Core Viewpoint - Dollar General Corporation has seen significant institutional investment growth, with AlphaQuest LLC increasing its holdings by 2,008.1% in the third quarter, indicating strong confidence in the company's future performance [2]. Institutional Holdings - AlphaQuest LLC owned 19,036 shares of Dollar General after purchasing an additional 18,133 shares, valued at $1,967,000 [2]. - Accurate Wealth Management LLC increased its stake by 1.2%, owning 9,182 shares valued at $952,000 after buying 108 additional shares [3]. - Blue Trust Inc. boosted its holdings by 5.8%, now owning 2,005 shares valued at $229,000 after acquiring 110 shares [3]. - Stablepoint Partners LLC increased its holdings by 0.6%, owning 17,474 shares valued at $1,999,000 after buying 110 shares [3]. - Tectonic Advisors LLC raised its holdings by 1.9%, now owning 6,037 shares worth $691,000 after purchasing 113 shares [3]. - Wedmont Private Capital lifted its stake by 2.1%, owning 5,810 shares valued at $560,000 after acquiring 118 shares [3]. - Institutional investors and hedge funds collectively own 91.77% of Dollar General's stock [3]. Stock Performance - Dollar General stock opened at $143.42, with a market cap of $31.57 billion, a PE ratio of 24.77, and a P/E/G ratio of 2.57 [4]. - The stock has a 12-month low of $69.32 and a high of $154.75, with a 50-day moving average price of $134.45 and a 200-day moving average price of $115.83 [4]. Financial Performance - Dollar General reported $1.28 earnings per share for the quarter, exceeding analysts' estimates of $0.95 by $0.33 [5]. - The company had revenue of $10.65 billion for the quarter, slightly above analyst estimates of $10.60 billion, with a year-over-year revenue increase of 4.6% [5]. - The return on equity was 18.59%, and the net margin was 3.03% [5]. - The company has set its FY 2025 guidance at 6.300-6.500 EPS, with analysts expecting 5.75 EPS for the current fiscal year [5]. Dividend Information - Dollar General declared a quarterly dividend of $0.59 per share, representing an annualized dividend of $2.36 and a yield of 1.6% [6]. - The payout ratio stands at 40.76% [6]. Analyst Ratings - Argus raised its price target for Dollar General from $135.00 to $152.00, maintaining a "buy" rating [7]. - Morgan Stanley increased its price target from $135.00 to $160.00, giving an "equal weight" rating [7]. - Guggenheim raised its price objective from $125.00 to $140.00 with a "buy" rating [7]. - UBS Group lifted its target price from $135.00 to $143.00, maintaining a "buy" rating [7]. - Loop Capital increased its target price from $100.00 to $120.00, giving a "hold" rating [7]. - The consensus rating for Dollar General is "Hold" with an average price target of $141.27 [7]. Insider Activity - EVP Bryan D. Wheeler sold 9,776 shares at an average price of $135.32, totaling approximately $1.32 million, representing a 30.48% decrease in his position [9]. - CAO Anita C. Elliott sold 2,516 shares at an average price of $132.52, totaling approximately $333,420, representing a 7.90% decrease in her ownership [9]. - Insiders sold a total of 58,673 shares valued at $7.71 million in the last quarter, with insiders owning 0.56% of the company's stock [9]. Company Overview - Dollar General Corporation is a U.S.-based variety and discount retailer operating a large network of small-format stores primarily serving rural and suburban communities [10]. - Founded in 1939, Dollar General has evolved into a prominent low-price retailer focused on convenience and value [10]. - The stores offer a wide assortment of everyday consumables and household goods, including food, cleaning supplies, health and beauty products, and seasonal merchandise [11].

Core Insights - Walmart generated $681 billion in revenue during fiscal 2025, translating to $1.87 billion per day, but the more critical metric is its operating margin [1] Revenue and Operating Margin - Walmart's operating margin for fiscal 2025 was 4.3%, resulting in an operating income of $29.3 billion from the $681 billion revenue [2] - The operating margin is essential as it indicates how much profit Walmart extracts from each dollar of sales after covering inventory and operational costs [2] Importance of Operating Margin - The scale of revenue is impressive, but the operating margin shows whether that scale translates into profitability [3] - Walmart's operating margin increased from 3.3% in fiscal 2023 to 4.3% in fiscal 2025, indicating a full percentage point of margin expansion over two years [3] - Each 0.1% improvement in margin equates to an additional $681 million in operating income [3] Current Trends - Walmart's operating margin has shown a steady increase from 3.3% in fiscal 2023 to 4.2% in fiscal 2024, and then to 4.3% in fiscal 2025 [4] - The company is enhancing profitability through higher-margin initiatives such as pharmacy services expansion, advertising ventures, and AI-assisted shopping [4] Future Considerations - A sustained operating margin above 4.5% would indicate successful monetization of Walmart's technology investments [5] - Conversely, a margin compression below 4% would suggest competitive pricing pressures or unsuccessful margin-expansion initiatives [5] Conclusion - The expansion of Walmart's operating margin demonstrates that the company is not only growing in size but also increasing profitability per dollar of revenue, thereby turning scale into a sustainable competitive advantage [6]

Core Viewpoint - The Original Factory Shop has entered administration, putting approximately 1,180 jobs at risk due to ongoing trading pressures, including high-cost inflation and fragile consumer confidence [1][4]. Group 1: Company Overview - The Original Factory Shop operates 137 stores across the UK, offering a variety of products including clothing, homewares, beauty products, toys, and seasonal merchandise [4]. - The company was founded in 1969 and has been a significant presence on local high streets [4]. Group 2: Recent Developments - The retailer has faced challenges from a third-party warehouse and logistics provider, which negatively impacted sales [1]. - The company had recently undergone a restructuring program, relocating its head office and distribution center from Burnley to Bolton, and negotiating rent reductions at several sites [3]. Group 3: Administration Details - Rick Harrison and James Clark from Interpath have been appointed as joint administrators, and all 137 stores will continue to operate while options for the business are reviewed [2]. - The online shop has been closed immediately, but online orders placed before January 28, 2026, are expected to be fulfilled as normal [5][6].

Core Insights - TJ Maxx is opening its first new store in Manhattan in over a decade, signing a lease for 40,000 square feet at Herald Towers, marking the largest new retail deal in the city for the past two years [1][4] Group 1: Retail Landscape - The majority of recent large retail commitments have been focused on health and fitness clubs, medical clinics, fast food, and educational uses, with very few comparable deals to TJ Maxx's being new openings rather than renewals [2] - The new TJ Maxx store will join other retailers like Old Navy, MooMoo, and IT Italian Trattoria in Herald Square, which is a significant shopping district [3][8] Group 2: Herald Towers and Leasing Details - Herald Towers, which has 110,000 square feet of retail space, is now 95% leased following the TJ Maxx deal, indicating a strong recovery in the area [3] - The building, previously the McAlpin Hotel, was acquired by JEMB Realty in 1999 and has been converted into rental apartments, highlighting the transformation of the property [6][9] Group 3: Market Dynamics - The resurgence of foot traffic in Herald Square, driven by businesses like Macy's, has contributed to the area's retail recovery, although it took until last year for crowds to reach record levels [6]

Group 1: Voya MidCap Opportunities Fund Overview - The Voya MidCap Opportunities Fund's Q4 2025 investor letter highlights solid market gains but relative underperformance against the Russell Mid Cap Growth Index due to unfavorable stock selection [1] - The fund managers maintain a cautiously constructive outlook, noting geopolitical risks and policy uncertainty, but see potential in broadening market leadership, sustained corporate capital expenditure, and AI-led innovation [1] Group 2: Dollar Tree, Inc. Performance - Dollar Tree, Inc. accounted for 0.92% of the fund's portfolio as of December 31, 2025, with a one-month return of 1.52% and shares trading between $61.80 to $142.40 over the last 52 weeks [2] - The stock closed at approximately $126.79 per share on January 22, 2026, with a market capitalization of about $25.661 billion [2] - Dollar Tree's better-than-expected third-quarter earnings, driven by increased seasonal demand and a strategic move to offer prices above $1, contributed positively to the fund's performance [3] Group 3: Hedge Fund Interest and Investment Perspective - Dollar Tree, Inc. was held by 49 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q3 2025, a decrease from 59 in the previous quarter [3] - While acknowledging the risks and potential of Dollar Tree, the fund expresses a stronger conviction in AI stocks for higher returns in a shorter time frame [3]

Company Overview - Dollar General Corporation (DG) has a market cap of $32.4 billion and operates as a discount retailer in the U.S., offering a variety of consumable, seasonal, home, and apparel products across several regions including the south, southwest, midwest, and east [1] Earnings Forecast - Analysts expect Dollar General to report an EPS of $1.58 for fiscal Q4 2025, which represents a decrease of nearly 6% from $1.68 in the same quarter last year [2] - For the entire fiscal 2025, the forecasted EPS is $6.50, reflecting a 9.8% increase from $5.92 in fiscal 2024 [3] Stock Performance - Over the past 52 weeks, Dollar General shares have increased by 104.5%, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 Index's gain of 13.6% and the State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF's rise of 6.5% [4] Recent Financial Results - On December 4, Dollar General shares surged over 14% following the announcement of stronger-than-expected Q3 2025 results, which included an EPS of $1.28 and net sales of $10.65 billion [5] - The company reported a 31.5% increase in operating profit and a 43.8% increase in net income, with improved margins attributed to higher inventory markups and reduced shrink [5] - Dollar General raised its full-year EPS guidance to a range of $6.30 to $6.50, along with increased expectations for net sales and same-store sales growth [5] Analyst Ratings - The consensus view among analysts on Dollar General stock is moderately optimistic, with a "Moderate Buy" rating overall [6] - Out of 30 analysts covering the stock, 13 recommend "Strong Buy," one suggests "Moderate Buy," and 16 advise "Hold" [6] - The stock is currently trading above the average analyst price target of $139.66 [6]

Core Viewpoint - Dollar General Corp. has agreed to a $15 million settlement regarding claims of deceptive pricing practices, although the company does not admit to any wrongdoing [2]. Settlement Details - The settlement addresses claims that customers were charged prices at checkout that did not match the advertised shelf prices across its 20,000 stores in the U.S. [1][2]. - Consumers who shopped at Dollar General between October 10, 2016, and November 19, 2025, may be eligible for compensation if they experienced pricing discrepancies [3]. - Eligible customers can claim either a cash payment of $10 or the actual overcharge amount, whichever is higher, with a maximum of $20 per household [3]. Additional Compensation - In addition to cash payments, all class members can register for a one-time in-store discount of $3 on purchases of $10 or more during a yet-to-be-announced promotional period [4]. - The company will implement corrective measures to enhance pricing accuracy, including third-party audits and improved oversight [4]. Stock Performance - Dollar General's stock dipped by 1.74% to close at $144.60, but saw a 2.05% increase overnight [6]. - The stock had a strong performance in 2025, gaining over 83%, with analysts remaining optimistic, including Morgan Stanley raising its price target to $160, indicating a potential upside of 10.65% [6]. - The stock ranks high on Momentum in Benzinga's Edge Stock Rankings, showing favorable price trends across short, medium, and long-term periods [6].

Core Insights - Mulberry has partnered with Big Lots! to launch The BIG! Protection Plan, enhancing product protection for customers [1][2] - The plan offers extended coverage for various products, including furniture, mattresses, appliances, and electronics, protecting against accidents and wear [1][2] - This initiative is part of Big Lots!'s strategy to improve customer experience and provide added value beyond standard warranties [2][3] Company Overview - Big Lots! is undergoing a brand transformation, focusing on expanded product lines and a commitment to quality and value [2] - Variety Wholesalers, Inc. operates Big Lots! and is known for offering a wide range of discount merchandise across over 600 stores in 18 states [5] Product Protection Details - The BIG! Protection Plan includes coverage for accidental damage to indoor and outdoor furniture, mattresses, rugs, kitchen appliances, and electronics [7] - Coverage durations vary: up to 5 years for furniture, 10 years for mattresses, and 3 years for electronics and appliances [7] - The plan features no deductibles or hidden fees, with unlimited claims potential up to the original retail value [7]

Core Insights - The U.S. stock market starts the new year with confidence, supported by easing inflation, a steady economy, and expectations of lower interest rates over time, alongside the influence of artificial intelligence [1] Economic Environment - Recent data shows mixed but encouraging signs, with factory activity performing better than expected while housing shows signs of cooling; earnings season is ramping up, focusing on company-level performance [2] - Trade headlines and tariff threats have introduced short-term pressures, but markets typically overlook near-term volatility to focus on future prospects [2] Investment Strategy - Relative price strength is crucial; stocks that are already outperforming the broader market tend to continue leading, making them attractive for investors [3] - Companies such as Micron Technology (MU), Hilltop Holdings (HTH), Casey's General Stores (CASY), Agnico Eagle Mines (AEM), and Dollar General (DG) are recommended for consideration due to their strong performance [3] Stock Selection Criteria - Investors should evaluate stocks based on earnings growth and valuation multiples, while also considering their performance relative to industry peers or benchmarks [4] - Underperforming stocks should be avoided, while those showing strong relative price performance are more likely to yield significant returns [5] Performance Metrics - Stocks that have outperformed the S&P 500 over the past 1, 4, and 12 weeks, along with positive earnings estimate revisions for the current quarter, indicate potential for growth [6][9] - The screening parameters include relative price changes over different time frames and positive earnings estimate revisions, focusing on stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [8][10] Company Highlights - **Micron Technology (MU)**: Expected earnings growth of 297.5% for fiscal 2026, with shares gaining 243% in a year and a market cap over $400 billion [11][12] - **Hilltop Holdings (HTH)**: Projected EPS growth of 11.3% year-over-year for 2026, with shares up 24% in a year [12][13] - **Casey's General Stores (CASY)**: Anticipated EPS growth of 18.8% for fiscal 2026, with shares increasing by 64% in a year [14][15] - **Agnico Eagle Mines (AEM)**: Market cap nearly $100 billion, with shares more than doubling in a year and a projected earnings growth of 9.1% for 2026 [16][17] - **Dollar General (DG)**: Market cap nearly $33 billion, with shares gaining 117% in a year and a projected earnings growth of 5.4% for 2026 [17][18]

Company Overview - Walmart Inc. is a multinational retail corporation based in Arkansas, operating over 10,750 retail locations across 19 countries, including supercenters, discount stores, neighborhood markets, and warehouse clubs under the Sam's Club banner, along with a significant e-commerce presence [1] - The company has a market capitalization of $954 billion and serves approximately 270 million customers and members weekly, employing about 2.1 million people globally [1] Financial Performance - Analysts expect Walmart to report a profit of $0.73 per share for the fourth quarter, representing a 10.6% increase from $0.66 per share in the same quarter last year [2] - For fiscal year 2026, Walmart's earnings per share (EPS) is projected to be $2.63, a 4.8% increase from $2.51 in fiscal 2025, with an anticipated surge of 12.6% year-over-year to $2.96 per share [3] Stock Performance - Walmart's stock has increased by 31.1% over the past 52 weeks, outperforming the S&P 500 Index's 16.9% gains and the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund's 6.9% rise during the same period [4] - On January 9, Walmart's stock rose by 1.3% following the announcement that it will be added to the Nasdaq-100 and related indices effective January 20, 2026, replacing AstraZeneca [5] Analyst Sentiment - Analysts maintain a "Strong Buy" consensus rating for Walmart, with 29 out of 37 analysts recommending "Strong Buys," six recommending "Moderate Buys," and two suggesting "Holds" [6] - The mean price target for Walmart's stock is $124.75, indicating a 4.2% upside potential from current price levels [6]