Retailers That Are Scoring Big for Investors

With earnings across the country rising and the economy appearing to be in much better shape than in the past five years, consumer spending could be poised to jump. Retail seems poised to benefit. In fact, some of the big winners this earnings season were retailers, tipping the scales and helping markets hit new highs, even if not all of them are making the grade.

Roughly 70% of U.S. GDP in 2017 ($19.39 trillion) consisted of personal consumption, broken down into goods and services, with retailers making up a majority of goods sold. Retail sales hit a record of $5.7 trillion in 2017, according to the U.S. Census. That is better than the pre-recession high of $4.4 trillion in 2007. It is also a 42% increase from 2009’s record low of $4.06 trillion.

Needless to say, these companies have a huge impact on the U.S. economy and most of these stocks are helping to prop up the market. 24/7 Wall St. has picked out some of the best performing retail stocks in 2018 and included some color, as well as a recent trading history.

Container Store Group Inc. (NYSE: TCS) has seen its shares up 138.0% so far in 2018. The stock closed most recently at $11.28, with a consensus analyst price target of $7.00 and a 52-week trading range of $3.53 to $12.42.

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Stein Mart Inc. (NASDAQ: SMRT) has seen its shares up 125.9% so far in 2018. They closed at $2.62, with a consensus price target of $2.00 and a 52-week range of $0.48 to $4.04.

Ascena Retail Group Inc. (NASDAQ: ACNA) shares are up 98.3% so far in 2018 and closed at $4.66. The consensus price target is $3.38, and the 52-week range is $1.69 to $4.95.

Five Below Inc. (NASDAQ: FIVE) shares up 63.8% year to date. The stock ended the week at $108.64, in a 52-week range of $46.00 to $109.09 and with a consensus analyst target of $103.60.

Advance Auto Parts Inc. (NYSE: AAP) shares have gained 60.2% so far in 2018. They closed at $159.72, with a consensus price target of $159.41 and a 52-week range of $78.81 to $160.63.

Macy’s Inc. (NYSE: M) shares are 43.0% higher than at the beginning of the year. The most recent close at $36.03 compares with a consensus price target of $36.23 and a 52-week range of $17.41 to $41.99.

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Kohl’s Corp. (NYSE: KSS) has seen a gain of 41.0% so far this year. Its shares last closed at $76.44, with a consensus price target of $76.35 and a 52-week range of $36.50 to $79.92.

TJX Companies Inc. (NYSE: TJX) shares are up 31.3% so far in 2018. Shares closed at $100.35, in a 52-week range of $66.44 to $101.49. The consensus price target is $98.14.

Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. (NYSE: DKS) has risen 29.3% year to date to close at $37.16 a share. The consensus price target is $39.04, and the 52-week range is $23.88 to $38.99.

Tiffany & Co. (NYSE: TIF) shares are 23.7% higher so far in 2018. The stock closed at $128.56 a share. The consensus price target is $137.04, and shares have traded in a 52-week range of $86.15 to $141.64.

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