Dan Hernandez/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images Citrini Research just unveiled its 26 bets heading into the new year. The firm's annual investment watchlist largely beat the S&P 500 this year. In 2026, it's dialed its focus on themes like automation, weight loss drugs, and female consumer spending. Slop bowls. AI layoffs. What your girlfriend spends money on. All of those themes have a place in investors' portfolios for 2026, according to Citrini Research, which unveiled its top bets for t ...

Market Overview - The U.S. stock market is experiencing a midday surge, with all three major indexes in positive territory, driven by a rebound in technology and AI-related shares [1][2] - The Nasdaq Composite is leading with a gain of approximately 0.9%, followed by the S&P 500 at around 0.7% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average at about 0.5% [2] Economic Indicators - The November Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed a year-over-year increase of only 2.7%, below the expected 3.0%, which has raised hopes for further Federal Reserve interest rate cuts in 2026 [3] - The prospect of a more accommodative monetary policy is seen as a tailwind for equities [3] Corporate Developments - Oracle (ORCL) shares surged by approximately 7% due to reports of a joint venture with China's ByteDance, granting American investors, including Oracle, a controlling stake in TikTok's U.S. operations [8] - Micron Technology (MU) shares jumped another 5.5% after a 10% increase the previous day, driven by strong earnings and robust guidance amid tightening supply for AI data centers [9] - Other chipmakers like Nvidia (NVDA) and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) also saw gains of about 3.5% and 5.5%, respectively, due to renewed enthusiasm for AI [13] Company Performance - Winnebago Industries (WGO) shares soared by 12.3% after exceeding analysts' expectations in its fiscal 2026 first quarter and raising its full-year outlook [13] - Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI) rose 1.8% after reporting strong second-quarter fiscal 2026 revenue that surpassed consensus estimates [13] - Cintas Corporation (CTAS) gained 1.3% after reporting second-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings that beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate [13] - Conversely, Nike (NKE) slumped nearly 10% despite exceeding earnings expectations, impacted by declining sales in China and tariffs affecting gross margins [13] - Enerpac Tool Group Corp. (EPAC) shares declined 8.8% after missing earnings expectations for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 [13] - FedEx (FDX) slid more than 2% as its quarterly results failed to impress investors [13]

Key Takeaways McDonald's relies on value, loyalty and menu innovation as global comparable sales increased 3.6% in Q3.Yum! Brands recorded about $10B in Q3 digital system sales, with digital making up nearly 60% of transactions.Dutch Bros delivered 25% Q3 revenue growth and plans roughly 175 new system shops in 2026.The U.S. restaurant industry is navigating a softer demand backdrop as consumers remain cautious on discretionary spending. Value sensitivity, mixed traffic trends and ongoing cost pressure con ...

Shares of Ark Restaurants Corp. (ARKR) have lost 3.6% since the company reported earnings for the quarter ended Sept. 27, 2025. This compares unfavorably with the S&P 500 Index’s 2.3% gain over the same time frame. Over the past month, the stock has lost 10.3% versus the S&P 500’s 8.1% rise.ARKR’s Earnings SnapshotFor the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, Ark Restaurants reported total revenues of $37.3 million, down 14% year over year from $43.4 million. Excluding revenues from El Rio Grande and the Tampa Foo ...

Market Overview - U.S. stock markets opened higher on December 19, 2025, following a volatile week, with major indexes buoyed by cooler-than-expected inflation data for November, raising hopes for potential Federal Reserve rate cuts in the new year [1][2] - The S&P 500 Index opened at 6,792.62 points, up 17.86 points or 0.26 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index opened at 23,121.90 points, up 115.54 points or 0.50 percent, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average opened at 47,974.82 points, up 22.97 points or 0.05 percent [2] Economic Outlook - The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter-point to a range of 3.50%-3.75% during its final meeting of 2025, but further cuts are not guaranteed without significant weakening in the job market [3] - Economic reports are expected to be viewed with skepticism due to distortions caused by a recent government shutdown [3][4] Upcoming Economic Data - Key economic data releases include Final GDP q/q, Core PCE Price Index, Existing Home Sales, and Revised UoM Consumer Sentiment, which are critical for assessing inflation and consumer behavior [4] Quadruple Witching Impact - "Quadruple witching" is occurring today, with a record $7.1 trillion in options expiring, which could lead to increased market volatility [5] Corporate Developments - Oracle (ORCL) shares rose 5.5% on news of a potential joint venture with ByteDance for TikTok's U.S. operations, granting American investors a controlling stake [6] - Micron Technology (MU) shares jumped nearly 5% after a strong earnings report, with a 10% surge the previous day, driven by demand for AI memory solutions [7] - Nike (NKE) shares fell over 10% due to weaker-than-expected revenue from China and higher tariffs impacting gross margins [8] - FedEx (FDX) reported revenue of $23.47 billion and adjusted earnings per share of $4.82, but shares remained flat [9] - Winnebago (WGO) shares soared 12% after strong fiscal first-quarter results and an increased full-year outlook [9] - Darden Restaurants (DRI) reported second-quarter revenue of $3,102.1 million, exceeding estimates, leading to a 1.8% rise in shares [10] - Cintas Corporation (CTAS) shares gained 1.3% after reporting earnings of $1.21 per share, beating expectations [10] - Enerpac Tool Group Corp. (EPAC) shares declined 8.8% after missing earnings estimates [10] Global Economic Developments - The Bank of Japan raised its key policy rate to 0.75%, the highest since 1995, contributing to a rise in global shares [11]

Core Insights - Chipotle Mexican Grill is a pioneer in the fast-casual restaurant industry, inspiring similar business models across various cuisines [1] - Despite its strong market position, Chipotle's stock has significantly underperformed, dropping 38% in 2025, raising concerns about its business performance [3][4] - The company has downgraded its same-store sales growth forecast from low to mid-single digits to a decline in low single digits, indicating weaker financial performance [4] Financial Performance - Chipotle shares surged 368% in the five years leading up to their peak in June 2024, but faced a drastic decline in 2025 [3] - Transaction counts decreased by 0.8% in Q3 2025, with younger and lower-income demographics ordering less frequently [5] Market Conditions - The U.S. economy is not officially in a recession, but consumer spending is down due to rising costs, impacting dining out habits [6] - Management plans to continue aggressive new store openings despite the current stock decline, which is at a five-year low [6] Strategic Focus - The company aims to maintain its competitive edge through menu innovation, enhancing digital capabilities, and ensuring food quality [7]

Coffee remains a staple around the world, so maybe it's a good idea to own some coffee companies. Yet when looking at coffee franchises with extensive reach, Starbucks ( SBUX ) and maybe Dunkin' (privately held) are the only names that comeI am currently an undergraduate student who will be going into financial services. I've had experience in investing through prior PE and equities-focused HF internships. I am writing on Seeking Alpha to give my opinion on underfollowed, promising stocks with a focus on co ...

Japan-based restaurant group HUGE has secured an investment from private equity (PE) company L Catterton. The investment was said to be "strategic" though financial details were not revealed. Huge runs 47 premium casual sites under various brands serving Spanish, Italian, Mexican, American, Modern Asian and other cuisines. Approximately 30 of the group’s sites operate in the Tokyo metropolitan region, with the remaining sites located in key cities such as Fukuoka, Kyoto, Nagoya and Okinawa. Huge found ...

Darden Restaurants has reported sales growth for its fiscal 2026 (FY2026) second quarter (Q2) and lifted its revenue outlook for the full year. The company’s sales totalled $3.1bn in the three months to 23 November, a 7.3% increase from the prior year. Same-store sales grew 4.3%, supported by gains across major brands. Olive Garden, Darden’s largest chain, recorded a 4.7% rise in same-restaurant sales while LongHorn Steakhouse logged a 5.9% rise. The group’s “other business” segment posted same-store ...

Core Insights - Olive Garden's sales indicate a growing consumer demand for value and pasta offerings [1][6] - Darden Restaurants reported a significant increase in quarterly sales, driven by the popularity of its $13.99 "never ending pasta bowl" special [1][6] Sales Performance - Darden posted $3.1 billion in sales for its fiscal second quarter, slightly exceeding analyst expectations [4] - Adjusted earnings per share were $2.08, just 1 cent below estimates, with same restaurant sales increasing by 4.3% across Darden's portfolio [4] - Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse reported same restaurant sales gains of 4.7% and 5.9%, respectively, both surpassing forecasts [4] Consumer Trends - There is a notable trend of middle to higher-income customers seeking better deals at restaurants, as indicated by Olive Garden's increasing customer base [2][3] - The restaurant industry is witnessing signs of consumer strain, with a focus on value offerings becoming more prominent [3] Future Outlook - Darden plans to continue emphasizing value, including the introduction of lower-priced, smaller portion options at Olive Garden [5] - The company raised its full-year revenue outlook for the third consecutive quarter, now expecting sales growth of 8.5% to 9.3% [5] - Darden maintained its adjusted EPS forecast at $10.50 to $10.70 despite warnings that higher prices could impact profits [5]