Investors who want quality companies should look at sectors not exposed to speculation.
In the food sector, Mondelez (MDLZ) reported strong Q3 results. It earned $0.78 non-GAAP per share. Revenue topped $9.97 billion (+2.4% Y/Y). The firm is forecasting free cash flow of around $3 billion.
MDLZ stock yields around 3.1%.
In the defense industry, consider Howmet Aerospace (HWM). Shares popped last week after posting Q3 revenue of $2.7 billion (+29.2% Y/Y). Cash flow generation strength enabled the firm to deploy $500 million to buy back shares. For 2026, Howmet is expecting revenue of $11.5 billion, up by around 12% Y/Y.
Chemicals firm LyondellBasell Industries (LYB) is an inexpensive stock trading at a P/E in the single digits. On Oct. 30, the firm posted $2.54 in non-GAAP EPS. Revenue grew by 10% Y/Y to $8.5 billion. Its business added $600 million in cash, while it generated $1.7 billion in cash from operating activities.
In Q4, LYB expects to benefit from normal seasonal demand patterns.
Adventurous readers who do not mind speculation risks might consider Roblox (RBLX). The gaming firm posted a loss of $0.32 (GAAP). Bookings of $1.7 billion fell 12% Y/Y.
Neocloud supplier Nebius (NBIS) is a healthy, growing company to watch. Bears hold a ~ 19% short interest in the stock, which is more than that held on CoreWeave (CRWV) at 13%. Yet CRWV stock has high risks. It holds over $50 billion in debt that is at risk of defaulting in the coming years.
