In this article, we will take a look at the 5 Safest Stocks with Highest Dividends. For deeper discussion and analysis, have a look at the 14 Safest Stocks with Highest Dividends.
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5. The J. M. Smucker Company (NYSE:SJM)
Dividend Yield as of March 30: 4.62%
On March 30, Deutsche Bank lowered its price recommendation on The J. M. Smucker Company (NYSE:SJM) to $97 from $117 and kept a Hold rating on the shares. The firm said it is seeing “legitimate and widespread pressures building” across much of the consumer packaged goods sector, tied to the conflict in the Middle East. The analyst noted that stocks in the space underperformed in March, pointing to cost inflation concerns, the risk of demand weakening as consumers trade down, and unfavorable currency movements.
On March 11, Bernstein upgraded Smucker to Outperform from Market Perform. It also raised its price target on the stock to $145 from $121. The firm pointed to continued deflation in green coffee costs and the involvement of Elliott Management as key reasons for the upgrade. The analyst said Elliott could push for portfolio changes and improvements in productivity at the company. Bernstein also noted that green coffee prices have declined from more than $4 per pound in 2025 to below $3.
The J. M. Smucker Company (NYSE:SJM) manufactures and markets branded food and beverage products globally. Its portfolio is primarily sold through retail channels in North America.
4. Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NASDAQ:KMB)
Dividend Yield as of March 30: 5.31%
On March 30, Deutsche Bank lowered its price recommendation on Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NASDAQ:KMB) to $109 from $110. It reiterated a Hold rating on the shares. The firm said it is seeing “legitimate and widespread pressures building” across much of the consumer packaged goods sector, linked to the conflict in the Middle East. The analyst noted that stocks in the group underperformed in March, citing cost inflation concerns, the risk of demand weakening as consumers trade down, and unfavorable currency movements.
On March 27, Reuters reported that Britain’s competition watchdog has opened a phase 1 investigation into a $3.4 billion joint venture between Suzano and Kimberly-Clark. The Competition and Markets Authority has set a May 28 deadline to announce its decision following the phase 1 review.
Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NASDAQ:KMB) is a global company focused on products and solutions aimed at personal care. Its operations are organized into the North America and International Personal Care segments.
3. NNN REIT, Inc. (NYSE:NNN)
Dividend Yield as of March 30: 5.68%
On March 17, Evercore raised its price recommendation on NNN REIT, Inc. (NYSE:NNN) to $46 from $45. It maintained an In Line rating on the stock. The update came as part of a Q1 preview covering a group of REITs.
On the same day, Raymond James analyst RJ Milligan downgraded NNN REIT to Market Perform from Outperform, without setting a price target. The firm said it adjusted ratings across the net lease REIT group following year-to-date performance in several names. The analyst noted that NNN is expected to deliver lower growth in 2026 compared to peers and is facing a higher cost of capital. He added that after a 15% rally in 2026, the shares are no longer seen as “too cheap to ignore.”
NNN REIT, Inc. (NYSE:NNN) is a fully integrated REIT that acquires, owns, invests in, and develops properties. Its portfolio mainly consists of retail properties leased under long-term net leases and held for investment.
2. Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU)
Dividend Yield as of March 30: 5.93%
On March 26, Keefe Bruyette & Woods analyst Ryan Krueger re-initiated coverage of Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU) with a Market Perform rating. The firm set a $106 price target on the stock. The analyst said the life insurance sector shows a mixed fundamental picture. Companies have reduced liability tail risk, improved free cash flow conversion, and benefited from stronger growth. At the same time, they are dealing with rising competition, higher investment leverage, more complex balance sheets, and the eventual fading of macro tailwinds.
On March 16, Prudential Financial said its Board appointed Andrew Sullivan, currently CEO, to also serve as Chairman of the Board, effective March 10, 2026. He takes over from Charles Lowrey, who stepped down as Executive Chairman and director on March 10. Lowrey will stay on as a senior advisor through the end of the second quarter before retiring. Over his 25 years with the company, he served as Executive Chairman starting in 2025, CEO from 2018 to 2025, and Chairman from 2019 to 2025.
Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU) provides financial services and investment management globally. Its offerings include life insurance, annuities, retirement-related products and services, mutual funds, and investment management.
1. Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE:FLO)
Dividend Yield as of March 30: 11.83%
On March 30, Deutsche Bank cut its price recommendation on Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE:FLO) to $7 from $11. It reiterated a Hold rating on the stock. The firm said it is seeing “legitimate and widespread pressures building” across the consumer packaged goods space, linked to the conflict in the Middle East. The analyst pointed to a weaker March, with cost inflation, trade-down risk, and currency moves all weighing on the group.
On the same day, Flowers Foods said that Terry Thomas, its chief growth officer, will step down and that the role will be eliminated. The position was created in 2023 to build growth capabilities and new competencies. With those now in place, the company is folding them into its broader structure. Thomas will remain in his role for now as responsibilities transition to other senior leaders.
Following the change, Mark Courtney, chief brand officer, will report directly to McMullian. Courtney has been with the company for 43 years and has held his current role since 2020, overseeing brands such as Nature’s Own, Dave’s Killer Bread, Canyon Bakehouse, Wonder Bread, Tastykake, and Mrs. Freshley’s. Along with brand strategy, he will now take on retail customer sales, innovation, and revenue management.
Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE:FLO) produces and markets packaged bakery foods in the United States. It operates bakeries nationwide and offers a broad range of bakery products.
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