SMX Demonstrates End-to-End Breakthrough in Cotton Traceability: Proves Ability to Verify Origin and Recycled Content from Mechanical Recycling Through Yarn Spinning and Finished Fabric
SMX (Security Matters) PLC announced a successful industrial pilot validating its full-chain traceability for cotton, demonstrating its molecular markers can verify material origin and recycled content from mechanical recycling through to finished fabric. This breakthrough provides a scientific method to authenticate recycled cotton, helping brands meet ESG and Digital Product Passport requirements, and strengthening sustainability claims. The technology integrates with existing textile operations, offering a scalable solution for verifiable content and supporting compliance for trade advantages.
U.S. shares higher at close of trade; Dow Jones Industrial Average up 0.47%
U.S. equities closed higher on Friday, driven by gains in the Consumer Services, Technology, and Telecoms sectors. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 0.47%, the S&P 500 gained 0.69%, and the NASDAQ Composite increased by 0.90%. Notable gainers included Amazon.com, Travelers Companies, and Apple, while Akamai Technologies and CrowdStrike Holdings were among the biggest losers.
Don’t Overreact: Tariffs Overturned, but Fundamentals Still Rule
Despite the Supreme Court striking down the president's use of IEEPA to implement tariffs, Morningstar predicts minimal changes to long-term intrinsic valuations, similar to when the tariffs were initially announced. The article emphasizes that fundamental analysis and company-specific valuations remain paramount for investors, as broader economic factors like AI buildout and consumer spending have had a more significant impact than previous tariffs. Various stock examples highlight how company fundamentals and current valuations often outweigh the direct impact of tariff changes.
Oracle, Google among market cap stock movers on Friday
This article highlights significant stock movers on Friday, including mega-cap, large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap companies. Oracle and Akamai Technologies saw declines, while Google and Ringcentral experienced rallies due to various market factors and company-specific news. Key factors influencing these movements include analyst ratings, investment talks, and project developments.
Burlington Stores Stock Jumps on Earnings Beat: Is the Rally Just Starting?
Burlington Stores Inc (BURL) recently reported stronger-than-expected earnings and guidance, causing its stock to jump. This performance highlights the resilience of the off-price retail model, with strong traffic, margin recovery, and inventory management. The key question for investors is whether Burlington can maintain this momentum and justify its new valuation, especially given its sensitivity to the US consumer market and current valuation levels.
Colgate-Palmolive Stock: Quiet Giant Making a Loud Move in 2026
Colgate-Palmolive, historically considered a "boring toothpaste stock," is now viewed as a strong dividend-and-AI play by Wall Street. The company has achieved record highs by raising prices, investing in premium products, and leveraging AI for marketing and demand forecasting. Despite concerns about valuation and competition, analysts consider it a solid "hold" or "selective buy" for investors seeking stability and consistent dividends rather than explosive growth.
Why Instacart (CART) Shares Are Plunging Today
Instacart (CART) shares dropped by 8.7% after reports surfaced that DoorDash and Kroger are expanding their grocery delivery partnership, directly challenging Instacart's position as Kroger is its third-largest customer. This development intensifies existing competitive pressures from major players like Amazon and Walmart. Despite previous strategic moves like a partnership with Vroom Delivery to expand its advertising business, concerns about market share erosion persist.
Earnings recap: DoorDash, Walmart, Analog Devices, Rio Tinto, Carvana…
This article provides an earnings recap for several major companies including DoorDash, Walmart, Analog Devices, Rio Tinto, and Carvana. It details their financial performance for recent quarters, highlighting revenues, earnings per share, and stock reactions. Key updates include DoorDash missing analyst expectations, Walmart issuing a cautious outlook, and Analog Devices exceeding forecasts.
Walmart Inc (NASDAQ:WMT) Issues Cautious Outlook
Walmart Inc (NASDAQ:WMT) saw its stock fall after issuing a cautious annual outlook for fiscal year 2026, which disappointed Wall Street despite solid fourth-quarter results. The company reported strong Q4 FY25 performance with adjusted EPS of 74 cents and revenue of $190.7 billion, both beating estimates. However, the projected net sales growth of 3.5%-4.5% and adjusted earnings between US$2.75 and US$2.85 per share for FY26 were below analyst expectations, raising concerns about sustaining growth under the new CEO.
Uncrustables goes fridge friendly across full portfolio
Uncrustables announced at the Consumer Analyst Group of New York Conference that its entire product portfolio will become "fridge friendly" by summer 2026, allowing sandwiches to be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. This change eliminates the thaw time barrier for consumers, offering greater convenience for immediate consumption while products will continue to be sold in the freezer aisle. The company also highlighted two new protein-packed morning varieties that are already fridge friendly and available nationwide.
Fridge-friendly Uncrustables are coming to Kroger, other stores
The J.M. Smucker Co. announced that its Uncrustables will soon be "fridge-friendly," allowing consumers to eat them straight from the refrigerator without thawing. This new option will be available at Kroger, Walmart, and Target stores nationwide, with a full rollout expected by summer 2026. Two morning flavors, Up & Apple and Bright‑Eyed Berry, are already on shelves.
Quanta Services Inc (NYSE:PWR) Gave Upbeat Guidance
Quanta Services Inc (NYSE:PWR) reported strong fourth-quarter earnings, beating analyst expectations and providing an optimistic outlook for 2026, leading to a 0.15% stock increase. The company achieved a record backlog of $44.0 billion, driven by its Electric Infrastructure Solutions segment, and completed three strategic acquisitions. Quanta expects 2026 revenue between $33.25 billion and $33.75 billion and adjusted EPS of $12.65 to $13.35, both exceeding consensus estimates.
Campbell Soup Co. Is Quietly Changing Your Pantry – Here’s How
Campbell Soup Co. is undergoing a significant transformation, shifting focus from traditional soups to snacks and convenience foods like Pepperidge Farm and Snyder’s of Hanover. This strategic pivot aims to make their products more appealing to Gen Z and Millennials seeking budget-friendly, quick comfort food while still making incremental moves toward "better ingredients." Despite dealing with inflation and consumer demand for healthier options, Campbell remains a stable, defensive stock, offering accessible and affordable meal solutions through retail promotions and social media engagement.
Form 424B2 BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA
This SEC filing (Form 424B2) from The Bank of Nova Scotia details a new offering of "Market Linked Securities—Auto-Callable with Contingent Coupon with Memory Feature and Contingent Downside Principal at Risk Securities" due February 23, 2029. These securities are linked to the performance of the common stock of Micron Technology, Inc., Sandisk Corporation, and Western Digital Corporation. The document outlines the terms, risks, hypothetical payout profiles, and tax consequences for investors, emphasizing that returns depend on the lowest performing underlying stock and carry significant principal risk.
Parents: Your child’s favorite ready-made school lunch just moved out of the freezer aisle
J.M. Smucker Co. is transitioning its entire line of Uncrustables from the freezer aisle to the refrigerator aisle by summer 2026. This change means the pre-packaged peanut butter and jelly sandwiches will no longer require thawing and can be kept in the fridge for up to five days. Two new refrigerator-friendly varieties, Up & Apple and Bright-Eyed Berry, are already available nationwide.
Morgan Stanley issues sharp take on the stock market
Morgan Stanley's Katie Huberty argues that the recent stock market sell-off has been "indiscriminate," leading to a rotation where leadership is broadening beyond big tech and AI builders to AI adopters. The firm's analysis suggests that businesses effectively integrating AI are seeing margin expansion, and recent sector performance in autos, homebuilders, and retail supports this shift.
Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ:WMT) Q4 2026 Earnings Call Transcript
Walmart Inc. reported strong Q4 2026 earnings, with revenue up 4.9% in constant currency and adjusted operating income growing 10.5%. The company highlighted significant growth in eCommerce (24%) and advertising (37%), alongside efficient inventory management and strategic investments in AI and automation. Executives emphasized the success of their omnichannel strategy, including faster delivery services and the positive impact of their AI-powered assistant, Sparky, on customer engagement and average order value.
Here Are Friday’s Top Wall Street Analyst Research Calls: Amgen, ETSY, Eldorado Gold, GE Aerospace, Merck, Southern Company, Walmart, Yeti, and More
This article compiles top Wall Street analyst upgrades, downgrades, and initiations for individual stocks on Friday, February 20, 2026. It also provides a brief overview of the market's performance, including futures, treasury bonds, oil and gas, gold, and cryptocurrency, noting that market futures are trading lower despite some positive individual company news. Key analyst calls include upgrades for ETSY and Yeti, and downgrades for Walmart and Eldorado Gold, among others, with new initiations for Amgen, GE Aerospace, and Merck.
This Reliance Analyst Is No Longer Bullish; Here Are Top 4 Downgrades For Friday
BMO Capital analyst Katja Jancic downgraded Reliance Inc. (NYSE:RS) from Outperform to Market Perform and lowered its price target. Additionally, HSBC downgraded Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ:WMT) from Buy to Hold, Morgan Stanley downgraded LATAM Airlines Group SA (NYSE:LTM) from Overweight to Equal-Weight, and HSBC downgraded TechnipFMC PLC (NYSE:FTI) from Buy to Hold. These are the top four analyst downgrades for Friday, reflecting changed outlooks for these companies.
6 Stocks Driving the 2026 Stock Market Rotation
A stock market rotation is underway in 2026, with industrial, consumer defensive, and energy stocks outperforming, while technology stocks falter. Investors are shifting focus from AI to "real economy" stocks, driven by factors like AI data center buildout, cost-conscious consumer spending, and rising oil prices. Despite double-digit gains by leading stocks such as Caterpillar, Walmart, and Exxon, Morningstar analysts do not consider them undervalued.
Fiera Capital Corp Raises Position in Costco Wholesale Corporation $COST
Fiera Capital Corp has increased its stake in Costco Wholesale Corporation by 10.3%, now owning 87,423 shares valued at $80.9 million. This comes as Costco beats quarterly earnings estimates with an EPS of $4.34 and revenue of $67.31 billion, while institutional investors collectively hold 68.48% of the stock. Analysts have given Costco a "Moderate Buy" rating with a consensus target price of $1,008.07, despite recent insider share sales and mixed news regarding partnerships and operational challenges.
Alberta Investment Management Corp Sells 3,100 Shares of Costco Wholesale Corporation $COST
Alberta Investment Management Corp significantly reduced its stake in Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) by 58.5%, selling 3,100 shares and retaining 2,200 shares valued at approximately $2.04 million. This move coincides with recent insider selling by two executive VPs, totaling 6,915 shares sold for $6.32 million over the last 90 days. Despite institutional ownership being high at 68.48% and an average "Moderate Buy" analyst rating, the stock trades near $988 with a P/E of ~52.9 and a 0.5% dividend yield, raising questions about valuation after multi-year gains.
Dow Dips Over 250 Points Amid US-Iran Tensions: Investor Sentiment Declines, Greed Index Remains In 'Fear' Zone
The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped over 250 points due to rising US-Iran tensions and a declining CNN Money Fear and Greed Index, which remains in the "Fear" zone at 38.5. U.S. stocks settled lower across most sectors, with significant losses in consumer discretionary, financial, and information technology stocks, despite some positive economic data points like declining jobless claims. Investors are also digesting recent corporate earnings, with Deere & Co. seeing a significant jump while Booking Holdings Inc. fell post-earnings.
Walmart's Cautious Outlook Amid Strong Consumer Resilience
Walmart's CEO noted cautious consumer spending but overall resilience, particularly among higher-income households, despite the company's annual forecasts falling short, causing a slight stock dip. Wall Street analysts and investor sentiment, however, remain largely bullish, with some expecting Walmart to exceed its conservative FY27 guidance. The company reported strong Q4 earnings, driven by e-commerce growth and advertising revenue, but projects a lower-than-consensus sales growth for FY27.
Stocks Fall, Oil Jumps On Iran Fears; GE Aerospace, Planet Labs, Cameco In Focus
Stocks experienced a decline and oil prices surged due to escalating fears regarding Iran. The article highlights key stocks such as GE Aerospace, Planet Labs, and Cameco that are in focus amidst these market movements. Alexis Garcia and Ed Carson discuss the market's performance and these specific stocks in the "Stock Market Today" segment.
Costco stock price slides below $990 as Walmart outlook sharpens focus on U.S. consumer
Costco Wholesale Corp shares fell 0.9% to $987.22 after Walmart's CEO, John Furner, expressed caution regarding consumer spending, particularly among lower-income families. This sentiment from Walmart, despite its solid sales and $30 billion stock buyback, has intensified investor scrutiny on the retail sector amidst mixed economic signals. Costco's upcoming fiscal Q2 results on March 5 will be closely watched for further indications of consumer behavior and potential impacts on its stock.
News | Walmart: Stores play big role in online sales growth
Walmart's stores are instrumental in its double-digit e-commerce growth, fulfilling online orders and driving its omnichannel strategy. The retailer saw a 4.7% rise in full-year revenue to $713.2 billion, with U.S. online sales up 27%. Walmart is attracting more affluent shoppers while also catering to cash-constrained patrons, leveraging its physical footprint and technological advancements to enhance customer experience.
Chris Paul Brings Vegan Snacks to 1,650 Kroger Stores to Boost Accessibility
NBA star Chris Paul's vegan snack brand, Good Eat'n, is expanding its reach by being introduced into 1,650 Kroger stores nationwide. Paul founded the brand to offer accessible vegan alternatives to popular snack flavors he missed after going vegan, such as Cool Ranch Doritos. This expansion into Kroger, following previous launches in Walmart and H-E-B, aims to make better-for-you plant-based snacks readily available to a wider audience, moving them out of niche health stores and into mainstream grocery aisles.
Walmart annual revenue up almost 5%, net income up 12.6%
Walmart reported fiscal-year revenue of $713.163 billion, a 4.7% increase, and net income of $21.893 billion, up 12.6%. The company's fourth-quarter revenue reached $190.65 billion, while e-commerce sales grew 24% globally. Walmart anticipates future revenue growth between 3.5% and 4.5% for the ongoing fiscal year.
Amazon Just Surpassed Walmart for the First Time—But Not for the Reason You Think
Amazon has surpassed Walmart in annual revenue for the first time, ending Walmart's 13-year reign atop the Fortune 500 list, with Amazon generating $716.9 billion compared to Walmart's $713.2 billion. While Amazon is known for reshaping e-commerce, its diversified business approach, including its Prime media ecosystem, played a significant role in this growth. Amazon's faster growth rate, roughly three times Walmart's between 2018 and 2025, ultimately closed the revenue gap.
Hour Loop Rallies 17% in 6 Months: Should You Buy the Stock?
Hour Loop (HOUR) shares have gained 16.8% in the past six months, outperforming the industry. The company benefits from rising e-commerce penetration, a scalable wholesale model, and data-driven inventory management, making it well-positioned for growth despite challenges like Amazon reliance and competition. Its strong fundamentals and undervaluation suggest a potential opportunity for investors.
United Airlines Unveils New MileagePlus Rewards Program Features
United Airlines has enhanced its MileagePlus rewards program, significantly increasing mileage earning potential and offering discount benefits for cardholders. While cardholders, especially 1K members, will earn more miles and receive discounts on award tickets and expanded access to Saver Award inventory, non-cardholders will earn fewer miles, particularly on Basic Economy tickets, which incentivizes credit card applications. This strategic move aims to boost customer loyalty and sales for United Airlines.
Walmart vs. Target: Retail giants duke it out with new CEOs and 11 changes hitting all stores
Walmart and Target are entering 2026 with new CEOs, John Furner and Michael Fiddelke, respectively, who are implementing significant changes. Walmart, currently in a strong financial position, plans expansions in digital shelf labels, Scan and Go, AI tools, and store openings. Target, facing recent controversies and a stock decline, aims to revitalize its brand through in-house branding, website redesigns, expanded product selection, and numerous new store openings, signaling a pivot back to its core strengths.
Target vs. Costco: Which Discount Retail Stock Has Better Upside Now?
This article compares Target (TGT) and Costco (COST) as investment opportunities in the discount retail sector. It highlights Target's strategic transformation, digital capabilities, and attractive valuation, positioning it as a strong buy. Costco, despite its resilient membership model and loyal customer base, is deemed less attractive due to its high valuation.
The J.M. Smucker Co. to Make Uncrustables ‘Fridge Friendly’
The J.M. Smucker Co. announced it is making its Uncrustables product line "fridge friendly" to eliminate thaw time, increasing convenience for consumers. This change allows the sandwiches to be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days or kept frozen, providing immediate enjoyment. The company also launched two new protein-rich morning flavors in late 2025.
Tide Evo And Livestream Push Highlight P&G Growth And Sustainability Story
Procter & Gamble (P&G) has launched Tide Evo, a new waterless, concentrated laundry detergent, alongside a shoppable livestream campaign on Walmart tied to the Winter Olympics. These initiatives, coupled with recognition for P&G's Chief Sustainability Officer, highlight the company's focus on product innovation, marketing, and environmental credentials. While P&G shows steady growth and a reliable dividend, investors should consider the company's high debt levels and recent insider selling.
American Express and Visa alumni raise $4 million for Rhythmic, which partners with brands to provide financial products for their customers
Former American Express and Visa executives, Aaron Marks and Joseph Hayes, have founded Rhythmic, a startup that raised $4 million in seed funding. Rhythmic aims to integrate stablecoin-powered financial products, such as cash back and rewards programs, into consumer-facing brands. The company's goal is to enable brands to offer financial services and deepen customer relationships by leveraging stablecoin technology.
American Express and Visa alumni raise $4 million for Rhythmic, which partners with brands to provide financial products for their customers
Former American Express and Visa executives, Aaron Marks and Joseph Hayes, have launched Rhythmic, a startup that raised $4 million in seed funding. Rhythmic aims to generalize stablecoin technology for the mass market by partnering with consumer-facing companies to embed financial products like cashback and rewards into their existing brand ecosystems. The company plans to launch midyear, enabling brands to offer co-branded Visa cards and manage user balances and rewards with stablecoins powering the backend infrastructure.
Walmart Inc. Beats Q4 Expectations; Issues Weak EPS Guidance for Year Ahead
Walmart Inc. exceeded fourth-quarter expectations, reporting strong revenue growth and adjusted operating income, with global e-commerce up 24 percent. However, the company issued weak EPS guidance for fiscal year 2027, projecting adjusted EPS between $2.75 and $2.85 per share for the year ahead. The company also announced an increase in its annual dividend to 99 cents per share.
Telsey Advisory Maintains a Buy on Walmart Inc. (WMT)
Telsey Advisory reaffirmed a Buy rating on Walmart Inc. (WMT) with a $135 price target, citing the company's strong position and potential for growth. Rothschild & Co Redburn also raised their price target to $150, emphasizing digital opportunities and AI as drivers for 14% annual earnings growth through 2028. KeyBanc adjusted its price target to $145 and maintained an Overweight rating, noting Walmart's ability to navigate the current economic environment.
Here's What Analysts Are Saying About Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST)
Bernstein and Evercore ISI have reaffirmed positive ratings for Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST). Bernstein maintained an Outperform rating and a $1,155 price target, while Evercore ICI reiterated an Outperform rating and raised its price target to $1,050. The article highlights Costco's position as a natural and organic food stock and mentions the broader economic factors influencing the retail sector.
Telsey Advisory Maintains a Buy on Walmart Inc. (WMT)
Telsey Advisory and Rothschild & Co Redburn have both reaffirmed Buy ratings on Walmart Inc. (WMT), with price targets of $135.00 and $150.00 respectively. KeyBanc also raised its price target to $145, maintaining an Overweight rating, citing Walmart's strong position to navigate the current economic environment. Analysts highlight potential drivers for growth including digital opportunities, AI, and anticipate positive impacts from easier monetary policy and higher tax refunds.
Amazon dethrones Walmart as world’s biggest company by sales
Amazon.com Inc. has surpassed Walmart Inc. to become the world's largest company by revenue, achieving $717 billion in sales for 2025 compared to Walmart's $713.2 billion. This milestone is largely attributed to Amazon's rapidly growing cloud-computing business, Amazon Web Services, which contributed significantly to its revenue. While Amazon's victory over Walmart in terms of overall revenue is a significant achievement, some experts note it's not solely due to outperforming Walmart in retail, but rather by expanding into new sectors like cloud computing.
Whole Foods adds beef label with no antibiotics or added hormones
Where Food Comes From, Inc. (WFCF) announced that Whole Foods Market has adopted its RaiseWell® Certified for Beef program, a new animal welfare certification effective February 19, 2026. This certification requires strict animal welfare standards, no antibiotics or added growth hormones, and source-verified traceability. The move positions RaiseWell as a market-ready standard for premium natural proteins and is expected to expand to other species.
Earnings call transcript: Walmart Q4 2026 beats EPS forecast, stock rises
Walmart Inc. reported stronger-than-expected Q4 2026 earnings, with EPS of $0.74 against a forecast of $0.73, and revenue of $190.7 billion beating the $190.4 billion forecast. The company's stock rose 0.77% in premarket trading on the news. Key drivers included 24% global e-commerce growth and significant contributions from advertising and membership income.
Harold Davidson & Associates Inc. Raises Holdings in Costco Wholesale Corporation $COST
Harold Davidson & Associates Inc. significantly increased its stake in Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) by 41.2% in the third quarter, making it their 9th largest holding. This comes as Costco reported strong quarterly earnings, beating analyst estimates, and declared a $1.30 quarterly dividend. Despite this positive institutional sentiment and operational performance, the article also highlights recent insider selling and mixed analyst ratings, with an average "Moderate Buy" consensus.
Walmart Inc (NASDAQ:WMT) Shares Fall on Cautious Outlook Despite Solid Q4 Earnings
Walmart Inc (NASDAQ:WMT) reported solid Q4 earnings for fiscal year 2026, with adjusted EPS surpassing estimates, though revenue fell slightly short. Despite strong performance in e-commerce, advertising, and membership, the stock fell due to investor concerns over the company's cautious outlook and tempered profit forecast for the coming year. The market's negative reaction highlights a focus on future guidance rather than past results, with Q1 revenue guidance also below analyst expectations.
Carvana Tumbles On Earnings But Morgan Stanley Sees Upside And 'Attractive Risk-Reward'
Carvana (CVNA) shares dropped after the company missed fourth-quarter estimates due to higher costs. Despite the dip, Morgan Stanley analysts maintain an optimistic outlook, citing significant upside potential and an "attractive risk-reward" for the S&P 500 component. Carvana reported a 463% increase in Q4 earnings per share and a 59% rise in revenue.
Amazon dethrones Walmart as the world’s biggest company by sales
Amazon has surpassed Walmart to become the world's largest company by revenue, reporting $717 billion in 2025 sales compared to Walmart's $713.2 billion for the 12 months ending January 31. This milestone is largely attributed to Amazon's rapidly growing cloud-computing business, Amazon Web Services (AWS), which contributed significantly to its revenue. While Amazon dominates online retail and Walmart leads in physical stores, analysts note that Amazon's "victory" is primarily due to success in a sector Walmart doesn't compete in.
7 Best New Dollar Tree Kitchen Finds Hitting Shelves This Week
Dollar Tree is a popular destination for affordable kitchen items, offering significant deals compared to other retailers. This article highlights seven new kitchen finds available this week, including wooden spatulas, a Snacklebox dupe, organization bins, Disney-themed gear, coffee bean containers, viral stools that double as tables, and DIY candle holder components.
