The Retail – Discount Stores industry remains a strong pillar of the broader retail sector, benefiting from its focus on value, efficiency and consumer accessibility. Even as households face ongoing inflationary pressures and shifting spending patterns, discount retailers continue to attract steady foot traffic by offering competitive pricing, compelling assortments and convenient store formats. The ability to blend affordability with quality, spanning essentials, discretionary goods and private-label offer ...

In this article, we will discuss 12 Best Retail Stocks to Buy According to Analysts.The global retail industry is projected to reach approximately $29.79 trillion in 2026, with growth expected to continue at a healthy 6.87% CAGR through 2031. Expansion is being fueled by AI-enabled supply chains, rapid e-commerce penetration, and increasingly personalized customer experiences. As technology reshapes how consumers discover and purchase products, retailers are blending digital convenience with physical presen ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for the fourth quarter increased by 4.9% in constant currency, with e-commerce growth at 24% [4][14] - Adjusted operating income grew by 10.5%, outpacing sales growth [4][14] - For the full year, total revenue exceeded $700 billion for the first time, with a 5% increase in constant currency [14] - Adjusted operating income for the full year grew by 5.4%, despite a 300 basis point headwind from increased claims expenses [14][23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Walmart U.S. comp sales rose by 4.6%, with e-commerce sales growing by 27% [14][15] - International segment operating income increased by over 26%, driven by improved e-commerce economics [15] - Advertising income globally increased by 37%, with Walmart Connect in the U.S. up by 41% [16][35] - Membership income grew by over 15%, reflecting strength in Sam's Club in China and the U.S. [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - E-commerce sales in China grew by 28%, representing more than 50% of the sales mix in that market [15] - Fast delivery services in the U.S. saw a growth of over 60% year-over-year [9][15] - The majority of share gains in the U.S. came from households earning over $100,000, while lower-income households are managing spending carefully [5][6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on an omnichannel strategy, leveraging technology and automation to enhance customer experience and delivery speed [4][9] - Investments in AI and technology are aimed at improving inventory management and customer engagement through tools like Sparky [10][11] - The strategy includes capital allocation based on return on investment, with a focus on maintaining a strong value proposition for customers [7][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the business's momentum and the ability to navigate complex operating conditions [13][41] - The outlook for the upcoming fiscal year includes sales growth expectations of 3.5% to 4.5% and operating income growth of 6% to 8% [21][22] - Management remains cautious about potential economic headwinds but is optimistic about the company's ability to outperform guidance [41][42] Other Important Information - The company authorized a $30 billion share repurchase program, its largest to date, reflecting confidence in cash flow generation [23] - Capital expenditure levels for FY 2027 are expected to be approximately 3.5% of sales, with a focus on supply chain automation and store remodels [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: On agentic commerce and its impact on customer traffic and advertising - Management highlighted that agentic commerce is part of the omnichannel strategy, enhancing customer intent understanding and driving higher average order values [28][29][32] Question: Regarding unexpected costs and outlook for the year - Management noted a measured approach to guidance, considering potential economic indicators while maintaining flexibility [37][41] Question: On disinflation and its impact on pricing - Management indicated that inflation trends are expected to remain stable, with some pressures from legislation affecting drug prices [44][45] Question: About e-commerce profitability and competition - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining share momentum through effective inventory management and leveraging technology [84]

Core Viewpoint - The article raises the question of whether Walmart Inc. has reached its peak following the announcement of CEO Doug McMillon's departure and the appointment of his successor, John [1] Company Analysis - Walmart Inc. is experiencing a leadership change with CEO Doug McMillon stepping down and John taking over [1] - The article suggests a potential stagnation in Walmart's growth after decades of loyal customer support [1] Market Context - The discussion implies that the retail sector, particularly for large companies like Walmart, may be facing challenges that could affect future performance [1]

Core Insights - Walmart has experienced significant growth in customer reach and financial performance under Doug McMillon's leadership, with net sales increasing by approximately 43% and net income by 21% from fiscal year 2014 to 2025 [2] Group 1: Customer and Employee Metrics - In fiscal year 2025, Walmart reported approximately 270 million weekly customers and 2.1 million associates, with a slight decrease in store units to 10,771 compared to 2014 [1] - In 2014, Walmart served 250 million customers weekly with about 2.2 million associates and 10,942 stores [1] Group 2: Financial Performance - Walmart's net sales for fiscal year 2014 were about $473 billion, with a net income of $16.7 billion [2] - By fiscal year 2025, these metrics had grown significantly, reflecting the company's strategic initiatives and investments [2] Group 3: Leadership and Strategic Changes - Doug McMillon emphasized the importance of technology and e-commerce during his tenure, leading to a cultural shift within Walmart [7][20] - McMillon's leadership was characterized by a commitment to change and innovation, particularly in the face of evolving retail dynamics [3][5] Group 4: Technology and E-commerce Investments - Walmart's capital expenditures on technology and e-commerce increased from approximately $2.5 billion in 2014 to about $14.6 billion in 2025, representing around 60% of total expenditures [12] - E-commerce sales surged from over $10 billion in 2014 to $121 billion in 2025, marking a 1,110% increase [10] Group 5: Acquisitions and Experimentation - Notable acquisitions under McMillon included the investment in Flipkart in 2018 and the $3 billion acquisition of Jet.com in 2016, which were aimed at enhancing Walmart's e-commerce capabilities [15][17] - While some acquisitions did not yield clear benefits, they provided valuable insights and talent that contributed to Walmart's transformation [19]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue increased by 16% year-over-year to $706 million, with same-store sales growth of 5.7% [4][13] - Earnings per diluted share rose to $2.79 from $2.43 in the prior year, marking a 14.8% increase [15][16] - Merchandise margin rate improved by 110 basis points compared to the prior year [4][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated same-store sales grew 5.7%, with brick-and-mortar sales increasing by 3.7% and e-commerce sales up by 19.6% [5][13] - Men's and ladies' western boots saw high single-digit same-store sales growth, while work boots experienced mid-single-digit growth [8][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company opened a record 25 new stores in Q3, bringing the total to 514 stores, with plans for 15 more openings in Q4 [6][7] - The company aims for a total of 70 new stores for the fiscal year and estimates 20 openings in Q1 of fiscal 2027 [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on four strategic initiatives: new store growth, same-store sales, omnichannel expansion, and merchandise margin improvement [4][10] - Plans to launch standalone websites for additional exclusive brands to enhance customer engagement and sales [10][75] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the business's underlying strength despite recent winter storms impacting sales [5][25] - The company anticipates total sales for the full fiscal year to reach $2.25 billion, representing an 18% growth over fiscal 2025 [19] Other Important Information - Inventory increased by 17% year-over-year to $805 million, with markdowns below historical levels [16] - The company repurchased approximately 67,000 shares for $12.5 million as part of its share repurchase program [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the drivers of acceleration seen in January? - Management noted that the acceleration was broad-based across major merchandise categories, with work apparel being slightly softer due to warmer weather [25][26] Question: What is the overall visibility for sustaining mid- to high-single-digit comps? - Management feels confident about new store productivity and broad performance across merchandise categories, indicating no structural concerns [28][29] Question: Can you provide more detail on the merchandise margin outlook for Q4? - Management expects a headwind from shrink and freight, with exclusive brand penetration contributing to margin expansion [34][37] Question: Are there any specific categories gaining momentum outside of denim? - Management confirmed that traditional Western silhouettes remain strong, with no significant shifts towards contemporary styles [104][106] Question: How is the performance of exclusive brand websites compared to bootbarn.com? - The exclusive brand websites have attracted net new customers, enhancing overall online growth [72][74]

Core Insights - Walmart Inc. (WMT) achieved a market capitalization of $1 trillion on February 3, with shares increasing nearly 3%, marking a new 52-week high and placing the company in a valuation bracket typically occupied by technology leaders [1][8] - The milestone reflects growing investor confidence in Walmart's ability to adapt and execute beyond its traditional big-box retail model [1][6] Omnichannel Growth - Walmart's expanding omnichannel ecosystem is a primary growth driver, with enhanced e-commerce capabilities supported by faster delivery, improved fulfillment efficiency, and disciplined inventory management [2] - The company leverages its extensive store network to fulfill digital orders, enabling online growth while maintaining operational efficiency [2] Higher-Margin Businesses - Growth in higher-margin businesses, such as advertising and membership operations, is increasingly contributing to profitability, outpacing core retail sales and helping to mitigate pressure on traditional merchandise margins [3] - These segments provide recurring and services-led revenues, enhancing earnings visibility over time [3] Investments in Technology - Walmart's ongoing investments in automation, data, and artificial intelligence are aimed at improving operational efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing customer experience [4] - These initiatives are expected to facilitate more personalized and seamless shopping experiences in the future [4] International Operations - Walmart's international operations are becoming more significant in its investment appeal, with steady constant-currency growth and improved profitability in various markets [5] - Digital adoption is accelerating in regions like India and China, supporting top-line growth and offering opportunities for scaling digital innovation [5] Market Performance - Over the past year, Walmart's shares have increased by 24.6%, outperforming the industry growth of 19.8%, while competitors Costco and Target have seen declines of 6.2% and 17.7%, respectively [7] - Walmart's forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio is 48.44, higher than the industry's 37.92, and it trades at a premium compared to Target (15.25) and Costco (46.7) [9] Financial Projections - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Walmart's current fiscal-year sales and earnings per share indicates year-over-year growth of 4.6% and 4.8%, respectively [10] - Projections for the next fiscal year suggest sales and EPS growth of 4.5% and 12.3%, respectively [10]

Core Insights - Genesco is transforming its information technology operating model to support long-term growth strategy [1] - The transformation is based on a comprehensive review of IT operations and aims to enhance customer service and organizational flexibility [2] IT Transformation - The company is partnering with a leading global technology provider and adopting new tools to improve speed, scalability, and AI-enabled innovation [2] - The full transformation is expected to be implemented in phases over the next 12 to 18 months, with some positions in the IT organization potentially impacted [3] Sales Performance - Comparable sales increased by 9 percent for the fourth quarter-to-date period ended December 27, including both stores and direct sales [3] - Same store sales rose by 10 percent, while e-commerce comparable sales increased by 9 percent during the same period [4] - The Journeys Group saw a 12 percent increase in comparable sales, while the Schuh Group and Johnston & Murphy Group rose by 6 percent and 1 percent, respectively [4] Holiday Performance - The company reported strong holiday performance driven by compelling assortments and exceptional execution, leading to double-digit comparable sales increases in December [5]

Industry Overview - The Zacks Textile - Apparel industry is focused on manufacturing, designing, distributing, and selling apparel, footwear, and accessories for both men and women, including fashion and athletic wear [3] - Companies in this industry are enhancing their omnichannel frameworks, integrating physical retail with digital platforms to improve customer engagement as consumers prefer online and hybrid shopping experiences [1] Current Trends - Improved store traffic and strong digital trends are prompting companies to invest in enhancing customer experiences across all touchpoints, revitalizing brick-and-mortar sales while leveraging e-commerce growth [4] - Companies are expanding fulfillment capabilities and offering flexible options like buy online, pick up in-store, and curbside delivery to meet rising consumer expectations for speed and convenience [5] - The adoption of AI technologies is optimizing customer interactions and improving inventory management, leading to greater efficiency and customer engagement [5] Brand Strategies - Companies are focusing on brand-enhancing strategies through diverse marketing efforts, licensing agreements, acquisitions, and partnerships, with continuous product innovation being essential for competitiveness [6] - Strategic brand investments are helping companies remain resilient despite near-term margin challenges from higher marketing spend and promotional intensity [2] Cost Challenges - The industry faces challenges related to elevated input costs, which may impact profitability, alongside increased selling, general, and administrative costs due to marketing investments [7] - Shipping disruptions and a competitive labor market are additional factors that could squeeze profit margins for companies in this sector [7] Industry Performance - The Zacks Textile - Apparel industry currently holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 46, placing it in the top 19% of over 243 Zacks industries, indicating positive near-term prospects [8][9] - The industry's consensus earnings estimate for the current financial year has improved by 1% since October 2025, reflecting a positive aggregate earnings outlook [10] Market Comparison - Over the past six months, the Zacks Textile - Apparel industry has underperformed the broader Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector and the S&P 500, declining by 6.9% compared to the sector's 2.2% drop and the S&P 500's 17.3% increase [11] Valuation Metrics - The industry is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 16.39X, lower than the S&P 500's 23.35X and the sector's 18.56X, with historical trading ranges between 12.76X and 32.36X over the past five years [14] Notable Companies - **Crocs**: A Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) company focusing on sustainable growth through brand relevance and product innovation, with a current fiscal EPS estimate of $12.13 [18][20] - **G-III Apparel**: A Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) company expanding its brand portfolio and enhancing digital capabilities, with a current fiscal EPS estimate of $2.88 [23][25] - **Ralph Lauren**: A Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) company on track to meet revenue and profit goals through its "Next Great Chapter: Accelerate Plan," with a current fiscal EPS estimate of $15.41 [28][30] - **V.F. Corp**: A Zacks Rank 3 company focusing on brand building and operational performance improvements, with a current fiscal EPS estimate of $0.71 [33][35]

Core Insights - Best Buy Co., Inc. (BBY) reported strong third-quarter fiscal 2026 results, with revenues and earnings exceeding expectations and showing year-over-year growth [1][2] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings were $1.40 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.31, and increased by 11% from $1.26 per share in the previous year [6] - Enterprise revenues reached $9,672 million, exceeding the consensus mark of $9,576 million, and grew by 2.4% year over year [7][10] - Domestic revenues were $8,878 million, up 2.1% year over year, driven by a 2.4% rise in comparable sales [12] - International revenues increased by 6.1% to $794 million, supported by a 6.3% rise in comparable sales [15] Strategic Initiatives - Best Buy is focused on enhancing the omnichannel customer experience and expanding revenue streams through initiatives like Best Buy Marketplace and Best Buy Ads [2] - The company launched a self-serve platform, My Ads, to support new marketplace sellers and improve advertising capabilities [3] - Best Buy is leveraging AI to enhance customer support and streamline operations, resulting in a 17% decrease in customer contacts [8][21] Product and Service Innovations - The company has introduced the latest AI glasses from Meta in over 50 locations, providing immersive experiences for customers [4] - Best Buy is expanding its product offerings with new experiences featuring brands like Breville and Shark Ninja [4] Shareholder Returns - During the quarter, Best Buy returned $234 million to shareholders, including $199 million in dividends and $35 million in share repurchases [18] - The board has authorized a regular quarterly dividend of 95 cents per share, payable on January 6, 2026 [19] Future Outlook - Management raised its full-year guidance, projecting revenues between $41.65 billion and $41.95 billion, with comparable sales growth of 0.5% to 1.2% [20][24] - For the fiscal fourth quarter, Best Buy anticipates comparable sales growth between down 1% to up 1% and an adjusted operating margin of 4.8% to 4.9% [22][24]