Core Viewpoint - The Invesco Food & Beverage ETF (PBJ) and the First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF (FTXG) provide exposure to the U.S. food and beverage industry, with differences in risk, income potential, and trading characteristics that may influence investor decisions [1] Cost & Size - PBJ has an expense ratio of 0.61% and FTXG has a slightly lower expense ratio of 0.60% - As of February 14, 2026, PBJ has a 1-year return of 7.50% while FTXG has a return of 6.87% - The dividend yield for PBJ is 1.62% compared to FTXG's 2.60% - PBJ has a beta of 0.55 indicating higher volatility compared to FTXG's beta of 0.42 - Assets Under Management (AUM) for PBJ is $103.9 million while FTXG has $20.10 million [2] Performance & Risk Comparison - Over the past five years, PBJ experienced a maximum drawdown of -15.84% while FTXG had a larger drawdown of -21.71% - An investment of $1,000 in PBJ would have grown to $1,296 over five years, whereas the same investment in FTXG would have grown to $925 [4] Holdings Composition - FTXG tracks a smart beta index with 31 holdings, including major positions in PepsiCo, Archer-Daniels-Midland, and Mondelez International - PBJ also holds 31 stocks, with top holdings in Hershey, PepsiCo, and Sysco [5] Investment Implications - For long-term investments, PBJ has shown a 31% return over the last five years, while FTXG has decreased by 6.94% during the same period - Despite FTXG's higher dividend yield, PBJ offers a higher quarterly dividend payout due to its higher fund price [7] - The choice of top holdings may influence investor preference, with FTXG's leading asset being PepsiCo and PBJ's being Hershey [8] - Both ETFs can serve as valuable portfolio additions during economic downturns, as they consist of consumer defensive stocks that provide essential goods [9]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the articles highlights a significant increase in chocolate prices in the U.S., with a year-on-year rise of 14.4% from January 1 to early February, surpassing last year's increase of 7.8% and the projected 10.5% for 2024 [2] - The price surge is primarily attributed to a persistent global cocoa bean shortage, exacerbated by extreme weather conditions affecting harvests in West Africa, which supplies about 70% of the world's cocoa [2] - Cocoa futures prices have skyrocketed from approximately $2,500 per ton in mid-2022 to over $12,600 per ton by the end of 2024, indicating a dramatic increase in raw material costs [2] Group 2 - Despite a recent decline in cocoa prices to below $4,000 per ton, companies are still managing high-cost inventory, resulting in retail prices not yet reflecting this decrease [2] - The retail price reduction is expected to be a slow and uneven process, with some relief anticipated around Easter and a gradual return to normalcy by Halloween [2] - In specific regions, chocolate price increases are more pronounced, with Denver and Los Angeles seeing rises of 17% and the Dallas-Fort Worth area experiencing a 19% increase [2] Group 3 - To alleviate cost pressures, the U.S. has exempted cocoa and other agricultural products from high import tariffs, a move welcomed by companies like Hershey [3] - The National Confectioners Association reports that chocolate accounts for about 75% of Valentine's Day candy sales, making it a highly popular gift during the holiday [3] - The National Retail Federation projects that U.S. spending on candy during Valentine's Day will reach $2.6 billion this year, indicating strong consumer demand [3] - Industry insiders believe that as raw material prices stabilize and inventory is gradually consumed, chocolate prices are likely to return to a more reasonable range in the second half of the year [3]

Core Viewpoint - The recent performance of Hershey's (HSY) stock has been active, with revenue growth reported in the latest financial results [1]. Group 1: Stock Performance - Hershey's stock price was reported at $205.79, with a daily increase of 2.14% and a trading volume of $684 million on February 4, 2026 [1]. - Over the past five trading days, the stock has accumulated a rise of 7.18% [2]. Group 2: Financial Performance - The latest financial report for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025, released on October 30, 2025, shows revenue of $8.602 billion, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 3.45% [1][3]. - Revenue has maintained stable growth during the first three quarters of 2025 [3].

Core Viewpoint - Hershey (HSY) presents a strong investment opportunity due to its improving earnings outlook, with analysts raising earnings estimates for the company [1][2]. Earnings Estimates - Analysts' optimism regarding Hershey's earnings prospects is leading to higher estimates, which is expected to positively impact the stock price [2]. - The Zacks Rank system indicates a strong correlation between earnings estimate revisions and stock price movements, with Zacks 1 Ranked stocks averaging a +25% annual return since 2008 [3]. Current Quarter Estimates - For the current quarter, Hershey is expected to earn $2.03 per share, reflecting a -2.9% change from the previous year, but the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased by 5.79% over the last 30 days [7]. Current Year Estimates - The full-year earnings estimate stands at $8.02 per share, representing a +27.1% change from the previous year, with eight estimates moving higher and no negative revisions in the past month [8][9]. Zacks Rank - Hershey has achieved a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) due to favorable estimate revisions, indicating strong potential for outperformance compared to the S&P 500 [10]. Stock Performance - Hershey shares have increased by 17.3% over the past four weeks, suggesting investor confidence in the company's earnings growth prospects [11].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of conducting personal in-depth research and due diligence before making investment decisions, highlighting the inherent risks involved in trading [3]. Group 1 - The analysis is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be interpreted as professional investment advice [3]. - There is a clear disclaimer regarding the lack of any stock, option, or derivative positions in the companies mentioned, indicating a neutral stance [2]. - The article expresses the author's personal opinions and does not reflect the views of any affiliated organization [4].

Core Insights - The consumer staples sector has gained momentum in 2023, with a year-to-date increase of 13.2%, ranking third among S&P 500 sectors [3][10] - A shift in market preference from overvalued growth sectors to value-oriented sectors has benefited consumer staples stocks [2][3] - Five consumer staples companies are recommended for investment: Estée Lauder, Hershey, Kimberly-Clark, Monster Beverage, and The New York Times, all holding a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [4][10] Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (EL) - Estée Lauder is focused on profitability recovery through its Profit Recovery and Growth Plan, aiming to restore margins and support sustainable sales growth [7] - The "Beauty Reimagined" strategy is enhancing innovation, global reach, and brand execution, with digital growth driven by social commerce and online distribution [8] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 4% and 46.4%, respectively, with a current dividend yield of 1.41% [9][10] The Hershey Co. (HSY) - Hershey is enhancing innovation and supply-chain agility while expanding its presence in the snacking category, supported by strong pricing discipline [11][12] - The company is undergoing a multi-year transformation to modernize its supply chain and improve commercial capabilities [12] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 4.1% and 13.3%, respectively, with a current dividend yield of 2.37% [13] Kimberly-Clark Corp. (KMB) - Kimberly-Clark is advancing its transformation through the Powering Care strategy, focusing on innovation and improving growth quality [14] - The company is experiencing stronger organic growth and volume trends, driven by better consumer engagement and consistent execution [15] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are -2.1% and -6.2%, respectively, with a current dividend yield of 4.83% [16] Monster Beverage Corp. (MNST) - Monster Beverage is benefiting from the expanding energy drinks market and product innovations, reinforcing its market position [17] - The company continues to invest in new product launches and has a solid innovation pipeline planned for 2026 [18] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 9.5% and 22.8%, respectively, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings improving by 0.5% over the last 60 days [19] The New York Times Co. (NYT) - The New York Times is leveraging a multi-platform strategy to drive digital growth and diversify revenue streams, particularly in lifestyle categories [20] - Strong execution in digital subscriptions and average revenue per user (ARPU) improvement reflects effective monetization of its content [21] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 7.9% and 11.8%, respectively, with a current dividend yield of 1.06% [22]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of understanding that past performance does not guarantee future results, highlighting the need for careful analysis when considering investments [2][3]. Group 1 - The article states that the information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date, but it does not guarantee accuracy, indicating a need for investors to conduct their own research [2][3]. - It clarifies that no specific investment recommendations are being made, and the views expressed may not reflect the opinions of the platform as a whole [3]. - The article notes that the authors may not be licensed or certified, which suggests that readers should be cautious in interpreting the analysis provided [3].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights a shift in investor interest from artificial intelligence (AI) stocks to companies that produce tangible goods, such as Hershey and United Airlines, indicating a changing market sentiment towards traditional manufacturing and service sectors [1]. Group 1: Company Performance - Hershey and United Airlines have emerged as new favorites among investors, suggesting a trend where companies involved in manufacturing and services are gaining traction over tech-focused firms [1]. - The performance of traditional companies is contrasted with the declining interest in AI stocks, which are currently facing pressure due to spending concerns [1]. Group 2: Market Trends - The article suggests that the current market environment favors companies that produce physical products, indicating a potential long-term shift in investment strategies [1]. - The narrative emphasizes that the "next big thing" in the stock market may not be technology-driven but rather centered around companies that create tangible goods [1].

Core Viewpoint - Hershey Company has demonstrated strong financial performance and stock growth, significantly outperforming broader market indices and showing positive earnings forecasts for the upcoming fiscal year [2][4]. Financial Performance - Hershey's stock has surged 52% over the past 52 weeks and 27.2% year-to-date, compared to the S&P 500 Index's 14% return over the past year and 1.3% in 2026 [2]. - The company reported Q4 2025 earnings with a revenue increase of 7% year-over-year to $3.1 billion, exceeding market expectations [3]. - Adjusted EPS for Q4 2025 was $1.71, beating Wall Street estimates by 22.1% [3]. Future Projections - Analysts expect Hershey to report a 30.7% year-over-year growth in adjusted EPS to $8.25 for the fiscal year ending in December 2026 [4]. - The company has a history of earnings surprises, having surpassed bottom-line estimates in each of the past four quarters [4]. Analyst Ratings - Hershey currently holds a consensus "Hold" rating, with 23 analysts covering the stock, including five "Strong Buys," one "Moderate Buy," 16 "Holds," and one "Strong Sell" [4]. - Recent analyst updates indicate a more bullish outlook, with the number of "Strong Buys" increasing from three to five in recent months [5]. Price Targets - DA Davidson analyst raised the price target for Hershey from $207 to $243 while maintaining a "Neutral" rating [5]. - The mean price target of $203.52 suggests the stock is trading at a premium, with a Street-high target of $250 indicating an 8% upside potential from current levels [5].

Market Overview - The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite declined by 0.1% and 1.9% respectively, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 2.5% last week, indicating a mixed performance across major indexes [1] - The divergence in market performance was attributed to a rotation in investor preferences rather than overall market weakness, with rising Treasury yields making high-valuation growth stocks less appealing [1] Sector Performance - Optimism regarding economic resilience led to increased buying in cyclically sensitive and defensive sectors, with industrials benefiting from infrastructure and manufacturing strength, financials gaining from higher yields, and energy rising with firmer oil prices [2] - This shift underscores a focus on earnings stability and tangible cash flows among investors [2] Zacks Research Performance - Kennametal Inc. (KMT) shares surged by 44.8% since being upgraded to a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) on December 8, outperforming the S&P 500's 0.7% increase [3] - Inventiva S.A. (IVA) also saw a return of 42.4% since its upgrade to Zacks Rank 1 on the same date [4] - An equal-weight portfolio of Zacks Rank 1 stocks outperformed the equal-weight S&P 500 index by 7 percentage points, returning 17.81% compared to 10.85% for the index [4] Zacks Recommendations - Clearway Energy, Inc. (CWENA) and Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality, Inc. (PRSU) saw share increases of 16.7% and 5.4% respectively since their upgrades to Outperform on December 10 and December 11 [6] - The Zacks Recommendation system aims to predict stock performance over the next 6 to 12 months, based on trends in earnings estimate revisions [7] Focus List and Portfolios - Celanese Corporation (CE) gained 32.9% over the past 12 weeks since being added to the Zacks Focus List, while Intellia Therapeutics, Inc. (NTLA) returned 29% over the same period [9] - The Zacks Focus List portfolio returned 22.1% in 2025, outperforming the S&P 500 index's 17.9% gain [10] - The Earnings Certain Admiral Portfolio (ECAP) returned -1.67% for 2025, underperforming the S&P 500 index's 17.9% gain, but had a return of 16.26% in 2024 compared to the S&P 500's 24.89% [14] Dividend Portfolio Performance - Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) and Fastenal Company (FAST) returned 19.6% and 16.8% respectively over the past 12 weeks, benefiting from investor interest in quality dividend stocks amid market volatility [16] - The Earnings Certain Dividend Portfolio (ECDP) returned -0.6% for 2025, underperforming the Dividend Aristocrat ETF's 6.8% gain [17] Top 10 Stocks Performance - Monolithic Power Systems (MPWR) increased by 31.4% since January 5, 2026, compared to the S&P 500 Index's 1.1% increase [20] - The Top 10 portfolio has produced a cumulative return of 2,472.7% since 2012, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 index's 561.6% return [21]