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undefined | Boost your portfolio with these stocks that regularly buy back shares, Wolfe Research says

When markets wobble, Wolfe Research advises investors to focus on companies that consistently buy back shares. In a recent note, chief investment strategist Chris Senyek highlighted a “defensive basket” of stocks that have reduced their share count through buybacks for at least ten straight years—many of which also pay dividends and include several Dividend Aristocrats with decades‑long dividend‑growth histories. The firm argues that such companies have historically outperformed during economic slowdowns and recessions, making them a reliable haven when volatility rises.

Among the screen’s top picks are Lowe’s Companies and Automatic Data Processing (ADP). Lowe’s, a home‑improvement retailer, currently yields about 2.1 percent and has raised its dividend for over 25 consecutive years; analysts are split, with half rating it a buy or strong buy and the other half a hold, while consensus price targets suggest roughly a 23‑25 percent upside. ADP, a payroll‑services giant, offers a 3.3 percent yield and has increased its dividend for 51 straight years, but its shares have fallen more than 20 percent in 2026 amid AI‑related concerns. Nonetheless, analysts cite ADP’s strong regulatory‑compliance moat and vast employment data set, backing a price target that implies over 30 percent upside.

Wolfe’s list also includes stalwarts such as Colgate‑Palmolive, Illinois Tool Works, A. O. Smith and Mondelez, rounding out a portfolio of firms that blend steady buybacks with solid dividend payouts. These companies are presented as “defensive” plays for investors seeking relative safety and potential upside while broader market sentiment remains uncertain.