Monte Independent Investment Research: Michael Del Monte is a buy-side equity analyst with over 5 years of industry experience. Prior to working in the investment management industry, Michael spent over a decade in professional services working across industries that include O&G, OFS, Midstream, Industrials, Information Technology, EPC Services, and consumer discretionary.Investment recommendations are built upon the entirety of the investment ecosystem rather than considering a company independently.Analys ...

We prefer: 1) stocks that benefit from policies stimulating domestic consumption, such as restaurants (Yum China, DPC Dash) and their suppliers such as condiments companies (Yihai), beverage companies (Guming, China Foods, Bairun), and brewers (BUD APAC, Tsingtao, CR Beer); 2) value plays offering decent shareholder returns (WH Group); 3) structural growth opportunities (Pop Mart, China Pet Food, Weilong, Sun Art, Anta, RLX, Arashi Vision); 4) home appliance makers with overseas earnings upside and global e ...

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to investment recommendations, considering the entire investment ecosystem rather than evaluating companies in isolation [1]. Group 1 - The analyst, Michael Del Monte, has over 5 years of experience in the investment management industry and previously worked for over a decade in professional services across various sectors including Oil & Gas, Oilfield Services, Midstream, Industrials, Information Technology, EPC Services, and Consumer Discretionary [1]. - Investment recommendations are based on a comprehensive understanding of the investment landscape, highlighting the interconnectedness of different sectors and companies [1].

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The report focuses on the **Global MNCs China Sentiment Index** for the second quarter of 2025, indicating a general improvement in sentiment among multinational corporations (MNCs) towards China, influenced by tariff negotiations and expectations of policy easing [1][2][12]. Core Findings 1. **Sentiment Index Increase**: The sentiment reading for MNCs rose by 3 points to **28** in 2Q25 from **25** in 1Q25. The percentage of MNCs with a positive outlook increased to **58%**, up from **51%** in the previous quarter [3][14]. 2. **Sector Performance**: Out of 12 sectors, **nine** showed a quarter-over-quarter improvement in sentiment. The **Real Estate**, **Financials**, and **Industrials** sectors experienced the most significant increases, while **Utilities**, **Information Technology**, and **Energy** sectors saw declines [5][27]. 3. **Theme Analysis**: The most notable improvements were observed in the **Supply Chain** (up **17 points**), **Cost** (up **15 points**), **Trade/Tariff** (up **12 points**), and **Multipolar Impact** (up **10 points**). Conversely, sentiment towards **Labor** and **Regulations** declined [4][12]. Regional Insights - Sentiment scores improved significantly in the **EU** and **US** regions, with increases of **29 points** and **16 points**, respectively. In contrast, Japan's sentiment dropped by **28 points** [29]. Economic Context - The macroeconomic environment in China has shown signs of deterioration, prompting discussions about more accommodative policies. The State Council emphasized the need to stabilize the housing market and meet annual economic targets, indicating potential localized easing measures in the housing sector [12][13]. - The A-share market has rallied to new 10-year highs, driven by better liquidity and expectations of easing policies, although caution is advised regarding the sustainability of this rally [14]. Company-Specific Insights - **US Industrials Company**: Expressed optimism about a potential bottoming out in the Chinese market, attributing this to tariff negotiations [22]. - **Brazilian Materials Company**: Noted that the Chinese government achieved over **5% GDP growth** in the first half of 2025, leading to expectations of mild economic incentives [22]. - **US Consumer Discretionary Company**: Reported a **12% increase** in e-commerce sales, with Greater China organic sales growing by **2%** [23]. - **European Healthcare Company**: Mentioned that while stimulus activity is increasing in China, consumer sentiment remains subdued [24]. Trade and Tariff Implications - An African Materials Company highlighted the persistent weakness in China's property markets, which has been somewhat offset by strong exports despite a **2% contraction** in steel output [25]. - A European IT Company is on track to reduce the share of US products sourced from China from **40%** to **10%** by year-end, reflecting ongoing adjustments to tariff policies [25]. Conclusion - The overall sentiment towards China among global MNCs has improved, driven by easing tariff tensions and expectations of supportive economic policies. However, challenges remain, particularly in specific sectors and regions, necessitating close monitoring of economic indicators and policy developments [12][14].

Earnings Season Overview - The second quarter earnings season has been successful with more beats and raises than misses, particularly led by the Mag 7 stocks [1] - Nvidia's upcoming report is highly anticipated [1] Retail Sector Focus - This week's focus is on major retailers to assess price increases, inflation, tariff impacts, and consumer behavior [2][3] - Key retailers to watch include Walmart (WMT) and Target (TGT), along with home improvement retailers like Home Depot (HD) and Lowe's (LOW) [3] Home Improvement Retailers (Home Depot & Lowe's) - Home Depot (HD) has a strong earnings surprise track record with only one miss in the last five years [4] - Home Depot's earnings have declined in the last couple of years due to housing market conditions and tariffs, with a projected earnings decline of 1.4% to 4%, but a rebound is expected next year [5][6] - Lowe's (LOW) also has a great earnings surprise track record with earnings expected to decline but then recover, projecting a 2.4% to 4% gain this year and another in 2027 [7][8] - Both Home Depot and Lowe's shares haven't significantly declined as a turnaround is expected and priced in [9] General Retailers (Walmart & Target) - Walmart (WMT) has been performing strongly, with shares attempting to break out, and earnings looking better than Home Depot and Lowe's [9][10] - Walmart's valuation is at 38 times earnings, with a strong earnings surprise track record [10] - Target (TGT) is struggling with declining earnings, trading near 5-year lows, and a 15.6% decline expected for this year [12][13] - Both Walmart and Target are being watched for pricing strategies and consumer buying behavior, considering factors like back-to-school shopping and groceries [11][12][14] Specialty Retailer (Estee Lauder) - Estee Lauder (EL) has a strong earnings track record with mostly beats, but earnings have declined, especially due to the struggling Chinese consumer [15] - Estee Lauder's earnings are expected to improve in the next couple of years, but a 42% decline is expected this year [16] - Estee Lauder's forward PE is not cheap at 42 times, even with the share price decline [16] - Tariffs are impacting beauty products, with E.L.F beauty raising prices, and Estee Lauder's response is being monitored [18]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to investment recommendations, considering the entire investment ecosystem rather than evaluating companies in isolation [1]. Group 1 - Michael Del Monte is identified as a buy-side equity analyst with over 5 years of experience in the investment management industry [1]. - Prior to his current role, Del Monte spent over a decade in professional services across various industries, including Oil & Gas, Oilfield Services, Midstream, Industrials, Information Technology, EPC Services, and Consumer Discretionary [1]. - The investment recommendations made by Del Monte are based on a comprehensive understanding of the investment landscape, integrating various factors that influence company performance [1].

Market Outlook - The market outlook for Emerson Electric (NYSE: EMR) is becoming increasingly appealing due to U.S. trade negotiations that are expected to lead to significant investment in the U.S. economy, particularly in the energy, utilities, and pharmaceuticals sectors [1] Investment Opportunities - With the growing investment interest, Emerson Electric is positioned to capitalize on opportunities to service the energy, utilities, and pharmaceuticals industries [1] Analyst Background - The analysis is provided by Michael Del Monte, a buy-side equity analyst with over 5 years of industry experience, who has a background in various sectors including Oil & Gas, Midstream, Industrials, Information Technology, and consumer discretionary [1]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to investment recommendations, considering the entire investment ecosystem rather than evaluating companies in isolation [1]. Group 1 - Michael Del Monte is identified as a buy-side equity analyst with over 5 years of experience in the investment management industry [1]. - Prior to his current role, Del Monte spent over a decade in professional services across various industries, including Oil & Gas, Oilfield Services, Midstream, Industrials, Information Technology, EPC Services, and Consumer Discretionary [1]. - The investment recommendations made by Del Monte are based on a comprehensive analysis of the investment landscape, highlighting the interconnectedness of different sectors [1].

Group 1 - The article discusses the investment approach of Michael Del Monte, emphasizing a holistic view of the investment ecosystem rather than evaluating companies in isolation [1] - Michael Del Monte has over 5 years of experience as a buy-side equity analyst and previously worked in professional services for over a decade across various industries [1] Group 2 - The article does not provide any specific financial data or performance metrics related to companies or industries [2][3]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference call focused on the **India Consumer** sector, particularly the **FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods)** market and its dynamics, as well as the **retail** and **luxury consumption** trends in India [1][3][60]. Core Insights - **Disruptions in Consumer Industry**: The consumer industry is experiencing significant disruptions due to competition, changing consumption patterns, and structural changes among consumers. Investors are advised to be cautious of historical valuations that may obscure these shifts [1][3]. - **FMCG Market Growth**: The FMCG market in India is projected to grow, but the growth rates are uneven across different player categories. Small and mid-sized players are showing better volume and value growth compared to larger players [10][12][14]. - **Consumer Staples Performance**: The performance of consumer staples has been declining, with profits as a percentage of the broader market sharply compressed [16][18]. - **Channel Changes**: There is a notable shift in sales channels, with modern trade and e-commerce gaining prominence. The salience of these channels has changed significantly over the years [17][75]. Financial Metrics - **FMCG Market Value Growth**: The FMCG market value growth is showing a decline for larger players, while smaller players are gaining market share [12][14]. - **Valuation Trends**: Valuations in the consumer sector have corrected, reflecting the underlying growth dynamics and market conditions [30][82]. Luxury Consumption Insights - **Emerging Luxury Market**: India's luxury market is expected to grow significantly, driven by rising income levels and changing consumer demographics. The luxury market for beauty, personal care, and other categories is projected to grow at a **17% CAGR** from 2024 to 2030 [60]. - **Wealth Distribution**: A small percentage of households account for a significant portion of total income and discretionary spending, indicating a concentrated market for luxury goods [60]. - **Younger Luxury Consumers**: The average age of luxury consumers is decreasing, with younger generations increasingly participating in luxury spending [60]. Retail Sector Dynamics - **Retail Market Size**: The retail market in India is expected to grow from **$922 billion** in 2019 to **$1,471 billion** by 2024, with a CAGR of **8%** [62]. - **E-commerce Penetration**: E-commerce penetration in India remains low at **9%**, indicating significant growth potential in this segment [63][90]. - **Quick Commerce Growth**: The quick commerce market is projected to grow from **$8 billion** in 2024 to **$57 billion** by 2030, highlighting a shift in consumer preferences towards convenience [70]. Competitive Landscape - **Market Share Dynamics**: The competitive landscape is evolving, with market share shifts indicating lower barriers to entry for new players in the FMCG and retail sectors [37][39]. - **Diverse Retail Models**: Different retail models are being adopted, including owned and operated, franchise, and asset-light models, each with distinct financial implications [81]. Additional Insights - **Consumer Behavior Changes**: There is a notable shift in consumer preferences towards value and convenience, impacting purchasing decisions across various categories [70][72]. - **Investment Opportunities**: The evolving landscape presents potential investment opportunities, particularly in segments that are adapting to changing consumer behaviors and preferences [60][62]. This summary encapsulates the key points discussed in the conference call, providing insights into the current state and future outlook of the India consumer sector, particularly in FMCG, retail, and luxury markets.