Investors are increasingly drawn to slow growth stocks as they seek stability in a volatile market. As of November 27, stock futures showed minimal movement, indicating a potential end to the Nasdaq Composite’s seven-month winning streak. Despite a challenging November and concerns over high valuations affecting tech stocks, some analysts are hopeful that this decline could pave the way for a year-end rally.
The overall U.S. economy remains relatively stable, although there are growing concerns about a slowdown linked to tariffs and other challenges. Job markets have shown signs of downturn, but significant disruptions have yet to materialize. 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.”
Methodology and Stock Selections
This list highlights 12 slow growth stocks characterized by stability and predictable cash flows. These companies typically exhibit a five-year revenue growth rate of less than 10% and offer stable dividends. The number of hedge fund investors was also considered as a metric for ranking, based on third-quarter data from 2025. Research indicates that mimicking the investment strategies of leading hedge funds can yield market-beating returns.
Top Slow Growth Stocks to Invest In
1. **Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS)**
– **5-Year Revenue Growth:** 1.13%
– **Dividend Yield:** 3.34%
– **Number of Hedge Fund Holders:** 33
On November 10, TD Cowen reaffirmed its Hold rating on Novartis with a price target of $140. The company anticipates a sales CAGR of 6% from 2024 to 2029, driven by existing medications and a strengthened position in immunology.
2. **Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT)**
– **5-Year Revenue Growth:** 3.01%
– **Dividend Yield:** 2.70%
– **Number of Hedge Fund Holders:** 58
Following its fiscal second-quarter results, Truist Securities raised its price target for Medtronic to $110 on November 20. The company’s cardiac ablation solutions division saw significant growth, largely attributed to its Pulsed Field Ablation technology.
3. **Gilead Sciences Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD)**
– **5-Year Revenue Growth:** 5.17%
– **Dividend Yield:** 2.48%
– **Number of Hedge Fund Holders:** 61
Mizuho raised its price target for Gilead to $140 on November 21, citing factors such as an extended exclusivity period for Biktarvy. However, the company faced challenges with its cancer medication Trodelvy.
4. **Accenture Plc (NYSE:ACN)**
– **5-Year Revenue Growth:** 9.47%
– **Dividend Yield:** 2.63%
– **Number of Hedge Fund Holders:** 66
On November 20, Accenture acquired RANGR Data to bolster its Palantir business. The firm is investing in AI to enhance customer transformations and improve revenue monitoring.
5. **Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT)**
– **5-Year Revenue Growth:** 5.63%
– **Dividend Yield:** 1.84%
– **Number of Hedge Fund Holders:** 68
UBS reaffirmed a Buy rating for Abbott on November 21 following its acquisition of Exact Sciences, expected to enhance its diagnostics division significantly.
6. **NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE)**
– **5-Year Revenue Growth:** 6.90%
– **Dividend Yield:** 2.65%
– **Number of Hedge Fund Holders:** 72
UBS confirmed a Buy rating following the approval of a rate dispute settlement in Florida, which will bolster NextEra’s revenue growth.
7. **Cisco Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO)**
– **5-Year Revenue Growth:** 2.82%
– **Dividend Yield:** 2.16%
– **Number of Hedge Fund Holders:** 74
Cisco received an increased price target from UBS after exceeding earnings expectations, driven by strong demand in its Networking division.
8. **Linde plc (NASDAQ:LIN)**
– **5-Year Revenue Growth:** 3.18%
– **Dividend Yield:** 1.47%
– **Number of Hedge Fund Holders:** 76
UBS reaffirmed a Buy rating for Linde on November 19, projecting potential earnings growth as the company addresses current headwinds.
9. **Analog Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADI)**
– **5-Year Revenue Growth:** 9.49%
– **Dividend Yield:** 1.54%
– **Number of Hedge Fund Holders:** 84
Benchmark maintained a Buy rating for Analog Devices, citing strong quarterly results and a positive outlook for fiscal year 2026.
10. **The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD)**
– **5-Year Revenue Growth:** 7.67%
– **Dividend Yield:** 2.59%
– **Number of Hedge Fund Holders:** 104
TD Cowen retained a Buy rating but lowered the price target for Home Depot following disappointing third-quarter results.
11. **Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT)**
– **5-Year Revenue Growth:** 5.38%
– **Dividend Yield:** 0.86%
– **Number of Hedge Fund Holders:** 104
DA Davidson raised Walmart’s price target after the retailer reported strong third-quarter results.
12. **The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS)**
– **5-Year Revenue Growth:** 7.66%
– **Dividend Yield:** 1.21%
– **Number of Hedge Fund Holders:** 107
Bernstein reaffirmed its Outperform rating for Disney, highlighting its ability to generate significant earnings growth despite challenges in traditional media.
Investors considering slow growth stocks appreciate their ability to provide predictable returns in uncertain market conditions. As analysts continue to evaluate these companies, the focus remains on their stability and long-term growth potential.