Hi, I'm Susan Chinsky, co-host of the Morning Filter podcast. On a recent episode, Morning Star's chief US market strategist Dave Sakara talked about several undervalued stocks he liked of companies with winning brands. You can find a link to the episode below this video.Today, we're adding two more stocks to the list. The stocks of both of these companies with popular brands are trading below what Morning Star thinks they're worth. Our first great stock with powerful brands trading an attractive price is K ...

In this articleULVR-GBMKCWMTNES.N-CHOn any given day, 2.5 billion people use Unilever products that span 400 brands. That success has created a huge target on the company's back as the sustainability movement gains more traction with consumers shunning plastic pollution.Sajjad Hussain | AFP | Getty ImagesUnilever's plan to merge its food business with spice maker McCormick is the latest move in a sector that's fighting to stay relevant as the growth model that has powered big consumer products companies for ...

Core Insights - The private credit market, particularly Business Development Companies (BDCs), is facing potential turmoil as indicated by former Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein, who suggests that hidden risks may lead to a crisis similar to the 2008 financial collapse [1][2][30] - The popularity of private-market funds is significant, with the top 40 publicly traded BDCs valued at nearly $80 billion and the entire shadow banking system estimated at $3 trillion [3][29] - Recent events, such as the bankruptcy of First Brands and the withdrawal limitations imposed by several private-market funds, have raised concerns about liquidity and investor panic [4][5][29] Private Credit Market Risks - BDCs have accumulated questionable investments during years of low interest rates and rising asset prices, leading to potential vulnerabilities [8][10] - The ownership of BDCs is largely comprised of retail investors seeking dividends, who have a history of panic selling during crises, which could exacerbate market instability [11][12] - The software industry, a major borrower in private credit markets, is facing challenges from AI automation, which could negatively impact BDC valuations [12][13] Investment Opportunities - Companies like Energy Transfer LP, Kimberly-Clark Corp., and Realty Income Corp. are highlighted as attractive alternatives for investors seeking stable dividend income amidst the potential fallout in the private credit market [18][19][24] - Energy Transfer is positioned to benefit from increased demand for natural gas and offers a 6.9% dividend yield, with expected free cash flow growth [18] - Kimberly-Clark, despite recent stock price declines, presents a high dividend yield of 5.3% and a strong brand portfolio, making it appealing to conservative investors [22][23] - Realty Income Corp. is noted for its conservative approach and consistent dividend payments, making it a reliable choice for long-term investors [24][26] Market Dynamics - Approximately $5 billion of capital is currently trapped in the private credit industry due to redemption limits, which could lead to a feedback loop of panic and further market instability [29] - Blankfein's comments suggest that while there may not be systemic risks currently visible, the nature of financial bubbles often obscures underlying vulnerabilities until it is too late [30]

Kimberly-Clark CEO has a strategy: making its products less expensive than rivals while still adding features. He gave it a try with Huggies’ “Snug & Dry” diapers. https://t.co/PNmSypehMs ...

Group 1: Company Performance and Ratings - Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NASDAQ:KMB) has received a price target cut from Piper Sandler, reducing it to $114 from $133, while maintaining an Overweight rating, indicating that Q1 top-line momentum is in line with expectations, with costs hedged for approximately nine months ahead, securing the balance of 2026 [1] - Wells Fargo raised the price target for Kimberly-Clark to $110 from $105, reiterating an Equal Weight rating, noting that this marks the best start for Staples compared to the S&P 500 ever [3] - BofA has also cut the target for Kimberly-Clark, citing a lower multiple applied to 2027 earnings [7] Group 2: Management Changes - Kimberly-Clark announced the appointment of Francesco Tinto as Chief Information & Global Business Services Officer, effective March 9, 2026, who will report to the President and COO, Russ Torres [2] Group 3: Product and Market Segments - Kimberly-Clark manufactures and markets a variety of products using advanced technologies in absorbency, nonwovens, and fibers, operating in three segments: Personal Care, Consumer Tissue, and K-C Professional, with brands including Kleenex, Scott, Cottonelle, DryNites, and Huggies [4]

Company Overview - Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB) is a major player in the consumer essentials industry, known for brands like Huggies and Kleenex [1] Investment Philosophy - The company emphasizes sustained profitability as a key driver of returns, focusing on strong margins, stable and expanding free cash flow, and high returns on invested capital rather than valuation alone [1] Portfolio Management - The company manages a portfolio publicly on eToro, qualifying as a Popular Investor, which allows others to replicate its real-time investment decisions [1] Personal Investment Approach - The investment strategy is influenced by a desire to ensure financial freedom for future generations, aiming for a balance between work and personal fulfillment [1]

Company Overview - Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB) is a major player in the consumer essentials industry, known for brands like Huggies and Kleenex [1] Investment Focus - The company emphasizes sustained profitability, characterized by strong margins, stable and expanding free cash flow, and high returns on invested capital, which are seen as more reliable drivers of returns than valuation alone [1] Investment Strategy - The investment approach focuses on undervalued growth stocks and high-quality dividend growers, indicating a long-term investment perspective [1]

Core Insights - Dividend Kings are companies with 50 or more consecutive years of annual dividend growth, representing high-quality long-term investment opportunities in various market conditions [1] Group 1: Overview of Dividend Kings - There are currently 57 Dividend Kings across all sectors, including consumer and utility stocks [2] - Three notable Dividend Kings identified as strong buys for their potential price appreciation and impressive dividend growth are Genuine Parts, Kimberly-Clark, and Target [3] Group 2: Genuine Parts Analysis - Genuine Parts experienced a significant post-earnings drop due to disappointing results and guidance, but management announced a potential catalyst for the stock [5] - The stock has stabilized between $115 and $120 per share, presenting a potential entry point for long-term investors, with a forward dividend yield of 3.7%, higher than its historical average of 3% [6] - Genuine Parts has increased its dividends for 71 consecutive years, with an average annual growth rate of 5.3% over the past decade [6] - The planned spinoff of Genuine Parts could unlock significant value, as its industrial parts distribution unit may trade at a premium compared to its current valuation [7] Group 3: Kimberly-Clark Analysis - Kimberly-Clark is pursuing a strategic alternative through its pending acquisition of Kenvue in a $48.7 billion cash and stock merger [8] - Kenvue, which owns brands like Tylenol and Band-Aid, was spun off from Johnson & Johnson, and shareholders have approved the merger, indicating reduced concerns about potential legal liabilities [9] - The merger is expected to create up to $2 billion in cost synergies, making it accretive within a year [9]

Core Insights - Kimberly-Clark Corporation has appointed Francesco Tinto as Chief Information & Global Business Services Officer, effective March 9, 2026, to enhance its technology and operational capabilities [1][1][1] Group 1: Appointment Details - Francesco Tinto will report to Russ Torres, President and COO, and will be part of the executive leadership team [1] - Tinto has over 30 years of technology leadership experience, previously serving as Chief Digital Officer at Advantage Solutions and Global Chief Information Officer at Walgreens Boots Alliance [1][1] Group 2: Strategic Impact - Tinto's expertise in digital transformation and building Global Business Services organizations is expected to strengthen Kimberly-Clark's Powering Care strategy [1][1] - The integration of technology and business services is anticipated to enhance execution speed and improve overall results for the company [1][1] Group 3: Company Background - Kimberly-Clark operates in over 175 countries with a portfolio of trusted brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, and Scott, holding No. 1 or No. 2 market share positions in approximately 70 countries [1][1] - The company is committed to sustainable practices aimed at supporting a healthy planet and building strong communities [1][1]

Group 1: Conagra Brands - Conagra Brands has seen its stock price decline to around $19, trading at about 11 times forward earnings, which is considered a bargain compared to the S&P 500's nearly 22 times forward earnings [4] - The company has experienced a 50% loss in stock value over the past three years, with net sales declining by 6.8% in fiscal Q2 2026, partly due to the sale of non-core brands [3] - Conagra's dividend yield is currently at 7.3%, the highest in the S&P 500, despite a payout ratio approaching 80%, which is above its target of 50%-55% [4] Group 2: Kimberly Clark - Kimberly Clark's stock has lost about 25% of its value over the last three years, with sales down 2.1% last year primarily due to divestitures [5] - The stock is currently priced over $110 per share, trading at about 15 times earnings, which is cheaper than the broader market [6] - Kimberly Clark has a dividend yield of 4.3% and has extended its streak of dividend increases to 54 years, qualifying it as a Dividend King [6]