For the quarter ended November 2025, Conagra Brands (CAG) reported revenue of $2.98 billion, down 6.8% over the same period last year. EPS came in at $0.45, compared to $0.70 in the year-ago quarter.The reported revenue represents a surprise of -0.35% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.99 billion. With the consensus EPS estimate being $0.44, the EPS surprise was +2.27%.While investors closely watch year-over-year changes in headline numbers -- revenue and earnings -- and how they compare to Wall Street ...

Core Insights - Hormel Foods reported revenue of $3.19 billion for the quarter ended October 2025, reflecting a 1.5% increase year-over-year, but a slight miss of 0.55% against the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.2 billion [1] - The company's EPS was $0.32, down from $0.42 in the same quarter last year, but exceeded the consensus estimate of $0.30 by 6.67% [1] Revenue Breakdown - Retail net sales were $1.92 billion, slightly below the estimated $1.95 billion, marking a year-over-year increase of 0.8% [4] - International net sales totaled $174.65 million, falling short of the $188.17 million estimate, representing a year-over-year decline of 5.6% [4] - Foodservice net sales reached $1.09 billion, surpassing the $1.07 billion estimate, with a year-over-year growth of 4% [4] Segment Performance - Foodservice segment profit was $134.4 million, exceeding the average estimate of $123.02 million [4] - International segment profit reported a loss of $138.61 million, significantly below the estimated profit of $21.78 million [4] - Retail segment profit was $46.4 million, which was also below the average estimate of $103.48 million [4] Stock Performance - Hormel's shares have returned +8% over the past month, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +0.1% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating potential underperformance relative to the broader market in the near term [3]

Group 1: Market Overview - US equities experienced a rally in Q3 2025, driven by the Federal Reserve's initial rate cut, strong corporate earnings growth, and increased market participation [1] - Ariel Small Cap Concentrated Value Composite achieved a return of +15.08% gross of fees, outperforming the Russell 2000 Value Index (+12.60%) and the Russell 2000 Index (+12.39%) [1] Group 2: The Middleby Corporation (NASDAQ:MIDD) - The Middleby Corporation manufactures and services foodservice, food processing, and residential kitchen equipment, with a market capitalization of $5.964 billion as of November 27, 2025 [2] - The stock of The Middleby Corporation saw a one-month return of -4.43% and a 52-week decline of 16.98% [2] - Ariel Small Cap Concentrated Value Strategy initiated a position in The Middleby Corporation, viewing current challenges as transient and highlighting the company's potential for long-term growth due to its focus on innovation and automation in the food service industry [3] - In Q3 2025, The Middleby Corporation reported total revenue of $980 million, exceeding the upper limit of its guidance range [4]

Core Insights - Post Holdings reported revenue of $2.25 billion for the quarter ended September 2025, reflecting an 11.8% increase year-over-year and matching the Zacks Consensus Estimate, with an EPS of $2.09 compared to $1.53 in the previous year [1] - The company achieved an EPS surprise of +8.85%, exceeding the consensus estimate of $1.92 [1] Revenue Performance - Net Sales for Weetabix reached $145 million, surpassing the average estimate of $141.04 million, marking a year-over-year increase of +3.6% [4] - Net Sales for Post Consumer Brands were $1.16 billion, below the estimated $1.24 billion, but still showing a +10.6% change compared to the previous year [4] - Foodservice net sales amounted to $718 million, exceeding the average estimate of $637.73 million, with a year-over-year increase of +20.5% [4] - Refrigerated Retail net sales were $228.2 million, slightly below the estimated $232.5 million, reflecting a +0.8% change year-over-year [4] EBITDA Analysis - Adjusted EBITDA for Post Consumer Brands was $208 million, lower than the average estimate of $227.48 million [4] - Weetabix's Adjusted EBITDA was $32.6 million, slightly below the estimate of $33.75 million [4] - Foodservice Adjusted EBITDA reached $161.1 million, significantly above the estimated $127.83 million [4] - Corporate/Other Adjusted EBITDA was reported at -$21.9 million, better than the average estimate of -$23.67 million [4] - Refrigerated Retail Adjusted EBITDA was $45.6 million, exceeding the estimate of $36.63 million [4] Stock Performance - Over the past month, shares of Post Holdings have returned -1.8%, compared to a -0.3% change in the Zacks S&P 500 composite [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating potential performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Core Insights - AMCON Distributing Company reported fully diluted earnings per share of $0.92 and a net income of $0.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025 [1] - The company emphasizes its long-term strategy focused on superior customer service, diverse foodservice programs, and advanced technology solutions, positioning itself favorably in the market [2] - The wholesale distribution segment generated revenues of $2.8 billion with an operating income of $23 million, while the retail health food segment reported revenues of $44.5 million and an operating income of $0.1 million for fiscal 2025 [2] Financial Performance - Total revenues for AMCON in fiscal 2025 were $2.8 billion, an increase from $2.7 billion in fiscal 2024 [6] - Gross profit for the year was $188.2 million, compared to $182.4 million in the previous year, indicating a growth of approximately 4.7% [6] - Operating income decreased to $12.6 million from $18 million in fiscal 2024, reflecting a decline of about 30.1% [6] Balance Sheet Highlights - As of September 30, 2025, total assets were $391.1 million, up from $374.1 million in 2024 [5][6] - Shareholders' equity increased to $113.1 million from $111.7 million in the previous year [5][6] - Current liabilities rose to $112.1 million from $93.2 million, indicating a significant increase in short-term obligations [5][6] Strategic Initiatives - The company is actively pursuing strategic acquisition opportunities to enhance its customer-focused approach and expand its market presence [2] - AMCON's management is focused on integrating recent acquisitions to optimize growth initiatives across various regions [3] - The company operates 14 distribution centers across 34 states, serving a wide range of consumer products [3]

Core Insights - Sysco Corporation reported first-quarter fiscal 2026 results that slightly exceeded expectations, with adjusted EPS of $1.15 compared to the estimated $1.12, and revenue of $21.1 billion, surpassing the consensus of $21.07 billion [1] Financial Performance - Operating income decreased by 1.0% to $800 million, while adjusted operating income increased by 2.9% to $898 million [2] - Gross profit rose by 3.9% to $3.9 billion, with gross margin expanding by 13 basis points to 18.5% [2] - Operating expenses grew by 5.3% due to investments in capacity and sales headcount, which outpaced revenue growth [2] Segment Performance - The International Foodservice Operations segment showed strong performance, with sales increasing by 4.5% and adjusted operating income rising by 13.1% to $147 million [3] Future Outlook - Sysco maintained its full-year fiscal 2026 targets, projecting 3–5% sales growth and 1–3% adjusted EPS growth [3]

Core Insights - Sysco reported revenue of $21.15 billion for the quarter ended September 2025, reflecting a 3.2% increase year-over-year and surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $21.1 billion by 0.23% [1] - Earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter was $1.15, up from $1.09 in the same quarter last year, exceeding the consensus EPS estimate of $1.12 by 2.68% [1] Financial Performance Metrics - International Foodservice Operations sales reached $3.97 billion, exceeding the average analyst estimate of $3.92 billion, marking a 4.5% year-over-year increase [4] - U.S. Foodservice Operations sales were $14.78 billion, slightly below the average estimate of $14.81 billion, with a year-over-year increase of 2.9% [4] - Sales from Other operations totaled $273 million, falling short of the average estimate of $285.2 million, representing a year-over-year decline of 3.2% [4] - SYGMA sales amounted to $2.13 billion, surpassing the average estimate of $2.11 billion, with a year-over-year increase of 4.1% [4] - Operating income for Other operations was $4 million, below the average estimate of $9.29 million [4] - SYGMA's operating income was reported at $25 million, exceeding the average estimate of $18.34 million [4] - Gross profit for Other operations was $68 million, compared to the average estimate of $73.2 million [4] - SYGMA's gross profit was $170 million, slightly above the average estimate of $167.3 million [4] Stock Performance - Sysco's shares have returned -4.7% over the past month, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's increase of 3.6% [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Core Viewpoint - McDonald's Corporation (NYSE:MCD) is identified as a top blue-chip stock to buy at 52-week lows, with a maintained Buy rating and an increased price target from $373 to $381 by Citi analyst Jon Tower [1][2]. Group 1: Company Performance - The company is benefiting from strong value-based promotions that are attracting more customers in the short term [2]. - There is an easier year-over-year comparison, making the current results appear stronger than last year [2]. - The stock is expected to trade at a higher price-to-earnings multiple in the future, enhancing its attractiveness as an investment opportunity [2]. Group 2: Market Position - McDonald's operates as a global foodservice retailer, franchising restaurants worldwide [3]. - While McDonald's shows potential as an investment, certain AI stocks are noted to offer greater upside potential and less downside risk [3].

Core Viewpoint - Post Holdings (POST) is expected to report quarterly earnings of $1.67 per share, an increase of 8.4% year-over-year, with revenues projected at $1.95 billion, reflecting a 0.2% increase compared to the previous year [1] Earnings Projections - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised upward by 7.7% over the past 30 days, indicating analysts have reassessed their initial projections [2] - Revisions to earnings projections are crucial for predicting investor behavior and are linked to short-term stock price performance [3] Key Metrics Estimates - Analysts predict 'Net Sales- Weetabix' will reach $139.47 million, a 2.5% increase year-over-year [5] - 'Net Sales- Refrigerated Retail' is expected to be $223.95 million, indicating a 4.5% year-over-year increase [5] - 'Net Sales- Post Consumer Brands' is projected at $945.47 million, reflecting a decrease of 6.2% year-over-year [5] - 'Net Sales- Foodservice' is forecasted to be $636.19 million, suggesting an 8% increase year-over-year [6] Adjusted EBITDA Estimates - 'Adjusted EBITDA- Post Consumer Brands' is expected to be $186.22 million, down from $193.50 million year-over-year [6] - 'Adjusted EBITDA- Weetabix' is projected at $34.38 million, slightly up from $34.20 million in the same quarter last year [6] - 'Adjusted EBITDA- Foodservice' is forecasted to reach $137.71 million, compared to $120.40 million in the previous year [7] - 'Adjusted EBITDA- Refrigerated Retail' is estimated at $33.34 million, up from $23.30 million year-over-year [7] Stock Performance - Over the past month, shares of Post Holdings have declined by 3.3%, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite has increased by 0.5% [7] - Post Holdings currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating potential outperformance in the near future [7]

Core Viewpoint - Conagra Brands (CAG) is expected to report a decline in quarterly earnings and revenues, with analysts adjusting their estimates downward over the past month [1][2]. Financial Performance - Quarterly earnings are predicted to be $0.59 per share, a decrease of 3.3% year-over-year [1]. - Revenues are forecasted at $2.85 billion, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 1.8% [1]. Analyst Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate has been adjusted downward by 2% over the past 30 days, indicating a reassessment by covering analysts [2]. - Revisions to earnings projections are crucial for predicting investor behavior and stock price performance [3]. Sales Projections - 'Sales- Grocery & Snacks' are expected to reach $1.18 billion, showing a year-over-year increase of 0.7% [5]. - 'Sales- Foodservice' is forecasted at $282.84 million, indicating a decline of 2.9% from the prior year [5]. - 'Sales- International' is projected to be $228.22 million, reflecting a significant decrease of 14.5% year-over-year [5]. Operating Profit Estimates - 'Adjusted Operating Profit (loss)- Grocery & Snacks' is estimated at $256.07 million, slightly up from $255.40 million a year ago [8]. - 'Adjusted Operating Profit (loss)- Refrigerated & Frozen' is projected at $171.73 million, down from $189.70 million in the same quarter last year [8]. - 'Adjusted Operating Profit (loss)- Foodservice' is expected to be $38.03 million, down from $39.70 million year-over-year [9]. - 'Adjusted Operating Profit (loss)- International' is estimated at $29.74 million, slightly up from $28.90 million a year ago [9]. Stock Performance - Over the past month, shares of Conagra Brands have declined by 5.7%, contrasting with a 5.2% increase in the Zacks S&P 500 composite [10]. - Conagra Brands currently holds a Zacks Rank 5 (Strong Sell), indicating potential underperformance in the near future [10].