Walmart: A Stock That Can Weather Any Market Storm
When market storms brew, some stocks tend to get battered alongside the broader market. However, there are exceptions that can withstand or even thrive in turbulent times.
One such stock is Walmart (NASDAQ: WMT), which has a history of decoupling from the broad market during bearish periods.
In 2000 and 2008, Walmart shares remained volatile but managed to sidestep the brunt of the headwind. Its cash dividend continued to be paid during these times, with a forward-looking yield of just under 1% based on 53 consecutive years of increased per-share payments.
The company's business model, which relies heavily on grocery sales and low prices made possible by scale-based leverage, makes it well-suited for challenging economic environments. With over 90% of the U.S. population living within 10 miles of a Walmart store, the retailer offers convenience and affordability that consumers need regardless of market conditions.