The Nasdaq has been a surefire winner over the past two years, soaring in the double digits annually. Investors were optimistic about the potential for a lower interest rate environment ahead and the fact that such a backdrop could benefit high-growth companies. Declining rates makes it easier for them to borrow to expand -- and offer potential customers more buying power. All of this has fueled revenue growth, and investors have particularly favored companies in the hot areas of artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
In recent days, though, the momentum has screeched to a halt -- and the tech-heavy benchmark even slipped into correction territory, falling more than 10% from its last peak, on Thursday of last week. What's weighing on the market? Investors have been concerned about the economy, especially in light of President Trump's launch of tariffs on imported goods from China, Canada, and Mexico. Though the Nasdaq moved out of the correction zone, ending the week down less than 10% from its latest peak, many top Nasdaq stocks still remain in the doldrums, offering investors some great buying opportunities.
Now, when you think Nasdaq, you may immediately think of tech stocks, but the index also includes growth players across a variety of other industries -- so today's declines offer you a chance to pump up your exposure to growth well beyond just the tech arena. Let's check out two high-quality growth stocks to buy hand over fist right now.
Image source: Getty Images.
1. Intuitive Surgical
Intuitive Surgical (ISRG +1.45%) is the market leader in robotic surgery, with its flagship da Vinci platform bringing in billions of dollars in revenue annually. What I like in particular about Intuitive is its solid moat, or competitive advantage. Most surgeons train on the da Vinci, so they probably would prefer sticking with this platform rather than switching over to a rival one. On top of this, healthcare facilities spend more than $1 million to buy a da Vinci platform -- after such a significant investment, they'll want to amortize it over the long haul.
Another important point about Intuitive is it doesn't only generate income when it sells or leases out a robotic platform. It actually makes more revenue through the sales of instruments and accessories needed for surgeries -- and this forms a source of recurrent revenue since many surgical tools are disposable.
NASDAQ: ISRG
Key Data Points
Intuitive also offers a solid earnings track record and has proved itself to be a stock you can count on for growth. In the most recent quarter, revenue, the installed base of systems, and procedure volume each increased in the double digits.
Intuitive shares dropped more than 9% last week, leaving the stock trading for 64 times forward earnings estimates, down from more than 75 earlier this year. Intuitive isn't a dirt cheap stock even at today's level, but it's well worth the price considering the company's dominance in its field and strong moat.
2. Costco
What I like most about Costco (COST 0.53%) is the company generates most of its profit before you even set foot in its warehouses. That's because the wholesale club brings in this profit through its selling of memberships -- and this happens to be very high margin, since issuing memberships isn't a costly operation. It's also important to note that Costco's renewal rates consistently have come in above 90%, offering us visibility on earnings ahead.
NASDAQ: COST
Key Data Points
And one more point about memberships: The company offers a standard level of $65 annually, as well as a higher-priced executive level at $130 annually. These executive memberships have been on the rise, and in the most recent quarter increased more than 9%. They now represent 47% of all memberships and more than 70% of worldwide sales. All of this is a positive sign for growth.
Costco has grown earnings over time, and increases in return on invested capital show the company has benefited from its investment decisions.
COST Net Income (Annual) data by YCharts
While Trump's tariffs may put some pressure on Costco, the impact may be limited, since about a third of Costco's sales in the U.S. comes from imports, and less than half of that is from Canada, China, and Mexico.
Like Intuitive, Costco stock, even after an 8% loss last week, isn't the cheapest on the block. But at 53 times forward earnings estimates, it's less expensive than it was a few weeks ago when it traded for nearly 60 times forward estimates. Also like the top robotic surgery player, Costco's strengths and earnings performance over time make it worth the premium. So, today, while it's on sale, Costco is a stock to buy hand over fist in the Nasdaq correction and hold on to for the long term.
