IMKTA vs KO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 1, 2026, KO (The Coca-Cola Company) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. KO offers the higher yield at 2.46%, IMKTA has the higher dividend-safety score, and IMKTA looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 52% above its share price).
Key facts: IMKTA vs KO
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 1, 2026, The Coca-Cola Company (KO) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.46%, versus 0.78% for Ingles Markets, Incorporated (IMKTA).
- As of Oct 1, 2026, SmarterDividends grades IMKTA's dividend safety A (99/100) and KO's A (92/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 1, 2026, IMKTA has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and KO for 55.
- As of Oct 1, 2026, IMKTA pays out 12% of its earnings as dividends and KO pays out 62%.
- As of Oct 1, 2026, IMKTA's fair-value estimate is 52% above its share price and KO's fair-value estimate is 44% below its share price, so IMKTA looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "IMKTA vs KO: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 1, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/imkta-vs-ko
| Metric | IMKTA | KO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.78% | 2.46% |
| Annual dividend | $0.66 | $2.12 |
| Payout ratio | 12% | 62% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 55 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 0.0% | 4.5% |
| 5-yr total return | 21% | 56% |
| Dividend safety score | 99 (A) | 92 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $129.09 | $48.26 |
| Upside to fair value | +52% | -44% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $1.6B | $370.4B |
| P/E ratio | 15.5 | 26.1 |
Higher yield
KO
2.46%
Safer dividend
IMKTA
Grade A
Faster growth
KO
4.5%
Better value
IMKTA
+52% upside
IMKTA vs KO — FAQ
Is IMKTA or KO a better dividend stock?
On the data, KO wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). KO offers the higher yield (2.46%), while IMKTA has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, IMKTA or KO?
KO has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.46%, versus 0.78% for IMKTA.
Is IMKTA or KO safer?
IMKTA has the higher dividend-safety score (99/100 vs 92/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is IMKTA or KO better value right now?
As of Oct 1, 2026, IMKTA looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 52% above its share price (undervalued). For KO, its fair-value estimate is 44% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.