This story was originally published on C-Store Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily C-Store Dive newsletter. No executive shift last month was bigger than 7-Eleven’s longtime CEO announcing his retirement — a move that subsequently kicked off the search for the next face of the largest convenience retailer in the U.S.  But Joseph DePinto’s resignation wasn’t the only notable leadership shift the industry saw as 2025 came to a close. Here’s more on DePinto’s departure, as w ...

Core Viewpoint - Seven & i Holdings has raised its annual profit forecast following a significant increase in third-quarter net profit, as the company prepares for the listing of its North American business [1] Financial Performance - The company reported a sharp increase in third-quarter net profit, which has prompted the upward revision of its annual profit forecast [1] Strategic Moves - Seven & i Holdings is gearing up for a listing of its North American business, indicating a strategic focus on expanding its market presence [1]

Core Insights - Zacks Premium offers tools for investors to enhance their stock market strategies, including daily updates, research reports, and stock screens [1][2] Zacks Style Scores - Zacks Style Scores are indicators that rate stocks based on value, growth, and momentum methodologies, helping investors identify stocks likely to outperform the market in the short term [2] - Stocks are rated from A to F, with A indicating the highest potential for outperformance [3] Value Score - The Value Style Score identifies attractive stocks using ratios like P/E, PEG, and Price/Sales, focusing on stocks that are undervalued [3] Growth Score - The Growth Style Score assesses a company's financial health and future outlook, focusing on earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks with sustainable growth [4] Momentum Score - The Momentum Style Score helps investors capitalize on price trends, using metrics like price changes and earnings estimate revisions to identify optimal entry points [5] VGM Score - The VGM Score combines the Value, Growth, and Momentum Scores, providing a comprehensive rating to identify stocks with the best overall potential [6] Zacks Rank - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model that uses earnings estimate revisions to guide investors in building successful portfolios [7] - Stocks rated 1 (Strong Buy) have historically produced an average annual return of +23.9% since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [8] Stock Selection Strategy - To maximize returns, investors should focus on stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B [10] - Stocks with a 3 (Hold) rank should also have A or B Scores to ensure potential upside [10] Company Spotlight: Casey's General Stores - Casey's General Stores operates approximately 2,921 convenience stores across 19 states, primarily in Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois [12] - The company holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and a VGM Score of A, indicating strong investment potential [12] - Forecasts suggest an 18% year-over-year earnings growth for the current fiscal year, with upward revisions in earnings estimates [13]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the transformation of Guangzhou's subway stations into mini shopping centers, providing a variety of consumer options that cater to the daily needs of commuters, thus enhancing the overall commuting experience [4][5][6]. Group 1: Changes in Guangzhou Subway Stations - Guangzhou subway has introduced self-operated supermarkets, "Metro Youxuan," at various stations since September 2025, offering fresh produce and ready-to-eat meals, which reflects a shift towards meeting commuter needs [7][10]. - The presence of diverse shops, including coffee outlets and convenience stores, has turned subway stations into vibrant commercial hubs, allowing commuters to shop conveniently during their daily travels [12][14]. - The integration of local agricultural products into subway retail, as part of the "Hundred Million Thousand Project," has led to the sale of over 250 types of specialty agricultural products from various regions [9][18]. Group 2: Broader Trends in Subway Commercialization - The trend of subway stations evolving into commercial spaces is not unique to Guangzhou; cities like Wuhan and Chengdu are also developing their subway systems to include fresh markets and diverse retail options [14][15]. - The commercialization of subway stations is seen as a necessary evolution to support the high operational costs of subway systems, which average between 500 million to 1 billion yuan per kilometer for construction [16][17]. - As consumer habits shift towards convenience, subway stations are adapting by offering quick shopping options, making it easier for commuters to fulfill their daily needs without extra effort [17][18].

Core Insights - Casey's General Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:CASY) is recognized as one of the best dividend stocks to invest in for January [1] - Wells Fargo has added Casey's to its Q1 2026 Tactical Ideas list, indicating a favorable outlook for the company [2] - The company is expected to exceed near-term EPS expectations, supported by its growth strategy and fiscal stimulus [3] Financial Performance - Goldman Sachs raised its price target for Casey's from $490 to $530, citing strong Q2 EPS performance that surpassed both its estimates and consensus [4] - The positive results were attributed to better-than-expected fuel margins and effective execution on inside margins [4] Company Overview - Casey's operates approximately 2,900 convenience stores across 19 states, offering self-service fuel, grocery items, and freshly prepared food options [5]

This story was originally published on C-Store Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily C-Store Dive newsletter. The past year answered a lot of questions for convenience retailers, such as what sort of change the Trump administration would bring or how operators might pivot in the ever-changing tobacco category. As 2026 gets underway, c-store operators are left with a new slate of questions about their businesses and the industry as a whole. As C-Store Dive moves into the n ...

Core Insights - Asia's equity capital markets are projected to have a strong performance in 2026, continuing the momentum from 2025, which saw significant growth in share sales across the region [1][2] Group 1: Market Performance - In 2025, share listings, placements, and block trades in Asia Pacific raised $262.7 billion, marking the highest total in four years [2] - For the first time, four of the world's five busiest deal venues were located in Asia, driven by a rebound in Hong Kong and record IPOs in India [2] Group 2: Upcoming IPOs - Major IPOs expected in 2026 include Baidu Inc., Zepto Ltd., ChangXin Memory Technologies Inc., and Coca-Cola's India bottling unit [3] - Hong Kong listings of Chinese firms already traded in mainland China are anticipated to continue contributing to the IPO pipeline [3] Group 3: Regional Highlights - Hong Kong listings may raise up to $45 billion in 2026, potentially the largest amount in six years, while Indian IPOs are expected to achieve a third consecutive annual record [4] - Jio Platforms Ltd. is preparing for what could be India's largest-ever IPO, while A.S. Watson Group is considering a listing that could raise over $2 billion [8] Group 4: Notable Companies and Their Plans - Syngenta Group is in preliminary talks for a potential listing in 2026 after previously withdrawing a $9 billion plan [8] - Baidu's AI chip unit has confidentially filed for a Hong Kong IPO, valued at a minimum of $3 billion [8] - Other companies like Luxshare Precision Industry Co. and Muyuan Foods Co. are also pursuing significant IPOs in Hong Kong [8] Group 5: Indian Market Developments - PhonePe Ltd. has filed for an IPO that could raise up to $1.5 billion, valuing the fintech firm at approximately $15 billion [13] - Flipkart is exploring an IPO after moving its holding company to India, while Zepto aims to raise about $500 million through its IPO [13] Group 6: International Listings - SK Hynix Inc. is considering a potential New York listing to align its valuation with global peers [13] - Shein Group Ltd. has confidentially filed for a Hong Kong IPO, pending approval from Beijing [13]

Core Viewpoint - Casey's General Stores (CASY) has received an upgrade to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating a positive outlook on its earnings estimates, which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Performance - The Zacks rating system is based on changes in earnings estimates, which are closely correlated with stock price movements [4][6]. - For the fiscal year ending April 2026, Casey's is expected to earn $17.28 per share, with a recent increase of 8.2% in the Zacks Consensus Estimate over the past three months [8]. Investment Implications - The upgrade reflects an improvement in Casey's underlying business, suggesting that investor sentiment may lead to increased stock prices [5][10]. - The Zacks Rank system maintains a balanced distribution of ratings, with only the top 20% of stocks receiving a "Strong Buy" or "Buy" rating, indicating that Casey's is positioned for potential market-beating returns [9][10].

Atlanta, Dec. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of RaceTrac’s long-time leader and Chairman Emeritus, Carl Bolch, Jr.  A beloved husband, father and leader, Bolch possessed an entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic, inspiring all he came in contact with throughout his life.    Bolch began his storied career with RaceTrac, a family business founded by his father, in 1967.  He revolutionized the convenience store industry, introducing self-service gas ...

Core Viewpoint - Casey's General Stores (CASY) is showing potential for short-term gains due to its recent technical movements and positive earnings estimate revisions [1][4]. Technical Analysis - CASY has recently reached a key level of support and has overtaken the 20-day moving average, indicating a short-term bullish trend [1]. - The 20-day simple moving average is a useful tool for traders, smoothing out short-term price trends and providing trend reversal signals [2]. Stock Performance - Over the past four weeks, CASY shares have increased by 6.1% [4]. - The company currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), suggesting a potential for continued upward movement [4]. Earnings Estimates - There have been no lowered earnings estimates for CASY in the past two months, with one estimate raised for the current fiscal year, contributing to a more bullish outlook [4]. - The consensus earnings estimate for CASY has also increased, reinforcing the positive sentiment around the stock [4]. Investment Consideration - Investors are encouraged to monitor CASY for potential gains, given its technical indicators and favorable earnings revisions [5].