Core Insights - The article discusses the potential resurgence of small-cap dividend stocks, highlighting their current undervaluation and the favorable economic conditions that may support their growth [2][5]. Economic Environment - Small-cap American stocks have been slow-moving, but expectations of interest rate cuts by the Fed could benefit these companies due to reduced borrowing costs [2][3]. - Goldman Sachs reports that American small-cap earnings are showing signs of recovery, with 25% of Russell 2000 members posting growing earnings for at least two consecutive quarters [4]. International Perspective - European small-caps are expected to experience robust growth, with higher market expectations compared to larger companies [5]. - Japanese small and mid-cap companies have outperformed large-caps, supported by solid earnings and strong local demand [5]. Valuation Metrics - US small-cap stocks are currently priced about 26% less than large caps, while international small caps are 8% cheaper, indicating potential undervaluation [5]. Investment Strategy - The article presents a list of the best small-cap dividend stocks to buy, focusing on those with significant hedge fund interest [6][9]. - The methodology for selecting these stocks involves using the Invesco S&P SmallCap High Dividend Low Volatility ETF and focusing on holdings with market caps between $300 million and $2 billion [9]. Company Highlights - **Sylvamo Corporation (NYSE:SLVM)**: - Market Cap: $1.967 billion, Dividend Yield: 3.69%, with a potential upside of 21% to 54% based on price targets [11][12]. - Recently upgraded by BofA, with a rights plan approved to protect shareholder value [12][13][14]. - **SunCoke Energy, Inc. (NYSE:SXC)**: - Market Cap: $575.726 million, Dividend Yield: 7.06%, with a suggested upside of 47% [16]. - Adjusted EBITDA guidance for 2025 raised to between $220 million and $224 million, driven by strong performance in Industrial Services [18]. - Extended a cokemaking deal with Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. for three years, starting January 1, 2026 [19].

Core Viewpoint - The recent proclamation by U.S. President Donald Trump provides a two-year reprieve for coke oven facilities from stringent EPA rules, which is expected to stimulate growth in the U.S. steel supply chain and improve earnings for steel producers and coke-exposed miners [1][2]. Industry Impact - The easing of compliance pressure on metallurgical coke producers and related iron ore assets is anticipated to act as a significant growth catalyst for the U.S. steel supply chain [2]. - The proclamation is likely to reduce regulatory-driven shutdown risks for U.S. integrated steelmakers and metallurgical coke producers, providing a clearer investment landscape for ETFs focused on these sectors [3]. Trade and Tariff Context - The U.S. remains heavily reliant on steel imports, with nearly 25% of its steel supply coming from abroad, primarily from Mexico, Canada, and key allies in Asia and Europe [4]. - A 25% tariff on steel imports was previously imposed to bolster domestic production, but this has led to trade conflicts, particularly with China, resulting in a significant reduction in Chinese steel exports to the U.S. [5]. - Recent data indicates a 16.8% month-over-month decline in U.S. steel imports as of August 2025, attributed to the doubling of the Section 232 tariff from 25% to 50% [6]. Domestic Production and Costs - Trade tensions and tariffs have increased input costs for U.S. manufacturers, with domestic steel prices nearly double the global benchmark, putting pressure on downstream margins [7]. - The latest proclamation suggests that the U.S. administration is prioritizing industrial output stability, treating coke ovens and related facilities as national security infrastructure [8]. ETF Opportunities - The current environment is expected to enhance pricing power and volume predictability for companies in the steel and metallurgical coal sectors, benefiting ETFs that include U.S. steel producers and coke-linked mining companies [10]. - Notable ETFs include: - **State Street SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF (XME)**: AUM of $2.56 billion, up 38.6% year to date, with top holdings including Nucor Corp and Steel Dynamics [11][12][13]. - **VanEck Steel ETF (SLX)**: Net assets of $125.6 million, up 38.4% year to date, with major holdings in iron ore suppliers [14]. - **iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF (IYM)**: Net assets of $125.6 million, up 15.8% year to date, featuring significant investments in Nucor and Steel Dynamics [15].

Core Points - SunCoke Energy, Inc. has announced a 3-year extension of its cokemaking agreement with Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., under which SunCoke will supply 500 thousand tons of metallurgical coke annually from its Haverhill facility starting January 1, 2026 [1][2] Company Overview - SunCoke Energy, Inc. supplies high-quality coke for steel production and foundry applications, primarily through long-term, take-or-pay contracts. The company also exports coke internationally and utilizes innovative heat-recovery technology in its operations [2] Operational Capacity - SunCoke operates facilities in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Virginia, and Brazil, with logistics terminals capable of mixing and transloading over 40 million tons of material annually, strategically located to serve various U.S. and international markets [2]

Core Insights - SunCoke Energy reported quarterly earnings of $0.26 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.14 per share, but down from $0.36 per share a year ago, indicating an earnings surprise of +85.71% [1] - The company generated revenues of $487 million for the quarter ended September 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 42.69%, although this is a slight decrease from year-ago revenues of $490.1 million [2] - SunCoke shares have declined approximately 23% year-to-date, contrasting with the S&P 500's gain of 16.5% [3] Earnings Outlook - The future performance of SunCoke's stock will largely depend on management's commentary during the earnings call and the company's earnings outlook [4] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.20 on revenues of $363.8 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $0.56 on revenues of $1.58 billion [7] Industry Context - The coal industry, to which SunCoke belongs, is currently ranked in the bottom 4% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a challenging environment for stock performance [8] - Core Natural Resources, another company in the coal industry, is expected to report a quarterly loss of $1.40 per share, reflecting a year-over-year change of -143.5%, with its consensus EPS estimate revised 46.4% lower in the last 30 days [9]