Buying great businesses when they're on sale is an excellent wealth-building strategy.With volatility returning to the stock market in recent days, patient investors may soon have an opportunity to scoop up shares of some outstanding companies at a discount. Here are three elite stocks to place near the top of your buy list.Costco WholesaleConsumers love to buy quality merchandise at bargain prices. Costco Wholesale (COST -0.77%) has long made masterful use of this simple yet difficult-to-replicate formula ...

Costco has raised membership fees for the first time since 2017. Explore how this change could affect its stellar stock performance and customer loyalty.Costco Wholesale (COST -0.77%) recently announced its first membership fee increase since 2017, raising questions about the potential impact on its stock performance.Costco remains one of the strongest forces in the retail sector, known for its robust growth and loyal customer base. The new fee hike, along with new membership scanners aimed at enhancing ser ...

Costco just announced big news, again.Costco Wholesale (COST 1.70%) is a pretty straightforward retail stock. It doesn't come with the glitz and glamor of tech, and it's been a steady market-beating stock over its decades on the market. But the past few months have been a nonstop, action-packed story for the warehouse giant.The most recent announcement is that it's cracking down on non-members coming into the store. Let's see what's been happening at Costco and whether or not this is something to worry abou ...

Economic Overview - The U.S. economy is projected to grow at a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 2.9% above inflation in the current quarter [1] - The unemployment rate increased to 4.3% in July from 4.1% in June [1] - The savings rate fell to 3.4% of after-tax income in June 2024, down from 4.8% a year earlier [1] - Major companies like Disney, Macy's, and Amazon report reduced consumer spending [1] Food Industry Insights - Investing in food stocks is recommended as they are expected to be more resilient to reduced consumer spending [1] - El Pollo Loco hired TikTok influencer Yuri Lamasbella for marketing, which may attract Generation Z customers [2] - El Pollo Loco's comparable restaurant sales rose 4.5% last quarter, and operational income increased to $12.3 million from $10.9 million [3] Costco Performance - Costco could benefit from increased home dining as consumers eat more at home [5] - Costco and Amazon accounted for 23% of U.S. grocery sector growth from 2019 to 2023, gaining market share from competitors [5] - Costco's comparable store sales increased by 5.2% in July 2023 [5][6] Freshpet Growth - Freshpet provides high-quality food for pets and is expected to perform well despite slowing consumer spending [6] - Freshpet's sales surged 28% last quarter, with EBITDA rising to $35.1 million from $9 million [7] - Freshpet increased its full-year sales guidance to at least $965 million and adjusted EBITDA outlook to at least $140 million [7]

Economic Overview - The U.S. Commerce Department reported that retail sales in June remained unchanged, alleviating recession concerns and indicating a resilient consumer base [1] - Retail sales in May were revised higher, supporting expectations that the Federal Reserve may reduce interest rates in September due to cooling inflation [1][2] Retail Sales Performance - Retail sales in June showed a 2.3% year-on-year increase, following a revised 0.3% increase in May, which surpassed economists' expectations of a 0.3% drop [2] Costco (COST) - Costco announced an increase in annual membership fees for both Gold Star and Business memberships, marking the first increase since 2017, with standard membership rising from $60 to $65 and Executive Membership from $120 to $130 [3][4] - The fee adjustment is set to take effect on September 1 and will impact approximately 52 million members, with Executive members receiving an enhanced maximum annual reward [3][4] Target (TGT) - Target's stock rating was upgraded to Buy by Citi, with a new price target of $180, based on expectations of improved EBIT margins in fiscal year 2024 [5][6] - Target is believed to be on firmer ground after inconsistent performance, with effective inventory management and favorable sales comparisons anticipated starting in Q2 2024 [6] Dick's Sporting Goods (DKS) - Dick's Sporting Goods reported a 5.3% growth in comparable sales for its fiscal first quarter, exceeding the anticipated 2.4% growth, with revenue rising to $3.02 billion, a 6.2% increase from the previous year [7][8] - The company revised its full-year earnings per share guidance to a range of $13.35 to $13.75, exceeding analysts' expectations, and expects comparable sales to increase by 2% to 3% [8][9]

This prediction might look bold, given the stock's impressive gain in recent years.One of the best-performing stocks in recent memory could not be further from the tech sector or the ongoing artificial intelligence (AI) boom. I'm talking about Costco (COST -0.24%). Shares of the warehouse-club operator have produced a total return of 233% in the past five years, outpacing the S&P 500 by 96%.While the retail stock has continued its momentum throughout 2024, I'm not bullish as we look ahead. I predict that Co ...

These stocks are on the expensive side, but if their prices fall, it'll be the opportunity you've been waiting for.A market sell-off never feels good, but the smartest investors know it presents an opportunity too. After you get over your initial feelings of worry, your next move should be to start looking for bargains.If the market continues to decline in the coming weeks and months, Costco Wholesale (COST 0.14%), MercadoLibre (MELI 0.76%), and Shopify (SHOP 2.33%) are three stocks to keep a close eye on. ...

slobo Investment Thesis As concerns about a potential US recession loom, investors are worried that companies, like Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) may fall victim. Other US retailers, such as Dollar Tree, Inc. (DLTR), have already reported signs of weakening consumer spending (which I will expand on later in this article), indicating that some segments of the market are under pressure. At first glance, Costco might appear vulnerable to these same recessionary fears. However, I think this perspec ...

Costco has a wonderful business, but the stock's current valuation reflects those attributes.Costco Wholesale (COST 1.01%) has emerged as one of the most successful and admired retail companies. Its approach of selling high-quality goods in bulk at discounted prices continues to draw increasing sales, new warehouse openings, and membership renewals.This success has come with one unfortunate consequence for those who do not hold shares in the retail stock: an expensive valuation. With its price-to-earnings r ...

Economic Outlook - JPMorgan Chase estimates a 35% chance of an economic recession, up from 25% earlier this year, with concerns over a slowing labor market and reduced consumer spending [1] - The stock market is expected to experience continued volatility amid economic uncertainty, particularly in the near term [1] Walmart (WMT) - Walmart is positioned as a safe harbor stock, benefiting from its status as the largest grocery store chain in the U.S., which attracts consumers during economic downturns [2] - Walmart's stock has gained nearly 30% this year, with a strong financial performance highlighted by an EPS of 60 cents, exceeding estimates of 52 cents, and quarterly sales of $161.51 billion, surpassing the expected $159.50 billion [3] General Mills (GIS) - General Mills is another safe harbor stock, selling essential items that consumers purchase regardless of economic conditions, providing a degree of stability [3] - The company's stock has increased by 4% this year, trading at a valuation of 16 times future earnings estimates [3] - General Mills reported an EPS of $1.01, beating forecasts of 99 cents, but revenue of $4.71 billion fell short of the $4.85 billion consensus, attributed to financially stressed consumers [5] Costco Wholesale (COST) - Costco is recognized as a strong investment, with its stock rising 31% this year and 52% over the last 12 months, reflecting its consistent growth [6] - The company reported a 20% increase in e-commerce sales for July, with total revenue of $19.30 billion, up 7.1% year-over-year [6][7] - Costco's same-store sales rose 7.2%, surpassing the previous month's increase of 6.9%, indicating robust performance despite economic challenges [7]