Defensive stocks are defined as the stocks in companies that are grouped in sectors supplying goods and services in constant demand as essentials, and thus, do not follow trends of popularity. ...

Core Viewpoint - As the stock market approaches all-time highs, investors are looking for defensive options, with Coca-Cola and Pepsi being prime candidates due to their consistent performance during market corrections [1] Company Performance - Coca-Cola's return on invested capital (ROIC) is 18%, showing a positive trend towards 20% or higher, while Pepsi's ROIC is at 14%, indicating a decline in recent quarters [3][4] - Coca-Cola's fiscal 2025 earnings per share (EPS) rose 3% to $2.98, with a projected 8% increase to $3.22 for FY26, alongside a sales increase of 3% for FY25 and a projected 5% increase to $51.01 billion for FY26 [6] - Pepsi's FY25 EPS is expected to slightly dip to $8.12 but is projected to rebound by 5% to $8.55 in FY26, with sales expected to rise 2% for FY25 and 4% to $97.07 billion in FY26 [9] Valuation and Dividend Analysis - Pepsi trades at 16 times forward earnings and near 2 times forward sales, aligning with industry averages, while Coca-Cola trades at a premium of 6 times forward sales [10] - Coca-Cola offers a 3% annual dividend yield, matching the industry average, while Pepsi has a higher yield of 4%, with both companies classified as "Dividend Kings" for increasing dividends for over 50 consecutive years [12] Investment Outlook - As 2026 begins, Pepsi appears to meet more investor criteria despite Coca-Cola's stronger ROIC, with Coca-Cola potentially facing short-term weakness due to its higher valuation compared to Pepsi and its beverage peers [13]

Key Takeaways TPB relies on habitual consumer products, helping support steadier demand during economic slowdowns.JNJ benefits from non-discretionary healthcare demand and a diversified pharma and medical tech portfolio.NEE blends regulated utility stability with long-term growth from renewables and energy infrastructure.As investors look ahead to 2026, caution is gradually replacing confidence. After an extended period of market strength, supported by innovation-led growth and steady consumer activity, exp ...

Within the context of an increasingly unpredictable market, I am looking to gradually increase my position in defensive stocks with a decent dividend. My strategy is to look for relatively safe investments. I intend to furtherAnalyst’s Disclosure:I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of DUK either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no ...

Core Viewpoint - Tech stocks have significantly contributed to market gains, but there is a shift towards cyclical stocks as attractive investment opportunities for the upcoming year [1] Group 1: Investment Strategy - The chief market strategist at Bank of America recommends a barbell approach, balancing investments between tech and cyclical stocks [2] - Cyclical stocks are expected to rebound as the economy recovers, with sectors like industrials, materials, and financials highlighted for potential opportunities [2] Group 2: Economic Outlook - Despite a softening labor market with rising layoffs, the job market is adjusting rather than entering a downturn, indicating resilience [3][4] - Key drivers for economic growth in 2026 include continued consumer spending, capital investments, a weaker dollar benefiting exports, and global growth [5] Group 3: Monetary Policy - Anticipated fiscal and monetary stimulus, including two Federal Reserve interest rate cuts in 2026, is expected to stimulate economic activity [6] Group 4: Market Performance - Year-to-date returns for industrials, materials, and financials sectors are 17.4%, 4.5%, and 10.8% respectively, compared to a 16.4% rise in the S&P 500 [7] - Cyclical stocks have outperformed defensive stocks, leading to a valuation premium for US cyclical stocks [8]

Core Insights - Defensive stocks like Carrefour SA are currently not attracting investor interest as markets are trading near all-time highs [1] Group 1: Market Context - The current market environment is characterized by high trading levels, which typically leads to a lack of focus on defensive stocks [1] Group 2: Investment Approach - The investment strategy discussed includes a focus on fundamental long-term perspectives, with a history of investing in REITs, preferred stocks, and high-yield bonds since 2011 [1] - The approach also incorporates combining long stock positions with covered calls and cash secured puts [1]

Core Viewpoint - The economic landscape is improving, leading to optimism for a Santa Claus rally in the stock market, particularly benefiting consumer spending and defensive stocks [1][14]. Market Outlook - Analysts are bullish on the Santa Claus rally, with predictions that the S&P 500 could exceed 7,000, supported by easing recession risks and favorable fiscal policies [2]. - Consumer confidence data indicates a mixed outlook, suggesting that discount retailers may experience higher growth during the festive season [3][4]. Key Retail Stocks TJX Companies (TJX) - TJX operates off-price retail brands like TJ Maxx and Marshalls, which are less threatened by online shopping due to their unique business model [5]. - The company plans to expand its global presence from 5,100 to at least 7,000 stores, offering significant discounts of 20% to 60% [6]. - UBS maintains a Buy rating for TJX with a price target of $172, indicating strong potential for holiday sales [7]. Walmart (WMT) - Walmart is a leading discount retailer in the U.S., with a significant presence of 10,000 stores across 19 countries, traditionally seeing increased sales during the holiday season [8][9]. - The company reported Q3 2025 earnings per share of 58 cents, exceeding expectations, and raised its net sales growth forecast to between 4.8% and 5.1% for the year [10]. Walt Disney (DIS) - Disney, while not a discount retailer, is well-positioned for price-conscious consumers due to its competitively priced entertainment offerings [11]. - The company has seen growth in its Disney+ and Hulu services, gaining 2.6 million subscribers in the last quarter, which is expected to continue as families seek entertainment during the holidays [12][13].

Core Insights - The healthcare sector has significantly outperformed the broader market, with the S&P 500 Healthcare Sector index rising over 6% since mid-October, compared to a mere 0.05% increase in the S&P 500 index [1] Group 1: Performance Drivers - Major pharmaceutical companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have positively impacted the sector by securing a deal with the Trump administration, allowing them to avoid tariffs for three years and gain access to Medicare and Medicaid patients for their GLP-1 drugs [3] - Eli Lilly's third-quarter results exceeded Wall Street expectations, leading to a 27% increase in its share price over the past month, significantly influencing the sector's performance due to its large market cap [4] - Pfizer also entered a similar agreement with the White House, resulting in a 4% increase in its stock price over the past month [5] - AbbVie reported strong quarterly results, with a 6% increase in its stock price, and projected significant future revenues for its drugs [6] - Amgen's stock surged nearly 15% after reporting better-than-expected revenue and earnings, with its cholesterol drug showing promising results [7] Group 2: Market Sentiment - There is a noticeable flight to safety among investors, as concerns about market overvaluation grow, leading to increased interest in defensive stocks like healthcare [8] - The healthcare sector, along with consumer staples and energy, has outperformed technology and consumer discretionary sectors, indicating a shift in investor sentiment [9]

Core Insights - Defensive stocks have been underperforming the market for an extended period, indicating a potential opportunity for investors [1] - Recent signs suggest that defensive stocks may be on the verge of a comeback, making them reasonably valued [1] Summary by Category Market Performance - Defensive stocks have lagged behind the broader market for too long, highlighting a trend that may be reversing [1] Valuation - Current valuations of defensive stocks appear reasonable, suggesting that they may offer attractive investment opportunities [1] Recovery Signs - Emerging indicators point towards a potential recovery in defensive stocks, which could lead to improved performance in the near future [1]

Group 1 - iREIT+HOYA Capital focuses on income-producing asset classes that provide sustainable portfolio income, diversification, and inflation hedging [1] - The market is experiencing significant volatility, with 500-point swings in the Dow Jones Industrial Average becoming common [2] - The investment strategy emphasizes defensive stocks with a medium- to long-term horizon [2]