Liz Claiborne
"Liz Claiborne (LIZ, NYSE, around $46), which designs and markets lines of clothing and accessories for the career woman, as well as men's sportswear, is in a class by itself," says Ruta Financial Newsletter of Bronxville, N.Y.
"Regardless of economic conditions, we expect the company to continue to increase its market share over the next 12 months. Our best estimate is that this stock can double in price in the next few years. This is an outstanding company . . . We rate the stock a buy."
CML
"CML (CML, NYSE, around $35), an attractively positioned specialty retailer, is well-situated to exploit growth in the fitness market," says Franklin's Insight of Boston.
"Its Nordic Track product is a cross-country skiing simulator whose sales have grown at a 57 percent compound annual rate over the last four years, and show no sign of abating. In 1990 the company expanded . . . into retail formats.
"Overall, CML is poised to exploit the fitness and environmental movements."
Costco
"Costco (COST, OTC, around $78) operates 62 wholesale cash-and-carry stores in 10 states. Its huge retail warehouses are restricted to fee-paying members. The growing number of cost-conscious consumers has boosted the company's results," says Warrior Investment Guide of West Vancouver, British Columbia.
"Sales have grown from $175 million in 1980 to an estimated $15 billion for 1990. The stock trades at very high valuations. The stock is an exciting speculation for venturesome investors."
"The growth outlook for Home Depot (HD, NYSE, around $60) remains very strong," says William Smith of Smith Barney. "In fact, we look for the company to grow at a 30 percent annual rate. Far and away the leader in the home center industry, Home Depot ended 1990 with 145 stores in 12 states, bringing in $3.8 billion in sales.
"Given that the company operates in only three regions of the country, we believe there remains ample opportunity for future expansion. We rate the stock a buy."