So you’re worried about a stock market crash. You are definitely not alone. The global disruption alone may be enough to cause concern, but take a look at the performance over the past few years S&P 500: :
|
Year |
S&P 500 returns |
|---|---|
|
2016 |
12% |
|
2017 |
21.8% |
|
2018 |
(4.4%) |
|
2019 |
31.5% |
|
2020 |
18.4% |
|
2021 |
28.7% |
|
2022 |
(18.11%) |
|
2023 |
26.29% |
|
2024 |
25.02% |
|
2025 |
17.88% |
Data source: Slickcharts.com. Returns reflect reinvested dividends.
Considering that the S&P 500’s long-term average annual gain is about 10%, these are a lot of heady numbers – mostly double-digit gains, and only two years of decline. It is reasonable to expect another decline in the next year or three.
So, which dividend stocks can you buy now You are worried about an accident? Well, there are two things to consider here.
Image Source: Getty Images.
1. Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark (KMB 1.26%) Should be a familiar name, as it is home to brands like Huggies, Kleenex, Scotts, Coatex, Cottonelle, Poise, Depend’s, Pull-Ups, Goodknights, Softex, and Viva. Its products are mostly items that people will buy whether the market is in a downturn or not – toilet paper, paper towels, diapers, etc. Thus, This is a defensive company. (Kimberly-Clark is also aiming to buy kenviewWith its Neutrogena, Tylenol and Listerine brands.)
today’s change
(-1.26%) $-1.25
current price
$98.31
key data points
market cap
$33B
day limit
$98.21 -$100.10
52wk range
$92.42 -$144.31
volume
3.2m
average volume
4.9M
gross margin
35.93%
dividend yield
5.15%
The company has struggled in recent years, with its stock falling nearly 22% in the last year (as of May 5). This has made its stock valuation quite attractive, and its recent forward-looking price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 12.8 is well below its five-year average of 18.6. It is working on cutting costs and modernizing its supply chain, so it aims to turn its fortunes around. One goal is to have a gross margin of at least 40%.
Kimberly-Clark’s dividend recently increased by a whopping 5.4%, and the company has increased that payout for 54 consecutive years. Long-term investors can enjoy significant income From this stock, while waiting for the turnaround to be completed.
2. Realty Income
realty income (O +0.21%) It also appears to be a solid stock to hold during or any other time of market downturn. this is one Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) –A company that buys lots of real estate and leases it to tenants. Realty Income’s dividend yield was recently 5.1% – and it has paid its dividend for 670 consecutive months.
today’s change
(0.21%) $0.13
current price
$61.92
key data points
market cap
$58B
day limit
$61.58 -$62.68
52wk range
$54.38 -$67.94
volume
7.3M
average volume
6.1M
gross margin
50.46%
dividend yield
5.22%
By the end of 2025, the company’s portfolio included more than 15,500 properties in all 50 US states, the UK and eight other countries in Europe, with a 98.7% occupancy rate. Its more than 1,780 tenants include names like dollar general, 7 Eleven, Walgreens, FedEx,, Wynn Resorts, tractor supplyAnd Lowe’s.
Its The stock looks quite valuable and attractiveWith a recent futures price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of around 40, which is roughly equal to its five-year average. Its excellent management, which has maintained high occupancy rates for many years, should deliver results for long-term investors. And the fact that tenants are generally locked into long-term contracts will help, too.