From artificial intelligence to renewed excitement in cryptocurrencies, there are a lot of phenomenal growth stories driving markets right now. However, as Warren Buffett just highlighted in his 2023 annual letter to shareholders, the market is exhibiting far more casino-like behavior than in years past, tempting many to make quick money from popular trades. While these factors are driving the market, it’s important for investors to focus on owning a piece of a quality business that can grow in value over time.
Lululemon (NASDAQ: LULU), Moderna (NASDAQ: MRNA), Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Ford (NYSE: F), and Roku (NASDAQ: ROKU) are all stocks worth considering for investment in March. Each of these companies has the potential to compound and grow over time.
Lululemon Athletica has seen strong growth trends, with sales and profits exceeding previous forecasts. The company is expecting sales to rise by about 14% in the fourth quarter, translating to nearly a 20% increase for the full year. With a strong gross profit margin and operating profit, Lululemon is well-positioned for continued growth.
Moderna, despite recent setbacks, is on the verge of a major comeback. The company has several promising vaccine candidates in its pipeline, including a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine mRNA-1345, which is expected to be commercially successful if approved. Moderna’s growth prospects look promising, with potential regulatory approvals for its seasonal flu vaccine and other late-stage programs in the works.
Apple, trading at a similar valuation to the S&P 500, offers investors an above-average company at an attractive price. While near-term growth prospects may be a concern, Apple’s strong brand, high-margin services segment, and solid balance sheet make it an attractive long-term investment.
Ford, after a volatile year in 2023, has shown signs of renewed strength. The company grew its revenue by 11% in 2023 and turned a net profit, signaling a positive turnaround. With a focus on its commercial vehicles division and plans for growth in 2024, Ford is well-positioned for long-term success.
In a market driven by casino-like behavior, these stocks offer investors the opportunity to own a piece of quality businesses with strong growth potential.