Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG) Stock

PROCTER & GAMBLE CO/THE

Procter & Gamble

Since its founding in 1837, Procter & Gamble has become one of the world's largest consumer product manufacturers, with annual sales approaching $85 billion. It operates with a lineup of leading brands, including more than 20 that generate north of $1 billion each in annual global sales, such as Tide laundry detergent, Charmin toilet paper, Pantene shampoo, and Pampers diapers. Sales outside its home turf represent just more than half of the firm's consolidated total.

Procter & Gamble Company (The) Common Stock

Procter & Gamble Co

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The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/dow-jones-industrial-average">Dow Jones Industrial Average</a> was up around 4% in the first half of 2025, with 21 of the 30 components positive year-to-date through the first six months.
The index, which contains a diverse basket of stocks across sectors, offers many dividend stocks, with some having high yields for investors.
What Happened: When looking <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/dividends">for dividend stocks</a>, the Dow Jones Industrial Average is one place with the index having a basket of what are considered blue-chip American companies.
The 30 index components have strong track records of revenue and earnings growth, and in many cases, a long history of paying dividends and raising the dividend amounts.
While investors can buy an ETF like the SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>), which tracks the entire index, another option is to buy the &#8220;Dogs of the Dow.&#8221;
The "Dogs of the Dow" is a popular strategy that often coincides with the beaten-down stocks of the index which also offer high dividend payouts.
Here are the current top-yielding dividend stocks in the Dow Jones Industrial Average after the first six months of 2025.
<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Verizon Communications Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VZ#NYSE">VZ</a>): 6.3%</li>
<li>Chevron Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>): 4.8%</li>
<li>Merck &amp; Co Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>): 4.1%</li>
<li>Amgen Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>): 3.4%</li>
<li>Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>): 3.4%</li>
<li>Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>): 2.9%</li>
<li>UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>): 2.8%</li>
<li>Procter &amp; Gamble (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PG#NYSE">PG</a>): 2.7%</li>
<li>Home Depot Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HD#NYSE">HD</a>): 2.5%</li>
<li>McDonald's Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MCD#NYSE">MCD</a>): 2.4%</li>
</ol>
In the Dow Jones Industrial Average, 28 of the 30 stocks pay out dividends. The average dividend yield of the 30 companies is 2% with the 10 highest averaging a yield of 3.5%.
Twenty of the 30 stocks in the index pay out at least a 1% dividend yield based on current stock prices.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/large-cap/25/07/46200141/dow-jones-2025-first-half-scoreboard-top-10-winners-losers-where-do-nvidia-apple-stock-rank">Dow Jones 2025 First Half Scoreboard: Top 10 Winners, Losers — Where Do Nvidia, Apple Stock Rank?</a>
Why It's Important: Along with stock price gains, dividends can be a nice form of consistent growth for companies and investors.
Investors can choose to collect dividend yield and put the capital to work in other stocks, or use it as income for other investments or spending. Investors can also reinvest the dividends back into the companies from which they got dividends.
Over a long period of time, dividend stocks can offer strong returns for investors with yields sometimes outpacing the returns of the overall stock market or other asset classes such as bonds and treasuries.
Read Next: 
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-monthly-dividend-stocks">Best Monthly Dividend Stocks</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Long Ideas

Education

Dividends

Trading Ideas

AMGN

SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust

Dogs Of The Dow: How You Can Get Dividend Stocks With Yields Up To 6.3%

The first half of 2025 has come to a close and 21 of the 30 stocks that make up the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/dow-jones-industrial-average">Dow Jones Industrial Average Index</a> are positive year-to-date.
Despite the impressive number of stocks with a positive performance in the first six months, the index was up around 4% with several of the components posting large declines.
2025 Performance: Through the first six months of the year, two <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/magnificent-seven">Magnificent Seven stocks </a>are among the 10 best in the Dow Jones Industrial Average and two are among the 10 worst in the index based on performance.
Here's a look at the 10 best Dow Jones Industrial Average stocks in the first half:
<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>International Business Machines (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>): +34.1%</li>
<li>Goldman Sachs (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GS#NYSE">GS</a>): +23.6%</li>
<li>JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>): +20.9%</li>
<li>Boeing Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>): +18.4%</li>
<li>Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>): +18.0%</li>
<li>3M Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MMM#NYSE">MMM</a>): +17.9%</li>
<li>NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>): +17.6%</li>
<li>Cisco Systems (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CSCO#NASDAQ">CSCO</a>): +17.2%</li>
<li>Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>): +13.6%</li>
<li>Visa Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/V#NYSE">V</a>): +12.3%</li>
</ol>
Here are the 10 worst performing Dow Jones Industrial Average stocks in the first half:
<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>): -38.3%</li>
<li>Merck &amp; Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>): -20.4%</li>
<li>Salesforce.com Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRM#NYSE">CRM</a>): -18.4</li>
<li>Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>): -18.1%</li>
<li>Nike Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NKE#NYSE">NKE</a>): -6.1%</li>
<li>Home Depot Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HD#NYSE">HD</a>): -5.7%</li>
<li>Procter &amp; Gamble Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PG#NYSE">PG</a>): -5.0%</li>
<li>Chevron Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>): -1.1%</li>
<li>Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>): Flat</li>
<li>McDonald's Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MCD#NASDAQ">MCD</a>): +0.8%</li>
</ol>
Overall the SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>), which tracks the index, was up around 4% in the first half of 2025. This was a lower gain than the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>), which tracks the S&amp;P 500, which had a 5.7% gain in the first half.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/45932660/exclusive-sp-500-new-all-time-highs-again-2025">EXCLUSIVE: S&amp;P 500 To Hit New All-Time Highs Again In 2025? Majority Say Yes, 27% Predict This Range</a>
Why It's Important: Nvidia was one of the new Dow Jones components <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/24/12/42726598/dow-jones-2024-scoreboard-top-5-winners-losers-and-how-amazon-nvidia-could-reshape-2025">added in 2024</a> and the stock is one of the top performers in the first half of 2025. The stock replaced Intel, which was a top decliner in recent years.
The index also got rid of Walgreens, which was another poor performer in recent years. Its replacement Amazon was flat for the first half of 2025.
The new index makeup is showing strong signs of positive returns.
With 21 of the components positive year-to-date and one flat, this could mark one of the best years by the number of gainers in recent history.
In 2024, 18 of the 30 stocks were up for the full year. In 2023, 19 of the stocks in the index were up.
Perhaps most surprising is that two of the Magnificent Seven stocks rank among the worst performers in the first half of 2025, despite being part of the four Mag 7 members included in the Dow Jones Industrial Average.
Apple was the fourth-worst performer in the index for the first half, falling 18.1%. That marks a sharp reversal from its standout status as the only Dow Jones stock to rank among the top gainers in both 2023 and 2024.
Amazon ranked ninth with a flat return, as only eight of the components were down. 
The Dow Jones Industrial Average remains one of the most closely watched stock market indexes, serving as a gauge of overall market health. With only 30 stocks and a weighting based on stock price, rather than market capitalization, the index is less frequently used by some analysts and market experts than the broader S&amp;P 500 Index.
Read Next: 
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/07/46198021/nvidia-vs-microsoft-vs-apple-which-stock-reaches-4-trillion-first">Nvidia Vs. Microsoft Vs. Apple: Which Stock Reaches $4 Trillion First?</a></li>
</ul>
Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

Large Cap

AAPL

AMZN

CSCO

MSFT

NVDA

Dow Jones 2025 First Half Scoreboard: Top 10 Winners, Losers — Where Do Nvidia, Apple Stock Rank?

Time Magazine&#8217;s annual 100 Most Influential Companies list for 2025 includes many companies investors are familiar with, with numerous names originating from the growing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/artificial-intelligence">artificial intelligence sector.</a>
The <a href="https://time.com/7297630/time-reveals-the-2025-time100-most-influential-companies-in-the-world/">list</a> seeks to honor the top businesses that are helping "chart an essential path forward."
"No single data point or financial metric makes a TIME100 Company. Instead, we looked at a mosaic of qualities, studying impact, innovation, ambition, and success, each in the forms that take shape today. And as we say for all TIME100 projects: influence comes in many forms, for better and for worse," Time editors said of the list.
 The Public Companies: Similar to the list of the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/25/04/44854679/time-100-most-influential-people-includes-elon-musk-mark-zuckerberg-alex-karp-and-more-public-company-ceos">Most Influential People</a> that Time published earlier this year, the list of influential companies includes top tech, AI, crypto, and healthcare names that are experiencing impressive growth and bringing life-changing technology to consumers or other companies.
Here is the list of publicly traded companies or those that are part of a publicly traded company. It is broken down by the key groups used by Time: Innovators, Disruptors, Leaders, Titans and Pioneers.
Innovators
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>On Holding (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ONON#NYSE">ONON</a>): footwear</li>
<li>Alibaba Group Holding (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>): Chinese e-commerce</li>
<li>Nintendo Co (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTDOY#OTC">NTDOY</a>): video games</li>
<li>BYD Co (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BYDDY#OTC">BYDDY</a>)(OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BYDDF#OTC">BYDDF</a>): electric vehicles</li>
<li>Gap, unit of Gap Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GAP#NYSE">GAP</a>): apparel</li>
<li>Dick's Sporting Goods (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DKS#NYSE">DKS</a>): sports and outdoor retailer</li>
<li>EssilorLuxottica (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ESLOY#OTC">ESLOY</a>): sunglasses, optical wear</li>
</ul>
Disruptors
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Waymo, unit of Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>)(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>)</li>
<li>Life Time Group Holdings (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LTH#NYSE">LTH</a>): fitness centers</li>
<li>Elf Beauty (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ELF#NYSE">ELF</a>): beauty products</li>
<li>Poppi, unit of PepsiCo (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>): beverages</li>
<li>UFC, unit of TKO Group Holding (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TKO#NYSE">TKO</a>): fighting sports league</li>
<li>Pop Mart (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PMRTY#OTC">PMRTY</a>): pop culture retailer</li>
<li>Coinbase Global (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>): cryptocurrency trading platform</li>
<li>SharkNinja Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SN#NYSE">SN</a>): home appliances</li>
</ul>
Leaders
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Engie (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ENGIY#OTC">ENGIY</a>): energy company</li>
<li>Prologis (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLD#NYSE">PLD</a>): industrial and logistics real estate</li>
<li>Cloudflare Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NET#NASDAQ">NET</a>): a software company</li>
<li>Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GILD#NASDAQ">GILD</a>): biotechnology, healthcare</li>
<li>Duolingo Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DUOL#NASDAQ">DUOL</a>): mobile learning</li>
<li>BlackRock (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLK#NYSE">BLK</a>): financials</li>
<li>Hyundai Motor (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HYMTF#OTC">HYMTF</a>): automotives</li>
<li>LinkedIn, unit of Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>): social networking</li>
<li>Coursera Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COUR#NYSE">COUR</a>): online learning</li>
</ul>
Titans
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Berkshire Hathaway Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>)(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>): conglomerate</li>
<li>Comcast, NBC Universal, units of Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMCSA#NASDAQ">CMCSA</a>): media and entertainment</li>
<li>L'Oreal (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LRLCY#OTC">LRLCY</a>): beauty company</li>
<li>DoorDash Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DASH#NASDAQ">DASH</a>): food delivery</li>
<li>Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>): social networking</li>
<li>Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>): a software company</li>
<li>Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>): e-commerce</li>
<li>Arm Holdings PLC (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARM#NASDAQ">ARM</a>): semiconductors</li>
<li>Procter &amp; Gamble (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PG#NYSE">PG</a>): consumer products</li>
<li>Fiserv Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FI#NYSE">FI</a>): financial technology</li>
<li>MercadoLibre Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MELI#NASDAQ">MELI</a>): Latin American e-commerce</li>
<li>Walmart Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>): retailer</li>
<li>Netflix Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>): streaming</li>
<li>Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>): semiconductors</li>
<li>Universal Music Group (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNVGY#OTC">UNVGY</a>)(OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UMGNF#OTC">UMGNF</a>): music publishing</li>
</ul>
Pioneers
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>ASML Holding (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASML#NASDAQ">ASML</a>): semiconductors</li>
<li>Equinor ASA (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EQNR#NYSE">EQNR</a>): oil and gas</li>
<li>Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABT#NYSE">ABT</a>): medical devices</li>
<li>Softbank Group (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBF#OTC">SFTBF</a>)(OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBY#OTC">SFTBY</a>): telecom and e-commerce conglomerate</li>
<li>CRISPR Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRSP#NASDAQ">CRSP</a>): gene editing</li>
</ul>
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/24/09/40760039/elon-musk-less-influential-to-artificial-intelligence-than-scarlett-johansson-time-magazine-">Elon Musk Less Influential To Artificial Intelligence Than Scarlett Johansson, Time Magazine Says: Billionaire Brushes Off Exclusion – &#8216;Magazines Do Not Establish Relevance, History Does&#8217;</a>
Why It's Important: Nearly half of this year's list includes companies that are publicly traded or part of publicly traded companies. This means investors can get exposure to what Time considers some of the most influential companies in the world.
Some of the companies are newer to the public market, which could mean that the 50+ companies that are not yet public could be among IPOs to watch for in the second half of 2025 and beyond.
Some of the most recognizable private companies on this year's list include OpenAI, Polymarket, Anthropic, Anduril, Beast Industries and SpaceX.
When seeking companies that can drive revenue growth and gain customer and consumer adoption, the most influential lists can be a valuable starting point for investors.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/25/03/44367926/mark-cuban-kevin-oleary-rejected-poppi-on-shark-tank-pepsi-just-paid-1-9-billion-to-acquire-company">Mark Cuban, Kevin O&#8217;Leary Rejected Poppi On Shark Tank, Pepsi Just Paid $1.9 Billion To Acquire Company</a></li>
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44 Public Companies Make Time's Most Influential List: Coinbase, UFC, Nintendo, Netflix And More Stocks Investors Can Buy

Corporate America is experiencing a surge in layoffs as companies respond to economic pressures from President Donald Trump&#8217;s tariff policies and artificial intelligence adoption reshaping workforce needs.
What Happened: Procter &amp; Gamble Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PG#NYSE">PG</a>) revealed Thursday it will eliminate 7,000 jobs over two years, representing 15% of its non-manufacturing workforce, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/05/corporate-layoffs-companies-making-job-cuts.html">reported</a> CNBC. Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) cut 6,000 positions globally in May, followed by an additional<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45738506/microsoft-fires-hundreds-more-workers-amid-ai-fueled-growth-calls-it-positioning-the-company-for-success"> 300 layoffs this week</a>, totaling approximately 3% of its workforce.
Walmart Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>) reduced 1,500 positions across technology and e-commerce divisions, while The Walt Disney Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIS#NYSE">DIS</a>) cut several hundred employees worldwide from film and television units. Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/C#NYSE">C</a>) announced 3,500 job cuts in China, primarily affecting IT services.
Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45807611/amazon-cuts-jobs-in-kindle-goodreads-divisions-terms-it-a-difficult-decision">eliminated about 100 positions in its Kindle</a> and Goodreads divisions, adding to previous cuts across devices and services units. Nike Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NKE#NYSE">NKE</a>) reduced technology division staff, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45512822/nike-announces-layoffs-in-tech-division-shifts-focus-to-third-party-vendors">shifting work to third-party vendors. </a> See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/06/45808926/robinhood-says-overnight-trading-spiked-after-trumps-tariff-surprise-retail-came-to-the-rescue">Robinhood Says Overnight Trading Spiked After Trump&#8217;s Tariff Surprise: &#8216;Retail Came To The Rescue&#8217;</a> Why It Matters: Companies are implementing cost-cutting measures against the backdrop of President Trump&#8217;s tariff policies, with several firms citing artificial intelligence as a factor in workforce decisions. Klarna CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski told CNBC in May that the fintech company reduced headcount by 40%, partly due to AI investments.
Microsoft's CFO Amy Hood recently told investors the company was focused on "building high-performing teams and increasing our agility by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/05/45398101/microsoft-to-cut-6000-jobs-in-global-restructuring-joins-meta-and-amazon-in-trimming-workforce-amid-ai-driven-shift">reducing layers with fewer managers."</a> CEO Satya Nadella had earlier indicated that between 20% to 30% of the company's code was now being written using AI tools. Read Next: 
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Tada Images / Shutterstock.coma

Walmart, Microsoft, Disney Slash Jobs As Trump Tariffs, AI Push Corporate America Into Layoff Mode

Records from June 4, 2025 indicate that Representative Lloyd Doggett of Texas made a purchase of Procter &amp; Gamble (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PG#NYSE">PG</a>), valued between $1,001 and $15,000, with the transaction dated May 15, 2025 and filed in June.
As of now, Procter &amp; Gamble shares are trading down 1.53% at $163.41.
<h3>Representative's Recent Trading Activity</h3>
Over the past three years, Lloyd Doggett executed 72 trades totaling over $72 thousand. The largest of these trades were in Coca-Cola and Procter &amp; Gamble stock. Some of the key transactions the Rep. has executed recently include: 
<ul>
<li>Procter &amp; Gamble (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PG#NYSE">PG</a>): $1,001 - $15,000 Purchase</li>
<li>Coca-Cola (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>): $1,001 - $15,000 Purchase</li>
<li>Home Depot (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HD#NYSE">HD</a>): $1,001 - $15,000 Purchase</li>
</ul>
Here is a list of Lloyd Doggett's most recent trades:
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>Ticker</th>
<th>Stock Type</th>
<th>Amount</th>
<th>Transaction Type</th>
<th>Transaction Date</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Procter &amp; Gamble</td>
<td>PG</td>
<td>STOCK</td>
<td>$1,001 - $15,000</td>
<td>P</td>
<td>2025-05-15</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Coca-Cola</td>
<td>KO</td>
<td>STOCK</td>
<td>$1,001 - $15,000</td>
<td>P</td>
<td>2025-04-01</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Home Depot</td>
<td>HD</td>
<td>STOCK</td>
<td>$1,001 - $15,000</td>
<td>P</td>
<td>2025-03-27</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PPG Indus</td>
<td>PPG</td>
<td>STOCK</td>
<td>$1,001 - $15,000</td>
<td>P</td>
<td>2025-03-12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>IBM</td>
<td>IBM</td>
<td>STOCK</td>
<td>$1,001 - $15,000</td>
<td>P</td>
<td>2025-03-10</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
To keep an eye on Lloyd Doggett's trades and other government stock activity, check out our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/gov-trades/members/lloyd-doggett">real-time tracking tool</a>!
<h3>Why Congressional Transactions Matter</h3>
A congressional transaction is when any representative or senator either buys or sells an individual stock.
Anyone working in Congress must file a Periodic Transaction Report to inform the public of their recent transaction within 30 days of being notified of the transaction and within 45 days of the transaction date.
In April 2012, Former President Barack Obama signed the STOCK Act into law. The act prohibits members of Congress from using private information given to them by their position for personal gain such as buying or selling a stock. The act also expanded disclosure requirements for members of Congress by requiring them to file a monthly disclosure.
<h3>Why Congressional Transactions Matter</h3>
Congressional transactions shouldn't be the primary reason for an investing decision, but they can be an important factor for an investor to consider.
When a senator or representative makes a new purchase, it could be an indication they expect the stock to rise.
A sale, on the other hand, can be made for a variety of reasons, and may not necessarily mean the seller thinks the stock will go down.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

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Congressional Trading Report: Rep. Lloyd Doggett Bought Over $1K In Procter & Gamble Stock

Procter &amp; Gamble Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PG#NYSE">PG</a>) unveiled a sweeping overhaul on Thursday at the 2025 Deutsche Bank Global Consumer <a target="_blank" href="https://d18rn0p25nwr6d.cloudfront.net/CIK-0000080424/995e4954-0a90-46da-8215-51b98f42f344.html" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conference</a>. It outlined a strategy to simplify operations and sharpen its focus on core growth areas.
The move is part of a broader effort to boost efficiency and enhance long-term value for shareholders.
The restructuring plan includes cost-cutting initiatives and the elimination of up to 7,000 roles, primarily targeting non-manufacturing functions.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/45789179/top-3-consumer-stocks-youll-regret-missing-this-quarter." rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 3 Consumer Stocks You&#8217;ll Regret Missing This Quarter</a>
P&amp;G anticipates taking pre-tax charges ranging between $1 billion and $1.6 billion over the next two fiscal years, with about 25% of those being non-cash charges tied to asset write-downs.
Procter &amp; Gamble intends to streamline its portfolio by divesting underperforming brands and exiting select markets. It also plans to revamp its supply chain using automation and digital tools while reducing organizational layers to cut overhead and reinvest in brand development.
For <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44984872/gillette-parent-procter-gamble-slides-on-q3-sales-decline-lowered-outlook" rel="noreferrer noopener">the third quarter</a>, the company&#8217;s organic revenue climbed 5%, driven mainly by pricing strategies. Net income grew 8% to $8.6 billion, while GAAP earnings per share reached $3.49. Core EPS rose 4% to $3.81, and free cash flow productivity remained above 100%.
P&amp;G expects flat all-in sales and 2% organic growth for fiscal 2025. It lowered adjusted EPS guidance and forecasted $200 million in headwinds from commodities and forex. Dividend and buyback plans remain unchanged.
Related: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/04/45020318/what-is-the-tariff-risk-for-procter-gamble-analyst-calculates-trims-outlook" rel="noreferrer noopener">What Is The Tariff Risk For Procter &amp; Gamble? Analyst Calculates, Trims Outlook</a>
P&amp;G also flagged external risks, including inflation, currency volatility, and global geopolitical issues. Yet the company expressed confidence in its long-term growth outlook, pointing to rising e-commerce demand, ongoing innovation in premium offerings, and increased exposure to developing markets.
Related ETFs: Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLP#NYSE">XLP</a>), Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VDC#NYSE">VDC</a>).
Price Action: PG shares are trading lower by 0.15% to $165.70 premarket at the last check Thursday.
Read Next:
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Photo via Shutterstock

Procter & Gamble To Eliminate 7,000 Roles, Divest Brands In New Restructuring Strategy

<a href="https://www.wsj.com/business/retail/procter-gamble-to-cut-7-000-jobs-400a6a36?gaa_at=eafs&amp;gaa_n=ASWzDAhZcl-BL1P6MKQp-cGvBfrU7lwAjiLR23IuC_iCQjPmlx59LCFsFxBOkNEL33Y%3D&amp;gaa_ts=68417096&amp;gaa_sig=1SvYnZLSUqrHYEwYxICLtRK5qV9Xr8HGwWwNruDMzeoUzVpBInYIKzpLgDA-vfJj0UoHmeM8a5xB1CsLuORnbg%3D%3D" title="https://www.wsj.com/business/retail/procter-gamble-to-cut-7-000-jobs-400a6a36?gaa_at=eafs&amp;gaa_n=ASWzDAhZcl-BL1P6MKQp-cGvBfrU7lwAjiLR23IuC_iCQjPmlx59LCFsFxBOkNEL33Y%3D&amp;gaa_ts=68417096&amp;gaa_sig=1SvYnZLSUqrHYEwYxICLtRK5qV9Xr8HGwWwNruDMzeoUzVpBInYIKzpLgDA-vfJj0UoHmeM8a5xB1CsLuORnbg%3D%3D">https://www.wsj.com/business/retail/procter-gamble-to-cut-7-000-jobs-400a6a36?gaa_at=eafs&amp;gaa_n=ASWzDAhZcl-BL1P6MKQp-cGvBfrU7lwAjiLR23IuC_iCQjPmlx59LCFsFxBOkNEL33Y%3D&amp;gaa_ts=68417096&amp;gaa_sig=1SvYnZLSUqrHYEwYxICLtRK5qV9Xr8HGwWwNruDMzeoUzVpBInYIKzpLgDA-vfJj0UoHmeM8a5xB1CsLuORnbg%3D%3D</a>

The Wall Street Journal Reported Earlier,  Procter & Gamble To Cut 7,000 Jobs

In the last three months, 12 analysts have published ratings on Procter &amp; Gamble (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PG#NYSE">PG</a>), offering a diverse range of perspectives from bullish to bearish.
The table below provides a snapshot of their recent ratings, showcasing how sentiments have evolved over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Analysts provide deeper insights through their assessments of 12-month price targets, revealing an average target of $176.92, a high estimate of $190.00, and a low estimate of $164.00. Highlighting a 0.51% decrease, the current average has fallen from the previous average price target of $177.83. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1748980827_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Interpreting Analyst Ratings: A Closer Look</h2>
A comprehensive examination of how financial experts perceive Procter &amp; Gamble is derived from recent analyst actions. The following is a detailed summary of key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Robert Ottenstein</td>
<td>Evercore ISI Group</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
<td>$170.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Korinne Wolfmeyer</td>
<td>Piper Sandler</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$164.00</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nik Modi</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$177.00</td>
<td>$164.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bill Chappell</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
<td>$185.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Olivia Tong</td>
<td>Raymond James</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$185.00</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dara Mohsenian</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
<td>$191.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Filippo Falorni</td>
<td>Citigroup</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$181.00</td>
<td>$200.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Olivia Tong</td>
<td>B of A Securities</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nik Modi</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Sector Perform</td>
<td>$164.00</td>
<td>$164.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrea Teixeira</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$172.00</td>
<td>$181.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bill Chappell</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$185.00</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lauren Lieberman</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
<td>$159.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: In response to dynamic market conditions and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their reaction to recent developments related to Procter &amp; Gamble. This insight gives a snapshot of analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Analysts assign qualitative assessments to stocks, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey the analysts' expectations for the relative performance of Procter &amp; Gamble compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts navigate through adjustments in price targets, providing estimates for Procter &amp; Gamble's future value. Comparing current and prior targets offers insights into analysts' evolving expectations.</li>
</ul>
Considering these analyst evaluations in conjunction with other financial indicators can offer a comprehensive understanding of Procter &amp; Gamble's market position. Stay informed and make well-informed decisions with our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/PG/analyst-ratings?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=analyst-ratings&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Stay up to date on Procter &amp; Gamble analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Get to Know Procter &amp; Gamble Better</h2>
Since its founding in 1837, Procter &amp; Gamble has become one of the world's largest consumer product manufacturers, with annual sales approaching $85 billion. It operates with a lineup of leading brands, including more than 20 that generate north of $1 billion each in annual global sales, such as Tide laundry detergent, Charmin toilet paper, Pantene shampoo, and Pampers diapers. Sales outside its home turf represent just more than half of the firm's consolidated total.
<h3>Procter &amp; Gamble: Financial Performance Dissected</h3>
Market Capitalization Highlights: Above the industry average, the company's market capitalization signifies a significant scale, indicating strong confidence and market prominence.
Negative Revenue Trend: Examining Procter &amp; Gamble's financials over 3M reveals challenges. As of 31 March, 2025, the company experienced a decline of approximately -2.07% in revenue growth, reflecting a decrease in top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Consumer Staples sector, the company faces challenges, achieving a growth rate lower than the average among peers.
Net Margin: Procter &amp; Gamble's net margin is impressive, surpassing industry averages. With a net margin of 18.7%, the company demonstrates strong profitability and effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): Procter &amp; Gamble's ROE is below industry standards, pointing towards difficulties in efficiently utilizing equity capital. With an ROE of 7.26%, the company may encounter challenges in delivering satisfactory returns for shareholders.
Return on Assets (ROA): Procter &amp; Gamble's ROA stands out, surpassing industry averages. With an impressive ROA of 3.01%, the company demonstrates effective utilization of assets and strong financial performance.
Debt Management: The company maintains a balanced debt approach with a debt-to-equity ratio below industry norms, standing at 0.66.
<h2>The Basics of Analyst Ratings</h2>
Within the domain of banking and financial systems, analysts specialize in reporting for specific stocks or defined sectors. Their work involves attending company conference calls and meetings, researching company financial statements, and communicating with insiders to publish "analyst ratings" for stocks. Analysts typically assess and rate each stock once per quarter.
Some analysts publish their predictions for metrics such as growth estimates, earnings, and revenue to provide additional guidance with their ratings. When using analyst ratings, it is important to keep in mind that stock and sector analysts are also human and are only offering their opinions to investors.
Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now?
Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=be8be9arja3be22bz21&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=analyst-ratings&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here to stay ahead of the market</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Analyst Ratings

Assessing Procter & Gamble: Insights From 12 Financial Analysts

Evercore ISI Group analyst Robert Ottenstein maintains Procter &amp; Gamble (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PG#NYSE">PG</a>) with a Outperform and raises the price target from $170 to $190.

Price Target

Evercore ISI Group Maintains Outperform on Procter & Gamble, Raises Price Target to $190

Everybody "knows" that value investing doesn't work anymore. It's in all the headlines.
Investing today is about technology, everyone says. It's about artificial intelligence. It's about quantum computing, about the rebirth of nuclear energy.
Some of this is true, some isn't, but what's really not true is that value investing doesn't work. In fact, it still works better than just about any other investing approach.
The reason people say otherwise is because they've got value all wrong. "Value," they think, is just another word for "cheap." But most cheap stocks are cheap because they're bad investments.
Here's how to invest in value the right way using just two metrics – and beat the markets handily.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What People Get Wrong About Value</h2>
There are a couple of problems with the way people define value investing. First, we need to address the fact that the sound of it is boring.  Value investing sounds like a professor with tweed elbow patches smoking a pipe in an old dusty office in some brick and ivy university somewhere up in Vermont or Maine during a snowstorm. It just sounds boring.
Perhaps if we could call it vulture investing, market pillaging, or some other equally interesting name, it would attract more attention.
But then again, since we seem to have a corner on it, do we really want to attract all that much attention?
Second, let's talk about the way people track value. For instance, the Russell Value Index is supposed to represent value. When you compare it, growth has outperformed value for several hundred consecutive years, according to the literature.
That may be a slight exaggeration, but you get the point.
When you examine the Russell 1000 Value index, it's allegedly the bottom half of the Russell 2000 weighted by value components.
The top holdings include Berkshire Hathaway, Cisco Systems, McDonald&#8217;s, Walt Disney, Raytheon, and Caterpillar. These are all great companies.
What they are not is value companies.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Truth About Value</h2>
When we really look at the hard data, the truth is that absolute value never stopped working. When you look at companies that are trading at discounts to asset value, low multiples of the cash produced by the business, and low multiples of liquidation value, which is still one of my favorites, the truth is that they have continued to work and work very well.
The key thing that most people leave out is they will run a list of companies trading below book value and will say, &#8220;Look, these underperformed the market.&#8221; That is, in fact, true.
More than half of those companies are unprofitable and overleveraged, and their products are going completely out of style. You know, they are CD-ROM manufacturers or buggy whip makers in the business of making something we are never going to use again.
Many of the companies that trade below book value, in all honesty, do so for a reason. They are headed for the garbage pile.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Making Value Work: Financial Strength</h2>
How do we get rid of those? You have to adjust for a couple of factors:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>You want strength in the financial statements.</li>
<li>You want the ability to survive, and you prefer that they are profitable.</li>
</ul>
Two papers, with several follow-ups, have come out in the last twenty-five years that show us how to do this.
One of these is Joseph Piotrowski&#8217;s publication &#8220;Value Investing: The Use of Historical Financial Statement Information to Separate Winners from Losers.&#8221; The F-score is based on that paper.
Value plus the F-score crush the market. When we add value plus the F-score plus credit scores, I prefer the Altman Z score—then you annihilate the market.
The key variable here is profitability and financial strength.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Missing Factor: Profitability</h2>
The other paper, which very few people seem to have read, is important.
In 2013, an economist, Robert Novy-Marks, published a paper that should have but didn&#8217;t redefine the entire playing field for investing. It is called &#8220;The Other Side of Value: The Gross Profitability Premium.&#8221;
Basically, they found that highly profitable companies outperform, no matter how cheap or expensive they may look. It is a single idea that gross profitability is the missing dimension, the missing factor.
It has found its way into some of the academic models. Novy-Marksed followed up on it with &#8220;Profitability Retrospective: What Have We Learned?&#8221;
This is key because many people today will tell you that quality matters. We have got to buy these quality companies. Everyone has a 16, 17, or 18-factor model that supposedly helps us identify truly high-quality companies.
Novy-Marks has found in both the original 2013 study and the retrospective today that you only need one factor to identify quality. That factor is profitability, which is defined in the original paper as gross profits as a percentage of assets.
The higher that is, the better the company is.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Quality Simplified</h2>
It explains all of the excess returns from so-called quality investing. When you ask what exactly we are looking for here, it turns out it all boils down to one simple measure.
You can use an 18-factor model, or you can use just gross profitability as a percent of assets. When you look at the largest cap companies that are in the upper end of the range: Apple (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), Amazon (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), Alphabet (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>), Meta (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), Walmart (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>), Visa (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/V#NYSE">V</a>), Eli Lilly (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>), MasterCard (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MA#NYSE">MA</a>), Oracle (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NYSE">ORCL</a>), Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>), Procter &amp; Gamble (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PG#NYSE">PG</a>), UnitedHealth (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>), T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) &#8211; all of the same companies that would show up if we use that super sophisticated, 18-factor quality model for which you will pay a massive premium to have access to the data – it turns out you can get the same list using just gross profitability.
Gross profitability also explains all of the defensive strategies.
All of the defensive low beta stocks are just highly profitable companies that also are growing their asset base slowly. They are doing very conservative investing. They are not de-worsifying the business. They are not trying to grow at a high rate.
They are just ridiculously profitable companies that are willing to sit in place and do what they are good at and continually pile up profits and cash.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Unifying Factor</h2>
Profitability explains quality. It explains the low beta and low volatility phenomena.
Many investors have looked for new ways to define value. Cash flow to price, earnings forecast, intangible adjusted tangible book value, adjust for a lot of different factors in R&amp;D. These are going to "fix" value's alleged shortcomings in a day and age of high technology.
The truth is that all these newer value strategies sneak in profitability as a factor in addition to value. Profitability by itself delivers market-beating returns.
Profitability plus value, whether that is price to book or a different model that works, like enterprise value to earnings before interest and taxes, beats the market even more.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Value Appears to Have Underperformed</h2>
When we look at the underperformance of "value" since 2007, the truth is that it's because we junked up the value universe. We put a lot of garbage in there. There are many stocks trading below book value that are biotech startup companies. They are below the cash balance on the balance sheet, but they are burning cash at a rapid rate and will soon be out of money. The book value will, in fact, disappear.
There are all these companies that look cheap but are wildly unprofitable. They are burning through money.
Then you have a lot of garbage that came in through the two SPAC movements in 2007 and then again in 2020 when companies that were still basically at the garage stage of existence suddenly went public.
We really junked up the value universe with a lot of garbage.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Foundation of Investment Success</h2>
Profitability is not just another factor but another tool.
It is a foundational tool that unifies multiple styles. It is part of quality, defensive value, and even some growth stocks.
Profitability explains a lot of the strategies that people use without relying on complicated, expensive 18-factor models.
If we take low-volatility companies and buy the most profitable, we are going to outperform the market.
If we just buy the most profitable companies, we are going to outperform the market.
If we buy the most profitable companies that are trading at low multiples of the cash produced by the business, we are going to absolutely crush the markets.
This is not a day trading system or a short-term trading system. It is the single best way to build long-term portfolios that beat the market and produce lasting wealth.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Unified Theory of Investing</h2>
Profitability explains almost everything that happens in the market. If you have a great business, it is wildly profitable.
If you are a quality company with high returns on equity, low leverage, and earning stability, you are a very profitable company.
If you are a defensive company with low volatility and lower beta, all of the outperformance of these strategies is because they are profitable companies that are not reinvesting in the business to rapidly grow the asset base.
You have low-investment, profitable companies. There is your entire defensive strategy.
The underperformance of value investing over the last fifteen years or so is entirely because of the addition of so many unprofitable companies. If we use F-scores and profitability to screen out just the profitable undervalued companies, performance goes through the roof.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Simple Path to Success</h2>
Most people won't do it because it doesn't make you rich by next Tuesday. It is not the absolute most exciting strategy on the planet. What it does is give you a very easy, quick way to uncover opportunities.
Two scores.
That is all you have to check. You can put together a universe of companies that can crush the market.
Basically, no folks, value investing is not dead.
If anything, if you understand that financial strength and profitability are the key to making value investing go from boring to the most exciting thing you can possibly do with your money, value investing is very much alive and still very successful.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Want to Trade the Next Reversal? Start Here</h2>
Matt Maley is watching one ultra-liquid ETF that surges when the market pulls back. He's used it time and time again—and this Wednesday at 6 PM ET, he'll be live to show you how to time it with precision. It's perfect for short-term traders looking to get ahead of the next move. Register <a href="https://events2.benzinga.com/matt-maley-webinar-wed-may28-2025-registration/?utm_campaign=webinar052825&amp;utm_adType=sponsorad&amp;utm_ad=RD052725">HERE</a> for this free masterclass now.
Editorial content from our expert contributors is intended to be information for the general public and not individualized investment advice. Editors/contributors are presenting their individual opinions and strategies, which are neither expressly nor impliedly approved or endorsed by Benzinga.
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Opinion

ORCL

TMUS

Value Investing Is Not Dead - It Just Got Smarter

Jim Cramer thinks that the bond market now offers a clearer risk-reward trade-off than so-called "safety" stocks, warning that rising 10-year Treasury yields and a political "wild card" in Washington make even dividend stalwarts feel shaky.
What Happened: The 10-year Treasury yield's jump to its highest level in more than a month has tightened the spread between bond payouts and blue-chip dividends, dulling the appeal of AbbVie (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>), Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>), Procter &amp; Gamble (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PG#NYSE">PG</a>) and Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CL#NYSE">CL</a>), Cramer <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/14/jim-cramer-explains-why-its-hard-to-own-usual-safety-stocks-here.html">told</a> CNBC&#8217;s &#8216;Mad Money&#8217; viewers on Wednesday.
"In a very uncertain tape for what <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/content/44809259/3-safe-dividend-stocks-as-investors-seek-to-reset-diversification">used to be called</a> ‘safety stocks,' I'd rather just own a piece of paper like the 10-year Treasury, where, if worst comes to worst, at least I get my money back," Cramer said.
Cramer flagged Robert F. Kennedy Jr., newly installed as Health and Human Services secretary, as an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/11/42254495/trumps-hhs-pick-rfk-jr-has-a-long-history-of-challenging-global-health-policies">unpredictable force</a> who could clamp down on pharmaceutical pricing and food additives. "Investors don't know whether Kennedy will act in favor of the companies he's tasked with regulating," he cautioned.
See also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/05/45426516/chuck-schumer-says-trump-is-letting-cartel-members-into-the-us-asks-how-much-memecoin-did-they-pay">Chuck Schumer Says Trump Is &#8216;Letting Cartel Members&#8217; Into The US, Asks How Much &#8216;Memecoin&#8217; Did They Pay</a>
What To Know: That uncertainty compounds existing headaches. Johnson &amp; Johnson is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/04/44586129/us-judge-rejects-another-johnson-johnson-attempt-to-use-bankruptcy-for-talc-cancer-claims">still wrestling</a> with talc-related lawsuits that have already cost billions in settlements and reserves, a cloud Wall Street <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44920880/expert-flags-never-before-observed-trio-falling-stocks-and-short-yields-bucking-rising-long-yields-nothing-is-normal-about-this">fears could grow</a> heavier if bond yields <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45399783/gordon-johnson-warns-of-potential-liberation-day-20-as-30-year-treasury-yields-approach-5-amid-dollar-weakness?utm_source=chatgpt.com">keep luring</a> income-seekers away. AbbVie's rich dividend likewise looks less generous when a risk-free Treasury pays nearly the same rate with zero headline risk.
Consumer staples aren't immune either, says Cramer. Procter &amp; Gamble and Colgate boast recession-proof brands, yet their 2–3% yields no longer tower over Treasuries, and Cramer said "the yields may simply not be high enough to justify the risk."
Snack titan PepsiCo (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>) and cereal maker General Mills (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GIS#NYSE">GIS</a>) could also <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/11/42144709/kennedys-war-on-food-dyes-could-be-coming-to-your-breakfast-table">come under fire</a> if Kennedy pushes to restrict artificial colors and other additives, Cramer warned, asking rhetorically whether kids would still eat Lucky Charms without its rainbow marshmallows.
Why It Matters: For now, Cramer said he is "tempted to buy General Mills" on weakness, but fears Washington's next pitch more than the stock's upside.
Cramer also told "Mad Money" viewers that recession worries can be a buying opportunity, saying high-quality retailers look cheap so long as you don't think the economy will "fall off a cliff." Despite earlier warning, the sector was in the trade-war "blast radius," he now does have a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45416455/jim-cramer-says-these-retail-stocks-rl-gap-can-survive-a-market-correction">couple of clear favorites</a> to scoop up on any dip.
Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings indicate Johnson &amp; Johnson has a Momentum in the 47th percentile and Growth in the 63rd, how do other &#8220;safety&#8221; stocks rank in terms of these metrics? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">Check them out here</a>.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="442" height="282" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/15010652/Screenshot-2025-05-15-at-14.06.33.png" alt="" class="wp-image-915950" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/15010652/Screenshot-2025-05-15-at-14.06.33.png 442w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/15010652/Screenshot-2025-05-15-at-14.06.33-300x191.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 442px) 100vw, 442px" /></figure>
Photo courtesy: katz / Shutterstock.com
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Equities

Markets

ABBV

Jim Cramer Says Even 'Safety' Stocks Look Risky, Warns Of 'Wild Card' In Washington And Rising Treasury Yields As Reasons To Stay Away From Sure Bets

The latest round of the U.S.-China tariffs are "destructive" to American small businesses, investor and "Shark Tank" star <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43978834/kevin-oleary-says-government-needs-more-more-cutting-urges-slashing-and-hacking-to-fix-federal-spending">Kevin O'Leary</a> said on <a href="https://transcripts.cnn.com/show/cnc/date/2025-04-22/segment/04">CNN</a> on April 22.
His remarks come amid escalating trade tensions between the two countries. On April 9, the White House <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/modifying-reciprocal-tariff-rates-to-reflect-trading-partner-retaliation-and-alignment/">announced</a> a tariff hike on Chinese goods from 84% to 125%. The next day, China's Ministry of Commerce hit back with an 84% tariff on U.S. products.
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He said, "So, I&#8217;m very happy that some administration, this one particularly, is taking them on to resolve this problem once and for all. And [Chinese President Xi Jinping] needs the U.S. and the U.S. needs Xi. So, let&#8217;s get this thing resolved. I&#8217;m OK with the volatility." He also urged policymakers to "circle the wagons" with U.S. allies.&nbsp;
O'Leary described the current market swings as a necessary step toward addressing what he called decades of imbalanced trade practices. He also proposed a 400% blanket tariff, emphasizing that "only shock therapy forces change."
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tariffs, Tensions And The Toll</h2>
O'Leary's frustration stems from firsthand experience. "I'm an example of someone who's really been screwed by the Chinese in IP. theft," he said, emphasizing a need to focus on policy over personality.
Trending: How do billionaires pay less in income tax than you?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/tax-deferring-adv"> Tax deferring is their number one strategy</a>.
Household sentiment followed the headlines. The University of Michigan's <a href="https://www.sca.isr.umich.edu/">consumer sentiment index</a> showed its expectations index down 32% since January, while inflation expectations soared to 6.5%—the highest since 1981.&nbsp;
On April 22, the International Monetary Fund <a href="https://www.imf.org/en/Blogs/Articles/2025/04/22/the-global-economy-enters-a-new-era">slashed</a> its global trade-growth outlook to 1.7%, blaming what it called &#8220;the most intense bilateral tariff standoff of the century.&#8221;&nbsp;
Markets echoed the anxiety. Bloomberg estimated a<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-09/goldman-sachs-sees-65-chance-of-us-recession-in-next-12-months"> 45% chance</a> of a U.S. recession within the next 12 months, largely attributed to a &#8220;tariff-induced demand shock.&#8221;&nbsp;
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Corporate earnings also hinted at trouble: PepsiCo (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>) warned in its<a href="https://investors.pepsico.com/docs/default-source/investors/q1-2025/q1-2025-earnings-release_qrwd2bctzikuphl4.pdf"> Q1 earnings report</a> that rising supply-chain costs could keep core EPS flat for 2025, while Procter &amp; Gamble (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PG#NYSE">PG</a>) announced a<a href="https://us.pg.com/newsroom/news-releases/PG-Announces-Fiscal-Year-2025-Third-Quarter-Results"> 2% revenue dip</a> tied to tariffs and freight surcharges.
Beijing <a href="https://english.mofcom.gov.cn/News/PressConference/art/2025/art_3f539956ed274e34b61d9b4df5634677.html">moved to soften some</a> blowback by exempting certain U.S. medical devices from its 125% tariff.
Cargo statistics tell the same story. Analysts at <a href="https://www.apolloacademy.com/trade-between-china-and-the-us-collapsing/">Apollo Global Management</a> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APO#NYSE">APO</a>) warned that container bookings from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44281204/jack-ma-xi-jinping-and-the-53b-ai-bet-alibabas-comeback-signals-a-new-era-for-chinese-big-tech">China</a> to U.S. ports have plunged to pandemic-era lows, potentially triggering &#8220;COVID-like shortages" within a few weeks.
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Personal Finance

'I'm OK With The Volatility' — Kevin O'Leary Defends Trump Tariffs And Urges U.S. To 'Circle The Wagons' Against China

Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Atlantic, is speaking out about what he calls the &#8220;erratic&#8221; and &#8220;unpredictable&#8221; actions of President Donald Trump, warning that these policies may lead to the U.S. being sidelined in future global power dynamics.&nbsp;
Branson made the remarks during a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/apr/23/richard-branson-accuses-trump-of-doing-so-much-damage-to-the-world">press event</a> on April 23, ahead of Virgin Atlantic's inaugural flight from London to Riyadh, where he raised concerns about the long-term effects of Trump's leadership on international business and global alliances.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Trump's Policies Could Isolate The U.S.</h2>
Branson has long been critical of Trump's global approach, but his recent comments during the event highlighted a growing fear that America&#8217;s leadership on the world stage could slip.
&#8220;I honestly think this is a fairly small elite around Trump. I don't think he is carrying the vast majority of Americans in what he is doing,&#8221; Branson said.&nbsp;
His concerns centered around how Trump&#8217;s policies were &#8220;doing so much damage&#8221; to relationships between countries, particularly regarding the situation in Ukraine, which he considers one of the most troubling aspects of the U.S. administration&#8217;s foreign policy.
Branson suggested that the U.S.&#8217;s unpredictable political environment was causing uncertainty for businesses and alienating international partners, with the potential for the U.S. to be excluded from future global alliances.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Toll Of Trump's Trade Policies</h2>
Branson's discontent with the administration also extended to trade policies. The Trump administration&#8217;s aggressive tariffs, including a 145% tariff on Chinese imports, have created ripple effects across the global supply chain, driving up costs for businesses.&nbsp;
According to an article on Business Insider, small businesses dependent on Chinese goods are at risk of bankruptcy due to these tariffs, which have significantly disrupted their operations.
Companies such as <a href="https://investors.pepsico.com/docs/default-source/investors/q1-2025/q1-2025-earnings-release_qrwd2bctzikuphl4.pdf">PepsiCo</a> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NYSE">PEP</a>) and<a href="https://us.pg.com/newsroom/news-releases/PG-Announces-Fiscal-Year-2025-Third-Quarter-Results/"> Procter &amp; Gamble</a> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PG#NYSE">PG</a>) have adjusted their earnings forecasts, citing increased production costs from the tariffs.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Shifting Global Alliances</h2>
Branson's warning about the U.S. facing exclusion from global alliances is not an isolated concern.&nbsp;
The U.S.&#8217;s confrontational approach to international relations has led countries such as China, Canada and the European Union to explore new alliances outside of the U.S. influence.&nbsp;
Tadashi Yanai, the CEO of Fast Retailing, echoed similar concerns, telling <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-10/trump-tariffs-will-lead-to-us-isolation-fast-retailing-ceo-says">Bloomberg </a>that the U.S. may find itself increasingly isolated from global economic progress if current policies continue.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Virgin Atlantic's Expanding Global Reach</h2>
Despite geopolitical challenges, Virgin Atlantic is pressing forward with its expansion. The airline's launch of direct flights to Riyadh reflects Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify its economy and attract more international business.&nbsp;
Branson defended Virgin's decision to expand into the Saudi market, saying that while the kingdom still faces significant human rights challenges, it has made strides in recent years, <a href="https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/middle-east-travel/saudi-arabia/virgin-atlantic-heathrow-riyadh-k2spb906g">The Times of London</a> reported.
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'A Fairly Small Elite Around Trump' Is Driving Chaos, Says Richard Branson — Warns U.S. Risks Being 'Excluded' From Global Power Shift

Piper Sandler analyst Korinne Wolfmeyer maintains Procter &amp; Gamble (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PG#NYSE">PG</a>) with a Neutral and raises the price target from $160 to $164.

Piper Sandler Maintains Neutral on Procter & Gamble, Raises Price Target to $164

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bullish move on Procter &amp; Gamble. Our analysis of options history for Procter &amp; Gamble (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PG#NYSE">PG</a>) revealed 10 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 50% of traders were bullish, while 50% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 3 were puts, with a value of $138,870, and 7 were calls, valued at $267,805.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $130.0 to $165.0 for Procter &amp; Gamble during the past quarter. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Procter &amp; Gamble's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Procter &amp; Gamble's whale trades within a strike price range from $130.0 to $165.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Procter &amp; Gamble 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1746039640_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Biggest Options Spotted:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>PG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$9.1</td>
<td>$9.0</td>
<td>$9.1</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
<td>$81.9K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
<td align="right">104</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$7.65</td>
<td>$7.45</td>
<td>$7.65</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
<td>$48.1K</td>
<td>1.2K</td>
<td align="right">70</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$4.4</td>
<td>$4.2</td>
<td>$4.27</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
<td>$42.6K</td>
<td>587</td>
<td align="right">335</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$20.05</td>
<td>$19.65</td>
<td>$20.0</td>
<td>$150.00</td>
<td>$40.0K</td>
<td>371</td>
<td align="right">20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/02/25</td>
<td>$0.94</td>
<td>$0.92</td>
<td>$0.93</td>
<td>$162.50</td>
<td>$38.2K</td>
<td>680</td>
<td align="right">573</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Procter &amp; Gamble</h3>
Since its founding in 1837, Procter &amp; Gamble has become one of the world's largest consumer product manufacturers, with annual sales approaching $85 billion. It operates with a lineup of leading brands, including more than 20 that generate north of $1 billion each in annual global sales, such as Tide laundry detergent, Charmin toilet paper, Pantene shampoo, and Pampers diapers. Sales outside its home turf represent just more than half of the firm's consolidated total.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with Procter &amp; Gamble, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Current Position of Procter &amp; Gamble</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 3,779,792, the price of PG is down by -0.44%, reaching $161.54.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 90 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on Procter &amp; Gamble</h3>
Over the past month, 5 industry analysts have shared their insights on this stock, proposing an average target price of $177.2.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Truist Securities keeps a Buy rating on Procter &amp; Gamble with a target price of $180. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Truist Securities persists with their Buy rating on Procter &amp; Gamble, maintaining a target price of $185. 
&#x2A; An analyst from RBC Capital upgraded its action to Outperform with a price target of $177. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Morgan Stanley keeps a Overweight rating on Procter &amp; Gamble with a target price of $180. 
&#x2A; An analyst from RBC Capital has revised its rating downward to Sector Perform, adjusting the price target to $164. 
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Procter &amp; Gamble, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Options

Procter & Gamble's Options Frenzy: What You Need to Know

Beverage giant Coca-Cola Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>) could provide investors with updated guidance given the potential impact of global tariffs when the company reports first-quarter financial results Tuesday before the market opens<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/earnings">.</a>
Earnings Estimates: Analysts expect Coca-Cola to report first-quarter revenue of $11.14 billion, down from $11.30 billion, according to data <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0428">from Benzinga Pro.</a>
The company has beaten analyst estimates for revenue in more than 10 straight quarters.
Analysts expect the company to report quarterly earnings per share of 72 cents, in line with the 72 cents reported in last year's first quarter.
The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in four straight quarters and in eight of the last 10 quarters overall, with the other two quarters meeting analyst estimates.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44939726/rfk-jr-will-phase-out-artificial-food-dyes-by-end-of-2026-what-it-means-for-pepsi-coca-cola-general-mills">RFK Jr. Will Phase Out Artificial Food Dyes By End Of 2026: What It Means For Pepsi, Coca-Cola, General Mills</a>
What Experts Are Saying: Momentum for Coca-Cola could be fading with rival PepsiCo Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>) and consumer staple Procter &amp; Gamble (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PG#NYSE">PG</a>) recently seeing shares fall after quarterly results, Freedom Capital Markets Chief Global Strategist Jay Woods warns.
"Coca-Cola shares have been a safe haven and a steady gainer during these uncertain times. Shares are up over 15.5% year-to-date, as the consumer staple giant and Warren Buffett favorite outperforms the overall market," Woods said in his weekly <a href="https://jaywoods.substack.com/">newsletter</a>.
Woods said Coca-Cola stock now sits "at an interesting level" ahead of earnings with a reversal pattern formed.
"The safe trade in KO has lost momentum on each rally as seen in the lower highs of its RSI."
Woods warned that the upside move in Coca-Cola stock may have already been made and the stock could retreat to "a level between $67 and $70."
Goldman Sachs analyst Bonnie Herzog said Coca-Cola management <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/price-target/25/03/44402637/coca-cola-can-adapt-despite-pullback-in-consumer-spending-says-analyst">had an optimistic outlook</a> in March. The analyst kept a Neutral rating and $65 price target after the investor meetings.
Herzog said Coca-Cola's "all-weather" strategy is working, but highlighted the impact inflation could have for consumers with affordability a potential top-of-mind idea at grocery stores. A pullback in consumer spending is one item of concern for the Coca-Cola analyst.
Key Items to Watch: Coca-Cola's report comes after PepsiCo reported mixed first-quarter results with revenue of $17.92 billion, beating Street consensus estimates and earnings per share of $1.48, missing a $1.49 Street consensus estimate.
Both revenue and earnings per share were down year-over-year for PepsiCo<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/44977669/pepsico-ceo-warns-of-tariffs-led-increase-in-supply-chain-costs-cuts-annual-profit-outlook"> in the quarter</a>. This represented the first earnings per share miss by Pepsi in more than 10 quarters.
While looking at PepsiCo's financial results, it might be important to look at how their beverage segments performed and strip out its snack food divisions. The company saw declines for segments like PepsiCo Foods North America and Latin America Foods.
On the beverage side, PepsiCo Beverages North America had flat year-over-year sales and International Beverage Franchise segment sales were up 3% year-over-year.
Pepsi did cut its guidance after the results, which will be a key item to watch in Coca-Cola's report. Coca-Cola<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43759161/coca-cola-warns-trumps-tariffs-could-force-it-to-use-more-plastic-if-aluminium-cans-become-more-expensive-we-can-shift-to-pet"> previously said </a>that plans by President Donald Trump to place tariffs on aluminum could make its cost of goods more expensive.
Coca-Cola's guidance and management commentary will be closely watched by investors and analysts to see what is said about tariffs and their potential impact,
Questions during the earnings call could also start to ask the beverage company about the potential long-term impact of plans to ban color dyes in the U.S. by the Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
While Coca-Cola stock will be highly volatile on Tuesday after the earnings report, the stock could also send shares of other beverage and consumer goods up or down based on the results and commentary.
Coca-Cola is also a member of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, putting ETFs like the SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>) into the spotlight.
Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>)(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>) are also large shareholders of Coca-Cola stock, which could make the conglomerate company's stock a fast mover on Tuesday.
Price Action: Coca-Cola stock is trading at $71.79 on Monday morning versus a 52-week trading range of $60.62 to $74.38. The stock is up 15.8% year-to-date and up 15.4% over the last year.
Meanwhile rival PepsiCo stock trades at $134.39 Monday morning versus a 52-week trading range of $131.80 to $183.39. The stock is down 11.7% year-to-date and down 23.8% over the last year.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44645810/if-you-invested-1000-in-coca-cola-stock-when-warren-buffett-did-heres-how-much-youd-have-today">If You Invested $1,000 In Coca-Cola Stock When Warren Buffett Did, Here&#8217;s How Much You&#8217;d Have Today</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Analyst Color

Earnings

Previews

Reiteration

Coca-Cola Q1 Earnings Preview: Will Warren Buffett Favorite Continue To Be A 'Safe Haven' Stock?

A rare technical signal is drawing attention on Wall Street, pointing to possible gains for U.S. stocks even as tariff concerns from major <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/45027002/benzinga-bulls-and-bears-netflix-novavax-intel-and-the-market-begins-to-bounce-back" rel="noreferrer noopener">companies raise risks for the economy</a>.
According to &nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?gspk=YWRhbWVja2VydDUzMzY&amp;gsxid=zBMR4PKmcgBw" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>, the S&amp;P 500&nbsp;– as tracked by the&nbsp;SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust, (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) has gained over 5% in the past five trading sessions, driven by strong buying momentum across sectors. Tesla, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>)&nbsp;stock surged 10% to $285.50 Friday afternoon, heading to its best weekly performance of 2025 with a 24% gain.
Particularly, over the last three trading days, more than 70% of stocks on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) posted daily gains — a clear sign of widespread market participation.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/45022314/wall-street-recovers-dollar-steadies-as-trump-tempers-trade-fight-signals-support-for-powell-this-week-in-markets" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wall Street Recovers, Dollar Steadies As Trump Tempers Trade Fight, Signals Support For Powell: This Week In Markets</a>
The last time a similarly strong buying streak extended to four consecutive days was during the rebound of April 2020, following the pandemic-driven crash.
Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist at Carson Group LLC, highlighted the significance of this rare &#8220;breadth thrust,&#8221; noting that the S&amp;P 500 finished higher one year later in 27 of the past 28 similar instances.
A breadth thrust occurs when a large percentage of stocks rally together over several sessions, indicating broad-based investor enthusiasm rather than isolated leadership among a few mega-cap names. Historically, such patterns have preceded the start of major bull markets.
Detrick <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/ryandetrick/status/1915749234411794697?s=46&amp;t=ULQgdjrI963eH_sS6HFNXw" rel="noreferrer noopener">posted </a>on X, previously called the Twitter, &#8220;Yet another rare and potentially bullish trigger from this week.&#8221;
While technical indicators point to optimism, economic challenges persist. Executives from companies including American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAL#NASDAQ">AAL</a>), PepsiCo Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>), and Procter &amp; Gamble Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PG#NYSE">PG</a>) warned that ongoing tariff uncertainty <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/earnings-beats/25/04/45018137/pepsico-posts-in-line-results-guidance-reflects-tariff-costs-analysts-say" rel="noreferrer noopener">complicates planning and may pressure consumer sentiment.</a>
Meanwhile, auto groups representing General Motors Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>), Volkswagen, and Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TM#NYSE">TM</a>) urged policymakers to reconsider tariffs on car parts, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/04/44963985/automakers-are-struggling-with-tariffs-and-ev-competition-say-analysts" rel="noreferrer noopener">citing potential price increases for consumers.</a>
On the contrary, leaders from firms, including 3M Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MMM#NYSE">MMM</a>) CEO William Brown, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/44921668/3m-stock-surges-after-q1-beat-as-2025-outlook-flags-tariff-pressure" rel="noreferrer noopener">emphasized strategic flexibility </a>to maintain international trade ties, while others, like Steel Dynamics&#8217; Mark Millett, expressed support for certain tariffs, The Wall Street Journal <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wsj.com/business/company-earnings-tariffs-outlooks-2025-2ff68cd7" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
Despite macroeconomic headwinds, the breadth thrust suggests underlying resilience in U.S. equities.
Investors may consider prominent names like Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) and Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), or broader exposure via the iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NYSE">IWM</a>).
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</ul>
Image: Shutterstock/15 April

Macro Economic Events

TSLA

Wall Street Bets On Bulls, Not Tariffs, As Rare 'Breadth Thrust' Lifts Stocks

B of A Securities analyst Bryan D. Spillane on Friday, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/PG/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">reiterated a Buy rating</a> on Procter &amp; Gamble CO (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PG#NYSE">PG</a>) stock, and lowered the price forecast from $190.00 to $180.00.
PG's strong <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44984872/gillette-parent-procter-gamble-slides-on-q3-sales-decline-lowered-outlook" rel="noreferrer noopener">third-quarter performance</a> was overshadowed by concerns over potential U.S. tariffs, which could cost the company $1 billion to $1.5 billion annually.
The analyst states that despite a 3.7% stock drop, PG believes it can offset the impact through favorable foreign exchange, lower input costs, and strategic pricing.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/44977669/pepsico-ceo-warns-of-tariffs-led-increase-in-supply-chain-costs-cuts-annual-profit-outlook" rel="noreferrer noopener">PepsiCo CEO Warns Of Tariffs Led ‘Increase In Supply Chain Costs,' Cuts Annual Profit Outlook</a>
While category growth has softened slightly, core consumer demand remains stable. PG also reports positive momentum in China and Latin America.
Procter &amp; Gamble's reduced FY25 outlook reflects early tariff impacts and slower growth, but FY26 could see more upside if tariffs are eased and global consumer trends improve amid economic uncertainty.
The analyst has reduced the EPS projections for FY25 and FY26 due to expected margin compression. Fourth-quarter organic sales estimate has been slightly adjusted to a 1.9% increase based on flat volumes and 2% pricing growth.
The analyst has trimmed the fourth-quarter gross margin forecast by 30 basis points to 51.1%, down 10 basis points year-over-year, and cut EPS estimate by 9 cents to $1.44.
For FY25, the analyst has lowered gross margin expectations by 30 basis points to 51.6%, reflecting potential one-month tariff costs between $100 million and $160 million. The analyst has also reduced the sales and margin outlooks for FY26 and FY27 due to ongoing tariff pressures and slower category growth.
Price Action: PG shares traded higher by 1.04% at $161.16 at last check Friday.
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</ul>
Photo by Jonathan Weiss via Shutterstock

What Is The Tariff Risk For Procter & Gamble? Analyst Calculates, Trims Outlook

RBC Capital analyst Nik Modi upgrades Procter &amp; Gamble (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PG#NYSE">PG</a>) from Sector Perform to Outperform and raises the price target from $164 to $177.

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