Core Insights - The J. M. Smucker Company (SJM) reported second-quarter fiscal 2026 results with a year-over-year decline in earnings, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate, while net sales increased and exceeded expectations due to strong demand for its flagship brands [1][10] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings were $2.10 per share, falling short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.12 and down 24% from $2.76 in the prior-year quarter [2] - Net sales reached $2,330.1 million, a 3% year-over-year increase, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2,322 million; excluding noncomparable sales from last year, net sales grew 5% [3] - Adjusted gross profit decreased by 10% due to high commodity costs, tariffs, and adverse volume/mix, partially offset by improved net price realization [4] - Adjusted operating income fell 20% year-over-year to $394.3 million, driven by lower gross profit and increased selling, distribution, and administrative (SD&A) expenses [4] Segment Performance - U.S. Retail Coffee segment sales increased by 21% to $848.9 million, with net price realization up 27%, while volume/mix declined by 6%; segment profit decreased by 24% to $154.3 million [5] - U.S. Retail Frozen Handheld and Spreads segment sales decreased by 5% to $461.1 million, with volume/mix negatively impacting sales by 8 percentage points; segment profit fell 12% to $102.1 million [6] - U.S. Retail Pet Foods segment sales dropped by 7% to $413.2 million, with volume/mix having an 8-percentage-point adverse impact; segment profit grew by 2% to $124.4 million [7] - Sweet Baked Snacks segment sales were $256.1 million, down 19% year-over-year, with segment profit plummeting 69% to $21.8 million [8] - International and Away From Home segment net sales increased by 9% to $350.8 million, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $345 million [9] Guidance and Outlook - For fiscal 2026, SJM anticipates net sales growth of 3.5-4.5%, revised from the previous 3-5% estimate, including a $134.7 million impact from divestitures [14] - Comparable net sales are expected to increase by approximately 5-6%, down from the earlier 4.5-6.5% range, reflecting higher net price realization but offset by volume/mix declines [15] - Adjusted EPS for fiscal 2026 is now projected to be in the range of $8.75-$9.25, compared to the previous estimate of $8.50-$9.50 [16]

Core Insights - Conagra Brands, a 105-year-old company with over 20 national food brands, is projected to achieve more than $11.6 billion in sales this year while modernizing its portfolio for future growth [1] - The company's stock has declined 37% year-to-date, making it one of the worst performers in the S&P 500, which has resulted in an increased dividend yield of 8% [2] - Conagra has a trailing payout ratio of 78% and has increased its dividend for the past six years, indicating a commitment to returning value to shareholders [7] Conagra Brands - Conagra is focusing on modernizing its product offerings to drive future growth [1] - The company has experienced a significant stock decline, which has led to a high dividend yield, attracting value investors [2] - The dividend payments from Conagra are projected to grow, with historical growth rates averaging 6.3% annually over the past five years [3] - The current dividend yield of Conagra is significantly higher than the S&P 500 average of 1.2% [5] - Conagra's price-to-earnings (P/E) and price-to-sales (P/S) ratios are near 10-year lows, suggesting potential value [7] United Parcel Service (UPS) - UPS has also faced a challenging year, with a 28% decline in stock price, resulting in a dividend yield of almost 7% [8] - The company has maintained or increased its dividend annually since going public in 1999, reflecting its financial strength [9] - UPS's dividend payout ratio is currently at 91%, but it is expected to decrease as earnings per share (EPS) are projected to grow by 4% and 11% in 2026 and 2027, respectively [10] Pfizer - Pfizer's stock has seen a modest decline of 5% year-to-date, with a current dividend yield of 6.9%, the highest in the healthcare sector [11] - The company has a 98% dividend payout ratio, which is projected to decline to 75% by 2026, indicating potential for sustainable dividends [12] - Pfizer has a strong track record of dividend increases over the past 16 years, supported by its balance sheet strength [12] Verizon - Verizon offers a dividend yield of 6.7%, making it one of the top dividend payers in the S&P 500 [13] - The company has a commitment to returning value to shareholders, with a 21-year track record of annual dividend increases [14] - Verizon's current P/E ratio is less than 9 times earnings for the next 12 months, indicating potential undervaluation [15]

The bitter decades-long feud between Big Sugar and Big Candy began to ease in a conference room at Washington’s Four Seasons hotel, where more than 40 lobbyists faced off, divided by trays of pastries https://t.co/RFRhURjJTx ...

We do want to turn now to more economic fallout from the government shutdown. The Bureau of Labor Statistics announcing it is cancelling its October inflation report and delaying the release of its November report. The announcement coming as the White House appears to be responding to growing frustration among consumers and voters on the issue of inflation and the cost of food.The president announcing late yesterday that he's rolling back tariffs on additional imports from Brazil, including fruit, coffee, c ...

Core Insights - DDC Enterprise Limited has announced a significant agreement to purchase 300 Bitcoin, marking the largest single acquisition in the company's history [1] - Following this transaction, DDC's total Bitcoin holdings will rise to 1,383 BTC, reflecting a nearly 30% increase from previous levels [1] Acquisition Highlights - The acquisition is expected to improve yield for the company [1]

Core Insights - The article discusses potential stock picks related to Thanksgiving dinner, highlighting how rising food prices may signal investment opportunities in certain companies [2][3]. Company Summaries - **Seaboard Corporation (SEB)**: Known for its Butterball turkey brand, SEB has seen its stock rise over 65% this year. Despite a high nominal price exceeding $4,000, it trades at just 9x earnings, indicating value compared to competitors [4][5][6]. - **Campbell's Company (CPB)**: CPB is recognized for its role in Thanksgiving side dishes, particularly with its Cream of Mushroom soup. The stock is down 26% in 2025 but shows signs of a potential bullish reversal, with a price target of $34.59 suggesting nearly 12% upside [7][9]. - **General Mills (GIS)**: As a key player in baking products, GIS has experienced a year-to-date decline of approximately 25%. Analysts project a price target of $55.82, indicating an 18% upside potential, with the stock trading at 10x earnings [10][11]. - **McCormick & Company (MKC)**: Historically strong in the current quarter, MKC's stock is attractively valued at 21x earnings. Analysts have set a price target of $78.22, reflecting a potential 21% upside, alongside a stable dividend yield of 2.79% [12][13]. - **Constellation Brands (STZ)**: This company, known for its wine and beer products, has seen its stock decline over 40% this year. Analysts project a price target of $186.44, suggesting over 43% upside, with a low valuation of 9.6x forward earnings [14][15].

The Magnum Ice Cream Company is seeking €3 billion from a debut bond sale ahead of the firm’s spin off from Unilever https://t.co/inJTgFi0tK ...

日本共同社：应中方要求，有关恢复日本牛肉对华出口的政府间谈判已经暂停。 https://t.co/bk9BCG3vTO外汇交易员 (@myfxtrader):日本共同社：19日获悉，中国政府已向日本政府通报暂停进口日本水产品。 ...

日本共同社：19日获悉，中国政府已向日本政府通报暂停进口日本水产品。 ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the author's investment strategy, emphasizing a focus on undervalued growth stocks and high-quality dividend growers, particularly in U.S. and European equities [1] - The author highlights the importance of sustained profitability, characterized by strong margins, stable and expanding free cash flow, and high returns on invested capital, as a more reliable driver of returns than valuation alone [1] - The author manages a public portfolio on eToro, where they have achieved the status of Popular Investor, allowing others to follow their real-time investment decisions [1] Company Insights - Hershey (HSY) is mentioned as a company where the author successfully identified a buying opportunity back in February, leading to a rally in its stock price [1] - The author expresses a positive outlook on Hershey, indicating a strong buy position based on the recent performance and market conditions [1] Investment Philosophy - The investment philosophy is rooted in a long-term perspective, aiming to balance personal financial freedom with the ability to work in fulfilling environments [1] - The author’s interdisciplinary background in Economics, Classical Philology, Philosophy, and Theology enhances their quantitative analysis and market narrative interpretation [1]