When the market starts feeling like a roller coaster, investors tend to get defensive. And one of the most popular defensive moves? Shifting into dividend-yielding stocks that actually pay you to hold them.

These companies typically generate strong free cash flows and share the wealth with shareholders through regular dividend payments. Think of it as getting paid to wait out the storm. We're talking about the kind of businesses that keep humming along regardless of economic cycles, rewarding patient investors with steady income.

Let's look at what some of Wall Street's most accurate analysts are saying about three high-yielding consumer staples stocks that are currently offering dividend yields above 7%.

Conagra Brands Inc.

Dividend Yield: 8.20%

Conagra Brands Inc. (CAG) is delivering an impressive 8.20% dividend yield, but analyst sentiment suggests some caution. Deutsche Bank analyst Steve Powers maintained a Hold rating on December 22, 2025, while trimming his price target from $19 to $18. Powers has a solid track record with a 66% accuracy rate.

Morgan Stanley analyst Megan Alexander also stayed neutral with an Equal-Weight rating on the same date, but lowered her price target from $21 to $19. Alexander's accuracy rate stands at 67%, making her perspective worth considering.

Recent News: On December 19, ConAgra Brands posted mixed quarterly results, which likely influenced the cautious analyst stances and price target reductions.

Altria Group Inc.

Dividend Yield: 7.19%

Altria Group Inc. (MO) offers a 7.19% dividend yield and has drawn decidedly mixed opinions from top analysts. Bank of America Securities analyst Lisa Lewandowski maintained a Buy rating on August 22, 2025, and boosted her price target from $64 to $72. Lewandowski's accuracy rate sits at 58%.

Meanwhile, Barclays analyst Gaurav Jain took a more bearish view, maintaining an Underweight rating on August 6, 2025, though he did raise his price target from $49 to $57. Jain has a 57% accuracy rate.

The contrasting viewpoints highlight the ongoing debate about Altria's future prospects in a changing tobacco landscape.

Recent News: On December 11, Altria Group announced a leadership transition, with CEO Billy Gifford retiring and Sal Mancuso stepping up as his successor. Leadership changes at dividend-paying companies always warrant attention from income-focused investors.

Flowers Foods Inc.

Dividend Yield: 9.11%

Flowers Foods Inc. (FLO) takes the crown with a 9.11% dividend yield, the highest of the three. DA Davidson analyst Brian Holland maintained a Neutral rating with a $15 price target on August 18, 2025. Holland's accuracy rate is 53%.

Jefferies analyst Rob Dickerson also maintained a Hold rating on January 22, 2025, but reduced his price target from $23 to $20. With a 64% accuracy rate, Dickerson's price target cut suggests some near-term headwinds.

Recent News: On November 6, Flowers Foods reported quarterly earnings that came in right at expectations. Nothing spectacular, but nothing disastrous either.

The Defensive Play

Consumer staples stocks like these three operate in sectors where demand stays relatively steady regardless of economic conditions. People still need to eat, and many consumers maintain their habits even during downturns. That predictable business model supports consistent cash generation and dividend payments.

The trade-off? These stocks often don't offer explosive growth potential. You're essentially exchanging the possibility of massive capital appreciation for steady income and relative stability. During turbulent market periods, that trade-off can look pretty attractive.

The analyst ratings suggest a cautious but not alarming outlook for these dividend payers. The prevalence of Hold and Neutral ratings indicates that Wall Street sees these stocks as fairly valued at current levels, neither screaming buys nor immediate sells. The high dividend yields provide a cushion of income while investors wait to see how these companies navigate the current environment.

For investors seeking income and stability over growth, these defensive stocks offer meaningful yields that substantially exceed what you'd get from most bonds or savings accounts. Just remember that high yields sometimes signal market concerns about future prospects, so it's worth understanding why the yield is elevated before jumping in.