These 3 Dividend-Paying Dow Jones Stocks Can't Catch a Break. Here's Why They Are All Top Buys in October.

Group 1: Market Overview - The Dow Jones Industrial Average is filled with industry-leading companies, many of which pay dividends, but dividend-paying companies are currently out of favor as mega-cap growth stocks drive market gains [1][2] - The S&P 500 has increased by 73% since the start of 2023, making the appeal of dividend yields less attractive [1] Group 2: Honeywell International - Honeywell is planning to split into three stand-alone publicly traded companies, with the materials business expected to spin off later this year or early next year [4] - The company trades at under 20 times forward earnings and has a dividend yield of 2.2%, making it an attractive buy for long-term investors [6] - Honeywell's performance has been decent, but its corporate structure has hindered its ability to capitalize on industry growth trends [6] Group 3: Nike - Nike has faced challenges due to consumer spending pullbacks and competition from newer brands in the athleisure market [8][9] - The company has made leadership changes to improve its performance, and its dividend yield has increased to 2.3%, providing an incentive for investors to hold [10] - Nike's shift to direct-to-consumer sales faced pushback from wholesale partners, indicating the need for a balanced approach in its business strategy [9] Group 4: Salesforce - Salesforce has seen a 26.5% decline year-to-date, raising concerns about its ability to monetize artificial intelligence and compete in the SaaS market [11][12] - The company has introduced AI tools under its Agentforce lineup, but its forward P/E ratio of 21.7 suggests it may be undervalued compared to its previous premium [12] - Salesforce initiated its first-ever dividend in early 2024, with a modest 4% increase, but its yield remains low at 0.7% [13] Group 5: Investment Opportunities - Honeywell, Nike, and Salesforce present opportunities for contrarian investors seeking value in a premium-priced market [14] - Honeywell is considered the best buy due to its decent performance and potential post-breakup growth [15] - Nike is viewed as a solid investment for those who believe in the brand's resilience, while Salesforce is a riskier bet for investors confident in its competitive position against AI [15]