As anyone with a respiratory system will tell you, flu season isn’t fun.
But as any investor holding pharmacy and flu-related, coughing-sniffling remedy stocks will tell you it’s one of the best times of the year. Just last year, the US CDC estimates there were 35 million to 65 million flu illnesses, 16 million to 30 million flu-related medical visits, 390,000 to 830,000 flu-related hospitalizations and 25,000 to 72,000 flu-related deaths. All of which we could easily see again this year.
“CDC expects the upcoming fall and winter respiratory disease season will likely have a similar or lower number of combined peak hospitalizations due to COVID-19, influenza, and RSV compared to last season,” they added.
That being said, investors may want to consider jumping into stocks, such as:
Clorox Co. (CLX)
Clorox will typically run higher starting in October, as flu season hits. All thanks to higher demand for its cleaners and disinfectants that can help kill germs.
Plus, recent CLX earnings haven’t been too shabby. Its first quarter EPS of $1.86 beat by 47 cents. Revenue of $.176 billion, up 26.6% year over year beat by $120 million. Now with flu season, we could see even better second quarter earnings. Even better, as we make our way through the season, you can also collect the company’s 2.95% yield.
CVS Health (CVS)
Oversold shares of CVS also have a history of running higher during flu seasons. All thanks to an increased need for medications and flu shots before and during the season.
Helping, the company recently named David Joyner as its new CEO.
“The Board believes this is the right time to make a change, and we are confident that David is the right person to lead our company for the benefit of all stakeholders, including customers, employees, patients, and shareholders. We believe David and his deep understanding of our integrated business can help us more directly address the challenges our industry faces, more rapidly advance the operational improvements our company requires,” said the company.
