It has been a positive session for a few of the ASX's best-known dividend shares on Friday.
Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW), Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL), and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Ltd (ASX: SOL) are all pushing higher in afternoon trade.
They are often viewed as defensive or income-focused ASX shares because of their reliable earnings, dividends, and long track records.
At the time of writing, the Woolworths share price is up 0.24% to $40.03 after hitting a 52-week high of $40.10.
Coles shares are up 1.06% to $24.31 after trading as high as $24.35.
Meanwhile, Soul Patts shares are up 0.13% to $45.09 after reaching a yearly high of $45.60.
Here's what is putting these 3 ASX 200 shares in focus today.
Image source: Getty Images
Woolworths shares just keep climbing
Woolworths shares are back near their best levels of the past year.
That's a strong result for a business that was under pressure not that long ago from weaker margins, cost pressures, and a softer share price.
However, the market now appears more comfortable with the supermarket giant's reset.
And while Woolworths still faces a competitive grocery market, investors appear to be taking a more positive view of its trading outlook.
Coles reaches fresh highs
Coles is also trading higher today and has pushed to a fresh 52-week high.
That comes after a solid run for the supermarket operator, which continues to appeal to investors looking for steadier earnings.
Coles also offers a 3% dividend yield, compared to Woolworths' 2.24% yield.
That may help explain why some investors still prefer Coles, especially if they are looking for a more predictable income stream.
Soul Patts offers something different
Soul Patts is also edging higher today after reaching a fresh 52-week high.
Unlike Woolworths and Coles, this is not a supermarket business. It is an investment house with exposure across listed shares, private companies, property, credit, and other assets.
That gives investors a different type of defensive exposure.
The company is closely watched for its dividend record, which has made it a popular name with long-term income investors.
But with the stock now trading near the top of its 52-week range, investors are clearly paying up for that stability.
Are investors getting defensive?
Today's moves suggest defensive and income-focused shares are still finding support.
Woolworths and Coles both benefit from everyday customer demand, while Soul Patts gives investors a diversified portfolio.
But that doesn't mean these stocks are cheap.
All 3 are trading at 52-week highs, which means a lot of the good news is already reflected in their share prices.
