How to Buy Best Buy (BBY) Stock

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Contributor, Benzinga
August 22, 2024

Best Buy (NYSE: BBY) is known as the go-to retailer for electronics, appliances, accessories and other devices. Although the story hasn’t always been rosy, Best Buy stock has managed to adapt and maintain positive growth.

The retail brand went public in 1985 and has now opened more than 1,200 stores in the U.S, Mexico, Canada, China and 9 European countries. Learn more about Best Buy and how you can buy BBY stock now (and whether you should).

How to Buy Best Buy Stock

Since going public in 1985, Best Buy (NYSE: BBY) stocks have consistently delivered. Best Buy saw a 21.3% year-over-year increase in the 3rd quarter results that ended October 31, 2020. 

Best Buy has a fast-growing online presence and offers Geek Squad services that help customers with software installation and also to fix and repair broken devices.

 If you are new to the stock market and wondering how to buy stocks, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Pick a Brokerage

Best Buy is listed on the NYSE, and like many other companies, you can buy its shares through online stock brokers. Just research and pick a suitable stock broker online.

Ensure to carry out due diligence before choosing a broker to ensure the broker matches your needs. Some charge fees and commissions for every trade, while others do not. Some of the best brokers allow you to buy fractional shares, which is a great option if you’re looking to diversify.

A fractional share is any portion of a stock or exchange-traded fund (ETF) that is less than 1. You could only buy 1 full unit of a company's shares in the past, but now you can buy pieces or fractions of a stock.

It’s easy to invest online with an online brokerage. Follow these simple steps:

1. Register and then set up an account with your preferred broker.

2. Verify your account. Most brokers require you to provide them with your Know your Customer (KYC) information before you can fund or buy stocks due to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulations.

3. Buy your stocks. Follow the instructions on your broker's platform (website or app) to make your order.

Step 2: Decide the Number of Shares You Want

Before you buy stocks of any company, you must first decide how many shares you want.  The number of shares varies depending on your purchasing power (your capital) and your portfolio's overall plan. There is no one size fits all, and ultimately, you buy according to your pocket and budget.

Step 3: Choose Your Order Type

Buying stocks with an online broker is referred to as carrying out an order. There are various types of order, and if you are new to investing, you might need to understand the different types before carrying out your 1st order. Below are some of the most popular order types available to you.

Limit Order

A limit order allows you to specify the price you want to make the purchase. In a limit order, you can only make a purchase when your specified price is reached.

Market Order

Placing a market order means you want to buy the shares at the current market price at the transaction time. For example, If the current price for Best Buy Stock is $30 and you place a market buy order, your broker will fill the order as soon as possible. You will get the shares instantly at that price as long as the price does not change before the order is executed.

Stop-Loss Order

A stop-loss order allows you to buy or sell a stock once the stock falls or rises to a particular price. This type of order is mostly used to limit or control your loss on a stock or security.

For example, let’s say you bought 5 units of Best Buy shares at $50 each. Due to unforeseen market changes, you're afraid of losing money to a dip. You could set a stop-loss order at 10% below the purchase price. 

If a dip eventually happens, you'll only lose $5 (10% of 50) for each unit of shares owned. That still leaves you with $45 for each unit of share owned.

Step 4: Execute Your Trade

To execute a trade means to complete the buying and selling of a stock or any other asset. An executed trade means the order has been filed and fulfilled. 

How does this work?

  1. After deciding what shares you want to buy and the unit, you submit an order to your broker.
  2. Your broker then sends the filled order on your behalf to the market.  
  3. The order is considered executed once it gets fulfilled.

Best Buy and Its Stock History

Best Buy is a major retailer of consumer electronics and appliances. The company was founded in 1966. It is known for customer service and a wide product variety. Best Buy has adapted to the changing retail landscape, especially with digital competition. Over the years, its stock has shown its ability to respond to market changes. This includes the growth of e-commerce and shifts in consumer behavior. This introduction will examine Best Buy's stock history. It will highlight key milestones, market performance, and strategic decisions that have impacted its valuation. Understanding this history offers insights into the company's resilience and potential in a competitive market.

What is Best Buy?

Best Buy is a well-known electronics retailer founded in 1966 and based in Minnesota. The company operates in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, making it a major player in the consumer technology market. Best Buy has two primary business divisions: Domestic and International, both offering a variety of technology products and services.

In its Domestic segment, Best Buy offers an extensive range of consumer electronics, including smartphones, televisions, and home appliances, along with services like installation and tech support. The International segment encompasses its operations in Canada and Mexico, providing similar offerings tailored to local markets.

Best Buy currently has a market cap of about $18.34 billion, indicating its important role in the consumer electronics market. The company remains competitive in technology products and services through its focus on innovation and customer service.

Best Buy Stock History

Best Buy went public in 1985, starting off with a relatively low stock price. Since then, the company has faced various market changes, including a notable drop in stock price to $11.20 in 2012, largely due to heightened competition and difficulties in the retail industry.

The downturn continued into 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic impacted retail performance; however, Best Buy adapted by enhancing its online presence and implementing safety measures in stores. This led to a remarkable recovery, with the stock reaching impressive highs of $124.89 in 2021, reflecting strong consumer demand for electronics during remote work and learning.

Strategic efforts, like improving customer engagement and broadening services, played a role in the stock's rebound after 2020. In summary, Best Buy's stock performance shows its ability to withstand market variances, characterized by key instances of decline and recovery that have influenced its standing in the retail sector.

Why Should You Buy Best Buy Stock?

Investing in Best Buy stock can be a smart choice for all types of investors. Best Buy is a major electronics retailer. It has shown an ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences and the rise of e-commerce. The company has strong financial performance. Its online presence and focus on customers contribute to its appeal as an investment. Best Buy is also committed to sustainability and engaging with the community. This enhances its brand reputation and fosters customer loyalty. The company has various growth strategies, including service expansion and strategic partnerships. Best Buy could be a valuable addition to any investment portfolio.

Strong Market Position

Best Buy holds a strong position in the market. It has a large share and significant influence. The company benefits from innovative products, advanced technology, and strategic partnerships. These advantages improve operational efficiency. They also set Best Buy apart from competitors and attract consumers. This results in strong customer loyalty. Such loyalty ensures steady revenue, even during market ups and downs. Best Buy focuses on quality and excellent customer service, building a solid reputation. These factors support the company’s growth and help it adapt to changes in the market. A strong market position includes not just finance, but also building trust and providing value to customers.

Robust Financials

In Q2 2024, Best Buy reported strong financial results. Revenue grew by 18%, from $200 million in Q2 2023 to $236 million in Q2 2024. This increase stemmed from higher market demand and more product offerings. Profit margins improved from 25% to 30% due to better efficiency and cost management. Operating cash flow rose by 24%, reaching $70 million. This shows the company's ability to generate cash from its core operations. The cash flow supports further investments and ensures stability. Best Buy's digital transformation and targeted marketing efforts increased customer engagement, improving acquisition and retention rates. Overall, Q2 2024 shows Best Buy's strong financial health and strategic focus for future success.

E-commerce Growth

Best Buy has seen significant revenue growth due to the rapid rise of e-commerce in Q2 2024. More people are shopping online because it is convenient and supported by better digital infrastructure. To take advantage of this trend, Best Buy has invested in technology, logistics, customer data analytics, and cybersecurity. These efforts have improved transactions and supply chain management. As e-commerce grows, Best Buy is positioned to maintain strong revenue and earnings per share (EPS) growth. By making these strategic investments, Best Buy can better meet customer needs and increase its market share.

Diverse Product Range

Best Buy offers a wide variety of products. These include home essentials, personal care items, tech gadgets, and sustainable options. The home essentials are functional and stylish. The personal care line uses organic ingredients and eco-friendly packaging. Best Buy’s tech gadgets make everyday tasks easier. Their sustainable products focus on reducing environmental impact. Best Buy caters to many customers, from busy professionals to eco-conscious individuals and tech lovers. Their diverse offerings meet different needs and lifestyles.

Strong Dividend Yields

Best Buy has a strong dividend yield of 4.41%. This makes it an appealing choice for investors seeking income from dividends. The high yield shows the company's commitment to returning value to shareholders. For income-focused investors, Best Buy offers a reliable cash flow, especially when stable returns are hard to find. Consistent dividend payments indicate good financial health and profit generation. Investing in Best Buy offers the potential for capital growth and an attractive yield that boosts overall returns. The company prioritizes shareholder returns, making it a good option for balancing income with growth. Its approach to rewarding investors while maintaining financial stability positions it well in the market.

Considerations Before Buying Best Buy Stock

Investing in Best Buy stock requires research. Understanding factors that affect the company's performance is crucial. Best Buy is a major retailer of consumer electronics and appliances. Its stock performance can be influenced by financial health, market trends, competition, and the economy. Investors should look at Best Buy’s strategies, including its e-commerce changes and consumer behavior shifts. This guide will highlight key points to help investors make informed decisions before buying Best Buy stock.

Financial Health

As of Q2 2024, Best Buy's financial situation is mixed. The company saw a 10% increase In revenue, showing strong demand. However, the net profit margin dropped by 5% from last year due to higher operational costs and more competition. On the positive side, Best Buy improved its debt-to-equity ratio from 1.5 to 1.1, indicating better financial stability. Customer retention also increased by 15%, which is a good sign for future revenue. Yet, the company faces challenges. Operating expenses rose by 20% mainly due to higher marketing costs and supply chain issues. Addressing these challenges is crucial to maintain profitability. In summary, while Best Buy has strong revenue growth and lower debt, it must pay attention to the decline In profit margins and rising expenses for long-term health.

Market Competition

Best Buy has a strong position in the retail market, especially in consumer electronics and appliances. The company offers a wide range of products and has strategic partnerships. Its well-known brand helps it maintain market share and influence pricing. However, Best Buy faces tough competition from both brick-and-mortar stores and online retailers like Amazon. The retail landscape is changing quickly due to new technology and changing consumer habits. To stay ahead, Best Buy must innovate and improve customer experiences while adapting to new trends.

E-commerce Strategy

Best Buy has improved its e-commerce strategy. This is vital for competing in today's retail market. The company has invested in its digital transformation. It has upgraded its online platform and optimized its supply chain. Best Buy has also enhanced its digital marketing. These changes have helped the company capture more online shoppers. The online market is very competitive and faces financial risks and shifts. Best Buy must continue to innovate its e-commerce approach. Staying updated on market trends will help the company address challenges and seek growth opportunities.

Recent economic analyses show a rise in consumer debt. This raises concerns about spending habits. As consumers focus on paying off debt, companies like Best Buy may experience a drop in sales for electronics and appliances. To adapt, Best Buy needs to change its inventory and pricing strategies. They should attract budget-conscious shoppers with competitive prices and promotions. Focusing on essential products will help keep customers engaged as household budgets shrink. Increased consumer debt also affects the retail sector, leading to potential supply chain issues and risks for investors. Best Buy must be flexible to navigate these changing economic conditions.

Dividend Yield and Future Growth

Best Buy has a dividend yield of 4.41%. This attracts income-focused investors. The company has a Growth Score of A, indicating potential for future dividend increases. Best Buy stands out among its peers in the retail industry. While many retailers struggle with dividends, Best Buy's strong financial health helps it maintain a competitive yield. The company is committed to growth. Best Buy aims to provide shareholder value through dividends. Its focus on sustainable growth aligns with its dividend goals. This makes Best Buy a solid choice for investors seeking both income and growth.

Is Best Buy Stock a Good Investment?

Best Buy stock is viewed as a potentially good investment because of its strong position in the consumer electronics and appliance retail sector. Even with tough competition from major players like Amazon and Walmart, Best Buy has managed to keep a loyal customer base thanks to its experienced staff, improved in-store experiences, and robust online presence. The company has adapted to changes in the retail environment by enhancing its e-commerce capabilities and providing convenient services such as same-day delivery.

Analysts have recently upgraded Best Buy’s stock rating from "Sell" to "Hold." This reflects cautious optimism. There are still challenges ahead. However, there is growing confidence in Best Buy's ability to handle these obstacles. The company has opportunities in the technology sector. Consumer demand for electronics remains steady. Best Buy continues to innovate as well. There is potential for stock price growth in the near future. Overall, Best Buy stock may be a promising investment for those interested in the consumer electronics market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

Is Best Buy a good stock to buy?

A

Best Buy may be a good investment due to its strong market position, e-commerce growth, and dividend yield, despite facing competition and economic risks.

Q

Does Best Buy pay dividends?

A

Yes, Best Buy pays dividends, with a yield of around 4.41%, demonstrating its commitment to returning value to shareholders.

Q

Does Best Buy pay dividends monthly or yearly?

A

Best Buy pays dividends once a year and not monthly.

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