Midday Stock Highlights: Notable Movements from Exxon, SLM, CVS, AutoZone, Ares, Campbell's, and Others
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 09 2025
0mins
Should l Buy ARES?
Source: CNBC
Campbell's Sales Decline: Campbell's reported a 3% decrease in net sales to $2.68 billion and a 13% drop in adjusted earnings, leading to a nearly 6% stock decline, despite exceeding Wall Street expectations.
Exxon Mobil's Growth Forecast: Exxon Mobil's stock rose 2.7% after announcing an updated corporate plan projecting $25 billion in earnings growth and $35 billion in cash flow growth from 2024 to 2030.
Staar Surgical's Takeover Bid: Staar Surgical's shares surged over 12% after Alcon increased its takeover bid to $30.75 per share, representing a 30.6% premium from the previous closing price.
Teleflex Divestment Strategy: Teleflex's stock rose more than 9% after announcing the sale of three business units for $2.03 billion, with plans to use the proceeds for stock buybacks and debt reduction.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy ARES?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on ARES
Wall Street analysts forecast ARES stock price to rise
10 Analyst Rating
8 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 117.780
Low
155.00
Averages
191.40
High
223.00
Current: 117.780
Low
155.00
Averages
191.40
High
223.00
About ARES
Ares Management Corporation is an alternative investment manager offering clients complementary primary and secondary investment solutions across various asset classes. Its segments include Credit Group, Private Equity Group, Real Assets Group, Secondaries Group, and Other. The Credit Group segment manages credit strategies across the liquid and illiquid spectrum, including liquid credit, alternative credit, direct lending and APAC credit. The Private Equity Group segment categorizes its investment strategies as corporate private equity, special opportunities and APAC private equity. The Real Assets Group segment manages comprehensive equity and debt strategies across real estate and infrastructure investments. The Secondaries Group segment invests in secondary markets across a range of alternative asset class strategies, including private equity, real estate, infrastructure and credit. It has operations across North America, South America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East.
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.
Touchstone Funds Recognized with LSEG Lipper Awards for 10-Year Performance
- Outstanding Fund Performance: Touchstone Ares Credit Opportunities Fund and Touchstone Non-US Equity Fund have each received the 2026 LSEG Lipper Award for their exceptional performance over the past decade in the alternative credit and international large-cap core categories, showcasing their strong risk-adjusted returns.
- Flexible Investment Strategy: Since its inception in 2015, the Touchstone Ares Credit Opportunities Fund has employed a flexible asset allocation strategy that allows it to swiftly adjust its portfolio in response to changing market conditions, thereby achieving stable income and capital appreciation, which enhances investor confidence.
- Long-Term Growth Potential: The Touchstone Non-US Equity Fund focuses on investing in equity securities of non-U.S. companies, utilizing a bottom-up fundamental analysis approach to identify firms with competitive advantages and strong financial health, which is expected to continue providing long-term growth opportunities for investors.
- Industry Recognition and Trust: The receipt of the LSEG Lipper Award not only underscores Touchstone's expertise and success in investment management but also provides a strong endorsement for attracting more investors in the future, further solidifying its market position.
See More
Buffett Remains Actively Involved in Investments
- Top Three Winners: Buffett's best-performing stocks in 2026 are Mitsubishi, Marubeni, and DaVita, with Mitsubishi's shares soaring approximately 45%, making it Berkshire's seventh-largest holding, reflecting strong performance amid rising demand for LNG and copper.
- Mitsubishi's Growth: Mitsubishi's acquisition of Aethon to enter the U.S. shale gas market has strengthened its operations across chemicals, energy, and finance, while its stock buyback program has boosted earnings per share, showcasing success in diversified operations.
- Marubeni's Performance: Marubeni's stock has surged over 350% in the past five years, with its diversified business model spanning aerospace, agriculture, and real estate, and the company’s consistent dividend increases and share repurchases have attracted Buffett's long-term interest.
- DaVita's Stability: DaVita, a U.S. dialysis service provider, has seen its stock rise about 30% year-to-date, with strong revenue and cash flow performance, along with strategic investments with Ares Management, demonstrating stability and growth potential in the healthcare sector.
See More
Buffett's Top Three Stocks Shine in 2026
- Top Three Winners: Among the three stocks, Mitsubishi (OTC: MSBHF) has surged approximately 45% year-to-date, benefiting from rising demand for LNG and copper, showcasing its strong performance in diversified operations and becoming Buffett's seventh-largest holding.
- Marubeni's Strong Growth: Marubeni (OTC: MARUF) has seen its stock price soar over 350% in the past five years, with its diversified business spanning aerospace and agriculture, and increased shareholder returns making it one of Buffett's long-term favorites since 2023.
- DaVita's Robust Performance: DaVita (NYSE: DVA) has risen about 30% year-to-date, exceeding revenue expectations in its fourth-quarter results and providing an encouraging full-year 2026 guidance, demonstrating strong cash flow and predictability in the healthcare sector.
- Investor Attention: Although Buffett has not recently increased his stake in these three stocks, their stable business models and shareholder returns have attracted value investors, particularly DaVita, which trades at a forward P/E of only 10.7, indicating its investment potential.
See More
Private Credit Market Faces Strain Amid Rising Risks
- Market Size and Risks: The private credit market has reached $3 trillion, but current signs of strain raise concerns about its impact on private equity, especially as private credit has become a key financing source for buyouts following banks' retreat.
- Tightening Financing Conditions: Approximately 80% of private equity leveraged buyouts are funded by private credit; however, rising borrowing costs and stricter covenant protections are making financing more expensive and restrictive, directly affecting new deals and cash flows for existing portfolio companies.
- Decline in Investment Activity: Global private equity buyout activity declined 14% year-on-year in the first quarter, primarily due to geopolitical uncertainty and stress in the private credit market, creating a more challenging environment for investors.
- Structural Weaknesses Exposed: The current credit stress is exposing structural weaknesses in the private market model, leading investors to question the fundamental premise of high yields at low risk in private credit, which may result in more cautious future investment decisions.
See More
Dividend Stocks Retreat, Presenting Buying Opportunities
- Progressive Stock Decline: Progressive's stock has fallen 29% from its May peak, as concerns about competition and rising reimbursement costs threaten profitability, despite a 30% increase in net income last year, leading investors to adopt a cautious outlook on future performance.
- Gen Digital's Recovery Potential: Gen Digital's stock has pulled back 37% from its August high, and while its projected earnings per share are expected to grow by 26%, market fears regarding AI alternatives have impacted its stock price; however, the rising demand for cybersecurity solutions may drive a rebound.
- Ares Management Dividend Growth: Ares Management's stock is down 34% from its January peak, yet it has raised its dividend for eight consecutive years, with a current yield of 4.6%, demonstrating stability and attractiveness in an uncertain economic environment.
- Market Reaction and Investment Opportunities: Despite the volatility affecting dividend stocks, the current low prices present a compelling buying opportunity for income-seeking investors, especially considering these companies' long-term profitability and dividend payment histories.
See More
Insurance Stocks Struggle Amid Concerns Over Future Performance
- Progressive Stock Decline: Progressive's stock has fallen 29% since last May, primarily due to concerns about 2024 performance, although last year's net income grew over 30%, indicating potential profitability.
- Gen Digital's Market Potential: With a market cap of $12 billion, Gen Digital's stock has pulled back 37%, yet its 2.5% forward-looking dividend yield and 500 million user base make it an attractive investment option.
- Ares Management's Dividend Growth: Ares Management's stock is down 34% since January, but its record of raising dividends for eight consecutive years and a 4.6% forward yield demonstrate a commitment to stable payouts.
- Economic Environment Impact: Broader economic weakness is pressuring the private credit industry, leading to investor concerns over Ares's liquidity restrictions, although the company has historically navigated similar challenges successfully.
See More
Touchstone Funds Recognized with LSEG Lipper Awards for 10-Year Performance
- Outstanding Fund Performance: Touchstone Ares Credit Opportunities Fund and Touchstone Non-US Equity Fund have each received the 2026 LSEG Lipper Award for their exceptional performance over the past decade in the alternative credit and international large-cap core categories, showcasing their strong risk-adjusted returns.
- Flexible Investment Strategy: Since its inception in 2015, the Touchstone Ares Credit Opportunities Fund has employed a flexible asset allocation strategy that allows it to swiftly adjust its portfolio in response to changing market conditions, thereby achieving stable income and capital appreciation, which enhances investor confidence.
- Long-Term Growth Potential: The Touchstone Non-US Equity Fund focuses on investing in equity securities of non-U.S. companies, utilizing a bottom-up fundamental analysis approach to identify firms with competitive advantages and strong financial health, which is expected to continue providing long-term growth opportunities for investors.
- Industry Recognition and Trust: The receipt of the LSEG Lipper Award not only underscores Touchstone's expertise and success in investment management but also provides a strong endorsement for attracting more investors in the future, further solidifying its market position.
See More
Buffett Remains Actively Involved in Investments
- Top Three Winners: Buffett's best-performing stocks in 2026 are Mitsubishi, Marubeni, and DaVita, with Mitsubishi's shares soaring approximately 45%, making it Berkshire's seventh-largest holding, reflecting strong performance amid rising demand for LNG and copper.
- Mitsubishi's Growth: Mitsubishi's acquisition of Aethon to enter the U.S. shale gas market has strengthened its operations across chemicals, energy, and finance, while its stock buyback program has boosted earnings per share, showcasing success in diversified operations.
- Marubeni's Performance: Marubeni's stock has surged over 350% in the past five years, with its diversified business model spanning aerospace, agriculture, and real estate, and the company’s consistent dividend increases and share repurchases have attracted Buffett's long-term interest.
- DaVita's Stability: DaVita, a U.S. dialysis service provider, has seen its stock rise about 30% year-to-date, with strong revenue and cash flow performance, along with strategic investments with Ares Management, demonstrating stability and growth potential in the healthcare sector.
See More
Buffett's Top Three Stocks Shine in 2026
- Top Three Winners: Among the three stocks, Mitsubishi (OTC: MSBHF) has surged approximately 45% year-to-date, benefiting from rising demand for LNG and copper, showcasing its strong performance in diversified operations and becoming Buffett's seventh-largest holding.
- Marubeni's Strong Growth: Marubeni (OTC: MARUF) has seen its stock price soar over 350% in the past five years, with its diversified business spanning aerospace and agriculture, and increased shareholder returns making it one of Buffett's long-term favorites since 2023.
- DaVita's Robust Performance: DaVita (NYSE: DVA) has risen about 30% year-to-date, exceeding revenue expectations in its fourth-quarter results and providing an encouraging full-year 2026 guidance, demonstrating strong cash flow and predictability in the healthcare sector.
- Investor Attention: Although Buffett has not recently increased his stake in these three stocks, their stable business models and shareholder returns have attracted value investors, particularly DaVita, which trades at a forward P/E of only 10.7, indicating its investment potential.
See More
Private Credit Market Faces Strain Amid Rising Risks
- Market Size and Risks: The private credit market has reached $3 trillion, but current signs of strain raise concerns about its impact on private equity, especially as private credit has become a key financing source for buyouts following banks' retreat.
- Tightening Financing Conditions: Approximately 80% of private equity leveraged buyouts are funded by private credit; however, rising borrowing costs and stricter covenant protections are making financing more expensive and restrictive, directly affecting new deals and cash flows for existing portfolio companies.
- Decline in Investment Activity: Global private equity buyout activity declined 14% year-on-year in the first quarter, primarily due to geopolitical uncertainty and stress in the private credit market, creating a more challenging environment for investors.
- Structural Weaknesses Exposed: The current credit stress is exposing structural weaknesses in the private market model, leading investors to question the fundamental premise of high yields at low risk in private credit, which may result in more cautious future investment decisions.
See More
Dividend Stocks Retreat, Presenting Buying Opportunities
- Progressive Stock Decline: Progressive's stock has fallen 29% from its May peak, as concerns about competition and rising reimbursement costs threaten profitability, despite a 30% increase in net income last year, leading investors to adopt a cautious outlook on future performance.
- Gen Digital's Recovery Potential: Gen Digital's stock has pulled back 37% from its August high, and while its projected earnings per share are expected to grow by 26%, market fears regarding AI alternatives have impacted its stock price; however, the rising demand for cybersecurity solutions may drive a rebound.
- Ares Management Dividend Growth: Ares Management's stock is down 34% from its January peak, yet it has raised its dividend for eight consecutive years, with a current yield of 4.6%, demonstrating stability and attractiveness in an uncertain economic environment.
- Market Reaction and Investment Opportunities: Despite the volatility affecting dividend stocks, the current low prices present a compelling buying opportunity for income-seeking investors, especially considering these companies' long-term profitability and dividend payment histories.
See More
Insurance Stocks Struggle Amid Concerns Over Future Performance
- Progressive Stock Decline: Progressive's stock has fallen 29% since last May, primarily due to concerns about 2024 performance, although last year's net income grew over 30%, indicating potential profitability.
- Gen Digital's Market Potential: With a market cap of $12 billion, Gen Digital's stock has pulled back 37%, yet its 2.5% forward-looking dividend yield and 500 million user base make it an attractive investment option.
- Ares Management's Dividend Growth: Ares Management's stock is down 34% since January, but its record of raising dividends for eight consecutive years and a 4.6% forward yield demonstrate a commitment to stable payouts.
- Economic Environment Impact: Broader economic weakness is pressuring the private credit industry, leading to investor concerns over Ares's liquidity restrictions, although the company has historically navigated similar challenges successfully.
See More
