Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM) is included among the 15 Best S&P 500 Dividend Stocks to Buy in 2026. Jefferies Sees Limited Re-Rating Upside for Philip Morris (PM) in 2026 On January 20, Jefferies analyst Edward Mundy moved Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM) to Hold from Buy and cut the firm’s price target to $180 from $220. In his note, he said Jefferies sees limited room for the stock to be re-rated in 2026. The analyst also pointed to tougher competition. He noted that British Amer ...

Core Viewpoint - Amgen Inc. is recognized as one of the 15 best S&P 500 dividend stocks to buy in 2026, indicating strong investor interest and confidence in its future performance [1] Group 1: Analyst Ratings and Market Outlook - Bernstein downgraded Amgen from Outperform to Market Perform, maintaining a price target of $335, citing 2026 as a "waiting year" for its drug MariTide [2] - Concerns were raised regarding potential risks to Amgen's Repatha due to Merck's pricing strategies, along with uncertainties surrounding the significance of Lp(a) outcomes, with more clarity expected from Novartis' pelicarsen data [2] Group 2: Acquisition and Pipeline Development - Amgen announced the acquisition of Dark Blue Therapeutics Ltd. for up to $840 million, aimed at enhancing its oncology pipeline [3] - The acquisition focuses on a small molecule that targets proteins MLLT1/3, which are implicated in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), showing promising preclinical results that suggest a unique mechanism of action compared to existing treatments [4] - Amgen plans to integrate Dark Blue into its research organization to bolster early-stage oncology discovery efforts [5]

Vaxcyte Inc. (NASDAQ:PCVX) is one of the best US stocks to buy under $50. On January 23, Cantor Fitzgerald reaffirmed its Overweight rating on Vaxcyte Inc. (NASDAQ:PCVX), keeping a positive view as the company advances its vaccine pipeline on schedule. The firm expects topline results from the Phase 3 OPUS-1 trial in late 2026, with an adult BLA filing planned for 2027. Evercore ISI Rates Vaxcyte Inc. (PCVX) as an Overweight Following CDC Changes to Childhood Vaccination Recommendations It also noted pro ...

Core Insights - Corvus Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:CRVS) experienced a significant stock price increase of 211.8% week-on-week, reaching an all-time high due to positive clinical trial results for its drug candidate soquelitinib in treating moderate to severe eczema [1][3]. Group 1: Clinical Trial Results - The Phase 1 trial of soquelitinib showed a 72% reduction in eczema severity among patients, compared to a 40% reduction in the placebo group [3]. - The therapy was noted to be more effective with prolonged use and was well-tolerated by patients [3]. Group 2: Future Plans - Corvus Pharmaceuticals plans to initiate a Phase 2 trial in Q1 2026, targeting 200 patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis who have not responded to previous treatments [4]. - The Phase 2 trial will consist of four cohorts of 50 patients each, testing different dosages of soquelitinib alongside a placebo group, and is expected to last 12 weeks with a 30-day follow-up [4]. Group 3: Market Reaction - On a single trading day, the stock peaked at $26.95 before closing at $25.10, reflecting a decline of 1.65% from its peak [2].

Company Performance - IperionX Limited (NASDAQ:IPX) experienced a significant share price increase of 28.4% week-on-week, nearing its all-time high [1] - The stock reached a peak price of $60.35, just $0.55 below its all-time high of $60.90 recorded on October 15 [2] New Deal and Financial Impact - IperionX secured a deal with the US Army valued at $300,000 for the supply of 700 lightweight titanium components for heavy ground combat systems, with potential for significant increases upon successful delivery [3] - The replacement of steel components with titanium is projected to reduce the weight of combat systems by 40 to 45%, enhancing performance metrics such as acceleration, agility, operational range, and survivability [4] Strategic Importance - IperionX is recognized as the only domestic US producer of commercial-scale primary titanium metal, a material deemed strategic and critical by the US Government [5] - The deal aligns with US government priorities to reshore and secure critical materials supply chains, reduce dependence on foreign titanium sources, and expand domestic manufacturing capacity using recycled feedstocks [5]

Group 1 - United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) is recognized in the Dividend Contenders List, indicating its strong dividend performance [1] - Evercore ISI raised its price target for UPS to $113 from $94, maintaining an In Line rating, citing a mixed macro backdrop affecting revenue expectations while emphasizing cost initiatives for EPS growth [2] - UPS's fourth-quarter earnings are anticipated to remain stable, reflecting the company's focus on cost management [2] Group 2 - UPS completed the acquisition of Andlauer Healthcare Group (AHG) for approximately C$2.2 billion (USD $1.6 billion), enhancing its healthcare logistics capabilities [2][3] - The acquisition aims to improve UPS's cold chain network, shorten transit times, and enhance quality assurance for healthcare customers [3] - UPS provides integrated logistics and transportation services across more than 200 countries and territories, highlighting its global operational reach [3]

Group 1: Ebola Vaccine Initiative - Merck & Co., Inc. and CEPI are launching a $30 million program to create an updated version of Merck's Ebola vaccine to make it cheaper and easier to distribute in low- and middle-income countries [2] - The partnership will focus on improving the manufacturing process of Merck's WHO-prequalified Ebola vaccine, Ervebo, which is currently complex and expensive to produce at scale [3] - Planned upgrades are expected to increase yield, extend shelf life, and allow Ervebo to be stored in standard refrigerators for several months, enhancing distribution capabilities [4] Group 2: Revenue Growth Outlook - Merck has raised its revenue forecast for new growth drivers to $70 billion by the mid-2030s, driven by the launch of additional drugs [6] - The company now expects cardiometabolic and respiratory treatments to generate about $20 billion in sales, an increase from the previous forecast of $15 billion [7] - Infectious disease drugs are projected to contribute roughly $15 billion, significantly up from an earlier estimate of $5 billion [7] Group 3: Company Overview - Merck & Co., Inc. is a global healthcare giant focused on discovering, developing, manufacturing, and marketing prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and animal health products [8]

Core Viewpoint - The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW) is viewed positively by analysts, with multiple firms raising their price targets and maintaining strong ratings, indicating a favorable outlook for the company's financial performance through 2026 [1][2][3]. Price Target Adjustments - Citizens increased its price target for Charles Schwab to $120 from $110, maintaining a Market Outperform rating, with expectations consistently above consensus by about 6% into 2026 [1]. - Raymond James raised its price target for Charles Schwab to $114 from $110, retaining a Strong Buy rating, citing improvements in the company's financial situation [2]. Financial Performance Indicators - Raymond James noted that Schwab's retail trading activity and margin loan utilization remain healthy, with strong trends in net new assets and account growth [3]. - Earnings per share for Charles Schwab are expected to increase significantly by 2026, suggesting potential for growth in the company's current valuation [3]. Company Overview - The Charles Schwab Corporation operates as a savings and loan holding company, providing services in securities brokerage, wealth management, custody, asset management, and financial advisory [4].

Core Viewpoint - The Procter & Gamble Company (PG) reported mixed second-quarter 2026 results, reflecting challenges in the U.S. consumer sector but demonstrating resilience in its premium product offerings [2][3]. Financial Performance - PG reported a sales growth of 1%, totaling $22.21 billion, slightly below the consensus estimate of $22.28 billion, attributed to weak U.S. consumer spending and the effects of a government shutdown [3]. - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) were $1.88, exceeding analyst expectations of $1.86, driven by pricing actions and favorable product mix [4]. - Core gross margin declined for the fifth consecutive quarter due to tariff pressures and investments in value-oriented packaging [4]. Market Outlook - The company reiterated its full-year sales and profit guidance, indicating confidence in navigating a challenging macroeconomic environment [5]. - PG's shares increased by 2%, reflecting investor focus on earnings stability and improving international growth despite the slight revenue miss [5]. Company Overview - PG is a global leader in consumer goods, offering a diversified portfolio of branded household, personal care, and health products across various everyday-use segments [6].

Group 1: Berkshire Hathaway's Stake in Kraft Heinz - Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is considering exiting its 27.5% stake in Kraft Heinz, which has been held for the past ten years, due to underperformance against Warren Buffett's expectations [2] - Kraft Heinz filed a prospectus supplement with the SEC for the potential resale of 325.4 million shares from Berkshire, valued at approximately $7.7 billion based on a share price of $23.8, leading to a 4.9% drop in Kraft Heinz's shares in after-hours trading [3] - This decision follows significant write-downs of $3.0 billion in 2019 and $3.76 billion in August, as Kraft Heinz plans to split into two companies later in 2026, a strategy previously criticized by Buffett and CEO Greg Abel [4] Group 2: Berkshire Hathaway's Acquisition Strategy - On January 2, 2026, Berkshire Hathaway completed a $9.7 billion acquisition of OxyChem from Occidental, indicating a strategic shift towards stable, cash-generative industrial assets [5] - Berkshire Hathaway operates as a diversified conglomerate with interests in various sectors including insurance, energy, industrials, transportation, and consumer products [5]