Jefferies Has 4 Solid Growth Stocks to Buy That Also Pay Big Dividends

Investing

Published: February 25, 2016 9:40 am

Last Updated: January 13, 2020 12:44 pm

It seems to never end. The weekly roller-coaster ride that started when 2016 did is almost becoming predictable now as oil seems to dictate every market move, whether it be up or down. That becomes frustrating for investors looking to find the right spot to buy or sell. One thing is for sure, solid growth stocks that pay big dividends continue to make sense in this new volatility-driven world.

A new research offering from Jefferies focuses on growth stocks that have a solid value bias, and we found four stocks that the firm likes now that also pay investors above-average dividends. In a world where certificates of deposit and Treasury bonds are paying the lowest yields in years, these make good sense for total return investors that have room for a little risk. All are rated Buy at Jefferies.

Chevron

This stock is very solid story for investors looking to stay long the energy sector, and it is one Jefferies prefers for dividend safety. Chevron Corp. (NYSE: CVX) is a U.S.-based integrated oil and gas company, with worldwide operations in exploration and production, refining and marketing, transportation and petrochemicals. It sports a sizable dividend and has a solid place in the sector when it comes to natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Some Wall Street analysts estimate the company will have a compound annual growth rate of over 5% for the next five years, and the stock trades at a modest valuation discount to some of its mega-cap peers.

Chevron is aggressively pursuing cost-saving initiatives and already has completed over 2,200 supplier engagements, with more in progress. Cost savings and improving investor sentiment may be a key for the mega-cap integrated as it has struggled mightily over the past year. While many on Wall Street concede that the oil market could be oversupplied for longer than most thought, massive overseas demand and production slowdowns should help pricing the rest of the year.

The company’s Permian Basin assets are a goldmine and that the Australian LNG business will transition from a yearly $8 billion capital consumption drag to a $2 billion to $3 billion contributor. Combined with the much lower overall capital spending for the 2016 to 2018 period, Chevron is poised to not only hang around, but end the sector slump in a much better position.

Chevron investors receive a 5.02% dividend. Jefferies has the stock rated Buy with a price target at $110. The Thomson/First Call consensus target is $93.82. Shares closed on Wednesday at $85.27.