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2 Dow Stocks to Buy Hand Over Fist in March and 1 to Avoid
The Motley Foolยท 2025-03-06 09:06
Core Viewpoint - The article highlights two Dow Jones Industrial Average stocks, Johnson & Johnson and UnitedHealth Group, as strong investment opportunities, while Boeing is identified as a stock to avoid due to ongoing challenges and self-inflicted issues. Group 1: Johnson & Johnson - Johnson & Johnson is characterized as a low-volatility stock, with shares being less than half as volatile as the S&P 500 [3] - The company has a consistent demand for its healthcare products, leading to predictable cash flow, regardless of economic conditions [4] - A strategic shift towards brand-name drug development has resulted in innovative medicine accounting for nearly two-thirds of net sales [5] - Johnson & Johnson has achieved 35 consecutive years of adjusted operating earnings growth prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing its sustainable growth [6] - The company has had only 10 CEOs in its 139-year history, contributing to stability in leadership and growth initiatives [7] - Johnson & Johnson's forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is below 15, and it has increased its quarterly dividend for 62 consecutive years, resulting in a 3% yield [8] Group 2: UnitedHealth Group - UnitedHealth Group is another healthcare stock recommended for purchase, despite a 24% decline from its all-time high [9] - The decline is attributed to a Department of Justice investigation, the death of a key executive, and a cybersecurity attack affecting millions [9] - The company has denied allegations regarding its Medicare Advantage insurance operations, indicating strong premium pricing power in the healthcare insurance sector [10] - UnitedHealth's Optum subsidiary is a significant growth driver, providing various healthcare services and growing sales faster than the traditional insurance segment [11] - The demand for healthcare services remains consistent, making UnitedHealth's business model resilient to economic fluctuations [12] - The company's shares are trading at a forward P/E multiple of 14, representing a 28% discount to its five-year average [13] Group 3: Boeing - Boeing is identified as a stock to avoid due to significant challenges, including a 60% decline from its all-time high and ongoing production issues [14][15] - The company has reported net losses totaling $35.7 billion over six consecutive years, primarily due to self-inflicted mechanical and delivery issues [16] - Boeing's balance sheet is concerning, having issued $18.2 billion in common stock to strengthen its financial position amid production challenges [17] - The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta's GDPNow forecast predicts a 2.8% contraction in U.S. GDP, historically correlating with poor performance for Boeing during recessions [18] - Investors are advised to adopt a wait-and-see approach regarding Boeing's recovery from its production issues and balance sheet concerns [19]