Fear is in the air. Sure, the S&P 500 (^GSPC +2.91%) is holding up pretty well in the face of significant uncertainty. However, implied volatility has risen sharply in recent weeks.Should investors stay away from all stocks with a 10-foot pole? Nope. Here are three dividend stocks you can buy with no hesitation. 1. Johnson & JohnsonJohnson & Johnson (JNJ +0.83%) remains a favorite among investors who want to sleep at night without worrying about their portfolios. The healthcare giant has an AAA credit ratin ...

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes that consumer staples stocks, particularly those classified as Dividend Kings, are resilient investments during market downturns, providing reliable dividends and stability amidst volatility [2][6][8]. Group 1: Market Context - The stock market is currently experiencing corrections, with two major indices down by 10% and a third approaching that threshold, indicating potential further downside risk as the second quarter approaches [2]. - Consumer staples stocks are highlighted as a safe investment choice during turbulent market conditions due to their consistent demand regardless of economic fluctuations [6]. Group 2: Dividend Kings Overview - Dividend Kings are defined as companies that have raised dividends for at least 50 consecutive years, showcasing their reliability and dependability for passive income investors [3][8]. - The article suggests that now is an opportune time to shift investments from riskier tech and AI sectors to high-yielding consumer staples within the Dividend Kings category [5]. Group 3: Featured Companies - **Altria**: This company leads in yield among consumer staples Dividend Kings, offering an annual dividend of $4.24 per share, yielding 6.39%. Altria has a Buy rating from UBS with a price target of $74 [9][11]. - **Hormel Foods**: Known for its diverse food products, Hormel has a reliable dividend yield of 5.09% and has been a Dividend King for over 50 years. The company is restructuring to enhance performance [12][13]. - **Kimberly-Clark**: This personal care company has raised its dividend for 53 consecutive years, with a current yield of 5.10%. It is involved in a significant acquisition of Kenvue, valued at $48.7 billion, expected to close in 2026 [18][21]. - **PepsiCo**: With a solid dividend yield of 3.68%, PepsiCo has attracted attention from activist investor Elliott Investment Management, which sees potential for over 50% upside through strategic changes [22][23]. - **Universal**: A leading tobacco merchant with a 6.12% dividend yield, Universal benefits from long-term supply contracts and a strong free cash flow model [26][28].

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the resilience of consumer staples stocks during market downturns, highlighting their consistent demand regardless of economic conditions [2][3] - It identifies the "Dividend Kings," companies that have raised dividends for at least 50 years, as reliable investments for passive income seekers [5][7] - The article suggests a strategic shift from riskier tech investments to high-yielding consumer staples stocks in the Dividend Kings lineup for 2026 [5] Consumer Staples Stocks - Consumer staples stocks are essential as they provide basic necessities, ensuring steady sales even in economic downturns [2][3] - These stocks possess pricing power, allowing them to pass on cost increases to consumers without significantly affecting sales volume [2] - The reliable dividends from these stocks offer a cushion for investors during market sell-offs, making them a safe haven [2][4] Dividend Kings - The Dividend Kings are a group of 57 companies recognized for their long history of increasing dividends, appealing to income-focused investors [5][7] - Companies like Altria, Hormel Foods, Kimberly-Clark, PepsiCo, and Universal are highlighted as top picks within this category [8][11][17][23][28] - Altria leads with a 6.39% dividend yield, while Hormel Foods and Kimberly-Clark offer yields of 5.09% and 5.10%, respectively [8][11][17] Company Highlights - **Altria**: Offers a 6.39% dividend yield and has a strong market presence in tobacco products, with a recent stock repurchase plan [8][10] - **Hormel Foods**: Known for its diverse food products and a reliable 5.09% dividend yield, it is restructuring to enhance performance [11][12] - **Kimberly-Clark**: A personal care company with a 5.10% dividend yield, it is set to acquire Kenvue in a $48.7 billion deal [17][22] - **PepsiCo**: A global food and beverage leader with a 3.68% dividend yield, it is undergoing strategic changes to unlock value [23][24] - **Universal**: A tobacco merchant with a 6.12% dividend yield, it benefits from long-term supply contracts and an asset-light model [28][29]

Umbrella shielding stacked coins and seedlings in rain, symbolizing defensive dividend stocks and stable income investing. Key Points Dividend Kings like Procter & Gamble, Colgate-Palmolive, and Hormel Foods provide reliable income and stability during volatile markets. These companies combine strong balance sheets, consistent dividend growth, and defensive business models to support long-term investing strategies. With sustainable payout ratios and global brand power, these stocks offer dependable com ...

Dow Jones45,831.90 -0.59% Nasdaq 10023,470.60 -0.79% Russell 20002,477.83 -1.10% Dividend Kings on the Brink: Will These 2 Lose Their Crowns in 2026? Dividend Kings on the Brink: Will These 2 Lose Their Crowns in 2026? - 24/7 Wall St. S&P 5006,456.40 -0.66% FTSE 1009,951.60 -0.08% Nikkei 22552,189.50 -0.93% Stock Market Live March 27, 2026: S&P 500 (SPY) Slips Despite Trump Deadline Extension Investing By Trey ThoelckePublished Mar 27, 8:50AM EDT Quick Read Genuine Parts (GPC) paid $563.8 million in divi ...

Group 1: Dividend Increase - Colgate-Palmolive Company announced an increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.53 per share, up from $0.52, effective in the second quarter of 2026 [1] - The annual payout rises to $2.12 per share from $2.08, marking a consistent dividend payment since 1895 [1] Group 2: Board of Directors Update - Christopher Boerner, Ph.D., has been elected to the Board of Directors, effective March 15, 2026, bringing experience in global leadership and the healthcare sector [2] - Steven A. Cahillane will not stand for reelection at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders on May 8, 2026, with Noel Wallace expressing gratitude for his service [3] Group 3: Company Focus - Colgate-Palmolive continues to position itself as a growth-focused business, operating across Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, and Pet Nutrition [4]

Core Viewpoint - The S&P 500 index is experiencing a slight decline this year due to concerns over rising oil prices, but individual stocks within and outside the index are performing differently, with Coca-Cola and Walmart standing out as strong performers and reliable investments [1]. Group 1: Coca-Cola - Coca-Cola has raised its dividend for the 64th consecutive year, showcasing its reliability as a Dividend King [3]. - The company typically offers a high dividend yield of around 3%, which is attractive compared to other Dividend Kings that often have lower yields [3]. - Coca-Cola's stock has increased by 12% this year, providing investors with value, protection, and passive income [6]. - The company benefits from localized production, helping it navigate changing tariffs effectively [6]. - Warren Buffett endorses Coca-Cola for its enduring products and strong global brand presence [5]. Group 2: Walmart - Walmart has raised its dividend for the 53rd consecutive year, reflecting its stability and reliability [7]. - The current dividend yield is approximately 0.75%, typically closer to 1%, which is valued for its stability and growth potential [7]. - Walmart maintains a significant presence in U.S. retail with over 5,000 locations, ensuring accessibility to 90% of the U.S. population [8]. - The company reported a 24% year-over-year increase in e-commerce sales in the fiscal 2025 fourth quarter, indicating robust growth in this segment [10]. - Walmart's low exposure to tariffs and its leverage with suppliers due to its size contribute to its resilience in the current economic climate [11].

Core Viewpoint - Dividend stocks provide a stable income source during market volatility, contrasting with growth stocks that may be riskier in downturns. Companies known as Dividend Kings, like Procter & Gamble and Johnson & Johnson, have a long history of consistent and increasing dividend payments, making them attractive investments during uncertain times [1]. Group 1: Procter & Gamble (PG) - Procter & Gamble has paid dividends for 135 consecutive years, with 69 years of consecutive increases, and offers a quarterly dividend of $1.05 per share, resulting in a forward dividend yield of 2.9%, which is higher than the S&P 500 average of 1.2% and the consumer sector average of 1.9% [2]. - The company's product portfolio includes essential items such as Tide, Pampers, Head & Shoulders, and Gillette, ensuring steady demand regardless of economic conditions, which supports its earnings [3]. - In the second quarter of fiscal 2026, Procter & Gamble achieved an adjusted free cash flow productivity of 88%, allowing it to pay $2.5 billion in dividends and $2.3 billion in share repurchases. The company plans to distribute $10 billion in dividends and $5 billion in share repurchases for the fiscal year, maintaining a payout ratio of 58% [4].

Core Insights - The article discusses three companies known as "Dividend Kings," which have consistently paid and increased dividends for over 50 years, indicating strong financial health and stability [4][6]. Group 1: Company Profiles - **Walmart**: The world's largest physical retailer with a market cap of $1 trillion, operates over 10,000 locations, and generated $713.2 billion in revenue for fiscal 2026, a 4.7% increase year-over-year. Its online advertising business grew by 46% year-over-year, and earnings per share reached $2.64, up by 5.2% year-over-year [8][10]. - **Procter & Gamble**: Established for nearly 200 years, it has paid dividends for 135 consecutive years, including 69 years of increases. The company reported a 1% increase in net sales for essential products in Q2 FY26, with diluted earnings per share of $1.78, covering a quarterly dividend of $1.06 per share [11][13]. - **Consolidated Edison**: One of the oldest utility companies in the U.S., it recently celebrated its 200th anniversary. The company generated $2.02 billion in net income last year, equating to $5.66 per share, and raised its dividend for the 52nd consecutive year to an annualized $3.55 per share [14][15][16]. Group 2: Dividend Growth and Stability - Dividend Kings must increase their payouts annually, which requires consistent revenue and profit growth. This growth is often achieved through market share expansion and improved margins [5][6]. - The article emphasizes that these companies are well-established, with strong product lineups and a history of weathering various economic cycles, making them reliable for long-term shareholders [2][6].

Core Viewpoint - Investing in Dividend Kings, which are companies that have consistently raised dividends for over 50 years, is recommended as a strategy for generating dependable passive income, especially for those looking for bargains in the current market environment [1][4][6]. Group 1: Dividend Kings Overview - Dividend Kings are defined as companies that have increased their dividends for at least 50 consecutive years, showcasing their reliability and dependability for passive income investors [4][6]. - There are 55 companies classified as Dividend Kings, which do not necessarily have to be part of the S&P 500 [4]. Group 2: Investment Strategy - The article suggests that purchasing underperforming Dividend Kings may be a compelling contrarian strategy, particularly in a market perceived as overbought [2][5][7]. - Price declines in these stocks, when not accompanied by dividend cuts, result in higher entry yields, providing investors with more income while waiting for recovery [7]. Group 3: Featured Companies - **Genuine Parts (NYSE: GPC)**: Offers a 3.85% dividend yield and has raised dividends for 69 consecutive years, trading at 16 times forward earnings [10][12]. - **Hormel Foods (NYSE: HRL)**: Known for its 5.12% dividend yield and over 50 years of dividend increases, it is restructuring to improve performance [13][15]. - **Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB)**: A consumer staples leader with a 4.82% dividend yield, recently announced a $48.7 billion acquisition of Kenvue Inc. [21][23]. - **PPG Industries (NYSE: PPG)**: Completed a $2.5 billion share buyback and has a 2.76% dividend yield, operating in paints and coatings [24]. - **Target (NYSE: TGT)**: A general merchandise retailer with a 3.81% dividend yield, considered a solid buy after a rough second half of 2025 [27][30].