In this article, we will be taking a look at the 12 Top Performing Consumer Staples Stocks in February.
Despite a volatile market molded by disruptions from artificial intelligence, geopolitical conflicts, and macroeconomic instability, Citadel’s hedge funds, headed by billionaire investor Ken Griffin, produced strong gains in February 2026. Citadel’s flagship Wellington multi-strategy fund increased 1.9% for the month, making its year-to-date performance 2.9%, according to a source reported by CNBC on March 2.
February ended favorably for all five of the company’s main strategies: commodities, equities, fixed income, credit, and quantitative. The tactical trading fund increased by 1.5%, while the stock fund increased by 1.0%. The global fixed-income fund contributed a 1.6% return, matching the firm’s overall resilient performance in a month when the S&P 500 declined 0.9%, pressured by AI-related and software stocks. As of February, Citadel managed $66 billion in assets.
In the meantime, attention was also drawn to more general economic dynamics. Matt Boss, managing director of JPMorgan, spoke on CNBC’s Closing Bell on March 6 on how rising energy prices affect consumer spending and how they interact with government stimulus programs. He pointed out that there was a $9 billion headwind for household consumption due to the roughly 30% increase in gas costs.
At the same time, tax refunds in February were up roughly 10%, delivering a similar $9–$10 billion boost to consumers. Even though these changes mostly counteracted one another, the One Beautiful Bill’s additional tax measures nevertheless provided a little economic boost. The chairman also warned that consumer spending could be challenged by market volatility, especially in high-income sectors, underscoring the delicate balance between growing costs and economic stimulation.
With that said, let’s now take a look at the best-performing stocks.
Our Methodology
For our methodology, we selected consumer staple stocks with a market capitalization of over $1 billion and the highest total returns in February. We limited our final selection to companies that recently reported significant developments likely to influence investor sentiment. These stocks are also favored by analysts and top hedge funds.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 498.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 303 percentage points (see more details here).
Here is our list of the 12 top performing consumer staples stocks in February.
12. Coca-Cola FEMSA, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:KOF)
Coca-Cola FEMSA, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:KOF) is one of the best performing stocks on this list.
TheFly reported on March 3 that Barclays lifted its price target for KOF to $112 from $110 and reiterated an Equal Weight rating on the stock.
Coca-Cola FEMSA, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:KOF) released its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2025 earlier on February 26. The results demonstrated consistent operational performance. The statistics state that while volumes in Mexico marginally decreased, overall volume increased 1.3% to 1,093.6 million unit cases, which was driven by increases in a number of regions. Pricing and revenue management initiatives contributed significantly to the 2.9% increase in revenue to Ps. 77,750 million, although the effects of currency translation and product mix reduced the overall growth rate. Although margins somewhat shrank as a result of increased labor and depreciation expenses, as well as an unfavorable sales mix, gross profit reached Ps. 36,321 million.
Additionally, the corporation’s operating income advanced 13.3% to Ps. 13,702 million, aided in part by insurance claim recoveries in Brazil and Mexico. Net income attributable to shareholders climbed 3% to Ps. 7,501 million as operating gains were partly offset by higher financing expenses and a greater tax burden. For the full year, the reports state that the business’s revenue and operating income also increased, which was supported by pricing initiatives and disciplined expense management across its international operations.
Coca-Cola FEMSA, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:KOF) is the largest franchise bottler of The Coca-Cola Company beverages by volume. It produces, distributes, and sells soft drinks, water, and other beverages across Latin America, operating an extensive bottling and distribution network serving millions of consumers daily.
11. B&G Foods, Inc. (NYSE:BGS)
B&G Foods, Inc. (NYSE:BGS) is one of the best performing stocks on this list.
TheFly reported on March 4 that Evercore ISI increased its price target for BGS to $5.00 from $4.50 while reiterating an In Line rating on the stock. The firm also lifted its EBITDA forecasts and cited emerging indications that the company’s operating trends are beginning to stabilize.
In a recent move, on March 2, B&G Foods, Inc. (NYSE:BGS) announced the completion of the sale of its Green Giant U.S. frozen vegetable business to Seneca Foods Corporation. The divestiture includes the company’s frozen vegetable production facility located in Yuma, Arizona. Following the transaction, BGS will continue operating its frozen vegetable manufacturing plant in Irapuato, Mexico, and has entered into a co-packing arrangement under which it will produce certain Green Giant frozen products for Seneca Foods.
The move represents another step in BGS’ broader strategy to sell brands and product lines that are not central to its long-term business priorities while concentrating on core operations and reducing debt. The transaction also reunites the Green Giant frozen portfolio with the brand’s U.S. shelf-stable vegetable line, which Seneca Foods acquired earlier. Proceeds from the sale are expected to support general corporate needs, including debt repayment, taxes, fees, and investments in assets that support the company’s ongoing business activities.
B&G Foods, Inc. (NYSE:BGS) is a U.S. packaged foods company that owns, produces, and distributes a portfolio of shelf-stable and frozen food brands. Its products include sauces, seasonings, snacks, and meal ingredients sold through supermarkets, mass merchants, and foodservice channels across North America.
10. BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:BJ)
BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:BJ) is among the best performing stocks.
TheFly reported on March 6 that UBS reduced its price target for BJ to $117 from $120 while reaffirming a Buy rating on the stock. After examining the company’s fourth-quarter earnings performance, the firm updated its financial model, which led to this change.
BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:BJ) announced its financial results for the entire fiscal year 2025 and the fourth quarter on March 5. The company reportedly saw a 1.6% increase in comparable club sales and a 2.6% increase in comparable sales excluding gasoline during the fourth quarter. Strong membership acquisition, enhanced retention, and increased use of premium membership levels contributed to the 10.9% year-over-year increase in membership fee income to $129.8 million.
The corporation also reported that it maintained a 90% renewal rate among long tenured members during the fiscal year. Digital sales channels also showed strong momentum, with digitally enabled comparable sales growing 31%, representing a two-year stacked increase of 57%. BJ’s reported earnings of $0.96 per diluted share for the quarter, and continued expanding its physical footprint by opening seven new clubs and seven gas stations.
For the full year, the business reported that its net income reached $578.4 million, up from $534.4 million in the prior year, while adjusted EBITDA rose to $1.16 billion. BJ also repurchased shares under its buyback program and issued fiscal 2026 guidance projecting moderate comparable sales growth and continued investment in expansion.
BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:BJ) operates membership-based warehouse clubs in the U.S., offering bulk groceries, household goods, electronics, and private-label products. The company focuses on value, convenience, and exclusive member savings across its retail locations and e-commerce platform.
9. Freshpet, Inc. (NASDAQ:FRPT)
Freshpet, Inc. (NASDAQ:FRPT) is among the best performing stocks.
TheFly reported on February 25 that DA Davidson raised its price target for FRPT to $98 from $80 and retained a Buy rating on the stock after the company published its Q4 results. FRPT’s manufacturing capabilities were emphasized by the firm as a strategic advantage that offered multiple chances to increase margins. DA Davidson highlighted the company’s distinct positioning and possible levers for future performance, bolstering confidence in its long-term upside while pointing out difficulties from slower growth and more competition in the larger food market.
Freshpet, Inc. (NASDAQ:FRPT) announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and the entire year ending December 31, 2025, earlier on February 23. The company reported net sales of $285.2 million for Q4, an 8.6% rise mostly due to greater volumes, and gross profit of $123.5 million with a 43.3% margin. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A costs dropped, resulting in $33.8 million in net profits and $61.2 million in adjusted EBITDA.
In addition to $449.6 million in gross profit and $139.1 million in net income for the entire year, FRPT reported $1,102.0 million in net sales, a 13% increase. In 2025, adjusted EBITDA came to $195.7 million. The corporation had $397.3 million in debt and $278.0 million in cash at the end of the year. The company projects net sales growth of 7–10%, adjusted EBITDA between $205 million and $215 million, and positive free cash flow with about $150 million in capital expenditures in 2026.
Freshpet, Inc. (NASDAQ:FRPT) produces and markets refrigerated, fresh, and natural pet food in the U.S. and Canada. The company focuses on healthy, minimally processed products for dogs and cats, sold through retail stores and e-commerce channels.
8. e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. (NYSE:ELF)
e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. (NYSE:ELF) is one of the best performing consumer staple stocks on this list.
TheFly reported on March 9 that Piper Sandler updated its prior research note on ELF after learning from SPINS that recent adjustments in brand tagging caused February’s reported figures to be lower than the actual trend. The firm highlighted that, through February 22, consumption of Elf products rose 6%, slightly lower than January’s pace by two points. Year-to-date Q4 performance is up about 7%, roughly matching Q3 results. Meanwhile, the U.S. mass cosmetics market remained stable in February, posting modest single-digit growth, with Q4 year-to-date showing a slight acceleration compared to Q3. Piper Sandler continues to maintain a Neutral stance on the company’s shares.
e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. (NYSE:ELF) released its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2026 on February 4, 2026, covering the three and nine months ended December 31, 2025. During this period, the company recorded 130 basis points of market share gains for its e.l.f. Cosmetics brand and achieved a record launch of the Rhode line in Sephora U.K., marking continued category-leading growth over the past 28 quarters. Net sales for the three months rose 38% to $489.5 million, which was supported by expansion in both retailer and e-commerce channels domestically and internationally.
The business also reported that its gross margin declined by approximately 30 basis points to 71% due to higher tariff costs, partially offset by pricing and mix improvements. SG&A expenses increased $61.7 million to $280.0 million, with adjusted SG&A rising $56.3 million to $249.2 million.
Additionally, as of December 31, 2025, ELF has $196.8 million in cash and cash equivalents and $816.7 million in long-term debt. In its amended fiscal 2026 outlook, the company predicted net sales growth of 22–23% annually, which was higher than the previous estimate of 18–20%.
e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. (NYSE:ELF) is a U.S.-based cosmetics brand offering affordable, cruelty-free makeup and skincare products. It sells primarily online and through retail partners, targeting value-conscious consumers with trendy, accessible beauty solutions.
7. The J.M. Smucker Company (NYSE:SJM)
The J.M. Smucker Company (NYSE:SJM) is one of the best performing stocks on this list.
TheFly reported on February 27 that Deutsche Bank increased its price target for SJM to $117 from $112 while retaining a Hold rating on the stock.
The J.M. Smucker Company (NYSE:SJM) announced its results for the third quarter of fiscal 2026, which concluded on January 31, 2026, on February 26. With all comparisons made against the third quarter of the prior fiscal year, the reported numbers show the impact of past divestitures, such as the sale of some Sweet Baked Snacks value brands on March 3, 2025, and the Voortman business on December 2, 2024.
According to the report, the company’s net sales for the period increased by $153.4 million, or 7%, to $2.3 billion; net sales adjusted for currency effects and divestitures increased by 8%. Noncash impairment charges associated with the Sweet Baked Snacks reporting unit caused the company to record a net loss per diluted share of $6.79, while adjusted earnings per share fell 9% to $2.38. Free cash flow increased to $487.0 million from $151.3 million in the previous quarter, while operating cash flow increased to $558.5 million from $239.4 million.
The company also revised its full-year fiscal 2026 forecast, estimating free cash flow of approximately $975.0 million, adjusted EPS between $8.75 and $9.25, and net sales growth of 3.5% to 4.0% (5.0%–5.5% on a comparable basis), taking into account ongoing divestiture effects, margin assumptions, and projected capital expenditures of $325.0 million.
The J.M. Smucker Company (NYSE:SJM) produces and markets food and beverage products, including coffee, peanut butter, and spreads, serving retail and foodservice customers primarily in North America.
6. The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR)
The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) is one of the best performing stocks to invest in.
TheFly reported on March 9 that Citigroup analyst Paul Lejuez increased its price target for KR to $71 from $68, while continuing to assign a Neutral rating to the stock.
The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) also released results for the fourth quarter and the entire year 2025 on March 5. KR reported $34.7 billion in overall revenue for the fourth quarter, up from $34.3 billion the year before. Sales increased by 2.1% when gasoline was excluded. Sourcing efficiency, lower supply chain expenses, increased fuel margins, decreased depreciation, and decreased shrinkage all contributed to the gross margin’s improvement from 22.7% to 23.1%, which was somewhat offset by price investments and the lower-margin mix from pharmaceutical sales.
Due to similar factors, the FIFO gross margin rate, which does not include rent, depreciation, amortization, or fuel, remained the same from year to year. LIFO charges dropped from $30 million to $11 million. Excluding fuel and adjustments, the Operating, General, and Administrative (OG&A) rate increased by 21 basis points, mostly as a result of labor expenditures and cycle real estate gains from the previous year.
With fuel and Kroger Specialty Pharmacy excluded, total company sales for fiscal 2025 were $147.6 billion, up 3.0% from $147.1 billion in 2024. Due to improvements in sourcing, lower shrinkage, lower supply chain expenses, and the sale of Kroger Specialty Pharmacy, the gross margin increased from 22.3% to 22.9%. While LIFO charges rose to $157 million, FIFO margin climbed by 44 basis points. Gains in productivity partially offset the 29 basis point increase in OG&A.
The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) is one of the largest U.S. grocery retailers, operating supermarkets, multi-department stores, and convenience stores. It offers food, pharmacy, and household products, emphasizing private-label brands, digital shopping, and customer loyalty programs across its extensive retail network.
5. The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY)
The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY) is one of the best performing stocks.
TheFly reported on February 24 that Mizuho increased its price target for HSY from $165 to $195 while retaining a Neutral rating on the stock.
Recently, on February 23, The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY) declared its involvement in the establishment of TogetherCocoa, a brand-new organization founded in partnership with Lindt & Sprüngli, Mars Incorporated, Mondelēz International, and Nestlé. The goal of this program is to assist communities that grow cocoa while encouraging industry collaboration to improve the sustainability and resilience of the world’s cocoa supply chain.
TogetherCocoa provides a structured strategy to improve livelihoods while fostering industry-wide collaboration, building on long-term work to solve the living income gap for cocoa farmers in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. To make sure the foundation’s initiatives are successful and significant, HSY underlined that it is collaborating closely with the governments of both nations, supply-chain partners, and other cocoa industry players.
Despite the fact that TogetherCocoa is still in its infancy, HSY promised to offer updates as the foundation’s initiatives advance. Additionally, the company confirmed its continued dedication to its current cocoa sustainability projects, children’s well-being programs, and farmer professional development, all while keeping a steady focus on helping the people and communities who are the backbone of cocoa production.
The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY) is a U.S. manufacturer and marketer of chocolate, confectionery, and snack products, distributing globally through retail, e-commerce, and foodservice channels.
4. US Foods Holding Corp. (NYSE:USFD)
US Food Holdings Corp. (NYSE:USFD) is one of the best performing stocks.
TheFly reported on March 5 that USFD announced that it secured a five-year indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract from the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, with a maximum value of $124 million under a fixed-price arrangement with economic-price adjustments. The contract, which offers subsistence prime vendor assistance for the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and other federal civilian agencies, was awarded after a competitive procedure with two submissions.
The deal will use defense working capital funds appropriated for fiscal years 2026 through 2031 and will be in effect until March 4, 2031. The award emphasizes USFD’s continued position in offering crucial foodservice supply solutions to federal military and civilian clients, and there are no further option periods under this contract.
Separately, US Food Holdings Corp. (NYSE:USFD) revealed its full-year and fourth-quarter 2025 results on February 12 and emphasized expansion in a number of key areas. Net income increased to $184 million in Q4, while net sales reached $9.8 billion with a gross profit of $1.7 billion. Net income increased to $676 million, gross profit reached $6.9 billion, and total sales reached $39.4 billion for the entire year.
The company also reported that it ended 2025 with $1.37 billion in operating cash flow, repurchased 11.9 million shares, and outlined FY2026 guidance with net sales growth of 4–6%, adjusted EBITDA up 9–13%, and adjusted EPS up 18–24%.
US Food Holdings Corp. (NYSE:USFD) is a U.S. foodservice distributor supplying restaurants, healthcare, hospitality, and government customers with food products, kitchen essentials, and related services nationwide.
3. Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT)
Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) is among the best performing stocks.
TheFly reported on March 5 that JPMorgan increased its price target on TGT to $120 from $115 and retains a Neutral rating on the shares. The firm revised its internal model after TGT released its fourth-quarter results.
Separately, Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) unveiled its multi-year growth strategy on March 3 under CEO Michael Fiddelke, with a focus on bolstering important product categories, boosting payroll and training expenditures, and reinventing the in-store experience. Four priorities are highlighted in the plan: leading with cutting-edge, culturally appropriate assortments; improving the customer experience through digital tools and in-store upgrades; advancing technology to offer seamless, personalized shopping; and building teams and supporting communities.
The company plans to invest more than $1 billion in operations in 2026 and an additional $5 billion in capital for supply chain enhancements, technology, store remodels, and new stores, including more than 130 full-store remodels and over 30 new sites. In addition to improving loyalty programs, same-day fulfillment, and next-day delivery in 20 new metro areas, TGT will increase its offerings in the home, beauty, baby, grocery, wellness, women’s style, and fan-focused categories. This will guarantee a consistent, entertaining, and practical experience for customers who are value-conscious, stylish, and tech-savvy.
Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) is a U.S. retail chain offering general merchandise, groceries, and household products through stores and e-commerce, serving millions of customers nationwide.
2. Primo Brands Corporation (NYSE:PRMB)
Primo Brands Corporation (NYSE:PRMB) is among the best performing stocks on this list.
TheFly reported on March 5 that Mizuho increased its price target for PRMB from $24 to $28 while continuing to rate the shares as Outperform.
Furthermore, on March 2, Primo Brands Corporation (NYSE:PRMB) declared that it had asked the Ontario Securities Commission, which serves as principal regulator, for permission to cease being a reporting issuer in a number of Canadian provinces, including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Québec, and Saskatchewan.
On November 8, 2024, the firm completed a merger and arrangement agreement with Primo Water and affiliated organizations, making it a reporting issuer in Canada. PRMB will no longer be obligated by Canadian securities regulations to submit financial statements or other disclosure documents if regulatory approval is given. The company’s disclosure obligations in the US and its listing on the New York Stock Exchange will be unaffected by this modification.
In order to maintain transparency and access to the company’s financial data, Canadian shareholders will continue to have access to all filings made in accordance with NYSE regulations and U.S. securities laws. They will also receive the same financial statements and disclosure documents as U.S. investors, simultaneously and in the same way.
Primo Brands Corporation (NYSE:PRMB) is a North American branded beverage company focused on healthy hydration, producing and distributing bottled water and related products through retail, direct delivery, refill, and exchange channels across the U.S. and Canada.
1. Kenvue Inc. (NYSE:KVUE)
Kenvue Inc. (NYSE:KVUE) is one of the best performing stocks.
TheFly reported on March 6 that Barclays increased its price target for KVUE to $19 from $18 while maintaining an Equal Weight rating on the stock. This revision followed updates to the company model after the Q4 report.
In a different legal incident, on February 26, a Panola County, Texas, judge rejected Kenvue Inc.’s (NYSE:KVUE) request to have a lawsuit filed by the state’s attorney general, Ken Paxton, dismissed. According to the lawsuit, Kenvue misrepresented Tylenol by neglecting to mention possible hazards for children when pregnant women take the medication, including connections to autism and other developmental issues.
The company’s motion was denied by the judge in a succinct, one-sentence order; the specific justification for the ruling has not yet been disclosed. This decision upholds the allegations against KVUE involving the marketing and safety disclosures of its Tylenol products and permits the case to continue in Texas courts.
Legal observers point out that the ruling highlights continued scrutiny of drug labeling and public health protections for pregnant women and children, as well as the courts’ willingness to permit cases alleging consumer harm from pharmaceutical products to proceed, even when companies seek early dismissal. The result may have an impact on KVUE’s larger risk and liability management plans in the US pharmaceutical industry.
Kenvue Inc. (NYSE:KVUE) is a consumer health company that develops and markets personal care and wellness products, including leading brands in skin care, baby care, and over‑the‑counter health categories.
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