A Slice of the Ordinary When people debate artificial intelligence (AI), they usually start in Silicon Valley or Shenzhen, as in many forums it becomes about geopolitical competition between the U.S. and China. The conversation revolves around graphics processing units (GPUs), model architectures or the latest release from an AI lab. For instance, we just saw Oracle book more than $330 billion of future performance obligations in a single quarter.¹ Rarely does attention drift to a Midwestern convenience sto ...

Core Viewpoint - Chevron is making operational adjustments to its El Segundo refinery to address fuel demands in Southern California following a significant fire incident [1] Company Summary - Chevron's El Segundo refinery has a capacity of 285,000 barrels per day [1] - The adjustments are a direct response to the fire that occurred on Thursday, indicating a proactive approach to maintain fuel supply [1] Industry Summary - The incident highlights the vulnerability of refinery operations to unforeseen events, which can impact fuel supply in regional markets [1] - Operational changes in response to such incidents are critical for ensuring that fuel demands are met in affected areas [1]

Two months after sanctions plunged Indian refiner Nayara Energy Ltd. into crisis, upending trade and forcing the abrupt exit of its European executives, the company’s operations and sales are recovering, thanks to government support and workarounds.The refiner — part-owned by Russia’s Rosneft PJSC and arguably the most high-profile Indian company to be hit by comprehensive sanctions — is now working with banks including State Bank of India to facilitate local currency payments, according to people familiar ...

Group 1 - BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:BWXT) is recognized as one of the 10 Best Defense Contractor Stocks to Buy Now, indicating significant upside potential for the company [1] - The Kinectrics division of BWX Technologies secured a multi-year contract from Sumitomo Electric Industries to provide commissioning testing services for the A-Nord Corridor project in Germany [2] - The A-Nord Corridor project aims to build a 525 kV DC underground cable system to transport renewable energy from the North Sea to North Rhine-Westphalia by 2030, supporting Germany's CO₂ reduction goals [3] Group 2 - BWX Technologies plans to deploy up to 14 mobile Resonant Test Systems for ACHV testing on 40 km sections of cable, which includes early defect detection and final HVDC testing to ensure system integrity before commercial operation [4] - The company focuses on reducing late-stage failures and ensuring critical functions under real-world conditions through its testing services [4] - BWX Technologies is a manufacturer of precision naval nuclear components, reactors, and fuel, further solidifying its position in the defense sector [5]

Core Insights - The Kroger Co. is recognized as one of the 12 Best Retail Dividend Stocks to Buy Now, highlighting its appeal to income investors [1] - The company is a major player in the food retail industry, operating over 2,700 stores and providing essential grocery services, which contributes to its stability [2][3] Company Overview - The Kroger Co. operates under various banners including Fred Meyer, Ralphs, King Soopers, Harris Teeter, and its flagship Kroger brand, along with over 2,000 in-store pharmacies and around 1,500 fuel centers [3] - The company has a strong track record of consistent earnings and shareholder rewards, making it a vital part of the communities it serves [2] Dividend Information - Kroger has a 19-year history of consistent dividend growth, making it one of the best dividend stocks in the retail sector [4] - The company currently pays a quarterly dividend of $0.35 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 2.17% as of September 22 [4]

This story was originally published on C-Store Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily C-Store Dive newsletter. Englefield, parent company of the 116-site Duchess Convenience Stores, announced this week that it has appointed F.W. “Will” Englefield V president of Englefield Energy and Ashley Englefield DeWitt president of Englefield Retail. The new executives are the third generation of Englefields to hold a leadership position for the family-owned convenience store and fuel ...

Group 1 - Kroger Co. is viewed positively by Jim Cramer, who believes the stock has performed better than expected and is currently undervalued despite concerns over food inflation [1][2] - Cramer suggests a cautious approach to buying Kroger stock, recommending incremental purchases rather than a full investment due to its recent decline from $73 to $64, and advises waiting for a potential drop to $60 before making further decisions [2] - The company operates in the grocery sector, providing a range of products including food, pharmaceuticals, fuel, and general merchandise through various store formats [2] Group 2 - There is a comparison made between Kroger and other retailers like Walmart and Costco, with Kroger being noted as less expensive than Costco, although Costco is favored more by Cramer [1][2] - The article hints at the potential of AI stocks offering greater upside and less downside risk compared to Kroger, indicating a competitive landscape in investment opportunities [2]

Summary of Ultrapar (NYSE: UGP) 2025 Investor Day Company Overview - **Company**: Ultrapar - **Event**: 2025 Investor Day - **Date**: September 19, 2025 Key Points Industry Context - The fuel market in Brazil has been experiencing significant changes, particularly with the rise of biofuels driven by government mandates [9][11] - Petrobras, the main supplier in Brazil, has lost market share to private refineries and imports, leading to increased competition and market volatility [11][12] - The market has seen a growth of 4% above GDP over the past four years, primarily due to biofuels [9] Safety and Operational Excellence - Safety is emphasized as a core value and license to operate, with Ipiranga reporting no reportable incidents in August [8][9] - Continuous improvement in safety culture and operational processes is a priority for the company [8][49] Market Dynamics - Ipiranga has maintained stable market share despite the competitive landscape, while IBP has lost significant market share [12] - Tax asymmetry and irregular operations have disrupted the market, but recent regulatory changes are aimed at improving compliance [12][15] Financial Performance - Ipiranga has doubled its EBITDA, reflecting strong operational performance and favorable market conditions [46] - The company has invested between BRL 400 million to BRL 700 million annually in key buyers, impacting its competitive positioning [18] Logistics and Distribution - Ipiranga has made significant progress in logistics, reducing storage expenses and increasing freight productivity [25][26] - The company aims to capture BRL 250 million in benefits over the next two years through improved logistics [27] Product and Service Expansion - Ipiranga is the largest independent operator of biofuels in Brazil and is expanding its product offerings, including lubricants and convenience store partnerships [24][35] - The company has restructured its AMPM franchise to enhance value for resellers and consumers [34] Regulatory Environment - The Brazilian LPG market is characterized by robust regulation, ensuring quality and safety in operations [54][59] - Recent regulatory reviews are aimed at maintaining high standards in the LPG market, with a focus on branded bottles and quality assurance [60][62] Future Outlook - Ultrapar is focused on sustainable growth, with plans to expand its logistics capabilities and enhance operational efficiency [105][106] - The company is exploring new energy solutions, including biomethane and electric energy, to diversify its offerings [76][75] Investment and Growth Strategy - Ultrapar has invested over BRL 3 billion in the last decade, with expectations for returns in the coming years [64] - The company is committed to maintaining a strong market presence through strategic investments and operational excellence [102] Community Engagement - Ipiranga has initiatives aimed at social responsibility, including medical support programs for truck drivers and local communities [44] Additional Insights - The company is leveraging technology and innovation to enhance operational efficiency, including the use of AI for contract evaluation and performance monitoring [99][100] - Ultrapar's commitment to ESG goals includes a focus on waste reduction and sustainability in its operations [100] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the Ultrapar 2025 Investor Day, highlighting the company's strategic focus, market dynamics, and future growth prospects.

Summary of Key Points from the Investor Presentation on the Future of Energy Industry Overview - The presentation focuses on the energy and power markets, highlighting four key themes driving current debates in the sector [1][8]. Core Themes Identified 1. **Golden Age of Refining** - Fuel demand is outpacing new refining capacity growth, indicating a significant opportunity for refiners [15]. - The refining capacity is expected to see delays, with only 0.5 million barrels per day (mbpd) of net new capacity added annually until 2028 [17]. - Global fuel demand remains steady, with India, Europe, ASEAN, and the Americas being key drivers of incremental demand [19][20]. 2. **China's Anti-Involution** - China's policy actions are focused on rationalizing older, inefficient refining capacities, with a target to phase out 60 million tons per annum (Mtpa) of outdated refining capacity by 2025 [25][29]. - Approximately 0.8 mbpd of teapot capacity has been rationalized in the past five years, with a further 3 mbpd (16% of China's capacity) at risk due to these policies [29][31]. - China's fuel exports have been declining since 2024 amid lower operating rates and reducing export quotas [34]. 3. **Natural Gas: Fueling the Decade** - Gas consumption expectations are being revised higher, particularly in Asia, driven by economics, infrastructure, and policy support [49]. - Asia is projected to absorb a significant portion of US natural gas exports by 2030, with the region consuming one-third of global gas and two-thirds of global LNG [52]. - The US shale revolution is reshaping energy markets, with a similar dynamic expected in Asia due to increased LNG export capacity [58]. 4. **Powering AI** - Global power demand is expected to grow significantly, driven by data centers and electrification of industries, with expectations revised up by over 100 basis points globally [78]. - The demand for power in data centers is projected to nearly triple by 2030, indicating a substantial increase in energy requirements [85]. - Natural gas is expected to play a crucial role in meeting this growing power demand, particularly in Southeast Asia and Japan [91]. Additional Insights - The refining sector is experiencing the slowest supply growth since 2003, with strong demand recovery expected above pre-COVID levels in 2023 [15][19]. - Transport fuel margins have rebounded, and rising OPEC supply is anticipated to support lower crude premiums [22]. - The chemicals sector is facing a deep downcycle, with Asian chemical companies expected to regain market share lost to Chinese peers since 2022 [37][40]. - The focus on free cash flow (FCF) is increasing in the chemicals sector, with capital expenditure intensity cut nearly in half [43]. This summary encapsulates the critical insights and data points from the investor presentation, providing a comprehensive overview of the current trends and future outlook in the energy and power markets.

Core Viewpoint - Potbelly Corporation is set to be acquired by RaceTrac, Inc. for $17.12 per share, totaling an equity value of approximately $566 million, with the acquisition expected to close in Q4 2025, pending regulatory approvals [1][2]. Company Overview - Potbelly, established over 40 years ago in Chicago, is known for its warm sandwiches, salads, and shakes, currently operating more than 445 shops across the U.S. with a goal of expanding to 2,000 locations [3][10]. - RaceTrac, a leading convenience retailer with over 800 stores in 14 states, aims to enhance its portfolio with Potbelly, leveraging its resources to unlock new opportunities for the brand [4][11]. Strategic Fit - The merger aligns with RaceTrac's commitment to quality and Potbelly's mission to provide great food and customer experiences, positioning both companies for accelerated growth through complementary strengths in franchising, operations, and marketing [4][5]. - The acquisition is expected to create synergies that will amplify growth for both companies, enhancing their ability to serve customers [5]. Transaction Details - The merger agreement stipulates that RaceTrac's subsidiary will commence a tender offer for all outstanding shares of Potbelly at a premium of approximately 47% over Potbelly's 90-day volume-weighted average price as of September 9, 2025 [6]. - Potbelly's board unanimously recommends that shareholders tender their shares, with directors and executive officers agreeing to tender approximately 11% of the outstanding common stock [6][7]. Operational Continuity - Until the transaction is finalized, both Potbelly and RaceTrac will continue to operate independently, ensuring business continuity during the merger process [8].