3 Dividend King Consumer Staples Stocks That Could Make You a Millionaire @themotleyfool #stocks $KO $PEP $HRL

Sep 14, 2024 at 9:40 AM

Dividend Kings: The Steady Path to Millionaire Status

Building a million-dollar portfolio is a lofty goal, but it's not out of reach for the patient and disciplined investor. While a single stock may seem like a shortcut, the surest path to wealth is through a diversified collection of well-run, dividend-paying companies. Enter the Dividend Kings – a select group of consumer staples giants that have proven their mettle by consistently increasing their dividends for five decades or more.

Unlock Generational Wealth with These Dividend Powerhouses

Coca-Cola: The Steady Grower

Coca-Cola (KO) is the quintessential example of a company that has managed to maintain a steady, upward trajectory over time. As one of the most recognizable beverage brands in the world, Coca-Cola's business has demonstrated a reliable "sine curve" of growth, making it a long-term favorite of legendary investor Warren Buffett. While the stock's valuation may not be at its most attractive level currently, Coca-Cola's clout in the industry and its proven track record of growth make it a worthy cornerstone investment for any millionaire-minded portfolio. Even when the stock price dips, savvy investors should view it as an opportunity to increase their stake in this beverage behemoth.

PepsiCo: The Attractively Priced Powerhouse

PepsiCo (PEP) may play second fiddle to Coca-Cola in the beverage space, but it more than holds its own as the undisputed leader in the salty snack category with its Frito-Lay brand. Beyond these two core businesses, PepsiCo also boasts a formidable packaged food division, making it a true industry giant with unparalleled scale, distribution, and marketing prowess. While PepsiCo's growth may not be as robust as Coca-Cola's at the moment, its stock is currently trading at a more attractive valuation, with a price-to-sales ratio below its five-year average and a dividend yield above the same period. For long-term investors willing to weather the occasional weak period, PepsiCo presents a compelling opportunity to add a well-rounded consumer staples powerhouse to their millionaire-making portfolio.

Hormel: The Undervalued Turnaround Play

Hormel (HRL) is a pure-play food manufacturer that has been actively reshaping its portfolio in recent years, adding iconic brands like Wholly Guacamole, Planters, and Columbus to its already impressive roster that includes SPAM and the Hormel namesake. While the company has faced a series of headwinds, including rising costs, the impact of avian flu, and a slow pandemic recovery in China, these challenges have weighed on its stock performance and valuation. As a result, Hormel's price-to-sales and price-to-earnings ratios are currently below their five-year averages, and its dividend yield is well above that same period. For investors with a long-term mindset, Hormel represents a compelling value play with significant recovery potential as management navigates the company through its current obstacles. By taking advantage of the market's temporary pessimism, savvy investors can position themselves to benefit from Hormel's eventual return to form as a reliable Dividend King.