2 Excellent Dividend Stocks for the Bumpy Economic Ride

OK, the markets are looking ugly right now. If you’re anything like us, you’ve been obsessing about your portfolio and dreaming of the way things were in the bull market of oh, a month ago. 

But rest assured: There are options for even the roughest economic times.

For one, we have a new screener focused on safer stocks to consider for your portfolio (we also have a short educational article on the subject).

But today, we’d like to zero in on a specific approach to safety and stability: dividend stocks. 

While not all are created equal, the best dividend stocks can be reliable earners for a portfolio that can do well despite potentially turbulent economic times ahead.

Where can you find the good ones? To determine our recommendations, we looked at stocks with an A rating from our Zen Ratings system that also provide excellent dividends to shareholders. Two top choices include:

1. Phibro Animal Health Corp (NASDAQ: PAHC)

People typically keep taking care of their livestock, and as such, the market remains strong for nutrition products, animal feed, and the like. Operating worldwide, it will not be affected wholly by the tariffs, but even secondary effects will be mitigated by the fact that people need to eat. 

Its dividend has increased over the last ten years, and the last dividend provided was $0.1200 per share in September of 2024.

On top of providing a dividend, PAHC is overall one of the best stocks we cover, receiving strong component grades and an overall A Zen Rating.

2. Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ: GILD)

An international biopharmaceutical company, Gilead Sciences is, due to its industry and market position, unlikely to be affected by tariffs and unlikely to be affected by economic uncertainly. Pharmaceuticals are just as necessary as food for many, and the Financials look excellent for the company.

Its forward dividend yield is 3.35%, with a dividend per share of $0.7700. Overall, dividends have increased over the past 10 years.

And breaking down its Zen Rating further, it has B component grades in Value, Growth, Sentiment, Safety, and Financials, making it an all-around pick for a portfolio on top of its dividend yields.

We actually featured GILD in a recent article in some stocks to look at given tariff woes, with the piece noting that while the market is down, GILD is up about 30%..

One last note: While there are other stocks you can review that will provide higher dividends, they don’t necessarily have a higher Zen Rating, or may have other issues. We want your portfolio to thrive partially from your dividend stock selections, and it’s hardly a perfect investment if its dividends are tremendous but the stock is a huge risk.

Want to know more, improve your search, or keep watch on the stocks mentioned above? If so, WallStreetZen Premium is for you. It will provide you with an unlimited watchlist, regular news and updates about stocks you care about, and all of the fundamental information you need to make the best portfolio decisions.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more guided portfolio, then Zen Investor is for you. Run by our own Steve Reitmeister, you will get a selection of stocks selected by a professional with more than four decades of investing experience. You’ll also receive some peace of mind, knowing you’re working with recommendations that have the long term in mind.

What to Do Next?

• 8 Stock Lists You Need Now >
• See All “A” Rated Stocks with +32.52% Average Annual Return > 
• 4 Step Process to Find More 100%+ Stock Winners >

Want to get in touch? Email us at news@wallstreetzen.com.