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.
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.