Halloween is one of the most beloved holidays of the year–and certainly for retailers. A record 7 out of 10 Americans are projected to spend close to $8 billion (that’s with a b) on treats, costumes, and decor. According to the national retail Federation, 15.1 percent will even costume their pets.
While consumers say that the economy is going to affect their candy spend, the overall size of this holiday market is growing. With many enjoying diy costumes and reusing decorations, Halloween is still relatively small in its share of holiday spending. Consumers spend $10 and $15 billion on Father’s Day and Mother’s Day, respectively. The “winter holidays” (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa) are expected to bring in $586.1 billion of retail sales.
What this means for your portfolio
October has always been tricky for investors who prefer waiting to the end of the month to invest. But it’s a great time to start watching for potential buys. Halloween has yet to catch up with Christmas spending but we’ve created a handy Halloween index so you can track the progress.
1. Tootsie Roll Industries Inc. (TR, Earnings, Analysts, Financials): Tootsie Roll Industries Inc. (TR): Engages in the manufacture and sale of confectionery products primarily in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Market cap at $1.56B, most recent closing price at $27.44.
2. Hershey Co (HSY, Earnings, Analysts, Financials): Engages in manufacturing, marketing, selling, and distributing various chocolate and confectionery products, pantry items, and gum and mint refreshment products worldwide. Market cap at $16.22B, most recent closing price at $71.68. Hershey has strong dividends and growing profits but will consumers be affected by recent price increases?
3. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Inc. (RMCF, Earnings, Analysts, Financials): Operates as a franchiser, confectionery manufacturer, and retail operator. Market cap at $74.04M, most recent closing price at $12.32.
4. JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (JAKK, Earnings, Analysts, Financials): Designs, produces, markets, and distributes toys and consumer products worldwide. Market cap at $302.55M, most recent closing price at $13.74. Jakk’s subsidiary Disguise is a leadin manufacturer of Halloween costumes
5. Target Corp. (TGT, Earnings, Analysts, Financials): Operates general merchandise stores in the United States. Market cap at $41.91B, most recent closing price at $63.99.
6. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT, Earnings, Analysts, Financials): Operates retail stores in various formats worldwide. Market cap at $252.95B, most recent closing price at $75.25. WMT has gradually appreciated over the years. This is where most consumers will be getting their holiday paraphernalia.
7. Boston Beer Co. Inc. (SAM, Earnings, Analysts, Financials): Produces and sells alcohol beverages primarily in the United States, Canada, Europe, Israel, the Caribbean, the Pacific Rim, and Mexico. Market cap at $1.39B, most recent closing price at $107.42. The company’s core business has had some problems but Sam Adams’ seasonal brews are always a hit.
8. Seneca Foods Corp. (SENEA, Earnings, Analysts, Financials): Engages in the production and distribution of processed fruits and vegetables, frozen vegetables, and other food products in the United States. Market cap at $358.34M, most recent closing price at $30.68. Senea Foods is one the largest processors of pumpkins, second to Nestle in the US.
Written by Freda Ding.
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Dig Deeper: Access Company Snapshots, Charts, Filings
- Tootsie Roll Industries Inc. (TR, Chart, Download SEC Filings)
- Hershey Co (HSY, Chart, Download SEC Filings)
- Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Inc. (RMCF, Chart, Download SEC Filings)
- JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (JAKK, Chart, Download SEC Filings)
- Target Corp. (TGT, Chart, Download SEC Filings)
- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT, Chart, Download SEC Filings)
- Boston Beer Co. Inc. (SAM, Chart, Download SEC Filings)
- Seneca Foods Corp. (SENEA, Chart, Download SEC Filings)
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I always thought Halloween was bigger than Mothers' Day. I stand corrected. What's the source of your information?
Here's a report from 2010: http://www.ibisworld.com/Common/MediaCenter/Holid…. The proportions probably haven't changed significantly but Halloween is definitely more sensitive to the economy.
Just madness!