Core Viewpoint - UBS has released a list of preferred stocks in the consumer sector, selecting seven stocks with differentiated investment value based on unique data sources. Group 1: Recommended Stocks - **PepsiCo (PEP.US)** is expected to show significant improvement potential over the next 12 to 18 months, with a projected high single-digit growth in earnings per share for the full year of 2026, making its risk-reward ratio highly attractive among the recommended stocks [1]. - **J.M. Smucker (SJM.US)** is forecasted to achieve an organic growth rate of 5.6%, slightly above the market expectation of 5.5%, driven by strong pricing power in its coffee segment and cost-saving measures [1]. - **Albertsons (ACI.US)** is viewed as having excessive stock price correction, with its pharmacy business achieving double-digit growth for 15 consecutive quarters, indicating strong customer lifetime value [2]. - **Dutch Bros (BROS.US)** is expected to continue its upward trajectory, supported by leading store expansion and sales growth momentum projected to last until mid-2026 [2][3]. - **Ulta Beauty (ULTA.US)** is showing strong execution under new leadership, with improved operational efficiency and a favorable competitive environment, which is expected to support its growth momentum [3]. - **On Running (ONON.US)** is focusing on product innovation and maintaining a premium brand position, which is anticipated to lead to industry-leading sales growth and profit margin improvements [3]. - **Peloton (PTON.US)** is rated as a "buy" with a target price of $11, supported by revenue growth and cost optimization, alongside a positive trend in core metrics [4].

Group 1: Consumer Sector Recommendations - UBS has released a list of preferred stocks in the consumer sector, identifying seven stocks with differentiated investment value [1] - PepsiCo (PEP.US) is expected to show significant improvement potential over the next 12 to 18 months, with a projected high single-digit growth in earnings per share for 2026 [1] - J.M. Smucker (SJM.US) is forecasted to achieve an organic growth rate of 5.6%, supported by strong pricing power in its coffee segment, which is above the market expectation of 5.5% [1] - Albertsons (ACI.US) has seen its stock price decline excessively, with its pharmacy business achieving double-digit growth for 15 consecutive quarters, indicating strong customer value [1] Group 2: Growth Potential in Coffee and Beauty Sectors - Dutch Bros (BROS.US) is anticipated to continue its sales and customer traffic growth, with a projected revenue increase of over 20% driven by strong brand recognition and competitive new products [2] - Ulta Beauty (ULTA.US) is expected to maintain its growth momentum under new leadership, with improved operational efficiency and a favorable competitive environment, leading to upward revisions in profit expectations for fiscal year 2024 [2] Group 3: Sports and Fitness Industry Insights - On (ONON.US) is focusing on product innovation and direct-to-consumer expansion, which is expected to lead to industry-leading sales growth and improved profit margins [3] - Peloton (PTON.US) is rated as a 'buy' with a target price of $11, supported by revenue growth and cost optimization, with a key focus on improving subscription user growth despite potential pricing risks [4]

Group 1 - The global coffee futures prices are expected to rise significantly in 2025, with both Arabica and Robusta coffee likely to reach multi-year highs, impacting the U.S. market and leading to a surge in retail coffee prices [1] - In August, U.S. coffee prices increased by 20.9% year-on-year, with notable price hikes in roasted and instant coffee categories, driven by factors such as drought in Brazil, poor coffee growth in Vietnam, strong market demand, and currency fluctuations [1][2] - The uncertainty surrounding Brazil's 2025-26 harvest due to weather conditions is expected to have a profound impact on coffee commodity trading, compounded by new tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Brazilian coffee, which have significantly increased import costs [1] Group 2 - The company SJM has indicated that to mitigate the rising costs of green coffee, it has adjusted its procurement strategy, optimized its supply chain, and implemented responsible pricing measures, resulting in price increases for consumers in May and August [1][2] - KPMG's chief economist warns that as the full impact of the 50% tariff on Brazilian coffee becomes evident at retail levels, coffee prices may easily surpass historical highs [2] - Companies such as Starbucks, Dutch Bros, and First Watch Restaurant may face downward pressure on adjusted EBITDA due to the ongoing pricing pressures from coffee costs, with other affected companies including Dunkin' Brands, McDonald's, and Nestlé [2]

Group 1: Data Storage Companies - Shares of Seagate Technology surged 7.7% to a record high, driven by optimism around AI-driven demand for large drives to support AI data centers [4][8] - Western Digital's shares increased by 4.8%, also reaching an all-time high, following the announcement of planned price hikes across its hard disk drive product portfolio [4][8] Group 2: Lithium Producer - Albemarle, the world's largest lithium producer, saw its shares rise by 6.7% after news that a major lithium mine in China would restart production sooner than expected, despite concerns about oversupply conditions [5] Group 3: Technology Sector - Alphabet's shares gained over 4%, making it the fourth company to reach a $3 trillion market capitalization, bolstered by a favorable ruling in an antitrust case [6] - Arista Networks' shares advanced 4.3% as the company provided a positive long-term growth outlook during its analyst day [7][9] Group 4: Packaged Food Sector - J.M. Smucker's shares declined by 5.2% after an analyst downgrade, citing pressure on sales volumes due to price increases in response to supply chain issues and commodity cost inflation [11] Group 5: Agricultural Sector - Corteva's shares dropped 5.7% following reports of a potential plan to split its seed and pesticide businesses, which could help protect its seed business from liabilities related to pesticides [10]

Core Viewpoint - Argus downgraded J.M. Smucker from Buy to Hold due to ongoing struggles with volume growth and economic uncertainty impacting sales [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - J.M. Smucker is facing challenges with volume growth amid economic uncertainty, leading to price increases that are not sufficiently offsetting commodity inflation [1] - Rising green coffee prices and tariffs are exerting additional pressure on the company's margins [1] - Smucker shares are trading at 12 times projected FY27 EPS, which is lower than the peer average of 17, indicating a reasonable valuation under current inflationary conditions and weak coffee margins [3] Group 2: Strategic Initiatives - The divestiture of slower-growth pet food brands and the acquisition of Hostess Brands are seen as positive moves that could enhance cross-promotional efforts with Smucker's existing portfolio [2] - The company is expanding its Uncrustables brand into convenience stores as part of a revenue synergy strategy [2] Group 3: Future Outlook - Argus indicated that an upgrade could be considered if there are signs of sustainable margin and volume growth in the future [3]

Core Viewpoint - J.M. Smucker Company is under investigation for potential violations of federal securities laws following significant impairment charges related to its Sweet Baked Snacks segment and the Hostess brand trademark, which have led to a notable decline in stock price [1][3]. Group 1: Company Overview - J.M. Smucker manufactures and markets branded food and beverage products, including the recently acquired Hostess Brands, Inc., which specializes in sweet baked goods [2]. - The company characterized the Hostess acquisition as "highly complementary," suggesting positive underlying trends in the snacking category [2]. Group 2: Financial Performance - In Q4 2025, J.M. Smucker reported an $867 million impairment charge related to the goodwill of its Sweet Baked Snacks segment and a $113 million impairment charge for the Hostess brand trademark due to ongoing underperformance [3]. - Following the announcement of these impairment charges, J.M. Smucker's stock price dropped by $17.44 per share, or over 18%, from $111.85 on June 9, 2025, to $94.41 on June 10, 2025 [3].

Summary of Key Points Core Viewpoint - John W. Rogers Jr. of Ariel Appreciation Fund has made significant reductions in his equity holdings, indicating a strategic shift in response to valuation concerns and macroeconomic factors affecting various sectors. Group 1: Notable Reductions - **Northern Trust Corp (NTRS)**: A reduction of 47.22% with 158,349 shares sold, reflecting potential concerns over fee compression and macro headwinds in wealth management [1]. - **JM Smucker Co (SJM)**: A decrease of 35.16% with 68,878 shares cut, possibly due to input cost inflation and changing consumer preferences [2]. - **Charles Schwab Corp (SCHW)**: A reduction of 33.48% with 112,370 shares sold, linked to rate-related margin pressures and lower trading activity post-peak retail trading enthusiasm [3]. - **Kennametal Inc (KMT)**: A decrease of 30.91% with 267,930 shares trimmed, suggesting caution towards slowing manufacturing demand despite operational improvements [4]. - **CBRE Group Inc – A (CBRE)**: A reduction of 18.12% with 25,409 shares cut, reflecting concerns in the commercial real estate sector due to remote work trends and higher financing costs [5]. Group 2: Strategic Implications - The reductions across these holdings suggest a tightening of the portfolio around higher-conviction names, as the company responds to a shifting macro environment and potential valuation concerns [5].

Core Insights - J.M. Smucker Company is under investigation for potential violations of federal securities laws following significant financial impairments related to its Sweet Baked Snacks segment and the Hostess brand [1][2][3] Company Overview - J.M. Smucker manufactures and markets branded food and beverage products, having completed the acquisition of Hostess Brands, Inc. in November 2023, which was described as "highly complementary" [2] Financial Performance - In Q4 2025, J.M. Smucker reported an $867 million impairment charge related to the goodwill of its Sweet Baked Snacks segment and a $113 million impairment charge for the Hostess brand trademark, attributed to the segment's continued underperformance [3] - Following the announcement of these impairments, J.M. Smucker's stock price dropped by $17.44, or over 18%, from $111.85 on June 9, 2025, to $94.41 on June 10, 2025 [3]

NEW YORK, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP announces an investigation into The J.M. Smucker Company (NYSE: SJM) for potential violations of the federal securities laws. If you invested in J.M. Smucker, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/the-jm-smucker-company-class-action-lawsuit. Why Is J.M. Smucker being Investigated? J.M. Smucker manufactures and markets branded food and beverage products. ...

Group 1 - The company expresses confidence in its long-term growth potential, supported by a strong portfolio of leading brands and attractive market categories [3] - The company's brand-building model is highlighted as a competitive advantage, particularly as consumer preferences evolve [4]