The Retail – Discount Stores industry remains a strong pillar of the broader retail sector, benefiting from its focus on value, efficiency and consumer accessibility. Even as households face ongoing inflationary pressures and shifting spending patterns, discount retailers continue to attract steady foot traffic by offering competitive pricing, compelling assortments and convenient store formats. The ability to blend affordability with quality, spanning essentials, discretionary goods and private-label offer ...

Core Insights - John Furner became president and CEO of Walmart on February 1, 2026, succeeding Doug McMillon, who led the company since 2014 and delivered over 500% returns to shareholders [1][2] - Furner faces high expectations as Walmart's market cap briefly joined the $1 trillion club, and the company has a P/E ratio of 42, significantly above the S&P 500's average of 29 [4][5] Company Performance - Under McMillon, Walmart transformed into an omnichannel retailer, improved its international presence, and invested in technology and competitive wages, which contributed to a 13% net income growth in fiscal 2026 [3][6] - Walmart's current P/E ratio of 42 makes it more expensive than peers like Target at 13 but cheaper than Costco at 50, indicating a premium valuation that could be vulnerable if expectations are not met [5][6] Challenges Ahead - Furner may struggle to sustain growth due to limited expansion opportunities within the U.S., where Walmart operates approximately 5,200 stores, and past international expansion efforts have faced challenges [7]

Protein Pop Launches Protein Pop Plus at Costco Nationwide [Accessibility Statement] Skip NavigationThe brand expands its Protein Pop line with a carbonated, clear protein beverage delivering 30 grams of protein per canSALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Rise Wellness announced the expansion of its Protein Pop offering with the launch of Protein Pop Plus, a new carbonated, readytodrink clear protein beverage now available at all 607 Costco locations across the United States. Protein Pop Plus build ...

Group 1: FedEx and IEEPA Tariffs - FedEx has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration seeking a full refund of tariffs paid under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) following a Supreme Court ruling against the administration [3] - The lawsuit does not specify the amount due and names the Customs and Border Protection agency and its commissioner as defendants [3] - Other companies, including Costco, have also filed similar lawsuits, with economists projecting that reversing the IEEPA tariffs could generate up to $175 billion in refunds [4] Group 2: Hims & Hers Health - Hims & Hers Health disclosed an SEC investigation regarding its public statements and disclosures about compounded semaglutide, stating it is cooperating but cannot predict the financial impact [5][6] - The company reported Q4 GAAP EPS of $0.08, beating estimates by $0.03, with revenue rising 28.4% year-over-year to $617.8 million, in line with expectations [6] - Subscriber growth reached over 2.5 million, a 13% increase year-over-year, but the company guided for Q1 2026 revenue between $600 million and $625 million, below the consensus estimate of $652.6 million [6] Group 3: IBM and AI Claims - IBM's shares experienced their worst decline in over 25 years after AI startup Anthropic claimed its tool could modernize COBOL, a programming language used on IBM systems [7][8] - The stock fell over 13%, marking its largest single-day percentage loss since October 2000, and has dropped 27% in February, on track for its biggest monthly decline since at least 1968 [8]

After President Donald Trump's International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs were dealt a setback by the Supreme Court on Friday, the administration is now reportedly weighing fresh national security–based tariffs across multiple industries.Broad Section 232 Tariff PushThe proposed tariffs may impact sectors including large-scale batteries, cast iron, plastic piping, industrial chemicals, and telecommunications equipment. They would be implemented under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act o ...

分组1 - Costco has led the Consumer Staples sector, which has increased by 13% through February 20, outperforming other sectors except for three cyclical-value areas [1] - The defensive segment of the U.S. stock market is primarily driven by Costco and Walmart [1]

Renault to take full ownership of electric van joint venture Flexis February 23, 20267:25 AM UTCUpdated ago By Reuters A logo of Renault is seen outside a Renault car dealer in Arnhem, Netherlands February 18, 2025. REUTERS/Piroschka van de Wouw/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab Feb 23 (Reuters) - Renault (RENA.PA), opens new tab will acquire truckmaker Volvo's (VOLVb.ST), opens new tab and shipping group CMA CGM's respective stakes in new generation electric vans joint venture Flexis, the ...

Core Viewpoint - Costco Wholesale is experiencing strong digital sales growth, but concerns about its high valuation persist due to slower overall sales growth [1][4]. Group 1: Sales Performance - In January, Costco reported a 34% year-over-year increase in digitally enabled sales, indicating the effectiveness of its e-commerce platform [1]. - Total net sales grew by 9% year over year in January and 8% in the fiscal first quarter ending November 23 [4]. Group 2: Stock Performance and Valuation - After a recent pullback, Costco's stock is up approximately 15% year to date, driven by increased consumer spending on high-margin items [2]. - The stock is currently trading at a price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 53, and 49 using forward earnings estimates, which is considered expensive given the company's growth rates [4]. - Earnings per share have grown at an annualized rate of 11% over the past three years, with long-term earnings growth projected at about 9%, which is low for a stock priced around 50 times earnings [5]. Group 3: Investment Considerations - The stock is priced for flawless execution and robust earnings growth, which is not currently occurring, suggesting caution for potential investors [6]. - It may be advisable to monitor Costco and consider purchasing at a lower valuation [6].

Core Viewpoint - Costco's strong performance and high-quality offerings have led to a premium valuation, making it less attractive for new investors despite its success in the retail sector [1][9]. Group 1: Company Performance - Costco operates successfully across four continents, avoiding cultural pitfalls that have affected competitors like Walmart and Home Depot [2]. - In the first quarter of fiscal 2026, Costco reported total revenue of $67 billion, reflecting an 8% growth, with net income reaching $2 billion, an 11% increase [6]. Group 2: Valuation Concerns - The company's current P/E ratio stands at approximately 54, significantly higher than Walmart's 45 and Amazon's 28, raising concerns about its valuation relative to growth [4]. - Despite its consistent execution and avoidance of major missteps, Costco's profit growth remains in the low double-digit percentage range, which does not justify its high valuation [7]. Group 3: Investment Outlook - Costco's P/E ratio has not dipped below 30 since 2019, and it last fell below 20 in 2010, indicating that a more attractive valuation for new investors may be a long wait [8]. - Given its premium valuation and moderate growth, Costco is considered a high-quality stock that may not be suitable for new investors seeking better value opportunities [10].

The K-shaped economy is creating problems for supposedly safe stocks. Here's how. Observers of the economy increasingly describe it as K-shaped, meaning it shows a growing divide between the wealthy, and everyone else.Now, that's showing up in consumer staples. These are companies that make everyday goods like tissues, soap, and groceries. Stocks in these companies are traditionally seen as more safe and stable.And indeed, so far in 2026, investors are rotating out of high-flying AI names and into companies ...