Investors could find a safe haven in a collection of dividend stocks that lessen risk and provide steady income in uneven markets, according to Wolfe Research. Stocks are off to an optimistic start on Monday in response to reports that President Donald Trump could be softening his stance on U.S. trade policy. But investors remain vigilant about the health of the economy. Consumer sentiment has weakened in recent months and, despite some of the tariff proposals being postponed or narrowed, the rhetoric from the White House has helped create uncertainty that has kept gains for equities in check in 2025. Against this backdrop, Wolfe Research is recommending so-called dividend aristocrat stocks, which the firm touts as able to perform well before and during recessions. Dividend aristocrats are companies that have raised their dividends in each of the past 25 years. In addition to being members of the S & P 500 Dividend Aristocrats index , companies included on the Wolfe list also had to have above-market dividend growth over the past 12 months, and fall into the second quintile of stocks as measured by their dividend yield. Here are some of the names that popped up on Wolfe's screen. Walmart , the country's largest retailer, made the list. The stock is down about 4% in 2025, and pays a dividend equal to a yield of roughly 1.1%. Shares were under pressure earlier in the year after Walmart warned in its fiscal fourth-quarter profit report of slowing profits moving forward. Virtually all analysts polled by FactSet are standing behind the stock, with 91% maintaining a buy rating on Walmart. The average price target from analysts surveyed by FactSet calls for nearly 27% upside over the coming 12 months. WMT YTD mountain Walmart stock in 2025. Elsewhere, soap and detergent maker Procter & Gamble also made the cut. Shares have slipped about 1% in 2025, and Procter & Gamble pays a dividend equal to a yield of 2.4%. The company remains on stable footing despite concerns tied to consumer spending. Bank of America analyst Bryan Spillane recently called Procter & Gamble a "reliable" compounder of returns that the market continues to reward. Analysts polled by FactSet have a mostly favorable view of Procter & Gamble, with 61% of those surveyed rating shares a buy. The average price target from those analysts' forecasts implies nearly 10% appreciation. PG YTD mountain Procter & Gamble stock in 2025. Get Your Ticket to Pro LIVE Join us at the New York Stock Exchange! Uncertain markets? Gain an edge with CNBC Pro LIVE , an exclusive, inaugural event at the historic New York Stock Exchange. In today's dynamic financial landscape, access to expert insights is paramount. As a CNBC Pro subscriber, we invite you to join us for our first exclusive, in-person CNBC Pro LIVE event at the iconic NYSE on Thursday, June 12. Join interactive Pro clinics led by our Pros Carter Worth, Dan Niles and Dan Ives, with a special edition of Pro Talks with Tom Lee. You'll also get the opportunity to network with CNBC experts, talent and other Pro subscribers during an exciting cocktail hour on the legendary trading floor. Tickets are limited!
