7 Defensive Stocks to Buy as Investors Seek Shelter

Core Viewpoint - The market has shown signs of calm after recent volatility, but investors remain cautious and are likely to react negatively to bad news, making defensive stocks appealing [1][2]. Defensive Stocks Overview Campbell Soup (CPB) - Campbell Soup is a leading manufacturer of packaged foods, benefiting from increased grocery shopping during economic challenges. The company reported an average EPS of $0.74, exceeding the consensus of $0.71, and offers a dividend yield of 3.06% with a payout ratio of just under 60% [3][4]. Consolidated Edison (ED) - Consolidated Edison operates as a utility provider in New York, benefiting from its natural monopoly status. The company reported an average EPS of $1.34, beating the consensus of $1.25, and offers a forward dividend yield of 3.26% with a payout ratio of 63.69% [6][7]. Medtronic (MDT) - Medtronic specializes in medical devices and therapies for chronic diseases, reporting an average EPS of $1.30, surpassing the consensus of $1.25. The company offers a forward dividend yield of 3.45%, but has a high payout ratio of 100% [8][9]. Colgate-Palmolive (CL) - Colgate-Palmolive produces oral and personal care products, with an average EPS of $0.88, exceeding the consensus of $0.83. The company has a dividend yield around 2% and a payout ratio under 57% [10][11]. Walmart (WMT) - Walmart is a major player in retail, providing essential goods at low prices. The company has a forward dividend yield of 1.21% and a low payout ratio of 33.37%. Analysts project sales of $676.5 billion for the current fiscal year, a 13.7% increase from last year [12][13]. Philip Morris (PM) - Philip Morris, a tobacco company, reported an average EPS of $1.53, slightly above the expected $1.51. The company offers a forward yield of 4.48% with a payout ratio of 92% [14][15]. Gilead Sciences (GILD) - Gilead Sciences focuses on antiviral drugs, reporting an average EPS of $1.15, beating the consensus of $0.92. The company offers a dividend yield of 4.22% with a high payout ratio, and analysts expect revenue of $27.64 billion for fiscal 2024, a 9.1% increase from last year [16][17].