S&P 500 It has recovered from last year’s losses and is back to new heights. The conventional wisdom is that growth stocks lead the market in good times, and safe stocks outperform when things get tough.
But this is not always the case. Consider that despite the market’s growth this year, wal-mart (WMT +0.92%) And Coca Cola (To +0.29%) Both are trending it right now. these are stocks dividend kingWhich means they have increased their dividends for at least the last 50 years. They offer tremendous value in their safety and dividends, and are demonstrating strength beyond that. That’s why the market likes them.
1. Walmart
Walmart is a simple retailer, but that’s all you need to dominate as a business. It is the world’s largest brick-and-mortar retailer, with more than 5,000 U.S. stores and approximately 11,000 global locations. It has stores within 10 miles of 90% of the US population, and because it is a discount essential goods retailer, it is resilient no matter what’s happening in the economy.
But it is not stable and does not depend on the old model. One reason for its recent momentum is the growth explosion in its e-commerce business. In contrast, Walmart has only 9.2% of the market. AmazonWith 40.1%, it has gained market share over the years and is the second largest e-commerce company in the country.
today’s change
(0.92%) $1.20
current price
$131.55
key data points
market cap
$1.0T
day limit
$128.80 -$132.53
52wk range
$91.89 -$134.69
volume
516K
average volume
20 meters
gross margin
23.41%
dividend yield
0.73%
And although it may not have the reach of Amazon, it has a structural edge in its physical store network. It is using its stores as distribution centers without investing in building a national fulfillment network, and having a storefront gives customers more options in delivery and pickup.
Having a strong online presence gives it access to more people who don’t typically come to Walmart stores, such as more affluent consumers. Walmart can offer a larger assortment of merchandise on its website, which can attract a broader socio-economic range of customers, and higher-income shoppers have accounted for a larger share of the company’s recent growth. Walmart is also targeting these customers through new product lines. In the fourth quarter of 2026 (ending January 31), sales increased 5.6% year over year and e-commerce grew 24%.
Walmart has raised its dividend for the last 53 years, and the market is precious Its stability, reliability and growing dividends at this time.
Image Source: Walmart.
2. Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola is the largest beverage company in the world, and loyal fans continue to buy their favorite Coke-labeled beverages no matter what is happening in the economy. This gives the company pricing power, and it has been able to successfully raise prices to combat rising costs. It has also taken other steps to keep people shopping, including changing product packaging and launching more affordable smaller sizes.
The company’s bottles and cans may seem ubiquitous to Americans, but management says it still has a small presence globally. Although it has a major presence in developed regions, its global market share is only 14%. It has even wider opportunities in underdeveloped regions, where its market share is just 6%.
There are also opportunities for growth of the organic industry, new categories and new brands. For example, it currently has a portfolio of nearly 200 brands, and although carbonated beverages like Coca-Cola and Sprite carry much of the company’s weight, It also has brands in the dairy, juice and tea categories which provide excellent growth springboards. Some of its recent acquisitions include dairy brand Fairlife and sports drink brand BodyArmor.
today’s change
(0.29%) $0.23
current price
$80.26
key data points
market cap
$345B
day limit
$79.84 -$81.03
52wk range
$65.35 -$82.00
volume
12m
average volume
15
gross margin
61.82%
dividend yield
2.57%
Because Coca-Cola is reliable in times of pressure and pays attractive dividends, its stock tends to perform better in challenging times. But it has continued to outperform the market despite its rally this year, as it has reported very strong performance. In the first quarter, revenue increased 12% year over year.
Coca-Cola has increased its dividend for the past 64 years, giving it one of the longest track records in the market. It also yields 2.6% at the current price, giving shareholders the opportunity for value gains along with growing passive income with an attractive yield.