Home Depot vs. Walmart: Which Dow Stock Reigns Supreme?

Home Depot has been paying a dividend in 157 straight quarters and raised its payout for 17 consecutive years. The company is set to report second-quarter 2026 financial results on August 18, which will provide insight into its performance during tighter macroeconomic conditions.

The home improvement giant's shares have risen only 5% over the past five years, despite a pandemic-fueled surge in demand that saw revenue increase by double-digit percentages in fiscal 2020 and 2021. Home Depot has shown that it is a cyclical business, with same-store sales decreasing 3.2% in fiscal 2023, falling 1.8% in fiscal 2024, and rising only 0.3% in fiscal 2025.

In contrast, Walmart continues to operate at a high level, with investors viewing it favorably during difficult economic times. The company has increased its dividend in 53 straight years and has shares that have climbed 130% over the past five years.