Analysts Pick 3 Dividend Stocks for Late 2026 as Market Pullback Lifts Defensive Demand
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Finance · Aug 2
Analysts Pick 3 Dividend Stocks for Late 2026 as Market Pullback Lifts Defensive Demand
3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Finance · Aug 2
Summary
Johnson & Johnson, Coca-Cola and ExxonMobil were highlighted as late-2026 dividend buys as investors rotate from recent market highs into steadier blue-chip names.
Defensive appeal rests on consistent payouts, dividend growth and long-term return potential during near-term volatility, with Johnson & Johnson presented as a standout for both yield durability and earnings momentum.
65 years of consecutive dividend increases place J&J among Dividend Kings, and its payout growth has averaged about 5.7% annually over the past decade despite a modest roughly 2% forward yield.
J&J's case is strengthened by its 2023 Kenvue spin-off, a push into faster-growing areas like oncology, 73% Tremfya sales growth to $2 billion last quarter, and a $5.5 billion talc settlement.
Analysts see J&J earnings rising 8.2% in 2026 and 9.8% in 2027, supporting further dividend increases as investors broadly seek defensive income plays amid market uncertainty.