These companies have a track record of stock buybacks and are winners amid volatility, says Wolfe Research
As markets remain jittery amid still-shifting trade policy and geopolitical concerns, Wolfe Research is eyeing companies that steadily repurchase their own stock as a way to ride out the volatility. Wolfe's consistent buyback basket screens for companies that have such a track record of stock repurchases that their share counts have fallen for at least 10 straight years. Chief investment strategist Chris Senyek said this basket of stocks typically performs well in defensive cycles, as well as heading into and out of recessions. Stocks took a leg lower while oil prices spiked on Friday after Iran retaliated against Israeli airstrikes . The geopolitical tensions scuttled the possibility of stocks logging three winning weeks in a row. Investors have been hopeful that the U.S. will reach trade deals with China and other trading partners. Here's a look at some of the names that came up on Wolfe's screen. Apple made the list. Shares of the iPhone maker have pulled back about 22% in 2025. While investors wait for Apple to roll out its artificial intelligence suite, including a revamped Siri, the company has kept up with its share repurchases. On the heels of a better-than-expected second quarter , Apple announced a $100 billion buyback program. AAPL YTD mountain Apple stock in 2025. Over the past 12 months, the ratio of Apple stock buybacks to average market cap was 3.3%, per Wolfe data. About 62% of analysts polled by FactSet maintain a buy rating on Apple stock, with their consensus price target implying roughly 16% upside. JPMorgan Chase also made the cut. The stock has gained about 11% so far in 2025. The banking giant started off the year by stepping up its buybacks , even though CEO Jamie Dimon had pushed back on the idea at the bank's investor day in 2024. The executive feared JPMorgan's stock was a bit pricey at the time, but the bank's cash pile was ballooning so it continued to make repurchases. Wolfe's data shows JPMorgan's buyback to market cap ratio is 4%. JPM YTD mountain JPMorgan Chase stock in 2025. Roughly 56% of analysts surveyed by FactSet have a buy rating on JPMorgan stock, and the average analyst consensus price target implies about 3% upside.
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