Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the best Fortune 500 dividend stocks to invest in, highlighting the strong performance of global equities in 2025 and the importance of staying power in the market moving forward [1]. Market Performance - The MSCI All Country World Index rose over 21% in 2025, reaching a record level of 1,024 on December 26 [2]. - In the US, stock gains were primarily driven by earnings growth linked to artificial intelligence and steady consumer demand, with the S&P 500 and NASDAQ reaching new highs despite concerns about a potential AI bubble [3]. - Heavy capital spending by technology and infrastructure-related companies significantly contributed to the rise of US stocks, even as valuations exceeded historical norms [4]. Future Outlook - Looking ahead to 2026, expectations remain positive but cautious, with Goldman predicting continued earnings growth supported by AI investment and a favorable monetary environment, while also warning of elevated valuations and market concentration [5]. - State Street emphasized the need for selectivity in investment as markets may react more sharply to earnings results and policy changes [5]. Dividend Stocks Methodology - The article outlines a methodology for selecting the best dividend stocks, focusing on companies with an annual dividend yield over 2% as of December 31 and popularity among hedge funds at the end of Q3 2025 [8]. Company Highlights - **Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX)**: - Dividend yield of 3.70% with 47 hedge fund holders [11]. - Approved a $2.4 billion capital budget for 2026, focusing on midstream natural gas liquids and higher-return refining projects [13]. - Completed acquisition of WRB Refining, enhancing crude processing flexibility [14]. - **The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR)**: - Dividend yield of 2.23% with 55 hedge fund holders [16]. - Approved an additional $2 billion for share repurchases, adding to a previous $7.5 billion program [17]. - Faced intensified competition and has been adjusting its business strategy, including cost reductions and changes in e-commerce partnerships [19].

Ocado Group is set to offer its grocery technology to more potential customers after its mutual exclusivity arrangements ended with retailers in most of the markets in which it operates, including Kroger in the United States.By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions .Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free ac ...

Core Insights - Natural Grocers has introduced a diverse range of new private-label products in 2025, focusing on quality and wellness standards, including attributes like non-GMO and cruelty-free sourcing [1][2] - The company has been recognized as Retailer of the Year by Store Brands, highlighting its commitment to quality, transparency, and customer connection [2][5] - Natural Grocers plans to expand its private-label offerings further in 2026, with new products in dairy, body care, and frozen foods [4] Product Development - The Natural Grocers Brand has grown significantly since its launch in 2016, now offering over 900 high-quality items across various categories, including food and body care [3] - Each new product is developed with rigorous quality standards, ensuring they meet customer expectations for health and sustainability [1][2] Customer Engagement - The company emphasizes customer education through various channels, including in-person nutrition education, digital content, and loyalty campaigns [2] - Natural Grocers aims to connect with customers by promoting the alignment of its brand with health and community support [2] Company Overview - Founded in 1955, Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. is a specialty retailer focused on natural and organic groceries, body care products, and dietary supplements [6] - The company operates 168 stores across 21 states and is committed to strict quality guidelines, ensuring products are free from artificial additives and sourced responsibly [6] - In fiscal year 2025, Natural Grocers invested over $16 million in employee compensation, reflecting its commitment to its workforce and community [6]

MONTEREY PARK, CA / ACCESS Newswire / December 22, 2025 / Maison Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ:MSS) ("Maison Solutions" or the "Company"), a U.S.-based specialty grocery retailer offering traditional Asian and international food and merchandise, today announced financial results for the second quarter and six months ended October 31, 2025. Management Commentary John Xu, Chief Executive Officer of Maison Solutions commented: "Over the past few months, we've begun to activate our Worldcoin treasury initiative, made ...

The grocery store sector is feeling the effects of inflation, as food prices in August rose faster than the all-items Consumer Price Index, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service. That means food prices were rising higher than the rate of inflation, which was 3% in September, but we don't know for sure because of the October government shutdown. Grocery stores have no data to consider after August, as the government shutdown halted the USDA's Food Price Outlook publica ...

Core Insights - DoorDash is launching a grocery shopping app integrated within OpenAI's ChatGPT platform, following a similar initiative by Instacart [1][6] - The integration aims to connect ChatGPT's recipe suggestions with DoorDash's grocery network, enabling customers to convert meal ideas into grocery orders for delivery in as little as one hour [1][3] - The partnership is part of DoorDash's broader strategy to enhance AI usage in shopping, making the process more dynamic and personalized for consumers [2][3] Company Strategy - DoorDash co-founder Andy Fang emphasized that the partnership will streamline meal planning and shopping, enhancing the user experience through AI [2][3] - The company aims to expand AI tools across various shopping categories, focusing on saving time and simplifying local shopping [3][6] User Experience - The integration allows ChatGPT to customize recipes based on user preferences, generating a grocery list that can be ordered through the DoorDash app [3][4] - The app is currently available for select users on ChatGPT, with plans for expansion to iOS, Android, desktop, and mobile web in the coming weeks [9]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the upcoming deadline of January 26, 2026, for investors to file a lead plaintiff motion in a class action lawsuit concerning Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. securities purchased between June 4, 2025, and October 29, 2025 [1] Group 1 - The class action is filed on behalf of investors who acquired Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. securities during the specified Class Period [1] - Investors who suffered losses on their Sprouts investments are encouraged to inquire about potentially pursuing claims [1]

This story was originally published on Grocery Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Grocery Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Giant Food and The Giant Company plan to shutter their centralized e-commerce fulfillment centers by the end of the first quarter of 2026, according to a Friday announcement from parent company Ahold Delhaize USA. The closing facilities include Giant Food’s centralized e-commerce center in Manassas, Virginia, as well as The Giant Company’s fulfillmen ...

This story was originally published on Grocery Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Grocery Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: The Federal Trade Commission claimed Walmart received unfair pricing advantages from PepsiCo, according to the newly unsealed complaint for the government’s lawsuit against PepsiCo that was dismissed earlier this year.  The FTC alleged that PepsiCo violated the Robinson-Patman Act by giving Walmart a lower average retail price than its competitors. “To ...

We talked about a new report claiming Instacart's AI technology can show different prices for different shoppers. The aforementioned Madison has already been introduced. She you've got the story. What do lawmakers want to do about it? >> They're looking to make this practice illegal. So senators Gillibrand, GGO, and Booker have introduced the One Fair Price Act. Gillibrand telling Fox telling Fox Business, quote, "No one should be charged more just because a company is digging into their background and expl ...