Long-time investors know the trading calendar pretty well, and the end of September historically has been very rocky for the market. In fact, the S&P 500 has traded lower 70% of the time during the final two weeks of September since 1980, according to research by CNBC. The research also shows that in that time, the index’s average return has been −1.3%. With all three major indexes hitting all-time highs yet again this week, something is bound to give, and the question is which way?

In a perplexing counterargument, a recent Merrill Lynch Fund Manager Survey noted that funds and fund managers are among the most underweight U.S. stocks in the past 10 years. Also, that cash positions are extended. So where does the truth really lie? Probably somewhere in the middle. It makes sense to stay in stocks, but very carefully.

We screened the Merrill Lynch research universe for stocks that are super-safe, offer dividends and are rated Buy. These five companies fit the bill perfectly.

Altria

The maker of tobacco products and wine posted very solid numbers in the first half of the year, and the third quarter is looking good as well. Altria Group Inc. (NYSE: MO) is a top mega-cap consumer discretionary stock to buy on Wall Street, and the company’s Marlboro brand remains one of the most recognizable in the world.

Many Wall Street analysts concede that the stock has solid downside support owing to the generous dividend yield, which remains at a huge premium in relation to the 10-year Treasury rate. Cash flow generation and the return of cash to Altria shareholders remain key facets of the company’s total shareholder return, and the analysts expect support of the strong dividend, which they believe will continue to climb along with strong share repurchase activity. The board also recently raised the dividend by 8.2%.

To diversify away from cigarettes and cigars, Altria has expanded its portfolio into new categories like wine, e-cigarettes and a 27% stake in brewer SABMiller, which together generated nearly 10% of its pre-excise tax revenue last quarter.

Altria investors receive a 4.21% dividend. The Merrill Lynch price target for the stock is $78, and the Wall Street consensus estimate is$71.69. The stock closed Tuesday at $62.23.

Colgate-Palmolive

This top dividend payer is a very safe consumer staples play for investors. Colgate-Palmolive Co. (NYSE: CL) continues to deliver solid execution and is one of the best-positioned companies in its sector, given its strong brands in attractive categories, particularly oral care.

Over half of Colgate’s total revenues (52%) are derived in faster-growth emerging economies, and the company maintains leading or near-leading market shares across Brazil, Russia, India and China. While those have slowed over the last year, a pickup in growth could be coming, especially with a very weak dollar making products attractive overseas.

While the second-quarter results were somewhat disappointing, the analysts remain positive and said this after the report:

We expect growth to improve sequentially as one-offs lap and comparisons ease. Fiscal year 2017 estimates are lowered -2c to $2.90 on organic sales -1 point to +1.6%, lower gross margins and higher ad spending, offset by lower SG&A and tax. Reiterate Buy on long-term attractiveness despite near-term challenges.

Investors receive a 2.2% dividend. Merrill Lynch has an $80 price target, and the consensus target is $75.68. Shares closed Tuesday at $71.81.

Exxon Mobil

The world’s largest international integrated oil and gas company remains a top Wall Street energy pick. Exxon Mobil Corp. (NYSE: XOM) explores for and produces crude oil and natural gas in the United States, Canada, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and Oceania. It also manufactures and markets commodity petrochemicals, including olefins, aromatics, polyethylene and polypropylene plastics, and specialty products, and it transports and sells crude oil, natural gas, and petroleum products.

The company posted some messy second-quarter results, and Merrill Lynch feels the stock is still an outstanding place for investors to put money now. The team also cites the ability of the company to maintain and cover the cash dividend at lower oil prices as a key positive, and a recent report said this:

Management could do a better job of highlighting unusual items; on review the second quarter met consensus in contrast with a perceived miss. Analysis of operating cash flow suggests Exxon had a second quarter cash break-even of $35 although capex is running 33% below guidance. With $2 billion of free cash in the second quarter before working capital, the company remains a low risk strategic route to reweighting energy portfolios.

Shareholders receive a 3.85% dividend. The $90 Merrill Lynch price objective is above the consensus target price of $83.03 and the most recent close at $80.22.

PepsiCo

This is another top consumer staples stock that fits the bill. PepsiCo Inc. (NYSE: PEP) operates as a food and beverage company worldwide. Its Frito-Lay North America segment offers Lay’s and Ruffles potato chips; Doritos, Tostitos and Santitas tortilla chips; and Cheetos cheese-flavored snacks, branded dips and Fritos corn chips.

The Quaker Foods North America segment provides Quaker oatmeal, grits, rice cakes, natural granola and oat squares, as well as Aunt Jemima mixes and syrups, Quaker Chewy granola bars, Cap’n Crunch and Life cereals, and Rice-A-Roni side dishes.

Pepsi’s North America Beverages segment offers beverage concentrates, fountain syrups and finished goods under the Pepsi, Gatorade, Mountain Dew, Diet Pepsi, Aquafina, Diet Mountain Dew, Tropicana Pure Premium, Sierra Mist and Mug brands, as well as ready-to-drink tea and coffee, and juices.

Shareholders receive a 2.8% dividend. Merrill Lynch has set its price target at $125. The consensus target is $124.30 and shares closed Tuesday at $114.49.

Target

This company has had its share of issues over the past few years and seems like a solid and safe total return play now. Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) is one of the largest discount retailers in the United States, operating roughly 1,800 Target stores across the country. The company sells merchandise in its Signature Categories Style, Baby, Kids and Wellness, as well as other products in both physical Target stores and online at Target.com.

The company seems to be working away from the headline issues that have dogged it in recent years. With the economy looking better, and the holiday shopping season in view, the stock is a safe holding now. Analysts noted this when the company reported earnings:

Following a strong second quarter, we believe the company’s turnaround initiatives are gaining traction despite a challenging retail environment. We are raising our fiscal 2018 earnings estimates to $4.45 (from $4.25) as we think comp-driving initiatives should support continued sales momentum. Target remains a “Discount Store Decade” top pick with tailwinds from demographics, housing, competitor closings & omni-channel.

Shareholders receive a 4.18% dividend. The Merrill Lynch price objective is $72. The consensus target is $59.13, close to the most recent close of $59.35.

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Despite the strong performance of the S&P 500 and the jittery state of the macro and geopolitical worlds, stocks are still probably the place to be. The smart thing may be to take some profits on high flyers and move some of that capital to these relatively safer companies.

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