Core Insights - The article highlights the contrasting dividend yields of Walmart and Target, with Walmart at 0.9% and Target at approximately 5.2%, suggesting that Target may be undervalued among Dividend Kings [1][2] Group 1: Company Comparison - Walmart has a market capitalization of around $800 billion, making it one of the largest consumer staples companies globally, while Target's market cap is nearly $40 billion, indicating a significant size disparity [3] - Both companies are fierce competitors in the U.S. retail market, particularly in grocery and big box store segments, serving as primary alternatives for consumers [4][5] - Current consumer preferences are leaning towards Walmart's everyday low-price strategy due to inflation concerns and recession risks, impacting sales performance [6] Group 2: Dividend Performance - Both Walmart and Target are classified as Dividend Kings, reflecting their long histories of reliable annual dividend increases [5][7] - Target's sales fell by 0.9% in the second quarter of 2025, with same-store sales down 1.9%, contrasting with Walmart's 4.8% increase in U.S. sales and 4.6% rise in same-store sales during the same period, leading to a shift in investor sentiment [9]

Core Insights - Blue-chip stocks are recognized for their strong performance and consistent dividend payments, providing a reliable source of passive income for investors [1] - Several blue-chip companies have announced additional dividends, enhancing their appeal to investors seeking income [2] DBS Group (SGX: D05) - DBS Group, Singapore's largest bank, reported a total income of S$11.6 billion for 1H 2025, a 5% increase year on year, driven by a 3.2% rise in net interest income [3] - Net profit decreased by 1% year on year to S$5.7 billion due to a 15% global minimum tax rate, but total income and profit before tax reached record levels for 1H 2025 [4] - The bank declared a core interim dividend of S$0.60 and a capital return dividend of S$0.15, totaling S$0.75, which is nearly 39% higher than the S$0.54 paid out the previous year [4][5] DFI Retail Group (SGX: D01) - DFI Retail Group reported flat revenue of US$4.4 billion for 1H 2025, while underlying net profit surged by 39% year on year to US$105 million [6] - The group declared a special dividend of US$0.443 per share, its first in 18 years, resulting from the divestment of its Singapore food business and a minority stake in Robinsons Retail [7] - The retailer raised its underlying profit guidance to between US$250 million and US$270 million, indicating positive outlook for its core business [7] Singtel (SGX: Z74) - Singtel reported stable operating revenue of S$14.1 billion for FY2025, with underlying net profit increasing by 9% year on year to S$2.5 billion [8] - The company achieved cumulative savings of around S$400 million by FY2025, targeting S$600 million by the end of FY2026 [9] - Singtel declared a core final dividend of S$0.067 and a value realisation dividend of S$0.033, totaling S$0.10, marking a 13% increase from the previous fiscal year's dividend [9][10] Venture Corporation Limited (SGX: V03) - Venture Corporation reported a revenue decline of 8.8% year on year to S$1.26 billion for 1H 2025, with net profit falling by 8.6% to S$113 million [12] - The company declared an interim dividend of S$0.25 and a special dividend of S$0.05, bringing the total dividend for 1H 2025 to S$0.30, higher than the previous year's S$0.25 [13] - Management expressed optimism about future business opportunities despite current volatility [14]

Core Viewpoint - The company has completed the transfer of 100% equity in multiple subsidiaries under Carrefour China Holdings N.V. as part of a strategic decision to divest certain assets [2][3]. Group 1 - The company held board meetings on September 9 and September 26, 2025, where the proposal for the sale of subsidiaries was approved [2]. - The subsidiaries involved in the transaction include various commercial management and supermarket companies across multiple regions in China [2]. - The completion of the industrial and commercial change registration procedures has been finalized, confirming that Carrefour China Holdings N.V. no longer holds equity in the target companies [3].

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Labor Market and Employment - The labor market is currently in a state of balance, not overly weak but also not strong, with limited net new hiring occurring [5][9] - Companies are primarily replacing existing employees rather than creating new positions, which is attributed to the impact of tariffs and the need to maintain margins [2][3] - The break-even rate for job creation is approximately 90,000 jobs, but current job creation is falling short of this target [9][10] Economic Conditions and Federal Reserve Actions - Market participants are relying on the Federal Reserve to provide sufficient accommodation, potentially easing by 75 basis points, to support the economy [1][4] - A loosening of financial conditions could help mitigate the impacts of tariffs on corporations [2][4] - Concerns about inflation are viewed as backward-looking, with current core PCE inflation for services running at 2.5% and goods inflation being the primary concern [10][12] Impact of Artificial Intelligence - The increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) by companies could lead to ongoing layoffs, particularly as firms tighten their budgets [5][6] - Currently, 9% of companies are experimenting with AI, which may contribute to job losses across various sectors [6] Seasonal Trends and Market Performance - Historically, October tends to present tailwinds for the market, but September showed strong performance that defied seasonal patterns [13] - There may be a need to consolidate excess enthusiasm in the market before moving towards higher performance levels [14]

Core Insights - Walmart has demonstrated resilience in the face of challenges such as tariffs, achieving solid sales and earnings growth, which has driven its stock to an all-time high of $106.11 [1] Financial Performance - Walmart's diversified revenue base and strength in higher-margin businesses are contributing positively to profitability, with analysts optimistic about the stock's upside potential, targeting a price of $129, indicating a potential upside of approximately 25% from its closing price of $103.16 on September 26 [2] - The company has raised its full-year sales growth outlook in constant currency by 75 basis points, now targeting a range of 3.75% to 4.75%, reflecting strong year-to-date performance and expectations for continued market share gains [4] - Walmart maintained its adjusted operating income growth forecast at 3.5% to 5.5% in constant currency, indicating steady structural margin improvements despite cost pressures, and slightly raised its full-year EPS guidance to a range of $2.52 to $2.62 per share [5] E-Commerce Growth - E-commerce is emerging as a significant growth engine for Walmart, with digital sales increasing by 25% in the second quarter compared to the same period last year, showcasing the company's ability to meet customer demand for fast and convenient delivery [6] - Walmart U.S. e-commerce sales grew by 26%, an acceleration from the previous low-20% growth rates, with delivery from stores seeing a 50% increase; one-third of recent store deliveries reached customers in three hours or less, and 20% were completed in just 30 minutes, highlighting the efficiency of Walmart's extensive store network [7]

Key Takeaways Walmart's Q2 results highlight international strength, with net sales up 10.5% on a cc basis.China sales rose 30%, fueled by online growth and 455 cloud stores enabling rapid delivery. Walmex posted 4.4% comp sales growth, supported by double-digit e-commerce and festive demand.Walmart Inc.’s (WMT) second-quarter fiscal 2026 results highlighted the growing importance of its international business, which delivered strong sales growth and continued to solidify the company’s overall performance.  ...

BENTONVILLE, Ark (AP) — As artificial intelligence and demographic changes reshape the U.S. job market, the nation's largest private employer is trying to identify the skills its workers and the broader labor force might need for the future. Walmart (WMT) on Thursday hosted more than 300 workplace experts and representatives from other companies participating in the Skills-First Workforce Initiative, a project to develop and fill stable jobs based on what people know how to do instead of whether they atte ...

Core Insights - Costco continues to demonstrate strong performance, outpacing traditional retail competitors and expanding its global footprint [1][2] - The company reported an 8% revenue increase to $86.2 billion, slightly exceeding estimates, with comparable sales rising 6.4% [4] - Earnings per share increased by 11% to $5.87, surpassing consensus expectations [4] Financial Performance - Revenue for the quarter reached $86.2 billion, up from $79.9 billion a year ago, slightly above the estimated $86.1 billion [4] - Comparable sales, adjusted for foreign currency and fuel prices, rose 6.4%, exceeding the consensus estimate of 5.9% [4] - Gross margin improved to 11.13%, an increase of 13 basis points year-over-year [5] - Membership income grew by 14%, with paid memberships increasing by 6.3% to 81 million [5] Membership and Expansion - Costco's recent warehouse expansions have allowed for increased sales of high-priced discretionary items [5] - The company has introduced extended store hours for executive members, which has led to an uptick in membership upgrades [6] - Membership renewal rates remain high, with a 92% renewal rate in North America and 90% worldwide [9] Market Position and Valuation - Despite strong earnings, Costco's stock fell by 0.8% in after-hours trading, reflecting its stable nature and low volatility [7] - The company does not provide forward guidance, contributing to a stable but potentially stagnant growth outlook [8] - Costco's price-to-earnings ratio stands at 51.8, indicating a premium valuation compared to other retailers, which may limit future stock growth [9][10]

Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) is included among the 12 Best Stocks to Buy Now for Passive Income.  How Target’s (TGT) Dividend History Strengthens its Passive Income Appeal Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) ranks among the largest retailers in the US and is one of the few national chains offering a broad range of products. Throughout most of its history, it has been a reliable growth driver. The company operates across urban, suburban, and rural areas, with stores in all 50 states. Although Target Corporati ...