The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights Costco Wholesale, The TJX and Burlington Stores

For Immediate ReleaseChicago, IL – December 27, 2024 – 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: Costco Wholesale Corporation COST, The TJX Companies, Inc. TJX and Burlington Stores, Inc. BURL.Here are highlights from Thursday’s Analyst Blog:3 Retail Discount Stocks Positioned to Outperform in 2025The Retail–Discount Stores industry has managed to withstand evolving economic conditions and shifting consumer preferences. As a result, discount retailers have seen consistent demand for their offerings, ranging from essential goods to affordable discretionary items. As we approach 2025, the sector continues to show strong potential, buoyed by the growing demand for value-driven products.When faced with economic uncertainty, consumers tend to prioritize value, making discount retailers the go-to option. Their ability to offer competitive pricing without sacrificing quality has been pivotal to their success. By providing a wide variety of products and ensuring a smooth shopping experience, these retailers have become the preferred choice for budget-conscious shoppers.The digital age has presented challenges and opportunities for the retail industry, and discount retailers have adeptly leveraged technology to their advantage. Embracing e-commerce and omnichannel strategies, these retailers have expanded their reach and improved customer service. The innovative use of digital platforms has allowed them to stay competitive and relevant, offering convenience and accessibility to a broader audience. In a fiercely competitive market, discount retailers have distinguished themselves through exceptional service and value retention. Many have enhanced their private label offerings, providing high-quality products at lower prices, reinforcing their value proposition. Investments in technology, such as data analytics and artificial intelligence, have optimized operations, personalized customer experiences and driven efficiency.In light of these factors, we've identified three discount stocks, Costco Wholesale Corporation, The TJX Companies, Inc.and Burlington Stores, Inc., which are likely to continue outperforming the industry.3 Prominent Retail-Discount PicksCostco: Leveraging Membership Model for SuccessCostco has navigated market ups and downs effectively, driven by strategic investments, a customer-centric approach, merchandise initiatives and a strong emphasis on memberships. By identifying untapped markets and tailoring offerings to customer preferences, Costco has deepened its market presence. The company’s high membership renewal rates, efficient supply chain management and bulk purchasing power ensure competitive pricing and foster strong customer loyalty.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Costco’s current financial-year sales and EPS implies growth of 7% and 11.5%, respectively, from the year-ago period’s actuals. For the next fiscal year, the consensus estimate indicates a 6.8% rise in sales and 9.4% growth in earnings. This Zacks #3 (Hold) ranked company has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 2%, on average. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.TJX Companies: Sourcing Premium Brands at Discounted PricesTJX's business model thrives on flexibility, allowing it to swiftly adapt to shifting market trends and seize new opportunities. This agility sets TJX apart in the off-price retail space, where the ability to source and offer premium brands at discounted prices is crucial. By maintaining a nimble approach to inventory management, TJX can quickly respond to changes in consumer preferences, ensuring fresh and appealing merchandise across its stores. The company's strong relationships with vendors also enable it to secure high-quality products at a lower cost, which it passes on to value-driven shoppers. This operational efficiency not only keeps customer traffic high but also supports sustained financial growth.This Zacks Rank #3 company has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 4%, on average. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for TJX Companies’ current financial-year revenues and EPS suggests growth of 3.7% and 11.2%, respectively, from the year-ago reported figure. For the next fiscal year, the consensus estimate indicates a 5.4% rise in sales and 8.7% growth in earnings. See the Zacks Earnings Calendar to stay ahead of market-making news.Burlington: Merchandising Enhancements & Store ProductivityBurlington Stores is a nationally recognized off-price retailer. The company has demonstrated a strong ability to adapt to consumer trends, which gives it a competitive edge. By staying in tune with customer preferences and adjusting its product offerings, Burlington Stores is well-positioned to capture market share. The company has balanced promotions with regular price sales, appealing to budget-conscious shoppers while protecting margins. Its strategic initiatives, including enhancing merchandising capabilities and optimizing store operations, have supported revenue growth. With targeted store openings, relocations and real-time inventory management, Burlington Stores has seized opportunities and improved store productivity.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Burlington Stores’ current financial-year sales and EPS implies growth of 9.8% and 30.9%, respectively, from the year-ago reported figures. For the next fiscal year, the consensus estimate indicates a 9.5% rise in sales and 16.7% growth in earnings. This Zacks Rank #3 company has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 18.8%, on average.Why Haven't You Looked at Zacks' Top Stocks?Since 2000, our top stock-picking strategies have blown away the S&P's +7.0 average gain per year. Amazingly, they soared with average gains of +44.9%, +48.4% and +55.2% per year.Today you can access their live picks without cost or obligation.See Stocks Free >>Media ContactZacks Investment Research800-767-3771 ext. 9339support@zacks.com                                      https://www.zacks.com                                                   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/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.Zacks Naming Top 10 Stocks for 2025Want to be tipped off early to our 10 top picks for the entirety of 2025?History suggests their performance could be sensational.From 2012 (when our Director of Research Sheraz Mian assumed responsibility for the portfolio) through November, 2024, the Zacks Top 10 Stocks gained +2,112.6%, more than QUADRUPLING the S&P 500’s +475.6%. Now Sheraz is combing through 4,400 companies to handpick the best 10 tickers to buy and hold in 2025. Don’t miss your chance to get in on these stocks when they’re released on January 2.Be First to New Top 10 Stocks >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report The TJX Companies, Inc. (TJX): Free Stock Analysis Report Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST): Free Stock Analysis Report Burlington Stores, Inc. (BURL): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks