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The stock market, often perceived as a singular entity, is actually a vast assemblage of individual companies, each with its own unique narrative. Consequently, even when the market as a whole hovers near record highs, not all stocks come with a hefty price tag. It’s more accurate to describe Wall Street not as a singular stock market, but as a market of stocks. This means there are always opportunities if you know where to look.
Below, we explore two growth stocks currently trading at enticing prices. One is near its all-time high, while the other has seen a significant decline of 65% from its peak. Remarkably, you can invest in both for under $500 today. Here’s a closer look at each.
1. E-Commerce Titan Nearing New Heights
Amazon (0.91%), a behemoth in e-commerce and cloud computing, has consistently been a rewarding investment. Despite its staggering market capitalization nearing $2 trillion, Amazon still promises substantial growth potential. It dominates the U.S. online retail space with a 38% market share and leads globally in cloud services with a 31% share. Yet, opportunities for expansion remain. E-commerce accounts for only 16% of total U.S. retail, and Amazon has significant room for growth in underdeveloped sectors like groceries and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, the global shift towards digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to bolster the cloud market further.
Analysts predict Amazon’s earnings could grow by an average of 27% annually over the next three to five years. Currently, Amazon’s stock is priced at 39 times its estimated earnings for 2024. This forward price-to-earnings ratio is appealing for a company with such a rapid growth trajectory. When evaluating Amazon based on its operating cash flow—which provides insight into its profitability before reinvestment—the valuation is near a decade low.
While Amazon’s stock is close to its all-time highs, there remains a compelling case for long-term investors to acquire a stake in this exceptional company at a comparatively attractive price.
2. Energy Drink Contender on the Rebound
Celsius (-2.64%), a rising star in the energy drink sector, has positioned itself as a formidable competitor to the well-established Monster brand. Over the past five years, Celsius has surged in popularity, achieving more than 6,000% returns at its peak. However, the stock has since plummeted by 65%, prompting investors to reevaluate its potential for a resurgence.
Celsius experienced explosive growth during the pandemic, further accelerated by a strategic investment from PepsiCo, which expanded its distribution network. Yet, as the pandemic’s impact waned, so did Celsius’s growth momentum, leading to a slowdown in revenue and subsequent stock struggles.
Despite these challenges, Celsius continues to capture market share, with a year-over-year sales increase of 23% in the second quarter, outpacing the industry’s low single-digit growth. The company remains highly profitable, with analysts forecasting an average annual earnings growth of 16% over the next three to five years.
Currently, Celsius trades at a forward P/E ratio of 40, mirroring Monster’s price/earnings-to-growth (PEG) ratio. However, Celsius’s expanding market share in the U.S. and potential international opportunities make it an attractive long-term prospect. While finding the precise bottom of a declining stock is challenging, those confident in Celsius’s future should consider a gradual investment approach to mitigate risk.
Investment Considerations: Is Amazon the Right Choice?
Before rushing to invest $1,000 in Amazon, consider this:
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