With the moderation of inflation in October and indications of the Fed following suit with a slower interest rate hike next month, the festive season promises to be merrier than expected for consumers and businesses alike.
Retail and consumer businesses whose demand and margins are resilient enough to make them relatively immune to macroeconomic headwinds stand to gain from the increased consumer spending during the holiday season.
Hence, it would be opportune to add Walmart Inc. (WMT), Flowers Foods, Inc. (FLO), and The Simply Good Foods Company (SMPL) as some technical indicators point to sustained upsides that could leave you thankful this season.
Walmart Inc. (WMT)
The retail giant WMT offers opportunities to shop an assortment of merchandise and services at everyday low prices (EDLP) in retail stores and through e-commerce platforms.
The company operates through three segments: Walmart U.S.; Walmart International; and Sam’s Club. Over the last three years, WMT’s revenues have grown at a 4.8% CAGR.
For the third quarter of the fiscal year 2023 ended October 31, 2022, WMT’s total revenues increased 8.7% year-over-year to $152.81 billion, with strength in Walmart U.S., Sam’s Club U.S., Flipkart, and Walmex.
During the same period, the company’s adjusted operating income increased 4.6% year-over-year to $6.06 billion, while its adjusted EPS increased 3.4% year-over-year to $1.50.
WMT’s revenue and EPS for the fiscal year ending January 2024 are expected to increase 2.9% and 8.7% year-over-year to $619.49 billion and $6.60, respectively. The company has an impressive earnings surprise history as it surpassed the consensus EPS estimates in three of the trailing four quarters. Continue reading "3 Stocks To Watch This Holiday Season"