Olivier Le Moal In this monthly article, we try to identify five closed-end funds ("CEFs") that have a solid historical performance, pay high enough distributions, and offer reasonable valuations at the current time. We also present a more diversified list of the top 10 funds. Author's Note: This article is part of our monthly series that tries to discover the five best buys in the CEF arena at that time. Certain parts of the introduction, definitions, and sections describing selection criteria/process ...

Core Viewpoint - The retail industry has faced significant challenges over the past five years, including the pandemic, store closures, and a shift towards online shopping, compounded by high inflation and interest rates, leading to a slowdown in consumer spending. However, certain retail stocks are still considered viable investment opportunities as interest rates may decrease in the near future [1]. Retail Industry Overview - The recent retail sales report for April indicated flat growth, suggesting a slowdown in consumer spending due to persistent inflation and high interest rates. Economists anticipate potential relief if the U.S. Federal Reserve lowers interest rates in September, which could positively impact retail stocks [1]. Walmart (WMT) - Walmart reported first-quarter earnings per share (EPS) of 60 cents, exceeding the forecast of 52 cents, with revenue of $161.51 billion, surpassing the estimated $159.5 billion. The growth was driven by a 22% year-over-year increase in e-commerce sales and a 24% rise in global advertising sales [4]. - The stock has gained 28% over the past year, with a median price target of $66.64, indicating a potential 3% upside from current levels [3][4]. Lululemon Athletica (LULU) - Lululemon's stock has declined 34% this year, but analysts rate it a strong buy, with a median price target of $472.60, representing a 41% upside. Despite recent challenges, including slowing U.S. sales and plans to close a distribution center, the company reported strong international sales growth of 54% year-over-year, with China sales increasing by 78% [5][6]. - Lululemon's stock has increased 94% over the last five years, indicating long-term growth potential despite current setbacks [6]. AutoZone (AZO) - AutoZone is rated a strong buy by 18 analysts, with a median price target of $3,314.72, suggesting a 13% upside. The company has benefited from a growing trend towards DIY automotive repairs, particularly for older vehicles [7][8]. - AutoZone's stock has risen 13% this year and has nearly tripled over the past five years, with a remarkable increase of 95 times since the company began share repurchases in 1999 [8].

MEMPHIS, Tenn., April 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE:AZO), the leading retailer and distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories in the Americas, will release results for its third quarter ended Saturday, May 4, 2024, before market open on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. Additionally, the Company will host a one-hour conference call on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, beginning at 10:00 a.m. (ET), to discuss the results of the quarter. This call is being webcast and can be accessed, along wit ...

Here's Why AutoZone Will Likely Announce a Stock Split Sundry Photography / iStock Editorial via Getty Images History credits Henry Ford with inventing the automobile assembly line. The notion of having a different workstation be responsible for a specific part in a precisely sequenced assembly protocol is a fundamental principle behind mass production and large product manufacturing. Nevertheless, mechanical auto parts are susceptible to excessive wear, breakdown, damage, and other conditions that can re ...

When you think about magnificent stocks, I'm sure the "Magnificent Seven" tech-focused and innovative enterprises come to mind. Their returns in the past decade have certainly been spectacular.But there are two lesser-known and definitely more boring companies that have also trounced the market. I'm talking about O'Reilly Automotive (ORLY 0.40%) and AutoZone (AZO 0.90%). The former is up 678% in the past 10 years, while the latter has risen 498% during that time.Should you buy these two skyrocketing retail ...

Taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for new and old investors, and Zacks Premium offers many different ways to do both.The research service features daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, all of which will help you become a smarter, more confident investor.It also includes access to the Zacks Style Scores.What are the Zacks Style Scores?Developed a ...

Americans increased their spending a bit in February after pulling back in January. But last month’s gain in retail sales was weaker-than-expected, and January’s decline was revised even lower, indicating that many are growing cautious with their spending ability. Retail sales rose 0.6% in February after falling a revised 1.1% in January, hurt partly by inclement weather, according to the Commerce Department’s report on Thursday.Below we highlight a few areas and the related ETFs & stocks that may benefit h ...

The Zacks Automotive-Retail and Wholesale-Parts sector is thriving on the back of sustained vehicle demand and the rising age of vehicles. Also, the advent of technologically advanced sophisticated vehicles has spurred consumer reliance on professional assistance, opening up new opportunities for industry players. Auto parts retailers need to develop comprehensive strategies to leverage these opportunities. Given the dynamic market conditions, adept cost management is crucial. Industry participants worth ad ...

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q ☒ Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the quarterly period ended February 10, 2024 or ☐ Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the transition period from _______ to ________. Commission file number 1-10714 AUTOZONE, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Nevada 62-1482048 (State or other jurisdicti ...

Cash-cow stocks are a unique bunch and a stock segment that many retail investors overlook. In a nutshell, cash-cow stocks have two key traits. First, cash-cow stocks (as the name implies) have high, predictable, reliable and recurring free cash flow per share. In these cases, free cash flow per share is preferable to earnings per share as it is a more reliable metric of cash available to deploy rapidly since it excludes non-cash concerns like depreciation. The more reliable and consistent the free cash flo ...