24/7 Wall St.

With the party conventions out of the way, we are now just about 100 days out from the general election, and regardless who wins it looks to be a historic vote. We will either end up with the first female president in U.S. history or a businessman with absolutely no political background. One thing is for sure, the market will do its best to handicap the winning scenario regardless of who grabs the prize in November.

While politics is not an area we take sides on at 24/7 Wall St., we are very interested in the potential outcome, as investors may want to start adjusting their portfolios based on who looks to be leading. In a new Jefferies research note, top-notch economist David Zervos believes the rise in populism is the most important issue the markets face today. He sees the biggest impact from a Trump win would be a weaker U.S. dollar. That would benefit companies that export goods as a large percentage of their business.

We screened our Wall Street research database and found four companies that export a tremendous amount that could be winners in a weaker dollar scenario.

Altria

The maker of tobacco products and wine has posted decent numbers through the first half of the year. Altria Group Inc. (NYSE: MO) is a top mega-cap consumer discretionary stock to buy on Wall Street, and the company’s Marlboro brand remains one of the most recognizable in the world.

Many Wall Street analysts concede that the stock has solid downside support owing to the generous dividend yield, which remains at a huge premium in relation to the 10-year Treasury rate. Cash flow generation and the return of cash to Altria shareholders remain key facets of the company’s total shareholder return. The analysts expect support of the strong dividend, which they believe will continue to climb, and strong share repurchase activity.

To diversify away from cigarettes and cigars, Altria has expanded its portfolio into new categories like wine, e-cigarettes and a 27% stake in brewer SABMiller, which together generated nearly 10% of its pre-excise tax revenue last quarter. With SABMiller being acquired, Altria will have a huge stake in the world’s biggest beer company.

Altria investors are paid a solid 3.35% dividend. The Wall Street consensus target price for the stock is $65.75. The shares closed Monday at $67.65.

Coca-Cola

This company remains a top Warren Buffet holding and offers not only safety, but an incredible strong worldwide brand. Coca-Cola Co. (NYSE: KO) is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands.

Led by Coca-Cola, its portfolio features 20 billion-dollar brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade and Minute Maid. Globally, it is the top provider of sparkling beverages, ready-to-drink coffees and juices and juice drinks. Through the world’s largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy its beverages at a rate of more than 1.9 billion servings a day.

Despite reporting second-quarter earnings that came in above some estimates, slower growth and flat volumes brought out the sellers and they tagged the stock big time. It is important to remember though that the company own 31.5% of Monster Beverage, which continues to deliver big numbers.

Coca-Cola investors are paid an outstanding 3.22% dividend. The Wall Street consensus price target is set at $47.88. The stock closed Monday at $43.45.
General Electric

This iconic blue chip has been on a strong roll and investors may want to scale buy shares, looking for a pullback. General Electric Co. (NYSE: GE) is a highly diversified, global industrial corporation. Its businesses are organized broadly under six segments: GE Capital, Energy Infrastructure, Aviation, Healthcare, Transportation and Home & Business Solutions. Its products and services include power generation equipment, aircraft engines, locomotives, medical equipment, appliances, commercial leasing and personal finance. Wall Street analysts feel that the American giant will be a large player in the efficient energy field.

The company posted solid second-quarter numbers that were somewhat hampered by slower organic growth. GE does an estimated 52.9% of its total sales overseas, so a weaker dollar surely could help the rest of this year and into 2017. It should also be noted CEO Jeffrey Immelt recently made a large purchase of company stock.

Top analysts note that while the company’s execution story remains on track, the global macro picture could also prove to be a headwind. While some question the ability to post second-half of 2016 growth, the analysts feel it is very achievable. They also feel the company will re-accelerate cash deployment into 2017 to offset the macro environment. Plus bullish crude oil fundamentals and ongoing cost cutting measures may help to keep the stock price elevated.

GE investors receive a 2.95% dividend. The consensus price objective is at $33.71. The stock closed trading on Monday at $31.15 per share.

McDonald’s

The fast-food giant has been hit hard since earnings were released, but it still remains a solid pick for investors seeking dividends and a degree of safety. McDonald’s Corp. (NYSE: MCD) is the world’s leading global foodservice retailer, with over 36,000 locations serving approximately 69 million customers in over 100 countries each day. More than 80% of McDonald’s restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local business persons.

The company reported solid second-quarter results, but the U.S. store comparable sales growth of just 1.8% disappointed investors. The Merrill Lynch team noted that charges and refranchising gains make the earnings number a bit dicey, so some on Wall Street lowered their total GAAP numbers for 2016.

McDonald’s shareholders are paid a nice 3.00% dividend. The consensus price target is $130.29, and the shares closed most recently at $118.01.

Even in the event Trump loses, these top companies will remain outstanding choices for a long-term growth portfolio, but if he does win, and the Jefferies team is right that the dollar weakens against foreign currencies, they may even be better plays for 2017 and beyond.