Group 1: Coca-Cola - Coca-Cola is a durable brand with steady sales and profits, allowing for consistent dividend payments [3][4] - The company has increased its dividend for 63 consecutive years, currently paying about 75% of its earnings in dividends, with a recent quarterly increase of 5% to $0.51 [4][6] - Analysts expect Coca-Cola to achieve 6% annualized earnings growth, with significant opportunities in emerging markets, which represent 80% of the global population [5] - Coca-Cola has successfully adapted its beverage portfolio to meet changing consumer preferences, with 30 brands generating over $1 billion in annual sales [6] - The non-alcoholic beverage market is valued at $1 trillion and is projected to grow at 5% annually through 2029, with Coca-Cola likely to outperform this estimate [7] - The stock's forward dividend yield is 2.84%, making it an attractive option for passive income [7] Group 2: Nike - The athletic apparel industry is valued at over $400 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at 9% annually through 2030 [8] - Nike is the leading brand in this industry, with trailing revenue exceeding $46 billion, and its stock has recently seen a decline, resulting in a high forward dividend yield of over 2.17% [9] - The company faces near-term challenges due to higher costs from tariffs, but this has created an opportunity for investors to acquire shares at an attractive yield [9] - Nike's new CEO is implementing strategies to return the business to growth by aligning inventory with demand and shifting focus from lifestyle to sports-oriented products [10] - Despite a lower earnings forecast, Nike can sustain its current quarterly dividend of $0.40, with expectations of earnings recovery to $2.47 by fiscal 2027 [11][12] - The stock is trading at its lowest price-to-sales multiple in over a decade, indicating potential undervaluation and solid returns for investors over the next five years [12]
2 Top S&P 500 Dividend Stocks to Buy Now