Asian shares are mixed after U.S. stocks held steadier as both bond yields and bitcoin stabilizedA person on a bicycle waits in front of an electronic stock board showing Japan's Nikkei index at a securities firm Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)BANGKOK -- Asian shares were mixed Wednesday after stocks on Wall Street held steadier as both bond yields and bitcoin stabilized.U.S. futures rose and oil prices edged higher. Tokyo's Nikkei 225 jumped 1.1% to 49,864.68 on big gains for tech ...

Core Insights - Procter & Gamble (P&G) will cease operations in Pakistan as part of a two-year restructuring plan aimed at streamlining its business [1] - The company plans to rely on third-party distributors to serve customers in Pakistan following the wind-down of its manufacturing and commercial activities [1] Restructuring Details - P&G's restructuring includes cutting 7,000 non-manufacturing jobs globally, with a significant impact on its workforce in Cincinnati, where approximately 10,000 employees are based [3] - By mid-2027, P&G aims to reduce 6.4% of its total workforce of 109,000 employees to reallocate funds for reinvestment in the business [3] Sales Performance - The company's organic sales growth for 2024 has slowed to a seven-year low, prompting a review of operations, particularly in sluggish international markets [4] - In 2023, P&G's core markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, and Western Europe, experienced a 2% organic sales growth, while "enterprise markets" lagged at just 1% [5] - P&G has previously exited markets, including Argentina and Nigeria, indicating a trend of strategic withdrawals from underperforming regions [5]

Core Insights - Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG) is recognized as one of the best consistent dividend stocks to buy now, appealing primarily to income-focused investors rather than growth-oriented ones [1][2]. Group 1: Company Overview - Founded in 1837, Procter & Gamble has evolved into a mature business focused on everyday consumer products, with revenue growth driven by new brand additions, price adjustments, and population growth [3]. - The company is well-known for its household staples, including Tide detergent, Bounty paper towels, and Gillette razors, which contribute to its brand recognition and market presence [2][3]. Group 2: Dividend Performance - Procter & Gamble has a strong track record of dividend payments, having increased its payouts for 69 consecutive years, currently offering a quarterly dividend of $1.0568 per share [4]. - As of September 12, the company boasts a dividend yield of 2.67%, positioning it among the top dividend stocks with consistent payouts [4].

Core Insights - Investors are increasingly attracted to high-dividend stocks due to anticipated interest rate cuts later this year [1] - Dividend growth among US companies has slowed, limiting opportunities for income seekers [2][3] Dividend Stock Analysis - The five largest dividend-focused exchange-traded funds experienced inflows of $17.5 billion by mid-July, nearly ten times higher than at the beginning of 2024 [2] - Companies are adopting a "wait-and-see" approach regarding dividend increases due to uncertainty in US trade policies and the broader economy [3] Methodology for Stock Selection - The list of dividend stocks was compiled from reputable sources such as Forbes, Morningstar, Barron's, and Business Insider, focusing on companies with robust cash flow and healthy balance sheets [5] - Hedge fund sentiment was assessed using Insider Monkey's Q2 2025 database, with stocks arranged by the number of hedge funds holding stakes [5][6] Company Highlights - **Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM)**: - Gained approximately 5% in 2025, with a solid growth strategy and commitment to shareholder returns [8] - Plans to invest around $140 billion in capital projects, targeting a compound annual growth rate of 10% for earnings and 8% for cash flow by 2030 [9][10] - Declared a quarterly dividend of $0.99 per share, maintaining a 42-year streak of dividend increases, with a current yield of 3.52% [11] - **The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG)**: - Known for household staples, it has raised dividends for 69 consecutive years, currently offering a quarterly dividend of $1.0568 per share and a yield of 2.67% [14] - Revenue growth is driven by brand expansion and price adjustments, although competition from lower-priced alternatives exists [13] - **AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV)**: - Achieved nearly 22% stock price growth in 2025, driven by strong sales from autoimmune treatments [15][16] - Offers a quarterly dividend of $1.64 per share, with a 53-year dividend growth streak and a yield of 3% [17]

Group 1 - Procter & Gamble (P&G) plans to cut up to 7,000 jobs, representing 15% of its non-manufacturing workforce, over the next two years as part of a restructuring effort [1][3] - The restructuring is a proactive measure in response to anticipated muted demand in 2025 due to uncertainties from U.S. tariffs and other global challenges [1][5] - P&G aims to make roles broader, teams smaller, and work more fulfilling and efficient by leveraging digitalization and automation [3][5] Group 2 - The company is also looking to adjust its portfolio, which may involve exiting certain categories, brands, and products, as well as potential brand divestitures [3][4] - P&G expects to incur charges between $1 billion to $1.6 billion before tax during the restructuring, with approximately 25% of these charges being non-cash [8] - The company emphasizes the importance of disciplined execution of its integrated growth strategy and resource allocation to pursue growth opportunities amid increasing challenges [7][5]

Group 1 - Procter & Gamble (P&G) plans to cut up to 7,000 jobs, representing 15% of its non-manufacturing workforce, over the next two years as part of a restructuring effort [1][3] - The restructuring aims to create broader roles, smaller teams, and more efficient work processes, leveraging digitalization and automation [3] - P&G anticipates charges of $1 billion to $1.6 billion before tax during the two-year restructuring period, with 25% of these charges expected to be non-cash [8] Group 2 - The restructuring is a response to muted demand expected in 2025 due to uncertainties related to U.S. tariffs and a challenging competitive environment [1][5] - P&G is also looking to adjust its portfolio, which may involve exiting certain categories, brands, and products, as well as potential brand divestitures [3][4] - The company emphasizes the need for disciplined execution of its integrated growth strategy to pursue growth opportunities while addressing near-term challenges [7]

Core Viewpoint - Procter & Gamble (P&G) is positioned as a resilient investment option amid trade tensions, with a strong history of dividend increases and a diversified product portfolio [1][2]. Company Overview - P&G operates in approximately 70 countries and sells products in about 180 countries, with higher international sales than domestic sales [3]. - The company has a complex supply chain, featuring 24 U.S. manufacturing sites and 78 international manufacturing sites [3]. Competitive Advantages - P&G's size and leadership across multiple product categories provide significant advantages, making it one of the largest global players in personal and household products [4]. - The company's diversification across brands and categories allows it to manage costs effectively and pass on higher costs to consumers when necessary [5]. Pricing Power and Sales Growth - Despite facing inflationary pressures and currency fluctuations, P&G has achieved net sales growth through price increases [6][7]. - The company’s pricing power is attributed to its competitive advantages in size and product variety, which enhance its negotiating leverage with suppliers [8]. Financial Performance - P&G's net sales growth over the last three fiscal years shows resilience despite challenges: - Fiscal 2022: 5% growth (2% volume, -2% foreign exchange, 4% price, 1% mix) - Fiscal 2023: 2% growth (-3% volume, -5% foreign exchange, 9% price, 1% mix) - Fiscal 2024: 2% growth (0% volume, -2% foreign exchange, 4% price, 0% mix) [8]. Valuation Concerns - P&G's current price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is 26.6, above its 10-year median of 25.7, indicating a premium valuation relative to historical averages [11]. - The company may face negative earnings growth in the upcoming fiscal year if tariffs persist, raising concerns about its valuation [11]. Investment Considerations - P&G is considered a foundational dividend stock, with a 2.5% yield that is higher than the S&P 500 average of 1.4% [13]. - Despite its high valuation, P&G is viewed as a reliable investment for risk-averse investors due to its competitive advantages and ability to manage tariff-related costs [12][13].