Coca-Cola ( KO +0.23% ) is my top dividend stock to buy right now due to its strong brand power, long record of dividend growth, and above-average yield. Shares are up 18% year to date, outperforming the S&P 500 's roughly 10% return. The stock still yields close to 2.6% based on its quarterly dividend of $0.53 per share, making it a solid dividend stock to consider right now. Image source: Getty Images. Over the past year, Coca-Cola generated nearly $50 billion in revenue and $12.5 billion in free cash flow, and paid out nearly $11 billion in dividends to shareholders. It raised its dividend 3.9% in February, marking 64 straight years of increases. Despite high inflation hurting consumer spending, the company has reported 20 consecutive quarters of market share gains. This is a testament to its brand strength, with 32 brands contributing $1 billion in annual revenue. NYSE : KO Coca-Cola Today's Change ( 0.23 %) $ 0.19 Current Price $ 84.24 Key Data Points Market Cap $362B Market cap calculated using publicly traded shares outstanding only. Does not include unlisted, private, or dual-class non-traded shares. Implied market cap may vary. Market cap calculated using publicly traded shares outstanding only. Does not include unlisted, private, or dual-class non-traded shares. Implied market cap may vary. Day's Range $ 83.57 - $ 84.49 52wk Range $ 65.35 - $ 85.68 Volume 312.7K Avg Vol 16.8M Gross Margin 61.82% Dividend Yield 2.47% However, one risk to watch is Coca-Cola stretching itself too thin. It manages over 200 brands. The upside of this strategy is that it can make it easier for management to meet demand across many occasions and price points, thereby maintaining steady revenues. The downside, however, is that it risks diluting its best-performing brands and returns on capital in the long run. That said, the beverage industry is fairly resilient to broader macroeconomic headwinds. Coca-Cola owns dozens of valuable brands that are contributing to its free cash flows and growing dividends. The stock's above-average yield indicates solid value for income investors. Read Next Jul 7, 2026 • By Lawrence Rothman, CFA My Top Dividend Growth Stock to Buy in July and Hold Forever Jul 6, 2026 • By David Jagielski, CPA Should You Buy Coca-Cola Stock Before July 28?

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Jul 5, 2026 • By Todd Shriber Wall Street Is Buzzing About Alphabet Joining the Dow. Income Investors Should Be Looking at This Stock Instead. About the Author John Ballard has been a contributing writer at The Motley Fool since 2016, covering consumer goods and technology stocks. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus in real estate finance from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. TMFRazorback Stocks Mentioned Coca-Cola NYSE : KO $84.24 ( +0.23% ) +$0.19 Motley Fool Stock Advisor ’ s Latest Pick Get Access ---% Avg Return *Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.