Is This Beaten-Down Dividend King a Buy?

Core Viewpoint - Kenvue, a newly public company and a Dividend King, faces significant challenges in its operations and financial performance, raising concerns about its ability to maintain its dividend status in the current economic environment [2][14]. Company Overview - Kenvue became publicly traded in August 2023 after being spun off from Johnson & Johnson, inheriting its Dividend King status due to a history of consistent dividend increases [4]. - The company focuses on managing well-branded over-the-counter health products, including popular brands like Tylenol, Motrin, and Neutrogena, rather than developing novel pharmaceuticals [5]. Financial Performance - In the second quarter, Kenvue reported a 4% year-over-year decline in net sales, totaling $3.8 billion, with adjusted earnings per share falling to $0.29 from $0.32 in the previous year [8]. - All three business segments of Kenvue experienced declining sales during this period [8]. Strategic Challenges - The split from Johnson & Johnson was driven by slow and inconsistent revenue growth in the consumer health division, a trend that Kenvue has not reversed since going public [9]. - Kenvue is undergoing a leadership change, with a new interim CEO appointed as the company seeks a permanent replacement, part of a broader strategic review aimed at improving performance [11]. Cost Management Efforts - The company aims to achieve $350 million in cost savings by 2026, having already reduced its workforce by 4% [12]. Regulatory and Market Concerns - Recent allegations linking Tylenol to increased autism risk have contributed to a significant drop in Kenvue's stock price, with approximately half of a 13% decline attributed to this announcement [13]. Dividend Sustainability - Kenvue's current dividend payout ratio stands at 112% based on earnings and 97% based on free cash flow, indicating potential sustainability issues for its dividend payments [14].