2 Surefire Dividend Stocks to Buy for the Long Haul

Core Insights - Equity markets have shown significant volatility, with fears surrounding President Trump's trade policies potentially leading to a recession and stock market decline, yet the S&P 500 has rebounded and performed relatively well [2] - Investing in strong dividend stocks is advisable during economic downturns, with Novartis and Gilead Sciences highlighted as resilient options [3] Pharmaceutical Industry Overview - The pharmaceutical industry is considered a defensive sector, performing well even during economic downturns due to the constant need for lifesaving therapies [4] - In developed countries, patients often do not bear the full cost of branded therapies due to insurance coverage, minimizing the impact of economic downturns on pharmaceutical companies [5] Novartis Company Analysis - Novartis has a diverse portfolio of over 20 branded drugs, with 14 expected to be blockbusters in 2024, including therapies for chronic heart failure, asthma, and cancer [6] - The company reported a 12% year-over-year increase in second-quarter sales to $14.1 billion, with earnings per share rising 23% to $2.42 [6] - Despite facing a patent cliff with its top-selling drug Entresto, Novartis anticipates a high-single-digit percentage growth in sales for the year [7] - Novartis's extensive portfolio across various therapeutic areas positions it well to perform during economic downturns [8]