SmarterDividends

IMKTA vs WMT: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?

As of Oct 1, 2026, WMT (Walmart Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. WMT offers the higher yield at 0.93%, 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 WMT

Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data

  • As of Oct 1, 2026, Walmart Inc. (WMT) has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.93%, versus 0.78% for Ingles Markets, Incorporated (IMKTA).
  • As of Oct 1, 2026, SmarterDividends grades IMKTA's dividend safety A (99/100) and WMT's A (91/100).
  • By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 1, 2026, IMKTA has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and WMT for 50.
  • As of Oct 1, 2026, IMKTA pays out 12% of its earnings as dividends and WMT pays out 35%.
  • As of Oct 1, 2026, IMKTA's fair-value estimate is 52% above its share price and WMT'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 WMT: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 1, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/imkta-vs-wmt

MetricIMKTAWMT
Forward yield0.78%0.93%
Annual dividend$0.66$0.99
Payout ratio12%35%
Years of growth0 yr50 yr
5-yr dividend growth0.0%5.5%
5-yr total return21%117%
Dividend safety score99 (A)91 (A)
Fair value estimate$129.09$57.75
Upside to fair value+52%-44%
Frequencyquarterlyquarterly
Market cap$1.6B$824.5B
P/E ratio15.537.5

Higher yield

WMT

0.93%

Safer dividend

IMKTA

Grade A

Faster growth

WMT

5.5%

Better value

IMKTA

+52% upside

IMKTA vs WMT — FAQ

Is IMKTA or WMT a better dividend stock?

On the data, WMT wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). WMT offers the higher yield (0.93%), 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 WMT?

WMT has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.93%, versus 0.78% for IMKTA.

Is IMKTA or WMT safer?

IMKTA has the higher dividend-safety score (99/100 vs 91/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.

Is IMKTA or WMT 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 WMT, its fair-value estimate is 44% below its share price.

See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.