ZACKS·2025-03-07 17:15Core Viewpoint - The market has reacted negatively to recent tariff news and economic data indicating a slowing consumer, yet companies like Coca-Cola, Philip Morris, and Johnson & Johnson have shown resilience and strength in their stock performance during this period [1][18]. Coca-Cola (KO) - Coca-Cola exceeded consensus EPS and sales expectations with growth rates of 12% and 6% respectively, and its gross margin has improved from early 2023 lows [4]. - The company gained market share in the nonalcoholic ready-to-drink beverage sector in North America, with an impressive 11% increase in overall price/mix during FY24 [7]. - Coca-Cola has a 4% five-year annualized dividend growth rate, reinforcing its status as a Dividend King [8]. Philip Morris (PM) - Philip Morris reported a 14% growth in EPS and a 7% increase in sales, with strong demand for its products and a focus on innovation [10]. - The company’s smoke-free products surpassed 40 billion units for the first time in FY24, with net revenues for its Smoke-free Business increasing by 14.2% [11]. - PM has a market-beating annual dividend yield of 3.5% and is expected to see an 8.9% year-over-year earnings growth in FY25 [12]. Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) - Johnson & Johnson shares have shown modest growth of 5% over the past three years, compared to the S&P 500's 46% gain, but the stock's stability is a key takeaway [13]. - The company is also a Dividend King, with a 3.0% annual yield and a 5.5% five-year annualized dividend growth rate [15]. - JNJ's strong cash-generating capabilities and consistent pipeline have positioned its shares favorably, leading to a positive post-earnings movement [17].