Core Viewpoint - The company has approved the absorption and merger of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Xinxing Steel, which is expected to optimize asset integration, personnel, and management structure, thereby improving operational and decision-making efficiency while reducing management costs [1] Group 1 - The company passed the resolution for the merger on April 28 and May 9, 2025 [1] - The company received the registration notice for the cancellation of Xinxing Steel on January 9, 2026, and the business registration has been completed [1] - The merger is not expected to have a substantial impact on the company's financial status and operating results [1]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of looking beyond U.S. large caps for investment opportunities, particularly in undervalued international stocks [1][3][9] - The Benzinga Value Ranking is introduced as a systematic, numbers-driven tool to identify the cheapest stocks globally based on multiple valuation metrics [2][5] Investment Strategy - Investors are encouraged to focus on the top decile of the Benzinga Value Ranking, specifically targeting non-U.S. stocks to access the cheapest part of the global market [7][9] - The current market environment is characterized by extreme valuation dispersion outside the U.S., with many profitable companies trading at low earnings multiples [4][6] Company Highlights - **POSCO Holdings (NYSE:PKX)**: A leading steel producer in South Korea, trading at discounted multiples despite controlling high-quality assets [11] - **Sasol Ltd. (NYSE:SSL)**: An integrated energy and chemicals company in South Africa, generating substantial cash flow but heavily discounted due to past operational issues [12] - **Korea Electric Power Corp. (NYSE:KEP)**: The backbone of South Korea's power system, facing extreme low valuation multiples due to government pricing controls [13] - **LuxExperience (NYSE:LUXE)**: A niche luxury travel company in the Netherlands, undervalued due to lack of investor attention rather than demand collapse [14] - **Gerdau (NYSE:GGB)**: Brazil's largest long steel producer, trading at low multiples despite consistent cash flow generation [15] - **Honda Motor (NYSE:HMC)**: A global manufacturing leader in Japan, undervalued due to lack of hype around its steady profits and cash flow [16] - **SK Telecom (NYSE:SKM)**: South Korea's largest wireless carrier, undervalued due to low growth expectations despite reliable cash generation [18] - **Jiayin Group (NASDAQ:JFIN)**: A Chinese fintech company facing regulatory uncertainty, leading to extreme valuation discounts [19] - **FinVolution Group (NYSE:FINV)**: Another Chinese fintech platform, similarly undervalued due to regulatory challenges and investor distrust [20] - **KT Corp. (NYSE:KT)**: A leading telecommunications provider in South Korea, generating stable cash flow but facing compressed valuation multiples [21]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of identifying growth stocks with strong financial growth potential, highlighting Commercial Metals (CMC) as a recommended stock due to its favorable growth metrics and Zacks Rank [2][9]. Earnings Growth - Commercial Metals has a historical EPS growth rate of 0.4%, but its projected EPS growth for this year is expected to be 127.4%, significantly surpassing the industry average of 84.5% [4]. Asset Utilization Ratio - The company has an asset utilization ratio (sales-to-total-assets ratio) of 1.06, indicating it generates $1.06 in sales for every dollar in assets, which is higher than the industry average of 0.9, showcasing better efficiency [5]. Sales Growth - Commercial Metals is projected to achieve a sales growth of 9.6% this year, compared to the industry average of 4.9%, indicating strong sales performance [6]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - There has been a positive trend in earnings estimate revisions for Commercial Metals, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year increasing by 0.9% over the past month, suggesting favorable market sentiment [7]. Overall Positioning - With a Growth Score of B and a Zacks Rank of 1, Commercial Metals is well-positioned for outperformance, making it an attractive option for growth investors [9].

Group 1: Ciena Corporation (CIEN) - Ciena Corporation is a network hardware and software services provider with a Zacks Rank of 1 [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Ciena's current year earnings has increased by 22.3% over the last 60 days [1] - Ciena has a PEG ratio of 1.16, significantly lower than the industry average of 5.22, indicating strong growth potential [1] - The company possesses a Growth Score of A, reflecting its favorable growth characteristics [1] Group 2: Commercial Metals Company (CMC) - Commercial Metals Company is a steel and metal products provider with a Zacks Rank of 1 [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Commercial Metals' current year earnings has increased by 22.6% over the last 60 days [2] - Commercial Metals has a PEG ratio of 0.40, which is much lower than the industry average of 1.58, suggesting strong growth prospects [2] - The company has a Growth Score of B, indicating solid growth characteristics [2]

Core Viewpoint - Walmart, Coca-Cola, and Nucor are highlighted as strong Dividend Aristocrats with long histories of dividend growth and positive analyst sentiment, suggesting potential for continued shareholder value through 2026 [5][19]. Walmart (WMT) - WMT stock has increased by 23% over the past 52 weeks and 1.5% year-to-date, reflecting investor confidence in its steady earnings and cash flow [2]. - In the fiscal third quarter of 2026, Walmart reported revenue of $179.5 billion, a 5.8% year-over-year increase, and adjusted EPS of $0.58, surpassing expectations [6]. - Walmart's forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is approximately 43 times, above the sector average, but it maintains a strong dividend history with 52 consecutive years of increases [1]. - The company has partnered with OpenAI to enhance online shopping through AI, which may improve conversion rates from browsing to purchases [7]. - Analysts maintain a consensus "Strong Buy" rating for WMT, with an average price target of $123.40, indicating about 9% potential upside [8]. Coca-Cola (KO) - KO stock has risen 12% over the past 52 weeks, although it has decreased by 1% year-to-date [10]. - Coca-Cola has increased its dividend for 63 consecutive years, with a recent payment of $0.51 per share and a yield of 3.01%, above the Consumer Staples average [12]. - In Q3 2025, Coca-Cola's net revenues grew by 5% to $12.5 billion, with adjusted EPS increasing by 5% to $0.82 [13]. - Analysts rate KO as a consensus "Strong Buy," with an average price target of $80.83, suggesting about 16% potential upside [14]. Nucor (NUE) - NUE stock has surged 42% over the past 52 weeks and is up 3% year-to-date, indicating positive investor sentiment towards the industrial sector [15]. - Nucor's forward P/E ratio is around 14.5 times, which is below the broader sector average, and it has a history of 53 consecutive years of dividend increases [16]. - In Q3 2025, Nucor reported net sales of $8.52 billion and net earnings of $607 million, or $2.63 per diluted share [17]. - Analysts have a consensus "Strong Buy" rating for NUE, with an average price target of $178.83, implying about 7% potential upside [18].

Core Insights - Algoma Steel Group Inc. provided guidance for its quarter ended December 31, 2025, indicating total steel shipments expected to be between 375,000 to 380,000 tons and Adjusted EBITDA anticipated to be in the range of negative $95 million to negative $105 million [2][3] Group 1: Financial Performance - Total steel shipments for the quarter are projected to be between 375,000 to 380,000 tons [2] - Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be between negative $95 million to negative $105 million [2] Group 2: Operational Developments - The fourth-quarter results reflect the ongoing impact of steel tariffs and the wind-down of blast furnace operations, which are expected to conclude shortly [3] - The first unit of the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) project is now operating six days a week, with the second unit on schedule [3] - The transition to EAF steelmaking is aligned with Canada's national interest, aiming to strengthen domestic steelmaking capacity and support critical infrastructure [3] Group 3: Sustainability Initiatives - The transition to EAF steelmaking is one of the largest industrial decarbonization initiatives in North America, expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 70% once fully transitioned [5] - Algoma is introducing Volta™, a brand for all steel produced through EAF technology, which promises lower emissions while maintaining performance [6] - The company continues to invest in its people, processes, and technologies to enhance domestic supply chains and produce responsible Canadian-made steel [6]

M&A Activity - Kerry Stokes' conglomerate is preparing another bid for BlueScope Steel (ASX:BSL) after a previous $13.2 billion approach was rejected by CEO Jane McAloon [4] - Glencore has restarted merger talks with Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) to potentially create a $388 billion enterprise, with further details expected to unfold early this calendar year [5] Market Performance - ASX 200 futures gained +0.3%, influenced by a +0.5% advance in the Dow Jones, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq were down [2] - Australian market sentiments may shift mid-morning, as observed in previous Week 2 trading days [3] Economic Data - Upcoming global economic data includes China's consumer and price data and U.S. non-farm payrolls, which may impact market movements [3] Company Developments - NAB (ASX:NAB) plans to reintroduce local branches, envisioning "hubs" that will offer personal banking options alongside advisers, lawyers, and wealth managers [6] - Core Lithium (ASX:CXO) has seen a significant increase of +17% recently, reaching a two-year high, although it faced scrutiny for the rapid price increase [6] Commodity Prices - Iron Ore prices decreased by -0.7% to $108.25 per tonne, while Brent Crude rebounded by +5% to $62.81 per barrel [7] - Gold is priced at $4,486 per ounce, and U.S. natural gas futures fell by -3.5% to $3.40 per gigajoule [7]

Core Viewpoint - Cleveland-Cliffs Inc (NYSE:CLF) is experiencing a recovery in its stock price after a significant decline, despite a downgrade from KeyBanc, indicating potential for further gains due to technical indicators and market conditions [1][2]. Group 1: Stock Performance - CLF's stock rose by 2.6% to $12.35, recovering from a previous drop of 9.3% [1]. - The stock is approaching a historically bullish trendline, suggesting a potential rebound [1]. Group 2: Technical Indicators - The stock is currently within 0.75 of the 126-day moving average's 20-day average true range (ATR), having remained above this level 80% of the time in the past two weeks and 80% of the last 42 trading sessions [2]. - Historical data shows that similar signals have led to a 75% chance of the stock being higher one month later, with an average gain of 4.3% [2]. Group 3: Market Sentiment - A short squeeze may provide additional support, with short interest at 13.1% of the stock's available float, equating to nearly three days of buying power [4]. - The 14-day relative strength index (RSI) of 28.1 indicates that the stock is in "oversold" territory, which often precedes a short-term bounce [4].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - CMC reported net earnings of $177.3 million, or $1.58 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $175.7 million in the prior year period [21] - Adjusted earnings were $206.2 million, or $1.84 per diluted share, compared to $86.9 million and $0.76 per diluted share in the prior year [22] - Consolidated core EBITDA reached $316.9 million, a 52% increase from $208.7 million in the prior year [22] - Core EBITDA margin expanded to 14.9%, reflecting growth both year-over-year and sequentially [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American Steel Group generated adjusted EBITDA of $293.9 million, with an EBITDA margin of 17.7%, up from 12.3% in the prior year [22] - Construction Solutions Group net sales grew by 17% year-over-year to $198.3 million, with adjusted EBITDA increasing by 75% to $39.6 million [23] - Europe Steel Group reported adjusted EBITDA of $10.9 million, down from $25.8 million in the prior year, primarily due to a lower CO2 credit [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Shipments of finished steel were virtually unchanged year-over-year, with a less than 1% decline from the previous quarter [10] - The Dodge Momentum Index increased by approximately 50% year-over-year, indicating substantial pent-up demand in non-residential markets [11] - The commercial segment of the DMI grew by 57%, while institutional projects increased by 37% [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - CMC's strategic focus is on transforming into a stronger organization with higher, more stable margins and returns on capital [5] - The TAG initiative aims to drive operational and commercial excellence, targeting a permanent improvement in margins and cash flows [16] - Recent acquisitions of CPMP and Foley Products are expected to enhance CMC's commercial portfolio and financial profile [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the supportive market conditions, with stable demand and limited imports contributing to strong performance [5] - The company anticipates modest declines in consolidated core EBITDA for the second quarter due to seasonal trends, but expects contributions from the precast businesses to offset this [31] - Management remains optimistic about long-term demand drivers, including infrastructure investment and energy generation [12] Other Important Information - CMC's effective tax rate was 3.1% in the first quarter, with expectations of a full-year rate between 5% and 10% for fiscal 2026 [29] - The company plans to spend approximately $625 million in capital expenditures for fiscal 2026, focusing on growth investments and completing the Steel West Virginia micromill [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on CPMP and Foley acquisitions - Management noted positive cultural fit and integration potential, with confidence in achieving synergies [36] Question: North American metal margins outlook - Management expects margins to remain stable, with demand absorbing new supply entering the market [38] Question: Seasonal impacts on volumes - Typical seasonal decline of 5%-10% is expected in the second quarter, despite stronger than anticipated first-quarter volumes [42] Question: Precast business seasonality - The precast business is expected to follow overall seasonal trends, contributing about $30 million of EBITDA in the second quarter [46] Question: Scrap optimization benefits - Scrap optimization initiatives have significantly improved margins, with ongoing efforts to enhance quality and reduce costs [50]

Financial Performance & Outlook - Q1 Net Earnings reached $1773 million[15], while Adjusted Earnings were $2062 million[15] - Q1 Core EBITDA stood at $3169 million[15], with a Core EBITDA Margin of 149%[15] - The company aims to exit FY 2026 with an annualized run-rate EBITDA benefit of $150 million from TAG initiatives[14, 21] - Precast business is expected to contribute approximately $165 million to $175 million to Construction Solutions Group Adjusted EBITDA in fiscal 2026[34] Strategic Initiatives - The company launched new Transform, Advance, Grow ("TAG") initiatives with commercial opportunities in focus[14, 19] - The company rebranded Emerging Businesses Group to Construction Solutions Group to better reflect business composition and strategic role of segment[14, 28] - The company completed acquisitions of Concrete Pipe & Precast ("CP&P") and Foley Products Company ("Foley")[2, 34] Market Dynamics - Construction Solutions Group net sales were up 170% year-over-year, while adjusted EBITDA increased by 747%[52, 65] - Europe Steel Group shipments increased by 157% on a year-over-year basis[52, 72] - The company anticipates reducing net debt to adjusted EBITDA to below 2x within 18 months[14, 46]