It can pay off for investors to anticipate developing trends in society. For example, with the price of fuel skyrocketing in recent years, it doesn't take a genius to anticipate that the cost of flying is likely to jump. Think this through some more and you'll come up with further ramifications.
For example, Wal-Mart
At the airport, we all know that heightened security measures are causing us to spend more time waiting. And increasingly, delayed flights are doing the same. This is leading to a new niche for many retailers: airport locations. According to the FAA, bars, restaurants and stores in airports have seen their revenue rise from $6.1 billion in 2005 to $6.5 billion in 2007. At Phoenix's Sky Harbor airport, sales at food vendors and shops have risen 5% and 7%, respectively, in the first five months of 2008 vs. 2007 levels, while passenger traffic has actually fallen 4.5%.
No longer are airports dominated by fast food from Wendy's
Paying attention to developments like these can help you zero in on companies that are capturing additional value -- companies that may make for attractive investments.