During bear markets, it’s comforting to buy stocks that have raised dividends for decades. Coca-Cola belongs to the elite Dividend Kings, having raised its payout for 63 years straight.
Investors are fearful of Uber Technologies’ slowing growth and upcoming spending on autonomous vehicles. This, however, is exactly where the company needs to invest.
Dividend stocks and defensive sectors have dramatically outperformed as investors flee AI-vulnerable and AI-spending industries, but valuations now appear stretched. Consumer staples and energy sectors trade at historically high forward P/E multiples, often exceeding the S&P 500, despite lower long-term earnings growth prospects. Materials and industrials have also become extended, with valuations reflecting significant future earnings already priced in, especially given AI infrastructure spending.
Microsoft hasn’t been this cheap in a long time. The Trade Desk’s valuation has reached unreal levels.
Despite strong gains this year, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix shares are even less expensive than their U.S. counterparts.
Here is how Innovative Solutions and Support, Inc. (ISSC) and Outdoor Holding Company (POWW) have performed compared to their sector so far this year.
It’s been a very healthy start to 2026 for energy stocks, and for good reason. A number of factors are coming together to boost their appeal, with data center energy demand and deregulation adding to their case.
AI is driving growth in energy consumption around the world, and the U.S. plans to triple its nuclear production to meet its needs. Dominion energy is a conventional utilities company that operates two nuclear plants in Virginia, where the bulk of America’s data centers are being built.
Here is how Avidbank Holdings Inc. (AVBH) and Axos Financial (AX) have performed compared to their sector so far this year.
Dutch Bros continues to deliver robust growth, posting 29.4% revenue and 7.7% same-store sales increases, outperforming expectations. BROS plans aggressive expansion, targeting 2,029 locations by 2029, implying a 15.6% CAGR, and recently acquired Clutch Coffee to accelerate market entry. Despite margin pressures from higher coffee prices and food expansion, BROS guides for only a 60bps margin drop in 2026, maintaining strong profitability.
