In this article, we will list the 5 Best Counter Cyclical Stocks to Buy Right Now. Please visit 8 Best Counter Cyclical Stocks to Buy Right Now if you would like to see the extended list and the methodology behind it.
5. Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NASDAQ:KMB)
On April 15, 2026, Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NASDAQ:KMB) outlined the organizational structure and leadership for the combined company following its pending acquisition of Kenvue (KVUE). After closing, the business will be organized into four segments: North America, generating approximately $18.0B in annual sales; Asia Pacific Focus Markets, including Greater China, Australia / New Zealand, South Korea, and Indonesia, with about $4.3B in sales; Europe, Middle East, and Africa, or EMEA, with approximately $5.0B; and Enterprise Markets, covering Latin America, India, Southeast Asia, and Japan, generating around $4.3B. Hsu will remain Chairman and CEO, and the transaction is still expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and customary conditions.
On April 13, 2026, Barclays analyst Lauren Lieberman lowered the price target on Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NASDAQ:KMB) to $99 from $105 and maintained an Equal Weight rating as part of a Q1 preview across consumer staples. Lauren Lieberman cited “growing caution” on the group ahead of earnings due to higher input costs and pointed to “building concerns” in food around dividend sustainability for certain companies.
Meanwhile, BofA reduced its price target on Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NASDAQ:KMB) to $120 from $130 and maintained a Buy rating, adjusting estimates ahead of earnings in the U.S. consumer staples group.
Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NASDAQ:KMB) manufactures and markets personal care products in the United States.
4. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK)
On April 21, 2026, Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Idvynso, a single-tablet regimen combining 100 mg doravirine and 0.25 mg islatravir, for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults. The therapy is intended to replace a current antiretroviral regimen in patients who are virologically suppressed on a stable regimen, with no history of treatment failure and no known resistance to doravirine. Idvynso is contraindicated with strong CYP3A enzyme inducers and with lamivudine or emtricitabine, and is expected to be available in pharmacies after May 11.
A day earlier, the company said the FDA granted priority review for two supplemental Biologics License Applications for KEYTRUDA and KEYTRUDA QLEX, each in combination with Padcev, for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer eligible for cisplatin-based chemotherapy, with a target action date of August 17. The applications are based on Phase 3 KEYNOTE-B15 data and, if approved, would expand use of the combinations as perioperative treatments regardless of cisplatin eligibility, building on existing approvals for patients ineligible for cisplatin-based chemotherapy. KEYTRUDA plus Padcev is already approved for locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer in the U.S., European Union, Japan, and other markets.
Last week, UBS analyst Michael Yee raised the firm’s price target on Merck to $145 from $130 and maintained a Buy rating as part of a Q1 preview across the pharmaceuticals and biotechnology group.
Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) operates as a healthcare company worldwide.
3. Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM)
On April 21, 2026, CIBC analyst Anita Soni lowered the price target on Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM) to $176 from $177 previously and maintained an Outperformer rating on the shares. The update comes as part of a Q1 preview across the gold and base metals group. Anita Soni said the roughly 20% selloff in gold from its January high, along with the “flip-flop” in Federal Reserve funds expectations, could “support a bounce in the asset’s price,” adding that current levels present a more attractive entry point. CIBC also adopted a more constructive stance on base metal equities, pointing to supply constraints as a source of ongoing tailwinds.
Meanwhile, National Bank downgraded Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM) to Sector Perform from Outperform with a price target of $130, down from $140 previously. The firm cited rising costs from higher diesel prices, a new tax framework in Ghana, and an operations pause at the Cadia mine. It also expects Q1 EBITDA to be affected by lower production at Boddington due to bushfires, scheduled downtime at Nevada Gold Mines, and higher operating costs in Ghana.
Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM) operates as a gold producer and also explores for copper, silver, lead, zinc, and other metals.
2. Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM)
On April 21, 2026, CIBC analyst Anita Soni lowered the price target on Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM) to $304 from $312 and maintained an Outperformer rating as part of a Q1 preview across the gold and base metals group. Anita Soni said the roughly 20% decline in gold from its January high, along with the “flip-flop” in Federal Reserve funds expectations, could “support a bounce in the asset’s price,” while noting a more constructive view on base metal equities driven by supply constraints. The firm also sees current levels as an attractive entry point.
On April 20, 2026, Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM) and B2Gold entered into a definitive agreement under which Agnico Eagle will acquire B2Gold’s 70% interest in the Fingold JV for $325M in cash, with Aurion waiving its right of first refusal. Upon completion, Agnico Eagle will own 100% of the Fingold JV, with the transaction expected to close in April 2026, subject to customary conditions. The companies also agreed to a non-exclusive collaboration focused on knowledge sharing across their operations in Nunavut.
On the same day, Agnico Eagle entered into a separate arrangement agreement to acquire all remaining outstanding common shares of Rupert not already owned, with each share to be exchanged for 0.0401 of an Agnico share plus contingent consideration of up to C$3.00 per share through a contingent value right tied to specified milestones. The upfront consideration is valued at approximately C$2,871M on a fully diluted basis and represents about a 67% premium to Rupert’s closing price on April 17. Each CVR has a 10-year term and provides up to C$3.00 in cash based on milestones tied to mineral reserves and production levels at the acquired properties. The transaction requires customary approvals, including court and shareholder approvals under applicable rules, and is expected to close early in the third quarter of 2026, after which Rupert is expected to be delisted from the TSX. Directors, executive officers, and certain shareholders representing 28.75% of Rupert shares have agreed to vote in favor of the transaction.
Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM) engages in the exploration, development, and production of precious metals.
1. Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ:WMT)
On April 16, 2026, Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ:WMT) announced the expansion of its Better Care Services platform as demand grows for weight management and overall health support, adding offerings that combine virtual care, nutrition services, and pharmacy access in a single experience. The platform connects customers to third-party providers alongside pharmacy services, nutrition insights, and delivery options, and now includes weight management support for those using or considering GLP-1 therapies. This builds on access to medications available through Walmart’s nearly 4,600 pharmacies nationwide. The company also introduced a redesigned GLP-1 digital destination on Walmart.com, aimed at helping customers explore related products and services and access medically reviewed nutrition guidance.
On the same day, Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ:WMT) announced plans to remodel 72 stores across Texas in 2026 as part of broader efforts to update both in-store and digital experiences. The upgrades include changes to layouts, technology, and services to enable faster and more convenient shopping, with delivery available in as little as an hour for most customers. The company said new and remodeled locations in Texas will feature expanded services such as free Pharmacy delivery for Walmart+ members, including on GLP-1s, and a store-based app designed to help customers navigate stores and book services like those at Auto Care Centers. Nationally, Walmart plans to remodel more than 650 Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets this year and has invested more than $2.5 billion over the past five years to upgrade stores in Texas. Separately, Walmart is preparing to open a new milk processing facility in Robinson, expected to create more than 400 jobs and supply milk across the South.
Earlier, on April 12, 2026, Guggenheim raised its price target on Walmart to $137 from $120 and maintained a Buy rating, citing scale, mix, value perception, and operational intensity as positioning the company for the “macro-related schizophrenia” reflected in shifting risk-on and risk-off market preferences.
Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ:WMT) operates retail and wholesale stores and clubs, ecommerce platforms, and mobile applications worldwide.
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