Key Takeaways Coal stocks losing money as competition from China heats up.Alpha Metallurgical Coal has rallied while profits have rolled over. Just because you’re in a hot industry doesn’t mean your stock is a buy. And just because you used to crush earnings doesn’t mean you will continue doing so. Sometimes, the market sniffs out weakness before the numbers show up, and right now, Alpha Metallurgical Resources (AMR) is giving off that distinct whiff of vulnerability and it’s why I’m naming it today’s Bear ...

Core Viewpoint - Reliance, Inc. reported a decline in profits and net sales for the first quarter of 2025, but exceeded earnings estimates despite challenges in pricing and economic uncertainties [1][2][5]. Financial Performance - The company posted profits of $199.7 million or $3.74 per share, down from $302.9 million or $5.23 per share year-over-year [1]. - Net sales were $3,484.7 million, a decrease of approximately 4% year-over-year, but above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3,456.5 million [2]. - Earnings per share, excluding one-time items, were $3.77, down from $5.30 a year ago, but surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.66 [1][2]. Volumes and Pricing - Reliance reported a 9% year-over-year increase in shipments to 1,628.9 thousand tons, exceeding estimates [2]. - The average selling price per ton fell around 12% year-over-year to $2,143, which was lower than the estimated $2,175 [3]. Financial Position - At the end of the quarter, Reliance had cash and cash equivalents of $277.8 million, a decrease of about 13% from the previous quarter, and total outstanding debt of $1.48 billion [4]. - The company generated cash flow from operations of $64.5 million in the first quarter [4]. Q2 Outlook - Reliance expects stable demand across its diversified end markets in the second quarter, despite ongoing economic uncertainties [5]. - The company anticipates tons sold to be down 1% to up 1% compared to the first quarter, and up 3-5% from the year-ago quarter [6]. - Average selling price per ton is expected to increase by 1-3% compared to the first quarter, with adjusted earnings per share projected to be in the range of $4.50-$4.70 for Q2 [6]. Stock Performance - RS shares have declined by 1.9% over the past year, contrasting with an 11.3% decline in the Zacks Mining – Miscellaneous industry [7].