues in the low to mid single digits for the full year [31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the macro environment has become more complex, with trade policy shifts introducing uncertainty [28] - Despite some demand softness, the company expects 15% to 25% year over year growth in earnings for 2025 [29] - The outlook for the power generation segment remains strong, with a growing backlog and increased orders [53] Other Important Information - The company expects to generate cash flow from operations of $620 million to $720 million for 2025 [25] - Capital expenditures are projected to range between $60 million and $290 million for the year, with some growth initiatives deferred to 2026 [26] - The company has a strong balance sheet with $68 million in cash and total debt of approximately $1.12 billion [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on inland business demand and spot pricing - Management indicated that while the second quarter was strong, there are signs of demand pullback in July, particularly from chemical customers [40][41] Question: Clarification on growth guidance and margin impacts - Management stated that if demand remains muted, they may finish closer to the lower end of their guidance range, but there is potential for recovery [61][62] Question: Insights on power generation segment and backlog - Management confirmed that the power generation segment is seeing strong demand, with a backlog increase of 15% to 20% [52][105] Question: Discussion on capital allocation between M&A and stock buybacks - Management expressed a preference for stock buybacks in the absence of acquisitions, while remaining open to potential M&A opportunities [78][80] Question: Inquiry about the frac market and power generation quotes - Management noted that most power generation orders are now coming from data centers, with a significant increase in inquiries compared to previous periods [104][106]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a preference for platinum, copper, and rhodium as preferred metals, while cobalt is deemed least-preferred [12][20][30]. Core Insights - The metals market is experiencing significant volatility due to global policy uncertainty, particularly surrounding tariffs, which are impacting demand and supply chains [12][20][27]. - The implementation of tariffs is expected to lead to price divergence between regions, with U.S. prices likely to be at a premium compared to international prices [3][17]. - Concerns over global economic growth, particularly in China, are intensifying, which could further affect metal consumption [5][23]. Summary by Sections Muddled Outlook - The market has seen a range of views on metal prices, with uncertainty prevailing due to tariffs and their potential impact on monetary policy and economic growth [2][14]. - Policymakers in China will need to increase support to bolster internal demand to meet GDP growth targets [2][23]. Price Forecast Changes - Price forecasts for metals have been adjusted due to recent volatility, with platinum and copper remaining preferred, while cobalt is least-preferred [7][29]. - The report indicates that rhodium has moved from neutral to preferred due to tightening market conditions [7][30]. Tariffs and Their Impact - The U.S. imports a significant portion of its metal demand, and the ongoing tariffs could disrupt commodity supply chains and increase risks for demand [16][17]. - A potential 25% tariff on copper is anticipated, which could further complicate the market dynamics [16][18]. Supply and Demand Dynamics - Supply issues are expected to continue influencing prices, with specific metals like cobalt and manganese experiencing price fluctuations due to supply constraints [26][67]. - The report highlights that while demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is a key driver for some metals, recent trends indicate a slowdown in EV sales momentum [25][26]. Commodity Price Performance - The report notes that prices for various metals have shown sharp volatility, with some metals experiencing a decline due to economic growth concerns [27][28]. - Gold prices reached a record high of USD 3,167/oz, driven by safe-haven demand amid economic uncertainty [28]. Specific Metal Insights - **Copper**: Prices are expected to remain balanced in the near term, but potential tariffs could lead to a structural deficit in the long term [71][72]. - **Aluminum**: The market is projected to remain in modest surplus in 2025, with robust demand from China offsetting some weaknesses [69][70]. - **Cobalt**: The market is expected to remain in surplus due to increased supply and a challenging demand outlook [66].