When selected carefully, you can make bigger returns than you’d imagine over the years. So far this year, growth stocks have done extremely well. The momentum regarding these stocks is back for two reasons: investors think the reopening trade might be topping out, and growth stocks are looking more appealing from a valuation standpoint than they did before.

Growth stocks, at least in the near-term, should continue to thrive. Therefore, lets take a look at some of the fastest-growing stocks…

Fastest-Growing Stocks to Invest In

No. 4 Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG)

Chipotle has done exceptionally well this year. This fast-casual restaurant chain has now surpassed $3 billion in digital sales. It’s more than tripled from levels reported before the pandemic. Digital sales account for 48.5% of the company’s total sales, which is up 19.6% from 2019. The stocks mobile app and loyalty program can be credited for much of its success.

The fan loyalty program is a way for Chipotle to retain its customers. Its rewards members receive ten points for every $1 spent either online or on the app. This program has proved extremely successful. And it’s a way to reward those who have stuck by them through the ups and downs. Chipotle has more than doubled its rewards members since the start of the pandemic.

According to Tressie Lieberman, Vice President of digital marketing, the company just launched a new way for its rewards members to unlock extra points. This will result in members getting “free Chipotle faster.” Companies are always looking to better its relationship with customers so they don’t flee to delivery services such as Uber Eats and DoorDash.

Chipotle’s mobile app features personalization aspects where customers are given challenges to earn more points. For example, customers can get bonus points for adding guacamole to an order. The company’s continued innovation and creative ways of obtaining and retaining customers are what make them stand out amongst competitors.

Chipotle has mastered the customer experience and paired with its continued success and profitability, it’s no wonder why it’s considered to be one of the fastest-growing stocks.

No. 3 Square Inc (NYSE: SQ)

Square is an American financial services and digital payments company based in San Francisco, California. The company allows Cash App users to make in-store payments with mobile wallet. It recently announced the launch of its Square Register hardware. This new hardware could result in huge success as it will bring in larger sellers in the key international market.

The company acquired Afterpay for $29 Billion in an all-stock transaction in 2021. Square CEO, Jack Dorsey, stated that “Square and Afterpay have a shared purpose. Square was built in the hopes to make the financial system more fair, accessible and inclusive. And Afterpay has built a trusted brand aligned with those principles.” The “buy now, pay later” space has been a hot topic as of late due to people favoring online purchases.

Square started out with a little Square device that plugged into the headphone jack of the mobile device. You swiped it through and it immediately provided the seller with the credit card payment. And the seller was made immediately aware that the payment was being processed. This life-changing technology has made receiving payments effective, simple and almost instant.

Square has grown considerably over the years. Its success can be attributed to understanding the needs of sellers and how a variety of solutions is key. This seller ecosystem helps sellers sell, run and grow their business.

Since the start of the pandemic, consumers have favored contactless payment methods. This top-requested feature will only continue to benefit Square. With its continued growth, innovation and determination to understand the needs of sellers and consumers, many investors are adding it to their fastest-growing stocks list.

No. 2 Dicks Sporting Goods (NYSE: DKS)

Dick’s Sporting Goods is the largest sporting goods retailer in the U.S. Laruen Hobart, CEO of Dick’s, recently echoed a current theme amongst many retailers. The theme right now is widening margins. Recently, there’s been a huge increase in consumer spending. Companies are now starting to learn how to operate a more efficient e-commerce business. Hobart recently stated that Dick’s Sporting Goods is not only selling more outdoor items and activewear, it’s found a successful method for driving up profits.

Dick’s Sporting Goods CFO, Lee Belitsky, recently stated that profits from online sales are now equivalent with typical store sales. A large part of those profits is a direct result of customers redeeming their online purchases at the store or in the parking lot. This has definitely caught the attention of many investors. Hobart commented on the stocks 2022 outlook in a press release by saying, “Our 2022 sales and earnings outlook establishes a new foundation for us to build on in the future.”

According to Hobart, Dick’s Sporting Goods has really polished its promotions. The company has been able to monitor and adapt to the ever-changing trends by cutting or raising prices almost instantly. It definitely has a leg up in the industry due to its more exclusive merchandise. For instance, its new men’s athleisure line is a way to avoid competing only on price. Higher profits can continue for what many call one of the fastest-growing stocks, if it continues to cater to what the customers want.

No. 1 Atkore (NYSE: ATKR)

As a manufacturer and distributor of electrical raceway products, Atkore is a leader in its industry. It was founded in 1959 and is based in Harvey, Illinois. The company also produces and sells many different products including electrical conduits, metal framing, mechanical pipes, and modular support structures. Its capital turnover is better than 87.84% of U.S. listed stocks. And net sales have increased 53.6% compared to last year.

Atkore is continuing to build on its momentum in the second quarter. Bill Waltz, Atkore President and Chief Executive Officer believes the company is on track to repurchase at least a cumulative total of $400 million in shares in fiscal 2022. The company also continues to expect net sales to be up approximately 25 to 30% versus fiscal year 2021.

Atkore is the domineering supplier of an array of products used in construction and infrastructure projects. Atkore uses this to its advantage by increasing revenue which has resulted into explosive earnings growth. The stock has continued to remain attractively valued which has grabbed the attention of many investors.

The company has plans to continue its growth through acquisitions. Earlier this year, Atkore acquired FRE Composites Group, a leading manufacturer of fiberglass conduit solutions for the electrical, transportation, telecommunications, and infrastructure markets.

Its business has skyrocketed over the past year thanks to the recent recovery in industrial activity and the housing market. This has benefited Atkore’s stock from a growth and value perspective. The boom in housing and infrastructure is expected to grow in the months and year ahead. And because of this, analysts believe Atkore’s earnings will increase in 2022. So, it’s no wonder why many are adding this name to their list of fastest-growing stocks.

 Fastest-Growing Stocks for Your Portfolio

Growth stocks have not only been a popular discussion among Wall Street, they’ve been a hot topic among some of the best trading experts. These stocks are continuing to do well and beat analyst expectations. I hope you’ve found this article on fastest-growing stocks to be valuable!

The post Fastest-Growing Stocks to Consider for Your Portfolio appeared first on Investment U.

Top Back-to-School Stocks to Invest In

Logitech International S.A. (Nasdaq: LOGI)

In this new school-reopening world we live in, some schools are fully back in person, some are hybrid, and others are 100% remote. Times have definitely changed. A lot of students are now required to buy a webcam. And with remote learning comes new equipment. One of the top makers of back-to-school webcams is a company called Logitech. Bracken Darrell, President and CEO, made a statement explaining that the company is currently “working like crazy to make sure they have enough products, especially for colleges and education of all levels.”

The leader in EdTech announced the expansion of its enterprise business offerings to include individual work setup solutions. This is in addition to its already existing industry-leading meeting room video conferencing technologies. Logitech is constantly looking at ways to improve and enhance the overall employee and student experience.

The expansion of its offerings includes Logi Bolt. The new high-performance, secure wireless technology providing a solution to key imperatives for enterprise IT. Logitech is actively working to meet today’s evolving business needs. And this secure wireless connection, robust wireless signal, and cross-platform compatibility for mice and keyboards is just one of the ways it’s accomplishing those needs.

According to company executives, Logitech’s sales rose 76% to $5.25 billion. Sales are up from $792 million the previous year. In a recent statement, it’s non-GAAP earnings per share rose 199% to $6.42, up from just $2.15 last year. Logitech has reported excellent financial performance. Bracken Darrell recently stated that Fiscal Year 2021 has been the company’s best year yet. With remote and hybrid learning being at the forefront of this year’s back-to-school environment, Logitech will only continue to succeed and grow. So keep your eye on Logitech when considering back-to-school stocks.

Walmart (NYSE: WMT)

When shopping for back-to-school supplies, Walmart is at the top of everyone’s list. It has every essential item a student will need. In May, the company announced its Q1 revenue of $138.3 billion. This is a $3.7 billion increasefrom the prior year. Last year the company reported $134.62 billion in Q1 revenue. That’s a huge increase… it even exceeded Wall Street’s predictions of $131.97 billion. And net income rose to $2.73 billion, up from $3.99 billion the previous year. Walmart came in at $559 billion in fiscal 2021.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and more recently, rising concerns of the Delta Variant, Walmart has continued to perform. Customers were more inclined to shop online during the height of the pandemic but as companies start to reopen and mandates are being lifted, people are feeling more comfortable shopping in-store. Customers are picking up school supplies, bicycles, athletic gear, and just about anything else they need from their nearest Walmart.

The stock has continued to beat analyst expectations and is a name worth adding to your back-to-school stocks shopping list. Its online shopping access and online groceries are what make it a strong stock through thick and thin, all year round. Whether customers continue to shop online or in-store, Walmart is set to benefit.

Levi Strauss & Co. (NYSE: LEVI)

Levi, the worldwide known clothing brand, could make a solid addition to your back-to-school stocks portfolio. The popular jean giant took a hit during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic but has since seen positive returns. The company announced Q2 earnings reporting net revenues of $1.3 billion, up 156% from last year. Levi closed its doors in all areas affected by COVID-19. 17% of its stores were closed during the quarter but 92% of its stores are currently open.

The company has done a fantastic job capitalizing on denim trends. Fashion is constantly changing and evolving. The new fashion trend is what many are calling “comfy casual,” definitely a transition from the formal attire many considered to be in style not too long ago. Levi spots these trends and continues to shift and cater to what current and potential shoppers are looking for. Chip Bergh, President and CEO, recently stated that it will be focusing on “emerging stronger with their strategic priorities of leading with their enduring brand, accelerating their direct-to-consumer connections, and diversifying across categories, channels and geographies.”

Following its recent earnings report, Harmit Singh, CFO of Levi, expressed his satisfaction with the company’s results. Due to the significant increase in revenue in comparison to last year, the executive team is raising expectations for revenues and profits as they look forward. Dividends are now back to the pre-pandemic levels. As Levi carries on with expectations for revenues and profits, it’s going to be a name many investors will keep their eye on. With students going back to school, the retail industry is set to soar.

Apple Inc. (Nasdaq: APPL)

Today’s back to school shopping list is much different than it was a few years ago. Wearing the best-looking clothing and holding the hottest new gadgets are all the rage these days. Smartphones, tablets, and laptops have become the new fad amongst today’s youth. No matter where you turn, you’ll see a teenager holding a phone, taking selfies or listening to music.

With students going back to school, whether that be remote or in person, technology is an essential must-have on many students lists and Apple is ready to provide them with the best gadgets. Apple is definitely a name you’ll want to add to your list of back-to-school stocks, and here’s why…

In addition to back to school shopping, Apple stock is set to pop ahead of the iPhone 13 reveal. In addition to the new reveal, the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus are likely to go down in price. Apple has historically cut the price on previous years’ models in an effort to stimulate demand for older products, while also drawing attention to newer products. This decrease in price has boosted iPhone sales in the past.

Apple’s market cap is currently $2.6 trillion. It announced its Q3 results and shared its June quarter record revenue of $81.4 billion, up 36% year-over-year. Apple spent the last year creating new products with the main focus on connecting people. Connecting people through technology has never been more important. Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, stated that they’ve “generated $21 billion of operating cash flow and continued to make significant investments to support their long-term growth plans.” With the company’s continued growth and immense success, it’s no wonder why investors favor this tech giant.

Crocs, Inc. (Nasdaq: CROX)

Crocs is a leader in the Footwear & Accessories industry. It’s always stepping up its game, coming out with new styles and fashion collections. When people think of crocs they think of the colored foam clogs that were all the rage in 2007. Even though that’s still the company’s most popular style shoe, it has footwear for every occasion. With school back in session, footwear is often always at the top of the list. Students want the hottest new shoes and crocs have something for everyone.

While every other company seemed to suffer in 2020, Crocs sales rose by 12% totaling $1.38 billion. Last quarter’s revenue grew 93% year over year, which demonstrated the desire for ultra-comfortable footwear that’s in place right now. The success Crocs experienced during a global pandemic is one of many reasons why investors believe it to be one of the best back-to-school stocks. Crocs is a COVID-19-era trend that will continue post-pandemic. Its constant innovation and creative marketing tactics should help it sidestep becoming the “has-been” of footwear it was all but labeled in 2008.

Crocs biggest fashion collaborations include Diplo, Post Malone, and Justin Bieber. These collaborations have been a huge contribution to sales. The company is certainly not known for its high-fashion footwear. However, once a beloved celebrity puts on a pair of the colored foam clogs, suddenly everyone wants a pair. According to the foam clog brand, it estimates revenue growth between 20% and 25% for 2021. The stock has increased 260% over the past year. Crocs has lots of growth potential and is constantly rolling out new styles.

Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT)

This retail giant has proven once again that it can withstand tough times. Target has continued to adapt to our changing environment. The back-to-school shopping season has done nothing but benefit Target. It’s not only benefiting from back-to-school shopping, it’s one of the top retailers for college students as well. Target is well-positioned to deliver another outstanding earnings report.

According to its Q2 earnings report, sales increased by 8.9% along with an increase of 12.7% in the number of transactions. Even during the height of the pandemic, customers stocked up on essentials which increased this percentage to 18.8%. According to Targets Chairman and CEO, Brian Cornell, backpacks, lunch boxes, and school uniforms are on the top of back-to-school lists. The company is seeing a strong start, which will only continue as it moves into the third quarter. Cornell believes it’s “going to be a really robust back to school and back to college season.”

Target is more than ready to appease its customers as the holiday season approaches. It’s set to add more than 100 Disney shops to its stores. These types of partnerships are what assist in the company’s growth and increase in revenue. Target is constantly working on creating new ways to retain customers. It has mastered the customer experience and knows what its buyers want. Shares have already risen 43% this year, beating analyst’s earnings expectations. The company saw a much stronger back-to-school season than it was expecting, making it a great name to add to your back-to-school stocks list.

Shopping Season for Back-to-School Stocks

Yes, kids are going back to school and workers are going back to the office, but remote learning products are now here to stay. This makes a strong case for back-to-school stocks with plays like Logitech and Apple. In terms of remote offices, there are about 50 million conference rooms around the globe and of those, less than 10% are equipped with video conferencing equipment. This trend is just getting started, and it’s here to stay.

With back-to-school season in session, it’s time for the retail industry to shine. Walmart, Levi, Crocs, and Target are among the top stocks set to benefit from this wave of eager students ready to up their wardrobe game. It’s always a challenge knowing what will benefit you financially. The stock market is anything but consistent and lucky for you, you have the opportunity to get expert advice from two of the best in the business.

If you want advice on how to navigate the market, what stocks you should have on your radar, and tips on how to become an expert trader… join Trade of the Day right now for FREE. This FREE e-letter will get you up to speed on everything you need to know about the stock market. Bryan Bottarelli and Karim Rahemtulla have been studying the markets for years and are here to help you succeed alongside them. They’ve written about back-to-school stocks before and will continue to do so. You can sign up below!

The post 6 Back-to-School Stocks to Add to Your Shopping List appeared first on Investment U.

Water is our most precious resource. Right now, it’s becoming more valuable than ever before, and nobody even realizes it.

However, it’s becoming scarcer and scarcer.

Analysts have reported that we currently have drought conditions across 99% of the Western United States. That’s up from 63% one year ago. In total, 59.2 million Americans are now living in drought-stricken areas.

As of July 31, the volume of water in California reservoirs stood at just 53% of its historical average. And on August 16, the U.S. declared the first-ever water shortage at the Lake Mead reservoir. In response, a total of 10 Western governors appealed for federal drought disaster aid.

It’s a crisis, and it’s getting worse by the day. In response, water futures are soaring and nobody seems to realize it.

This is a great time to get in on water plays seeing as water prices keep rising, and nobody is saying a word.

Best Water Stocks

Invesco Global Water ETF (Nasdaq: PIO)

Invesco Global Water ETF invests in businesses equipped to conserve and purify water for homes, businesses and industries. The stock is already up 21% this year.

With one investment in Invesco Global Water ETF, you’ll own some of the best water stocks in the world. This alone makes a great case for why many investors believe it to be one of the best water stocks. For example, here’s a list of its top ten holdings:

1. Danaher (NYSE: DHR)
2. Ecolab (NYSE: ECL)
3. Ferguson (LON: FERG)
4. Geberit (SWX: GEBN)
5. Pentair (NYSE: PNR)
6. Roper Technologies (NYSE: ROP)
7. Waters (NYSE: WAT)
8. American Water Works (NYSE: AWK)
9. Veolia Environment SA (OTC: VEOEY)
10. Ideanomics (Nasdaq: IDEX)

There are worsening supply and demand imbalances, unmistakable proof of climate change and a hesitancy to address water conservation and purification upgrades. So, it’s no wonder why many investors believe Invesco Global Water ETF is a stable and consistent way to profit.

American Water Works Company Inc (NYSE: AWK)

American Water Works is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. Specifically, it employs more than 7,000 professionals. Those professionals provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to more than 15 million people in 46 states. The company provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to its customers.

Because of the geographic diversity, the company is able to hold out against the challenges that could surface from inclement weather conditions, such as the drought in California. The company is committed to customer service, operational excellence and delivering high-quality, safe drinking water along with many other water-related services.

American Water Works management team has implemented its growth-through-acquisition strategy. Its profit and cash flow have noticeably grown and the stock has beaten the market significantly over the past decade. On average over the past three years, the company has generated annual operational cash flow that’s 39% of its overall revenue.

American Water Works added more than 11,000 customers through acquisitions in the first half of 2021. It’s continued to expand operations through acquisitions. And the company plans to add another 87,000. Over the past 10 years, it’s more than doubled its bottom line, outperforming its peers. Management expects consistent profit growth, forecasting earnings per share to rise from 7% to 10% from 2021 to 2025.

American Water Works is a stock that appeals to many types of investors. And overall, the company has an impressive growth strategy. Due to its profit growth and cash flow, it’s certainly a name to add to your list of best water stocks.

American States Water Co (NYSE: AWR)

American States Water Company has grown significantly since it was founded in 1929. Today, it’s the parent of Golden State Water Company, Bear Valley Electric Service, Inc. and American States Utility Services, Inc. The company serves over one million people in nine states.

Through its water utility subsidiary, Golden State Water Company, the company provides water service to 261,000 customer connections. Its located within more than 80 communities in Northern, Coastal and Southern California. Through its electric utility subsidiary, Bear Valley Electric Service, Inc., it distributes electricity to 24,000 customer connections. American States Water also has a contracted services subsidiary, American States Utility Services, Inc. Through that subsidiary, it provides operations, maintenance and construction management services for water distribution, wastewater collection and treatment facilities. Those operations and services are located on eleven military bases throughout the country. The operations and services are also under 50-year privatization contracts with the U.S. government. These defense contracts aid American States Water long-term revenue growth.

American States Water has gained 22.2% in the last six months and has a surprising 4.35% Q4 earnings. During the first quarter of 2021, the company invested $75 million and expects to spend around $125 million for the entire year. The spending is going towards regulated utilities. The company also filed a general rate case application for all water regions and has requested a capital budget of $450.6 million for 2021-2024. It is one of few water companies investing in enhancements, upgrades and maintenance.

Many analysts and investors believe American State Water to be one of the best water stocks to invest in. Its enormous growth prospects and solid customer base paired with its long-term defense contracts make it a solid investment for investors.

California Water Service Group (NYSE: CWT)

California Water Service Group is the third-largest publicly traded water utility in the United States. It provides high-quality water and wastewater services to more than two million people in over 100 communities.

On July 29, the company released its Q2 results. Moreover, the executive team announced a net income of $38.2 million, a $32.9 million increase from its Q2 net income of $5.3 million last year. And its operating revenue increased 21.4% in Q2 of this year. According to Martin A. Kropelnicki, President and CEO of California Water Service Group, he is pleased with these results as well as the company’s reactivation of the drought response team that helped make them a leader during the last drought.

The company has done an excellent job making critical water system improvements to reliability and safety. In addition, its focus on protecting low-income and low-water-using customers has proven successful. The conservation program that was put in place to partner with its customers has only made the company more reliable and favorable to customers and investors alike. Its conservation program is in place to set water-use reduction targets just as it did during the last drought.

Recently, California Water Service Group released two new programs to provide additional support for its customers in conserving water. These landscape and irrigation system programs will make it easier for them to reduce water use and save money. This company not only wants to succeed, it wants what’s best for its customers. California Water Service Group is not only profitable, it’s innovative and has immense growth potential, making it a name you will want to add to your best water stocks list.

Investing in Water Stocks

With water futures on the rise and water becoming more and more valuable, it’s time to add water stocks to your investment portfolio. In fact, the water companies listed above are some of the best in its industry. Now is a great time to get in water plays, but to ensure you are set up for success… it’s smart to do your research and decide what would be best for you financially.

For expert advice on the stock market and insight on an array of industries, sign up for Trade of the Day… a FREE e-letter providing you with everything you need to know to about the market. Expert traders Bryan Bottarelli and Karim Rahemtulla have been discussing the best water stocks along with many other investment opportunities. So join Trade of the Day right now to start receiving your FREE daily market insight!

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It’s important to note that gold should not be seen as a get-rich-quick investment. The real benefit gold offers investors is its ability to diversify a portfolio. Holding a small amount of gold exposure over the long-term can be beneficial in smoothing out the ups and downs along the way.

If you are worried about the current level of the stock market, and think that now is a good time to add some variation to your portfolio, you would be correct.

With slower economic growth and higher inflation, gold is set to serve as a good inflation hedge. This brings us closer to a so called “stagflation” environment, which should bode well for the precious metal.

Why It’s Time to Invest in Gold

In a rushed effort to counterbalance the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Reserve has injected more than $8 trillion into the economy. Money is pouring in from every direction. It’s being dumped in government stimulus programs, open market operations, zero percent interest rates and direct loans to businesses. The money being pumped into the economy is no doubt driving stock prices higher.

Endless money printing is only going to add jet fuel to a precious metals market that is already on fire. It’s no wonder why investors expect gold and silver to continue to rocket higher over the next few years. All metals plays have risks attached. But the biggest risk is if prices plunge. That’s not likely over the long-term, as the U.S. government wants to print as much money as possible.

So let’s get into what’s really going to shake things up in the months and years ahead, gold.

Top Two Gold Stocks to Buy

No. 2 Equinox Gold Corp (NYSE: EQX)

Equinox Gold is a mining company based in Canada. It operates seven gold mines. With its clear plan to increase production, it’s no wonder why investors believe it to be one of the best gold stocks. The company plans to increase production by advancing a slew of growth projects. Equinox Gold is certainly delivering on its growth and diversification strategy.

It has the attention of many investors; the growth potential is huge. And in just two years, it’s advancing from a single-asset developer to a multi-mine producer. A rep stated on behalf of the firm that “it’s rapidly advancing toward its vision of producing one million ounces of gold annually.”

Equinox Gold has a U.S. $400 million corporate revolving credit facility and supportive long-term shareholders. With its broad shareholder base and high-net-worth investors, the company is definitely on track to achieve its growth objectives.

Its executives and directors have personally invested in the company, which says a lot about the company’s profitability and growth prospects. They also hold more than 8% of the company. That’s one of the highest inside ownership profiles in its industry.

No. 1 Barrick Gold Corp (NYSE: GOLD)

Barrick Gold Corporation is a mining company in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It produces gold and copper with 16 operating sites in 13 countries. The company’s size and scale of operations, and continuous strive for growth opportunities makes it a solid bet in the gold industry.

Barrick Gold president and CEO, Mark Bristow, said the company has “set an emissions reduction target of 30% by 2030.” Its vision is to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. While the company has already made great progress in meeting those targets, they are always “looking at new and innovative ways to further enhance the company’s environmental credentials.”

Investing in Gold Stocks

Equinox Gold and Barrick Gold are the best gold stocks that stand to benefit in the months and years to come. And you will certainly want to be in a position to profit. People are always thinking about what will make the most amount of money in the least amount of time. This is something that many struggle with if they are not familiar with how the stock market works.

It’s important to note that investing for the long term has many benefits. In fact, it allows you to protect yourself during the rocky stages. This makes investing in gold appealing to many growth investors.

Protect your wealth and grow your income for the long term. Even though there is no way to know what will happen in the near future, you should always be thinking about how you can capitalize your gains for months, and years to come.

The post Best Gold Stocks to Balance Your Portfolio appeared first on Investment U.

However, if you look towards the short-term, say six months from now, many analysts believe the travel industry will rebound. Even though many travelers are postponing, there are still a good number of people tired of being stuck at home and are eager to get out. When we start to see some sort of normalcy return, there are few best travel stocks that should be on your radar.

Best Travel Stocks

Delta Air Lines, Inc (NYSE: DAL)

Delta is a leader in domestic and international travel. It’s one of the major airlines of the U.S. Once again proving it deserves to be known as the leader in its industry. Delta has ranked number one in reliability and experience, putting it on top for the third year in a row.

With COVID-19 numbers on the rise, many companies in the air travel industry have been suffering. Delta has experienced much turbulence due to the pandemics cause of demand problems. However, many people are tired of continuing to cancel their long-awaited reunions with family and loved ones due to the Delta variant.

And according to a recent survey, 26% of people say they plan to travel in October. It won’t be long before people get that itch to travel again. And when they do, Delta will surely be on investors lists of best travel stocks. As people look to reconnect and explore new destinations, the travel industry stands to benefit. In the U.S., air travel has hit two million daily passengers. This number is much higher than the low of around 90,000 daily passengers in April 2020.

CEO, Ed Bastian sees a light at the end of the tunnel for Delta. He event went as far as to comment, “Domestic leisure travel is fully recovered to 2019 levels.” Individual business travel is at about 43% of 2019 levels, but analysts are confident it will climb back up to 79% in 2022. It’s expected to be at full recovery by 2024.

Nobody knows what’s going to happen. But when things start opening up again and people get antsy being cooped up indoors, there’s one thing a good number of them will want to do… travel. The travel industry will surely benefit from this and Delta stands to profit.

Airbnb (Nasdaq: ABNB)

Airbnb operates an online marketplace for lodging, with a focus on homestays for vacation rentals and tourism activities. After being hit hard by COVID-19, Airbnb is set to soar post-pandemic. It’s definitely a company that should be on your list of best travel stocks.

Due to the increase in remote workers, the company could stand to benefit in the long-term. The company reduced expenses, so it will likely operate more efficiently in the aftermath. As long as people have internet connection, they can work anywhere.

Even though its shares fell 30% over the past six months, analysts have been growing more bullish. Following the company’s earnings report last week, a few analysts reiterated buy ratings on the stock and increased their 12-month price targets. In addition, one analyst reaffirmed an outperform rating for shares.

Airbnb has been demonstrating strong cash flow. And paired with its scalable business model, a $93 billion market cap doesn’t seem too expensive for a growing company.

During a call with analysts, CEO Brian Chesky magnified the company’s sales growth, projecting that the Airbnb’s next quarter will be “our strongest revenue quarter ever.” He went on to say that it “speaks to the inherent resiliency of our business.”

Airbnb’s “funds receivable” account increased from $4.4 billion in Q2 of 2019 to $6.3 billion in Q2 of 2021. The account is defined as the amount that Airbnb holds on behalf of customers who have made a reservation for the future, but have not yet taken their trip. This 43% increase indicates that people are ready to travel, despite the Delta variant. And it makes a strong case for what’ll be happening six months from now.

Airbnb seems like a risk vs. reward scenario that’s worth taking.

Marriott International (Nasdaq: MAR)

What’s next for this hotel giant post-pandemic? According to Marriott CEO Tony Capuano, “We’re actually seeing really strong recovery of demand in a variety of our largest markets. He went on to say that “it’s not just leisure demand, which is the thing that is really encouraging for us.” This strong recovery might just be the deciding factor in investors considering it to be one of the best travel stocks this year.

COVID-19 caused historic levels of low occupancy for the travel and hotel industry. It prompted massive job cuts and hotel closures. Marriott, the world’s largest hotel operator, took a massive hit during the pandemic, recording its first full-year loss in more than a decade.

Like many of its competitors, the company has introduced new cleaning procedures to entice travelers. It even cut back on offerings in an effort to return to profitability. Marriott’s efforts were apparent in its second-quarter results. The company’s net income soared to $422 million from a net loss of $234 million just a year earlier.

Travelers are venturing out again. An estimated 48 million Americans traveled during the busy Fourth of July weekend. Yes, that was before COVID-19 cases began to spike again. But it’s only a matter of time before people begin traveling again and once business travel starts up again, hotels along with airlines will surely stand to profit.

Walt Disney Co (NYSE: DIS)

Disney is one company that has definitely been hit hard throughout the pandemic. When things were looking better and travel bans were being lifted, many travelers flocked to Disney with their friends and family. Disney recently saw a huge spike in sales and net income since before the pandemic. The multinational mass media and entertainment giant recently announced a 45% sales spike for the fiscal third quarter.

After being shutdown many times throughout these past 17 months, Disney’s parks are now open. The company instituted price increases at its parks that could make them more profitable than before the pandemic. With many travelers making Disney their vacation destination, it’s no wonder why investors are keeping this stock on their radar as one of the best travel stocks.

Theme parks and products revenue nearly quadrupled to $4.3 billion as resorts opened back up. Disney estimates the segment will see operating income increase by $2.2 billion in the current quarter. Analysts are expecting earnings per share (EPS) to rise 18% in the current fiscal year, followed by a 112% jump in fiscal 2022.

All of this uncertainty is creating an opportunity for long-term investors to buy Disney stock. The company will only continue to please its customers and investors, regardless of the volatility in the near term.

Investing in the Travel Industry

With so much uncertainty out there, there’s really no way of knowing what will happen in the near future. However, what we do know is that people will feel the need to take off and go on vacation. Being at home 24/7 has not been easy for everyone. Reports have already shown that travelers are putting on their exploring hats and are hiking or flying to their next adventure.

Delta, Airbnb, Marriott and Disney are the best travel stocks that stand to benefit from the new travel surge we will most likely be seeing in the short term. Many investors have been skeptical regarding the travel industry but when travel and tourism start picking back up, you will want to be positioned to profit.

There is so much to learn about stocks and investing. What stocks should I buy? How can I best tackle the uncertainty of the stock market? These are questions many investors, new and seasoned, ask themselves. So, if you’re ready to begin or continue your trading journey, it’s time you sign up for Trade of the Day. This FREE e-letter provides analysis, tips and more from two of the best trading experts, Bryan Bottarelli and Karim Rahemtulla. Click here to sign up now!

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Biden’s “Build Back Better” campaign promise addresses the following…

• Transportation
• Clean water
• Universal broadband
• Clean power
• Remediation of legacy pollution
• Efforts to address climate change.

As the bill made its way through Congress, many investors kept an eye on these three best infrastructure stocks.

Three of the Best Infrastructure Stocks to Invest In

No. 3 Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT)

Caterpillar is the world’s largest construction-equipment manufacturer. It’s an American Fortune 100 corporation, specializing in design, development, engineering, manufacturing and marketing. The company sells machinery, engines, financial products and insurance to customers. It does this through a worldwide dealer network.

If the global economy continues its cyclical recovery, combined with the major infrastructure spending planned over the next decade, Caterpillar stands to benefit. It has been reporting strong earnings recently. The stock is up about 4% over the past three months. Caterpillar reported $2.69 in adjusted per-share fourth-quarter earnings from $13.8 billion in sales. A year ago, the stock reported $2.12 in per-share earnings from $11.2 billion in sales. Caterpillar is not only a strong company but also a great value play.

Demand channels such as housing have jumped higher throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, Caterpillar stock may be a name you can trust over the long haul.

Its construction and infrastructure equipment, paired with its mining and aggregates equipment sector, offer a strong tailwind even in the face of an inflationary environment. The largest construction-equipment manufacturer will be one of the best infrastructure stocks to invest in.

No. 2 Vulcan Materials Company (NYSE: VMC)

Vulcan Materials Company is an American company based in Birmingham, Alabama. It’s principally engaged in the production, distribution and sale of construction materials.

It’s the country’s largest producer of construction aggregates, such as crushed stone, sand and gravel. Vulcan is also a major producer of aggregates-based materials, leaving no question as to why it’s on many investors’ lists of infrastructure stocks to invest in. Vulcan essentially puts the “build” in “Build Back Better,” so it’s no wonder why investors are putting this name on their list of best infrastructure stocks to invest in.

The company has received strong support from investors. For the quarter ending December 31, 2021, revenue was $1.606B, a 36.69% increase year-over-year. The stock is up 7.98% so far this year. And the all-time high Vulcan Materials stock closing price was $210.53 on January 04, 2022.

Betting on the best infrastructure stocks is not necessarily a safe bet. However, Vulcan is a critical investment, so you really can’t go wrong with this stock.

Best Infrastructure Stocks No. 1 Alcoa Corporation (NYSE: AA)

Alcoa is an American industrial corporation. In fact, it’s the world’s eighth-largest producer of aluminum. And its corporate headquarters are in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It conducts operations in 10 countries.

Alcoa benefited from the COVID-19 pandemic. And it’s optimistic about the future due to the prospects of higher government spending. However, its stock took a hit when the trade war between the U.S. and China began. A Bloomberg report from September 2019 stated…

The market is bracing for another sharp increase in inventories as demand growth stops completely. Aluminum has fallen to a two-and-a-half-year low as slowing global growth and the U.S.-China trade war hurt demand for the metal used in airplanes, automobiles and beer cans.

Today, Alcoa is up 149.70% so far this year. It’s the highest overall rated company in the Aluminum industry. So, it’s no surprise that Alcoa stock is in high demand.

The stocks fourth quarter results showed that the company increased revenue to $3.3 billion. This is a 7 percent sequential increase and highest quarterly result since fourth Quarter results in 2018. It also posted highest annual net income of $429 million and earnings per share of $2.26. Alcoa generated revenue of $12.2 billion. This is an increase of 31 percent from 2020 and the highest since 2018.

Analysts expect Alcoa to post earnings of $2.75 per share. This would result in a year-over-year growth of 248.1%. Alcoa remains a strong investment for at least the remainder of the year. This stock is definitely one to watch and add to your list of best infrastructure stocks.

Beneficiaries of the Infrastructure Bill

Caterpillar, Vulcan and Alcoa are three companies that have benefited from the bill. For those wondering how to start investing and what stocks to invest in, infrastructure stocks seem to be the way to go in our current market climate. There are few areas where the government can really make a difference in the short term, and infrastructure is at the top of that list.

Caterpillar, Vulcan and Alcoa are three stocks many investors are keeping their eyes on as some of the best infrastructure stocks to invest in. With the economy needing a boost, this year could be the year to cash in.

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When I think of the best growth stocks in the market right now, three companies come to mind. These companies are forward-thinking and profitable and have immense growth potential.

Growth Stocks to Invest In

Joann Inc. (Nasdaq: JOAN)

Joann Inc. is the largest public arts and crafts retailer. Moreover, it’s one of the fastest-growing businesses in its industry. The creative products industry is a large and growing market. According to a 2017 Association for Creative Industries (AFCI) study, it has a market size in excess of $40 billion. It’s also currently experiencing a significant acceleration for product demand in response to heightened do-it-yourself (DIY) customer behavior due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Joann is seeing amplified participation from both new and existing customers.

The company’s momentum throughout the pandemic has been maintained by those participating in new at-home projects. This is also influencing the continued rise of online marketplaces. Many Joann customers use the products they purchase for their online marketplace-based businesses. Increased digital engagement is another key element of Joann’s growth. This is because it has positioned itself and its go-forward strategies to capitalize on increased demand for creative products.

With the goal of helping every customer find their creative “happy place,” Joann serves as a favorite one-stop shop. It has everything needed to achieve any project or passion. And according to Earnest Research, Joann has seen an average 22% growth in year-over-year sales since May 3, 2020. However, due to rising prices in petroleum-based products, and higher-than-expected shipping costs, the company did not meet analysts expectations for its most recent earnings announcement.

That being said, according to Wade Miquelon, president and chief executive officer, “During fiscal 2022, we achieved a number of critical milestones which we expect will underpin our continued growth longer term.” He continued by saying that “Despite significant supply chain headwinds and disruptions, our top-line improved by 8% compared to pre-pandemic levels.” So it’s no wonder why investors believe this stock to be one of the best growth stocks to invest in this year.

Cleveland-Cliffs (NYSE: CLF)

Cleveland-Cliffs is a vertically integrated steel producer. It has the unique advantage of being self-sufficient with its production of raw materials for steelmaking operations. It’s the largest and oldest independent iron ore mining company in the U.S.

Cleveland-Cliffs is currently earning unbelievable profits. And analysts predict that the company will earn more than $5 per share this year. This is immense earnings growth compared with previous years. In 2017 and 2019, Cleveland-Cliffs earned just over $1 per share. It pulled in $5.98 through 2021. And, annual revenue growth jumped from$2 billion in 2019 to $20 billion in 2021.

The steel-mining giant purchased two big competitors last year, AK Steel and ArcelorMittal USA. Cleveland-Cliffs is now a fully-integrated producer and the largest flat-rolled steel and iron ore pellet producer in North America. These acquisitions came at a great time for Cleveland-Cliffs and might just make it a bet worth taking in the infrastructure industry.

President and CEO Lourenco Goncalves stated that the company “achieved record performance in 2021.” He went on to say that “Our efforts have not gone unnoticed by investors, as our one-year, three- year and five-year total shareholder returns are higher than our peer group.” It’s no wonder why many investors favor the stock, considering the timely enhancements it made just ahead of an industry boom.

Chewy (NYSE: CHWY)

Chewy is an online retailer of pet food and other pet-related products. And many investors believe it’s one of the top growth stocks to invest in. Its mission is to be the most trusted and convenient online destination for pet parents everywhere. The company is such a relationship-based company that its employees know customers’ pets’ names and birthdays. The company will even send a condolences gifts/cards when a customer’s pet passes away. Chewy is known for being a very customer-centric company. This makes it very different from many large companies, like Amazon.

You can buy pet food anywhere. However, Chewy is one of those companies that wants to form a relationship with its customers. It’s the one company that Amazon can’t dominate because it focuses on everything a person could need for their pets. From food and medicine to toys. Something Chewy offers that has continued to drive its recent growth is its auto-ship program. Auto-ship is the easiest way to set up repeat deliveries, and it allows you to save on regularly purchased items. This program allows for you to schedule regular deliveries of pet supplies, ensuring you never run out of your pet essentials.

The auto-ship program is key to Chewy’s success. The more customers Chewy has, the more they tend to turn to auto-ships. People know what they want each month for their pets, and that is a key factor in Chewy’s success. This recurring revenue is a leading factor in its continued growth and current growth prospects.

The leader of all things pet-related continues to deliver decent growth. Chewy has been a huge pandemic winner and will continue to ingratiate itself into our everyday lives.

Forward-Thinking

The stocks mentioned above have all been staying afloat during some tumultuous times. Even during a pandemic, these companies have reported excellent numbers. These stocks are expected to continue seeing growth in their sales and earnings in the months and years ahead. Investors are always looking for profitable opportunities in any market. They are constantly looking for growth stocks to invest in.

These stocks are some of the best in their industries. And many analysts believe they will continue to generate growth and revenue faster than other companies in the same industries.

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Investors will most likely see red in the markets in August due to the ongoing threat of the Delta variant. The upcoming Fed retreat in Wyoming in August may give investors insight into its schedule for decreasing its support of the economy.

Due to the current market weakness, I have three companies I’d like to share with you that I believe are the best stocks to buy in August. Two of these picks will be good buy and holds while the other is a good trading position.  So, let’s get into it!

Stocks to Buy in August

Carrier Global Corp (NYSE: CARR)

Carrier Global Corp is a strong performer in the Building Products & Equipment industry. Stocks in this industry reportedly score higher than 43% of the stock market. It’s up 97.72% so far this year and scores better than 75% of the overall market. Crazy, right?

Heating and cooling systems provider, Carrier, posted better-than-expected Q2 earnings. The company’s comment that “secular trends support continued growth” fully support why many investors are bullish. Carrier posted a net income of $487 million ($0.55 per share) – which is up from $261 million ($0.30 per share) one year ago. Adjusted per-share earnings came in at $0.64, which was ahead of the $0.56 FactSet consensus. Sales also rose to $5.440 billion (from $3.972 billion one year ago), which also beat the FactSet consensus of $4.957 billion.

Chief Executive, David Gitlin, said what every investor wants to hear. He stated that “Given our first half performance, healthy backlog and improved expectations for the remainder of the year, we are again raising our full-year guidance for sales, adjusted EPS, adjusted operating margin and free cash flow.” Carrier is now expecting full-year sales growth of 14% to 16%, which is a large jump up from its prior guidance of 7% to 10%.

Air quality issues are now becoming a major, major issue. For example, wildfires and smog in the West – along with a COVID-19-related air quality replacement cycle… just to name a few. And due to the public’s cautions towards cleanliness and air quality, Carrier will continue to grow and outperform as demand for its products and services continue to rise.

So, it’s no surprise why it’s one of the best stocks to buy in August and why investors are favoring Carrier as a longer-term stock holding.

First Solar (Nasdaq: FSLR)

First Solar is a solar power systems maker, providing utility-scale PV power plants and supporting services including finance, construction, maintenance and end-of-life panel recycling. In fact, it’s a leader in sustainable energy and has recently been upgraded by Susquehanna Financial to “positive” from “neutral.” This upgrade is due to upbeat management comments on solar module demand and pricing. The stock shares rose 2.9% as a result of the upgrade. The company seems to be witnessing improving demand and pricing power. With lockdowns being lifted, First Solar is set to see continued growth and increased revenue.

The company provides solar technologies through photovoltaic panels in the United States, Japan, France, Canada, India and Australia. It operates in two segments, Modules and Systems. It’s developed, financed, engineered, constructed and currently operates many of the world’s largest grid-connected PV power plants. First Solar’s experience across the solar value chain reduces risk while delivering more reliable, dependable and cost-effective solutions for its customers.

And the solar energy market is gaining momentum due to its many benefits. Affordable prices has been a major benefit. People are becoming more confident in solar technology, making it a strong competitor with other types of fuel. Its popularity is increasing worldwide with analysts predicting the industry to grow 20.5% from 2019 to 2026.

First Solar stock is on the rise after a 52-week high of $112.50 and a 52-week low of $59.52. Its technology delivers power during peak energy use and has the strongest financial stability in the industry. The use of its technology in debt-financed projects is unparalleled. Many investors see this stock as a good buy and hold making it one of the best stocks to buy in August.

Moderna (Nasdaq: MRNA)

The new CDC mask guidance is positive for Moderna as it’ll entice more people to get vaccinated. This stock continues to be a favorite among investors, and here’s why…

Moderna has transformed from a science research-stage company advancing programs in the field of messenger RNA (mRNA), to…

1. An enterprise with a diverse clinical portfolio of vaccines and therapeutics across six modalities
2. A broad intellectual property portfolio
3. And an integrated manufacturing plant that allows for both clinical and commercial production at unprecedented speed

Moderna maintains a close connection with a broad range of domestic and overseas government and commercial collaborators. This alliance has allowed for the pursuit of ground-breaking science and rapid scaling of manufacturing.

The pharmaceutical and biotechnology company now has active clinic programs in five different therapeutic areas…

1. Infectious disease
2. Oncology
3. Cardiovascular
4. Rare disease
5. Autoimmune disease

Moderna’s mRNA platform builds on continuous advances in basic and applied mRNA science, delivery technology and manufacturing. It has allowed the development of therapeutics and vaccines for all five of the therapeutic areas listed above. Today, 24 development programs are underway across these therapeutic areas.

Due to the company’s continued enhancements in the pharmaceutical industry, it’s been named a top biopharmaceutical employer by Science for the past six years. Moderna has the potential to treat and or prevent diseases that have not even been addressed today.

According to a recent study, Moderna stated that its booster shot produced a “robust” antibody response against the highly contagious delta variant. The stock also reported earnings per share of $6.46. That beats the $5.96 per share expected and revenues of $4.35 billion, above the $4.2 billion expected. With the COVID-19 booster shot underway, Moderna continues to be on investors lists of best stocks to buy in August.

Profit Off Market Weakness

Carrier, First Solar and Moderna are all stocks that have immense growth potential. But it’s true that August and September may be two of the weakest months of the year. However, if you know how to spot investment opportunities, you could be ringing in profits.

Expert traders Bryan Bottarelli and Karim Rahemtulla are always in search of the most profitable trading opportunities for their subscribers and customers. And they believe these three stocks are some of the best stocks to buy in August.

The trading duo provide excellent information on trading strategies, the stock market and more… every day in their FREE e-letter Trade of the Day. Sign up below if you wish to take the next step in your trading journey!

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