What Market Drop? 2 Dividend Kings That Are Soaring in 2026

By Jennifer Saibil – Mar 24, 2026 at 1:45AM ESTKey PointsCoca-Cola is a resilient company since people always seek its products.Walmart has the largest retail store system in the U.S., and its discount prices attract shoppers even under pressure. The S&P 500 is slightly down this year as the market accounts for worries about rising oil prices. Although it's often used as a proxy for the broader market, the index is an average of only 500 stocks, and there are plenty of stocks both within it and outside of it that move differently. Consider Coca-Cola (KO +0.47%) and Walmart (WMT +1.43%), two Dividend Kings -- companies that have raised their annual dividend for at least 50 consecutive years. They're both soaring this year, and they often do well when the market is under pressure. Here's why they're both excellent anchor stocks for a diversified portfolio. Image source: The Motley Fool. 1. Coca-Cola Coca-Cola is one of the oldest U.S. companies still in operation, and it has one of the longest track records as a Dividend King; it just raised its dividend for the 64th consecutive year. That's about as reliable as a stock can be. Even more, it usually has a high yield, which isn't a given for Dividend Kings. Investors usually love Dividend Kings for their reliability, but they often have low yields. Coke's dividend typically yields around 3%, which is a high yield and a great feature. ExpandNYSE: KOCoca-ColaToday's Change(0.47%) $0.35Current Price$75.11Key Data PointsMarket Cap$323BDay's Range$74.55 - $75.9352wk Range$65.35 - $82.00Volume737KAvg Vol18MGross Margin61.75%Dividend Yield2.74% The beverage giant is one of Warren Buffett's favorite stocks, and the legendary investor has lauded its products that will always be around; popular drinks won't be overtaken by new technology, so Coca-Cola will always have a place in the economy. The company is, however, using new technology to amplify its systems. Buffett also loves its global brand that "travels," and its dividend. More recently, Coca-Cola is demonstrating strength through its localized production, which has helped it avoid much of the recent, changing tariffs. Coca-Cola stock is up 12% this year, and it offers investors value, protection, and passive income. 2. Walmart Walmart just raised its dividend for the 53rd straight year, which is still an excellent track record and rare achievement. Walmart's dividend yields just 0.75% at the current price, but it's usually closer to 1%, and it's one of the dividend stocks that are prized for their stability, reliability, and growth. The company's hold on U.S. retail is unmistakable, even though it recently lost the crown as the largest company in the world to Amazon. Walmart has more than 5,000 U.S. locations between its Walmart stores and Sam's Club warehouses, and it has a store within 10 miles of 90% of the U.S. population. ExpandNASDAQ: WMTWalmartToday's Change(1.43%) $1.70Current Price$120.72Key Data PointsMarket Cap$962BDay's Range$119.05 - $121.1252wk Range$79.81 - $134.69Volume1.1MAvg Vol31MGross Margin23.41%Dividend Yield0.79% Walmart continues to report consistent growth despite inflation and macroeconomic volatility, and e-commerce has emerged as a surprising and robust growth driver. E-commerce sales increased 24% year over year in the fiscal 2025 fourth quarter (ended Jan. 31), with a 27% increase in U.S. e-commerce sales. The market has also been liking Walmart's low exposure to tariffs, since much of its supply is in the U.S. It also has leverage with suppliers due to its size. Finally, since it's a discount retailer, it tends to do well under pressure, giving it an edge when times are rough.Read NextMar 21, 2026 •By Leo Sun3 Ways the Strait of Hormuz Could Affect Coca-Cola (KO) In 2026Mar 20, 2026 •By Sean WilliamsWarren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Is Doubling Its Money in Coca-Cola, American Express, and Moody's Every 21 to 30 Months -- Here's HowMar 19, 2026 •By Reuben Gregg Brewer3 Best Dividend Growth Stocks to Buy in MarchMar 19, 2026 •By Neil PatelThe Smartest Dividend Stock to Buy With $10,000 Right NowMar 18, 2026 •By Neil Patel3 Consumer Staples Stocks That Can Withstand AI DisruptionMar 18, 2026 •By Keith Speights3 Top Buffett Stocks to Buy and Hold for the Long HaulAbout the AuthorJennifer Saibil has been a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst covering the consumer goods and financial sectors since 2019. She previously worked in the financial sector and has written for other finance publications. She holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Yeshiva University and a master’s degree in public administration from New York University’s Wagner School of Public Service.TMFanibirdStocks MentionedCoca-ColaNYSE: KO$75.11(+0.47%)+$0.36WalmartNASDAQ: WMT$120.72(+1.43%)+$1.70AmazonNASDAQ: AMZN$210.15(+2.33%)+$4.78S&P 500 IndexSNPINDEX: ^GSPC$6,581.00(+1.15%)+$74.52*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.