economy

January 8, 2026

Dividend growth stocks offer attractive returns with less risk, Nuveen finds. Analysts like these names

Companies that regularly raise their dividends can help protect portfolios in volatile times. A CNBC Pro screen turned up several names beloved by Wall Street.

Dividend growth stocks offer attractive returns with less risk, Nuveen finds. Analysts like these names

TL;DR

  • Market turbulence is expected in 2026 due to macro, geopolitical, and policy uncertainties, as well as shifts in AI sentiment.
  • Dividend growth companies have historically yielded higher returns with lower risk compared to their market peers.
  • U.S. common dividend increases grew significantly in Q4 2025, with Q1 2026 expected to be a busy period for dividend increases.
  • S&P 500 stocks are projected to see mid-single-digit dividend increases in 2026.
  • Fifth Third Bancorp and Coca-Cola are identified as strong dividend growers with positive analyst ratings and recent dividend hikes.
  • Other notable dividend growers include AbbVie, Entergy, and Unum Group.

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