Home Depot Has Raised Its Dividend for 17 Consecutive Years and Reports Earnings Aug. 18. Is It the Smarter Dow Stock to Buy Over Walmart?

Home Depot and Walmart are compared as investment options. Home Depot has underperformed over five years (5% gain) due to cyclical pressures from higher interest rates and inflation, but maintains a strong dividend history with 157 consecutive quarters of payments and a higher yield of 2.67%. Walmart has outperformed significantly (130% gain over five years) with stronger fundamentals, diversified revenue streams from e-commerce and advertising, and a Dividend King status with 53 consecutive years of increases. Home Depot trades at a cheaper valuation (P/E of 24.8 vs. Walmart's 39.3), making it the better choice for dividend-focused investors despite Walmart's superior overall performance.