We recently compiled a list of the 12 Best Consumer Discretionary Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE:ANF) stands against the other consumer discretionary stocks.
The Consumer Discretionary sector, as measured by the S&P 500 Consumer Discretionary Sector performance, surged approximately 30% in 2024, outperforming the broader market by around 6%. This sector represents a vibrant and high-growth segment of the market, driven by consumer spending behaviour, economic cycles, and product innovation. It encompasses industries such as retail, automobiles, travel & leisure, e-commerce, luxury goods, and home improvement—each benefiting from rising disposable incomes, evolving consumer lifestyles, and technological advancements.
Historically, consumer stocks have performed exceptionally well during bull markets, making them a compelling choice for growth-oriented portfolios. With GDP growth and labour market strength fuelling consumer confidence, the sector remains well-positioned to capitalize on economic expansion and increasing global wealth.
A Long-Term Growth Driver: The Rise of EVs
The rapid expansion of the electric vehicle (EV) market has emerged as a major catalyst within the Consumer Discretionary sector. As global automakers accelerate their transition toward electrification, many companies and traditional manufacturers investing in EVs have seen substantial capital inflows. Beyond revolutionizing the automotive industry, the shift to EVs is also driving demand across other adjacent sectors, including battery technology, renewable energy, and smart mobility solutions.
Christopher Tsai, President and Chief Investment Officer of Tsai Capital, highlighted the transformative outlook for EVs in his Q4 2024 investor letter, stating:
“EVs are so much more efficient than gas-powered cars, their adoption will likely follow the same exponential growth trajectory that defines nearly all disruptive technologies. Just as the spinning wheel, steam engine, automobile, cable television, and streaming services were swiftly embraced despite early skepticism, the path toward widespread EV adoption seems clear.”
Where to Find Value?
According to Jordan Michaels, Fidelity Sector Portfolio Manager for Consumer Discretionary, the sector’s performance in 2025 is expected to be influenced by macroeconomic factors, particularly the health of the job market. The trajectory of these stocks will largely depend on the resilience of U.S. consumers and broader economic conditions. If economic growth remains steady and employment remains strong, consumer spending is likely to persist. Furthermore, anticipated interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve could ease financial pressures, unlocking more cash or credit for delayed big-ticket purchases in home improvement and auto-related categories.
Jordan further emphasized investment opportunities within the sector, noting:
“With the evolving business cycle in mind, interest-rate-sensitive industries, such as auto- and home-related categories, look interesting. Not only have these groups recently sported attractive valuations, but they have tended to lead the market’s advance amid the first signs of lower interest rates because they typically benefit from increased borrowing.”
Our Methodology
To determine the 12 best consumer discretionary stocks to buy, we first compiled a list of U.S.-listed companies in the sector with strong fundamentals and a market capitalization of at least $2 billion. We then ranked them based on their potential upside, with the stock offering the highest upside placed at the top. Additionally, we included the number of hedge funds holding stakes in these companies as of Q3 2024.
Note: All pricing data is as of market close on February 12.
At Insider Monkey we are obsessed with the stocks that hedge funds pile into. The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).
A close-up of a customer trying on a piece of apparel in the retailer’s spacious dressing room, emphasizing the company’s focus on personal care and experience.
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE:ANF)
Upside Potential: 75%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 51
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE:ANF) is a global, multi-brand, digitally-led omnichannel retailer. The company offers a wide range of apparel, personal care products, and accessories for men, women, and kids. These products are primarily sold through its company-owned stores and digital channels, as well as through various third-party arrangements. The company’s brands include Abercrombie & Fitch, Abercrombie kids, Hollister, and Gilly Hicks.
Carillon Tower Advisers, an investment management company, highlighted Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE:ANF)’s weaker performance in its “Carillon Eagle Small Cap Growth Fund” Q3 2024 investor letter. Despite this, the firm remains optimistic around the valuation and continues to hold a stake as of December 2024. The firm noted:
“The stock lagged during the period despite reporting strong quarterly results and lifting forward guidance. We believe the performance is more a result of elevated investor expectations than any weakening of the underlying fundamentals, which we believe continue to remain strong.”
On January 13, the company provided a Q4 business update. It raised the Q4 2024 net sales growth outlook to a range of 7%-8% from the previous range of 5%-7%, and revised the FY 2024 sales growth forecast to 15%, up from the earlier 14%-15%, while maintaining its operating margin outlook. Despite Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE:ANF) shares dropping 16% that day, a Jefferies analyst reiterated his Buy rating and $220 price target, viewing the pullback as a buying opportunity. He believes the company’s plan for operating income and EPS to grow faster than sales is credible based on his analysis. Therefore, he remains positive on the stock.
Overall ANF ranks 1st on our list of the consumer discretionary stocks to buy according to analysts. While we acknowledge the potential of ANF as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than ANF but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and Complete List of 59 AI Companies Under $2 Billion in Market Cap.
Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.