There's been a bull market for 3 years, and many are expecting the rally to continue into 2026. The bulls seem to be focused on the boom in AI capex spending and on rate cuts, and I see that mostLong-time stock market investor focused on strategic buying opportunities with dividend and value stocks. This investment strategy has resulted in a near 5 star rating on Tipranks.com and over 9,000 followers on Seeking Alpha. Follow me on Twitter for my latest trading ideas: @Hawkinvest1Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we ha ...

In this article, we will take a look at some of the best blue-chip stocks to invest in.Dividend stocks have fallen behind the broader market this year as investors have piled into tech and AI names. Still, that doesn’t take away from their long-term value. Kirsten Cabacungan, an investment strategist in the Chief Investment Office at Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank, points out that total return is about more than just share price moves. Dividend income matters too.She noted that dividend-paying sto ...

Everyone loves a good deal, but in the markets, the best deals rarely announce themselves. And I say we're fortunate, because sometimes, even the strongest companies get pushed into oversold territory, not because the business is broken, but because sentiment is.  While others get fearful, that's exactly where I find opportunity. And that’s why I often turn to Dividend Aristocrats, the elite group of S&P 500-listed companies that have consistently increased their dividends for over 25 years. And when thes ...

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It's hard to find stocks that are worth buying in this overheated market, but I am still seeing some strategic buying opportunities. At this time of year, I focus heavily on buying select stocks that have been beatenLong-time stock market investor focused on strategic buying opportunities with dividend and value stocks. This investment strategy has resulted in a near 5 star rating on Tipranks.com and over 9,000 followers on Seeking Alpha. Follow me on Twitter for my latest trading ideas: @Hawkinvest1Analyst ...

It's hard to find stocks that are worth buying in this overheated market, but I am still seeing some strategic buying opportunities. At this time of year, I focus heavily on buying select stocks that have been beatenLong-time stock market investor focused on strategic buying opportunities with dividend and value stocks. This investment strategy has resulted in a near 5 star rating on Tipranks.com and over 9,000 followers on Seeking Alpha. Follow me on Twitter for my latest trading ideas: @Hawkinvest1Analyst ...

Core Insights - J.M. Smucker Co. shares fell over 3% following the release of fiscal second-quarter results that met profit expectations but missed revenue targets due to higher commodity costs and tariffs [1][2] Financial Performance - Adjusted EPS for the quarter was $2.10, aligning with Wall Street estimates [1] - Revenue increased by 3% to $2.3 billion, slightly below analyst expectations of $2.32 billion [1] Sales and Pricing Dynamics - Comparable net sales rose by 5%, primarily driven by an 11-percentage-point increase from higher pricing, especially in coffee [2] - This increase was partially offset by a 6-percentage-point decline in volume/mix across several categories [2] Future Outlook - The company has narrowed its full-year fiscal 2026 outlook, now projecting net sales growth of 3.5% to 4.5% and adjusted EPS of $8.75 to $9.25, compared to analyst expectations of $9.11 [2]

Market Overview - The trading day ended with the Dow Jones Industrial Average up more than 600 points, a 1.4% increase, and the S&P 500 rising over 60 points, or 0.9% [6] - The Nasdaq composite finished higher by about 0.7%, with small and mid-cap stocks, particularly the Russell 2000, outperforming, up 2% [7] - Overall, 426 names in the S&P 500 gained ground, while only 74 declined, indicating strong market breadth [8] Company Performance - Alphabet shares have seen a significant year-to-date gain of approximately 70%, outperforming many competitors [5] - Autodesk reported a third-quarter EPS of $2.67, beating expectations of $2.50, with net revenue of $1.85 billion, slightly above the forecast of $1.81 billion [11] - Workday's after-hours share price increased by about 7% after it raised its full-year subscription revenue forecast, projecting fourth-quarter subscription revenue of $2.36 billion, above the estimate of $2.35 billion [13] - NetApp shares surged by 4% in after-hours trading after the company boosted its fiscal year adjusted EPS forecast and reported third-quarter net revenue expectations of $1.77 billion, exceeding estimates [15] - Urban Outfitters saw a significant increase in share price, up 9% in regular trading and 16% in after-hours, with third-quarter comp retail segment sales up 8%, surpassing the 5% estimate [25] Sector Insights - The technology sector experienced mixed results, with Alphabet hitting an all-time high while Nvidia shares fell by 2.6% [9][20] - Retailers showed strong performance, with Abercrombie and Fitch gaining about 36-37% after raising its 2026 net sales and EPS guidance [17] - Dell raised its full-year adjusted EPS outlook to $9.92, up from $9.55, and increased revenue guidance to a range of $11.2 billion to $12.2 billion [22][24]

Financial Performance - Net sales for the three months ended October 31, 2025, were $2,330.1 million, a 3% increase from $2,271.2 million in 2024[117] - Net income for the three months ended October 31, 2025, was $241.3 million, compared to a net loss of $24.5 million in 2024[117] - Adjusted earnings per share for the six months ended October 31, 2025, was $4.00, down from $5.19 in the same period of 2024[173] - The company reported a net income of $241.3 million for the three months ended October 31, 2025, compared to a net loss of $24.5 million in the same period of 2024[173] Cost and Profitability - Gross profit decreased by $16.2 million, or 2%, in the second quarter of 2026, primarily due to higher commodity costs and unfavorable volume/mix[124] - Adjusted gross profit decreased by $89.8 million, or 10%, compared to the prior year second quarter[126] - Operating income increased by $248.8 million, or 147%, in the second quarter of 2026, driven by lapping the $260.8 million pre-tax loss on the Voortman business disposal in the prior year[125] Taxation - The effective income tax rate for the three months ended October 31, 2025, was 24.2%, compared to 136.7% in 2024[131] - The company anticipates a full-year effective income tax rate for 2026 to be approximately 24.2%[131] Sales Performance by Segment - U.S. Retail Coffee segment net sales increased by $144.9 million in the second quarter of 2026, driven by a 27% increase in net price realization[140] - U.S. Retail Frozen Handheld and Spreads segment net sales decreased by $24.1 million in the second quarter of 2026, with volume/mix decreasing net sales by 8 percentage points[142] - U.S. Retail Pet Foods segment net sales decreased by $32.2 million in the second quarter of 2026, with volume/mix decreasing net sales by 8 percentage points[144] - Sweet Baked Snacks segment net sales decreased by $59.4 million in the second quarter of 2026, with a 3% decrease excluding the impact of divestitures[146] - International and Away From Home segment net sales increased by $29.7 million in the second quarter of 2026, with a 10% increase excluding unfavorable foreign currency exchange[148] Cash and Debt Management - Total cash and cash equivalents decreased to $62.8 million at October 31, 2025, compared to $69.9 million at April 30, 2025[150] - As of October 31, 2025, total debt was $7.788 billion, an increase from $7.678 billion as of April 30, 2025[161] - The company has a $2.0 billion unsecured revolving credit facility maturing in March 2030, and as of October 31, 2025, had $748.5 million in short-term borrowings outstanding[161] - Cash used for financing activities in the first six months of 2026 was $231.2 million for dividend payments, compared to $226.5 million in the same period of 2025[154] - Dividend declared per share increased to $2.20 in the first six months of 2026 from $2.16 in the same period of 2025[163] Legal and Regulatory Matters - The company is currently involved in various legal proceedings, including class action lawsuits related to false advertising claims, but does not expect a material adverse effect on its financial position[157] Economic and Market Risks - The company continues to face input cost inflation and anticipates price increases across its business due to broader inflationary pressures[114] - A hypothetical 100 basis-point decrease in interest rates would increase the fair value of the company's long-term debt by $556.1 million as of October 31, 2025[178] - Revenues from customers outside the U.S. represented 4 percent of net sales during the six months ended October 31, 2025, indicating exposure to foreign currency fluctuations[184] - The company does not qualify commodity derivatives for hedge accounting treatment, resulting in immediate recognition of gains and losses in cost of products sold[179] - A hypothetical 10 percent change in market prices related to commodities could result in a potential loss (gain) of fair value, with estimated highs and lows of $113.5 million and $(30.0) million respectively[181] - The foreign currency balance sheet exposures as of October 31, 2025, are not expected to significantly impact future earnings or cash flows[182] - The company utilizes foreign currency derivatives to manage exchange rate fluctuations, with contracts generally having maturities of less than one year[183] Integration and Restructuring Costs - Total divestiture costs related to the Sahale Snacks and Canada condiment businesses amounted to $6.4 million, with $4.3 million in employee-related costs and $2.1 million in other transition and termination costs[132] - The company anticipates incurring approximately $12.0 million in costs to address distribution inefficiencies, with total cumulative costs recognized to date at $8.4 million[133] - Integration costs from the acquisition of Hostess Brands are expected to total approximately $190.0 million, with cumulative costs recognized so far at $186.0 million[134] - The company plans to incur approximately $75.0 million in restructuring costs related to the closure of the Indianapolis manufacturing facility, with cumulative costs recognized at $47.9 million[135] Operational Risks - The company faces risks related to the integration of Hostess Brands' operations, which may affect financial forecasts and market price of common shares[188] - The company is exposed to supply chain risks, including cost inflation in raw materials and labor, which could impact operational efficiency[188] - The company anticipates challenges in achieving cost savings related to restructuring and cost management programs within expected time frames[188] - The company has a concentration risk with key customers and suppliers, which may affect its ability to maintain essential business relationships[188]

Core Insights - The J. M. Smucker Company (SJM) has experienced a decline of approximately 11% in its stock value over the past year, indicating poor performance in the market [1]. Company Performance - The company is facing challenges due to cautious consumer behavior and a lack of growth across its operations [1].