Investors seeking stability amid market fluctuations are turning their attention to a selection of slow growth stocks known for their durability and steady cash flows. As of November 27, 2023, stock futures exhibited minimal movement, with the Nasdaq Composite on track to conclude a seven-month winning streak. Despite November’s challenges for the market, many analysts remain hopeful for a year-end rally as investors seek to capitalize on stocks with attractive valuations.
The current economic landscape in the United States appears stable, despite concerns of a slowdown driven by tariffs and other challenges. While job markets have shown signs of cooling, no alarming trends have emerged. According to Arindam Mandal, Head of Global Equities at Marcellus Investment Managers, “Real wage growth has been positive for a while. Unemployment has drifted higher, but at a slow and controlled pace that can help ease inflation pressures.”
Mandal emphasized that as long as unemployment remains below 5%, the economy lacks the indicators typically associated with a downturn. This backdrop sets the stage for investors to consider stocks that exhibit reliability over rapid expansion.
Criteria for Selection
The following list comprises slow growth stocks characterized by consistent revenue growth rates under 10% over the past five years, alongside stable dividend payouts. The number of hedge fund investors was also considered for ranking, based on data from the third quarter of 2025. Research indicates that emulating top hedge fund stock selections can yield superior market performance, with one such strategy reporting a return of 427.7% since May 2014.
Top 12 Slow Growth Stocks
1. **Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS)**
– 5-Year Revenue Growth: 1.13%
– Dividend Yield: 3.34%
– Hedge Fund Holders: 33
After meetings with Novartis leadership, TD Cowen reaffirmed its Hold rating on November 10, with a price target of $140. The discussions highlighted growth drivers, including existing medicines anticipated to support a 6% sales compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2024 to 2029.
2. **Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT)**
– 5-Year Revenue Growth: 3.01%
– Dividend Yield: 2.70%
– Hedge Fund Holders: 58
On November 20, Truist Securities increased its price target for Medtronic to $110, following strong revenue growth in its cardiac ablation technology.
3. **Gilead Sciences Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD)**
– 5-Year Revenue Growth: 5.17%
– Dividend Yield: 2.48%
– Hedge Fund Holders: 61
Mizuho raised its price target for Gilead to $140 on November 21, citing factors such as extended exclusivity for its leading drug, Biktarvy.
4. **Accenture Plc (NYSE:ACN)**
– 5-Year Revenue Growth: 9.47%
– Dividend Yield: 2.63%
– Hedge Fund Holders: 66
Accenture’s acquisition of RANGR Data on November 20 aims to enhance its Palantir business in the US, further solidifying its position in the technology consulting space.
5. **Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT)**
– 5-Year Revenue Growth: 5.63%
– Dividend Yield: 1.84%
– Hedge Fund Holders: 68
Following the announcement of its acquisition of Exact Sciences for $105 per share, UBS reaffirmed its Buy rating on November 21.
6. **NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE)**
– 5-Year Revenue Growth: 6.90%
– Dividend Yield: 2.65%
– Hedge Fund Holders: 72
NextEra’s rate settlement approval by the Florida Public Service Commission supports its growth outlook, with estimated annual retail revenue growth of $945 million starting in 2026.
7. **Cisco Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO)**
– 5-Year Revenue Growth: 2.82%
– Dividend Yield: 2.16%
– Hedge Fund Holders: 74
UBS raised Cisco’s price target to $90 on November 13, following strong quarterly earnings driven by demand in AI infrastructure.
8. **Linde plc (NASDAQ:LIN)**
– 5-Year Revenue Growth: 3.18%
– Dividend Yield: 1.47%
– Hedge Fund Holders: 76
On November 19, UBS reiterated its Buy rating, forecasting a return to growth rates exceeding 10% for Linde’s adjusted earnings per share.
9. **Analog Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADI)**
– 5-Year Revenue Growth: 9.49%
– Dividend Yield: 1.54%
– Hedge Fund Holders: 84
Benchmark reaffirmed its Buy rating on November 26, with a price target of $285, supported by strong quarterly performance.
10. **The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD)**
– 5-Year Revenue Growth: 7.67%
– Dividend Yield: 2.59%
– Hedge Fund Holders: 104
Despite a reduction in its earnings outlook on November 19, TD Cowen maintains optimism about The Home Depot’s market position.
11. **Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT)**
– 5-Year Revenue Growth: 5.38%
– Dividend Yield: 0.86%
– Hedge Fund Holders: 104
Following solid third-quarter results, DA Davidson raised Walmart’s price target to $130 on November 21.
12. **The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS)**
– 5-Year Revenue Growth: 7.66%
– Dividend Yield: 1.21%
– Hedge Fund Holders: 107
Despite facing revenue declines in its entertainment division, Bernstein provided an Outperform rating on November 14, underscoring Disney’s long-term growth potential.
Investors considering these slow growth stocks may find them appealing for their stability and consistent returns, particularly in a market characterized by volatility and uncertainty. While each company has unique challenges, their commitment to maintaining growth amidst changing economic conditions makes them worthy of attention.
