Tech stocks are going through unsteady times. In the past year, the tech-heavy Nasdaq-100 index has barely outperformed the S&P 500 index. Investors are anxious about the skyrocketing costs of capital expenditures by big AI companies, while also worried that AI could drastically disrupt the business models of software companies. The iShares Extended Tech-Software ETF, which holds a basket of North American technology and software stocks, is down almost 19% in the past year. If you're skeptical about majo ...

Core Insights - Walmart's valuation surpassing $1 trillion in February 2026 indicates that traditional companies can also join the elite club, challenging the notion that only tech firms dominate this space [1] - The struggles within the technology sector have led investors to explore potential in other industries [1] Group 1: JPMorgan - JPMorgan is positioned as the strongest non-tech company to potentially cross the $1 trillion valuation threshold, currently valued at $818 billion [3] - The bank's scale and systemic importance, along with prospects from the AI boom and cryptocurrency developments, could enhance its valuation [4] - Wall Street's average 12-month price target for JPMorgan suggests a 15.97% increase, potentially reaching a valuation of about $950 billion [5] - The most optimistic forecasts, such as Goldman Sachs predicting a price of $397, could elevate JPMorgan's market capitalization to approximately $1.07 trillion [6] Group 2: Exxon Mobil - Exxon Mobil is in a strong position to aim for the trillion-dollar club, with a stock price of $149.06 and a valuation of $621 billion as of February 26, 2026 [7] - The stock has rallied 21.53% year-to-date, indicating robust performance in the oil sector [7] - Current price targets for Exxon Mobil may be underestimated, with an average target of $142.40 and a general rating of 'Buy' [10] - The stock has increased about 30% from three months ago, and favorable conditions from the White House could lead to further gains for Exxon Mobil and its peers [12] - The AI boom and geopolitical instability are expected to provide tailwinds for fossil fuel companies, enhancing their market position [13]

Did you know Walmart’s advertising business accounted for about 30% of the company’s operating profit last year? Did you even know that Walmart has an advertising business?That stunning fact, unknown to many people (including me), exemplifies the conclusion of a new McKinsey study, published today. In the report, Inspired for business growth: How five companies beat the market, researchers at the consulting firm examined how big companies grow both revenue and profits impressively over time—no easy task.The ...

Retail Earnings Overview - Walmart shares declined following quarterly results due to underwhelming guidance, but the stock has increased over +13% since the start of 2026, outperforming the broader market's +0.4% gain [2] - Walmart's same-store sales in the U.S. increased by +4.6%, exceeding consensus estimates of +4.24%, with U.S. ecommerce sales up +27% year-over-year [3] - Home Depot beat estimates and reaffirmed guidance, with same-store sales increasing by +0.4%, surpassing estimates of a -0.24% decline [5][6] Walmart Performance - Walmart's ecommerce now accounts for approximately 18% of total revenues, with the U.S. ecommerce unit fully profitable [4] - The company reported a +46% increase in advertising revenues, totaling $6.4 billion for the fiscal year [4] Home Depot Insights - Home Depot's guidance reflects a stable demand backdrop, although the home improvement sector faces challenges from high home prices and mortgage rates [5] - The company is optimistic about demand normalization in the post-COVID period [5] S&P 500 Earnings Trends - Total earnings for 453 S&P 500 members reporting Q4 results are up +12.2% year-over-year on +8.7% higher revenues, with 75.1% beating EPS estimates [7] - Q4 earnings growth is expected to be +13.2% with +9.2% higher revenues, marking the 10th consecutive quarter of positive earnings growth [7] Retail Sector Performance - For 22 Zacks Retail sector companies reporting Q4 results, total earnings increased by +6.9% year-over-year on +8.6% higher revenues, with 50% beating EPS estimates [9] - Excluding Amazon, the retail sector's earnings growth rate for 2025 is projected to drop by +1.5% [11]

— income generation, dividend longevity, and resilience under economic pressure. From Philip Morris's smoke-free transformation and 40%+ operating margins, to Walmart's eCommerce momentum and $30 billion buyback, to Coca-Cola's 63-year dividend streak, these businesses are built to generate income and withstand economic pressure. KXI holds these businesses within a single fund structure, charging a 0.39% expense ratio, with consumer sentiment at recessionary levels and inflation running at 2.16% year-over-y ...

During the past year, Walmart (NASDAQ: WMT) stock has gained almost 27%, and is in a separate class from other retail stocks. The company's shares have strongly outperformed other major retailers in the past year, like Costco Wholesale (down 4.8%), Amazon (down 5.8%) and Target (down 8.9%). Walmart is also beating the performance of the State Street SPDR S&P Retail ETF, which provides exposure to 73 stocks across the broader retail sector, and is up 14% in the past year. Why is Walmart stock doing so muc ...

developed markets across Europe, Japan, and Australia, offering exposure to roughly 3,600…]## Prediction: iShares Emerging Market ETF Is Going To Rocket In 2026[Michael Williams | Jan 6, 2026 at 2:15 PM EST The iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (NYSE:EEM) surged 39% in 2025 and added another 3.9% in the first week of…]## Coca-Cola's Week in Review: Analysts Raise Price Targets Q4 Beat[Eric Bleeker | Feb 15, 2026 at 10:44 AM EST Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) closed Friday at $78.67, down 0.5% for the week but up 12.5% ...

We recently published 10 Stocks Jim Cramer Discussed & Continued To Talk About AI & Enterprise Software.  Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ:WMT) is one of the stocks Jim Cramer discussed. Retail giant Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ:WMT) reported its fiscal fourth quarter earnings last week. The results saw the firm post $190.66 billion in revenue and $0.74 in earnings per share to beat analyst estimates of $190.43 billion and $0.73. Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ:WMT)’s full-year results were also historic as the firm’s $713 billion in r ...

Moderately bullish activity in Wal-Mart (WMT), with shares up $1.45, or 1.15%, near $127.25. Options volume relatively light with 32k contracts traded and calls leading puts for a put/call ratio of 0.43, compared to a typical level near 1.06. Implied volatility (IV30) is higher by 0.1 points near 27.22,and above the 52wk median, suggesting an expected daily move of $2.18. Put-call skew steepened, indicating increased demand for downside protection, following a downgrade to Hold at HSBC. Published first o ...

Quick Read iShares Consumer Staples (KXI) returned 18.07% over the past year with lower volatility than the S&P 500’s 15.11%. Walmart and Costco represent KXI’s largest positions at 9.94% and 9.22%. KXI charges a 0.39% expense ratio versus XLP’s 0.08%. Nvidia made early investors rich, but there is a new class of 'Next Nvidia Stocks' that could be even better; learn more here. Consumer sentiment has been sitting in recessionary territory for months, with the University of Michigan's index at 56. ...