15 Best Low Volatility Blue Chip Stocks to Buy Now

In this article, we will take a look at the 15 Best Low Volatility Blue Chip Stocks to Buy Now.

The S&P 500 has declined by over 3.5% in 2026 so far. According to an April 1 report by CNBC, investors were being urged to brace for more volatility. Markets, it said, are likely to react quickly to both good and bad headlines.

Jack Manley, a global market strategist at JPMorgan Asset Management, noted that market moves would remain highly sensitive to the flow of news. He added that while the current environment still supports taking on risk, investors should expect a bumpy and uneven ride through the year. The firm’s data showed a clear pattern. Investors who try to time the market by moving in and out too often tend to fall behind, especially during volatile periods.

The report further mentioned that looking back over the past two decades, six of the 10 best market days came within two weeks of the 10 worst days. One example stood out. The second-worst trading day of 2020, March 12, was followed immediately by the second-best day of that same year. Based on this, the firm found that staying fully invested often leads to better results. Missing even a few of the strongest days can have a noticeable impact on overall returns. Manley also pointed to diversification as a practical way to manage volatility.

He further noted that a long-term, passive approach focused on the S&P 500 has produced strong outcomes. Large-cap US stocks delivered three straight years of double-digit gains, around 16% in 2025, 23% in 2024, and 24% in 2023. He acknowledged that some years may still bring losses. Even so, he stressed that history continues to show US equities as a consistent driver of long-term wealth creation.

Given this, we will take a look at some of the best low-volatility stocks.

Our Methodology:

For this article, we screened for companies with a market cap above $10 billion. From that list, we picked companies with a beta value below 1, which shows that these stocks are less volatile than the overall market. We limited our final selection to companies that have recently reported noteworthy developments likely to impact investor sentiment.

Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 498.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 303 percentage points (see more details here).

15. Nutrien Ltd. (NYSE:NTR)

Beta Value (5Y Monthly): 0.99

On April 7, RBC Capital raised the firm’s price recommendation on Nutrien Ltd. (NYSE:NTR) to $85 from $80. It reiterated an Outperform rating on the shares. The update came as part of a broader preview of Q1 results in the fertilizer sector. The firm noted that fertilizer prices came in higher than expected during the quarter. The Iran war limited exports from the Middle East, which remains a key supplier of nitrogen and phosphate. Nitrogen, in particular, saw a sharp impact, with prices moving higher due to tighter supply and rising LNG costs increasing global marginal production costs, the analyst told investors in a research note. RBC also said it expects Nutrien to continue delivering strong operational performance. In its view, this positions the company to generate solid free cash flow and benefit during periods when fertilizer prices move higher, including the current environment where nitrogen prices are being supported by Iran-war-related disruptions.

On March 26, UBS downgraded Nutrien (NTR) to Sell from Neutral and raised its price target to $67 from $63. The firm said the stock’s risk/reward has shifted to the downside. Nutrien’s 19% rally so far this year already reflects a more optimistic outlook for potash market fundamentals. UBS believes this outlook overlooks potential supply and pricing pressure that could emerge later in the decade, the analyst told investors in a research note. The firm expects potash prices to decline starting in Q2. It also sees 2026 pricing staying flat, which contrasts with consensus expectations for year-over-year increases.

Nutrien Ltd. operates as a global provider of crop inputs and services. The company runs a large network of production, distribution, and agricultural retail facilities. Its business is organized across Nutrien Ag Solutions (Retail), Potash, Nitrogen, and Phosphate segments.

14. Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR)

Beta Value (5Y Monthly): 0.99

On April 6, Evercore ISI analyst Vijay Kumar lowered the firm’s price recommendation on Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR) to $225 from $254 and maintained an Outperform rating. The shares were also added to the firm’s “Tactical Outperform” list as part of its Q1 preview for medical technology and life science tools.

During the Q4 2025 earnings call, Rainer Blair, President, CEO, and Director, stated that the company reported sales of $24.6 billion, with core revenue rising 2%. He noted that the adjusted operating profit margin came in at 28.2%, while adjusted diluted earnings per share reached $7.80, reflecting a 4.5% increase. He also highlighted that the company generated $5.3 billion in free cash flow, which translated into a free cash flow to net income conversion ratio of about 145%.

Blair added that fourth-quarter sales totaled $6.8 billion, alongside core revenue growth of 2.5%. He further explained that, on a geographic basis, core revenues in developed markets saw low single-digit growth. North America remained largely flat, while Western Europe posted mid-single-digit gains.

Danaher Corporation operates as a global life sciences and diagnostics innovator. The company is organized across three segments: Biotechnology, Life Sciences, and Diagnostics.

13. Canadian National Railway Company (NYSE:CNI)

Beta Value (5Y Monthly): 0.96

On April 7, JPMorgan analyst Brian Ossenbeck raised the firm’s price recommendation on Canadian National Railway Company (NYSE:CNI) to C$153 from C$147. It reiterated a Neutral rating. The update came as part of a broader Q1 preview for the transportation and logistics group. The analyst said surface transportation rates are unlikely to return to last year’s lows, according to a research note. JPMorgan also noted it sees “more stocks to own than avoid” heading into earnings. At the same time, the firm believes it is too early to expect positive earnings revisions until freight demand shows more durable strength.

On April 7, Citigroup raised its price target on CN (CNI) to $123 from $115 and maintained a Buy rating. The firm said many stocks in its North America Transportation coverage “appear expensive” unless estimates move meaningfully higher. It added that such revisions still feel premature given ongoing macro uncertainty. The changes were also part of a Q1 preview.

Canadian National Railway Company operates as a transportation and logistics provider. The company offers rail, intermodal, trucking, and broader supply chain services. Its rail segment includes equipment services, customs brokerage, transloading and distribution, as well as private railcar storage.

12. Honeywell International Inc. (NASDAQ:HON)

Beta Value (5Y Monthly): 0.92

On April 1, Barclays analyst Julian Mitchell lowered the firm’s price recommendation on Honeywell International Inc. (NASDAQ:HON) to $255 from $275. It reiterated an Overweight rating. The update was part of a broader Q1 earnings preview for the multi-industry group. The analyst noted that the sector is facing “more demand question marks,” while expectations have been “somewhat re-based,” according to a research note.

On March 27, BMO Capital Markets initiated coverage of Honeywell with an Outperform rating and a $273 price target. The firm said it is constructive on the stock ahead of the planned Aerospace spin expected in the next 3–6 months. It also pointed to strong Aerospace & Defense fundamentals, along with the ongoing transformation of the Remainco portfolio, which it believes are not fully reflected in the current valuation. The firm added that the strategic review of the Warehouse and Productivity businesses, along with updates on potential spin-offs, could act as near-term catalysts.

Honeywell International Inc. operates as an integrated company serving a wide range of industries and geographies. Its portfolio is supported by the Honeywell Accelerator operating system and the Honeywell Forge platform.

11. Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE:AVY)

Beta Value (5Y Monthly): 0.91

On April 6, Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE:AVY) saw its price target reduced by BofA to $201 from $210. The firm kept a Buy rating on the stock as part of its preview of the packaging and paper group.

A few days earlier, on April 1, Deutsche Bank began coverage of Avery Dennison with a Buy rating and a $200 price target. The firm introduced its broader view on the packaging sector, noting it is “navigating a complex and evolving economic landscape” in early 2026. The analyst pointed out that last year’s challenges, including weak consumer demand and rising costs, have carried into this year. On top of that, higher oil prices and tariff pressures are adding strain, making conditions more difficult for the industry. Within the sector, Deutsche Bank said it is “constructive on the rigid and flexible packaging group” while remaining “cautious” on the fiber-based packaging group.

Avery Dennison Corporation operates as a global materials science and digital identification solutions provider. It offers branding and information solutions designed to improve labor and supply chain efficiency, reduce waste, and support sustainability and transparency, while helping connect brands with consumers.

10. McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE:MKC)

Beta Value (5Y Monthly): 0.71

On April 2, Barclays lowered its price recommendation on McCormick & Company, Incorporated slightly to $57 from $58. It reiterated an Equal Weight rating on the shares and remarked that “there’s rarely a particularly good time for a food company to take on a transformational deal.”

Speaking on the Q1 2026 earnings call, Brendan M. Foley said the company put up solid growth across sales, adjusted operating income, and adjusted earnings per share. He pointed to the McCormick de Mexico acquisition as one of the contributors, alongside steady organic growth in both the Consumer and Flavor Solutions segments. He also made the point that strong sales, help from the acquisition, and tight cost control worked together to lift margins. Even with that, the company continued to invest in the business.

Foley said first-quarter volumes landed where the company expected. He expects that to improve step by step through the year, with growth building over time. He tied that outlook to ongoing brand investment, more innovation across both segments, and wider distribution. He described the company’s fundamentals as solid, supported by its portfolio, consistent execution, and continued investment. He also said McCormick remains on track to meet its 2026 outlook and is still focused on becoming a global flavor leader while delivering value to shareholders.

McCormick & Company, Incorporated produces and sells herbs, spices, seasonings, condiments, and flavors. It works across the food and beverage industry, serving retailers, manufacturers, and foodservice businesses through its Consumer and Flavor Solutions segments.

9. Amcor plc (NYSE:AMCR)

Beta Value (5Y Monthly): 0.71

On April 6, BofA lowered its price recommendation on Amcor plc (NYSE:AMCR) to $48 from $56. It reiterated a Buy rating on the shares as part of its preview of the packaging group.

A February report by CNBC described packaging as a resilient end market, noting that the industry benefits from scale, something the newly merged company now has. The report said that if Amcor can return its profit margins to where they were three years ago, it could generate more than $1.85 billion in net income from roughly $23 billion in expected revenue over the next twelve months. The report also noted that Amcor completed its all-stock combination with Berry Global last April. The deal created a broader portfolio across consumer and healthcare packaging and is expected to deliver meaningful cost and operating synergies.

Management has guided to $4.00 to $4.15 in adjusted earnings per share for FY2026, along with free cash flow of $1.8 billion to $1.9 billion. The report added that post-merger integration can be more complex than it often appears. Still, if capital spending stays in line, free cash flow could reach $2 billion by calendar year 2027.

Amcor plc (NYSE:AMCR) develops packaging solutions for consumer and healthcare products. It focuses on sustainable packaging across flexible and rigid formats and operates through its Flexibles and Rigid Packaging segments.

8. Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE:ATO)

Beta Value (5Y Monthly): 0.69

On April 7, Barclays raised its price recommendation on Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE:ATO) to $184 from $167. The firm kept an Equal Weight rating while updating its outlook for the North America power and utilities group as part of a Q1 preview.

During the Q4 2025 earnings call, Christopher Forsythe said fiscal 2026 first-quarter diluted earnings per share came in at $2.44. That marked a 9.4% increase from the same period last year. He noted that results included a $35 million, or $0.16 per share, impact tied to Texas House Bill 4384. He explained that the quarter benefited from $68 million in rate increases. There was also $24 million in operating income growth, driven by customer additions and higher load, along with another $7 million from increased through-system revenues.

At the same time, Forsythe pointed out that consolidated O&M expenses rose by $23 million. He said the increase was largely tied to compliance, safety, and employee-related costs. He added that the company’s first-quarter performance puts it in a good position to meet its rebased fiscal 2026 earnings per share guidance of $8.15 to $8.35. He also said the company remains on track to carry out its $4.2 billion capital spending plan.

Atmos Energy Corporation operates as a natural gas-only distributor. It serves more than 3.3 million customers across over 1,400 communities in eight states, mainly in the South, and manages its own pipeline and storage assets, including intrastate systems in Texas.

7. Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX)

Beta Value (5Y Monthly): 0.59

On April 7, BMO Capital lifted its price recommendation on Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) to $205 from $200. The firm kept an Outperform rating, updating its Q1 assumptions to reflect the war in Iran and the ongoing oversupply in the North American natural gas market. The analyst described a market that is holding its breath, with oil and equities reacting to uncertainty around the next move from Donald Trump. If tensions ease and flows through the Strait of Hormuz resume, oil prices could settle back into a $75 to $85 per barrel range.

If the situation moves in the other direction, with further escalation and the Strait remaining closed, prices could rise sharply, potentially reaching $150 to $200 per barrel. BMO also made the point that a prolonged conflict would come with a high economic cost. The firm’s view is that the situation is likely to de-escalate, with the war expected to wind down by the end of April.

Chevron Corporation operates as an integrated energy company. It produces crude oil and natural gas, and also manufactures transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals, and additives, with operations across its Upstream and Downstream segments.

6. Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV)

Beta Value (5Y Monthly): 0.50

On April 7, BofA lifted its price recommendation on Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV) to $405 from $385. The firm kept a Neutral rating and lifted targets across several managed care names after CMS finalized Medicare Advantage rates for 2027. The analyst said the update provides clearer visibility on 2027 rates. The net increase of 2.48% came in above the high end of the 1% to 2% improvement the market had been expecting.

During the Q4 2025 earnings call, CEO Gail Boudreaux said 2026 would be a year focused on execution and repositioning. She explained that guidance is based on practical and achievable assumptions, supported by pricing discipline, operational focus, and targeted investments. She also shared adjusted diluted earnings per share guidance of at least $25.50 for 2026, noting that 2025 results included about $3.75 per share in favorable nonrecurring items.

Boudreaux also spoke about changes within the Medicaid portfolio. She pointed to a continued gap between rates and rising acuity and utilization. She said the company is engaged in discussions around rate actions and program design changes to improve the long-term sustainability of Medicaid. She described 2026 as a trough year for Medicaid and said the segment is expected to deliver an operating margin of about negative 1.75%.

Elevance Health, Inc. operates as a health insurer in the United States. The company runs its business through four segments: Health Benefits, CarelonRx, Carelon Services, and Corporate & Other.

5. Church & Dwight Co., Inc. (NYSE:CHD)

Beta Value (5Y Monthly): 0.47

On April 7, UBS lowered the firm’s price recommendation on Church & Dwight Co., Inc. to $98 from $102. The analyst reiterated a Neutral rating on the shares.UBS expects Q1 results across much of the consumer staples group to be “okay.” Organic revenue growth is showing some signs of stabilizing. The bigger question, in the firm’s view, is how companies will guide for the rest of the year. Inflation is expected to weigh more heavily on earnings in the second half and possibly beyond.

A week earlier, on March 31, TD Cowen also cut its price target on Church & Dwight to $93 from $112, while maintaining a Hold rating. The firm lowered its estimates across the household and personal care space. The analyst said companies are unlikely to fully offset higher oil-related input costs linked to the Iran war. Even if the conflict ends soon, the price increases “will prove sticky due to infrastructure damage.” TD Cowen also pointed to weaker pricing power compared to past periods. It sees fewer opportunities for companies to shift consumers toward higher-end products, which contributed to the lower targets.

Church & Dwight Co., Inc. develops, manufactures, and markets a range of household and personal care products. It also operates in specialty areas tied to animal and food production, chemicals, and cleaners, with business segments including Consumer Domestic, Consumer International, and the Specialty Products Division.

4. Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE:DUK)

Beta Value (5Y Monthly): 0.45

On April 7, Duke Energy had its price target recommendation on Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE:DUK) to $143 from $127. The firm maintained an Overweight rating as it updated its outlook for the North America power and utilities group ahead of Q1.

A couple of weeks earlier, on March 23, Morgan Stanley also lifted its price target on Duke Energy to $142 from $139, while keeping an Equal Weight rating. The firm said it was revising targets across regulated and diversified utilities and independent power producers in North America. The analyst noted that utilities outperformed the S&P 500 in February. Conversations across the sector have been constructive, with companies pointing to growth opportunities. There is also some optimism around load growth and new deals tied to data centers.

Duke Energy Corporation operates as an energy holding company. Its business is organized across two segments: Electric Utilities and Infrastructure, and Gas Utilities and Infrastructure.

3. Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD)

Beta Value (5Y Monthly): 0.40

On April 7, Leerink reiterated an Outperform rating on Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD), after the company announced a definitive agreement to acquire privately held Tubulis in a deal valued at up to $5 billion. The firm views the acquisition positively, pointing to both the strategic fit and the terms of the deal. Gilead is set to gain a clinical-stage antibody-drug conjugate with potential in ovarian cancer, along with another earlier-stage ADC candidate. The deal also brings access to next-generation ADC technologies. Leerink noted that this goes beyond a typical oncology add-on, seeing broader platform value, including potential use in areas such as virology.

Also on April 7, RBC Capital raised its price recommendation on Gilead to $123 from $118, while keeping a Sector Perform rating. The update came as part of its Q1 preview for the biotech sector. The analyst said Q1 may face some seasonal pressure, including gross-to-net adjustments, reimbursement resets, and fewer selling days. Weather-related disruptions could add to that, especially for in-clinic treatments and new product launches. At the same time, the note pointed to a pickup in M&A activity and more clarity around tariff and Most Favored Nation drug pricing impacts. These factors, in the firm’s view, could help balance near-term pressures and support overall sentiment in the sector.

Gilead Sciences, Inc. develops treatments for serious diseases. Its work spans HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19, cancer, and inflammation.

2. Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL)

Beta Value (5Y Monthly): 0.33

On April 7, UBS lowered its price recommendation on Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL) to $98 from $100. It kept a Buy rating and said Q1 results across much of the consumer staples group should be “okay.” The analyst expects organic revenue growth to show some stabilization. The bigger focus is on forward guidance, as inflation is likely to put more pressure on earnings in the second half and possibly beyond.

A week earlier, on March 31, TD Cowen downgraded Colgate-Palmolive to Hold from Buy. The firm also cut its price target to $85 from $96 and reduced earnings estimates to reflect rising input costs. The analyst pointed to higher prices for oil-based inputs and tallow, which are up 40% compared to last year on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. While some investors see Colgate’s presence in emerging markets as a source of pricing power, the firm noted that a 13% negative revision to consensus earnings expectations in 2022 suggests its “resilience may not be as strong as investors believe.” TD Cowen also said the company’s U.S. business may need additional investment to support sales, following weak results in 2025 and a slow start to 2026.

Colgate-Palmolive Company operates across Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, and Pet Nutrition. Its Oral, Personal, and Home Care business spans North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Africa/Eurasia, serving retailers, distributors, dentists, and skin health professionals.

1. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ)

Beta Value (5Y Monthly): 0.33

On April 7, Citi lifted its price recommendation on Johnson & Johnson to $285 from $274. The firm kept a Buy rating as it updated its outlook for the medical technology group ahead of Q1. The analyst said the “walls of worry are high” going into earnings, with the sector facing meaningful multiple compression. Citi also made some changes to its top picks, removing iRhythm and Medtronic. Its preferred names now include Edwards Lifesciences and Intuitive Surgical.

That same day, Goldman Sachs reiterated a Buy rating on Johnson & Johnson with a $265 price target ahead of Q1 results. The firm pointed to a “banner year” in 2025, driven by a turnaround in the Innovative Medicines business after the Stelara loss of exclusivity, along with stabilization in MedTech. The analyst added that shares have continued to outperform in 2026 so far, as the story shifts toward commercial momentum. New product cycles are supporting a re-rating, with expectations of a sustained period of accelerating growth.

Johnson & Johnson operates across the healthcare sector, focusing on research, development, manufacturing, and sales. Its business is organized into two segments: Innovative Medicine and MedTech.

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