## Defensive Dividend Darlings Face Different Growth Challenges in 2026
As equity markets touch record levels heading into 2026, income-focused and risk-averse investors continue to eye established consumer staples for portfolio stability. Coca-Cola [KO](/market-activity/stocks/ko) and PepsiCo [PEP](/market-activity/stocks/pep) have long served as portfolio anchors, attracting both retail and institutional capital—with institutions currently holding 64% and 75% respectively—due to their recession-resistant business models and consistent dividend streams.
Yet beneath their similar defensive pro
As equity markets touch record levels heading into 2026, income-focused and risk-averse investors continue to eye established consumer staples for portfolio stability. Coca-Cola [KO](/market-activity/stocks/ko) and PepsiCo [PEP](/market-activity/stocks/pep) have long served as portfolio anchors, attracting both retail and institutional capital—with institutions currently holding 64% and 75% respectively—due to their recession-resistant business models and consistent dividend streams.
Yet beneath their similar defensive pro