Corporate CFOs Think a Recession Is Coming. Here Are 3 Stocks to Own If They're Right.

Group 1: Economic Outlook - 60% of CFOs expect a U.S. recession later in 2025, and 15% predict a recession next year [2] - 90% of CFOs believe President Trump's tariffs will lead to inflation [2] Group 2: Investment Opportunities - Dominion Energy: Provides electricity to 3.6 million customers and natural gas to around 500,000 customers, making it resilient during economic downturns [3][4]. Its shares have increased in 2025 while major market indexes have fallen, with a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 16.5 [5]. The construction of new data centers in Virginia could provide long-term growth [6]. - Vertex Pharmaceuticals: Focused on cystic fibrosis treatments, with its newest drug, Alyftrek, expected to be highly successful [8]. Recently received approval for Journavx, a non-opioid pain therapy with significant commercial potential [9]. The company has a strong pipeline, including potential treatments for severe type 1 diabetes [10]. - Walmart: The largest discount retailer, well-positioned to perform better during a recession due to its "everyday low prices" [11][12]. Walmart has a strong dividend track record, being a Dividend King with 52 consecutive years of dividend increases [12]. However, its shares trade at approximately 33.6 times forward earnings [13].