Tecnoglass Inc. (NASDAQ:TGLS) Declares Dividend Increase – $0.15 Per ShareRetail giants Walmart ( WMT -1.22% ) and Costco Wholesale ( COST -1.72% ) have a lot in common. People go to these shopping hubs when budgets are tight. Actually, Walmart and Costco stay busy in any economy -- and despite their low-cost products and services, these companies make money by the truckload. Look up "consumer defensive" stocks in your favorite screener and sort the list by market cap . Walmart tops that list with a $734 billion market value on Dec. 27, followed by Costco at $415 billion. I'm talking about true business titans here. But should you buy Costco or Walmart stock today? You know how similar these companies can be, but let's check out how they differ, too. Retailer rockets in 2024 Both stocks have soared in 2024. Costco shares gained more than 41% this year, and Walmart investors saw a 73% share price increase. These stodgy old value stocks are behaving more like high-growth names from the tech sector. Walmart shares are trading at price-to-sales ( P/S ) ratios not seen in more than 20 years, and Costco's P/S valuation has never been this rich before. WMT PS Ratio data by YCharts. The growth gap narrows Costco used to grow its sales much faster than the retail giant from Arkansas. Costco's revenues rose 46% in the three-year period from fiscal year 2019 to 2022. Walmart's top-line growth stopped at 14.5% over that time span. But things have changed, and the two companies have shown very similar sales growth in the last two years. WMT Revenue (TTM) data by YCharts. Here's an unexpected AI leader Walmart's accelerated growth comes from a surprisingly high-tech setup. In the latest earnings call , Walmart's leaders highlighted growing e-commerce operations in places like Mexico and a growing reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) tools . "[W]e're learning and applying generative AI, AI, and machine learning to solve the practical opportunities right in front of us," said Walmart CEO Doug McMillon. One generative AI tool is helping Walmart's staff access the proprietary business data they need. A customer-facing shopping assistant with machine learning smarts has been in beta testing since the summer, and should soon become widely available. E-commerce is also a large part of Costco's business plan, but the company appears to have fewer AI projects going on. Costco leaders haven't mentioned AI in a financial call since last spring , when (now retired) CFO Richard Galanti said that the company was in "early innings" of putting this technology to use. I'm almost shocked to see Walmart taking advantage of new technology faster than Costco. It can't be easy to drive that massive business in a new direction, given the unyielding law of large numbers . But that's what I see happening today. Great stocks, bad timing So Walmart is keeping up with Costco's business growth, with assistance from a promising set of AI tools. At the same time, the retail giant's stock is less expensive than Costco's across a wide range of valuation metrics. But that doesn't make Walmart's stock a slam-dunk buy today. With a price-to-earnings ratio ( P/E ) of 37.5 and price-to-free cash flow (P/FCF) of more than 43, even Walmart's lower-priced stock looks quite expensive. This malaise extends beyond Costco and Walmart. With a couple of exceptions, the entire category of discount-priced retail stores has enjoyed stellar market performance this year -- leaving their stocks stranded at very lofty valuation ratios. This secular trend makes sense, since people have been dodging inflation since the summer of 2021. Low-priced goods are worth their weight in gold these days. Yes, I'd rather buy Walmart stock than Costco shares at the moment. But even Walmart is more of a "hold" recommendation than a flat-out "buy" idea. This just doesn't look like the right time to start a position in most discount-store stocks.
Among the tearful embraces and expressions of gratitude, the woman's eyes searched desperately for her beloved grandmother. And then, in a moment of sheer serendipity, her grandmother emerged from the shadows, unscathed and unharmed. The emotional reunion was a testament to the power of love and hope in the face of adversity, as the family embraced each other with a newfound appreciation for the precious gift of life.
Looking ahead, the outlook for private equity funds in China remains positive. With continued government support, favorable regulatory environment, and increasing investor confidence, these funds are well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities and generate attractive returns for their investors. By leveraging their expertise, market insights, and innovative strategies, these funds are poised to maintain their leading positions and further solidify their reputation as top performers in the industry.
Scotty Pippen Jr. has 30 points, 10 assists in 'phenomenal' game in dad's old stomping grounds
And as Li Ming embarked on his journey as a police officer, he carried with him the invaluable lessons and guidance imparted by Zhang Guimei, knowing that her influence would always be a guiding light in his path towards excellence.
NoneThe game was in the balance in the final minutes, with only a slim lead separating the two teams. Edwards, known for his quick dribble and accurate shots, had been a constant threat throughout the game. As the clock wound down, Peyton made a decisive move, stepping up to take on the challenge of guarding Edwards closely.
In conclusion, the rental housing market is gradually recovering, buoyed by supportive policies and improving economic conditions. While challenges remain, the recent initiatives implemented by local governments have helped stabilize the market and create a more favorable environment for tenants and landlords alike. With continued efforts and collaboration, the rental housing sector is poised to navigate through the current uncertainties and emerge stronger in the post-pandemic era.
PIAF for robust strategies as country struggling for high growthExperts Propose ‘Grand Bargain’ to Solve US Economic, Social Challenges
Duncan’s only movie theatre reopens under new name, managementChris Cenac Jr., the top center in the Class of 2025 according to the ESPN100, has committed to play for the Houston Cougars. The five-star recruit announced his decision Tuesday via the Bleacher Report's B/R App. Cenac previously said he wouldn't make his decision until the spring, but his stock soared over the summer after his impressive play on the Puma Pro 16 circuit with Dallas-based YGC, vaulting him into the national top-10 rankings. The 6-foot-10 New Orleans native was reportedly choosing between LSU, Auburn, Arkansas, Baylor, Kentucky, Tennessee and others before making the decision to join Cougars coach Kelvin Sampson's team. "I just like the coaching staff a lot, I like their plan to develop me and I like coming into a winning program," Cenac told 247Sports. "I'm looking forward to producing and just helping them win more. But the main thing was development and them being able to get me better so I can be ready for that next level." Cenac's rating of .9978 by 247Sports Composite makes him the Cougars' highest-rated commit in the modern era, according to multiple outlets. "They see me as a four who can kind of play all over the court and do everything," Cenac told 247Sports. "I can get rebounds, push the ball, shoot and play all over the floor." With Cenac joining other Houston commits like five-star shooting guard Isaiah Harwell, four-star point guard Kingston Flemings and three-star wing Bryce Jackson, Houston's Class of 2025 is ranked No. 2 in the nation by 247Sports and ESPN. --Field Level Media
In a move that underscores the ongoing efforts to overhaul and revitalize the banking sector, four more banks have recently been granted approval for dissolution. The decision to dissolve these banks comes as part of a broader strategy to streamline the financial industry and enhance efficiency in the provision of banking services.Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has commended Remoland for the progress it has made in agriculture and industrialization. Speaking at the maiden edition of the Remo Day celebration held at the Gateway International Stadium, Sagamu, Governor Abiodun said Remoland has achieved many breakthroughs in the areas of agriculture, education, science, and technology through a united front. “Over the past years, Remoland has made significant progress, from advancements in agriculture and industrialisation to breakthroughs in education and technology. These achievements highlight what a united and visionary community can accomplish. “Remoland is home to Ogun State Gateway International Airport and is also a reference to the Gateway Agro-Cargo Special Processing Zone,” he said. Abiodun said the Remo Day celebration would continue to be a shining example of how culture could help bring people together and foster a sense of pride and identity, observing that it would grow to become a major tourism activity that would attract people from around the world. The celebration, the governor added, is a testimony to the unity, resilience, and progressive spirit of Remoland, adding that it holds a central place in the government agenda for tourism potential and the socio-economic development of the state. The governor also promised that Community Development Associations whose projects engender growth and enhance development would receive funding from the state government. He noted that his administration was committed to ensuring that the grassroots experience accelerated development. He said: “I want to assure all the citizens of Ogun State that our administration will continue to support meaningful community development projects proposed by our Community Development Associations. “As a government, we are committed to ensuring that all our citizens, especially those at the grassroots, are actively involved in the development process. We will continue to provide the enabling environment for community initiatives and self-help projects.” Abiodun said his administration has worked diligently to enhance public service, improve infrastructure, and promote sustainable development, noting that the promotion and sustenance of cultural and tourism potential in Remoland for future generations would be intensified. While noting that the government alone could not shoulder the responsibility of development, Prince Abiodun called on individuals, corporate organizations, and the private sector to partner with the state government in its Building Our Future Together Agenda. The Chairman of this year’s Remo Day Celebration and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbass, noted that the House of Representatives is committed to advancing the cultural aspirations of all Nigerians. He said as the representatives of the people and the custodians of democratic ideals, it is their duty to ensure that every voice and community is heard, adding, “Our work in the House is driven by the understanding that the strength of a nation lies in the well-being of its people and the preservation of its heritage.” The Speaker reminded the people of the need to uphold their shared identity and communal spirit, as well as the foundation on which they must build a stronger nation, emphasizing that the values of unity, collaboration, and respect for diversity that define Remoland should prepare them to work towards a nation that is united, prosperous, and forward-looking. The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, in his contribution, said with more than 250 ethnic groups, each with its unique tradition, Nigeria remains a beacon of rich culture, celebrated through festivals like Arugungu, Osun-Osogbo, and the new Remo Day celebration. He said the establishment of the Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy and the efforts of the National Council for Arts and Culture underscore the importance of culture as a driver for growth and national cohesion, as it provides platforms for local artisans, encourages cultural exchange, and ensures that Nigeria’s rich heritage is celebrated globally. He urged the people to take cognizance of the importance of preserving their culture while embracing innovations that the globalized world offers, calling for the empowerment of the youth to explore creativity through workshops, mentorship, and artistic platforms. In his remarks, the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, stated the desire of the Remo and Ijebu people to have a state out of the old Ijebu Province, but emphasized, however, that the structure and shape of the new state must be deliberated to ensure transparency, equity, and equality. He said the Remo Day celebration, which would be held every 27th of December, offers an opportunity to celebrate the spirit, culture, unity, and rich heritage of Remoland, noting that it is not only a festival but a call to celebrate the achievements of the sons and daughters of the land. While commending Abiodun for being a true representative of Remoland, the monarch lauded him for bringing development to the area and the state in general, urging the people to rededicate themselves to the preservation of their culture and ensure that the zone continues to be the investors’ destination of choice. The event was attended by prominent personalities, including members of the national and state legislatures, past governors and deputy governors, traditional rulers, and captains of industry, among others, and featured displays by cultural and age groups.
In a recent statement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned a new Russian offensive utilizing a novel type of ballistic missile. He termed the attack a grave escalation in the ongoing conflict's intensity and brutality. Zelenskiy took to the social media platform X, asserting that Russian President Vladimir Putin's admission to the attack on Dnipro further claimed that Russia harbors no intentions for peace. The Ukrainian leader called for an immediate global response, highlighting the need for robust international action amidst the world's muted reactions thus far. (With inputs from agencies.)
