Uncertainty around President Donald Trump’s tariffs has roiled the markets, but select telecom stocks may help bolster investors’ portfolios, Bank of America traders found. Trump announced a slate of “reciprocal” tariffs on April 2, sending stocks on a wild ride as investors worry that the policy overhaul could slow down economic growth and perhaps even lead to a recession . The S & P 500 has fallen nearly 7% since then, and it is down 10% year to date. Bank of America traders compiled a list of defensive stocks in the telecommunications sector that have historically “demonstrated propensity to outperform the [S & P 500] index in down-tapes.” Here’s a look at some names that popped up on the firm’s screen. Verizon made the list. Shares of the wireless and home internet company have advanced more than 10% in 2025, far outpacing the broader market. The stock has historically posted strong outperformance compared to the S & P 500 during market downturns, and has posted a relative return of 18% from Feb. 18 through April 8. Verizon also offers a dividend yield of 6.1%. In all, 11 out of 27 analysts have a buy or strong buy rating on the stock, with the average price target calling for more than 7% upside, per LSEG. VZ YTD mountain Verizon stock in 2025. Elsewhere, Evercore ISI analyst Kutgun Maral upgraded Verizon stock to outperform from in line last week, and also labeled the firm a top pick among its telecom coverage. Maral also highlighted the stock’s strong performance this year “as sentiment has benefited from a rotation into the wireless sector given its defensive characteristics, domestic skew, and relatively limited exposure to tariffs.” SBAC Communications also made the cut. Shares of the wireless communications infrastructure company have gained more than 12% so far in 2025, trouncing the S & P 500. The stock has a dividend yield of 1.9%. “Tower stocks remain a safe haven, in our opinion,” wrote Citizens analyst Greg Miller in a report earlier this month. He highlighted SBA Communications as a name that he and his team are bullish on. SBAC YTD mountain SBAC Communications stock in 2025. The majority of analysts surveyed by LSEG are optimistic on the stock. Average analyst price targets call for nearly 9% upside moving forward. Get Your Ticket to Pro LIVE Join us at the New York Stock Exchange! Uncertain markets? Gain an edge with CNBC Pro LIVE , an exclusive, inaugural event at the historic New York Stock Exchange. In today’s dynamic financial landscape, access to expert insights is paramount. As a CNBC Pro subscriber, we invite you to join us for our first exclusive, in-person CNBC Pro LIVE event at the iconic NYSE on Thursday, June 12. Join interactive Pro clinics led by our Pros Carter Worth, Dan Niles, and Dan Ives, with a special edition of Pro Talks with Tom Lee. You’ll also get the opportunity to network with CNBC experts, talent and other Pro subscribers during an exciting cocktail hour on the legendary trading floor. Tickets are limited!
