3 High-Yield Dividend King Stocks Down Between 9% and 14% to Buy in October

Core Viewpoint - The consumer staples sector, including companies like Procter & Gamble, Colgate-Palmolive, and Kimberly-Clark, is facing challenges due to weak consumer confidence and spending, but these companies remain reliable for long-term investors seeking passive income through dividends [1][2][5][16]. Group 1: Industry Overview - The consumer staples sector is roughly flat year-to-date, with Walmart's performance helping to mitigate losses [1]. - Procter & Gamble, Colgate-Palmolive, and Kimberly-Clark are major players in household and personal care products, with P&G leading in various categories [3][4]. - The current operating environment is challenging due to high raw material costs, geopolitical issues, and consumer uncertainty [10]. Group 2: Consumer Behavior and Market Dynamics - Weak consumer confidence is leading to cautious spending, with consumers opting for smaller packs or promotions to manage costs [7][9]. - There is a notable disconnect between stock market gains and consumer spending, with record AI spending benefiting corporations rather than consumers [8]. - Companies are adapting by offering larger package sizes or multipacks to provide better value, even if it results in lower margins [11]. Group 3: Financial Performance and Valuation - P&G and Colgate-Palmolive have seen less than 25% sales growth over the last decade, while Kimberly-Clark's sales are roughly flat [12]. - Operating margins for P&G and Colgate-Palmolive are high at 24.2% and 22%, respectively, but face pressure from inflation [13]. - All three companies are trading at steep discounts to their historical average valuations, making them attractive for long-term investors [18]. Group 4: Dividend Reliability - All three companies are recognized as Dividend Kings, having raised dividends for over 50 consecutive years, with current yields of 4.2% for Kimberly-Clark, 2.8% for P&G, and 2.7% for Colgate-Palmolive [17]. - These companies can support their dividends with earnings and free cash flow, even during periods of slower growth [20][22]. - Long-term investors are encouraged to focus on fundamentals and the potential for consistent passive income from these reliable dividend stocks [16][23].