Consumer staples stocks can provide an important defensive aspect to protect your portfolio in times of uncertainty.
The consumer staples sector is comprised of companies that produce and sell items that are considered essential for everyday use. Consumer staples products include household goods, food, beverages, hygiene products and other items that consumers are unwilling or unable to eliminate from their budgets, even in times of financial trouble. As a result these companies are viewed as non-cyclical and able to maintain stable growth, regardless of the state of the economy.
The top consumer staples stocks generate steady earnings and revenue numbers throughout the ups and downs of the economic cycle and may pay sizable dividends. Here are some of the best rated consumer staples stocks to buy now.
British American Tobacco (BTI)
British American Tobacco is the largest European tobacco company, with slightly less than half of its sales in the U.S. Conventional tobacco will likely continue to drive the profits and the cash flow needed to support BTI’s 7.6% dividend for at least the next ten years. However, tobacco companies know the long-term future hinges on electronic cigarettes and other next-generation products. British American may be the best-positioned tobacco company in emerging categories, given its Vype brand and Vuse investment.
Ingredion (INGR)
Ingredion produces sweeteners and nutrition ingredients derived from processing corn and other starches. Ingredion could face near-term headwinds given the difficult economic climate, but it’s stock may well be undervalued. Volumes were down 12% and operating income was down 29% in the second quarter, but some analysts say Ingredion is positioned for sequential improvement in the second half of the year. INGR has a 3.36% dividend yield.
Coca-Cola Femsa (KOF)
Coca-Cola Femsa is the largest international bottler for Coca-Cola Co. (KO). Coca-Cola Femsa’s second-quarter results were encouraging, given that a worst-case economic scenario seems to be priced in across the company’s most important markets. What’s more, the company’s massive Latin American footprint gives it flexibility to adjust its merchandising strategy and product portfolio to adapt to market conditions. The company is currently focused on improving its product mixes in mature markets like Mexico. Investors also benefit from KOF’s 4.7% dividend.
