My 5 Favorite Stocks to Buy Right Now

Market Overview - The market has increased by only 3% so far this year, recovering from earlier declines, indicating a potentially favorable buying opportunity for investors [1] Realty Income - Realty Income is a major real estate investment trust (REIT) that pays monthly dividends and has a strong history of increasing payouts, having distributed dividends for 660 consecutive months [3][5] - The REIT owns 15,600 properties, with 80% leased to retailers, including essential businesses like Walmart and Lowe's, providing stability even in tough economic conditions [4] - The current dividend yield is 5.5%, and despite a year-to-date increase, the stock price has declined over the past three years due to higher interest rates, making it an attractive buy [5] MercadoLibre - MercadoLibre operates in 18 Latin American countries and has reported significant growth, with a 40% increase in gross merchandise volume year-over-year on a currency-neutral basis [6][7] - The company has seen a 25% increase in unique active buyers and a 72% increase in total payments volume year-over-year, indicating strong demand for its services [9] - Total company sales rose by 64% in the first quarter, with an operating income of $763 million at a 12.9% margin, showcasing its profitability [9][10] Dutch Bros - Dutch Bros has rapidly expanded its coffee shop chain, recently opening its 1,000th store and aiming to double its footprint in the next five years [11] - Same-store sales increased by 4.7% year-over-year, contributing to a 29% revenue growth, with net income rising by 39% in the first quarter [12] - The stock is currently trading at a high valuation of 88 times next year's expected earnings, reflecting strong growth potential [13] Carnival - Carnival is recovering from pandemic-related challenges, with a 7.4% year-over-year revenue increase to $5.8 billion in its fiscal 2025 first quarter [16] - The company is experiencing record-high demand for cruises, with bookings for fiscal 2026 at unprecedented levels and strong revenue from preboarding sales [16][17] - Carnival's stock is trading at a low price-to-sales ratio of 1.2, and as the company continues to pay down its debt, the stock is expected to rise [18] On Holding - On Holding is gaining traction in the activewear and athletic footwear market, with a 43% year-over-year sales increase in the first quarter [19][20] - The company has a gross margin of 59.9%, indicating strong profitability, and is expanding into new markets [20] - Despite current market concerns, On Holding's long-term outlook remains strong, making it a favorable investment opportunity [22]