Core Viewpoint - NxGen Brands, Inc. is extending the initial decentralized exchange listing window for its CAND Candy Crew Token on PancakeSwap through the Presidents' Day holiday weekend to improve liquidity and market conditions for the launch [1][2]. Group 1: CAND Token Launch - The CAND Token was initially scheduled to begin trading on February 13, 2026, but the listing window has been extended due to macroeconomic volatility following U.S. CPI data release [2]. - The PancakeSwap listing is the first trading pair and DEX deployment for CAND, marking a significant milestone in NxGen's blockchain initiatives within the Candy Crew ecosystem [3]. - The launch is seen as a defining moment for NxGen and the Candy Crew ecosystem, aiming for disciplined execution and long-term development [4]. Group 2: Strategic Alignment - The CAND Token initiative aligns with NxGen's strategy of connecting physical products, branded experiences, and digital communities through emerging technologies [5]. - Management views the launch as foundational for expanded digital engagement and future blockchain-integrated consumer activations under the Candy Crew brand [5]. - The company aims to create interactive ecosystems that bridge physical consumer products with digitally native communities through strategic integration of intellectual property and blockchain initiatives [6].

Market Overview - A notable shift in market leadership has occurred, with major indexes remaining flat while a broader group of S&P 500 members participates in the rally, indicating a healthy consolidation among market leaders [1][2] Flexsteel Industries - Flexsteel Industries is a manufacturer and importer of residential furniture, known for durable seating products and a broad distribution network [5] - The company has streamlined operations and is benefiting from a rebound in the housing industry, ranking in the top 18% of the Zacks Industry Rank [6] - Flexsteel carries a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), with earnings estimates rising by 15.5% for the current year and 11.5% for next year [6] - Shares trade at approximately 13.6x forward earnings, aligning with the company's long-term average, allowing for potential multiple expansion [7] - The stock is forming a high-and-tight flag pattern, suggesting potential for further upside if it breaks above its recent range [8] Allegiant Air - Allegiant Air is an ultra-low-cost carrier focusing on underserved cities and popular leisure destinations, emphasizing point-to-point routes and ancillary revenue streams [10] - The airline industry ranks in the top 12% of the Zacks Industry Rank, with Allegiant benefiting from this strength, leading to a 21.3% increase in earnings estimates for the current year [11] - Shares trade at roughly 13.8x forward earnings, with projected EPS growth of 51.3% annually over the next three to five years, resulting in a PEG ratio of 0.27 [12] - The stock is also forming a high-and-tight flag pattern, indicating potential for continuation higher if breakout confirms [13] Hershey Company - Hershey is a leading consumer franchise in the U.S. confectionery market, with a strong portfolio of brands [14] - The stock has rebounded from lows, gaining momentum as capital rotates towards diversification, supported by a strong earnings beat [15] - Earnings estimates have increased by 17.4% for this year and 16.4% for next year, reflecting strengthening analyst conviction [16] - The stock is forming a high-and-tight flag formation, similar to other emerging leaders [16] Investment Considerations - Flexsteel, Allegiant, and Hershey are emerging from periods of underperformance as market leadership broadens, presenting potential investment opportunities [19] - With a resilient economic backdrop and improving earnings outlooks, these companies may offer attractive upside as the rally continues [20]

Core Insights - Service Corporation International (SCI) reported strong fourth-quarter 2025 results, with both revenue and earnings increasing year over year, driven by growth in funeral and cemetery segments, higher gross profit, and disciplined capital management [1][9] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for Q4 2025 were $1.14, an 8% increase from $1.06 in the same quarter last year, matching the Zacks Consensus Estimate [2] - Total revenues reached $1,111.5 million, a 2% increase from $1,093.0 million year over year, although slightly below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,119 million [2] - Gross profit rose by 1.9% to $311.7 million, maintaining a gross margin of 28% [2] Segment Analysis - **Funeral Segment**: - Total funeral revenues increased to $600.6 million from $587.7 million in Q4 2024, with gross profit rising to $126.2 million [4] - Average revenue per service grew by 3.3% to $5,880 [4] - Comparable funeral revenues rose 0.5% to $580.4 million, with comparable preneed funeral sales production up 11% to $294.1 million [5] - **Cemetery Segment**: - Total cemetery revenues increased to $510.9 million from $505.3 million in Q4 2024, with gross profit up 2.6% to $185.5 million [6] - Comparable cemetery revenues rose 0.9% to $508.3 million, driven by higher other revenues [7] Operating Income and Expenses - Operating income increased by 5.1% to $275.6 million from $262.2 million in the prior-year quarter [3] - Corporate general and administrative expenses were $33.7 million, significantly higher than $15.0 million in the prior-year period, primarily due to a reduction in legal reserves in the previous year [3] Financial Health and Outlook - At the end of 2025, SCI had $243.6 million in cash and cash equivalents, up from $218.8 million at the end of 2024, with long-term debt totaling $5.1 billion [10] - For 2026, SCI expects diluted EPS in the range of $4.05-$4.35, indicating growth within its long-term target range of 8-12% [13] - Projected net cash provided by operating activities for 2026 is between $1,005 million and $1,065 million after cash taxes [14]

Core Viewpoint - NxGen Brands, Inc. is launching the CAND Token on PancakeSwap, marking a significant step in its strategy to integrate digital products and community engagement within the Candy Crew ecosystem [1][2]. Group 1: CAND Token Launch - The CAND Token launch is scheduled for February 13th at 10:00 am EST, with its initial listing on PancakeSwap.Finance [1]. - This launch represents the first decentralized exchange (DEX) listing for the CAND Token, aimed at creating a vibrant community around candy-themed digital assets [1][2]. - The CAND Token is designed to blend meme culture with real-world candy themes, making it suitable for trading and gifting during Valentine's [1][2]. Group 2: Strategic Importance - The launch is part of NxGen's broader strategy to connect traditional candy manufacturing with blockchain technology, enhancing brand engagement [2]. - The company aims to expand community participation and prepare for future platform integrations and brand activations [2]. - NxGen Brands is committed to responsibly combining brand engagement with emerging blockchain technologies, emphasizing the excitement of the Valentine's theme [2]. Group 3: Company Overview - NxGen Brands, Inc. focuses on building branded consumer experiences across various sectors, including confectionery and digital engagement [3]. - The company seeks to create interactive ecosystems that link physical products with digital communities, enhanced by blockchain initiatives [3].

Core Viewpoint - Hershey Company has demonstrated strong financial performance and stock growth, significantly outperforming broader market indices and showing positive earnings forecasts for the upcoming fiscal year [2][4]. Financial Performance - Hershey's stock has surged 52% over the past 52 weeks and 27.2% year-to-date, compared to the S&P 500 Index's 14% return over the past year and 1.3% in 2026 [2]. - The company reported Q4 2025 earnings with a revenue increase of 7% year-over-year to $3.1 billion, exceeding market expectations [3]. - Adjusted EPS for Q4 2025 was $1.71, beating Wall Street estimates by 22.1% [3]. Future Projections - Analysts expect Hershey to report a 30.7% year-over-year growth in adjusted EPS to $8.25 for the fiscal year ending in December 2026 [4]. - The company has a history of earnings surprises, having surpassed bottom-line estimates in each of the past four quarters [4]. Analyst Ratings - Hershey currently holds a consensus "Hold" rating, with 23 analysts covering the stock, including five "Strong Buys," one "Moderate Buy," 16 "Holds," and one "Strong Sell" [4]. - Recent analyst updates indicate a more bullish outlook, with the number of "Strong Buys" increasing from three to five in recent months [5]. Price Targets - DA Davidson analyst raised the price target for Hershey from $207 to $243 while maintaining a "Neutral" rating [5]. - The mean price target of $203.52 suggests the stock is trading at a premium, with a Street-high target of $250 indicating an 8% upside potential from current levels [5].

Core Viewpoint - Hershey Company demonstrates strong financial performance with a notable increase in stock price following its quarterly earnings announcement, reflecting investor confidence and growth potential in the confectionery industry [2][3][4]. Financial Performance - Hershey's stock rose from a closing price of $205.79 to a last traded price of $220.93 after the earnings announcement, with a trading volume exceeding 1.5 million shares [3]. - The company reported quarterly revenue of $3.09 billion, surpassing the anticipated $2.97 billion, marking a 7% increase compared to the same period last year [4]. - Earnings per share (EPS) were reported at $1.71, exceeding analysts' expectations by $0.31 [3][6]. - Hershey achieved a net margin of 11.84% and a return on equity of 32.08%, indicating strong financial health [4][6]. Future Guidance - For fiscal year 2026, Hershey has set an EPS guidance range of 8.20 to 8.52 [5]. - The company announced an increase in its quarterly dividend, which is scheduled to be paid on March 16th [5]. Market Position - Morgan Stanley has set a new price target for Hershey at $238, indicating a potential increase of about 3.42% from the current stock price of $230.12 [2][6]. - Hershey competes with major players in the confectionery industry, including Mars, Nestlé, and Mondelez International [1].

Core Insights - Philip Morris International Inc. (PM) reported a strong performance in Q4 2025, with both net sales and earnings showing year-over-year growth, although net sales fell short of expectations while earnings exceeded them [1][3]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings for Q4 2025 were $1.70, reflecting a 9.7% increase year-over-year, and beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.67 [3]. - Net revenues reached $10,362 million, marking a 6.8% increase on a reported basis and a 3.7% increase on an organic basis, although this was below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $10,428 million [4]. - The adjusted operating income rose 5.8% to $3,722 million, driven by improved pricing and a positive volume/mix, despite increased costs in marketing, administration, and research [6]. Business Segments - Revenues from smoke-free products increased by 12% (8.6% organically), contributing over 50% of net revenues in three of the four regions [5]. - Net revenues from combustible products grew 3.2% year-over-year, with a 0.3% organic increase [5]. Regional Performance - In the European region, net revenues grew 11% (5.1% organically) to $4,598 million, supported by positive pricing and volume/mix, despite lower cigarette volumes [7]. - The SSEA, CIS & MEA regions saw net revenues increase by 8.4% (6.5% organically) to $3,109 million, primarily due to favorable pricing [8]. - In the EA, AU & PMI GTR regions, net revenues fell 0.6% (1% organically) to $1,425 million, while revenues in the Americas decreased by 2.5% (4.4% organically) to $1,230 million [9][10]. Future Outlook - For 2026, adjusted EPS is projected to be in the range of $8.38-$8.53, indicating growth of 11.1-13.1%, with reported EPS expected between $7.87-$8.02 compared to $7.26 in 2025 [12]. - The company anticipates net revenues to increase by 5-7% on an organic basis and operating income to rise by 7-9% in 2026 [14]. - Management expects an operating cash flow of around $13.5 billion and capital expenditures of $1.4 to $1.6 billion, primarily for smoke-free business investments [14].

Core Viewpoint - The Fini Company, based in Spain, has acquired the German confectionery business Tri D'Aix to enhance its market presence and support growth initiatives [1][2]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition involves the business and assets of Tri D'Aix, which has a strong local presence in Germany [1][2]. - The deal follows over 30 years of collaboration between Fini Company and Tri D'Aix, focusing on distribution and sales [2]. - Tri D'Aix, founded in 1991, is located near the borders of Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, and employs about 40 people [3][4]. Group 2: Strategic Intent - Fini Company aims to leverage Tri D'Aix's local market knowledge, customer relationships, and commercial expertise to build on existing strengths [3]. - The acquisition is intended to expand Tri D'Aix's commercial reach and strengthen its leadership in core markets while exploring new growth opportunities internationally [4][5]. - Tri D'Aix will maintain its management structure and continue relationships with existing customers and partners post-acquisition [5]. Group 3: Company Background - Fini Company operates in over 100 countries and employs more than 3,600 people, selling products under the Fini and Dr. Good brands [5][6]. - The company has a presence in Latin America and various European countries, including France, Portugal, and Italy [6].

Table of Contents As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 4, 2026 Registration No. 333-292926 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO FORM S‑1 REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) | Delaware | 2060 | 47-1535633 | | --- | --- | --- | | (State or other jurisdiction of | (Primary Standard Industrial | (I.R.S. Employer | | in ...

Core Insights - The Consumer Staples sector is currently underperforming, ranking among the bottom 32% of Zacks classified sectors, with earnings expected to decline in the upcoming reports [2][3]. Industry Overview - U.S. consumer stocks are facing challenges such as weakening consumer confidence, persistent inflation, and pressure on discretionary spending, which are squeezing margins and making earnings growth difficult [3]. - Global demand uncertainty, inflationary pressures, weather volatility, and geopolitical concerns are further constraining margins and limiting near-term earnings growth [3]. Earnings Performance - As of now, 26.7% of Consumer Staples companies have reported earnings, with a year-over-year earnings decline of 3.7% and a revenue drop of 1.1% [5]. - For the December quarter, earnings are expected to decline by 2.4% year-over-year, while revenues are projected to rise by 2.4% [6]. Company-Specific Insights - **Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (EL)**: Expected to report revenue of $4.22 billion, a 5.3% increase year-over-year, with earnings estimated at 83 cents per share, reflecting a 33.9% growth [8]. The company is benefiting from its Profit Recovery and Growth Plan [9]. - **Hershey Company (HSY)**: Anticipated to report revenues of $3 billion, a 4% increase, but earnings are expected to decline by nearly 48% to $1.40 per share [10][11]. Continued demand in its core portfolio is expected to support results despite margin pressures [11]. - **Newell Brands Inc. (NWL)**: Expected to see a revenue decline to $1.89 billion, a 3.3% drop, while earnings are projected to grow by 12.5% to 18 cents per share [12]. The company is facing challenges from inflation and geopolitical volatility [12]. - **Coty Inc. (COTY)**: Projected to report revenues of $1.66 billion, a slight decline of 0.3%, with earnings expected to increase by 63.6% to 18 cents per share [13]. The company is experiencing revenue constraints due to a highly promotional market and tariff pressures [13]. - **Philip Morris International Inc. (PM)**: Expected to report revenues of $10.4 billion, a 7.3% increase, with earnings stable at $1.67 per share, reflecting a 7.7% growth [14]. The company is benefiting from strong pricing power and a growing smoke-free product portfolio [14].