Zacks Investment Ideas feature highlights: Coca-Cola, Philip Morris and Johnson & Johnson

For Immediate ReleaseChicago, IL – March 10, 2025– Today, Zacks Investment Ideas feature highlights Coca-Cola KO, Philip Morris PM and Johnson & Johnson JNJ.3 Dividend Kings Shaking Off Market WoesThe market has thrown a tantrum over recent weeks following tariff news and other economic data pointing to a slowing consumer. While it's certainly been a forgettable period, several stocks, including Coca-Cola, Philip Morris and Johnson & Johnson, have remained strong over the past month.All three reflect defensive deployments, with their products able to carry steady demand through many economic backdrops. Let's take a closer look at each for those interested in adding in an additional layer of defense.Coca-Cola Gains Market ShareConcerning headline figures in KO's latest release, the company exceeded both consensus EPS and sales expectations handily, reflecting growth rates of 12% and 6%, respectively. Notably, the company's gross margin has remained constructive over recent periods, recovering nicely from early 2023 lows.Notably, Coca-Cola gained market share in total nonalcoholic ready-to-drink beverages in North America, with its overall price/mix also increasing by an impressive 11% throughout its FY24. The stock also reflects a prime selection for those with an appetite for income, with KO holding the elite Dividend King title.Consistent cash flows have aided the shareholder-friendly nature, with KO sporting a 4% five-year annualized dividend growth rate.PM Innovation Paints Bright OutlookPhilip Morris shares have benefited nicely from its latest set of better-than-expected results, with EPS growing 14% alongside a strong 7% move higher in sales. Demand has remained strong for the tobacco titan, with product innovations remaining key for its future.PM's top line continues to grow at a solid pace, posting YoY growth rates of at least 5% over its last seven periods.Notably, smoke-free products exceeded 40 billion units for the first time throughout its FY24, with full-year net revenues for its Smoke-free Business (SFB) increasing by 14.2% alongside an 18.7% move higher in gross profit.Shares also provide a high level of passive income, currently yielding a market-beating 3.5% annually. Dividend growth has been rock-solid, with PM also holding the ranks of a Dividend King.It's worth noting that the company's FY25 EPS outlook has remained constructive, with PM expected to see 8.9% year-over-year earnings growth.JNJ Shares Ready to BreakoutJNJ shares have traded primarily sideways over the past three years, up a modest 5% compared to the S&P 500's 46% gain. While the performance has undoubtedly been 'boring', the stability of the stock is a stronger takeaway here.Shares are looking to break out of the multi-year range, with its latest set of quarterly results sparking a positive move higher.Like those above, the stock is a prime selection for those seeking a stream of income thanks to its consistent shareholder-friendly nature, also in the elite Dividend King group. Shares currently yield 3.0% annually, with JNJ sporting a 5.5% five-year annualized dividend growth rate.Overall, the company's cash-generating abilities paired with a consistent pipeline have positioned JNJ shares favorably, a big reason it saw a strong post-earnings move following its latest print. The sideways action over recent years has undoubtedly forced shareholders to remain patient, and that could soon be paying off.Bottom LineWhile the market throws its tariff tantrum, several long-established companies with years of operational success have seen their shares move higher, displaying relative strength.All three companies possess the advantageous ability to enjoy demand in many economic backdrops given their products' 'staply' natures.Why Haven't You Looked at Zacks' Top Stocks?Since 2000, our top stock-picking strategies have blown away the S&P's +7.7% average gain per year. Amazingly, they soared with average gains of +48.4%, +50.2% and +56.7% per year.Today you can access their live picks without cost or obligation.See Stocks Free >>Media ContactZacks Investment Research800-767-3771 ext. 9339support@zacks.comhttps://www.zacks.comPast performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performancefor information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.5 Stocks Set to DoubleEach was handpicked by a Zacks expert as the #1 favorite stock to gain +100% or more in 2024. While not all picks can be winners, previous recommendations have soared +143.0%, +175.9%, +498.3% and +673.0%.Most of the stocks in this report are flying under Wall Street radar, which provides a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor.Today, See These 5 Potential Home Runs >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report CocaCola Company (The) (KO): Free Stock Analysis Report Johnson & Johnson (JNJ): Free Stock Analysis Report Philip Morris International Inc. (PM): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks