Investors have punished the stocks of United Parcel Service (UPS +3.61%) and Hormel Foods (HRL 1.61%). Both are S&P 500 index (^GSPC +2.91%) stocks, with each down by more than 55% since early 2022. That's a potential opportunity for investors who don't mind a turnaround. Here's a quick look at the positive story behind UPS and Hormel.United Parcel Service says 2026 is the inflection pointUPS did a lot of heavy lifting in 2025. It closed 93 buildings and deployed automation at 57 locations. The industrial g ...

Automation is coming to warehouses — fast. While some companies like Amazon are developing their own robotic fleets in-house, others have turned to outside players for their automation tech.FedEx has dabbled with both strategies. And the $84 billion company has landed on partnerships with robotics companies as the best approach to keep up with its peers in the race toward automation. FedEx’s recent multi-year partnership with SoftBank-owned robotics company Berkshire Grey illustrates its strategy: turn to ...

Core Viewpoint - The ongoing United States-Israel war in Iran has significantly disrupted the global energy supply chain, leading to soaring oil prices and potential profit margin headwinds for industries sensitive to oil and gas prices [1] Industry Impact - Approximately 20% of the global energy supply chain flows through the Strait of Hormuz, making it a critical chokepoint for oil supply [1] - Industries with high input and operating costs related to oil and gas are expected to face challenges in profit margins in the near term [1] Market Reaction - The market has reacted with panic, resulting in a decline in several high-quality blue-chip dividend stocks, including United Parcel Service (UPS) and Amcor (AMCR) [2] Investment Opportunity - The current market conditions present a compelling buying opportunity for long-term investors who can endure short-term volatility by investing in companies with strong competitive advantages, sustainable dividends, and potential for long-term margin expansion [3] Company Overview: UPS - UPS is the world's largest package delivery company, employing 460,000 people across 200 countries and territories, delivering approximately 20.8 million packages [4] - The company operates in three segments: United States domestic, international business, and supply chain solutions, with its healthcare business generating $11.2 billion in revenue in 2025 and expected to grow [4] Competitive Advantages of UPS - UPS possesses a unique set of assets that provide integrated end-to-end logistic solutions, making it difficult for competitors to replicate [5] - The airline division of UPS is one of the largest globally, and the company's extensive operational history provides valuable industry-specific data and economies of scale [5]

FedEx delivery van driving on highway, representing package delivery growth and strong logistics performance in 2026. Key Points FedEx delivered another solid quarter, with the Network 2.0 strategy driving bottom-line results. Analysts and institutions support this market, limiting downside with their buying and driving it higher with their 2026 targets. Capital return, including an aggressive repurchase plan, aligns with this stock's price outlook, providing leverage for investors. Interested in FedE ...

Core Viewpoint - FedEx Corporation raised its full-year profit guidance due to improved package yields and cost reductions from its network transformation, leading to a nearly 2% increase in shares on Friday Group 1: Financial Performance - The company reported fiscal third-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $5.25, significantly exceeding the Wall Street consensus estimate of $4.11 [1] - Revenue for the quarter ended in February totaled $24.0 billion, surpassing analyst expectations of $23.48 billion [1] - Adjusted operating income increased 7% year over year to $1.62 billion, compared with Street estimates of $1.37 billion [2] Group 2: Tax Benefits and EBIT - The results included a $0.41 per share tax benefit related to foreign tax loss carryforwards [2] - Excluding this benefit, performance still exceeded expectations by a wide margin, with consolidated EBIT surpassing forecasts by more than $200 million [2] Group 3: Future Outlook - FedEx raised its fiscal 2026 adjusted EPS outlook to a range of $19.30 to $20.10 from the previous $17.80 to $19.00, compared with Wall Street expectations of $18.71 [3] - The company also lifted its full-year revenue growth forecast to 6.0% to 6.5%, up from 5% to 6% [3] - The updated outlook implied fourth-quarter earnings per share of approximately $5.79 at the midpoint, slightly below prior Street expectations of $5.93 [3]

Market Indexes Open Under Pressure Amid Expiration VolatilityThe U.S. stock market opened Friday, March 20, 2026, with a sense of trepidation as investors navigated the first "Triple Witching" day of the year. This quarterly event, characterized by the simultaneous expiration of stock options, stock index futures, and stock index options, typically brings heightened volume and intraday price swings. As the opening bell rang, the major indexes showed a mixed to downward bias. The S&P 500 (SPX) opened lower, ...

The Postal Service needs to transform into a full-service package company. Instead, it is taking a step backward, @tomwblack says (via @opinion) https://t.co/1EJiXnlCRA ...

Battle of the barrel | Reuters Skip to main content Exclusive news, data and analytics for financial market professionalsLearn more aboutRefinitiv Traders work on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York City, U.S., March 18, 2026. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab March 20 - Everything Mike Dolan and the ROI team are excited to read, watch and listen to over the weekend. What's clear is that the part of the energy market currently feeling the most pain is ...

Core Viewpoint - FedEx shares increased approximately 10% following the company's raised full-year profit forecast and indications of stable shipping demand despite geopolitical tensions and rising fuel costs [1]. Group 1: Financial Performance - FedEx's adjusted profit for the fiscal year ending May 31 is projected to be between $19.30 and $20.10 per share, with full-year revenue expected to rise by 6.0%-6.5% [6]. - Analysts from J.P. Morgan highlighted that FedEx's Express segment showed stronger yields and firmer U.S. domestic volume, contributing to a significant increase in adjusted operating income [4]. Group 2: Market Conditions - The ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict has led to increased air freight rates and necessitated flight re-routing, yet FedEx reported that demand in early March aligned with expectations for continued trends from the third quarter [2]. - Rising oil prices and tensions in the Middle East may impact shipping costs in the near future, although FedEx's fuel-surcharge mechanisms are currently mitigating most effects [3]. Group 3: Strategic Developments - FedEx is set to spin off its Freight unit on June 1, which is anticipated to unlock value and enhance scrutiny on the Freight segment's operations [5]. - The company is collaborating with regulators to return its grounded MD-11 fleet to service by the end of May, having incurred approximately $120 million in related costs in the third quarter and expecting an additional $55 million this quarter [6].

U.S. equity markets experienced a volatile session on Thursday, March 19, 2026, as investors grappled with intensifying geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East and a recalibrated interest rate outlook from the Federal Reserve. While major indexes opened sharply lower following reports of escalated hostilities between Israel and Iran, a late-session recovery helped pare significant losses. The day’s trading was characterized by a "flight to safety" in the energy sector, while technology and industrial stoc ...