e.l.f. Beauty Inc. (NYSE:ELF) Earnings Miss Amid Competitive Landscapee.l.f. Beauty Inc. (NYSE:ELF) is a well-known player in the cosmetics industry, recognized for its affordable beauty products. The company has successfully positioned itself in the market by offering budget-friendly alternatives to high-end and mass-market makeup brands. Despite operating in a non-essential segment of the consumer staples sector, e.l.f. Beauty has shown resilience, consistently growing its quarterly sales for 27 consecuti ...

As the United States approaches its 250th birthday, it’s worth asking a deceptively simple question: Which companies helped build the America we recognize today? From the brands that powered the Industrial Revolution to the ones that reshaped how we shop, ride, eat, listen and connect, these American companies have long been more than just businesses. They’ve been cultural forces, economic engines and mirrors of the country’s evolving identity. Explore American Journeys: We retraced iconic trips that hel ...

Core Insights - The Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF (FSTA) and the First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF (FTXG) both focus on the defensive side of the U.S. stock market but differ in their investment approach and sector focus [1] Cost & Size Comparison - FTXG has an expense ratio of 0.60%, while FSTA has a significantly lower expense ratio of 0.08% [2] - As of January 29, 2026, FTXG reported a 1-year return of -1.54%, compared to FSTA's 4.29% [2] - FTXG offers a higher dividend yield of 2.94% versus FSTA's 2.24% [2] - FTXG has assets under management (AUM) of $16.7 million, while FSTA has a much larger AUM of $1.3 billion [2] Performance & Risk Comparison - Over the past five years, FTXG experienced a maximum drawdown of -21.68%, while FSTA had a lower maximum drawdown of -16.57% [4] - An investment of $1,000 in FTXG would have grown to $907, whereas the same investment in FSTA would have grown to $1,311 over five years [4] Portfolio Composition - FSTA aims to replicate the MSCI USA IMI Consumer Staples 25/50 Index and includes 96 holdings, providing broad diversification within consumer staples [5] - The top three holdings in FSTA—Costco Wholesale, Walmart, and Procter & Gamble—constitute nearly 37% of its assets [5] - FTXG targets the Nasdaq US Smart Food & Beverage Index and is more concentrated with only 30 holdings [6] - The top three stocks in FTXG—Archer-Daniels-Midland, PepsiCo, and Mondelez International—account for over 23% of its assets [6] Investment Implications - Consumer staples stocks are generally considered safer investments, less impacted by economic fluctuations, making ETFs like FSTA and FTXG appealing for stability [7] - FSTA's broader approach includes a wider range of consumer staples, while FTXG's focus on food and beverage may yield higher returns due to its targeted strategy [8][9]

Residents Can Access On-Site Showers and Tide Loads of Hope Laundry Services in Oxford and Ripley, MS OXFORD, Miss. and RIPLEY, Miss., Jan. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- WHO: WHAT: WHY: P&G is working with Walmart and Matthew 25: Ministries to continue its long-standing commitment to help restore a sense of normalcy to communities most impacted by major disasters. Together, they assist people in need of clean laundry, showers, and personal care items in communities recovering from major disasters. These services ...

Group 1 - Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) is viewed positively by money managers as a resilient stock during economic slowdowns, with essential products like toothpaste and medicine that consumers will purchase regardless of economic conditions [1] - The recent stock performance of JNJ suggests strong investor interest, although the pace of its rally may be influenced by a broader market sentiment favoring defensive stocks amid economic uncertainty [1] - JNJ is being favored over other pharmaceutical stocks like Eli Lilly, which has a higher price-to-earnings multiple, making it appear riskier to investors in the current climate [1] Group 2 - Johnson & Johnson develops and sells a wide range of healthcare products, including pharmaceuticals and medical technologies, with a focus on areas such as immunology, oncology, neuroscience, cardiovascular care, and infectious diseases [2] - The company also provides various medical devices and solutions, including surgical systems, orthopedic solutions, cardiovascular devices, and vision care products [2]

Despite some profit-taking in miners, the Australian share market finished up on Friday, capping off a nice winning streak.By the close of trade on Friday, gains by banks and technology stocks overwhelmed profit-taking in miners, resulting in the ASX 200 jumping 0.5%, or 42.90 points, to 8903.90.That meant the market was up 1.6% for the week after rising for five days in a row, marking the longest stretch of gains since an eight-session rise in May 2025, and the highest level reached since late October.Tech ...

Investment Strategies for Retirement Portfolios - A conservative portfolio with $2 million invested at an average yield of 3.5% can generate approximately $70,000 annually, equating to $5,833 monthly before taxes [1] - A balanced income approach targeting 4-5% yields can produce around $90,000 annually or $7,500 monthly before taxes, utilizing a mix of dividend growth stocks, REITs, and income-focused ETFs [7] - An aggressive income strategy aiming for 6-7% yields can yield $120,000 annually or $10,000 monthly before taxes, focusing on high-yield dividend stocks and covered call ETFs [11][12] Portfolio Composition - Conservative portfolios may include holdings like Vanguard's Dividend Appreciation ETF (yielding 1.6%) and Vanguard Total Bond ETF for modest income [1] - Balanced portfolios might incorporate Enterprise Product Partners (yielding 6.88%), Realty Income, and dividend ETFs like Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF [8][9] - Aggressive portfolios could feature JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (yielding 8.19%), VICI Properties (6.53%), and Global X SuperDividend ETF (9.68%) [12] Considerations for Retirees - At age 60, retirees should consider how to structure their portfolios to last at least 25-30 years, focusing on maintaining purchasing power amid inflation [3][14] - The conservative approach offers stability but may not provide sufficient income for those accustomed to higher earnings, especially if inflation exceeds 4% [6] - The choice of strategy should align with individual financial situations, such as the presence of pensions or other income sources [14]

Core Viewpoint - Kimberly-Clark Corporation is facing challenges in its core categories, particularly in the diaper business due to declining birth rates, and is seeking growth through the planned acquisition of Kenvue for $48.7 billion, which could reshape its business mix and improve its income profile [3][4]. Group 1: Stock Performance and Analyst Ratings - Wells Fargo has lowered its price target for Kimberly-Clark to $105 from $110 while maintaining an Equal Weight rating, reflecting updates to its models across various sectors [2]. - The stock experienced a significant drop of over 22% in 2025, attributed to real challenges in its core categories [3]. Group 2: Strategic Initiatives - Management has been actively searching for growth levers, with the acquisition of Kenvue seen as a potential turning point that could restore growth and enhance the company's income profile, benefiting dividend investors [4]. - The acquisition is characterized as a major deal that could meaningfully reshape Kimberly-Clark's business mix [4]. Group 3: Market Position and Comparisons - Kimberly-Clark operates globally, focusing on products designed to deliver better care, but lacks the diversification seen in competitors like Procter & Gamble, which has a broader range of everyday staples [3].

Core Viewpoint - Clorox's significant stock sell-off has been excessive, presenting a potential value opportunity for contrarian investors in 2026, especially given its current dividend yield of 4.9% [1][11]. Company Challenges - Clorox has faced self-inflicted challenges alongside broader sector slowdowns, including consumer spending declines and cost pressures from inflation and tariffs [2]. - The company is undergoing a multiyear turnaround focused on maximizing brand value and enhancing internal processes to reduce costs and improve margins [3]. Transition Period - Clorox is in a transition phase as it implements a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, which has led to outdated operations and vulnerabilities, including a cyberattack in 2023 [4]. - The ERP transition has resulted in unusually high shipments to retail partners, leading to reduced demand at the start of fiscal 2026, with projected organic sales growth declining by 5% to 9% [5]. Market Position and Brand Strength - Clorox's brands are predominantly category leaders, with approximately 80% of its brands ranking No. 1 or No. 2 in their respective categories, which positions the company well to adapt to changing consumer preferences [10]. - The company is addressing affordability concerns by offering smaller packaging and bulk options to consumers facing financial pressures [9]. Financial Health and Dividend Policy - Clorox has a strong dividend history, having raised its quarterly dividend to $1.24 per share, marking the 48th consecutive annual increase, and is on track to become a Dividend King by 2027 [12]. - The company's earnings and free cash flow continue to exceed dividend expenses, with a manageable total net long-term debt of less than $3 billion and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.2 [13]. Investment Outlook - Despite current lackluster growth and weak near-term expectations, Clorox presents a high-yield investment opportunity for patient investors with a long-term horizon [16]. - The company's recent strategic decisions, including the ERP transition and divestments, may position it for future growth when consumer spending rebounds [17].

Group 1 - Kimberly-Clark is a Dividend King with over five decades of annual payout increases, offering an attractive 5% yield for income investors [1] - The company specializes in products utilizing wood pulp, including toilet paper, tissues, feminine hygiene products, diapers, and adult incontinence products, with well-known brands like Scott, Kleenex, Huggies, Kotex, and Depends [2][3] - Kimberly-Clark is a leader in the consumer staples sector, demonstrating strong production, distribution, marketing, and innovation capabilities, evidenced by its 53-year streak of annual dividend increases [3] Group 2 - Despite its strengths, Kimberly-Clark is not the fastest-growing company and typically trades at a discount compared to faster-growing peers like Procter & Gamble, which has a lower dividend yield of 3% and a higher price-to-earnings ratio of nearly 21 [4] - The company faces challenges in key product categories, particularly due to declining birth rates affecting the diaper market, and lacks the diversification seen in competitors like Procter & Gamble [5] - The pending acquisition of Kenvue, a consumer products division spun off from Johnson & Johnson, presents both an opportunity and a risk for Kimberly-Clark, as it aims to enhance growth [6][7] Group 3 - Kenvue owns iconic brands such as Band-Aids, Listerine, and Tylenol, but has faced a rough start with weak revenue and earnings, prompting Kimberly-Clark to pursue the acquisition [8]