4 Stocks Benefiting from Strong Consumer Spending Massive fiscal stimulus spending and an improving job market on the back of a national COVID-19 vaccination program have been driving growth in consumer spending in the U.S. And since retail sales are by far the main driver of the U.S. economy-accounting for about one-third of consumer spending-the retail sector is expected to grow significantly going forward on rising consumer spending. So, we think leading players in this space-Walmart (WMT), Target (TGT), Albertsons (ACI), and Macy's (M)-are uniquely positioned to benefit, and as such are worth more than a second look by investors. Read on.

As the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic wane and the U.S. economy recovers faster than expected, retail sales are returning to pre-pandemic levels. An accelerated vaccine rollout, improving job market, and federal stimulus checks have been driving a substantial surge in consumer spending. Although this is fueling a rise in inflation as manufacturers pass cost increases onto customers, it is expected to be short-lived. Investors' confidence in the retail industry is evident in the SPDR S&P Retail ETF's (XRT) 15% returns over the past three months versus the SPDR S&P 500 Trust ETF's (SPY) 6.4% gains over this period.

According to the U.S. Commerce Department, consumer spending increased 4.2% in March, after falling 1% in February. Since approximately one third of the U.S. population has received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, increasing numbers of people are resuming out-of-home activities and returning to a pre-pandemic lifestyle. As a result, retail store traffic is gaining significant momentum.

Since a surge in income is expected to further boost consumer spending, retailers Walmart Inc. (WMT), Target Corporation (TGT), Albertsons Companies, Inc. (ACI), and Macy's, Inc. (M) could emerge stronger with solid financials. So, we think it could be wise to bet on these stocks now.

Click here to checkout our Retail Industry Report for 2021

Walmart Inc. (WMT)

Founded in 1945, WMT is a retailer of and wholesaler of grocery products, home improvement products, consumer electronics and accessories, wellness products, etc. The company operates through three segments: Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sam's Club.

This month, Walmart unveiled its plan to acquire Zeekit, an Israeli-based company that offers a dynamic virtual fitting room platform for customers. Customers simply have to upload their picture or choose from a series of models that best represent their height, shape and skin tone to instantly see themselves in any item of clothing, giving them an in-store experience virtually. The acquisition should create a significantly enhanced customer and social experience and lead to an increase in WMT's sales.

WMT's net sales increased 2.6% year-over-year to $137.16 billion in the first quarter, ended April 30, 2021, while its total revenue increased 2.7% year-over-year to $138.31 billion. The company's operating income grew 32.3% from its year-ago value to $6.91 billion. Its net cash provided by investing activities increased 441.1% year-over-year to $5.85 billion over this period.

A $5.97 consensus EPS estimate for the fiscal period ending January 31, 2022 represents an 8.9% improvement year-over-year. And a $567.31 billion consensus revenue estimate for the next fiscal period, ending 2023, represents a 2.4% increase from the same period last year. The stock has gained 13.4% over the past year.

WMT's POWR Ratings reflect this promising outlook. The company has an overall A rating, which translates to Strong Buy in our proprietary ratings system. The POWR Ratings assess stocks by 118 different factors, each with its own weighting.

WMT is also rated an A in Stability, and a B in Sentiment and Quality. Within the A-rated Grocery/Big Box Retailers group, it is ranked #3 of 39 stocks.

To see additional POWR Ratings for Momentum, Value and Growth for WMT, Click here.

Target Corporation (TGT)

TGT is a leading retailer in the United States that offers general merchandise such as food assortments, beauty and household essentials, apparel, and electronics. It also provides in-store amenities, such as Target Optical, Starbucks, and other food service offerings. As of January 30,the company operated approximately 1,897 stores.

Last month, TGT introduced a new installment of its limited-time-only Designer Dress Collection, featuring three celebrated designers: ALEXIS, Christopher John Rogers and RIXO on Target.com and in select Target stores this spring. In addition, the collection will be available via Target's contactless same-day pickup options, including Drive Up and Order Pickup. The new installment should substantially increase TGT's revenue in the near-term.

In the first quarter, ended May 1, 2021, TGT's sales increased 23.3% year-over-year to $23.88 billion. Its total revenue increased 23.4% from the year-ago value to $24.2 billion, while its operating income grew 407% year-over-year to $2.37 billion. The company reported $2.1 billion in net earnings, representing a 639.8% increase year-over-year. Its EPS increased 643.2% year-over-year to $4.17 for this period.

Analysts expect TGT's revenue for the current fiscal year, ending 2022, to be $98.85 billion, representing 5.7% year-over-year growth. The company's EPS is likely to increase 22.2% year-over-year to $11.51 in the current year. TGT has gained 89.7% over the past year.

It is no surprise that TGT has an overall A grade, which equates to Strong Buy in our proprietary ratings system. It has an A grade for Quality, and a B grade for Sentiment and Value. In the Grocery/Big Box Retailers industry, it is ranked #2.

In total, we rate TGT on eight different levels. Beyond what we've stated above, we have also given TGT grades for Momentum, Growth and Stability. Get all the TGT ratings here.

Albertsons Companies, Inc. (ACI)

ACI operates food and drug stores in the United States. The company's food and drug retail stores offer grocery products, general merchandise, health and beauty care products, pharmacy, fuel, and other items and services. As of February 27, it operated 2,277 stores under various banners, including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Pavilions, Jewel-Osco, Acme, Shaw's, Star Market, among others.

Last month, ACI introduced Kalyana sustainable wines to its growing lineup of sustainable Own Brands products. Kalyana sustainable wines are found in Albertsons' stores, including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Pavilions, Randalls, etc. The company's own brands division aims to achieve sustainable goals, and this introduction should significantly contribute to that goal and bring in more revenue.

During the fourth quarter, ended February 27, ACI' net sales and other revenue increased 2.1% year-over-year to $15.77 billion. Its gross profit rose 3.2% from its year-ago value to $4.56 billion. The company's net cash provided by operating activities increased 105.3% year-over-year to $3.90 billion.

ACI is expected to see 1.9% year-over-year revenue growth to $67.1 billion for the next fiscal year, ending 2023. Its EPS is estimated to increase 3% from its year-ago value to $2.04 in the next year. Over the past nine months, ACI's stock has gained 25.8%.

ACI's POWR Ratings reflect this promising outlook. The stock has an overall B rating, which equates to Buy in our POWR Ratings system. ACI has an A grade for Value, and a B grade for Quality. Among the 39 stocks in the Grocery/Big Box Retailers industry, it is ranked #10.

Click here to see the additional POWR Ratings for ACI (Growth, Momentum, Sentiment and Stability).

Macy's, Inc. (M)

Formerly known as Federated Department Stores, Inc., M is an omnichannel retail organization that operates under the Macy's, Bloomingdale's, and bluemercury brands. It sells a range of merchandise, including apparel and accessories for men, women, and kids, cosmetics, home furnishings, and other consumer goods. As of January 30, 2021, the company operated 727 store locations in 43 states.

This month, Nina Parker, TV host and content creator, launched a plus-size collection exclusively for M that features versatile pieces that customers can mix and match in their everyday life. Bringing in this talent to M's assortment of products should allow the company to grow its customer base and increase its sales.

M's net sales increased 56% year-over-year to $4.71 billion in the first quarter, ended May 1, 2021. The company's operating income came in at $215 million, compared to an operating loss of $4.12 billion in the first quarter of 2020. M's net income came in at $103 million, compared to a $3.58 billion net loss in the prior-year quarter.

The company's EPS is expected to grow 117.3% year-over-year to $0.14 for the current quarter, ending July 2021. Its $22.09 billion revenue estimate for the current fiscal year, ending 2022, indicates 27.3% year-over-year growth. M's stock has gained 238.9% over the past year.

M's strong fundamentals are reflected in its POWR Ratings. The stock has an overall B rating, which equates to Buy in our POWR Ratings system. M also has an A grade for Value, and a B grade for Quality and Growth. M is ranked #20 of 65 stocks in the B-rated Fashion & Luxury industry.

In addition to the POWR Ratings grades we've just highlighted, one can see the M ratings for Momentum, Stability and Sentiment. here.

Click here to checkout our Retail Industry Report for 2021

WMT shares were trading at $142.23 per share on Monday afternoon, up $0.48 (+0.34%). Year-to-date, WMT has declined -0.53%, versus a 12.75% rise in the benchmark S&P 500 index during the same period.

Walmart is a part of the Entrepreneur Index, which tracks some of the largest publicly traded companies founded and run by entrepreneurs.

About the Author: Samiksha Agarwal

Samiksha Agarwal has always had a keen interest in financial markets. This has led her to a career as a financial journalist. Through her extensive knowledge of fundamental analysis, her goal is to help investors identify untapped investment opportunities in the stock market.

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