Wall Street This Week: Good News from AutoZone, Costco?
From a fast-growing maker of luxury purses hoping to bag another blowout quarter to the country's leading streaming video service rolling out another exclusive series, here are some of the things that will help shape the week that lies ahead on Wall Street.
Monday -- We Remember
It's Memorial Day, and that means that all of the stateside exchanges are closed. Of course, there will be international stocks trading. But whether you honor the spirit of the Memorial Day holiday or just see it as the start of summer and a good excuse to fire up the barbecue, there's no reason to be glued to CNBC. Your investments can wait.
Tuesday -- Checking Under the Hood
The auto parts industry has proven to be an all-weather niche. When the economy's humming along, folks are spending money on their cars. When the economy's in a funk, drivers hold on to their cars longer, and that requires more money invested in maintaining their aging vehicles.
It's against this backdrop that AutoZone (AZO) reports quarterly results on Tuesday morning. Analysts see sales climbing 6 percent higher with earnings per share soaring 16 percent. The 4,871-store chain has beaten Wall Street's profit targets every quarter over the past year, so let's not assume that analysts are being generous with their forecasts.
Wednesday -- Kors of Action
Michael Kors (KORS) continues to be the growth darling when it comes to luxury handbags. As the iconic Coach (COH) has struggled, Kors has taken market share with its fashionable purses, satchels and other accessories.
It's not even close. Analysts see Coach's sales declining 6 percent for its fiscal year ending in June. Wall Street sees Kors growing its business by 47 percent for its fiscal year that ended in March. We'll know for sure how Kors wrapped up fiscal 2014 when it reports on Wednesday.
Thursday -- Big Savings in Bulk
Another retailing niche that has seemed to have the same all-weather appeal as auto parts is the warehouse club market. Shoppers relish buying quality supermarket products in bulk, and that resonates when times are well but also plays well when consumers need to stretch a dollar.
%VIRTUAL-article-sponsoredlinks%Costco (COST) is the poster child for warehouse clubs, and it reports on Thursday. Investors shouldn't hold out for spectacular growth. That's not what Costco does. Investors flock to the stock because of its steady performance, and on Thursday the market expects to see sales clock in 7 percent higher for its latest quarter with a 5 percent uptick in earnings.
Friday -- Now Streaming
Netflix (NFLX) has achieved great success with its streaming service by landing original content. "House of Cards," "Orange Is the New Black" and the revival of "Arrested Development" have made Netflix a valuable digital platform.
One of last year's shows that didn't generate the same kind of buzz was Ricky Gervais' "Derek." Whether it was the notoriety surrounding the lead character's mentally challenged ways or just that the show originally aired on BBC, it wasn't one of Netflix's biggest additions. However, Netflix doesn't give up easily. The second season of "Derek" premieres on Netflix come Friday.
Motley Fool contributor Rick Munarriz owns shares of Netflix. The Motley Fool recommends Coach, Costco Wholesale, Michael Kors Holdings and Netflix. The Motley Fool owns shares of Coach, Costco Wholesale, Michael Kors Holdings and Netflix. Try any of our Newsletter services free for 30 days.
