Stifel analyst Derrick Whitfield resumed coverage of four U.S. minerals companies and initiated coverage on one U.S. minerals company, saying he views the sector as an "advantaged asset class" that presents investors an attractive risk-reward given the size of the consolidation underway in the minerals market and the volatility in oil prices. Whitfield said he thinks investors will increasingly see minerals as advantaged relative to E&Ps when the broad ask is for return of capital in a slowing growth environment. The analyst noted that his top picks in the sector are Texas Pacific Land Trust (TPL) and Viper Energy Partners LP (VNOM), and he has Buy ratings on both stocks. Whitfield also holds Buy ratings on Falcon Minerals (FLMN), Kimbell Royalty Partners (KRP), and Black Stone Minerals (BSM).