Market Overview - The market is experiencing new all-time highs, driven by positive news from Nvidia and Intel, contributing to a strong sentiment across the NASDAQ and broader market [2][3] - Manufacturing data shows signs of improvement, with yields ticking higher, indicating a balanced labor market and supporting upward market momentum [3] Valero Energy - Valero Energy has reached a new 52-week high, trading around 165, despite crude oil prices being relatively stable [4][5] - The recommended trade involves buying an October call spread (165-175) for approximately $2.95, aiming for a 2:1 risk-reward ratio while defining downside risk [5] - Technical analysis indicates a breakout above previous resistance at 155, with the old resistance now acting as support [6][9] Workday - Workday has gained attention following Elliot Investment Management's $2 billion stake and subsequent analyst upgrades, suggesting a potential breakout from its recent trading range [12][18] - The proposed trade is to buy an October call spread (240-260) while selling a 220 put, allowing for upside capture and potential stock acquisition at a lower price if weakness occurs [13][21] - Technical indicators suggest a breakout is imminent, with key levels at 240 and 260 aligning with moving averages and volume profiles [17][18] Casey's General Stores - Casey's has received a price target increase from Evercore ISI, now set at 580, with current trading around 552 [18][19] - The trade strategy involves buying the stock and selling a February 600 call to manage long-term exposure and defer tax consequences [21] - Chart analysis shows a strong upward trend following earnings, with significant resistance levels around 527 and 571, indicating potential volatility [23][25]

Core Insights - 7-Eleven has appointed Dan Gordon as senior vice president of fuel supply and trading, responsible for overseeing supply chain operations, including strategic sourcing and risk management [1][2] - Gordon has extensive experience in the c-store industry, previously working at Castleton Commodities International and Delek US Holdings, among others [3][4] - This leadership change is part of 7-Eleven's broader strategy as it prepares for a 2026 IPO and expansion plans in the U.S. [6] Company Leadership - Dan Gordon will lead end-to-end supply chain operations at 7-Eleven, focusing on fuel procurement and commodity trading [2] - He replaces Jay Davis, who is retiring after a long tenure at 7-Eleven, including roles in fuels supply and trading [4][5] - The transition follows the recent hiring of Joshua Dolan as senior vice president of demand chain, indicating a strategic shift in leadership [6] Industry Context - The appointment of Gordon aligns with 7-Eleven's goals for future growth and operational efficiency in the competitive c-store market [6] - Gordon's background in oil liquids origination and midstream oil operations positions him well to enhance 7-Eleven's fuel supply strategy [3][4]

Core Insights - Parkland is actively investing in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure despite its pending sale to Sunoco, indicating a commitment to enhancing its retail operations [3][8] - The recent $9.5 million grant from the Quebec government will facilitate the installation of 104 charging ports at 14 Marché Express stations, aligning with Quebec's 2030 Plan for a Green Economy [8] - Parkland's EV charging initiative began nearly three years ago and has expanded significantly, with 37 sites operational and higher-than-expected demand noted by the company's leadership [5][6] Investment and Market Position - The investment in EV charging is particularly strategic as over half of Canada's registered EVs are located in Quebec, positioning Parkland favorably in a growing market [3] - The company has observed a higher percentage of EV drivers visiting its stores compared to traditional gas-powered vehicle drivers, suggesting a shift in consumer behavior [6] Future Outlook - Regardless of whether Sunoco retains or sells Parkland's convenience store business post-acquisition, the installation of EV chargers is expected to enhance the future viability of selected retail sites [3]

Group 1 - The establishment of multiple non-chain convenience stores in Xinyu, Xianjihu, with a registered capital of 30,000 RMB and led by legal representative Sui Mingjun [1] - The business scope includes retail of tobacco products, alcohol sales (subject to approval), and general sales of pre-packaged food, health food, daily necessities, fresh fruits, and electronic products [1] - The stores are also authorized to engage in rental services (excluding licensed rental services) and other activities as permitted by their business license [1]

Group 1 - PS Food Mart is selling eight convenience store locations as part of a portfolio optimization plan by its parent company, Folk Oil, to focus on core markets in Michigan [4][8] - S&G Convenience Stores is acquiring these eight locations, which are situated in the Toledo, Ohio area, to enhance its competitive position in the market [8] - The acquisition aligns with S&G's ambitious growth strategy, aiming to expand to 150 convenience stores over the next five years, with a current count of approximately 85 locations [5][8] Group 2 - The deal is part of S&G's strategy to acquire high-quality retail assets that complement its expanding footprint in the Toledo market [6][8] - S&G operates about half of its roughly 70 convenience stores in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan, making this acquisition significant for its market presence [8]

Group 1 - The establishment of Xilin County Haochiba Convenience Store, a sole proprietorship, has been registered with a legal representative named Nong Hongming [1] - The registered capital of the store is 30,000 RMB [1] - The business scope includes licensed operations for alcohol sales, which require approval from relevant authorities, and general operations for food sales (only pre-packaged food) and daily necessities sales [1]

Group 1 - Stagwell Inc. and Żabka Polska have launched a joint venture called "In-Pulse," aimed at providing consumer insights and engagement tools tailored for the Polish market [1][3] - Żabka Polska operates over 11,600 convenience store locations in Poland, handling approximately 4.1 million transactions daily and serving over 10 million users through its Żappka app [2] - The In-Pulse tool offers a comprehensive five-step solution that includes data collection and analysis, customer engagement via the app, product testing, targeted marketing development, and effectiveness evaluation using predictive analytics [3] Group 2 - Stagwell Inc. specializes in digital transformation, performance media, data, consumer insights, strategy, and creative communications services across the US, UK, and internationally [4]

Core Insights - Casey's General Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:CASY) reported Q1 2026 results with revenue of $4.57 billion, surpassing analyst expectations of $4.47 billion, and EPS exceeded consensus estimates by 15% [2] - The strong performance was driven by robust same-store sales growth and an increase of 200 stores compared to the previous year [2] - Following the positive quarter, analysts raised the price target for Casey's stock from $560 to $580, reflecting increased confidence in the company's growth prospects [3] Company Overview - Casey's General Stores, Inc. was founded in 1968 and is a major convenience store chain primarily located in the Midwestern and Southern United States [4] - The company is particularly recognized for its fresh, prepared food offerings, including its popular made-from-scratch pizzas [4] Market Sentiment - Jim Cramer labeled Casey's as his "absolute favorite under-the-radar growth stock," indicating strong market sentiment towards the company [3] - The Insider Monkey database noted that 47 hedge funds have invested in Casey's, showcasing significant confidence in its future growth [3]

Market Environment - The current market environment is challenging for investors, characterized by falling bond yields and mixed economic data, with the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yield declining to 4.019% and the 30-year yield reaching 4.651% [2] - There is a 95% probability of a quarter-point reduction in interest rates at the Federal Reserve's upcoming meeting on September 16-17, indicating market anticipation for a potential interest rate cut [2] Economic Indicators - The Consumer Price Index in August increased by 0.4%, which is double the growth compared to the previous month, while annual inflation remains at 2.9% [3] - Weekly jobless claims reached 263,000, the highest level since October 2021, raising concerns about the labor market [3] - Analysts suggest these indicators support at least a 25-basis-point cut, with a possibility of a 50-point move [3] Jim Cramer's Stock Picks - The article presents 12 stock picks from Jim Cramer, host of CNBC's Mad Money, aimed at helping investors make informed decisions under current macroeconomic conditions [4] - The selection criteria for the stocks include recent mentions by Jim Cramer and the number of hedge funds holding these stocks as of Q2 2025 [6] Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX) - Phillips 66 is included in the stock picks, with 47 hedge funds holding stakes in the company, indicating strong institutional interest [8][11] - The company reported a record-high refining utilization rate of 98% and an adjusted EBITDA of approximately $1 billion in its Midstream segment, moving towards a $4.5 billion annual EBITDA target by 2027 [9] - Phillips 66 is looking to purchase liquefied natural gas from the U.S. through long-term contracts, with Piper Sandler raising the stock's price target from $144 to $154 [10] Casey's General Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:CASY) - Casey's General Stores also has 47 hedge funds invested, reflecting strong confidence in its growth prospects [13][15] - The company reported Q1 2026 revenue of $4.57 billion, exceeding analyst expectations of $4.47 billion, with EPS beating consensus estimates by 15% [14] - Following a strong quarter, analysts raised the price target from $560 to $580, with Jim Cramer calling it his 'absolute favorite under-the-radar growth stock' [15] EMCOR Group, Inc. (NYSE:EME) - EMCOR Group has 51 hedge funds holding its stock, and its price target has been significantly raised after reporting Q2 2025 revenue of $4.30 billion, a 17.4% year-over-year increase [17][18] - The company revised its revenue guidance for 2025 upwards, indicating a strong outlook supported by high remaining performance obligations [19] - Analysts have raised the price target for EMCOR Group, with DA Davidson increasing it from $515 to $725, suggesting potential growth ahead [19]

Core Insights - The U.S. federal government is intensifying immigration enforcement, leading to increased raids on businesses and a rise in the number of ICE agents to meet deportation quotas [1] Group 1: Immigration Enforcement Impact on Convenience Stores - Convenience stores have not been major targets of immigration enforcement so far, but operators need to be prepared as policies evolve [3] - Staff training is crucial for convenience store employees to effectively respond to ICE inquiries [2] - Companies face harsher penalties for immigration law violations, necessitating preparation for increased scrutiny from federal officials [4] Group 2: Compliance and Training Recommendations - Ensuring all I-9 forms are accurate and checked by HR is essential for compliance, as these forms serve as proof of employee eligibility [5] - Mandatory training for employees on I-9 compliance is recommended, as this form is often mishandled [5][6] - Retailers should consider having an external audit of their I-9 compliance to prevent unexpected legal issues [6] Group 3: Use of E-Verify - Retailers can utilize the E-Verify tool to confirm I-9 document validity, but must ensure that all personnel involved are trained on its use and aware of potential inaccuracies [7]