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The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Amazon.com, Best Buy, Macy's, Target and Wal-Mart Stores
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For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – August 31, 2017 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN – Free Report), Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:(BBY - Free Report) – Free Report), Macy's, Inc. (NYSE:(M - Free Report) – Free Report), Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT – Free Report), Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT – Free Report).
Here are highlights from Wednesday’s Analyst Blog:
Bolstering Consumer Confidence Holds Promise for Retailers
A decent run in the U.S. stock market, sturdy retail sales data along with solid job addition in July and improvement in the manufacturing sector have lifted investors’ mood as well as highlighted the solid economic report card. These were reflected in Consumer Confidence — a key determinant of the economy’s health — that reached its second highest level in August since late 2000. As per the Conference Board data, the Consumer Confidence Index surged to 122.9 last month from July’s revised reading of 120.
The rebound in oil prices from all-time lows, improving labor market and gradual recovery in the housing market signal that the economy is on a recovery mode. Per the Labor Department, the economy added 209,000 jobs in July, up from 231,000 and 145,000 in June and May, respectively, while the unemployment rate was 4.3%. These factors are favorable for retailers and definitely play a crucial role in raising buyers’ confidence. We expect this positive sentiment to translate into higher consumer spending that may help revive sales.
U.S. retail sales in July recorded biggest increase this year. The Commerce Department stated that U.S. retail and food services sales in July rose 0.6% to $478.9 billion — following a revised reading of 0.3% growth registered in June. Retail sales increased 4.2% from July 2016. Sales were widespread in July, mostly led by strong demand for new autos and Internet shopping. Meanwhile, sales at non-store retailers jumped 1.3%.
This latest report on retails sales unveils that consumers have significant buying power as the third quarter got underway. We note that the consumer outlays grew 2.8% in the second quarter. Consumer spending at retail outlets was off to a good start, banking on strong labor market and improved household finances. This looks favorable for retailers.
Changing Retail Dynamics
Given the favorable economic indicators, the Zacks Retail-Wholesale sector holds some promise. We note that so far in the year, the sector has registered an increase of 14.9% compared with the S&P 500’s gain of roughly 9.4%. Kiplinger’s latest forecast shows that retail sales, excluding gasoline, are expected to jump 4% in 2017. The report further suggests that e-commerce sales are expected to increase 14% this year.
The retail landscape has been undergoing a fundamental change, with technology playing a major role and the focus shifting to online shopping. Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN – Free Report) has been in the spotlight for the last few years, as changing customer patterns made the retail industry more dependent on e-commerce.
This transition in consumer shopping pattern is compelling retailers to fast adapt to the changes in the ecosystem. Retailers now have no option left but to keep pace with the changing retail scenario or get eliminated. They are now focusing more on enhancing omni-channel capabilities, optimizing store fleet and restructuring activities.
Retailers are efficiently allocating a large chunk of capital toward a multi-channel growth strategy focused on improving merchandise offerings, and developing IT infrastructure to enhance the web and mobile experience of customers. Further, the retailers are renovating stores, developing fulfillment centers to enable speedy delivery, implementing an enterprise-wide inventory management system along with enhancing relationship with existing and new customers.
Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY – Free Report), Macy's, Inc. (NYSE:M – Free Report), Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT – Free Report), Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT – Free Report) and other renowned retailers are trying all means to reach their target customers.
Tech stocks have been a major force behind the market’s record highs, but picking the best ones to buy can be tough. There’s a simple way to invest in the success of the entire sector. Zacks has just released a Special Report revealing one thing tech companies literally cannot function without. More importantly, it reveals 4 top stocks set to skyrocket on increasing demand for these devices. I encourage you to get the report now – before the next wave of innovations really takes off.
Zacks Equity Research provides the best of quantitative and qualitative analysis to help investors know what stocks to buy and which to sell for the long-term.
Continuous coverage is provided for a universe of 1,150 publicly traded stocks. Our analysts are organized by industry which gives them keen insights to developments that affect company profits and stock performance. Recommendations and target prices are six-month time horizons.
Strong Stocks that Should Be in the News
Many are little publicized and fly under the Wall Street radar. They're virtually unknown to the general public. Yet today's 220 Zacks Rank #1 "Strong Buys" were generated by the stock-picking system that has nearly tripled the market from 1988 through 2015. Its average gain has been a stellar +26% per year.See these high-potential stocks free >>.
Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss.This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performancefor information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
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The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Amazon.com, Best Buy, Macy's, Target and Wal-Mart Stores
For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – August 31, 2017 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN – Free Report), Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:(BBY - Free Report) – Free Report), Macy's, Inc. (NYSE:(M - Free Report) – Free Report), Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT – Free Report), Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT – Free Report).
Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free.
Here are highlights from Wednesday’s Analyst Blog:
Bolstering Consumer Confidence Holds Promise for Retailers
A decent run in the U.S. stock market, sturdy retail sales data along with solid job addition in July and improvement in the manufacturing sector have lifted investors’ mood as well as highlighted the solid economic report card. These were reflected in Consumer Confidence — a key determinant of the economy’s health — that reached its second highest level in August since late 2000. As per the Conference Board data, the Consumer Confidence Index surged to 122.9 last month from July’s revised reading of 120.
The rebound in oil prices from all-time lows, improving labor market and gradual recovery in the housing market signal that the economy is on a recovery mode. Per the Labor Department, the economy added 209,000 jobs in July, up from 231,000 and 145,000 in June and May, respectively, while the unemployment rate was 4.3%. These factors are favorable for retailers and definitely play a crucial role in raising buyers’ confidence. We expect this positive sentiment to translate into higher consumer spending that may help revive sales.
U.S. retail sales in July recorded biggest increase this year. The Commerce Department stated that U.S. retail and food services sales in July rose 0.6% to $478.9 billion — following a revised reading of 0.3% growth registered in June. Retail sales increased 4.2% from July 2016. Sales were widespread in July, mostly led by strong demand for new autos and Internet shopping. Meanwhile, sales at non-store retailers jumped 1.3%.
This latest report on retails sales unveils that consumers have significant buying power as the third quarter got underway. We note that the consumer outlays grew 2.8% in the second quarter. Consumer spending at retail outlets was off to a good start, banking on strong labor market and improved household finances. This looks favorable for retailers.
Changing Retail Dynamics
Given the favorable economic indicators, the Zacks Retail-Wholesale sector holds some promise. We note that so far in the year, the sector has registered an increase of 14.9% compared with the S&P 500’s gain of roughly 9.4%. Kiplinger’s latest forecast shows that retail sales, excluding gasoline, are expected to jump 4% in 2017. The report further suggests that e-commerce sales are expected to increase 14% this year.
The retail landscape has been undergoing a fundamental change, with technology playing a major role and the focus shifting to online shopping. Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN – Free Report) has been in the spotlight for the last few years, as changing customer patterns made the retail industry more dependent on e-commerce.
This transition in consumer shopping pattern is compelling retailers to fast adapt to the changes in the ecosystem. Retailers now have no option left but to keep pace with the changing retail scenario or get eliminated. They are now focusing more on enhancing omni-channel capabilities, optimizing store fleet and restructuring activities.
Retailers are efficiently allocating a large chunk of capital toward a multi-channel growth strategy focused on improving merchandise offerings, and developing IT infrastructure to enhance the web and mobile experience of customers. Further, the retailers are renovating stores, developing fulfillment centers to enable speedy delivery, implementing an enterprise-wide inventory management system along with enhancing relationship with existing and new customers.
Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY – Free Report), Macy's, Inc. (NYSE:M – Free Report), Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT – Free Report), Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT – Free Report) and other renowned retailers are trying all means to reach their target customers.
Zacks Rank
Among the aforementioned stocks, Best Buy carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), while the remaining stocks carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
4 Surprising Tech Stocks to Keep an Eye On
Tech stocks have been a major force behind the market’s record highs, but picking the best ones to buy can be tough. There’s a simple way to invest in the success of the entire sector. Zacks has just released a Special Report revealing one thing tech companies literally cannot function without. More importantly, it reveals 4 top stocks set to skyrocket on increasing demand for these devices. I encourage you to get the report now – before the next wave of innovations really takes off.
See Stocks Now>>
About Zacks Equity Research
Zacks Equity Research provides the best of quantitative and qualitative analysis to help investors know what stocks to buy and which to sell for the long-term.
Continuous coverage is provided for a universe of 1,150 publicly traded stocks. Our analysts are organized by industry which gives them keen insights to developments that affect company profits and stock performance. Recommendations and target prices are six-month time horizons.
Strong Stocks that Should Be in the News
Many are little publicized and fly under the Wall Street radar. They're virtually unknown to the general public. Yet today's 220 Zacks Rank #1 "Strong Buys" were generated by the stock-picking system that has nearly tripled the market from 1988 through 2015. Its average gain has been a stellar +26% per year.See these high-potential stocks free >>.
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Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss.This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performancefor information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.