Core Viewpoint - Kohl's has shown signs of recovery after a challenging first half of 2025, with potential for further improvement during the holiday season [1][2]. Financial Performance - Kohl's reported a 5.1% year-over-year decline in net sales, totaling $3.3 billion, which exceeded analyst expectations of $3.33 billion [3]. - The company experienced a year-over-year increase in operating income and adjusted net income, with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.44 surpassing forecasts of $0.30 [4]. Market Sentiment - The stock has gained attention as a "meme stock," leading to increased speculative interest and a surge in share prices [2]. - Despite recent range-bound trading, there are indications that a new rally may be imminent, particularly with the upcoming holiday shopping season [6]. Future Outlook - Analysts suggest that improved same-store sales and increased web traffic may lead to better-than-expected results in Q3 and Q4 of 2025 [7]. - Following workforce reductions and store closures, there is potential for margin improvement in the upcoming fiscal quarter [8]. Valuation and Investment Potential - Kohl's has significant real estate assets, with valuation estimates ranging from $2 billion to $8 billion, which could enhance the stock's performance if monetized [10]. - The company is working to overcome its previous reputation as a value trap, and continued improvement in results could support a sustained increase in stock value [11].

Core Insights - Target and Walmart reported strong Q3 earnings, exceeding expectations, which has sparked discussions about potential investment opportunities in these retail giants [1][3][4] Target Overview - Target's Q3 EPS was $1.78, beating expectations of $1.76 but down from $1.85 in the same quarter last year [3] - Q3 sales for Target decreased by over 1% year-over-year to $25.27 billion, slightly missing estimates of $25.35 billion, attributed to affordability pressures on consumer goods [3] - Target has cut its full-year profit outlook, now guiding FY26 EPS to $7.00-$8.00 from a previous range of $7.00-$9.00, reflecting a cautious stance on the holiday outlook [6] - FY26 EPS guidance represents a 17% drop from $8.86 in FY25, although FY27 EPS is projected to stabilize and rise by 9% to $7.94 [9] Walmart Overview - Walmart's Q3 sales rose 6% year-over-year to $179.49 billion, surpassing estimates of $177.14 billion [4] - Q3 EPS for Walmart was $0.62, exceeding estimates of $0.61 and up from $0.58 a year ago [4] - Walmart has raised its fiscal 2026 net sales growth guidance to 4.8%-5.1%, up from 3.75%-4.75%, and increased its full-year operating income guidance by nearly 400 basis points to a growth range of 8.5%-9.5% [5] - Annual earnings for Walmart are expected to rise 4% in FY26 and jump another 12% in FY27 to $2.92 per share [10] EPS Revisions and Market Outlook - Both Target and Walmart stocks currently hold a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating a need for more compelling EPS revision trends for potential upside [11] - Walmart's optimistic outlook and EPS beat may enhance its market prospects, while Target's cautious approach could limit its growth potential [11]

Core Viewpoint - Walmart Inc. reported strong quarterly earnings, exceeding profit expectations and raising its outlook for the upcoming year, yet its stock price fell [1][2]. Financial Performance - Walmart's third-quarter adjusted earnings were 62 cents per share, surpassing the Street's estimate of 60 cents [2]. - The company raised its adjusted EPS forecast for 2026 to a range of $2.58–$2.63, up from the previous range of $2.52–$2.62 [2]. Analyst Ratings and Forecasts - Analysts maintain a positive outlook on Walmart, citing strong momentum in value, convenience, and higher-margin services like advertising and marketplace [3]. - Bank of America Securities analyst Robert F. Ohmes maintained a Buy rating with a price target of $125, emphasizing Walmart's value proposition and digital convenience [4]. - Goldman Sachs analyst Kate McShane reiterated a Buy rating and increased her forecast from $114 to $121, highlighting Walmart's potential for solid earnings growth [5]. - JPMorgan analyst Christopher Horvers raised his forecast from $128 to $129, noting that results alleviated concerns about consumer health and earnings momentum [6]. - DA Davidson's Michael Baker raised his forecast from $117 to $130, while increasing EPS estimates for 2025 and 2026 to $2.64 and $2.85, respectively [7]. - BTIG analyst Robert Drbul lifted his forecast from $120 to $125, stating Walmart has the potential to achieve its fiscal 2026 sales growth goal of 3% to 4% [8]. - Guggenheim's John Heinbockel raised his forecast from $115 to $120, noting Walmart's strong performance compared to the S&P 500 [9]. - KeyBanc Capital Markets analyst Bradley B. Thomas increased his forecast from $110 to $120, citing growth initiatives and supply chain automation [10]. - RBC Capital Markets analyst Steven Shemesh maintained an Outperform rating with a $116 forecast, highlighting the benefits of Walmart's third-party marketplace [11]. - Telsey Advisory Group's Joseph Feldman raised his forecast from $118 to $130, encouraged by Walmart's expansion beyond core retail and e-commerce [12].

Group 1 - The article discusses the investment outlook for FEMSA, a well-managed Mexican retailer, highlighting a discrepancy between short-term and long-term perspectives [1] - There is a concern regarding the potential impact of weaker consumer conditions in Mexico on FEMSA's performance [1]

Market Overview - The market has experienced significant volatility, particularly influenced by Nvidia's earnings announcement, which led to a gap up followed by a sell-off [3][4][5] - Retail traders are reportedly using excessive margin, leading to forced liquidations and panic trading behaviors [4][5][6] Regetti Computing - Regetti Computing has seen a 30% increase this year but has contracted nearly 50% in the current month, reflecting the volatile market conditions [8] - The stock broke out from the $20 level earlier in the year, reaching nearly $60, but is now testing support around the low $20s [10][11] - The previous resistance at $20 is now a critical support level, and if it holds, it could present a trading opportunity [11][15] Walmart - Walmart has shown a strong uptrend, expected to close the week up over 3%, indicating resilience in the retail sector [20][21] - The stock has been viewed as a safer investment amidst market fears, with a focus on its omni-channel presence and AI initiatives [24][25] - Key support levels are around $100, which has previously acted as both resistance and support [29][32] IBM - IBM has pulled back about 9% from its highs but remains a significant player in AI and quantum computing, with potential for future announcements [34][35] - The stock has shown resilience, breaking above the $265 level and retaking the $295 range, which is now a supportive area [40][41] - Volume profiles indicate strong trading activity around the $285 level, suggesting it as a critical support point [42]

分组1 - Nvidia reported strong earnings, but the stock experienced a significant downside reversal, impacting the broader market [2][11][20] - Over 30 Wall Street analysts raised their price targets for Nvidia following the earnings report, indicating strong optimism [2][29] - The S&P 500 is up nearly 12% year-to-date, while the NASDAQ is up about 6/10 of a percent, despite recent downward trends [6][25] 分组2 - Bitcoin has fallen below $90,000, marking its worst monthly performance since 2022, with a total market value of digital coins dropping below $3 trillion [18][39] - The retail sector showed positive signs, with Gap beating estimates and providing an upbeat holiday outlook, indicating resilience in consumer spending [18][42] - Gap's comparable store sales rose 5%, the highest in over four years, and the brand has seen consistent sales gains [43][46] 分组3 - Analysts are concerned about the potential for an AI bubble, but Nvidia's management has pushed back against this narrative, emphasizing growth potential [22][30] - The overall market is experiencing a recalibration in sentiment and expectations, with a potential reset providing a better setup for future investments [24][25] - The upcoming holiday season is expected to see consumer spending increase by about 4.6% compared to last year, indicating continued consumer resilience [58]

Market Overview - Markets are heading for their worst week in seven months despite strong Q3 earnings from US companies, driven by concerns over high valuations and the sustainability of AI investments [2][3] - The probability of an interest rate cut has decreased sharply from around 60% to 35%, contributing to market unease [3][8] - Global stocks are also experiencing significant declines, with tech-heavy indices in Japan and South Korea suffering major losses [4][39] Cryptocurrency Insights - Bitcoin has fallen below $82,000, marking a significant drop from last month's peak of $126,000, indicating increased volatility and skepticism about the AI boom's sustainability [5][53] - The cryptocurrency is on track for its worst monthly performance since June 2022, reflecting broader market pressures [4][53] Media Industry Developments - Warner Brothers Discovery is attracting bids from major rivals including Paramount, Sky Dance, Comcast, and Netflix, signaling potential consolidation in the media industry [6] - Paramount's bid is notably backed by Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, highlighting the competitive landscape for valuable media assets [6] Technology Sector Dynamics - Google is facing legal challenges from the US government regarding its digital advertising practices, with the Justice Department seeking to force the company to divest parts of its ad technology [7] - SoftBank's shares dropped over 10% due to concerns about tech valuations, despite the company having sold its stake in Nvidia to invest in OpenAI [3][39] Labor Market and Economic Indicators - The US labor market showed an unexpected rebound with 119,000 jobs added in September, which may impact expectations for interest rate cuts [8][12] - The construction sector is experiencing growth, which is seen as a positive sign for future economic outlook [12][15] Retail Sector Performance - BJ's reported Q3 revenue of $5.35 billion, meeting expectations, but adjusted earnings per share missed by 2 cents, yet shares rose over 4% in pre-market trading [41] - Retail performance is being closely monitored as major retailers like Walmart and Target report earnings, indicating consumer spending trends [42][44]

Another month, another market high. Singapore’s Straits Times Index (SGX: ^STI) crossed the 4,500 mark two Fridays ago (7 November), marking a new all-time high for the local index. You may have questions.Subscribers of The Smart Dividend Portfolio have their own queries too.  Here are a few common ones (paraphrased):What if I missed out on buying CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust (SGX: C38U) and Sheng Siong (SGX: OV8) — is it too late to buy now? The stock market has done well but I am two years away ...

Core Insights - Walmart is a leading global retailer with a diverse product range and a strong e-commerce presence, competing with major players like Amazon and Target [1] - Wells Fargo has maintained an "Overweight" rating for Walmart, reflecting confidence in the stock's growth potential [5] Stock Performance - At the time of Wells Fargo's announcement, Walmart's stock was priced at $107.11, showing a significant increase of 6.46% or $6.5 following strong quarterly results [2][5] - The stock's trading range for the day was between $102.7 and $107.91, indicating active investor interest [3] Price Target Adjustment - Wells Fargo raised Walmart's price target from $110 to $120, suggesting expectations for further growth driven by the company's impressive earnings report [3][5] Market Capitalization and Trading Volume - Walmart's market capitalization is approximately $854 billion, highlighting its significant role in the retail sector [4] - The company had a trading volume of 50.19 million shares, reinforcing its status as a key player in the stock market [4]

Core Viewpoint - The North West Company Inc. has announced its intention to initiate a normal course issuer bid (NCIB) to repurchase up to 4,752,020 of its common voting shares and variable voting shares, representing approximately 10% of its public float as of November 13, 2025, with the aim of utilizing available resources in the best interests of the Company [1][2]. Summary by Sections NCIB Details - The Company may acquire a maximum of 4,752,020 Shares for cancellation over the next 12 months, based on its public float as of November 13, 2025, which includes 47,736,757 issued and outstanding Shares [2]. - Purchases will be conducted through the TSX or Canadian alternative trading systems at market price, with a daily maximum purchase limit of 35,865 Shares, which is approximately 25% of the average daily trading volume over the last six months [3]. Automatic Securities Purchase Plan - An automatic securities purchase plan has been established to facilitate share purchases during regulatory restrictions or blackout periods, allowing the Company to request its broker to make purchases within specified parameters [4]. - The automatic securities purchase plan will be effective starting November 25, 2025, and the Company retains the right to suspend or discontinue the NCIB at any time [4][5]. Historical Context - The current NCIB follows the previous 2025 NCIB, which allowed the repurchase of up to 4,765,289 Shares, during which the Company repurchased and canceled 197,899 Shares at an average price of $47.63 per Share [6]. Company Profile - The North West Company Inc. is a leading retailer of food and everyday products, operating 229 stores under various trading names and generating annualized sales of approximately CDN$2.6 billion [12].