Group 1 - The market is currently in a risk-on mode, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite Index nearing all-time highs [2] - The focus is on income-producing asset classes that provide sustainable portfolio income, diversification, and inflation hedging [1] Group 2 - The article emphasizes the importance of defensive stocks for medium- to long-term investment horizons [2]

Industry Overview - The U.S. utilities sector has seen a significant rise in 2025, driven by macroeconomic, regulatory, and market-specific dynamics that have renewed investor interest [2] - The S&P 500 Utilities Select Sector SPDR (XLU) has advanced by 9% as of May 2025, indicating strong performance in the sector [2] - Falling treasury yields have enhanced the attractiveness of dividend-paying stocks, including utilities, as government bond yields become less competitive [3] Market Dynamics - The appeal of defensive stocks has increased due to ongoing concerns about inflation, potential Federal Reserve rate adjustments, and geopolitical instability [2] - The imposition of 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports has raised costs for essential materials in utility infrastructure, impacting supply chains and project expenses [4] - Despite tariff-related market uncertainties, investors continue to seek refuge in utility stocks, which are perceived as defensive havens [4] Company Highlights - Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. (SWX) is a natural gas distributor with an expected earnings growth rate of 17.7% for the current year, and its earnings estimate has improved by 4.8% over the past 60 days [7] - New Jersey Resources Corporation (NJR) is also a natural gas distributor, with an expected earnings growth rate of 9.9% and a 2.9% improvement in earnings estimates over the past 60 days [8] - Telenor ASA (TELNY), a global telecommunications company, has an expected earnings growth rate of 17.1% and a 3.8% improvement in earnings estimates over the past 60 days [9] Investment Considerations - Utility stocks are generally viewed as long-term buy-and-hold options due to their regular dividend declarations and higher dividend yields compared to other equities [5] - The stocks of SWX, NJR, and TELNY benefit from investor rotation into stable, dividend-paying utility stocks, with strong growth and value indicators reflected in their VGM Scores and Zacks Ranks [10]

Group 1 - iREIT+HOYA Capital focuses on income-producing asset classes that provide sustainable portfolio income, diversification, and inflation hedging [1] - The service offers a free two-week trial to explore top ideas across exclusive income-focused portfolios [1] Group 2 - There is potential value in exploring underfollowed stocks that have experienced price declines for various reasons [2] - The emphasis is on selecting quality stocks with a defensive nature and a medium- to long-term investment horizon [2]

Core Viewpoint - The S&P 500 index has declined by 10% in 2025 due to erratic trade policies, recession fears, and high interest rates, creating opportunities for investors to find value in stocks like Dollar General and Vici Properties [1] Group 1: Dollar General - Dollar General's shares have increased by 23% year to date, significantly outperforming the market [2] - The company benefits from low exposure to tariffs, with only 10% of its merchandise affected, compared to 50% for Dollar Tree and nearly 100% for mainstream retailers [3] - The business model focuses on low-priced consumer essentials, which remain in demand during recessions [3] - Dollar General locates stores in rural and neglected urban areas, minimizing rent and labor costs, and offers a no-frills shopping experience [4] - The stock trades at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 17, below the S&P 500 average of 20, with a dividend yield of 2.5% [5] Group 2: Vici Properties - Vici Properties operates in the gambling industry but focuses on real estate, which provides a more stable investment opportunity [6] - The company utilizes triple-net leases, where tenants cover rent and other expenses, maximizing cash flow safety [7] - As a real estate investment trust (REIT), Vici returns a generous 5.3% dividend yield to shareholders [8] - Vici owns iconic properties on the Las Vegas Strip, including Caesars Palace and MGM Grand, and is diversifying into non-casino properties [9] - In 2024, Vici's revenue grew by 6.6% year over year to $976.1 million, with a 4.2% increase in dividend payout, marking the seventh consecutive annual increase since its IPO [10]

Core Viewpoint - Coca-Cola's stock has shown resilience with a recent increase of about 1.3% amid a broader market rally following a 90-day pause on tariffs, although it has only dropped about 6% since the tariff sell-off, which is in line with the average decline for consumer staples stocks [1][2]. Group 1: Market Position and Analyst Sentiment - Analysts suggest a defensive investment strategy, with Coca-Cola being recognized as a top defensive stock, partly due to its association with Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway [2][3]. - Ken Fisher, a notable fund manager, is bullish on Coca-Cola, predicting that value will outperform growth in 2025, although the company has not fully met expectations as a value stock [3]. - Coca-Cola's stock is currently rated as a Buy by analysts, with a 12-month price forecast of $74.24, indicating a potential upside of 4.05% from its current price of $71.35 [8]. Group 2: Business Model and Financial Performance - Coca-Cola operates an asset-light business model by selling syrup and concentrate to bottling partners, which contributes to a strong operating margin of 29.8%, comparable to Apple's 31.5% [5][6]. - The company is adapting to changing consumer preferences by expanding its portfolio beyond traditional soft drinks to include sparkling water, bottled water, coffee, and protein drinks, positioning itself for growth in a health-conscious market [7]. Group 3: Investment Considerations - Despite its defensive reputation, Coca-Cola's stock is considered expensive, trading at 23.5 times forward earnings, and its dividend yield is not growing as quickly as some investors desire [11]. - The emergence of GLP-1 drugs poses a risk to Coca-Cola's traditional beverage business, which may not be fully reflected in the stock's current pricing [11].

I am not an investment advisor. This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute as financial advice. Readers are encouraged and expected to perform due diligence and draw their own conclusions prior to making any investment decisions. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seek ...

Group 1 - iREIT+HOYA Capital focuses on income-producing asset classes that provide sustainable portfolio income, diversification, and inflation hedging [1] - The service offers a free two-week trial for potential investors to explore exclusive income-focused portfolios [1] Group 2 - Most brokerages allow automatic reinvestment of dividends, appealing to passive investors, but there is a preference for actively deploying proceeds into new opportunities [2] - The focus is on defensive stocks with a medium- to long-term investment horizon [2]

Economic Outlook - The U.S. economy is showing signs of potential recession, with the Atlanta Federal Reserve predicting a 2.1% decline in Q1 GDP after earlier forecasts of over 2% growth [1] Walmart - Walmart is positioned as a top defensive stock, having gained 2% during the Covid recession while the S&P 500 lost 25%, and rose 12% during the Great Recession of 2008-2009 [2][3] - The company benefits from its size and scale, providing significant buying power that allows it to be a price leader during economic downturns [4] - Walmart's extensive reach means 90% of the U.S. population lives within 10 miles of a store, which supports its Walmart+ membership growth, particularly among wealthier consumers [5] - Upper-income households, defined as those earning $100,000 or more, have been a key growth driver for Walmart, potentially increasing their patronage during a recession [6] - Walmart is also expanding its advertising and online marketplace businesses, enhancing fulfillment capabilities for third-party merchants [7] Philip Morris International - Philip Morris International's traditional cigarette business remains strong, with modest volume growth and strong pricing power, particularly in international markets [8] - The company's smokeless products, such as Zyn and IQOS, are significant growth drivers, with Zyn projected to see volume growth of 34% to 41% this year [9] - IQOS has also experienced solid growth, with plans for broader rollout in the U.S. pending FDA approval [10] - Zyn and IQOS offer better unit economics compared to traditional cigarettes, with Zyn's contribution level being six times greater and IQOS's twice as good [11] - The addictive nature of Philip Morris' products makes them resilient during economic downturns, and the company offers a 3.5% dividend yield, making it an attractive growth stock in a defensive industry [12]

The NASDAQ index has officially moved into correction territory. That means a drop of more than 10% from its most recent high in December 2024. The NASDAQ is the home of many of the best-performing technology stocks of the last two years. It’s also a home for many meme stocks that poke their heads up when markets get frothy. Even if you’re an experienced investor, moves like this can shake your conviction. However, before you consider your next move, here are some important things to consider. Get Tesla ale ...

Economic Sentiment - Investors and consumers are feeling anxious about a potential recession due to an inverted yield curve and a downward revision of GDP growth to -2.8% for Q1 2025 from +4.0% [1][2] Republic Services - Republic Services Inc. (NYSE: RSG) provides essential waste management services, insulating it from declines in consumer spending [4] - The company has shown strong financial performance with a 5.6% year-over-year revenue growth and a 16.4% improvement in net income in the latest quarter [6] - Republic Services has a moderate buy rating with a projected earnings growth of 9.48% and a healthy adjusted free cash flow of nearly $2.2 billion in 2024 [5][6] - The stock has increased nearly 26% in the year ending March 4, and 10 out of 16 analysts have rated it a buy [7] McKesson Corporation - McKesson Corp. (NYSE: MCK) is a major player in the healthcare sector, distributing pharmaceuticals and health supplies, and has seen an 18% year-over-year revenue improvement [9][10] - The company achieved an all-time high stock price in early March after growing more than 20% in the last year, with a projected earnings growth of 11.81% [9][10][12] - McKesson's strategic acquisitions and solid financial footing position it well against potential recession impacts, with 13 out of 15 analysts rating it a buy [11][12] PG&E Corporation - PG&E Corp. (NYSE: PCG) is a key player in the utilities sector, exceeding its goal of 9,000 new-service customer connections for 2024 by over 50% [13][14] - The company reported operating cash flow of $8 billion in 2024, nearly double that of the previous year, and has a projected earnings growth of 9.40% [15] - PG&E's financial position is strong, with its equity needs fully satisfied for a $63 billion capital plan through 2028, despite risks associated with climate change [15]