5 Best Defensive Stocks to Buy According to Ray Dalio

In this article, we will look at the 5 best defensive stocks to buy according to Ray Dalio. If you want to explore similar stocks, you can also read 10 Best Defensive Stocks to Buy According to Ray Dalio.

5. Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST)

Bridgewater Associates’ Stake Value: $580,455,000 

Percentage of Bridgewater Associates’ 13F Portfolio: 2.45%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 64

On August 31, Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) reported that its sales for August grew 11.4% year over year and amounted to $17.55 billion. As of September 21, the stock has soared 11.75% over the past twelve months and the company has trailing twelve-month free cash flows of $4.1 billion.

Wall Street analysts are bullish on Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) ahead of the company’s earnings release as they expect it to post a strong quarter. On September 12, UBS analyst Michael Lasser maintained his $595 price target and Buy rating on Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST), noting that the company is expected to deliver strong earnings. On September 21, Deutsche Bank analyst Krisztina Katai raised her price target on Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) to $581 from $579 and reiterated a Buy rating on the shares.

At the end of Q2 2022, 64 hedge funds disclosed ownership of stakes in Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST). The total value of these stakes amounted to $4.76 billion. Of those, $580 million were of Bridgewater Associates. The investment covers 2.45% of Ray Dalio’s 13F portfolio.