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Microsoft

Tech stocks haven’t exactly been market darlings lately. Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), for instance, is down 26% over the past 12 months.

But the software gorilla remains a hot trade for politicians.

According to data from CapitolTrades, 22 U.S. lawmakers made a total of 150 trades on Microsoft in the past year — including 75 buys and 75 sells.

While market sentiment isn’t bullish on tech at the moment, Microsoft’s business is still on the right track.

In the September quarter, revenue increased 11% from a year ago to $50.1 billion. On a constant currency basis, revenue growth was a more impressive 16%.

Notably, revenue from Microsoft’s Intelligent Cloud segment rose 20% year over year to $20.3 billion.

Given the downturn in its share price, Microsoft could give contrarian investors something to think about.

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Johnson & Johnson

With deeply entrenched positions in consumer health, pharmaceuticals and medical devices markets, health care giant Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) has delivered consistent returns to investors throughout economic cycles.

Many of the company’s consumer health brands — like Tylenol, Band-Aid and Listerine — are household names. In total, JNJ has 29 products each capable of generating over $1 billion in annual sales.

Not only does Johnson & Johnson post recurring annual profits, but it also grows them consistently: Over the past 20 years, the company’s adjusted earnings have increased at an average annual rate of 8%.

JNJ announced its 60th consecutive annual dividend increase last April and now provides an annual dividend yield of 2.6%.

The stock is also demonstrating its resilience in this ugly market: while the S&P 500 plunged 19.4% in 2022, JNJ was up 3% for the year.

So it’s no surprise that politicians are making trades on this stock. CapitolTrades data suggests that 14 U.S. lawmakers made 38 trades on JNJ over the past year — including 24 buys and 14 sells.

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About the Author

Jing Pan

Jing Pan

Investment Reporter

Jing is an investment reporter for MoneyWise. He is an avid advocate of investing for passive income. Despite the ups and downs he’s been through with the markets, Jing believes that you can generate a steadily increasing income stream by investing in high quality companies.

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The content provided on Moneywise is information to help users become financially literate. It is neither tax nor legal advice, is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice, and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, either express or implied, with respect to the data provided, the timeliness thereof, the results to be obtained by the use thereof or any other matter.