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Laiyifen's first-half revenue falls 6.6% as losses widen; franchise share rises to 89% while gross margin declines
On October 9, Laiyifen held its 2026 interim results briefing, with Chairman Shi Yonglei, President Yu Ruifen and other senior executives attending to face investor questions. The interim report shows first-half revenue of 1.812 billion yuan, down 6.6% year on year; net loss attributable to the parent was 92.13 million yuan, widening 81.77% from a loss of 50.68 million yuan in the same period last year; net loss after deducting non-recurring items reached 110 million yuan, down 93.43% year on year; net cash flow from operating activities swung from a net inflow of 22.4 million yuan a year earlier to a net outflow of 82.98 million yuan, a year-on-year plunge of 470.54%. The company has now posted losses for two consecutive years, with a net loss attributable to the parent of 75.27 million yuan in 2024 and 161 million yuan in 2025. The channel structure has undergone a fundamental shift. As of June 30, 2026, the total number of stores was 2,968, a net increase of 150 from the end of 2025. Directly operated stores fell sharply from 1,044 to 318, a net reduction of 726 in the half year, while franchised stores rose from 1,774 to 2,650, lifting their share from 63% to 89%. In the first half, franchise wholesale revenue was 983 million yuan, up 36.1% year on year, with its share rising to 54.26% and becoming the largest revenue source, about 2.16 times the 455 million yuan from direct operations. However, the gross margin of the franchise business was only 11.71%, down 2.54 percentage points from 14.25% a year earlier, while the direct-operation gross margin remained above 40%. As a result, the company's overall gross margin fell to 23.66%, while selling expenses dropped 38.28% year on year over the same period. Shi Yonglei told investors that the company will optimise the profit model for individual franchise stores and deepen lean management, that the current share transfer at the shareholder level does not change corporate control, and that as of now there are no confirmed industrial synergy arrangements with Donghe Hengyi. To support the franchise system, the company relaxed its credit policy, with accounts receivable rising 51.40% year on year to 65.73 million yuan and long-term receivables surging 2,250.15% to 16.92 million yuan. Management said the financial assistance is a supporting measure during the transition period.
603777.CG · Capital · Negative First-half revenue fell 6.6% and net loss widened 81.77% to 92.13 million yuan, with operating cash flow swinging to a net outflow.
603777.CG · Pricing · Negative Franchise gross margin fell 2.54pp to 11.71%, dragging overall gross margin down to 23.66%.
High Tide Buys Chestermere Cannabis Store for $670,000
High Tide acquired an established cannabis retail store in Chestermere, Alberta, for $670,000 in cash, expanding its Canadian network to 234 locations, including 93 in Alberta. The transaction closed on October 8 and values the store at 2.1 times annualized adjusted EBITDA of approximately $316,000, based on the three months ended August 31, 2026. The store will be rebranded under High Tide's Canna Cabana banner.
Kroger Health President Colleen Lindholz Retires After 30 Years
Kroger announced that Colleen Lindholz, President of Kroger Health, is retiring after more than 30 years with the retailer. Lindholz led Kroger Health and its Food as Medicine platform, including pharmacy, clinic and wellness programs across the chain. The company credited her tenure with helping shape Kroger's broader healthcare approach and its integration with the grocery business. The leadership change lands where the Food as Medicine effort meets pharmacies, clinics and GLP 1 prescriptions, and comes as competitors like Walmart and Costco also lean on pharmacy and wellness. Kroger operates as a large US food and drug retailer, with its health division sitting alongside a nationwide grocery footprint.
6 brokerages expect CPALL net profit in Q3 2026 to reach 6.3 billion baht
Analysts at six brokerages estimate that CP All Public Company Limited, or CPALL, the operator of 7-Eleven convenience stores and a major shareholder of CP Axtra Public Company Limited, or CPAXT, will report net profit for the third quarter of 2026 in the range of 5.65 billion to 6.3 billion baht, declining both year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter, due to the impact of special expenses from portfolio adjustments and the closure of unprofitable CPAXT branches. Core profit is expected at 6.85 billion to 7.09 billion baht, growing 6 to 10 percent year-on-year, supported by same-store sales at 7-Eleven rising 2 to 2.5 percent on tourist spending, promotions, and stockpiling purchases during flooding, as well as continued branch expansion and a higher share of high-margin products. Bualuang Securities expects core profit of 7 billion baht and sets a target price of 62 baht for the end of 2027. Phillip Securities expects normal profit of 7.081 billion baht and has cut its base price to 58.75 baht. Krungsri Securities expects normal profit of 7.09 billion baht with a target of 66 baht. Asia Plus Securities expects net profit of 5.65 billion baht and has cut its target to 52.50 baht. KGI Securities expects net profit of 6.3 billion baht with a target of 58 baht, and Pi Securities expects normal profit of 7 billion baht with a base value of 61 baht. All six maintain a buy recommendation and expect profit in the fourth quarter of 2026 to return to growth on the seasonal year-end shopping period and the recovery of CPAXT.
CPALL.BK · Capital · Neutral Six brokerages estimate Q3 2026 net profit of 5.65-6.3bn baht, down YoY and QoQ on special expenses and CPAXT branch closures, while core profit grows 6-10% on 7-Eleven same-store sales; all maintain buy with mixed target prices.
Casey's Q1 Earnings Beat Estimates as Revenue Jumps 24.3%
Casey's General Stores reported first-quarter fiscal 2027 earnings of $7.37 per share, up 27.7% year over year and ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.60, while revenues rose 24.3% to $5,678.3 million and beat the $5,624 million consensus mark. Inside same-store sales rose 3.2% and total inside sales increased 5.6% to $1,777.5 million, with prepared food and dispensed beverage same-store sales up 4.8% on positive traffic led by whole pizzas, lifting inside gross profit 6.3% to $749.8 million and expanding inside margin about 30 basis points to 42.2%. Total fuel gallons sold increased 2.5% to 934.2 million gallons even as same-store gallons slipped 0.3%, and fuel gross profit climbed 19.6% to $446.9 million as fuel margin excluding credit card fees widened to 47.8 cents per gallon from 41 cents a year earlier. Net income advanced 27.1% to $273.7 million and EBITDA rose 17.1% to $485.1 million, though operating expenses increased 8% to $754.1 million. The company ended the quarter with 2,959 stores, repurchased about $45.6 million of shares with roughly $973 million remaining under its authorization, and approved a quarterly dividend of 65 cents per share payable on Nov. 13, 2026, while keeping its fiscal 2027 outlook unchanged and targeting at least 400 additional stores and roughly $2 billion of free cash flow under a new three-year plan.
CASY · Capital · Positive Q1 EPS of $7.37 beat the $6.60 consensus and net income rose 27.1% on 24.3% revenue growth.
CASY · Demand · Positive Inside same-store sales rose 3.2% with prepared food and dispensed beverage same-store sales up 4.8% on positive traffic led by whole pizzas.
Tesco chief urges retailers be exempt from warehouse tax raid
Ken Murphy, the chief executive of Tesco, has urged John Healey to exclude retailers from "fundamentally unfair" plans to mount a tax raid on large warehouses in the Budget. Murphy said the current business rate regime had already left the retail sector paying four times more than it should given its size within the overall economy, and called for an "exemption for all retail businesses from the new rateable value threshold", arguing high street retailers should not pay a higher business rate multiplier on larger warehouses with a rateable value of more than £500,000. Rachel Reeves introduced a higher rate surcharge for larger commercial properties in last year's Budget, which came into force in April, and Andy Burnham has since signalled this so-called "Amazon tax" could be ramped up further on warehouses in the upcoming Budget to help fund an announced 20pc rate cut for smaller businesses that "bring social benefit", such as pubs and live music venues, from next April. Retail bosses have warned the new rates could be passed on to consumers as higher prices, since high street supermarkets rather than online retailers occupy the majority of warehouse space, and analysis by the consultancy firm Ryan showed the 10 warehouses with the biggest business rates bills in the country are owned by Lidl, Tesco, John Lewis, Sainsbury's and Marks & Spencer. Murphy's comments came as Tesco increased its profit guidance, telling investors it expected to make between £3.15bn and £3.3bn in the year to February, up from the £3bn to £3.3bn range projected in April, with like-for-like UK sales up 1.5pc in the first six months of the financial year to the end of August and 1pc higher for the group as a whole, while operating profits climbed 6.6pc to £1.7bn. Murphy also said he expected a less boozy Christmas than in previous years, with more sales of "low and no" alcohol drinks reflecting a trend towards healthier eating and drinking dating back to the pandemic.
TSCO.LSE · Capital · Positive Tesco raised its full-year profit guidance to £3.15bn-£3.3bn with operating profits up 6.6% to £1.7bn.
TSCO.LSE · Regulation · Negative Tesco's CEO is fighting plans to extend a higher business-rate surcharge to large warehouses, which would raise costs for Tesco's many big stores.
Life Corporation Interim Net Profit Falls 7.9% as Labor Costs Swell
Life Corporation reported on the 8th that its consolidated interim results for the fiscal year ending February 2027, covering the March-to-August period, showed a net profit of 8.5 billion yen, down 7.9% from the same period a year earlier. Property costs tied to new store openings, along with higher personnel expenses from improved employee treatment, pushed up selling, general and administrative costs, and operating profit also fell 6.4% from a year earlier to 12.4 billion yen. Revenue rose 2.3% year on year to 450 billion yen, helped by new store openings, renovations of existing stores, expansion of online sales, and stronger private-label products. The company left its full-year earnings forecast for the fiscal year ending February 2027 unchanged, with net profit projected at 19 billion yen, up 0.9% from the previous year.
MOTHER opens new branches in Ao Nang and Khlong Haeng to capture tourism high season
Mother Marketing Public Company Limited, or MOTHER, is preparing to open new branches in the Ao Nang area and Khlong Haeng district of Krabi province in November 2026 to capture high-season tourist volumes and increase market share in high-potential areas. Managing Director Ekapong Chokchaiwitat told Than Hoon that fourth-quarter 2026 operating results are expected to hold steady at levels close to the previous period, amid economic conditions and purchasing power that remain challenging. The tourism season will begin around mid-November after the Loy Krathong festival, continuing through the New Year holiday and stretching into January and February, before the Songkran festival. For its 2027 business plan, the company plans to open approximately 3 to 5 new branches with total investment of about 30 million baht, and targets same-store sales growth, or SSSG, of about 3% from 2026, which is expected to be flat. It also targets 2027 sales growth of about 8% from this year, when sales are expected to come in at approximately 1.55 billion baht, supported by new branch openings, same-store sales growth, and the recovery of the tourism sector. The gross profit margin is expected to remain at a level close to last year.
Kroger Q2 Revenue Rises 2% to $34.62 Billion as Grocery Group Beats Estimates
Kroger reported second-quarter revenues of $34.62 billion, up 2% year on year and in line with analysts' expectations, as the four grocery store stocks tracked by the report collectively beat consensus revenue estimates by 0.7%. Kroger's quarter was satisfactory overall, with full-year EPS guidance beating analysts' expectations but a slight miss on gross margin estimates, and the stock is up 2.6% since reporting, trading at $58.45. Grocery Outlet posted the best quarter of the group, with revenues of $1.19 billion, up 1.1% year on year and 2.1% above expectations, alongside beats on EPS and EBITDA estimates; its shares are up 12.9% since reporting at $11.49. Albertsons had the weakest quarter, with revenues of $24.94 billion, flat year on year and 0.6% above expectations, but full-year EBITDA guidance missing significantly and a significant EBITDA miss; its stock is down 21.3% at $11.48. Sprouts reported revenues of $2.33 billion, up 4.7% year on year and in line with expectations, the fastest growth in the group, though next-quarter and full-year EPS guidance missed significantly, and its shares are down 17.1% at $65.63. On average, the group's share prices are down 5.7% since the latest earnings results.
ACI · Capital · Negative Albertsons had the weakest quarter with flat revenue, a significant EBITDA miss, and full-year EBITDA guidance missing significantly, sending shares down 21.3%.
GO · Capital · Positive Grocery Outlet posted the best quarter of the group with revenue, EPS, and EBITDA beats, and shares are up 12.9% since reporting.
KR · Capital · Positive Kroger's Q2 revenue rose 2% to $34.62B and full-year EPS guidance beat expectations, though gross margin slightly missed.
SFM · Capital · Negative Sprouts posted the fastest revenue growth but next-quarter and full-year EPS guidance missed significantly, with shares down 17.1%.
Casey's General Stores reported first-quarter fiscal 2027 grocery and general merchandise sales of $1.28 billion, up 4.9% year over year, with same-store sales up 2.7% and up 6.5% on a two-year stacked basis. Category gross profit reached $457.8 million, up from $439.5 million a year earlier, as non-alcoholic beverages remained a key sales driver. Energy drink sales rose 12% in the quarter, while nicotine alternatives grew 47% as Casey's expanded space for those products, which management said carry margins roughly double those of combustible cigarettes. Ready-to-drink cocktail sales grew more than 30%, partially offsetting beer weakness, and private-label snacks posted strong growth as national-brand price increases pressured snack demand. For fiscal 2027, Casey's reiterated guidance for inside same-store sales growth of 2-5% and an inside margin above 42%, covering grocery and general merchandise alongside prepared food and dispensed beverages.
CASY · Demand · Positive Q1 grocery and general merchandise sales rose 4.9% to $1.28B with same-store sales up 2.7% and category gross profit up to $457.8M.
MOTHER poised to benefit from high season as SiamWings launches direct Krabi–Russia flights, boosting Q4 sales
Mother Marketing Public Company Limited, or MOTHER, looks set to benefit from a lively tourism sector during the year-end high season, after SiamWings Airlines launched its inaugural flight on the Krabi–Novosibirsk route in Russia with 345 passengers on board, and plans to expand flights connecting several Russian cities throughout October, which should help draw more foreign tourists to Krabi province. The rise in foreign tourists is expected to lift the mood for spending and retail businesses in the area, especially in the fourth quarter of 2026, a key tourism season for Krabi. This is therefore another positive factor for MOTHER, which stands to gain from stronger purchasing power and higher sales in the year-end period.
MOTHER.BK · Demand · Positive More Russian tourists to Krabi from SiamWings' new direct flights is expected to lift spending and retail sales for MOTHER in Q4.
SiamWings Airlines · Demand · Positive SiamWings launched its inaugural Krabi–Novosibirsk flight with 345 passengers and plans to expand Russian routes in October, boosting its own passenger demand.
Kasikorn Securities Expects CPALL's Q3 2026 Normal Profit to Grow 10.8% on Strong CVS Business
Kasikorn Securities estimates that CP All Public Company Limited, or CPALL, will report net profit of 6.3 billion baht for the third quarter of 2026, down 4.2% year on year and 15.9% quarter on quarter. Excluding one-time items, normal profit is expected to come in at 7.2 billion baht, up 10.8% year on year and down 3.1% quarter on quarter, supported by stronger performance in the convenience store, or CVS, business. The CVS business and related operations are expected to report profit growth of 27% year on year. For the first nine months of 2026, net profit is expected at 23 billion baht, up 9.7% year on year, accounting for 74.7% of the full-year estimate. Third-quarter 2026 sales are expected at 253.5 billion baht, up 4.5% year on year and down 1.4% quarter on quarter, of which 123.6 billion baht comes from the CVS business, up 8.6% year on year and flat quarter on quarter. Same-store sales growth is expected at 2%. The impact from flooding remains limited, with some products, particularly ready-to-eat items, in short supply at certain 7-Eleven branches due to distribution problems, but restocking is expected to return to normal by mid-October, and fourth-quarter 2026 profit should recover both year on year and quarter on quarter. The research team maintains a Buy rating on CPALL with a target price of 57.20 baht based on the discounted cash flow method with a discount rate of 9.7%. CPALL is scheduled to announce its third-quarter 2026 financial statements on November 11.
CPALL.BK · Capital · Positive Kasikorn Securities maintains Buy rating with 57.20 baht target and forecasts normal Q3 2026 profit up 10.8% y/y on strong CVS performance.
Krungsri expects CPALL's Q3 2026 normalized profit at 7,090 million baht, up 10%
Krungsri Securities estimates that CPALL's normalized profit for the third quarter of 2026 will come in at 7,090 million baht, up 10% year on year but down 4% quarter on quarter, supported by sales growth of 4% year on year led by the 7-Eleven business, where same-store sales, or SSS, are expected to grow 2%, accelerating from 0.8% in the second quarter of 2026 thanks to the long holidays in July and stockpiling at the end of September. CPAXT, meanwhile, remains under pressure from its large-format retail business, with SSS expected to fall 5% due to the effects of the Thai Help Thai Plus program, though the wholesale business is starting to recover, with SSS expected to return to growth of 1% from a decline of 0.9% in the previous quarter. Total sales in the third quarter of 2026 are expected at 251 billion baht, up 4% year on year but down 2% quarter on quarter, with 7-Eleven, which accounts for 48% of revenue, expected to grow 6% year on year and its store count expected to rise to 16,444. CPAXT, which accounts for 51% of revenue, is expected to post sales growth of just 1% year on year. The gross margin is expected at 23.0%, up 20 basis points both year on year and quarter on quarter. However, special expenses from CPAXT's restructuring of unprofitable stores, amounting to about 992 million baht after tax, which CPALL recognizes in proportion to its 59.9% stake, will weigh on net profit for the third quarter of 2026, bringing it to 6,100 million baht, down 8% year on year and 19% quarter on quarter. Krungsri Securities maintains its buy recommendation and its 2027 target price of 66 baht, viewing the stock's weakness on CPAXT concerns as an opportunity to accumulate, with the shares trading at a forward PER of just 11.8 times, one standard deviation below the historical average, and a dividend yield of nearly 4%.
CPALL.BK · Capital · Positive Krungsri estimates CPALL's Q3 2026 normalized profit at 7,090 million baht, up 10% YoY, and maintains a buy rating with a 66 baht target price.
CPAXT.BK · Demand · Negative CPAXT's large-format retail same-store sales are expected to fall 5% due to the Thai Help Thai Plus program, with total sales growth of just 1% YoY.
Brokerage Expects CPALL Third-Quarter Profit to Fall 10% to 6 Billion Baht
Analysts at Pi Securities expect CPALL to report third-quarter net profit of 6 billion baht, down 10% from the same period last year, reflecting provisions related to the closure of Lotus's Go Fresh stores. Normalized profit is expected at 7 billion baht, up 8% year-on-year but down 6% from the previous quarter, supported by a 2% increase in same-store sales at 7-Eleven that helped offset lower profit from the Makro wholesale and Lotus's retail businesses. The research team expects 7-Eleven's same-store sales momentum to remain strong in the fourth quarter, alongside plans to open 700 stores per year. The recent floods were a positive factor as consumers stockpiled goods, making September sales notably stronger than other months, and the hundreds of branches in flooded areas have all gradually reopened as normal. Distribution centers were unaffected and logistics continue to operate normally. The brokerage maintains a "Buy" rating with a fair value of 61 baht, citing attractive valuation and an expected dividend yield of 3% to 4%.
Sainsbury's Held Merger Talks With Morrisons Earlier This Year
Sainsbury's held preliminary talks about a possible merger with Morrisons between November and February, but the UK's second-largest supermarket subsequently walked away from a deal. A combination would have created a supermarket group with almost a quarter of Britain's grocery market, putting it within striking distance of Tesco. Sainsbury's has a 15.2pc share of the market while Morrisons accounts for 8.4pc, according to Worldpanel by Numerator, giving them a combined 23.6pc against Tesco's 27.8pc. The FT reported on Monday that the companies had held preliminary discussions about a combination, although there are no active talks between the two sides, and any deal would face close scrutiny from the Competition and Markets Authority. The revelation comes seven years after the competition watchdog blocked Sainsbury's £7.3bn attempt to buy Asda, and since then Aldi and Lidl have continued to expand rapidly, taking a combined 19pc of the grocery market. Morrisons was bought by private equity group Clayton, Dubilier & Rice in 2021, a deal that saddled the company with a large debt burden, leaving it with £7.5bn of net debt at the end of its latest financial year. Sainsbury's and Morrisons declined to comment.
SBRY.LSE · Capital · Neutral Sainsbury's held preliminary merger talks with Morrisons but walked away, with any deal facing CMA scrutiny.
Clayton Dubilier & Rice · Capital · Neutral Morrisons, owned by CD&R, was the subject of preliminary merger talks with Sainsbury's that ultimately ended.
Mission Produce Marketing Unit Sales Climb to $414.3 Million on Avocado Demand
Mission Produce's Marketing and Distribution segment posted third-quarter fiscal 2026 sales of $414.3 million, up from $344.1 million a year earlier, with adjusted EBITDA rising to $24.7 million from $20 million. The company sold roughly 253 million pounds of avocados in the quarter, up 38% year over year, lifted by the Calavo acquisition and growth in its legacy business, though lower average selling prices partly offset the gain. A more balanced sourcing mix across Mexico, California and Peru helped per-unit margins recover sequentially from the fiscal second quarter, and Mission Produce increased its estimated U.S. retail market share by about 60 basis points year to date. Management said added packing capacity in Mexico and California and complementary customer relationships from the Calavo combination could drive meaningful market-share gains between 2027 and 2030. The Zacks Consensus Estimate points to a 17.7% year-over-year decline in AVO's fiscal 2026 earnings and 29.2% growth in fiscal 2027, with the stock carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
AVO · Demand · Positive Avocado volume sold rose 38% YoY to ~253 million pounds, lifting Marketing & Distribution sales to $414.3M on strong avocado demand.
Albertsons Names Cody Perdue Interim CFO, Expands Board to 14 Members
Albertsons Companies has appointed Cody Perdue as Interim Chief Financial Officer following Sharon McCollam's planned retirement, and added three experienced retail and technology leaders to its Board of Directors, expanding the board to 14 members. The leadership moves underscore Albertsons' emphasis on finance discipline, grocery expertise and technology modernization as it continues its transformation efforts. The company's raised US$2.0 billion share repurchase authorization and ongoing buybacks stand out given Albertsons' weak 1 year total return of about negative 29.5 percent and current net margin of just 0.08 percent. Albertsons' narrative projects $83.7 billion revenue and $621.1 million earnings by 2029, while some of the lowest analysts assume fairly flat revenue near US$82.4 billion and only about US$647.6 million of earnings by 2029. The CFO transition and expanded, tech-focused board do not change the near term focus on execution, cost control and digital profitability, but they concentrate attention on whether leadership can deliver planned efficiency and modernization gains without further pressuring thin margins.
ACI · Capital · Neutral Albertsons names interim CFO after McCollam's retirement and expands its board, alongside a $2.0B buyback authorization, keeping focus on execution and thin margins.
Kroger Cuts Fiscal 2026 Identical-Sales Outlook Despite 20% Digital Growth
Kroger reported second-quarter fiscal 2026 adjusted earnings of $1.09 per share, up 4.8% year over year and ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.05, while cutting its fiscal 2026 identical-sales outlook to 0.2%-0.8% from 1%-2%. Total sales rose 2% to $34.62 billion but missed the consensus mark of $34.69 billion, and identical sales excluding fuel increased just 0.2%. Adjusted e-commerce sales climbed 20%, following 19% growth in the first quarter, with new digital customers also up 20%, and Kroger Precision Marketing profit rose 24%, its best growth rate since 2021. The company's 0.2% identical-sales growth absorbed about 265 basis points of combined pressure, including roughly 140 basis points from the Inflation Reduction Act, about 60 basis points from the shift to generic prescriptions, about 35 basis points from Cyclospora and about 30 basis points from egg deflation. Adjusted earnings guidance remained $5.10-$5.30 per share, and Kroger carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Kroger Q2 Earnings Beat as Identical Sales Slow, Guidance Cut
Kroger reported second-quarter fiscal 2026 adjusted earnings of $1.09 per share, up 4.8% year over year and ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.05, even as identical sales excluding fuel rose just 0.2%, down from 3.4% growth a year earlier. Total sales increased 2% to $34.62 billion but fell short of the $34.69 billion consensus mark, and the company lowered its fiscal 2026 identical-sales guidance excluding fuel to 0.2%-0.8% from 1%-2% while maintaining adjusted earnings guidance of $5.10-$5.30 per share. The stock trades at 10.78X forward 12-month earnings, below its five-year median of 12.08X and well under the 30.68X for the Zacks sub-industry, 20.83X for the Zacks Retail-Wholesale sector and 19.66X for the S&P 500, consistent with a Value Score of A. Growth engines held up, with adjusted e-commerce sales up 20%, Kroger Precision Marketing profit up 24% for its best growth rate since 2021, and Our Brands outpacing national brands by 250 basis points as Private Selection sales rose more than 14%. Profitability faced pressure from higher shrink, transportation, healthcare and planned wage investments, with additional diesel and freight pressure expected through the rest of fiscal 2026, while Walmart posted 2.6% U.S. comparable-sales growth excluding fuel and 24% U.S. e-commerce growth and Costco reported 7.2% adjusted U.S. comparable-sales growth and 19.8% adjusted digitally enabled growth. Kroger carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) with a VGM Score of A, Value Score of A, Growth Score of B and Momentum Score of D.
Kroger Launches Rewards Elite Mastercard Powered by Imprint
Kroger is launching a new Kroger Rewards Elite Mastercard powered by the payments platform Imprint. Imprint said its AI-powered platform delivers tailored programs that drive measurable increases in engagement and spend, and Kroger shoppers can earn point multipliers for groceries, fuel, and dining. Imprint CEO Daragh Murphy will join NYSE Live to discuss the partnership and new growth opportunities for his company. The announcement came as part of the NYSE's pre-market update, which also noted the inaugural Fortune AIQ Summit taking place today at the NYSE under the theme 'Putting AI to work,' following the release of the 2026 Fortune AIQ 75 power list by Fortune and ServiceNow. In markets, the 10-year Treasury yield rose to 5.34%, its highest level since April 2002, with the September jobs report due Friday ahead of the market open.
KR · Demand · Positive Kroger launches a new Rewards Elite Mastercard with point multipliers for groceries, fuel, and dining to drive shopper engagement and spend.
Imprint · Demand · Positive Imprint's AI-powered payments platform powers Kroger's new Rewards Elite Mastercard, a new partnership and growth opportunity for Imprint.
Life to Acquire Albis for Up to 26.3 Billion Yen, Pursuing an 'Enclave' Strategy in Food Supermarket Realignment
Life Corporation announced on September 8 that it will launch a tender offer for Albis, a food supermarket chain based in the Hokuriku region, and make it a consolidated subsidiary. This is Life's first acquisition of a rival supermarket, with the purchase price reaching up to 26.3 billion yen. Life's main trading areas are the Tokyo metropolitan area and the Kinki region, while Albis is based mainly in Toyama Prefecture and the Hokuriku region, and has already expanded into Aichi and Gifu Prefectures, so the two companies' store networks barely overlap. The acquisition would bring Life and Albis's combined sales to roughly 980 billion yen on a simple sum basis, making it a deal that symbolizes the race among food supermarkets to reach the 1 trillion yen mark. Conventional distribution realignment has been based on the dominant strategy of concentrating store openings, but a movement is now beginning to leapfrog trading areas and bring in companies that are strong in those regions.
7475.JP · Capital · Positive Life will launch a tender offer to acquire Albis for up to 26.3 billion yen, making it a consolidated subsidiary.
8194.JP · Capital · Positive Life's first acquisition of a rival supermarket adds Albis's Hokuriku/Aichi/Gifu network, lifting combined sales to roughly 980 billion yen.
Albertsons names Cody Perdue interim CFO effective September 30
Albertsons Companies has named Cody Perdue as interim chief financial officer effective September 30. Perdue, who has served as senior vice president of Treasury, Investor Relations and Risk Management since 2025, will remain in that role while also serving as interim CFO. He replaces Sharon McCollam, who announced her retirement in July. McCollam will remain with the company in an advisory role until the end of Albertsons' fiscal year on February 27, 2027. "Cody has been my right hand and a trusted partner to the entire leadership team," McCollam said, adding that he has been at the center of the company's most significant strategic and financial transactions and that she looks forward to working with him to ensure a seamless transition.
Maison Solutions Gets Second Nasdaq Notice Over Delayed Filings
Maison Solutions Inc. said it received an additional Nasdaq notification on September 23, 2026, warning that it is not in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) because it has not timely filed its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 2026, and remains delinquent on its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2026. The notification has no immediate effect on the listing of the company's Class A common stock, which continues to trade on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol MSS. Under Nasdaq listing rules, Maison Solutions has until October 19, 2026 to submit a plan to regain compliance, a deadline established in an earlier August 20, 2026 notification concerning the late Form 10-K and unchanged by the new notice. If Nasdaq accepts the plan, it may grant an exception of up to 180 calendar days from the Form 10-K's due date, or until February 9, 2027, to file both reports; if the plan is rejected, the company may appeal to a Nasdaq Hearings Panel. Maison Solutions, a U.S.-based specialty grocery retailer serving Asian American communities in Southern California and Arizona under the HK Good Fortune and Lee Lee International brands, said it is working diligently to regain compliance.
MSS · Regulation · Negative Maison Solutions received a second Nasdaq notice for failing to timely file its 10-Q and 10-K, risking delisting if its compliance plan is rejected.
Kobe Bussan to issue 60 billion yen in convertible bonds with share subscription rights
Kobe Bussan will issue 60 billion yen in convertible bonds with share subscription rights. The funds raised will be used for M&A and share buybacks. The company, listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market, announced the move after the close of trading on the 29th.
3038.JP · Capital · Neutral Kobe Bussan will issue 60 billion yen in convertible bonds with share subscription rights, using proceeds for M&A and share buybacks.
Kobe Bussan to Buy Back Up to 7.21% of Shares for 40 Billion Yen
Kobe Bussan, which operates the Gyomu Super chain, announced on the 29th that it will repurchase up to 16 million shares, or 7.21% of its outstanding shares, for up to 40 billion yen. The acquisition period runs from the 30th to April 30, 2027. The company said the move is aimed at expanding shareholder returns, as well as easing the short-term impact on share supply and demand from the issuance of euro-yen convertible bonds with new share warrants, maturing in 2033, which was approved the same day, and ensuring smooth fundraising.
3038.JP · Capital · Positive Kobe Bussan announced a buyback of up to 16 million shares (7.21%) for up to 40 billion yen to expand shareholder returns.
Ingles Markets has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.165 per share, unchanged from the previous payout. The dividend carries a forward yield of 0.78%. It is payable October 15 to shareholders of record as of October 8, which is also the ex-dividend date.
Mission Produce Sold 253 Million Pounds of Avocados, Up 38%
Mission Produce's AVO avocado business sold approximately 253 million pounds of avocados in its fiscal third quarter, up 38% year over year, helped by the addition of Calavo and growth in the legacy Mission Produce business. U.S. retail avocado volume rose about 9% even as the average retail price climbed approximately 15% sequentially, and U.S. avocado consumption stayed above 10 pounds per capita year to date, up 12% from last year, with household penetration improving by roughly 50 basis points. AVO's legacy U.S. retail market share also increased by approximately 60 basis points year over year. Management said greater sourcing flexibility from California and Peru improved the operating environment versus the preceding quarter, and that future volume growth will depend on converting expanded sourcing and distribution into deeper customer relationships without sacrificing unit economics. Separately, Corteva's second-quarter volume fell 3% year over year on seasonal timing and acreage shifts, while Dole's Diversified Fresh Produce Americas and Rest of World segment revenue rose 13.9% and adjusted EBITDA advanced 33.8%.
BofA Names Tesco and M&S Top Picks in UK Food Retail
BofA Securities has named Tesco and Marks & Spencer as its two buy-rated top picks in its latest Pan European Food Retailing report, citing resilient grocery demand, strong execution and further growth opportunities. The broker kept price objectives of 540p for Tesco and 440p for M&S. For Tesco, BofA forecasts second-quarter group revenue growth of 2.6%, with UK sales up 2.6%, and first-half adjusted operating profit of £1.73 billion, up 1.5% year on year, implying a 10 basis point margin contraction; it raised its FY27 to FY29 EPS estimates by around 1%. For M&S, BofA expects first-half revenue to rise 13% to £8.98 billion, with adjusted PBT of £396 million versus £184 million a year earlier, and upgraded its Food sales forecasts to £19.1 billion for FY27 and £20.0 billion for FY28, increases of 3% and 4.3% respectively. The broker flagged Fashion, Home & Beauty as the main area of caution, saying the next phase of the turnaround will be more demanding, but maintained its buy rating and 440p price objective with Food as the primary driver of valuation upside.
MKS.LSE · Capital · Positive BofA maintained a buy rating and 440p price objective on M&S and upgraded its Food sales forecasts, with Food as the primary driver of valuation upside.
TSCO.LSE · Capital · Positive BofA named Tesco a buy-rated top pick with a 540p price objective and raised its FY27-FY29 EPS estimates by around 1%.
Pi Securities says this flood season is nothing like 2011, recommends buying CPALL and TU
Pi Securities said in a strategy analysis that the current flood situation is far removed from 2011, because in 2011 Thailand faced La Niña with above-normal rainfall that covered as many as 74 provinces, including economic zones and especially the industrial estates around Ayutthaya. But the current round pressures only some areas of Bangkok and nearby provinces, with water levels starting to recede and government agencies assessing that travel is close to returning to normal. In the short term, the impact on tourism and consumption is seen as slight, because part of the effect is offset by a boost from food stockpiling. Statistics from 2011 show that the groups that outperformed during the event were Healthcare at -1.4%, ICT at -5.1%, REIT at -7.5% and Commerce at -12.6%, while the underperformers were PETRO at -43%, PACK at -42% and ETRON at -34%. But one month after the situation eased, the outperformers were PETRO at +32%, construction materials at +22% and Pack at +18%. Pi Securities recommends buying CPALL with a target of 61 baht, seeing same-store sales growth and profit in the second half of 2026 as not much affected by the Thai Chuay Thai Plus scheme, based on same-store sales growth in June 2026 that held steady year on year, together with gradually improving consumer purchasing power. It also recommends buying TU with a target of 15.4 baht, as the second half of 2026 has several positives: the peak export period, a weaker baht, and Britain cutting its import tax on Thai tuna to 0% from 24%, which will support continued revenue growth.
CPALL.BK · Capital · Positive Pi Securities recommends buying CPALL with a 61 baht target, citing steady same-store sales growth and limited impact from the Thai Chuay Thai Plus scheme.
TU.BK · Capital · Positive Pi Securities recommends buying TU with a 15.4 baht target on peak export period, weaker baht, and Britain cutting its tuna import tax to 0%.
Pi Securities says this year's floods are milder than 2011, recommends buying CPALL with a 61 baht target and TU with a 15.40 baht target
Pi Securities Public Company Limited, or PI, stated that the current flood situation is far from the crisis of 2011. In 2011, Thailand faced a La Niña phenomenon that pushed rainfall above normal and affected as many as 74 provinces, covering economic zones and industrial estates around Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. This time, however, pressure is limited to only some areas of Bangkok and nearby provinces. Most recently, water levels have begun to recede and government agencies expect travel to return to normal soon. As for short-term impact, the brokerage views it as likely to pressure the tourism and consumption sectors only slightly, since part of the economy is still supported by food stockpiling. Based on statistics from 2011, the sectors that outperformed the market were healthcare, communications or ICT, real estate investment trusts or REITs, and commerce. The sectors that underperformed the market were petrochemicals, packaging, and electronic components. However, one month after the situation eased, the sectors that returned to outperforming the market were petrochemicals, construction materials, and packaging. On investment strategy, the brokerage recommends buying CP All Public Company Limited, or CPALL, with a target price of 61 baht, viewing that same-store sales and profit trends in the second half of 2026 will not be much affected by the Thai Help Thai Plus scheme, based on same-store sales figures in June 2026 that remained steady compared with the same period a year earlier, together with a gradually improving trend in consumer purchasing power. At the same time, it also recommends buying Thai Union Group Public Company Limited, or TU, with a target price of 15.40 baht, expecting several positive factors to support the second half of 2026, whether the peak export season, a weakening baht, or Britain's reduction of its import tax on Thai tuna to 0% from 24%. All of these factors will help drive TU's revenue to rise continuously.
CPALL.BK · Capital · Positive Pi Securities recommends buying CPALL with a 61 baht target price, citing steady same-store sales and improving consumer purchasing power.
TU.BK · Capital · Positive Pi Securities recommends buying TU with a 15.40 baht target price, expecting several positive factors to support the second half of 2026.
Yesway to Open First Allsup's Store in Arizona, Expanding to 10th State
Yesway announced it is bringing the Allsup's brand to Arizona for the first time, expanding the company's operating footprint into its 10th state. With the opening of the Willcox location on October 2, Yesway will operate 453 stores across 10 states, strengthening its presence across the Southwest. The company sees its first investment in Arizona as the beginning of a meaningful and growing presence in the state, calling Arizona an important component of its broader new-store development strategy, which is currently concentrated in Arizona, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas. CEO Tom Trkla called the opening one of the most significant milestones in Yesway's history since the company was founded in 2015, adding that the Allsup's operating model is particularly well suited to the state's rural and suburban communities. Yesway has developed and opened more than 90 new-to-industry stores over approximately the past five years, complementing growth through strategic acquisitions and continued investment in its existing store base. Shares of Yesway were down 0.8% in Thursday morning trading to $19.73; the IPO was priced at $20 per share on April 22 and has traded as high as $29.08.
Casey's Inside Same-Store Sales Rise 3.2% on Food and Beverage Strength
Casey's General Stores reported inside same-store sales growth of 3.2% year over year in the first quarter of fiscal 2027, with total inside sales up 5.6% to $1.78 billion and inside gross profit climbing 6.3% to $749.8 million. Prepared food and dispensed beverages led the gains with same-store sales up 4.8%, as management said traffic rather than higher prices accounted for most of the growth, and whole-pizza unit sales rose nearly 10% to lift category revenues 7.4% to about $493 million. Grocery and general merchandise same-store sales grew 2.7%, driven chiefly by nonalcoholic beverages, with energy drinks and nicotine alternatives recording double-digit growth while weaker beer sales weighed on the category. Inside margin reached 42.2%, up 30 basis points, as prepared food made up more of the sales mix, and the prepared food and dispensed beverage margin rose to 59.3% from 58% on lower cheese costs and a change in distribution cost allocation. Casey's maintained its fiscal 2027 forecast for inside same-store sales growth of 2-5% and an inside margin above 42%, noting that remodeling of former CEFCO stores created a modest headwind to quarterly comparable sales.
Hongqi Chain's 'Hongqi You Life' Joins Shuguanghui, Over 3,000 Directly-Operated Stores Connected to State-Owned Platform
Hongqi Chain's newly built digital convenience service platform 'Hongqi You Life' has officially joined Shuguanghui, Sichuan's state-owned digital consumption service platform, marking resource interconnection, scenario co-construction, and traffic sharing between the two major local consumption service platforms under Sichuan Commercial Investment Group. Hongqi Chain's more than 3,000 directly-operated store resources in Sichuan Province will be connected to Shuguanghui, and the system can match store products nearby based on user location. After joining, 'Hongqi You Life's' product supply chain, fulfillment and delivery system, and community terminal outlets will be fully integrated into Shuguanghui's public consumption service system. Consumers can place orders for Hongqi You Life products on the Shuguanghui platform, with support for in-store pickup or home delivery. Shuguanghui is an official digital consumption comprehensive service platform built with priority by Sichuan provincial state-owned assets, focusing on promoting consumption, benefiting people's livelihoods, revitalizing commerce, and promoting Sichuan goods. It undertakes employee welfare expense control management, consumption incentive policies, and distribution of consumer subsidies for grassroots trade unions and government, public institution, and enterprise employees. The two sides will regularly carry out joint activities such as consumer promotions, stacking of consumption subsidies, and promotion of specialty Sichuan goods, building a digital livelihood consumption closed loop of 'online platform empowerment, offline physical fulfillment'.
Instacart Shares Fall 2.4% as Meta Muse AI Integration Threatens Ad Revenue
Instacart shares fell 2.4% in the afternoon session after investors digested the long-term implications of the company's new integration with Meta's Muse AI. Management initially touted the integration by noting shoppers could simply prompt Muse for "Taco Tuesday" to instantly build a cart, but investors quickly realized this autonomous functionality could bypass the human browsing required to sustain Instacart's highly lucrative retail media ad business, according to Barron's. Because AI agents do not click on sponsored product placements, the shift threatens to strip away the high-margin ad revenue that underpins the company's profitability and commoditize the platform into a mere fulfillment rail. The dynamic aligns with a recent Goldman Sachs research note highlighting the intense risks AI agents pose to "consumer inertia" stocks. The shares closed the day at $42.96, down 3.3% from the previous close.
CART · Competition · Negative Meta Muse AI integration could bypass human browsing and strip Instacart's high-margin retail media ad revenue, commoditizing it into a fulfillment rail.
META · Technology · Neutral Its Muse AI integration is the catalyst, but the article frames it as a threat to Instacart's ad business rather than a clear win for Meta.
Meta launched Muse, a personal artificial intelligence agent that can perform transactions on a user's behalf, on September 8, 2026, as a standalone app and WhatsApp tool, and Amazon blocked the agent from its store after requesting to be opted out. Instacart shares closed at $44.41 on September 22, 2026, down 10.88% over the past month and 5.13% in the past week alone, even though the company beat revenue expectations in its most recent quarter and grew gross transaction value 14% year over year. Instacart earns money through transaction fees, advertising, and enterprise software; transaction revenue was $746 million in the second quarter, advertising was $297 million, up 16%, and advertising crossed $1 billion for 2025, making it the high-margin engine supporting the multiple. The company's defense rests on its fulfillment network, including contracts with grocery chains, roughly 600,000 shoppers, and Storefront powering more than 380 grocery sites, while it has integrated with Google's Gemini, ChatGPT Instant Checkout, and Anthropic's Claude but has not announced a partnership with Meta. The trigger to watch is whether advertising and other revenue growth decelerates from the 15% to 18% range guided for the third quarter in the next two earnings reports, with the third-quarter report due in early November.
CART · Competition · Negative Meta's Muse agent threatens Instacart's high-margin $1B advertising engine and transaction-fee model, and Instacart has no announced Meta partnership.
META · Technology · Positive Meta launched Muse, a personal AI agent that can transact on a user's behalf, as a standalone app and WhatsApp tool.
AMZN · Competition · Neutral Amazon blocked Meta's Muse agent from its store after requesting to be opted out, a defensive competitive move against the AI shopping agent.
Casey's Q1 EPS Jumps 27.7% as Analysts Split on Fuel-Driven Beat
Casey's General Stores reported a 27.7% jump in fiscal 2027 first-quarter EPS and kept its full-year guidance intact, yet the stock sold off as Wall Street debated whether the beat was driven by sustainable growth or an unusually strong fuel margin. Fuel margin reached 47.8 cents per gallon, up 6.8 cents year-over-year, pushing fuel gross profit 19.6% higher to $446.9 million, while fuel same-store gallons slipped 0.3%. Inside the stores, Prepared Food & Dispensed Beverages same-store sales rose 4.8% with a 10.7% two-year stack and gross margin expanding 130 basis points to 59.3%, lifting total inside gross profit 6.3% to $749.8 million. Analysts reset targets in both directions: BofA cut to $875 from $975 with Buy, Stephens cut to $750 from $975 with Overweight, Goldman Sachs lowered to $750 from $795 with Neutral, UBS reduced to $720 from $925 with Neutral, and JPMorgan lowered to $687 from $833 with Neutral, while Deutsche Bank raised to $933 from $927 with Buy and RBC lowered to $910 from $913 with Sector Perform. CEFCO remodeling disrupted roughly 1% of the store base in Q1, and management expects the next tranche to create an even larger drag before benefits emerge, potentially not until Q4. Latest 13F filings showed AQR Capital Management increasing its stake 195% to 213,943 shares, GLG Partners raising its position 73% to 138,999 shares, and Arrowstreet Capital initiating 126,911 shares, while Marshall Wace and Quantinno Capital each trimmed holdings by about 1%.
CASY · Capital · Neutral Q1 EPS jumped 27.7% on a fuel-margin-driven beat, but analysts split with mostly lowered price targets, making the net impact unclear.
CASY · Demand · Positive Prepared Food & Dispensed Beverages same-store sales rose 4.8% with gross margin expanding 130bps to 59.3%.
DBS Vickers maintains Buy on CPALL with 63 baht target, expects second-half profit growth to continue
DBS Vickers Securities (Thailand) issued an analysis of CP All Public Company Limited, or CPALL, taking a positive view on this year's second-half profit outlook, which is expected to keep expanding, supported by same-store sales growth, or SSSG, of about 2% in the third quarter of 2026 on hot weather, extended alcohol sales hours, and tourist numbers. The fourth quarter of 2026 is expected to get a boost from the high season and economic stimulus measures. The research team estimates 2026 revenue could grow 2% year on year toward its target, driven by the opening of 700 new branches and SSSG of about 1.5% to 2.0%. It also noted that ALL PharmaSee, an online professional pharmacist consultation service available through the 7App of 7-Eleven, is an upside to margins, given a gross profit margin of about 40% in the pharmaceutical group, higher than the 28% for general products, and this is not yet included in its estimates. The research team maintained its full-year 2026 profit forecast at 33 billion baht, up 18% year on year, and its 2027 forecast at 35 billion baht, up 6% year on year, while keeping a Buy rating on CPALL with a target price of 63.00 baht. The stock traded at 44.50 baht in the morning, down 0.25 baht, or 0.56%, with turnover of 379.27 million baht.
CPALL.BK · Capital · Positive DBS Vickers maintains Buy on CPALL with a 63 baht target, citing expected H2 profit growth and an 18% YoY 2026 profit forecast.
CPALL.BK · Demand · Positive Same-store sales growth of ~2% in Q3 2026 on hot weather, longer alcohol sales hours and tourists, plus 700 new branches and Q4 high-season/stimulus boost.
ALL PharmaSee · Demand · Positive ALL PharmaSee's online pharmacist consultation via 7-Eleven's 7App is cited as a margin upside with ~40% gross margin, not yet in estimates.
DBS Vickers maintains Buy on CPALL with 63 baht target, expects new record profit in 2026E
DBS Vickers holds a positive view on CPALL's profit outlook for the second half of 2026, keeping its 2026E and 2027E profit forecasts at 33 billion baht and 35 billion baht, growing 18% and 6% year on year respectively. The first half performed better than expected and accounted for about 50% of the full-year forecast, supported by third-quarter 2026 same-store sales growth still positive at around 2% on hot weather, extended alcohol sales hours, and tourist numbers. The fourth quarter is expected to get a boost from the high season and the end of the co-pay scheme. On revenue, 2026E has a chance to grow 2% year on year in line with target, driven by 700 new store openings and same-store sales growth of about 1.5% to 2.0%, plus a higher share of high-margin products that continues to support gross profit margin. DBS Vickers noted that ALL PharmaSee is an upside to margin, with the pharmacy group's gross margin of around 40%, higher than 28% for general products, and is not yet included in forecasts, with potential to increase its sales share through the 7-Eleven and 7App networks. The research house maintains its Buy rating with a target price of 63.00 baht, based on a 2026E price-to-earnings ratio of 17.0x, which is 1.1 standard deviations below the five-year average, and views that the share price has not yet reflected the continued improvement in operating results, including 2026E profit that is expected to hit a new high.
Daiwa keeps Buy on CPALL with 63 baht target, sees profit growth continuing in second half of 2026
Daiwa Securities Thailand has maintained its Buy rating on CP All, or CPALL, with a target price of 63.00 baht, based on a 2026 PER of 17 times. It expects the profit trend in the second half of 2026 to continue expanding, driven by same-store sales in the third quarter of 2026 rising about 2%, supported by hot weather, extended alcohol sales hours, and tourist numbers. The fourth quarter of 2026 is expected to get a boost from the high season and the end of the co-pay scheme. Revenue in 2026 has a chance to grow 2% from the previous year, in line with target, driven by the opening of 700 new branches and same-store sales growth of about 1.5% to 2.0%. The ALL PharmaSee pharmacy business is an upside to margin, given gross margins in the drug segment of about 40%, higher than the 28% for general merchandise, and this is not yet included in the estimates. Daiwa keeps its 2026 and 2027 profit forecasts at 33 billion baht and 35 billion baht, up 18% and 6% from the previous year respectively, with the first half of 2026 performing better than expected and accounting for about 50% of the full-year estimate.
Mission Produce Blueberry Sales Rise to $5.4 Million as Seasonal Ramp Looms
Mission Produce's blueberry business is emerging as a potentially meaningful complementary operation beyond its core avocados, with fiscal third-quarter blueberry sales rising to $5.4 million from $4.5 million a year earlier. Segment adjusted EBITDA, however, slipped to a loss of $0.1 million from a profit of $0.5 million, a swing management attributes to pronounced seasonality, noting that most blueberry sales and profitability are concentrated in the fiscal fourth and first quarters. Management expects the seasonal blueberry ramp to support a meaningful improvement in fourth-quarter cash generation and cited it as one of the drivers behind a projected sequential increase in adjusted EBITDA, as newer acreage in Peru matures and yields improve. Separately, Corteva is positioned to benefit from sustained demand for agricultural productivity solutions across its seeds, crop protection and biological offerings, while Dole faces supply- and cost-driven margin pressure in its Fresh Fruit segment from higher fruit sourcing, shipping and fuel costs, adverse weather affecting pineapple availability and unfavorable currency movements, partly cushioned by stronger performance in its Diversified Fresh Produce — Americas & ROW segment on healthy kiwi and avocado volumes. Mission Produce shares have gained 13.3% in the last three months versus the industry's 4.5% growth, and the stock trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 16.66X against the industry's average of 14.89X.
AVO · Demand · Positive Blueberry sales rose to $5.4M from $4.5M as newer Peru acreage matures, with a seasonal Q4 ramp expected to lift cash generation and EBITDA.
DOLE · Supply · Negative Dole faces supply- and cost-driven margin pressure in Fresh Fruit from higher sourcing, shipping and fuel costs and adverse weather hitting pineapple availability.
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