Key Takeaways Dividend-paying stocks can allow investors to build a cash pile quickly. Dividend-paying stocks provide a passive income stream. Everybody loves dividends, as they provide a passive income stream and more than one way to reap a return from an investment. Dividend-paying stocks are generally less volatile by nature, another positive benefit in the current landscape.And for those seeking payouts, three high-yield stocks – Verizon Communications (VZ) , Philip Morris (PM) , and Walgreens Boots Al ...

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the resilience of Philip Morris International, S&P Global, and Walmart as investment options amidst market volatility and tariff concerns, suggesting that investors should focus on dividend growth stocks that are insulated from economic downturns [1][2]. Philip Morris International - Philip Morris International (PMI) was spun off from Altria in 2008, allowing it to focus on its overseas business while Altria dealt with domestic challenges [3]. - From 2008 to 2024, PMI's adjusted earnings per share (EPS) grew at a compound annual rate of 4.4%, driven by price increases and cost-cutting measures, alongside a shift towards smoke-free products [4]. - PMI has consistently raised its dividend since the split, currently offering a forward yield of 3.6% with a trailing payout ratio of 88%, indicating potential for future increases [5]. - Analysts project adjusted EPS growth of 9% in 2025 and 10% in 2026, with a reasonable valuation at 21 times forward earnings [5]. S&P Global - S&P Global provides essential financial data and analytics services to approximately 80% of Fortune 500 companies, utilizing AI-driven tools to enhance its offerings [6]. - The company is insulated from tariffs as it offers services rather than physical goods, making its services more valuable in turbulent markets [7]. - Despite a temporary slowdown in its credit ratings business due to high interest rates, S&P Global is expected to recover as rates decline [7]. - The company has a forward yield of 0.9% and has raised its dividend for 52 consecutive years, with a low trailing payout ratio of 29% [8]. - Analysts anticipate EPS growth of 9% in 2025 and 12% in 2026, with a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 26, indicating it is not overly expensive [8]. Walmart - Walmart serves 270 million customers weekly across 10,750 stores and online marketplaces in 19 countries, providing it with significant scale to mitigate tariff impacts [9]. - Many of Walmart's suppliers pre-shipped products to the U.S. before tariffs were implemented, and the company can negotiate lower prices or adjust retail prices to manage costs [10]. - Walmart has a forward yield of 1.1% and has raised its dividend for 52 consecutive years, maintaining a low payout ratio of 34% [11]. - Analysts expect adjusted EPS growth of 5% in fiscal 2026 and 12% in fiscal 2027, with a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 31, suggesting that its core strengths may justify the higher valuation [11].

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There's no ignoring it. President Trump's tariffs and trade threats are roiling the markets, sending the S&P 500 into a correction for the first time since 2022. The tariffs announced today were just the latest move fueling investor uncertainty.Meanwhile, consumer sentiment is rapidly falling, and businesses are increasingly fearful as the manufacturing sector just fell into a contraction, according to the March ISM survey. Much of the economy is at risk from tariffs and the impact of a weakening economy. F ...

Perhaps not surprisingly, defensive stock Philip Morris International ( PM ) has been one of the best-performing US companies this year. When I initially covered the stock in November 2024, I argued that it was a best-in-class defensive stock with strongI am an investment professional with a background in both equity and real estate markets. I specialize in identifying long-only opportunities that offer safe and growing dividends, aiming to outperform the broader market on a risk-adjusted return basis. In a ...

Core Insights - Philip Morris International (NYSE: PM) has experienced a significant increase of 66% over the past year, outperforming NVIDIA's (NVDA) 12-month returns amidst a broader market trend [1]. Company Performance - The stock performance of Philip Morris International has been notably strong, with a 66% rise in value over the last year, indicating robust investor interest and confidence in the company's future prospects [1]. Market Context - The current market environment shows a shift in investor focus, with analysts primarily concentrating on AI technologies, yet Philip Morris is achieving substantial returns that surpass those of major tech companies like NVIDIA [1].

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]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of conducting personal in-depth research and due diligence before making investment decisions [3]. Group 1 - The analysis is intended for informational purposes and should not be considered professional investment advice [3]. - There is a clear statement that past performance does not guarantee future results, highlighting the inherent uncertainties in investment [4]. - The article expresses that the views or opinions may not reflect those of the platform as a whole, indicating a diversity of perspectives among analysts [4].

Group 1 - Proactive provides fast, accessible, informative, and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience [2][3] - The news team covers a wide range of sectors including biotech, pharma, mining, natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto, and emerging technologies [3] - Proactive has a presence in key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios located in major cities such as London, New York, and Sydney [2] Group 2 - The company emphasizes the use of technology to enhance workflows and improve content production [4] - Proactive employs automation and software tools, including generative AI, while ensuring all content is edited and authored by humans [5] - The team consists of experienced journalists who bring valuable expertise to the content creation process [4]

Core Insights - Philip Morris International is accelerating its smoke-free transformation, achieving significant organic growth in both revenue and profit [2] - The smoke-free business now accounts for 40% of the company's total revenues and gross profits, indicating strong momentum and profitability in this segment [2] - The company is expanding its presence in the U.S. market with products like ZYN and plans to introduce ILUMA, signaling a strategic growth phase [2] Company Overview - The conference featured key executives including the CEO Jacek Olczak and CFO Emmanuel Babeau, highlighting the company's leadership [1][3] - The company recently announced its annual results, reflecting on the dynamic nature of the tobacco and nicotine industry [4]