3 Magnificent S&P 500 Dividend Stocks Down 19% to 26%: Is It Time to Buy the Dip?

Group 1: Investment Opportunities - The article highlights three dividend growth stocks that are currently undervalued, with share prices down between 19% and 26% from their highs, presenting a buying opportunity for investors [2][3] Group 2: Zoetis - Zoetis is a leading company in the animal healthcare industry, offering a variety of products including medicines and vaccines, and has outperformed the S&P 500 since its IPO in 2013 [3][4] - The company's valuation peaked at an average of 47 times free cash flow (FCF) over the last decade, but has now adjusted to a more reasonable 31 times FCF, with a dividend yield of 1.2% [4][5] - Zoetis has a return on invested capital (ROIC) of 22%, indicating strong growth potential through new product introductions and lifecycle innovations [7] - The company has achieved a 28% growth in FCF and an 18% increase in dividend payments annually over the last decade, making it a strong compounder [8] - Recent sales growth in parasiticides, dermatology, and pain products exceeding 10% suggests continued rewards for dividend investors [9] Group 3: Pool Corp. - Pool Corp. is the largest distributor of pool products globally and has seen significant growth since its IPO in 1995, but its share price has stagnated recently due to economic factors [11] - The company generates 64% of its sales from non-discretionary maintenance and repair, providing stability amid cyclical downturns [12] - Despite challenges, Pool Corp. generated nearly $500 million in FCF last year and has utilized this to repurchase shares, with its stock down 23% from year-long highs [13] - The company has an average ROIC of 18%, demonstrating its ability to navigate economic cycles profitably [14] - Pool Corp. currently offers a 1.6% dividend yield, the highest since 2012, with only 38% of FCF used for dividends, indicating potential for future growth [15] Group 4: Old Dominion Freight Line - Old Dominion Freight Line specializes in less-than-truckload (LTL) hauling and has been a strong performer since its IPO in 1991, though it is also subject to cyclical fluctuations [16][18] - The company has experienced a 26% drop in stock price due to a freight industry recession and weak industrial shipments [18] - Old Dominion boasts a leading ROIC, allowing it to gain market share and repurchase shares during economic downturns [20] - The company has reduced its share count by more than one-sixth over the last decade, and while its dividend yield is currently 0.6%, it has grown by 33% over the past five years, utilizing only 27% of FCF [21]