Investors looking for safety and income amid the market turbulence may want to turn to dividend stocks. Equities have had a rocky year so far as investors grapple with the impact of President Donald Trump's tariffs and concerns about the economy. Stocks fell again on Thursday after the latest tariff-related news aimed at foreign automakers. While dividend stocks may help smooth the ride, not all are created equal. One preferred strategy from Wolfe Research focuses on so-called dividend aristocrats , which are companies that have boosted their payouts in each of the past 25 years. The stocks have historically performed well heading into and during recessions, analyst Chris Senyek said in a note Monday. "They have also been the top and most consistent performing dividend theme in the year after the Fed's first rate cut," he wrote. For investors looking to get a jump on the next potential names to earn this distinction, Senyek looked for companies he believes may be "emerging Aristocrats." The names have increased their dividend for at least 15 years. Here are some that made the cut. Verizon has a 6.13% dividend yield and has grown its payout by 2% in the last 12 months. The wireless carrier said in September it will acquire fiber-optic internet provider Frontier Communications in an effort to expand its fiber network. The stock has an average analyst rating of overweight and about 3% upside to the average price target, according to FactSet. Investors can get paid to wait on Nike , which has 2.43% yield but has underperformed this year. The company posted an earnings and revenue beat for its fiscal third quarter last week, but warned sales declines for the current quarter would be in the mid-teens range. NKE YTD mountain Nike Nike has an average analyst rating of overweight and nearly 21% upside the average price target, per FactSet. Meanwhile, shares of Philip Morris have soared this year, thanks to the popularity of its smoke-free products , notably its Zyn oral nicotine pouch. The tobacco giant, which yields 3.5%, plans to ultimately replace cigarettes with smoke-free alternatives. Philip Morris posted a first-quarter revenue and earnings beat in February, with its smoke-free products exceeding 40 billion units for the first time. In January, the Food and Drug Administration approved the marketing of Zyn, the first nicotine pouches to receive authorization. "It was a great quarter, great year and, more importantly, we see the same sort of dynamics going into 2025," CEO Jacek Olczak said in an interview with CNBC's " Money Movers " in February. PM YTD mountain Philip Morris There may be volatility around tariffs and currency fluctuations, but the company's fundamentals are strong, he added. The company has a last-12-month dividend growth of 3%. However, its quarterly dividend has increased by 193.5% since 2008, Philip Morris said in its 2024 annual report, released Thursday. The stock has an average analyst rating of overweight but 2% downside to the average price target. Several financial firms also made the cut, including Prudential Financial , which has a 4.67% dividend yield. It has an average analyst rating of hold and 9% upside to the average price target, according to FactSet. Lastly, investors can grab a 4.19% dividend yield in Bristol Myers Squibb . It grew its dividend by 5% in the last 12 months. The pharmaceutical giant said last month that it plans to cut $2 billion in costs by the end of 2027 by streamlining operations and making organizational changes. It also posted an earnings and revenue beat for its fourth quarter, but its full-year guidance disappointed. 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!
