5 Best “Sin Stocks” to Buy for Recession Protection

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1. Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 78

Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM) ranks among the best sin stocks to buy for recession protection. Morgan Stanley boosted Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM)’s price objective to $200 from $190 on June 3, retaining an Overweight rating on the stock. The firm referenced the company’s planned launch of Zyn Ultra and an IQOS Japan revamp as reasons for the rating.

The same day, Stifel reaffirmed its Buy rating and $195 price target for Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM) following the company’s presentation at a conference. Stifel restated a Buy rating and a $195 price target for Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM) after the company’s conference presentation. Philip Morris observed that solid performance in its smoke-free and combustibles businesses helps mitigate headwinds not anticipated in the original forecast, including inflation and conflict-related disruptions.

Moreover, the company’s products, including ZYN ULTRA, will be available in the United States this month in 9mg and 11mg doses in a moist form, as well as 20 pouch cans. Stifel believes the introduction will help Philip Morris improve its market-share momentum and close the product and value gap with peers.

Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM) operates as a global tobacco company. Its products include cigarettes and smoke-free alternatives. Its smoke-free business also covers wellness and healthcare products, along with consumer accessories such as lighters and matches.

While we acknowledge the potential of PM to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than PM  and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: Starter Stock Portfolio: 14 Safe Stocks to Buy Now and 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds Heading Into 2026.

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