Key Takeaways Costco's U.S. comparable sales rose 4.7%, while other international comps grew 10.9%. June e-commerce sales at Costco jumped 11.5%, complementing its physical store gains. Costco's FY sales and EPS are projected to grow 8.1% and 11.6%, respectively.Costco Wholesale Corporation’s (COST) recent June sales data supports its reputation as a defensive retail stock. In the current economic climate, where consumer spending patterns remain mixed, Costco’s ability to generate 8% year-over-year growth ...

Core Viewpoint - The consumer staples sector is viewed as a safe investment during economic uncertainty, as it includes companies that produce essential goods that people need daily [1][5]. Group 1: Definition and Characteristics of Consumer Staples - Consumer staples stocks consist of companies that produce or sell basic goods, such as groceries and personal-care items [6]. - The Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) categorizes the Consumer Staples sector as including food and staples retail, food and beverage production, and household and personal product manufacturing [7]. - These stocks are considered defensive, generating stable revenues and producing significant free cash flow, often returned to shareholders as dividends [8]. Group 2: Investment Rationale - Investors are drawn to consumer staples stocks because they provide a steady demand for necessities, making them less sensitive to economic fluctuations [8]. - Historical performance shows that consumer staples outperformed the S&P 500 during major downturns, such as the Great Recession and the COVID-19 crash [10]. - Despite their defensive nature, consumer staples may have limited growth potential during economic expansions, as demand for basic goods does not significantly increase [11]. Group 3: Identifying Quality Consumer Staples Stocks - A quality screen for consumer staples stocks includes criteria such as being part of the S&P Composite 1500, having a long-term estimated earnings-per-share growth rate of at least 5%, and having at least five covering analysts [12][13][14]. - Stocks should also have a consensus Buy rating of 2.5 or less and a dividend yield of at least 1.5% to ensure they provide better income than the S&P 500 [15][16]. Group 4: Recommended Consumer Staples Stocks - The following companies are highlighted as strong consumer staples stocks based on the outlined criteria: - Dollar General (DG): Long-term EPS growth of 6.5%, consensus rating of 2.39, dividend yield of 2.1% [16] - Tyson Foods (TSN): Long-term EPS growth of 19.6%, consensus rating of 2.29, dividend yield of 3.5% [16] - Kroger (KR): Long-term EPS growth of 6.1%, consensus rating of 2.16, dividend yield of 1.8% [16] - Sysco (SYY): Long-term EPS growth of 6.1%, consensus rating of 2.10, dividend yield of 2.6% [16] - Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP): Long-term EPS growth of 7.2%, consensus rating of 1.91, dividend yield of 2.7% [16] - Philip Morris International (PM): Long-term EPS growth of 11.4%, consensus rating of 1.88, dividend yield of 3.0% [16] - Coca-Cola (KO): Long-term EPS growth of 6.1%, consensus rating of 1.62, dividend yield of 2.9% [16]

iREIT+HOYA Capital is the premier income-focused investing service on Seeking Alpha. Our focus is on income-producing asset classes that offer the opportunity for sustainable portfolio income , diversification , and inflation hedging . Get started with a Free Two-Week Trial and take a look at our top ideas across our exclusive income-focused portfolios.The market now appears to be back to full-on risk mode, as the S&P 500 ( SPY ) and Nasdaq Composite Index ( COMP:IND ) now sit just shy of their all-time hig ...

Core Insights - The analyst has a strong background in equity research and investment analysis, with a focus on the U.S. equity market and consumer staples sector, indicating a belief in the resilience of defensive stocks for long-term investment opportunities [1]. Group 1: Analyst Background - The analyst holds certifications as FMVA and FPWMP, which provide skills in financial statement analysis, valuation modeling, and investment portfolio construction [1]. - Participation in the CFA Research Challenge has equipped the analyst with practical experience in equity analysis and industry research [1]. - The analyst graduated with a CGPA of 3.6 in Finance from Alexandria University in 2024, showcasing a solid academic foundation [1]. Group 2: Professional Experience - The analyst has worked with a confidential client, preparing investment reports across various sectors including healthcare, consumer staples, and industrials, enhancing the ability to evaluate companies across diverse industries [1]. - In 2023, the analyst joined AIESEC, further developing leadership, communication, and teamwork skills through global exchange and project collaboration [1].

Core Viewpoint - Kroger's shares surged approximately 10% following the release of its first-quarter earnings for 2025, indicating strong investor confidence in the company's performance [1]. Financial Performance - Kroger reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.49 for the three months ending May 24, with total revenue reaching $45.1 billion. The adjusted EPS exceeded Wall Street estimates, while revenue was slightly below expectations [2]. - The company maintained its full-year earnings outlook and raised its full-year revenue outlook, reflecting confidence in its financial trajectory [2]. Sales Guidance - CFO David Kennerley announced an increase in the guidance for identical sales without fuel, now projected to be in the range of 2.25% to 3.25%. This adjustment is based on strong sales results and positive momentum, despite the uncertain macroeconomic environment [4]. Leadership and Market Position - Kroger is currently searching for a new CEO following the resignation of former CEO Rodney McMullen in March, which was linked to personal conduct inconsistent with the company's ethics policy [5]. - The company's forward price-to-earnings multiple of 15 is at the lower end of its peer group, positioning it as a defensive stock in the consumer staples sector, making it an attractive option for investors amid potential economic downturns [5].

Market Overview - U.S. stock markets experienced significant volatility in the first half of 2025, contrasting with the smooth rally of the previous two years, primarily due to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, inflation fears, and concerns over U.S. AI companies [1] - Recent positive developments in global tariffs, a declining inflation rate, and favorable economic data have led to a recovery in Wall Street, alleviating recession fears [2] Geopolitical Factors - The U.S.-China trade deal remains unfinalized, contributing to ongoing market fluctuations, alongside geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the prolonged conflict between Russia and Ukraine [3] Consumer Staples Sector - The consumer staples sector is characterized as mature and fundamentally strong, with demand for essential products being relatively immune to economic cycles, making it a defensive investment choice [5][6] - This sector is known for stable earnings and cash flows, providing a safe haven for investors during market volatility [6] Recommended Stocks - Investment in defensive stocks like consumer staples is advised to stabilize portfolios, with five high-dividend paying stocks recommended: Philip Morris International Inc. (PM), The Coca-Cola Co. (KO), Mondelez International Inc. (MDLZ), Altria Group Inc. (MO), and Corteva Inc. (CTVA) [4] Company Performance Philip Morris International Inc. (PM) - PM anticipates 2025 volume growth, with smoke-free products projected to rise by 12-14%, aiming for substantial smoke-free status by 2030 [10][11][12] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for PM are 8.1% and 13.7%, respectively, with a current dividend yield of 2.94% [13] The Coca-Cola Co. (KO) - Coca-Cola reported its ninth consecutive earnings beat in Q1 2025, driven by broad-based growth and effective execution of its all-weather strategy [14][15] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for KO are 2.5% and 3.1%, respectively, with a current dividend yield of 2.93% [15] Mondelez International Inc. (MDLZ) - Mondelez achieved 3.1% organic revenue growth in Q1 2025, supported by strategic pricing and strong performance in core categories [16][17] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for MDLZ are 5.3% and -10.1%, respectively, with a current dividend yield of 2.83% [18] Altria Group Inc. (MO) - Altria's first-quarter results were bolstered by pricing power despite weaker volumes, particularly in the smokeable product unit [19][20] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for MO are -1.4% and 5.3%, respectively, with a current dividend yield of 6.92% [21] Corteva Inc. (CTVA) - Corteva operates in agriculture, focusing on seed development and crop protection, with operations across multiple regions [22][23][24] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for CTVA are 2.5% and 16.3%, respectively, with a current dividend yield of 0.92% [25]

Key Takeaways SWX, NJR, and TELNY benefit from investor rotation into stable, dividend-paying utility stocks. The expected earnings growth rate for SWX, NJR and TELNY is 17.7%, 9.9% and 17.1%, respectively. All the stocks carry a strong VGM Score and a favorable Zacks Rank, signaling strong growth and value.Utility stocks are less affected by market volatility because of their intrinsic defensive nature. They protect investments when things are not going well. Whatever the state of the economy, a househol ...

I am an enthusiastic equity research and investment analyst with a strong interest in applying my valuation and research skills. I am a certified FMVA (Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst) and FPWMP (Financial Planning & Wealth Management Professional), credentials that have equipped me with the tools to analyze financial statements, build valuation models, and construct diversified investment portfolios. I participated in the CFA Research Challenge, where I gained practical experience in equity analysis ...

Core Insights - The analyst has a strong background in equity research and investment analysis, with a focus on the U.S. equity market and consumer staples sector, indicating a belief in the resilience of defensive stocks for long-term investment opportunities [1]. Group 1: Analyst Background - The analyst holds certifications as FMVA and FPWMP, which provide skills for analyzing financial statements and building valuation models [1]. - Participation in the CFA Research Challenge has equipped the analyst with practical experience in equity analysis and industry research [1]. - The analyst graduated with a CGPA of 3.6 in Finance from Alexandria University in 2024, showcasing a solid academic foundation [1]. Group 2: Professional Experience - The analyst has worked with a confidential client, preparing investment reports across various sectors, including healthcare, consumer staples, and industrials, enhancing the ability to evaluate companies across diverse industries [1]. - In 2023, the analyst joined AIESEC, further developing leadership, communication, and teamwork skills through global exchange and project collaboration [1].

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH) and Elevance Health, Inc. (ELV) are two of the largest healthcare plan providers in the U.S. market. Both operate at a massive scale, with strong reputations, diversified healthcare offerings and solid financial track records. They are also among the most widely held stocks in the healthcare sector, frequently seen as defensive plays in volatile markets.The health maintenance organization space has been under pressure in recent quarters due to rising costs and reimburse ...