Invest in What You Know

Our addictions don’t have to bring us down. They can change our lives for the better.

This week, Philip Morris and Keurig-Dr. Pepper reported earnings. They beat expectations.

I opened a position in Philip Morris last fall when I started to see how successful the Zyn nicotine pouches were doing. When both the good ole boys and the suits are sucking on the same thing, you should know to invest.

So I did. And I’ve done very well.

In economic times like these, it’s important to find companies that make their products in America. While Zyn originates from Sweden, Philip Morris produces American pouches in Kentucky — and will soon add a Colorado plant to match its continually rising demand.

In the first three months of 2025, Philip Morris sold over 223 million cans of Zyn — enough to span Route 66. The company projects to sell as much as 840 million cans this year, which would beat last year’s sales by roughly 40%.

Another great American company to consider is Keurig Dr. Pepper.

Dr. Pepper has long been a favorite drink of mine. I’m sucking down a handful of Blackberry Dr. Pepper Zeros each week. It contributes to whatever weird ecosystem I have going on inside of me.

But, as long as my heart is still ticking, I’ll be a fan of Dr. Pepper. Especially with that dividend…

It’s not as good as Philip Morris’s, but a 2.6% yield to accompany a stock that has done well in the past year and feels safe during our current economic turmoil makes it worth a look.

Keurig Dr. Pepper doesn’t have a Zyn in its portfolio that screams major growth, but it grows each quarter and has exciting names under its belt like the two in the name, Snapple, Core Hydration, and Donut Shop, among others.

When the economic landscape changes and you don’t know what to do with your money, sometimes all you need to do is open your fridge.