Group 1 - The upcoming year 2026 is expected to be crucial for stock pickers, as previous successful strategies may not yield the same results due to changing market conditions [2][4] - The analysts at InvestorPlace achieved significant outperformance in 2025, with their recommendations surpassing the S&P 500 by nearly 1,000 basis points [2][3] - The new strategy for Power Portfolio 2026 will shift focus from AI stocks to 11 companies poised to benefit from a significant investment boom driven by U.S. government spending [5][6] Group 2 - The U.S. government is anticipated to initiate an $11.3 trillion investment bonanza aimed at revitalizing the economy, which will be discussed in the upcoming American Dream 2.0 Summit [6][8] - PayPal Holdings Inc. is highlighted as a top stock for 2026 due to its unique position as the first payments platform integrated with ChatGPT, despite not making it into the final Power Portfolio [10][15] - FactSet Research Systems Inc. is identified as an acquisition target with a potential 20% upside over the next three years, driven by increased M&A activity and its low valuation [16][18][20] - Tronox Holdings PLC is noted for its position in the titanium dioxide market, with potential for significant upside if business conditions normalize, although it is considered too risky for the Power Portfolio [26][29]

Core Insights - Kronos Worldwide, Inc. (KRO) reported a second-quarter 2025 loss of 8 cents per share, a decline from earnings of 17 cents in the same quarter last year, and missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of earnings of 13 cents [1][8] - Net sales decreased by approximately 1.2% year over year to $494.4 million, primarily due to lower average titanium dioxide (TiO2) selling prices, an unfavorable product mix, and reduced sales volumes in export markets, partially offset by higher sales volumes in North America. This figure also missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $501 million [2][8] KRO's Volumes and Pricing - TiO2 production volumes fell by 8.8% year over year to 125 thousand metric tons in the second quarter, while TiO2 sales volumes decreased by 1.5% to 132 thousand metric tons [3] KRO's Financials - The company ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $18.9 million and long-term debt of $501.4 million [5] KRO's Segment Performance - TiO2 segment profit was reported at $10.9 million, down from $41.1 million a year ago, primarily due to reduced operating income from unfavorable fixed cost absorption, higher-cost inventory from the previous quarter, and currency fluctuations [4] KRO's Outlook - The company anticipates continued demand pressure until tariff uncertainties are resolved, with unclear potential impacts from global tariff and trade tensions on demand for the remainder of 2025. Customer inventory levels are expected to remain low, and customers are hesitant to rebuild stock, leading to shorter order notices [6][8] KRO's Price Performance - Shares of Kronos have declined by 48.7% over the past year, compared to a 23.8% decline in the industry [7]

Financial Performance & Projections - 2023 Revenue was $2.9 billion[9], with Adjusted EBITDA of $524 million[9] and an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 18.4%[29] - Q1 2024 revenue is expected to be $774 million[22], a 9% increase year-over-year[22], with TiO2 revenue at $605 million[22] and Zircon revenue at $88 million[22] - Q1 2024 Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be $131 million[22], a 10% decrease year-over-year[22], but a 39% increase quarter-over-quarter[22], with an Adjusted EBITDA margin of approximately 17%[25] - Full year 2023 saw a net loss of $316 million[29] and a free cash flow use of $77 million[29] Sales & Market Dynamics - In FY2023, TiO2 sales accounted for 79% of total sales, Zircon for 9%, and other products for 12%[9] - In FY2023, EMEA accounted for 40% of sales, Asia Pacific for 28%, North America for 26%, and Latin America for 6%[9] - Q1 2024 saw an 18% increase in TiO2 volumes quarter-over-quarter[25] and a 54% increase in zircon volumes quarter-over-quarter[25] Capital Projects & Investments - The company is investing in key projects to sustain vertical integration, with total estimated capital expenditures of approximately $130 million in 2024 for the Fairbreeze Expansion Project and Namakwa East OFS Project[18] - These projects are expected to generate Internal Rates of Return (IRRs) in excess of 30%[18] Sustainability Goals - The company aims for a 35% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions intensity by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050[12] - The company aims for a 9% reduction in Scope 3 emissions in the supply chain by 2025[12]

Core Viewpoint - Kronos Worldwide, Inc. reported earnings of 16 cents per share for Q1 2025, an increase from 7 cents in the same quarter last year, but below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 17 cents [1] - Net sales increased by approximately 2.3% year over year to $489.8 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $466.6 million, driven by higher sales volumes and titanium dioxide pricing [1] Sales and Production - TiO2 production volumes rose 18.2% year over year to 143 thousand metric tons in Q1 [2] - TiO2 sales volumes increased by 4.6% to 136 thousand metric tons during the same period [2] - Average TiO2 selling prices saw a year-over-year increase of 2% [2] Financial Position - The company ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $20.5 million, a decrease of approximately 80.8% from the previous quarter [3] - Long-term debt rose to $476 million, reflecting a sequential increase of around 10.9% [3] Market Outlook - Demand in North America is expected to remain challenging until there is more clarity on tariff situations, while European demand has improved due to duties on Chinese TiO2 imports [4] - Customer inventory levels are low, and customers are hesitant to rebuild stock, leading to shorter lead times on orders [5] - TiO2 selling prices have remained stable in North America and export markets, with slight increases in Europe due to high utility and raw material costs [5] Stock Performance - Kronos shares have declined by 39.6% over the past year, compared to a 28.3% decline in the industry [6] Zacks Rank and Comparisons - Kronos currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [7] - Other stocks in the basic materials sector with better rankings include Hawkins, Inc. (HWKN) and Contango Ore, Inc. (CTGO), both rated 1 (Strong Buy), and CSW Industrials, Inc. (CSWI), rated 2 (Buy) [7]