Consumer Staples Stocks Outperform Tech Sector Amid Market Shifts
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 21 2026
0mins
Source: Fool
- Consumer Staples Performance: Amid increasing global economic uncertainty, consumer staples stocks have shown strong performance, with some rising over 10% year-to-date, demonstrating their resilience during economic slowdowns.
- Archer-Daniels-Midland: The company reported fourth-quarter revenues of $18.55 billion, down from last year, but projects earnings per share for 2026 to be between $3.60 and $4.25, indicating significant future growth potential, while also marking its 53rd consecutive year of dividend growth, qualifying it as a 'Dividend King'.
- Hershey Brand Integration: Hershey announced the integration of its sweet, salty, and protein brands into a single portfolio to leverage brand power and centralize marketing, with expected sales growth of 4% to 5% in 2026.
- Dividend Appeal: Both Archer-Daniels-Midland and Hershey offer dividend yields above the S&P 500's 1.15%, at 2.9% and 2.7% respectively, attracting investors seeking stable income.
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Analyst Views on ADM
Wall Street analysts forecast ADM stock price to fall
5 Analyst Rating
0 Buy
2 Hold
3 Sell
Moderate Sell
Current: 72.230
Low
50.00
Averages
56.80
High
61.00
Current: 72.230
Low
50.00
Averages
56.80
High
61.00
About ADM
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company is a global agricultural supply chain manager and processor, providing food security by connecting local needs with global capabilities. It is a human and animal nutrition provider. Its Ag Services and Oilseeds segment includes global activities related to the origination, merchandising, transportation, and storage of agricultural raw materials, and the crushing and further processing of oilseeds, such as soybeans and soft seeds into vegetable oils and protein meals. Carbohydrate Solutions segment is engaged in corn and wheat wet and dry milling and other activities. Nutrition segment is engaged in the creation, manufacturing, sale, and distribution of a wide array of ingredients and solutions, including plant-based proteins, flavors and colors derived from nature, flavor systems, emulsifiers, soluble fiber, polyols, hydrocolloids, probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, enzymes, botanical extracts, and other specialty food and feed ingredients and systems.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
U.S. Biofuel Blending Standards Increased Amid Economic Challenges
- Increased Biofuel Blending: The EPA's new rule mandates refiners to blend a record 25.82 billion gallons of biofuels into gasoline and diesel for 2023 and 2024, representing nearly an 8% increase from last year's projections, aimed at supporting farmers facing low crop prices and high input costs.
- Impact on Diesel and Gasoline Demand: The new regulations raise biomass-based diesel blending by over 60%, which will directly affect refiners' production costs and could lead to higher fuel prices for consumers, particularly amid escalating tensions in Iran.
- Industry Pushback: The American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers criticized the new regulations, arguing that they exacerbate consumer burdens at a time when fuel prices are already rising, highlighting a disconnect between policy intentions and market realities.
- Future Policy Implications: The EPA also announced that starting in 2028, foreign fuels and feedstocks will receive only half of the Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) compared to U.S.-made products, a measure intended to bolster the domestic biofuel industry, potentially reshaping future market dynamics.
See More
EPA Issues Temporary Waiver for E15 Gasoline Sales Amid Price Surge
- Gas Price Relief Measure: The EPA issued a temporary waiver allowing nationwide sales of E15 ethanol gasoline to address surging prices due to the Middle East conflict, expected to provide consumers with cheaper fuel options and alleviate economic pressure.
- Waiver Duration and Extension: Effective May 1 for 20 days, the waiver can be extended if necessary, enabling retailers to sell typically prohibited 15% ethanol blends during warmer months, thereby increasing market supply.
- E10 Gasoline Sales Loosened: The EPA's action removes all federal barriers to E10 gasoline sales, particularly in seven Midwestern states that previously required mixing with more expensive blendstocks, thus reducing costs for retailers.
- Price Expectations and Market Impact: Analysts suggest this move could lower retail prices by several cents per gallon, with the current U.S. average for regular gasoline exceeding $3.98 per gallon, up over a dollar from a month ago, highlighting the policy's direct impact on consumers.
See More
Trump Administration Temporarily Waives Gasoline Sales Regulations Amid Iran War
- Surging Gas Prices: Gasoline prices have surged over 30% to $3.98 per gallon since the onset of the U.S. war against Iran, marking the highest levels since 2022, indicative of significant disruptions in global energy markets and supply chains.
- E15 and E10 Fuel Waivers: The EPA announced a temporary waiver starting May 1 to lift restrictions on the sale of E15 (15% ethanol blend) and E10 (10% ethanol blend) fuels, aimed at increasing fuel options in the market and alleviating supply constraints.
- Rising Diesel Prices: Diesel prices have soared over 40% to $5.37 per gallon, impacting the transportation sector, with the Energy Secretary indicating plans to boost diesel supply to meet market demand.
- Regulatory Flexibility: The EPA has also suspended certain state fuel requirements, allowing the production and distribution of gasoline with ethanol content between 9% and 15%, demonstrating the government's adaptability and responsiveness in addressing the energy crisis.
See More
Archer-Daniels-Midland Marks 53 Years of Dividend Increases
- Dividend Growth Milestone: Archer-Daniels-Midland has achieved 53 consecutive years of dividend increases, with a current yield of 2.9%, solidifying its status as a 'Dividend King' and attracting income-focused investors.
- 2026 Earnings Forecast: The company projects earnings per share for 2026 to be between $3.60 and $4.25, representing a 30% to 35% increase from 2025's $2.23, indicating management's confidence in future profitability, which could further drive stock price appreciation.
- Hershey's Brand Integration: Hershey announced the integration of its Sweet, Salty, and Protein brands into a single portfolio to enhance marketing efficiency, with expected sales growth of 4% to 5% in 2026, which will help strengthen its competitive position in the market.
- Strong Market Performance: Hershey's stock has risen nearly 15% this year, while Archer-Daniels-Midland's stock is up 24%, demonstrating the resilience of consumer staples stocks amid economic uncertainty and attracting increased investor interest.
See More
Consumer Staples Stocks Outperform Tech Sector Amid Market Shifts
- Consumer Staples Performance: Amid increasing global economic uncertainty, consumer staples stocks have shown strong performance, with some rising over 10% year-to-date, demonstrating their resilience during economic slowdowns.
- Archer-Daniels-Midland: The company reported fourth-quarter revenues of $18.55 billion, down from last year, but projects earnings per share for 2026 to be between $3.60 and $4.25, indicating significant future growth potential, while also marking its 53rd consecutive year of dividend growth, qualifying it as a 'Dividend King'.
- Hershey Brand Integration: Hershey announced the integration of its sweet, salty, and protein brands into a single portfolio to leverage brand power and centralize marketing, with expected sales growth of 4% to 5% in 2026.
- Dividend Appeal: Both Archer-Daniels-Midland and Hershey offer dividend yields above the S&P 500's 1.15%, at 2.9% and 2.7% respectively, attracting investors seeking stable income.
See More
Closure of Strait of Hormuz Drives Fertilizer Prices Up
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- Political Ramifications: With midterm elections approaching, Democrats are leveraging the rise in fertilizer prices to criticize Trump and his economic policies, aiming to regain voter support in agricultural states like Iowa and Minnesota that have shifted Republican in recent years.
- Government Aid Discussions: Prior to the outbreak of war, Congress was discussing a $15 billion farmer bailout plan, which may now be bundled with supplemental spending for the Iran conflict, reflecting a growing concern for farmer support amid rising costs.
- Agricultural Security Risks: The President of the American Farm Bureau Federation warned that without prioritizing fertilizer supply issues, the U.S. risks crop shortages that threaten food security and economic stability, potentially exacerbating inflationary pressures across the economy.
See More
U.S. Biofuel Blending Standards Increased Amid Economic Challenges
- Increased Biofuel Blending: The EPA's new rule mandates refiners to blend a record 25.82 billion gallons of biofuels into gasoline and diesel for 2023 and 2024, representing nearly an 8% increase from last year's projections, aimed at supporting farmers facing low crop prices and high input costs.
- Impact on Diesel and Gasoline Demand: The new regulations raise biomass-based diesel blending by over 60%, which will directly affect refiners' production costs and could lead to higher fuel prices for consumers, particularly amid escalating tensions in Iran.
- Industry Pushback: The American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers criticized the new regulations, arguing that they exacerbate consumer burdens at a time when fuel prices are already rising, highlighting a disconnect between policy intentions and market realities.
- Future Policy Implications: The EPA also announced that starting in 2028, foreign fuels and feedstocks will receive only half of the Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) compared to U.S.-made products, a measure intended to bolster the domestic biofuel industry, potentially reshaping future market dynamics.
See More
EPA Issues Temporary Waiver for E15 Gasoline Sales Amid Price Surge
- Gas Price Relief Measure: The EPA issued a temporary waiver allowing nationwide sales of E15 ethanol gasoline to address surging prices due to the Middle East conflict, expected to provide consumers with cheaper fuel options and alleviate economic pressure.
- Waiver Duration and Extension: Effective May 1 for 20 days, the waiver can be extended if necessary, enabling retailers to sell typically prohibited 15% ethanol blends during warmer months, thereby increasing market supply.
- E10 Gasoline Sales Loosened: The EPA's action removes all federal barriers to E10 gasoline sales, particularly in seven Midwestern states that previously required mixing with more expensive blendstocks, thus reducing costs for retailers.
- Price Expectations and Market Impact: Analysts suggest this move could lower retail prices by several cents per gallon, with the current U.S. average for regular gasoline exceeding $3.98 per gallon, up over a dollar from a month ago, highlighting the policy's direct impact on consumers.
See More
Trump Administration Temporarily Waives Gasoline Sales Regulations Amid Iran War
- Surging Gas Prices: Gasoline prices have surged over 30% to $3.98 per gallon since the onset of the U.S. war against Iran, marking the highest levels since 2022, indicative of significant disruptions in global energy markets and supply chains.
- E15 and E10 Fuel Waivers: The EPA announced a temporary waiver starting May 1 to lift restrictions on the sale of E15 (15% ethanol blend) and E10 (10% ethanol blend) fuels, aimed at increasing fuel options in the market and alleviating supply constraints.
- Rising Diesel Prices: Diesel prices have soared over 40% to $5.37 per gallon, impacting the transportation sector, with the Energy Secretary indicating plans to boost diesel supply to meet market demand.
- Regulatory Flexibility: The EPA has also suspended certain state fuel requirements, allowing the production and distribution of gasoline with ethanol content between 9% and 15%, demonstrating the government's adaptability and responsiveness in addressing the energy crisis.
See More
Archer-Daniels-Midland Marks 53 Years of Dividend Increases
- Dividend Growth Milestone: Archer-Daniels-Midland has achieved 53 consecutive years of dividend increases, with a current yield of 2.9%, solidifying its status as a 'Dividend King' and attracting income-focused investors.
- 2026 Earnings Forecast: The company projects earnings per share for 2026 to be between $3.60 and $4.25, representing a 30% to 35% increase from 2025's $2.23, indicating management's confidence in future profitability, which could further drive stock price appreciation.
- Hershey's Brand Integration: Hershey announced the integration of its Sweet, Salty, and Protein brands into a single portfolio to enhance marketing efficiency, with expected sales growth of 4% to 5% in 2026, which will help strengthen its competitive position in the market.
- Strong Market Performance: Hershey's stock has risen nearly 15% this year, while Archer-Daniels-Midland's stock is up 24%, demonstrating the resilience of consumer staples stocks amid economic uncertainty and attracting increased investor interest.
See More
Consumer Staples Stocks Outperform Tech Sector Amid Market Shifts
- Consumer Staples Performance: Amid increasing global economic uncertainty, consumer staples stocks have shown strong performance, with some rising over 10% year-to-date, demonstrating their resilience during economic slowdowns.
- Archer-Daniels-Midland: The company reported fourth-quarter revenues of $18.55 billion, down from last year, but projects earnings per share for 2026 to be between $3.60 and $4.25, indicating significant future growth potential, while also marking its 53rd consecutive year of dividend growth, qualifying it as a 'Dividend King'.
- Hershey Brand Integration: Hershey announced the integration of its sweet, salty, and protein brands into a single portfolio to leverage brand power and centralize marketing, with expected sales growth of 4% to 5% in 2026.
- Dividend Appeal: Both Archer-Daniels-Midland and Hershey offer dividend yields above the S&P 500's 1.15%, at 2.9% and 2.7% respectively, attracting investors seeking stable income.
See More
Closure of Strait of Hormuz Drives Fertilizer Prices Up
- Fertilizer Price Surge: The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has caused global nitrogen fertilizer prices to spike from $350 per ton to nearly $600, imposing significant economic strain on farmers and potentially leading to higher food prices that could disrupt farming decisions and profit margins.
- Political Ramifications: With midterm elections approaching, Democrats are leveraging the rise in fertilizer prices to criticize Trump and his economic policies, aiming to regain voter support in agricultural states like Iowa and Minnesota that have shifted Republican in recent years.
- Government Aid Discussions: Prior to the outbreak of war, Congress was discussing a $15 billion farmer bailout plan, which may now be bundled with supplemental spending for the Iran conflict, reflecting a growing concern for farmer support amid rising costs.
- Agricultural Security Risks: The President of the American Farm Bureau Federation warned that without prioritizing fertilizer supply issues, the U.S. risks crop shortages that threaten food security and economic stability, potentially exacerbating inflationary pressures across the economy.
See More
