The Current Stock Market Landscape
The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq finished Thursday trading flat, making up ground following earlier losses. Despite slightly hotter-than-projected headline inflation data, Wall Street took comfort in the fact that Core monthly CPI matched projections and Core YoY came in slightly lower than the prior month.
Wall Street is looking beyond any lingering inflation worries to earnings season. The S&P 500 traded just below its all-time highs as JPMorgan and others kick off the busy stretch of Q4 earnings.
Fastenal – A Solid Bet in Industrial Supplies
Fastenal is a wholesale distributor of industrial supplies, construction tools, safety products, and beyond, ranging from fasteners and electrical supplies to hardware, building supplies, and much more. The company offers various distribution and delivery methods, including industrial-style vending machines and other unique offerings from roughly 3,400 in-market locations that include local hubs, customer-specific onsite areas, and more.
Fastenal is less vulnerable to the boom-and-bust cycles of the broader industrial and construction segments because it doesn’t sell big-ticket items. Fastenal’s smaller components are key cogs to countless companies and industries at all times. The company has grown its sales every year since the financial crisis, including 16% sales expansion last year.
Fastenal is projected to post 5% revenue growth in 2023 and 6% higher sales next year to boost its adjusted earnings by 6% both periods. Fastenal’s positive EPS revisions help it land a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) right now. The company also boasts an impressive balance sheet that has allowed it to boost its dividend by significant margins recently.
Stride, Inc. – An Education Firm on the Rise
Stride is a top digital education firm with offerings that reach students of all ages in the U.S. and globally. The company’s various services serve K–12 students and parents, as well as adult learners, school districts, businesses, the military, and beyond.
Stride’s revenue climbed 9% in its fiscal 2023 and 10% in FY22, after it soared 48% during FY21 (boosted by Covid). The firm’s positive quarterly results and upbeat guidance are backed by its strength in the career learning segment, especially from its middle and high school cohort.
Zacks estimates call for Stride’s revenue to climb another 9% this year and over 6% higher next year, while its adjusted earnings are projected to soar by 35% and 13%, respectively. Stride shares have climbed 155% in the last three years to outperform the S&P 500’s performance. The company’s stock has significant room to grow, trading far below its historical highs and at a compelling discount to its 10-year median valuation.
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