Company Performance - Hershey's stock increased by 2.34% to $189.07, outperforming the S&P 500's daily gain of 0.65% [1] - Over the past month, Hershey's shares gained 1.75%, while the Consumer Staples sector gained 0.07% and the S&P 500 gained 1.15% [1] Upcoming Earnings - Hershey's earnings report is scheduled for February 5, 2026, with expected earnings of $1.4 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 47.96% [2] - The consensus estimate for revenue is $2.98 billion, indicating a 3.34% increase compared to the same quarter of the previous year [2] Annual Forecast - Zacks Consensus Estimates forecast earnings of $6 per share and revenue of $11.59 billion for the year, showing changes of -35.97% and 0% respectively compared to the previous year [3] - Recent changes in analyst estimates suggest a shifting business landscape, with positive alterations indicating analyst optimism [3] Stock Performance and Valuation - The Zacks Rank system, which assesses estimate changes, indicates that investors can leverage this for stock performance [4] - Hershey currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), with a Forward P/E ratio of 26.63, which is a premium compared to the industry average Forward P/E of 18.75 [5] Industry Overview - The Food - Confectionery industry, part of the Consumer Staples sector, ranks in the top 45% of all industries according to the Zacks Industry Rank [6] - The top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1 [6]

Core Viewpoint - Warren Buffett expresses a strong aversion to gold as an investment, emphasizing its lack of utility compared to other assets that generate income or appreciation [1][2]. Investment Preferences - Buffett prefers tangible assets such as land, apartment buildings, or index funds over gold, highlighting that gold does not produce anything [2][3]. - He illustrates the long-term performance of gold versus the stock market, noting that while gold appreciated from approximately $20 in 1900 to $400 in 2000, the Dow Jones Industrial Average surged from around 60 to over 11,000 during the same period, providing dividends [2]. Asset Utility - The concept of utility is central to Buffett's investment philosophy; he favors assets that generate earnings, such as farms and businesses, over non-productive assets like gold [2][3]. - Buffett's preference for hard assets that produce income is evident in his comparison of selling candy in the future versus holding gold [3]. Real Estate Insights - Buffett has a positive view of residential real estate, stating that he would invest in a significant number of single-family homes if given the opportunity, considering them a very attractive asset class [5]. - His personal investment in real estate is exemplified by his Omaha home, purchased in 1958 for $31,500, which is now valued at approximately $1.4 million, showcasing long-term appreciation [4].

Core Insights - Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. has opened a new distribution center in Otsego, Minnesota, as part of its strategy to enhance supply chain efficiency and support its retail locations [1][2] - The Otsego distribution center spans 266,000 square feet and will serve nearly 500 Holiday Station and Circle K stores in the Twin Cities and Upper Midwest [2][5] - The company plans to open two additional distribution centers in Hazelwood, Missouri, and Lockbourne, Ohio, which will collectively support approximately 1,600 stores across 14 states [5] Company Operations - The Otsego DC is operated by McLane Company, Inc., a key logistics partner, and employs around 150 staff members [2][3] - The facility will provide a range of products including national and private-brand snacks, beverages, tobacco, and prepared food items as part of the "Fresh Food Fast" program [4] - With the addition of the new distribution centers, Couche-Tard will support about 3,200 stores in North America through self-distribution [5] Strategic Goals - The opening of the Otsego DC is a significant milestone in Couche-Tard's multi-year initiative to create a more agile and efficient supply chain [2][4] - The company aims to improve speed, accuracy, and product availability while enhancing the overall customer experience [4] - Couche-Tard operates nearly 17,300 stores globally, with a strong presence in the convenience store sector across various regions [6]

Market Trends - Candy industry is seeing a globalization of flavors this Halloween [1] - "Swicy" (sweet-spicy) treats are emerging as a trend [1] - Rich Dubai chocolate is redefining indulgence [1]

Core Points - AMCON Distributing Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.18 per common share, payable on November 17, 2025, to shareholders of record as of November 7, 2025 [1] Company Overview - AMCON Distributing Company is a leading Convenience and Foodservice Distributor of consumer products, including beverages, candy, tobacco, groceries, foodservice, frozen and refrigerated foods, automotive supplies, and health and beauty care products [2] - The company operates in thirty-four states from fourteen distribution centers located in Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee, and West Virginia [2] - Through its Healthy Edge Retail Group, AMCON operates fifteen health and natural product retail stores in the Midwest and Florida [2]

Core Points - ARKO Corp. will host a conference call on November 5, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss its Q3 2025 financial results [1][2] - The management team will present the financial results followed by a Q&A session [2] - A press release with the financial results will be issued prior to the call [2] Company Overview - ARKO Corp. is a Fortune 500 company and one of the largest convenience store operators in the U.S., owning 100% of GPM Investments, LLC [4] - The company operates in four reportable segments: retail, wholesale, fleet fueling, and GPM Petroleum [4] - The retail segment includes convenience stores selling merchandise and fuel products, while the wholesale segment supplies fuel to independent dealers [4]

Company Performance - Hershey's stock closed at $192.58, reflecting a -1.52% change from the previous day's closing price, underperforming the S&P 500's loss of 0.28% [1] - Over the past month, Hershey's stock has increased by 5.37%, outperforming the Consumer Staples sector's decline of 3.78% and the S&P 500's gain of 4.03% [1] Upcoming Earnings - Hershey is set to announce its earnings on October 30, 2025, with an expected EPS of $1.07, which represents a decline of 54.27% from the same quarter last year [2] - The consensus estimate for quarterly revenue is $3.11 billion, indicating a growth of 4.1% compared to the previous year [2] Fiscal Year Estimates - For the entire fiscal year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates predict earnings of $5.91 per share and revenue of $11.51 billion, reflecting changes of -36.93% and +2.78% respectively from the prior year [3] - Recent changes to analyst estimates for Hershey may indicate shifting business dynamics, with positive adjustments suggesting a favorable outlook on business health and profitability [3] Valuation Metrics - Hershey's current Forward P/E ratio is 33.07, which is a premium compared to the industry average Forward P/E of 22.41 [6] - The company has a PEG ratio of 4.72, higher than the average PEG ratio of 3.55 for the Food - Confectionery industry [7] Industry Context - The Food - Confectionery industry is part of the Consumer Staples sector and currently holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 212, placing it in the bottom 15% of over 250 industries [8] - The Zacks Industry Rank assesses the strength of industry groups based on the average Zacks Rank of individual stocks, with the top 50% rated industries outperforming the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1 [8]

Core Viewpoint - Hershey's stock performance has shown resilience in the past month, outperforming the Consumer Staples sector and the S&P 500, despite a recent decline in trading [1] Financial Performance - The upcoming earnings report for Hershey is projected to show an EPS of $1.06, reflecting a significant year-over-year decline of 54.70% [2] - Revenue is expected to reach $3.11 billion, indicating a 4.1% increase compared to the same quarter last year [2] - Full-year earnings estimates suggest earnings of $5.92 per share and revenue of $11.51 billion, representing year-over-year changes of -36.82% and +2.78%, respectively [3] Analyst Estimates - Recent changes in analyst estimates for Hershey indicate evolving short-term business trends, with positive revisions seen as a favorable sign for the business outlook [3] - The Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has decreased by 0.16% over the last 30 days, and Hershey currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [5] Valuation Metrics - Hershey's Forward P/E ratio stands at 32.67, which is higher than the industry average Forward P/E of 22.88 [6] - The company has a PEG ratio of 4.67, compared to the Food - Confectionery industry's average PEG ratio of 3.5 [6] Industry Context - The Food - Confectionery industry is part of the Consumer Staples sector and currently holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 103, placing it in the top 42% of over 250 industries [7] - Research indicates that industries in the top 50% of the Zacks Industry Rank outperform those in the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1 [7]

Core Viewpoint - ARKO Corp. announces the departure of CFO Robb Giammatteo, who will leave to pursue a new opportunity outside the convenience store sector, effective October 10, 2025 [1][2]. Company Overview - ARKO Corp. is a Fortune 500 company and one of the largest convenience store operators in the United States, owning 100% of GPM Investments, LLC [3]. - The company operates in four reportable segments: retail, wholesale, fleet fueling, and GPM Petroleum, providing a range of products including prepared foods, beverages, and fuel [3]. Leadership Transition - Chairman and CEO Arie Kotler acknowledges Giammatteo's contributions to the company's transformation plan and finance department [2]. - Giammatteo expresses pride in his achievements during his tenure and commitment to the company's future success [2].

Teddy bears, tampon boxes and tennis balls: Inside the candy-smuggling operation driving summer camps nuts https://t.co/RU3kEUUicU ...