CNBC's Jim Cramer reviewed recent market action and made the case for Procter & Gamble. He drew a distinction between companies like the consumer giant, which makes use of new technology, and tech hyperscalers that spend billions on artificial intelligence to compete with each other."My favorite tech stocks right now are the business-to-business users of technology," he said. "I think these companies will increasingly be given a chance to buy amazing tech that will help them cut costs and bring new products ...

Core Insights - Procter & Gamble's stock has underperformed compared to the S&P 500 and consumer staples ETFs over the past five years, with a return of $1 for every $5 returned by the S&P 500 [6][11] - The company has a strong portfolio of well-known brands but has not seen significant stock price appreciation, leading to perceptions of its shares as underperforming [2][4] - The consumer staples sector, including Procter & Gamble, has struggled to attract investor interest in recent years, particularly as market focus has shifted towards growth stocks and artificial intelligence [4][9] Financial Performance - Procter & Gamble's current market capitalization stands at $335 billion, with a current stock price of $143.45 [5][6] - The company has a gross margin of 51.23% and a dividend yield of 2.91%, reflecting its ability to generate steady income for investors [6] - In fiscal 2025, Procter & Gamble reported earnings per share of $6.51, significantly exceeding its dividend obligation of $4.48 per share, indicating strong cash flow sustainability [12][13] Dividend History - Procter & Gamble has a long-standing history of dividend payments, with 135 consecutive years of dividends and 69 consecutive years of payout increases, qualifying it as a Dividend King [12] - The company projects annual dividend payout growth of 4% to 6%, which is expected to outpace inflation in most years [12] Investment Suitability - Procter & Gamble is viewed as a reliable dividend payer, making it suitable for conservative investors, such as retirees, who prioritize income stability over capital appreciation [14] - The stock may not appeal to younger investors seeking aggressive growth opportunities, as its performance has not aligned with high-growth sectors [14]

Core Insights - Procter & Gamble (P&G) will participate in the Morgan Stanley Global Consumer & Retail Conference on December 2, 2025, with CFO Andre Schulten as a featured speaker [1] - P&G reported first quarter fiscal year 2026 net sales of $22.4 billion, reflecting a 3% increase compared to the previous year, with organic sales up by 2% [5] - The company declared a quarterly dividend of $1.0568 per share, payable on or after November 17, 2025, to shareholders of record as of October 24, 2025 [6] Company Overview - P&G operates a strong portfolio of trusted brands, including Always, Gillette, Tide, and Pampers, serving consumers in approximately 70 countries [2][3] - The company is involved in various consumer sectors, including home goods, personal care, and baby products [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a trailing 12-month top-line growth of 12% and a non-GAAP EPS growth of 14%, indicating strong financial performance and operational leverage [26][27]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company launched several new products, including a generative AI product called Dawn and a Compliance Predictor, enhancing its digital health offerings [22][23]. - The company has increased its gross margin by 200-300 basis points year on year, reflecting improved profitability [25]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company aims to help over 500 million people by 2030 through its healthcare technologies, indicating a strong market focus and growth potential [24]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has restated its 2030 strategy, focusing on product-led, customer-centric, and brand-enhanced growth, with an emphasis on increasing product velocity and profitable growth [25]. - The company is investing 6-7% of its revenues back into technology and 19% into sales and marketing to drive demand generation [27]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the role of artificial intelligence as a tailwind for the company, with ongoing experiments and product launches aimed at improving patient outcomes [21]. - The company has successfully completed acquisitions, including Ectosense and VirtuOx, to enhance its service offerings in sleep apnea testing [28][29]. Other Important Information - The company has increased its share repurchase program from $100 million to $150 million per quarter, with discussions on further increases [28]. Q&A Session Summary Question: How is artificial intelligence a tailwind for the company? - Management discussed the launch of AI-driven products like Dawn and Compliance Predictor, which enhance patient engagement and improve therapy adherence [21][22][23].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a trailing 12-month top-line growth of 12% and a non-GAAP EPS growth of 14%, indicating strong financial performance and operational leverage [26][27]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company launched several new products, including a generative AI product called Dawn and a Compliance Predictor, enhancing its digital health offerings [22][23]. - The company has increased its gross margin by 200-300 basis points year on year, reflecting improved profitability [25]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company aims to improve the lives of 500 million people by 2030, indicating a strong commitment to expanding its market impact [24]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has restated its 2030 strategy, focusing on product-led, customer-centric, and brand-enhanced growth models [25]. - The company is investing 6-7% of its revenues back into technology development and 19% into sales and marketing to drive demand [27]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management emphasized the role of artificial intelligence as a tailwind for the company, with ongoing experiments and product launches aimed at improving patient outcomes [22]. - The company has a goal of achieving high single-digit revenue growth annually through 2030, alongside double-digit growth in earnings per share [24]. Other Important Information - The company has engaged in strategic M&A activities, including the acquisition of Ectosense and VirtuOx, to enhance its service offerings in sleep apnea testing [28][29]. Q&A Session Summary Question: How is artificial intelligence a tailwind for the company? - Management highlighted the launch of AI-driven products like Dawn and Compliance Predictor, which enhance patient engagement and improve therapy adherence [22][23].

Core Insights - Procter & Gamble (P&G) exceeded Wall Street expectations for first-quarter results, driven by strong demand for beauty and hair-care products despite economic uncertainty and higher prices [1] - The company halved its annual tariff cost estimate to approximately $400 million after tax due to Canada lifting retaliatory duties on U.S. goods, leading to a 3% increase in P&G's shares [1] Financial Performance - P&G reported core earnings per share of $1.99, surpassing estimates by 9 cents, supported by a strategy of introducing improved products at higher prices [6] - The company experienced a 50-basis-point decline in operating margins year-over-year, attributed to higher commodity costs and measures to cater to value-conscious consumers [5] Consumer Behavior - There is a bifurcation in consumer behavior, with financially stable shoppers opting for larger pack sizes while lower-income consumers are purchasing smaller packs for essential items [4] - The overall consumer environment is described as "not great, but stable," with a slight slowdown in U.S. consumption across P&G's categories [5] Pricing Strategy - P&G has raised prices in the U.S. to mitigate tariff impacts while lowering prices in Canada following the cancellation of retaliatory tariffs [3] - The company is facing increased discounting from competitors in the U.S. and Europe, particularly in fabric-care and baby-care products, prompting a focus on offering more affordable options [4]

Group 1: High-Yield Dividend Stocks - The Dow Jones Industrial Average includes 30 industry-leading companies that provide high-yield dividend stocks, offering solid options for passive income [1] - The average yield on the S&P 500 and Dow Jones ranges from 1.13% to 1.50%, with Dow Jones stocks paying yields over twice the S&P 500 average [2] Group 2: Verizon Communications - Verizon has increased its dividend for 18 consecutive years, currently offering a forward dividend yield of 6.24% with a quarterly payment of $0.6775 [4] - Verizon's trailing yield of 6.4% is significantly higher than AT&T's 4%, indicating it may be undervalued [5] - Verizon reported total revenue growth of 5.2% year over year in the second quarter, outperforming AT&T's 3.5% growth [6] - The company has over 5 million fixed wireless subscribers and aims to reach at least 8 million by 2028, with an acquisition of Frontier Communications expected to boost growth [7] - Verizon's C-band rollout is ahead of schedule, enhancing its 5G Ultra Wideband service and doubling its 5G speeds [8] - The company generated $19.6 billion in free cash flow over the last year, paying less than 60% in dividends, allowing for reinvestment in the business [9] Group 3: Procter & Gamble - Procter & Gamble has paid a dividend every year since 1890, with a portfolio of household products that ensures consistent sales [11] - Despite economic headwinds, P&G's adjusted sales and earnings grew 1% year over year in the most recent quarter [12] - The company has a profit margin of 18%, allowing it to reinvest in the business while funding dividend payments [13] - P&G has increased its dividend for 69 consecutive years, with a compound annual growth rate of 5% over the last decade, currently offering a forward yield of 2.68% [15] - The company produced $15 billion in free cash flow over the last year, paying out two-thirds in dividends [15] - Analysts expect P&G's adjusted earnings to grow at an annualized rate of 4% over the long term, with dividends likely to grow in line with earnings [16]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - ResMed achieved a 10% year-over-year reported revenue growth in Q4 FY2025, with a gross margin expansion of 230 basis points year-over-year [6][40]. - Free cash flow for FY2025 was $1.7 billion, providing significant flexibility for investments and shareholder returns [8][48]. - Net income increased by 22%, and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share rose by 23% [47]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Device sales globally increased by 8%, while masks and other sales grew by 11% on a constant currency basis [41]. - Residential Care software revenue increased by 9% on a constant currency basis, driven by strong performance in Medifox DAN and HME verticals [42]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America increased by 9%, while sales in Europe, Asia, and other regions also rose by 9% on a constant currency basis [40][41]. - Device sales in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America increased by 7%, with masks and other sales up by 12% [41]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - ResMed is focused on building a global digital health ecosystem encompassing sleep health, breathing health, and healthcare delivery in the home [6][7]. - The company aims to achieve its ResMed 2030 goal of improving the lives of over 500 million people [7]. - ResMed is pursuing tuck-in acquisitions to accelerate its growth strategy, with recent acquisitions including Sonderware and Vertuox [9][10]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate global macro uncertainties, including tariffs and trade issues [8][36]. - The company is committed to operational excellence and driving ongoing operating leverage, with expectations for gross margin to be in the range of 61% to 63% in FY2026 [43][44]. Other Important Information - ResMed's Board of Directors authorized a 13% increase in the quarterly dividend for FY2026 and plans to significantly increase share repurchase activity [13][50]. - The company is integrating its residential care software business into the broader organization to enhance operational efficiency [29]. Q&A Session Summary Question: Growth in Rest of World Devices - Management noted strong growth in Europe, Asia, and Rest of World Devices at 10%, attributed to various factors including market dynamics and demand generation activities [54][56]. Question: Gross Margin Guidance - Management highlighted that gross margin improvements were driven by procurement efficiencies and favorable foreign currency movements, with expectations for continued improvements [61][64]. Question: Roadmap for Vertuox Post-Acquisition - Management emphasized that Vertuox is part of a broader strategy to enhance home sleep apnea testing capabilities and improve patient flow through the healthcare system [67][75]. Question: U.S. Mask Growth - Management indicated that U.S. mask growth was driven by product innovations and resupply frequency, with expectations for continued strong performance [80][84]. Question: Competitive Bidding and Consolidation - Management discussed the potential impact of competitive bidding on the DME space, emphasizing the importance of advocating for patient access to care [89][96].

Core Viewpoint - Procter & Gamble (P&G) is restructuring its operations due to a slowdown in consumer spending, which includes laying off up to 7,000 workers over the next two years and potentially exiting lower-performing brands [3][4][6] Group 1: Layoffs and Workforce Impact - The layoffs will affect approximately 6.5% of P&G's total workforce, with a disproportionate impact on white-collar jobs, which will see a 15% reduction [5][6] - P&G employs over 30,000 workers in the U.S. and has a global workforce of around 108,000, with 48% of total revenues coming from the U.S. market [4][6] Group 2: Consumer Spending Trends - Consumer spending in the U.S. has slowed, with growth rates dropping from about 4% last year to around 2% this year, and organic sales for North America rising only 1% in the fiscal third quarter [3][4][6] - The CFO noted that consumer consumption has decreased to about 1% in February and March, down from approximately 3% over the past year [6] Group 3: Financial Implications - The restructuring program is estimated to cost between $1 billion and $1.6 billion, aimed at ensuring long-term business viability despite current challenges [6][8] - The company is adjusting its brand portfolio to better align with consumer demand, a strategy it has employed since its founding in 1837 [8]

Group 1: Coca-Cola - Coca-Cola is a 139-year-old brand with annual sales of $47 billion and a year-to-date stock increase of over 14% [2][4] - The company recently raised its quarterly dividend by 5% to $0.51, marking 63 consecutive years of dividend increases, with a forward dividend yield of 2.8% [3][7] - Coca-Cola maintains a payout ratio around 75% of annual earnings, allowing for continued dividend payments even during economic downturns [4][11] - In Q1, Coca-Cola's adjusted revenue grew by 6% year over year, with unit case volume increasing by 2%, indicating stable demand [4][5] - The company sees growth opportunities in emerging markets, which represent about 80% of the global population, with only North America showing a decline in unit case volume [6] Group 2: Procter & Gamble - Procter & Gamble has a strong track record of increasing dividends for 69 consecutive years, supported by a portfolio of leading brands [8] - The company reported $15.5 billion in net income on approximately $84 billion in sales over the last four quarters, demonstrating effective marketing and supply chain efficiency [9] - In fiscal 2025 Q3, P&G's adjusted sales and earnings per share rose by 1% year over year, with management expecting adjusted earnings to increase by 6% to 8% for the fiscal year [10] - P&G increased its quarterly dividend by 5% to $1.0568, resulting in a payout ratio of about two-thirds of annualized earnings, providing flexibility for future increases [11] - Investors purchasing shares at around $160 can expect a forward yield of 2.6%, with the company having paid dividends every year since 1890 [12]