Top 3 Canadian Stocks to Watch in August’24

As major market indexes continue to hit new highs this year, a recent pullback presents opportunities for those looking at reasonably priced stocks with potential for further growth. Three companies highlighted for their promising prospects are Amazon, Deckers Outdoor, and MercadoLibre.

Amazon’s Growing Profitability

Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN), a cornerstone of millions of shopping routines, has seen its profits surge as the company shifts focus from expansion to profitability. Historically, Amazon emphasized expanding its fulfillment centers to enhance delivery speed and market dominance, but it is now prioritizing profit margins. This shift has led to a notable increase in operating profit over the past year.

The company’s operating profit has risen significantly as management optimizes inventory placement. Analysts anticipate a 58% increase in earnings per share this year, with another 28% rise projected for the following year. Amazon's global e-commerce market opportunities and its lucrative cloud computing segment suggest continued growth. Despite its strong performance, the stock remains within its historical valuation ranges for both price-to-sales and price-to-earnings ratios, indicating potential for continued appreciation in value.

Deckers Outdoor’s Remarkable Performance

Deckers Outdoor (NYSE:DECK), known for its UGG brand, has emerged as one of the top-performing consumer goods stocks in recent years. Over the last five years, Deckers’ shares have surged nearly 500%, outperforming notable peers such as Lululemon Athletica, Nike, and Skechers.

Much of Deckers’ recent growth is attributed to its Hoka brand, which has overtaken UGG as the company’s leading product. In a recent fiscal first-quarter report, Hoka revenue increased significantly, driving overall revenue up by 22%. The Hoka brand, renowned for its comfortable and high-quality footwear, has expanded into new categories, including hiking and trail running, and has gained traction through fashionable collaborations.

Deckers has successfully converted this growth into profitability, with operating income nearly doubling in the latest quarter. As Hoka continues to capture more market share, the company’s margins are expected to improve further. Deckers' stock, valued at a price-to-earnings ratio of 30, reflects its growth potential, especially given the challenges in the current consumer environment.

MercadoLibre’s Expanding Dominance

MercadoLibre (NASDAQ:MELI), a leading e-commerce platform in Latin America, has experienced substantial growth in both its e-commerce and fintech sectors. Serving over 50 million people across 18 Latin American countries, MercadoLibre continues to expand its reach and improve its platform.

The company’s gross merchandise volume (GMV) has grown at a compound annual rate of 28% since 2016, with significant increases in shopper activity across various categories. Although the percentage of orders delivered within two days has decreased from 80% to 76%, this adjustment balances delivery speed with profitability. The company’s introduction of a weekly “delivery day” is both cost-effective and well-received by customers.

MercadoLibre’s extensive market reach and underpenetration in e-commerce and digital payments position it well for continued growth. The company is also exploring new business ventures, including advertising and a digital bank in Mexico. These strategic moves are expected to bolster its market dominance and sustain its growth trajectory.