Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (WMT), Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST): Being American Is Not Simply a Way–It’s A Place

Wal-Mart shares have taken a breather and retreated some 9% from its all-time high of $77.60 in mid-October. The slide is attributed to uninspiring Q3 sales. Also plaguing shares of the giant retailer are bribery allegations in Mexico, Brazil, India and China, leaving many to question if the veteran hiring program is simply for publicity. Regardless of the motive, it’s commendable.

Wal-Mart sports a decent 2.25% dividend yield. With a beta of .33, shares are much less volatile than others in the industry and the general market. The company makes money, and lots of it, from both its anchor stores and Internet sites. Global locations kick-in another 25%. Sporting a P/E of less than 13 times analysts’’ consensus of $5.40 for the remainder of this fiscal year, shares look downright cheap.

Wal-Mart’s patriotism alone is likely to draw many to the company both as a place to shop and to invest.

Applause is in order for Wal-Mart’s veteran hiring stance, or in the very least–a salute.

The article Being American Is Not Simply a Way–It’s A Place originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Diane Alter.

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