13 Recession-Proof Stocks for Portfolio Safety (2024)

In uncertain economic times, investing in recession-proof stocks can provide stability and growth for your portfolio. These stocks are known for their resilience during economic downturns, making them attractive options for investors looking to protect their investments. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore 13 recession-proof stocks that are worth considering.

Everybody on Bay and Wall streets is using the R word these days, it’s always a good idea to hold some recession proof stocks. To protect your portfolio, we look at a mix of safe, defensive names plus more speculative consumer name if you want more risk asrecession proof stocks.

From healthcare and consumer staples to technology and real estate, we will cover a range of industries that have historically performed well during recessions. So, let’s dive in and discover some reliable options to weather the storm.

Healthcare Recession-Proof Stocks: A Resilient Sector

During economic recessions, certain industries tend to fare better than others. One such industry is healthcare. The demand for healthcare products and services remains relatively stable regardless of the economic climate. People prioritize their health and well-being, making healthcare stocks a wise choice for recession-proof investments.

Let’s start with safety, and healthcare is safe. Here are two healthcare companies that have shown resilience in the face of economic downturns:

1. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ)

is a global healthcare company known for its diversified portfolio of consumer health, pharmaceutical, and medical device products. With a strong focus on innovation and a wide range of essential healthcare offerings, Johnson & Johnson has weathered economic recessions in the past. The company’s solid financials and commitment to research and development make it an attractive investment option for those seeking stability in uncertain times.

2. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT)

Abbott Laboratories (ABT-N) is a diversified healthcare products company that has demonstrated strong performance during economic downturns. The company’s broad portfolio, which includes diagnostics, medical devices, nutrition, and pharmaceuticals, positions it well for sustained growth. Abbott Laboratories’ focus on innovation and commitment to improving global healthcare make it a reliable choice for recession-proof investing.

3. CVS Health Corp (CVS-N)

We’re talking healthcare stocks in the American sense, a country where universal healthcare doesn’t exist and where consumers pay for drugs and operations out of pocket. We’re also talking about a country (as most other countries) where obesity keeps reaching new levels and where the baby boomer army keeps marching into old age.

CVS Health Corp (CVS-N) is positioned well to benefit from these macros trends. The company operates a large pharmacy chain of more than 10,000 locations, an insurance business and a PBM through its Caremark operation. Caremark, a pharmacy benefits manager, manages prescription drug benefits for big insurers, large companies and Medicare. It is one of America’s top three PBMs.

The best thing about CVS stock is that it’s a recession proof stock.

Consumer Staples Recessin-Proof Stocks: Everyday Necessities

Consumer staples are products that people need on a daily basis, regardless of the economic climate. These products, such as food, beverages, household goods, and personal care items, tend to be in constant demand, making the companies that produce them more resilient during recessions. Here are two consumer staples companies worth considering:

4. The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE: PG)

Procter & Gamble is a multinational consumer goods company that manufactures and distributes a wide range of popular household and personal care products. The company’s diverse portfolio of well-known brands, including Pampers, Tide, Gillette, and Crest, has positioned it as a leader in the consumer staples industry. Procter & Gamble’s focus on essential products and its ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences make it a reliable choice for recession-proof investing.

5. The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO)

The Coca-Cola Company (KO-N) is a global beverage company that has been a household name for over a century. With its iconic brands and extensive distribution network, Coca-Cola has consistently demonstrated resilience during economic downturns. The company’s diversified product portfolio, which includes carbonated beverages, juices, and water, provides a stable revenue stream even in challenging times. Coca-Cola’s strong brand recognition and global presence make it an attractive option for recession-proof investing.

Did you know there are 2 Coca-Cola stocks?

Read our KO vs co*kE stock post to learn about the difference between Coca-Cola Consolidated (co*kE-Q) and The Coca-Cola Company (KO-N).

Technology Recession-Proof Stocks: Adapting to Changing Needs

Technology companies, especially those in certain sectors, have proven to be resilient during economic recessions. As society becomes increasingly dependent on technology for communication, entertainment, and productivity, certain tech companies have the potential to thrive even in challenging economic conditions. Here are three technology companies worth considering:

6. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT)

Microsoft (MSFT-Q) is a technology giant that has demonstrated resilience during economic downturns. The company’s diverse product offerings, including software, cloud services, and hardware, have positioned it well for sustained growth. Microsoft’s focus on innovation, strong financials, and broad customer base make it a reliable choice for recession-proof investing.

7. Adobe Inc. (NASDAQ: ADBE)

Adobe (ADBE-Q) is a leading software company known for its creative and digital experience solutions. As businesses and individuals increasingly rely on digital tools for communication, design, and marketing, Adobe’s products have become essential for many industries. The company’s strong market position, recurring revenue model, and focus on innovation make it an attractive option for investors looking for recession-proof technology stocks.

8. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL)

Apple Inc. is often considered a recession-proof stock due to several factors. One key reason is its brand loyalty, which allows it to maintain consistent revenue streams even during economic downturns. Apple’s diversified product portfolio, including iPhones, MacBooks, iPads, and services like Apple Music and iCloud, provides multiple channels of income, insulating it from sector-specific slowdowns.

Furthermore, the company has a robust balance sheet with significant cash reserves, enabling it to navigate challenging periods without drastic cost-cutting measures. Additionally, Apple’s ability to innovate keeps consumer interest high, ensuring continued demand for its products. While no stock is entirely immune to market fluctuations, Apple’s strong fundamentals and consumer loyalty make it a relatively safer bet during economic uncertainty.

Real Estate Recession-Proof Stocks: Essential Infrastructure

Certain segments of the real estate industry have proven to be more resilient during economic downturns. Companies that own essential infrastructure, such as data centers and telecommunication towers, can benefit from increased demand for digital services and connectivity. Here are two real estate companies worth considering:

9. Digital Realty Trust Inc. (NYSE: DLR)

Digital Realty Trust (DLR-N) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns and operates data centers worldwide. With the increasing demand for digital services and cloud computing, data centers have become critical infrastructure for businesses and individuals. Digital Realty Trust’s global presence, strong financials, and focus on sustainable operations position it as a reliable choice for recession-proof investing in the real estate sector.

10. American Tower Corporation (NYSE: AMT)

American Tower Corporation is another REIT that owns and operates telecommunication towers worldwide. As the demand for wireless connectivity continues to grow, telecommunication towers play a crucial role in supporting communication networks. American Tower Corporation’s extensive tower portfolio, stable revenue stream, and strategic partnerships make it a strong contender for recession-proof investing in the real estate sector.

Recession-Proof Stocks with Dividends

Investors seeking stability and income during economic downturns often turn to dividend-paying stocks. These stocks provide a regular stream of income through dividend payments, even when the stock market is volatile. Here are two dividend-paying stocks worth considering for recession-proof investing:

11. Realty Income Corporation (NYSE: O)

Realty Income Corporation, often referred to as “The Monthly Dividend Company,” is a REIT that specializes in single-tenant, net-leased commercial properties. The company’s portfolio includes retail, industrial, and office properties leased to a diverse range of tenants. Realty Income Corporation’s long history of consistent dividend payments, monthly dividend distribution, and focus on stable cash flow generation make it an attractive option for investors seeking recession-proof stocks with dividends.

12. Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc. (NASDAQ: co*kE)

Coca-Cola Consolidated is the largest independent Coca-Cola bottler in the United States. The company distributes and sells a variety of Coca-Cola beverages, including carbonated soft drinks, juices, and water. Coca-Cola Consolidated has a long history of paying dividends and has consistently increased its dividend payouts over the years. The company’s strong brand association, established distribution network, and commitment to shareholder returns make it a reliable choice for investors looking for recession-proof stocks with dividends.

Did you know there are 2 Coca-Cola stocks?

Read our KO vs co*kE stock post to learn about the difference between Coca-Cola Consolidated (co*kE-Q) and The Coca-Cola Company (KO-N).

Canadian Recession-Proof Stock

13. Intact Financial (IFC-T)

Switching back to safe, defensive, boring yet dependable is this Canadian insurer. Intact (IFC-T) is rooted in the P&C (property and casualty) side of insurance which is as stable as it gets. Intact occupies nearly a quarter of market share. The company made a major acquisition in the U.K. and Ireland to expand in those regions. The company boasts a robust balance sheet and raises its dividend annually.

Conclusion

In uncertain economic times, investing in recession-proof stocks can provide stability and growth for your portfolio. By focusing on resilient industries like healthcare, consumer staples, technology, and real estate, investors can weather economic downturns and mitigate risks.

Additionally, dividend-paying stocks offer a regular stream of income, providing financial stability even in challenging market conditions. Remember, while historical performance can provide guidance, each recession is unique, and past performance does not guarantee future results.

Q: What industries are recession-resilient?

A: From healthcare and consumer staples to technology and real estate, we will cover a range of industries that have historically performed well during recessions.