We recently published a list of 10 Stocks To Buy Before They Split Next. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) stands against other stocks to buy before they split next.

S&P 500: Targeting 6,000 Amid Market Optimism

There’s been a notable sense of fear among investors despite the market’s current strong performance. The upcoming weeks are expected to be particularly interesting due to the convergence of earnings reports and an impending election, alongside uncertainty regarding the Fed’s next moves. But the fact remains that the market has shown resilience, with numerous new highs for major indices this year, although investors remain skeptical. Historically, volatility tends to increase after elections as political changes take effect. Currently, volatility is relatively low but is anticipated to rise as January approaches and clarity about potential policy impacts emerges.

Despite prevailing uncertainties, there remains cautious optimism about the market’s ability to maintain its upward trajectory. In mid-October, J.J. Kinahan, IG North America CEO, joined CNBC to the skepticism displayed by investors. We covered his sentiment in our article about the 8 Best US Stocks For Foreign Investors Right Now:

“Kinahan pointed out that many investors are hesitant, particularly those in their mid-30s and younger, who have not experienced a significant downturn in the market. He explained that this demographic often perceives any market decline as temporary, lasting only a few days. He emphasized the importance of taking risks when young and noted that many younger investors are excited about their opportunities in the current market environment. This positive sentiment is particularly significant given their parents’ experiences during the financial crisis of 2008-2009.

He also speculated that part of the reason for the market’s strong performance might be attributed to older investors who have been burned in previous downturns and are now waiting for a pullback that has yet to materialize. Kinahan suggested that as these investors gradually capitulate, they may start to invest more actively in the market.”

READ ALSO 7 Best Stocks to Buy For Long-Term and 8 Cheap Jim Cramer Stocks to Invest In

Around the same time, Mary Ann Bartels, Sanctuary Wealth chief investment strategist, joined ‘Squawk Box’ on CNBC to discuss the market trends as well. On October 14, Mary Ann Bartels highlighted that the S&P 500 could reach 6,000 by year-end. However, she acknowledged that while this target is achievable, the journey may not be smooth.

Bartels noted that there could be volatility ahead, as evidenced by increased hedging activity in the market. However, she remains optimistic due to the Fed’s shift towards an easier monetary policy and the ongoing economic growth, which is supported by full employment, albeit with a slight slowdown in job creation. Importantly, she highlighted that corporate profits are on the rise, with earnings currently beating expectations by about 5%. This positive trend across fundamental and technical indicators leads her to believe that the market can continue its rally into November and December.

As the S&P 500 recently closed above 5,800 for the first time at 5,815, Bartels discussed how this milestone brings the 6,000 target closer. She echoed sentiments from Tom Lee, who suggested that market behavior could improve significantly if there is clarity regarding the outcome of the presidential election. Bartels agreed that once a winner is declared, it could trigger a relief rally as both domestic and foreign investors gain confidence in the stability of US leadership.

Turning to the Fed’s actions, Bartels addressed concerns about recent CPI and PPI data coming in hotter than expected. She described potential short-term volatility as a bucking bull, indicating that while fluctuations might occur, the overall trend remains upward. Her year-ahead thesis suggests both fixed-income and equity markets are poised for positive returns, albeit with some bumps along the way.

Bartels also advocated for buying opportunities in the current market environment. She specifically pointed to technology stocks and the NASDAQ, which has yet to hit a new record high. She believes technology will continue to lead the market, particularly emphasizing semiconductors as key drivers of growth. For investors looking to enter the tech sector, she sees this as an opportune moment.

Her perspective underscores a belief in the resilience of corporate profits and economic fundamentals amid changing monetary policies and external uncertainties. At the same time, it should be noted that the optimistic outlook for the S&P 500 targeting 6,000 is significant for stock splits as it reflects positive market sentiment, encouraging companies to make their shares more accessible to retail investors. When share prices rise, splits can attract more buyers by lowering the price per share. However, it’s important to note that a stock split does not change anything about a business’s fundamentals. A poor company will stay a poor company post-split and a good company will stay a good company.

Methodology

We sifted through financial media reports to compile a list of stocks that are likely to split. We then selected the 20 stocks that have experienced the highest gains in their share prices over the past 5 years and have a history of spitting their stock. From that, we picked the top 10 stocks that were the most popular among elite hedge funds and that analysts were bullish on. The stocks are ranked in ascending order of the number of hedge funds that have stakes in them, as of Q2 2024.

Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).

Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST)

Share Price as of October 18: $884.00

Surge in Share Price in 5 Years: 191.88%

Stock Split Confirmed: no

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 71

Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) is a membership-only big-box retailer that offers a wide variety of products at bulk prices. Membership models allow it to offer lower prices to its members, making it a popular destination for shoppers seeking value and convenience. The product offerings include groceries, electronics, clothing, household goods, and more.

Sales reached $79.7 billion in FQ4 2024, up 0.96% year-over-year. For FY2024, revenue totaled $249.6 billion, representing a 5% increase. The company’s expansion plans remain on track, with 12 more stores scheduled to open by the end of this year.

International sales grew by 5.7%, and e-commerce sales surged by 18.9%. Membership growth also remained steady, with a 7.3% increase in paid household members and a 7% increase in cardholders. Ancillary businesses and digital initiatives significantly grew. Pharmacy sales surged due to increased prescription fills, and optical sales expanded as more members took advantage of eyewear deals. Gas sales, however, declined slightly.

Peloton, the popular fitness equipment company, has recently announced a strategic partnership with Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) to sell its Bike+ stationary bikes. Starting November 1 and continuing through February 15, the company will feature the Peloton Bike+ in 300 of its US stores at a discounted price of $1,999 (compared to the regular price of $2,495 on Peloton’s website). Online shoppers can also purchase the Bike+ on Costco’s website for $2,199.

The company has already established partnerships with other major retailers like Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods, further demonstrating its commitment to expanding its distribution channels. Resultantly, it presents a compelling investment opportunity.

Parnassus Core Equity Fund stated the following regarding Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) in its Q2 2024 investor letter:

“Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) posted strong results for the third quarter of fiscal 2024, with a robust increase in net sales and strength in both U.S. and international markets. Bucking the trend of weakening demand for discretionary items that has pressured many other retailers, Costco reported growth in nonfood sales.”

Overall, COST ranks 6th on our list of stocks to buy before they split next. While we acknowledge the growth potential of COST, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold great promise for delivering high returns and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than COST but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: 8 Best Wide Moat Stocks to Buy Now and 30 Most Important AI Stocks According to BlackRock.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.