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Investors often turn to defensive sectors when looking for stability during market shifts. Kimberly-Clark (KMB +5.32%) and Coca-Cola (KO +2.87%) represent two iconic choices for those seeking reliable businesses with deep global roots.

Kimberly-Clark focuses on hygiene and personal care essentials that consumers buy regardless of economic conditions. Coca-Cola dominates the global beverage landscape with a focus on brand power and high profitability. This comparison examines which stock provides a more compelling balance of growth and value today.

The case for Kimberly-ClarkKimberly-Clark operates as a global leader in personal care and hygiene, manufacturing essential products like Huggies diapers and Kleenex tissues. The company sells these items to a wide range of retail partners, including supermarkets, drugstores, and e-commerce platforms. Its largest customer is Walmart (WMT +2.82%), which accounted for approximately 16% of net sales in 2025. Customer concentration like this adds a layer of risk to the business.

In its latest annual report, filed for FY 2025, revenue reached nearly $16.4 billion, representing a decrease of approximately 2.1% compared to the prior year. This revenue decline was accompanied by net income of roughly $2 billion. Despite the top-line pressure, the company showed its ability to generate profit from its consumer staples stocks portfolio.

$112.32+$5.68 (+5.32%)

NASDAQ · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/22/26

The case for Coca-ColaCoca-Cola is the world's largest non-alcoholic beverage company, owning brands ranging from its flagship soda to sports drinks and coffee. The company relies on a network of independent bottling partners to package and distribute its products. Starting in 2027, the company will expand its reach by replacing PepsiCo (PEP +3.07%) at all U.S. KFC restaurants.

In FY 2025, revenue grew by nearly 1.9% to reach approximately $47.9 billion. This growth helped the company achieve a net income of roughly $13.1 billion for the fiscal period. Coca-Cola recorded a net margin of approximately 27.3%, which highlights the strength of its global branding and licensing business model.

KO Coca-Cola$95.34+$2.66 (+2.87%)

NYSE · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/22/26

Risk profile comparisonKimberly-Clark faces risks regarding the integration of its pending acquisition of Kenvue (KVUE +4.41%), which could impact financial flexibility. The company also deals with intense competition from private-label manufacturers and the rising bargaining power of large retailers. Supply chain vulnerabilities are another concern, as price volatility for materials like cellulose fiber and petroleum can erode net margins. Geopolitical instability also threatens international revenue and supply lines.

Coca-Cola is highly dependent on its network of independent bottling partners, whose financial health directly impacts the company's revenue. The beverage giant faces increasing regulatory risks, including potential taxes on sweetened drinks and stricter environmental rules for plastic packaging. Significant tax litigation with the IRS also remains a potential threat to future financial results. Furthermore, inflationary pressures and currency fluctuations can reduce consumer purchasing power in the countries where it operates.

Valuation comparisonKimberly-Clark appears more attractively priced based on its sales multiple, while Coca-Cola commands a premium for its superior net margin and consistent growth.

MetricKimberly-ClarkCoca-ColaForward P/E13.1x25.3xP/S ratio1.9x7.6xWhich stock would I buy?Both stocks are Dividend Kings, showing their reliability by boosting their payouts for 50 or more consecutive years. Kimberly-Clark has increased its dividend payout for 54 consecutive years, while Coca-Cola has boosted its payout for 64 consecutive years, so Coca-Cola has an edge in that department. That said, Kimberly-Clark's dividend yields 4.8%, significantly higher than Coca-Cola's 2.2% yield, so Kimberly-Clark wins that battle.

Still, even with the higher yield, I would rather own Coca-Cola shares. While Kimberly-Clark makes everyday essentials and is a recession-resistant stock, its stock price has reflected its defensive nature, down 19.8% over the past five years compared to the S&P 500's 70.6% return over the same period. In comparison, Coca-Cola, while not known for stock price appreciation, has seen its shares pick up steam, returning 70.2% over the past five years, nearly matching the return of the broader markets. And its consistent dividend payouts have helped boost total returns.

It's finding success with offering new twists on its classic sodas, with unit case volume for its Coca-Cola Zero Sugar line growing 16% in the second quarter of 2026. In the second quarter, it also saw growth in its non-soda portfolio, with unit case volume for water, sports, coffee, and tea growing 6%. It's also implementing customer feedback into its product offerings, launching innovation hubs that "translate consumer insights into locally relevant innovations to capture more drinking occasions," according to the company's 2026 second-quarter earnings press release. With its growing ability to pair stock price appreciation with its consistent dividend payout, Coca-Cola wins this battle for me.

Both Kimberly-Clark and Clorox are mid-overhaul, both pay yields above 4.5%, and both have dividend payout ratios that leave almost no cushion. When two consumer staples giants look this similar on paper, the differences hiding beneath the surface are exactly…

Kimberly-Clark (NASDAQ:KMB | KMB Price Prediction) and Clorox (NYSE:CLX) reported a day apart in early August. Both are in the middle of an overhaul. Kimberly-Clark is moving toward closing its Kenvue (NYSE:KVUE) deal, and Clorox has just taken over GOJO, the maker of Purell. For income investors, the question is which payout holds up better through the change.

Huggies Take a China Hit While Clorox Margins Buckle
Kimberly-Clark posted adjusted EPS of $2.12, beating the $2.01 estimate for a 5th consecutive EPS beat. Adjusted gross margin rose 190 bps to 38.8%, but one-time tariff refunds helped, so I weigh that gain less. The bigger problem is a social media disinformation campaign in China aimed at Huggies diapers. Management expects it to cut second-half operating profit by about $70 million. Even so, the core business kept growing, with a 10th consecutive quarter of positive volume plus mix.

Clorox had a rougher quarter. Gross margin fell 520 bps to 41.3%, hurt by GOJO inventory accounting, higher costs, and lower volume. Purell raised Health and Wellness sales 16%, while Household sales dropped 18%. CFO Luc Bellet expects fiscal 2027 inflation above $200 million, which he called more than double the usual range. That pressures the cash available for the dividend.

Dividend Lens
Kimberly-Clark
Clorox

Forward Annual Dividend
$5.12
$5

Yield
4.8%
5.81%

Payout Ratio
81% of 2025 net income
around 85% of net earnings

Free Cash Flow vs. Dividends
99% (2025)
67% (fiscal 2026)

Increase Streak
54 consecutive years
“increased annually for a decade”

Neither payout has much buffer. Kimberly-Clark’s $1.639B in free cash flow just about covered its dividend. Clorox’s gap is wider, although a $476M payment to end the Glad joint venture distorted its free cash flow.

Clorox Carries the Heavier Debt Load
Clorox’s total debt rose to $5.52 billion from $2.88 billion a year earlier. Cash is just $143 million. Interest expense should reach about $210 million in fiscal 2027, and that money cannot go to shareholders. Kimberly-Clark brought in $908 million of operating cash in the second quarter against $425 million in dividends. Its main risk is pulling off Kenvue and the $1.9 billion cost-savings target that comes with it.

Margin Repair Will Decide Clorox’s Payout
Clorox is guiding for gross margin of about 42% and adjusted EPS of $5.70 to $6.00. Bellet said, “Our commitment to support the dividend has not changed.” I want to see if cost savings can keep pace with inflation. You should also watch when Kenvue closes and how quickly China recovers. Shareholders have already picked a side: Kimberly-Clark is up 10.28% this year, while Clorox is down 11.85%.

Why Kimberly-Clark Looks Safer for Retirement Income
For a retiree who depends on dividend checks, Kimberly-Clark offers the safer payout. Its streak is longer, its debt is lower, and its cash flow already comes close to covering the dividend. Clorox pays the higher yield, but it is funding that payout from a stretched balance sheet and a margin recovery that hasn’t happened yet. A double-digit-adjacent yield supported by shrinking margins is exactly the setup we flagged in a free report on the seven warning signs a big dividend is about to be cut. If Clorox gets gross margin back above 42% while paying down debt, I would rethink this. Until that happens, Kimberly-Clark wins on dividend safety.

Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.

Rising oil prices are usually seen as an inflation warning. Yet Thornburg Investment Management argues the longer prices stay high, the more likely they are to pull inflation down.

Key Takeaways: U.S. households spend about 3-4% of their budgets on energy, but indirect costs widen the hit. Oil shocks in the 1970s and 2008 were followed by Fed rate hikes and, later, rate cuts. Thornburg’s THOR held 9.5% in technology and 1.2% in consumer discretionary, as of Sept. 30 compared with 31.8% and 8.4% for its benchmark. Energy costs ripple through transportation, manufacturing, and consumer goods, lifting the Consumer Price Index. Thornburg Portfolio Manager Lei Wang and Portfolio Specialist Kevin Endo acknowledge that bump in their report, “A Disinflationary Paradox of High Oil Prices.”

Over time, though, persistent high oil prices “function as a stealth tax on the real economy, eroding disposable income, curbing aggregate demand, and sowing the seeds of slower growth or outright recession,” they wrote. Instead of locking in inflation, high oil prices tend to create “the conditions for its eventual collapse.”

The strain goes beyond the gas pump, according to the report. U.S. households spend roughly 3-4% of their budgets directly on energy. Higher food and goods prices add to the hit, while rising costs squeeze business margins and hiring.

See more: Fed Hike Puts Bond Investors at a Crossroads

Wang and Endo compared the effect to an inverted yield curve, a common recession signal. “The longer either persists, the greater the cumulative stress on households and businesses, and the higher the probability that ‘something breaks,’” they wrote.

Oil prices more than doubled during the 1979-1980 Iranian Revolution after global production fell about 4%, according to the report. In that episode, the 1973-1974 OPEC embargo, and the 2008 spike, the Federal Reserve followed a “hike then cut” pattern.

What Prolonged High Oil Prices Mean for Portfolios Cyclical stocks and energy-exposed names face headwinds as demand weakens, the authors wrote. Meanwhile, defensive sectors such as utilities, consumer staples, and healthcare, along with quality fixed income, warrant overweight positions.

One of the firm’s newer funds held less in consumer-sensitive stocks than its benchmark. The Thornburg Premium Income Builder ETF (THOR) held 1.2% in consumer discretionary stocks as of Sept. 30, according to Thornburg. The MSCI World Index, its benchmark, had 8.4% in the sector.

The fund also held more than the index in utilities and consumer staples, the firm said. Financials were its largest sector at 23.2%, while energy made up 7.1%, above the benchmark’s 4%.

Technology showed the widest gap, at 9.5% of THOR versus 31.8% of the index. The fund traded at 12.2 times next year’s expected earnings, versus 18.6 times for the index, Thornburg data shows.

THOR, which launched in June 2026, invests in dividend-paying stocks worldwide, according to Thornburg. Co-Managers Matt Burdett and Brian McMahon add a “selective, actively managed options overlay” meant to boost income. That overlay is designed to retain “meaningful participation in long-term equity market returns.”

Its largest stock holdings as of Oct. 19 included French telecom company Orange S.A. (ORA), Huggies maker Kimberly-Clark Corp. (KMB) and Italian utility Enel SpA (ENEL), according to the firm.

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SteelPeak Wealth LLC decreased its position in Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NASDAQ:KMB – Free Report) by 29.2% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 15,395 shares of the company’s stock after selling 6,357 shares during the quarter. SteelPeak Wealth LLC’s holdings in Kimberly-Clark were worth $1,514,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of KMB. IFP Advisors Inc lifted its stake in Kimberly-Clark by 10.4% in the 3rd quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 12,945 shares of the company’s stock valued at $1,261,000 after acquiring an additional 1,218 shares in the last quarter. Delta Capital Management LLC boosted its position in Kimberly-Clark by 3.4% during the 3rd quarter. Delta Capital Management LLC now owns 11,155 shares of the company’s stock worth $1,087,000 after acquiring an additional 365 shares during the last quarter. Burns Matteson Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Kimberly-Clark during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $487,000. Finer Wealth Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Kimberly-Clark during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $207,000. Finally, Cyndeo Wealth Partners LLC grew its stake in shares of Kimberly-Clark by 1,989.6% during the 3rd quarter. Cyndeo Wealth Partners LLC now owns 94,534 shares of the company’s stock worth $9,210,000 after acquiring an additional 90,010 shares in the last quarter. 76.29% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Kimberly-Clark Stock Performance Shares of NASDAQ:KMB opened at $105.57 on Monday. Kimberly-Clark Corporation has a 52-week low of $92.42 and a 52-week high of $123.09. The company has a market capitalization of $35.11 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.95, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.41 and a beta of 0.25. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $102.77 and a 200 day simple moving average of $102.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.45, a quick ratio of 0.69 and a current ratio of 0.91.

Kimberly-Clark (NASDAQ:KMB – Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 4th. The company reported $1.80 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of $2.01 by ($0.21). The business had revenue of $4.19 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.22 billion. Kimberly-Clark had a return on equity of 143.92% and a net margin of 11.79%. The company’s revenue for the quarter was up .6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.92 EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that Kimberly-Clark Corporation will post 7.33 earnings per share for the current year. Kimberly-Clark Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 2nd. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 4th were given a $1.28 dividend. This represents a $5.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, September 4th. Kimberly-Clark’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 87.07%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In KMB has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. BNP Paribas Exane lifted their price objective on shares of Kimberly-Clark from $101.00 to $110.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a report on Friday. TD Cowen reduced their target price on shares of Kimberly-Clark from $104.00 to $97.00 and set a “hold” rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, October 13th. Seaport Research Partners raised shares of Kimberly-Clark to a “buy” rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 4th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their target price on shares of Kimberly-Clark from $105.00 to $100.00 and set an “equal weight” rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 5th. Finally, Barclays lifted their price target on shares of Kimberly-Clark from $101.00 to $115.00 and gave the company an “equal weight” rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 21st. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have issued a Buy rating, eleven have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Kimberly-Clark currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $116.50.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Kimberly-Clark

Kimberly-Clark News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting Kimberly-Clark this week:

Positive Sentiment: Preliminary earnings beat expectations: Kimberly-Clark expects third-quarter adjusted EPS of $1.70, ahead of the $1.58 FactSet consensus. The result was achieved despite lower sales, supporting the view that cost controls and operational improvements are helping protect profitability. Reuters preliminary results article Positive Sentiment: 2026 outlook reaffirmed: Management maintained its full-year financial outlook, including organic sales growth expected to be approximately 100 basis points below weighted-average category growth. The absence of a guidance reduction appears to have reassured investors following the weaker sales environment. Kimberly-Clark preliminary results release Positive Sentiment: Price target increased: BNP Paribas Exane raised its KMB target from $101 to $110 while maintaining a neutral rating. The target implies modest upside from the current trading level, providing some valuation support but not signaling strong conviction. Benzinga price target report Neutral Sentiment: China-related legal issue: Reports indicate China cleared claims involving formamide, potentially reducing a regulatory and litigation overhang. However, the broader commercial impact of the controversy remains uncertain. Reuters China claims article Negative Sentiment: Sales and dividend concerns persist: Kimberly-Clark forecast a third-quarter sales decline following a social-media backlash in China. Separate coverage warned that the company’s long dividend-growth streak is under pressure as profits shrink, despite free cash flow still covering payouts. Wall Street Journal sales outlook article About Kimberly-Clark (Free Report)

Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NASDAQ:KMB) is a global consumer products company that develops and markets personal care, tissue and professional hygiene products. Its portfolio includes products for babies and children, feminine care, adult care, family care and workplace hygiene.

The company’s well-known brands include Huggies diapers and wipes, Kleenex facial tissue, Cottonelle bathroom tissue, Scott toilet paper and paper towels, Kotex feminine care products, and Depend, Poise and GoodNites products.

Further Reading Five stocks we like better than Kimberly-Clark These 3 Green Stocks Have a Growth Story That Goes Far Beyond Washington Meta Claims Frontier-Class AI Status With New Muse Wonder Models Berkshire Just Backed This Little-Known Stock—Should You Chase It? Broadcom’s CEO Sees Years of AI Demand But Warns of a Bigger Threat to the Boom

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Some of the most boring products in your grocery cart have quietly funded dividend streaks stretching back decades, and five companies selling those exact staples are still raising payouts even as their own businesses face serious headwinds.

Toothpaste, detergent, soda and paper towels stay on shopping lists whether the economy is booming or stalling, and that regular demand creates the predictable cash flow behind some of the longest payout records on the market. The group’s standard-bearer, Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG | PG Price Prediction), is now in its 70th consecutive year of dividend increases. All five names below sell everyday essentials. Each one supports its yield with the free cash flow and balance sheet it needs to keep paying.

Coca-Cola: A Strengthening Balance Sheet Behind a Rising Payout
Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) yields 2.22%. That yield is low because the stock trades at $92.84 after a 35.39% gain this year, and Barron’s notes the shares are charging toward all-time highs. For income, the forward annualized dividend of $2.12 per share is the figure to anchor on.

Dividend safety: At a P/E of about 30, the dividend takes up roughly 67% of trailing earnings. Management raised its full-year free cash flow outlook to about $12.4 billion, the company holds $12.9 billion in cash, and interest coverage is 8.32x. On the latest call, management said “our balance sheet remains strong with our net debt leverage of 1.4 times EBITDA, which is below our target range of 2 to 2.5 times.” The available record shows the quarterly payment rising from $0.16 in 1999 to $0.53 today.

Bull case: Momentum is broad. Unit case volume grew 5% last quarter. Trademark Coca-Cola posted its strongest volume growth in 17 years excluding the COVID recovery, and comparable EPS growth guidance rose to 9%-10%. Moving toward an asset-light model by refranchising bottlers widens margins and frees more cash for shareholders.

Risk: The long-running IRS tax dispute. Coca-Cola has presented oral arguments before the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, and management says it does not know when a decision will come. An adverse ruling would tie up cash that could otherwise go to shareholders, though management remains “confident in our chances of prevailing on appeal.”

PepsiCo: A High-Yield Payer Leaning on International Growth
PepsiCo (NASDAQ:PEP) yields 4.34%, the second-highest yield in this group. Part of that comes from a lower share price: the stock is down 6.2% this year at $130.65. The quarterly dividend rose to $1.48 from $1.4225, which works out to a forward annual rate of $5.92.

Dividend safety: Coverage is the tightest here. With a P/E of about 21, the dividend uses roughly 93% of trailing earnings, and the free cash flow yield of 4.36% just tops the dividend yield. The cushion comes from capital allocation: this year’s planned returns are $7.9 billion in dividends against only $1.0 billion in buybacks, so the dividend comes first. Interest coverage of 12.0x and $10.7 billion in cash add support.

Bull case: International sales are carrying the company. That business grew 7% and is on track to pass 40 billion dollars this year. Third-quarter adjusted EPS of $2.34 beat estimates, operating income rose 19.4%, and management says structural cost cuts are coming.

Risk: North American shoppers are pulling back. Core operating profit at PepsiCo Foods North America fell 12%. The chief executive said “the consumer is worse than what we had anticipated and driven mainly by gas prices.” Core EPS growth guidance has been cut to +2.5% to +3.5%, which leaves little room for dividend growth.

Procter & Gamble: A Dividend King With Cash to Spare
P&G yields 2.78% and recently raised its quarterly dividend to $1.0885 from $1.0568. It is now in its 136th consecutive year of dividend payments, and its increase streak easily makes it as a Dividend King.

Dividend safety: Trailing dividends of $4.259 per share equal roughly 64% of GAAP EPS of $6.62. Fiscal 2026 free cash flow reached $15.84 billion, up 12.7%, so the more than $10 billion paid in dividends used about 63% of it. Adjusted free cash flow productivity was 100%, and P&G ended the year with $9.94 billion in cash.

Bull case: The fiscal 2027 plan calls for about $10B dividends plus $5B buybacks, all funded from internal cash. Brands like Tide, Pampers and Charmin sell through downturns. China returned to share growth after 15 quarters, and a beta of 0.377 means the stock tends to move much less than the overall market.

Risk: Oil-linked costs. Guidance includes an approximately $1 billion after-tax drag. It stems from raw materials, energy and freight tied to the Middle East conflict, and management expects first-quarter EPS to be down 5% or more. Core EPS growth guidance of in-line to +3% points to smaller raises in the near term.

Colgate-Palmolive: Toothpaste Dominance Funding a Steady Raise
Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:CL) yields 2.32% after its quarterly dividend rose to $0.53 from $0.52. The available record shows that payment climbing from $0.18 in 2001.

Dividend safety: On GAAP earnings, the payout ratio is about 82%. That figure is inflated by restructuring charges: second-quarter GAAP EPS was $0.86 compared with Base Business EPS of $0.99. Against the base figure, the quarterly dividend uses about 54% of earnings. Free cash flow was up 18% through the second quarter, and Colgate returned $1.4 billion to shareholders. The balance sheet is lean, with shareholders’ equity of only $236M against $16.2B in liabilities, so the dividend depends on regular cash generation.

Bull case: Colgate holds 41.3% of the global toothpaste market, and gross margin expanded to 61.5%. Hill’s Pet Nutrition adds a premium growth engine at about 22% of total sales. Management also raised Base Business EPS growth guidance to mid-single-digit.

Risk: The U.S. business is slipping. North America organic sales fell 3.0% in the second quarter. The drop came amid heavy competition and retailer destocking, and management said it was “not satisfied” with U.S. performance. Winning back share may require price investments that squeeze margins.

Kimberly-Clark: The Group’s Top Yield, Backed by 54 Years of Raises
Kimberly-Clark (NASDAQ:KMB) is the high-yield anchor of the group at 5.17%. The quarterly dividend rose to $1.28 from $1.26, continuing a streak of 54 consecutive years of increases that makes it a Dividend King.

Dividend safety: Reported earnings look stretched, with trailing dividends of $5.08 per share against GAAP EPS of $5.07. GAAP results were held down by the reclassification of discontinued operations, however. Second-quarter adjusted EPS of $2.12 covers the quarterly dividend well, with the payout at about 60%. First-quarter operating cash flow of $745M tops capex of $424M, and cash stood at $956M.

Bull case: You get the highest yield in the group at the lowest valuation, a forward P/E of about 13. Management reported its 10th consecutive quarter of solid volume plus mix performance and productivity of 6.4%, both signs that Huggies and Kleenex keep their pricing power.

Risk: The pending Kenvue acquisition is on track to close by end of 2026, and management will not detail the timing of synergies until after closing. Integrating a deal this large adds execution risk just as the company needs earnings to support a dividend that is already nearly equal to GAAP EPS.

Five Essentials Businesses, One Reliable Income Stream
All five companies turn everyday purchases into dependable dividend checks, but they cover their payouts differently, with P&G and Coca-Cola leading on coverage and balance sheet strength. PepsiCo and Kimberly-Clark offer the highest yields with smaller margins for error, and Colgate sits in between with margins that keep improving. Together they form an income core built on products people keep buying in any economy.

Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.

Kimberly-Clark forecast a decline in third-quarter sales and backed its outlook for the year, following a social-media firestorm in China over the company's diapers this past summer.

Kimberly-Clark has raised its dividend for over five decades, but a looming $48 billion acquisition and razor-thin cash flow coverage are putting that streak under pressure most income investors haven't noticed yet.

Kimberly-Clark (NASDAQ:KMB | KMB Price Prediction) paid its third straight $1.28 quarterly dividend on October 2, 2026. The company says the raise behind that check extended its run to 54 consecutive years of increases. The payout records support that claim as far back as they go. The quarterly rate has gone up every year since 1999, climbing from $0.26 to $1.28. Retirees who own the stock need to know whether there is still enough cash behind the check.

Free Cash Flow Barely Covers the Payout
At $97.91, the $5.12 forward dividend works out to a yield of roughly 5.2%. The coverage is lower than that yield suggests. In 2025, operating cash flow fell to $2.777 billion and capex rose to $1.138 billion, which left free cash flow at $1.639 billion. Dividends cost $1.660 billion, or about 101% of free cash flow.

The first half of 2026 was a little better. Free cash flow came to $877 million, and dividends used up about 96% of it. Against adjusted 2025 EPS of $7.53, the payout ratio is about 68%. Against trailing GAAP EPS of $5.07, it rises to about 101%.

Pending Acquisition Arrives With Little Balance Sheet Cushion
Kimberly-Clark carries total liabilities of $16.680 billion against shareholders’ equity of only $1.874 billion. The company has been protecting the dividend by cutting buybacks. Repurchases dropped to $141 million in 2025 from $1 billion in 2024. On top of that is the roughly $48.7 billion purchase of Kenvue (NYSE:KVUE). Chief Executive Mike Hsu sounds confident:

“Our pending acquisition of Kenvue remains on track to close by the end of this year. In sum, our vision for a new kind of health and wellness company, reimagined care for billions of people around the world, and lasting value for shareholders is becoming clearer by the day.”

On the August call, management added: “The closer we look at this thing, the better it gets.”

Pricing Power Is Being Tested
Second-quarter adjusted EPS of $2.12 came in above the $2.006 consensus. Revenue of $4.189 billion missed expectations, though. Part of the margin story was temporary: a $45 million tariff refund helped lift gross margin to 38.8%. Category growth in North America slowed from 3.7% to 1.9%. Management also expects about $150 million in second-half input-cost pressures and only low single digit price increases.

“Our team is executing with agility and addressing discrete headwinds that will moderate our growth and earnings potential in 2026.”

Guidance now calls for adjusted EPS attributable to Kimberly-Clark to show a low-single-digit decline in constant currency.

How the Peers Compare

Company
Dividend Yield
Trailing P/E
Beta

Kimberly-Clark
5.21%
19x
0.275

Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG)
2.82%
23x
0.377

Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:CL)
2.37%
35x
0.322

Procter & Gamble pays out about 64% of trailing earnings. Colgate-Palmolive pays out about 82%. Kimberly-Clark’s higher yield likely reflects, in part, its thinner coverage.

Verdict: The Dividend Holds, With Less Room for Error
The dividend looks secure so far. The company sells essential products, has delivered 10 consecutive quarters of volume-plus-mix growth, and has five decades of raises at stake. Management has strong incentive to protect the streak, and increases may stay small while Kenvue is being integrated. Free cash flow covering the payout only about one to one means Kimberly-Clark has thinner coverage than its peers. Procter & Gamble has the widest margin of the three. Income investors who own Kimberly-Clark are collecting a reliable 5% yield that comes with more risk than the stock’s reputation suggests (we ranked ten of the longest-running Dividend Kings by valuation in a free report you can grab here).

Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.

Venture Visionary Partners LLC increased its stake in Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NASDAQ:KMB – Free Report) by 32.7% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 41,404 shares of the company’s stock after buying an additional 10,196 shares during the quarter. Venture Visionary Partners LLC’s holdings in Kimberly-Clark were worth $4,034,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the stock. AdvisorNet Financial Inc boosted its holdings in Kimberly-Clark by 18.3% in the 1st quarter. AdvisorNet Financial Inc now owns 665 shares of the company’s stock worth $64,000 after acquiring an additional 103 shares during the period. Core Wealth Partners LLC raised its stake in shares of Kimberly-Clark by 2.6% during the fourth quarter. Core Wealth Partners LLC now owns 4,352 shares of the company’s stock valued at $439,000 after purchasing an additional 112 shares during the period. Assetmark Inc. raised its stake in shares of Kimberly-Clark by 0.6% during the first quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 20,216 shares of the company’s stock valued at $1,950,000 after purchasing an additional 121 shares during the period. Root Financial Partners LLC lifted its position in shares of Kimberly-Clark by 17.6% during the first quarter. Root Financial Partners LLC now owns 847 shares of the company’s stock worth $82,000 after purchasing an additional 127 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Rexford Capital Inc. lifted its position in shares of Kimberly-Clark by 3.4% during the first quarter. Rexford Capital Inc. now owns 4,191 shares of the company’s stock worth $404,000 after purchasing an additional 139 shares in the last quarter. 76.29% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on KMB shares. Piper Sandler lowered their price target on shares of Kimberly-Clark from $121.00 to $118.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a report on Friday, September 11th. Barclays boosted their price objective on shares of Kimberly-Clark from $101.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock an “equal weight” rating in a report on Tuesday, July 21st. Bank of America decreased their price objective on shares of Kimberly-Clark from $122.00 to $120.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research report on Friday, September 25th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their target price on Kimberly-Clark from $105.00 to $100.00 and set an “equal weight” rating for the company in a research note on Monday. Finally, Weiss Ratings raised Kimberly-Clark from a “hold (c-)” rating to a “hold (c)” rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 28th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have issued a Buy rating, eleven have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $117.00.

Read Our Latest Report on KMB Kimberly-Clark Stock Down 0.3% Shares of NASDAQ:KMB opened at $96.48 on Thursday. The company’s fifty day moving average is $104.13 and its two-hundred day moving average is $102.57. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.45, a quick ratio of 0.69 and a current ratio of 0.91. Kimberly-Clark Corporation has a 1-year low of $92.42 and a 1-year high of $123.09. The stock has a market capitalization of $32.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.41, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.94 and a beta of 0.25.

Kimberly-Clark (NASDAQ:KMB – Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 4th. The company reported $1.80 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.01 by ($0.21). The business had revenue of $4.19 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.22 billion. Kimberly-Clark had a net margin of 11.79% and a return on equity of 143.92%. The company’s quarterly revenue was up .6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.92 earnings per share. Equities analysts anticipate that Kimberly-Clark Corporation will post 7.35 EPS for the current year.

Kimberly-Clark Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 2nd. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 4th were issued a dividend of $1.28 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, September 4th. This represents a $5.12 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.3%. Kimberly-Clark’s dividend payout ratio is 87.07%.

Kimberly-Clark Profile (Free Report)

Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NASDAQ:KMB) is a global personal care and consumer products company that develops and markets essential products for consumers and professional customers. Its portfolio includes products in the baby and childcare, adult care, feminine care, facial and bathroom tissue, and household categories.

The company’s well-known brands include Huggies diapers and wipes, Kleenex tissues, Kotex feminine care products, Cottonelle and Scott bathroom tissue, and Depend and Poise adult care products.

Recommended Stories Five stocks we like better than Kimberly-Clark Skydance Just Became a Media Giant—With an $80 Billion Debt Load Could Velo3D Be the Next Defense Buyout Target? Penguin Solutions Is Soaring as AI Memory Demand Explodes Alphabet’s Chart Is Coiling—and the Fundamentals May Be Ready to Back It Up Want to see what other hedge funds are holding KMB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NASDAQ:KMB – Free Report).

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The latest Thinx innovation combines leakproof protection and everyday wearability in a style designed to move beyond the underwear drawer.

, /PRNewswire/ -- Thinx, the #1-selling reusable period underwear brand (based on grocery, drug, mass, & dollar units, 52 weeks thru 9/5/26), today announced the launch of Butterfly Shorts, a new category-bending style that blurs the line between apparel and period care.

For years, period underwear has largely been positioned as an undergarment. Butterfly Shorts challenge that expectation by combining leakproof protection for up to 12 hours with a fluttery, athletic-inspired silhouette designed to be worn as part of an outfit, not hidden beneath one.

Thinx Introduces Butterfly Shorts, Redefining What Period Underwear Can Look Like Whether heading to a workout, catching a flight, running errands, or simply moving through a busy day, Butterfly Shorts are designed to help consumers spend less time managing their period and more time living their lives.

"At Thinx, we believe periods shouldn't limit what's possible," said Nicole Pawlukowsky, vice president of Thinx. "Thinx has been reimagining period care for over a decade. By bringing trusted Thinx protection to athleisure, we're creating a new way to feel comfortable, confident, and ready for whatever the day brings."

Style Meets Protection

Butterfly Shorts look and feel like everyday athleisure, but behind the design is the trusted protection consumers expect from Thinx.

Butterfly Shorts are leakproof for up to 12 hours, are made with Coolcore™ breathable mesh fabric, and feature an absorbent gusset designed for overnight protection. Available in sizes XS-4X, Butterfly Shorts are made for real life: morning workouts, long travel days, weekend plans, and everything in between.

For consumers who've ever wished period care fit more naturally into their lifestyle, Butterfly Shorts have the answer: dependable protection without sacrificing comfort, movement, or personal style.

Period Care, Reimagined

Butterfly Shorts are the latest example of the brand's commitment to rethinking what's possible in period care.

Building on the success of the Butterfly Shorts style for teens, this new adult offering brings the same combination of protection, comfort, and wearability to a broader audience. The result is a product designed not simply around periods, but around the lives people want to live while having them.

Thinx Butterfly Shorts will be available October 6, 2026 at Thinx.com for $56.

About Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark (NASDAQ: KMB) and its trusted brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries and territories. Our portfolio of brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Cottonelle, Poise, Depend, Pull-Ups, Goodnites, Intimus, Plenitud, Sweety, Softex, Viva and WypAll, hold No. 1 or No. 2 share positions in approximately 70 countries. Our company's purpose is to deliver Better Care for a Better World. We are committed to using sustainable practices designed to support a healthy planet, build strong communities, and enable our business to thrive for decades to come.

[email protected] 

SOURCE Kimberly-Clark

Russ Torres to Depart Kimberly-Clark for External CEO Role Carlos De Jesus to be Appointed as President, North America and Leonardo Curado to be Appointed as President, EMEA After Kenvue Acquisition DALLAS, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NASDAQ: KMB) today announced planned executive transitions and updates to the future leadership team for the company upon completion of its pending acquisition of Kenvue Inc. (NYSE: KVUE), which is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. Russ Torres, President and Chief Operating Officer of Kimberly-Clark, and Head of the Integration Management Office (IMO), will leave the company to assume an external CEO role.

Key Takeaways KMB's International Personal Care markets delivered sequential improvements and double-digit gains.KMB gained 390 basis points of diaper share in Indonesia and 70 basis points in Brazil.KMB's Arbex venture with Suzano combines scale and tissue expertise to build a global hygiene competitor. Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB - Free Report) continues to see progress in its global personal care business, with its repeatable playbook delivering sequential improvements and double-digit gains across International Personal Care markets, including India, Southeast Asia and Indonesia. The momentum is also reflected in diaper market share, with gains of 390 basis points in Indonesia and 70 basis points in Brazil. These developments reflect progress across international personal care markets and gains in diaper market share.

The formation of Arbex represents a strategic joint venture designed to create a world-class global competitor in the hygiene and tissue business. Kimberly-Clark views the partnership as a strategic combination rather than an effort to move away from an existing problem or challenge. The venture brings together Suzano’s scale and capabilities with Kimberly-Clark’s commercial capabilities and knowledge of tissue making. By combining these capabilities, the partnership is intended to create a global competitor in the hygiene and tissue business.

Kimberly-Clark remains highly enthusiastic about the future of the Arbex team and the opportunities ahead for the business. The company also believes that its clear focus on global personal care should help drive execution as Arbex moves forward. The company said that this clear focus on global personal care should help drive execution. Overall, Arbex gives Kimberly-Clark additional focus, while management expects its global personal care emphasis to help drive execution. Continued progress across IPC markets and gains in diaper market share demonstrate how the playbook is translating across geographies.

The Zacks Rundown for KMBKMB stock has lost 11.2% in the past three months compared with the industry’s decline of 1.3%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

From a valuation standpoint, KMB trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 13.38, lower than the industry’s average of 18.52. KMB currently carries Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for KMB’s current fiscal-year earnings implies a year-over-year decline of 2.4%, and the same for next fiscal year earnings implies growth of 2.1%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Stocks to ConsiderSome better-ranked stocks have been discussed below:

Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize N.V. (ADRNY - Free Report) operates retail food stores and e-commerce in the Netherlands, the United States, and internationally. ADRNY currently carries a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ADRNY's current fiscal-year sales and earnings implies growth of 3.9% and 4.3%, respectively, from the year-ago actuals. ADRNY reported a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 5.4%.

Purple Innovation, Inc. (PRPL - Free Report) designs, manufactures, and sells sleep and other products in the United States and internationally. PRPL currently carries a Zacks Rank #2.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PRPL's current fiscal-year sales and earnings implies growth of 0.4% and 20.8%, respectively, from the year-ago actuals. PRPL delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 21.3%, on average.

Henkel AG & Co. (HENKY - Free Report) engages in the adhesive technologies and consumer brands businesses in Europe, India, the Middle East, Africa, North America, Latin America and the Asia Pacific. At present, HENKY carries a Zacks Rank of 2.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for HENKY’s current fiscal-year sales and earnings suggests growth of 3.4% and 2.7%, respectively, from the year-ago reported figures. 

Kimberly-Clark has raised its dividend through every recession of the past two decades, but a $48.7 billion acquisition and free cash flow that already fell short of last year's dividend payment put that streak in genuine jeopardy.

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Kimberly-Clark (NASDAQ:KMB | KMB Price Prediction) pays a quarterly dividend of $1.28 per share. That is an annualized forward rate of $5.12 and a yield of 5.16%. The problem sits right next to it. Trailing diluted EPS is $5.08, and the company overview lists dividend per share at the same $5.08. Kimberly-Clark is paying out essentially everything it makes while it works to close its Kenvue acquisition by year-end 2026.

A Raise Record That Held Through Every Recent Recession The earliest figure in the available record is a quarterly payout of $0.26 at the March 3, 1999 ex-dividend date. Today the quarterly payment is $1.28, up from $1.26 before the latest raise. The payout climbed through the dot-com bust, the 2008 financial crisis and the pandemic. Trailing 12-month dividends total $5.10 per share. That record makes real credit, though the latest step was modest.

Thin Coverage on Earnings, Tighter Coverage on Cash Quarterly earnings growth year over year came in at -32.3%, and second-quarter net income was $345M. Adjusted EPS of $2.12 beat the $2.006 estimate, so charges and portfolio changes are weighing on reported figures. The stock trades at a trailing P/E of 19 and a forward P/E of 13, a gap that signals the market expects earnings to recover.

Cash flow is the stricter test, and it is tight. In 2025, free cash flow was $1.639B, down 34.78%, while dividends paid totaled $1.66 billion. Free cash flow fell short of the dividend. Capex rose 57.84% to $1.138B. Buybacks were $0 in each of the first two quarters of 2026, versus $1 billion in 2024. At June 30, cash was $956 million against total debt of $6.517 billion.

Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG) shows what room looks like: $4.259 in dividends per share against EPS of $6.62, yielding 2.92%. Kenvue (NYSE:KVUE) resembles its buyer, paying $0.83 against EPS of $0.85. Kimberly-Clark is getting a similarly high payout.

Kenvue Moves to the Front of the Cash Line Shareholders have approved the deal, referenced at $48.7 billion. Kimberly-Clark is also moving its International Family Care and Professional business into a joint venture with Suzano. In plain terms, integration spending and debt service now compete with dividend growth for every dollar. CEO Mike Hsu said on the second-quarter call:

“Our pending acquisition of Kenvue remains on track to close by the end of this year.”

Management declined to frame 2027:

“It’s early to provide a specific view on ’27 because we still have a lot of things that need to land in the back half of the year, including the exact timing of the closing of the transaction.”

Verdict: Reliable Through the Close, With No Margin for Error The $1.28 dividend is dependable through the Kenvue close. Stopping buybacks and recent earnings gives the board room to keep paying. The raise streak is a different matter. It stalls if three things go wrong together: free cash flow stays below dividends as it did in 2025, the China diaper disruption continues into 2027, and Kenvue synergies arrive late. The 2027 outlook management promised at closing needs close attention.

Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.

, /PRNewswire/ -- Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NASDAQ: KMB) ("Kimberly-Clark") announced today the commencement, in connection with its previously announced pending acquisition ("Acquisition") of Kenvue Inc. (NYSE: KVUE) ("Kenvue"), of an exchange offer (each an "Exchange Offer" and, collectively, the "Exchange Offers") for any and all outstanding notes (the "Kenvue Notes") issued by Kenvue for up to $7,000,000,000 aggregate principal amount of new notes to be issued by Kimberly-Clark (the "Kimberly-Clark Notes") and cash.

The following table sets forth the Exchange Consideration, Early Participation Premium, Cash Payment and Total Consideration for each series of Kenvue Notes as set forth in the table below:

Title of Series of
Kenvue Notes

CUSIP/ISIN No.
of Kenvue
Notes(1)

Principal
Amount
Outstanding of
Kenvue Notes

Kimberly-Clark
Notes to be
Issued in
Exchange for
Kenvue Notes

Cash Payment
(2)(3)

Exchange
Consideration –
Principal Amount
of Kimberly-Clark
Notes(2)(4)

Early
Participation
Premium –
Principal
Amount of
Kimberly-Clark
Notes(2)(4)(5)

Total Consideration(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)

Principal
Amount of
Kimberly-Clark
Notes

Cash

5.050% Senior
Notes due 2028

49177JAF9 /
US49177JAF93

$1,000,000,000

5.050% Senior
Notes due 2028

$1.00

$970

$30

$1,000

$1.00

5.000% Senior
Notes due 2030

49177JAH5 /
US49177JAH59

$1,000,000,000

5.000% Senior
Notes due 2030

$1.00

$970

$30

$1,000

$1.00

4.850% Senior
Notes due 2032

49177JAS1 /
US49177JAS15

$750,000,000

4.850% Senior
Notes due 2032

$1.00

$970

$30

$1,000

$1.00

4.900% Senior
Notes due 2033

49177JAK8 /
US49177JAK88

$1,250,000,000

4.900% Senior
Notes due 2033

$1.00

$970

$30

$1,000

$1.00

5.100% Senior
Notes due 2043

49177JAM4 /
US49177JAM45

$750,000,000

5.100% Senior
Notes due 2043

$1.00

$970

$30

$1,000

$1.00

5.050% Senior
Notes due 2053

49177JAP7 /
US49177JAP75

$1,500,000,000

5.050% Senior
Notes due 2053

$1.00

$970

$30

$1,000

$1.00

5.200% Senior
Notes due 2063

49177JAR3 /
US49177JAR32

$750,000,000

5.200% Senior
Notes due 2063

$1.00

$970

$30

$1,000

$1.00

_____________________________________

(1)

No representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP numbers listed in this press release or printed on the Kenvue Notes. Such CUSIP numbers are provided solely for the convenience of the holders of Kenvue Notes.

(2)

For each $1,000 principal amount of Kenvue Notes accepted for exchange.

(3)

The Cash Payment (as defined herein) will be paid to Eligible Holders (as defined herein) on the Settlement Date. In order to be eligible to receive the Cash Payment with respect to a particular series of Kenvue Notes, Eligible Holders of such series of Kenvue Notes must, at or prior to the Early Participation Date (as defined herein), validly tender (and not validly withdraw) their Kenvue Notes of such series. Eligible Holders of Kenvue Notes that tender such Kenvue Notes will be deemed to have given consent to the Proposed Amendments (as defined herein) in respect of the applicable series of Kenvue Notes tendered.

(4)

The Kimberly-Clark Notes (as defined herein) will accrue interest from (and including) the most recent date on which interest has been paid on the corresponding series of Kenvue Notes accepted in the Exchange Offers; provided that the amount of accrued and unpaid interest shall only be equal to the accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of Kenvue Notes equal to the aggregate principal amount of Kimberly-Clark Notes an Eligible Holder receives, which may be less than the principal amount of corresponding Kenvue Notes tendered for exchange if such holder does not receive the Early Participation Premium (as defined herein).

(5)

The Early Participation Premium will be paid to Eligible Holders on the Settlement Date. In order to be eligible to receive the Early Participation Premium with respect to a particular series of Kenvue Notes, Eligible Holders of such series of Kenvue Notes must, at or prior to the Early Participation Date, validly tender (and not validly withdraw) their Kenvue Notes of such series.

(6)

Includes the Cash Payment and the Early Participation Premium.

Concurrently with the Exchange Offers, Kimberly-Clark (on behalf of Kenvue) is soliciting consents (each, a "Consent Solicitation" and, collectively, the "Consent Solicitations") from Eligible Holders (as defined herein) to adopt certain proposed amendments to the indenture (the "Kenvue Indenture") governing the Kenvue Notes with respect to a particular series of Kenvue Notes to (i) eliminate substantially all of the restrictive covenants in the Kenvue Indenture, (ii) eliminate certain of the events which may lead to an "Event of Default" in the Kenvue Indenture (other than for the failure to pay principal, premium or interest), (iii) eliminate the SEC reporting covenant in the Kenvue Indenture, and (iv) eliminate certain restrictions on Kenvue in the Kenvue Indenture from consolidating with or merging into any other person or conveying, transferring or leasing all or any of its properties and assets to any person (collectively, the "Proposed Amendments"). The Proposed Amendments to the Kenvue Indenture with respect to a particular series of Kenvue Notes require the consent of the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of such series of the Kenvue Notes then outstanding under the Kenvue Indenture each voting as a separate class (the "Requisite Consents"). If the Requisite Consents are obtained for a particular series of Kenvue Notes, any remaining Kenvue Notes of such series not tendered and exchanged for Kimberly-Clark Notes will be governed by the Kenvue Indenture as amended by the Proposed Amendments. If an Eligible Holder tenders Kenvue Notes in an Exchange Offer, such Eligible Holder will be deemed to deliver its consent to the Proposed Amendments with respect to the principal amount of such tendered Kenvue Notes.

The Exchange Offers and Consent Solicitations are being made pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the confidential offering memorandum and consent solicitation statement dated September 28, 2026, and are conditioned upon the consummation of the Acquisition, which condition may not be waived by Kimberly-Clark, and certain other conditions that may be waived by Kimberly-Clark. The completion of the Acquisition is expected to take place in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to the satisfaction of certain customary closing conditions.

Each Exchange Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on October 27, 2026, unless extended or terminated (such date and time with respect to an Exchange Offer, as may be extended, the "Expiration Date"). Each Consent Solicitation will expire at the Expiration Date. The settlement date (the "Settlement Date") for the Exchange Offers is expected to occur promptly after the Expiration Date.

For each $1,000 principal amount of Kenvue Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn before the Early Participation Date) and accepted by Kimberly-Clark (i) at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on October 9, 2026, unless extended or terminated (the "Early Participation Date"), participating holders of such Kenvue Notes will be eligible to receive $970 in principal amount of Kimberly-Clark Notes (the "Exchange Consideration"), an early participation premium, payable in principal amount of Kimberly-Clark Notes, of $30 (the "Early Participation Premium"), and $1.00 in cash (the "Cash Payment" and together with the Exchange Consideration and the Early Participation Premium, the "Total Consideration") and (ii) after the Early Participation Date but at any time at or prior to the Expiration Date, participating holders of such Kenvue Notes will be eligible receive the Exchange Consideration (the "Expiration Date Exchange Consideration"), subject to rounding as described herein. Tenders of Kenvue Notes may not be withdrawn after 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on October 9, 2026 (the "Withdrawal Deadline"), except in the limited circumstances where additional withdrawal rights are required by law. In addition, consents to the Proposed Amendments for any particular series of Kenvue Notes may not be withdrawn or revoked after the Withdrawal Deadline. Consents may be revoked only by validly withdrawing the associated tendered Kenvue Notes. Eligible Holders who validly tender at or prior to the Withdrawal Deadline and have not validly withdrawn the tender of their Kenvue Notes of the applicable series before the Withdrawal Deadline will not be able to withdraw their Kenvue Notes or revoke their consents after the Withdrawal Deadline. As used herein, a "valid withdrawal" means valid withdrawal prior to the Withdrawal Deadline.

To be eligible to receive the Early Participation Premium and the Cash Payment, Eligible Holders must (i) have validly tendered and not have validly withdrawn their Kenvue Notes of the applicable series at or prior to the Early Participation Date and (ii) beneficially own such Kenvue Notes at the Expiration Date. The Early Participation Premium and the Cash Payment will be paid on the Settlement Date to the noteholder of record on the Expiration Date. To be eligible to receive the Expiration Date Exchange Consideration, Eligible Holders must validly tender (and not validly withdraw) their Kenvue Notes after the Early Participation Date and at or prior to the Expiration Date. Because each Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions as described herein, including, among other things, the consummation of the Acquisition, Eligible Holders of Kenvue Notes will not receive the Early Participation Premium, the Cash Payment, the Exchange Consideration or the Total Consideration, as applicable, unless the Acquisition is consummated.

The Kimberly-Clark Notes will be issued in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. Kimberly-Clark will not accept any tender that would result in the issuance of less than $2,000 principal amount of any series of Kimberly-Clark Notes. The aggregate principal amount of each series of Kimberly-Clark Notes issued to each participating holder for each series of Kenvue Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) and accepted by Kimberly-Clark will be rounded down, if necessary, to the nearest whole multiple of $1,000 in excess of $2,000. This rounded amount will be the principal amount of Kimberly-Clark Notes you will receive, and Kimberly-Clark will pay a cash amount equal to the difference between the principal amount of the Kimberly-Clark Notes to which you would otherwise be entitled and the principal amount of the Kimberly-Clark Notes actually issued, plus any accrued and unpaid interest on such principal amount not received as a result of rounding down from the last interest payment date and up to (but not including) the Settlement Date.

Each series of Kimberly-Clark Notes will have the same interest rate, interest payment dates, maturity date and optional redemption prices as the corresponding series of Kenvue Notes. No accrued and unpaid interest is payable upon acceptance of any Kenvue Notes for exchange in the Exchange Offers and Consent Solicitations. However, the first interest payment on any Kimberly-Clark Notes will include the accrued and unpaid interest on the Kenvue Notes tendered in exchange therefor so that a tendering Eligible Holder will receive the same interest payment it would have received had its Kenvue Notes not been tendered in the Exchange Offers and Consent Solicitations; provided that the amount of accrued and unpaid interest shall only be equal to the accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of Kenvue Notes equal to the aggregate principal amount of Kimberly-Clark Notes an Eligible Holder receives, which may be less than the principal amount of corresponding Kenvue Notes tendered for exchange if such holder does not receive the Early Participation Premium. For the avoidance of doubt, Kenvue will remain responsible for paying any interest that accrues on any Kenvue Notes and is payable on any interest payment date occurring prior to the Settlement Date, as well as any interest that is required to be paid on Kenvue Notes that remain outstanding following the Settlement Date. The Kimberly-Clark Notes will be general, unsecured senior obligations of Kimberly-Clark and will rank equally in right of payment with all of Kimberly-Clark's existing and future unsecured senior indebtedness, liabilities and other obligations and will be effectively subordinated to all of Kimberly-Clark's existing and future secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness.

The Kimberly-Clark Notes have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or securities laws of any state or any other jurisdiction. Unless registered, the Kimberly-Clark Notes may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The Exchange Offers and Consent Solicitations will only be made, and the Kimberly-Clark Notes are only being offered and will only be issued, (a) to persons reasonably believed to be "qualified institutional buyers" (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act) in compliance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act and (b) outside the United States to non-U.S. persons in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act, and (if a resident in a member state of the European Economic Area) such person is not a "EEA retail investor" or (if a resident in the United Kingdom) such person is not a "UK retail investor" (as defined in the confidential offering memorandum and consent solicitation statement) or (if resident in Canada) it is a "non-U.S. Canadian qualified offeree" (such persons, "Eligible Holders"). Eligible Holders who are located or resident outside of the United States may be subject to other eligibility criteria. Only Eligible Holders who properly complete and return the eligibility letter (the "Eligibility Letter"), which is available from the Information Agent (as defined below), are authorized to receive and review the confidential offering memorandum and consent solicitation statement and to participate in the Exchange Offers and Consent Solicitations.

Holders who desire to obtain a copy of the Eligibility Letter should contact D.F. King & Co., Inc., the information and exchange agent for the Exchange Offers and Consent Solicitations (the "Information Agent"), at: (800) 967-7635 (banks and brokers) or (646) 602-4897 (all others), at www.dfking.com/kmb-kvue or by email at [email protected]. D.F. King & Co., Inc. will also provide copies of the confidential offering memorandum and consent solicitation statement to Eligible Holders.

The Exchange Offers and Consent Solicitations are being made only pursuant to the confidential offering memorandum and consent solicitation statement. The confidential offering memorandum and consent solicitation statement and other documents relating to the Exchange Offers and Consent Solicitations will be distributed only to Eligible Holders. The Exchange Offers are not being made to holders of Kenvue Notes in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities, blue sky or other laws of such jurisdiction. The Kimberly-Clark Notes have not been approved or disapproved by any regulatory authority, nor has any such authority passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the confidential offering memorandum and consent solicitation statement.

None of Kimberly-Clark, Kimberly-Clark's subsidiaries, its and their respective directors or officers, the dealer managers and solicitation agents, the exchange agent, the information agent, any trustee for the Kimberly-Clark Notes or the Kenvue Notes, their respective affiliates, or any other person is making any recommendation as to whether holders should tender their Kenvue Notes in the Exchange Offers or deliver consents to the Proposed Amendments.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or purchase, or a solicitation of an offer to sell or purchase, or the solicitation of tenders or consents with respect to, any security in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

The Kimberly-Clark Notes offered in the Exchange Offers have not been registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws. Therefore, the Kimberly-Clark Notes may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and any applicable state securities laws.

About Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark (NASDAQ: KMB) and its trusted brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries and territories. Our portfolio of brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Cottonelle, Poise, Depend, Pull-Ups, Goodnites, Intimus, Plenitud, Sweety, Softex, Viva and WypAll, hold No. 1 or No. 2 share positions in approximately 70 countries. Our company's purpose is to deliver Better Care for a Better World. We are committed to using sustainable practices designed to support a healthy planet, build strong communities, and enable our business to thrive for decades to come.

Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this press release, including the expected timing of completion of the Acquisition and the Exchange Offers and receipt of Requisite Consents in the Consent Solicitations, constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are qualified by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations generally. There can be no assurance that these future events will occur as anticipated or that our results will be as estimated. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. Forward-looking statements are based upon the expectations and beliefs of the management of Kimberly-Clark as of the date they were made and speak only as of the date they were made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements. Some of these forward-looking statements can be identified by words like "anticipate," "approximately," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "intend," "may," "outlook," "plan," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project," "seek," "should," "target," "will" or "would," the negative of these words, other terms of similar meaning or the use of future dates.

The assumptions used as a basis for the forward-looking statements include many estimates. Many factors outside our control, including risks and uncertainties around the Acquisition, could affect the realization of these estimates. Additional information and factors concerning these risks, uncertainties and assumptions can be found in Kimberly-Clark's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including the risk factors discussed in Kimberly-Clark's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as updated by its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and future filings with the SEC. Forward-looking statements included herein are made only as of the date hereof and Kimberly-Clark undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, or any other information in this press release, as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, or to correct any inaccuracies or omissions in them which become apparent. All forward-looking statements in this press release are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

[KMB-F] [KMB-C]

Logo: https://mmx.prnewswire.com/media/MS1968320/Kimberly-Clark-Logo-ONP.jpg?id=OA2863501

SOURCE Kimberly-Clark Corporation

Kimberly-Clark just logged 54 straight years of dividend raises, but a closer look at the cash flow statement raises an uncomfortable question about who is actually funding that growing payout.

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Kimberly-Clark‘s (NYSE:KMB | KMB Price Prediction) pitch to income investors is simple: buy a maker of diapers, tissue, and adult care products, collect a rising check, and sleep at night. The company just extended its raise streak to 54 consecutive years, cementing its Dividend King standing alongside household-products peers Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG) and Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:CL). The harder question for a retirement-focused holder of Kimberly-Clark is whether the operating business is still writing that check, or whether the balance sheet is quietly picking up the tab.

Yield Is Real, Coverage Is Tight At $98.80, the stock trades at a 5.14% dividend yield, well above its usual range and reflecting a 16.18% one-year decline. The quarterly payout was raised to $1.28 in 2026 from $1.26 in 2025, for an annualized $5.12.

Now the arithmetic. In fiscal 2025 Kimberly-Clark generated $2.777 billion of operating cash flow against $1.138 billion of capex, leaving $1.639 billion of free cash flow. Dividends paid were $1.660 billion. Buybacks added another $141 million. Free cash flow did not cover the dividend in 2025, and it certainly did not cover the dividend plus repurchases.

That is a sharp change from prior years. Operating cash flow was $3.234 billion in 2024 and $3.542 billion in 2023, both comfortably above the payout. The 2025 squeeze reflects a 57.84% jump in capex tied to supply-chain restructuring, plus revenue distortion from divestitures.

Balance Sheet Is Doing More Work At June 30, 2026, Kimberly-Clark held $956 million in cash against $6.517 billion of total debt and just $1.75 billion of shareholder equity. Return on equity of 104.9% looks flattering only because the equity base is thin. This is a levered staples business, and the pending $48.7 billion Kenvue acquisition, expected to close by year-end, will add more.

Second-Quarter Snapshot and the Peer Set Q2 2026 delivered adjusted EPS of $2.12 against a $2.006 consensus, with revenue of $4.19 billion. Gross margin expanded 190 basis points to 38.8%, helped by a $45 million tariff refund and productivity of 6.4%. Reported net income of $345 million was down 32.22% year over year.

CEO Mike Hsu told investors the company is “addressing discrete headwinds that will moderate our growth and earnings potential in 2026” while positioning the base business for “sustainable growth in 2027 and beyond.” Those headwinds include a China social-media disinformation campaign on diapers, expected to be a 200 basis point second-half drag worth roughly $70 million of operating profit, the LA distribution center fire, and the exit from US private label diapers. Procter & Gamble and Colgate-Palmolive, the direct competitors in tissue, diapers, feminine care, and oral care, carry richer margins and stronger free cash flow conversion, which is one reason Kimberly-Clark trades at a forward P/E of 13 versus the higher multiples typical of that peer group.

Committed Read for Income Holders The dividend is safe in the near term. The 2025 shortfall is real but explainable, management retains levers (productivity, pricing, tariff mitigation), and analysts hold a $116.33 target. Longer term, coverage rebuilds only if Kenvue synergies land, China stabilizes, and capex normalizes. Watch free cash flow in the next two reports. If operating cash flow stays below the payout beyond 2026, the 55th raise will start looking like a balance-sheet decision rather than a business one.

Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.

Both Clorox and Kimberly-Clark have raised their dividends for years and offer yields above 5%, but one of them is sitting on a payout that its own management quietly admits may not be sustainable.

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For a retiree weighing Clorox (NYSE:CLX | CLX Price Prediction) against Kimberly-Clark (NASDAQ:KMB), the question comes down to which of these two household-staples dividends is genuinely safer to own right now. Both are aristocrats. Only one is built to keep raising the check without stress.

Round 1: Current Yield and Raw Income Clorox delivers the fatter headline number. At $83.48, the stock carries a trailing yield of 5.86% on an annualized forward payout of $5, following the latest raise to $1.25 quarterly declared on July 31, 2026. Kimberly-Clark pays $1.28 quarterly, an annualized $5.12, for a yield of 5.18%.

Clorox wins the income round. On $50,000 invested, the yield gap is real cash. But the gap exists partly because Clorox shares have dropped 29.56% over the past year and 22.63% in the last month alone. High yield in staples is often the market pricing risk, not generosity.

Round 2: Dividend Safety (The Round That Decides It) This is where the comparison stops being close. Clorox generated fiscal-year 2026 operating cash flow of $612 million against a dividend payout of $602 million. After $207 million of capex, free cash flow does not cover the dividend. CFO Luc Bellet acknowledged the pressure on the August 3, 2026 call, saying the current payout is “a bit elevated” and framing it as “more transitory as we rebuild our gross margin and not something structural.” The balance sheet is thinner still: shareholders equity ended the fiscal year at just $252 million against total liabilities of $7.542 billion, with GOJO integration adding leverage and approximately $210 million of fiscal 2027 interest expense.

Kimberly-Clark is not close to that strain. Full-year 2025 operating cash flow of $2.777 billion covered a dividend payout of $1.66 billion with room to spare, even after $1.138 billion of capex and buybacks. Shareholders equity stood at $1.874 billion, and Q2 2026 delivered productivity of 6.4% and adjusted gross margin expansion of 190 bps to 38.8%. Yes, the pending $48.7 billion Kenvue acquisition brings integration risk, and China Huggies disinformation is a real 200 basis point second-half drag. But coverage is not the problem.

Kimberly-Clark wins decisively.

Round 3: Pace and Consistency of Dividend Growth The verified histories tell a clear story: both raise slowly. Clorox went from $1.24 to $1.25 quarterly this cycle. Kimberly-Clark stepped from $1.26 to $1.28, extending its increase streak to 54 consecutive years, one of the longest on the market. Clorox management said on the call the dividend has “increased annually for a decade” and expects that to continue, but the streak and the coverage cushion behind it are both shorter.

Kimberly-Clark wins on consistency. Both lose to inflation on pace.

Structural Pressures That Reach the Payout Private-label diaper entrants are pressing Kimberly-Clark’s North American Huggies franchise, and management flagged approximately $150 million of second-half input-cost headwinds, mostly oil-linked. Clorox faces a heavier version of the same problem: fiscal 2027 inflation projected above $200 million, more than double its historical $75 to $100 million range. Retailer concentration cuts both ways, but Kimberly-Clark’s international personal-care segment grew 4.0% in Q2, offering geographic ballast Clorox lacks.

The Verdict Kimberly-Clark is the safer household-staples dividend for a retirement-focused investor. The payout is covered by free cash flow with real headroom, the balance sheet carries genuine equity, and the 54-year raise streak is backed by durable international exposure. Clorox offers a bigger yield today, but that yield exists because the market is pricing GOJO integration risk, thin equity, and a payout ratio management itself calls elevated. Take the coverage over the coupon. KMB wins.

Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.

Kimberly-Clark (KMB.O) is readying concessions to address EU antitrust concerns about its bid for Tylenol maker Kenvue (KVUE.N) that could help it win approval for ​the $40 billion deal after a preliminary review, people ​familiar with the matter said.

The maker of Kleenex tissues ⁠and Huggies diapers announced the deal in November last year ​that would add Kenvue's vast portfolio of brands from Listerine ​mouth wash to skincare brands Aveeno and Neutrogena to Kimberly-Clark's range of products.

The European Commission, which acts as the EU competition enforcer, is ​set to formally inform Kimberly-Clark of its concerns this week, ​the people said.

This would determine whether the company submits concessions during the ‌regulator's ⁠preliminary review which ends on September 29 to secure the EU green light, or waits until it opens a full-scale four-month long investigation after the end of that preliminary ​assessment.

The Commission declined ​to comment. ⁠Kimberly-Clark and Kenvue did not respond to emailed requests for comment.

The deal was cleared in Australia ​last week on condition Kimberly-Clark divests Kenvue's Carefree and ​Stayfree ⁠period care brands in the country. It secured conditional approval in South Africa last month.

The deal comes amid a challenging consumer goods ⁠environment, ​with shoppers looking for value and ​companies responding by investing in smaller pack sizes and cutting underperforming units.

Owning consumer staples stocks is an absolute must in a dividend investing strategy. Most people turn to dividend stocks for two reasons — to generate income or to put the magic of compounding to work using dividend reinvestment to amplify wealth building over time.

Key Takeaways North America shipments fell 1.4%, pressured by a distribution center fire and retailer inventory moves.KMB gained share across 70% of its North America sales base while delivering volume and mix-led growth.KMB expects North America to grow in line with its categories in the second half as promotions normalize. Kimberly-Clark Corporation’s (KMB - Free Report) North America business faced softness in the second quarter of 2026, but management remains confident about its second-half outlook. Shipments in North America consumer categories lagged consumption by about 170 bps, declining roughly 1.4% compared with 0.3% consumption growth.

The gap was primarily driven by two factors: the Los Angeles distribution center fire, which created an approximately 80-bps topline headwind, or around $22 million, and retailer inventory movements, which impacted shipment growth by roughly 100 bps year over year. About half of the retailer inventory impact was unexpected and was largely related to a particular channel and the adult category. Together, these factors largely explain the shipment-consumption gap.

Management remains confident in the health of its North America business, citing continued volume and mix-led growth and share gains. The company has delivered volume- and mix-led growth in eight of the last 10 quarters, while gaining share across 70% of its North America sales base over the trailing 12 months. Management also pointed to a strong innovation pipeline and additional brand investments as important elements of its growth plans. The tissue business is performing extremely well, while the e-commerce business continues to perform well.

The company’s second-half outlook is supported by scaling innovations, strong activation initiatives and revenue growth management actions. Easier comparisons should also support performance, with North America having recorded 5% volume growth in the second quarter of 2025. Kimberly-Clark expects its promotional activity to normalize over the balance of the year. The company also has low-single-digit pricing actions in the marketplace, primarily in North America, to help cover inflation in the second half. Management expects the North America business to grow in line with its categories during the second half.

Overall, Kimberly-Clark expects North America to grow in line with its categories in the second half, supported by easier comparisons, scaling innovation, activation plans and revenue growth management actions.

The Zacks Rundown for KMBKMB has lost 2.5% in the past three months against the industry’s growth of 0.3%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

From a valuation standpoint, KMB trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 13.18, lower than the industry’s average of 18.48. KMB currently carries Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for KMB’s current fiscal-year earnings implies a year-over-year decline of 1.3%, and the same for next fiscal year earnings implies growth of 2.1%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Stocks to ConsiderSome better-ranked stocks have been discussed below:

WD-40 Company (WDFC - Free Report) engages in the provision of maintenance products and homecare and cleaning products in North America, Central and South America, Asia, Australia, Europe, India, the Middle East, and Africa. At present, WDFC carries a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for WDFC’s current fiscal-year sales and earnings suggests growth of 9.9% and 7.2%, respectively, from the year-ago reported figures. WDFC reported a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 18.3%.

Purple Innovation, Inc. (PRPL - Free Report) designs, manufactures, and sells sleep and other products in the United States and internationally. PRPL currently carries a Zacks Rank #2.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PRPL's current fiscal-year sales and earnings implies growth of 0.4% and 20.8%, respectively, from the year-ago actuals. PRPL delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 21.3%, on average.

Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd. (RYKKY - Free Report) engages in the retail of household goods and food items in Japan and internationally. RYKKY currently carries a Zacks Rank #2.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for RYKKY's current fiscal-year sales and earnings implies growth of 9.5% and 13.9%, respectively, from the year-ago actuals. 

Key Takeaways Kenvue secured shareholder approval and U.S. antitrust clearance for its planned Q4 2026 deal.Kenvue's Q2 sales rose 3%, but EPS missed estimates and adjusted gross margin fell 70 basis points.Kenvue faces Self Care weakness, $8.5B debt, restructuring costs and ongoing litigation risks. Kenvue Inc. (KVUE - Free Report) is moving closer to its planned combination with Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB - Free Report) , with shareholder approvals secured and the U.S. antitrust waiting period expired. The cash-and-stock transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to remaining foreign regulatory approvals and customary conditions.

Kenvue shareholders are expected to receive 0.14625 Kimberly-Clark shares plus $3.50 in cash for each Kenvue share. They are expected to own about 46% of the combined company on a fully diluted basis after closing.

Kimberly-Clark has already announced a post-closing organizational structure that would become effective once the acquisition is completed. The buyer, which describes itself as a global personal care leader, is preparing for integration even as the transaction still depends on outstanding approvals.

Those remaining conditions matter because Kenvue is not providing forward-looking financial guidance while the deal is pending. Expected transaction benefits may not be realized or may take longer than expected, while the pending transaction could also disrupt the business.

Recent results show why execution remains important. Second-quarter 2026 net sales rose 3% to $3,955 million and organic sales increased 1.6%, but adjusted earnings of 31 cents per share fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 32 cents. Adjusted gross margin fell 70 basis points to 60.2% as inflation, tariffs and unfavorable transactional foreign exchange outweighed pricing and supply-chain productivity benefits.

Self Care remains a pressure point. First-half organic sales in the segment declined 0.9% as volumes fell 2.3%, reflecting lower illness incidence in pediatric pain and cough-and-cold categories. Skin Health and Beauty provided a stronger offset, with first-half organic sales up 4.4% and segment adjusted operating income rising 46.9% to $354 million.

Competition across these categories remains broad. The Procter & Gamble Company (PG - Free Report) operates Beauty, Health Care and Grooming businesses, including skin and personal care and oral care, which overlap with several Kenvue markets. PG's portfolio breadth makes it a relevant competitive reference point for Kenvue's brand-led categories.

The balance sheet adds another layer of risk. Kenvue had $8.5 billion of total debt and $1.1 billion of cash as of June 28, 2026. First-half operating cash flow improved 12.2% to $1.2 billion and free cash flow reached $1 billion, but the 2026 restructuring program is expected to carry approximately $250 million of pre-tax charges before delivering approximately $200 million of annualized pre-tax gross cost savings upon completion.

Legal and macro pressures have not disappeared. The Second Circuit vacated the prior acetaminophen judgment in July 2026 and remanded the litigation for further proceedings. Kenvue also remains responsible for certain talc-related liabilities outside the United States and Canada, while annualized gross tariff exposure was estimated at approximately $80 million.

Bottom line, major shareholder and U.S. antitrust milestones are complete, but the expected fourth-quarter closing still carries regulatory, operational and financial risk. Weak Self Care volumes, margin pressure, debt, restructuring execution and litigation keep the near-term picture balanced despite stronger cash generation and improving Skin Health and Beauty trends.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Kenvue currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), a Value Score of C, a Growth Score of C, a Momentum Score of D and a VGM Score of D. Within the Style Score framework, A and B grades are more favorable than C and D grades, while the Zacks Rank remains the first screen for near-term earnings-estimate trends. Kenvue's C and D scores therefore do not add a strong style-based tailwind to its #3 Rank.

You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Huggies renames its nano and micro preemie diapers "Huggies Little Fighters" and marks NICU Awareness Month by spotlighting real stories and supporting families

, /PRNewswire/ -- This NICU Awareness Month, Huggies® is rallying families, caregivers and communities to recognize the extraordinary strength of babies in the NICU, and the people fighting alongside them. Throughout September, the brand will spotlight real NICU stories, continue to support families through the Derick Hall One Percent Foundation and officially rename its nano and micro preemie diapers from Huggies Little Snugglers® to Huggies® Little Fighters™.

Huggies® introduces Little Fighters™, the new name for its nano and micro preemie diapers, in recognition of the fighting spirit of babies in the NICU.

Huggies® Little Fighters™ diapers are purposefully designed with NICU professionals to provide specialized care for the smallest babies in the NICU. After decades of supporting NICU babies, Huggies is renaming its nano and micro preemie diapers Huggies Little Fighters. Inspired by the strength, resilience and determination these babies show every day, the new name honors their fighting spirit and reflects a longstanding Huggies belief: NICU babies aren't fragile, they're fighters. The name also reinforces Huggies' ongoing commitment to providing specialized care for NICU babies and the people who love and care for them.

"Over the years, we've learned something remarkable from NICU families and care providers. These babies may be small, but they are fighters," said Anjula Shokar, Director, U.S. Huggies Diapers. "Every day, they show incredible strength, resilience and determination. Huggies Little Fighters reflects what the people closest to these babies have long known, and our commitment to providing the specialized diaper features they need from their very first days."

Specialized Care for the Strength of Little Fighters
Inspired by the resilience of NICU babies and developed in partnership with NICU nurses and therapists, Huggies Little Fighters diapers are purposefully designed to support NICU babies' earliest days with specialized designs tailored to their unique needs. Key design features include:

Hand-inspected quality: Each Huggies nano preemie and micro preemie diaper is hand-inspected before being delivered to NICUs. Since 2013, Huggies has hand-inspected more than 38 million micro and nano preemie diapers in Neenah, Wisconsin. Gentle skin protection: Huggies diapers have no harsh irritants and provide soft, gentle protection for the most delicate babies. Support for developmental positioning: Huggies Little Fighters nano preemie and micro preemie diapers are developed specifically for premature babies, to help allow for developmentally appropriate positioning. The Huggies Little Fighters nano preemie diapers are designed for babies under 2 pounds, and Huggies Little Fighters micro preemie diapers are designed for babies under 4 pounds. Flexible and comfortable: Our specially designed diapers, with an absorbent, comfortable and flexible pad, are shaped to conform and fit the smallest most delicate baby. Adjustable fit for NICU care: Overlapping, flexible fastening system allows for an adjustable fit and to accommodate patient lines and tubes. How to Support NICU Families During NICU Awareness Month
Throughout September, Huggies will celebrate real NICU stories that embody the spirit behind the Little Fighters name, inviting families, friends and caregivers to share their own NICU journeys through @niculittlefighters.

From Sept. 1 through Sept. 30, 2026, @niculittlefighters will share "Fighting Words," a collection of real memories, messages and stories that highlight the strength of NICU babies and the people in their corner. The campaign brings the meaning behind Little Fighters to life by spotlighting the courage and determination that inspired the name.

Huggies is also inviting families and caregivers to contribute their own NICU stories, helping more people see the strength and resilience that define the NICU experience. By elevating these voices, Huggies aims to inspire NICU families and remind those currently navigating a NICU stay that they are part of a larger community. 

For every story shared, Huggies will donate $1 to support NICU babies and families through the Derick Hall One Percent Foundation, subject to campaign terms.*

The Derick Hall One Percent Foundation was founded by reigning football champion and starting linebacker Derick Hall and his mother, Stacy Gooden-Crandle. Derick was born at 28 weeks weighing 2 pounds, 9 ounces and was given a 1% chance of survival. Their family's NICU journey is at the heart of Huggies' Natural Born Fighters campaign, and the foundation supports NICU families and youth through programs focused on opportunity, wellness and community impact.

Huggies' partnership with Derick Hall builds on the brand's relentless commitment to care for NICU Little Fighters and to support the families and caregivers who stand beside them. For decades, Huggies has partnered with healthcare professionals to support babies in the NICU through purposeful innovation.

To follow Little Fighters stories throughout NICU Awareness Month, visit @niculittlefighters. To learn more about Huggies Little Fighters diapers and Huggies' support for NICU babies and families, visit huggies.com/littlefighters

*From 5/8/26 - 12/31/26, HUGGIES will donate $1 to Derick Hall's One Percent Foundation for every post using the tag @niculittlefighters. Min. donation of $100,000; Max. donation of $250,000. https://dhallonepercent.org/

About Huggies Brand
For more than 40 years, Huggies has helped parents provide their babies with love, care and reassurance. From developing innovative everyday baby care products to partnering with NICU nurses to create diapers and wipes for the most fragile babies, Huggies is dedicated to helping ensure that all babies get the care they need to thrive. Huggies is proud to be the founding sponsor of the National Diaper Bank Network, a nationwide nonprofit dedicated to eliminating diaper need in America since 2011. Huggies is also the national sponsor of Hand to Hold, a nonprofit that provides personalized support before, during and after NICU stays and infant loss. For more information on product offerings and community efforts, please visit Huggies.com.

About Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark (NASDAQ: KMB) and its trusted brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries and territories. Our portfolio of brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Cottonelle, Poise, Depend, Andrex, Pull-Ups, Goodnites, Intimus, Plenitud, Sweety, Softex, Viva and WypAll, hold No. 1 or No. 2 share positions in approximately 70 countries. Our company's purpose is to deliver Better Care for a Better World. We are committed to using sustainable practices designed to support a healthy planet, build strong communities, and enable our business to thrive for decades to come. To keep up with the latest news and learn more about the company's more than 150-year history of innovation, visit the Kimberly-Clark website.

SOURCE Kimberly-Clark Corporation

Key Takeaways KMB expects personal care innovations for the next 3 years to surpass those launched in the previous decade.The alternative natural fiber program could reshape tissue as KMB builds on continued Kleenex share gains.New tissue innovations planned for the next two years reinforce management's confidence in the pipeline. Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB - Free Report) continues to focus on delivering science-backed innovation and compelling value propositions across its global markets. The company is using a proven and repeatable playbook to develop and scale these initiatives around the world. By combining differentiated innovation with strong consumer value, Kimberly-Clark believes it can continue winning with consumers across its markets.

Kimberly-Clark expressed strong confidence in its innovation pipeline, with management believing the personal care innovations planned over the next three years will be better than those launched over the previous decade. The company is also advancing an alternative natural fiber innovation program for its tissue business, which management believes has the potential to reshape the category.

In addition, the company continues to see encouraging momentum in its tissue business, driven by stronger value propositions, ongoing innovation and brand-building initiatives. Kleenex has consistently gained market share over the past several years, reflecting the brand's continued positive momentum. The company is also developing new format innovations informed by consumer insights and specific usage occasions.

Looking ahead, Kimberly-Clark has additional tissue innovations planned for next year and the year following, alongside its alternative natural fiber initiative. Management remains highly confident in the innovation program and sees a strong pipeline of products and innovations taking shape over the coming years.

Overall, Kimberly-Clark views differentiated product technologies as the anchor of its superior value proposition and believes its innovation pipeline can help it continue winning with consumers across markets while supporting its long-term growth trajectory.

The Zacks Rundown for KMBShares of this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company have gained 10.7% in the past three months compared with the industry’s growth of 6.1%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

From a valuation standpoint, KMB trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 14.48, lower than the industry’s average of 18.76.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for KMB’s current fiscal-year earnings implies a year-over-year decline of 1.5%, and the same for next fiscal year earnings implies growth of 1.7%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Stocks to ConsiderSome better-ranked stocks have been discussed below:

WD-40 Company (WDFC - Free Report) engages in the provision of maintenance products and homecare and cleaning products in North America, Central and South America, Asia, Australia, Europe, India, the Middle East, and Africa. At present, WDFC carries a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for WDFC’s current fiscal-year sales and earnings suggests growth of 9.9% and 7.2%, respectively, from the year-ago reported figures. WDFC reported a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 18.3%.

Purple Innovation, Inc. (PRPL - Free Report) designs, manufactures, and sells sleep and other products in the United States and internationally. PRPL currently carries a Zacks Rank #2.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PRPL's current fiscal-year sales and earnings implies growth of 0.4% and 20.8%, respectively, from the year-ago actuals. PRPL delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 21.3%, on average.

Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd. (RYKKY - Free Report) engages in the retail of household goods and food items in Japan and internationally. RYKKY currently carries a Zacks Rank #2.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for RYKKY's current fiscal-year sales and earnings implies growth of 9.5% and 13.9%, respectively, from the year-ago actuals.  

Key Takeaways KMB reached its highest-ever productivity level of 6.4% in the second quarter of 2026.A $45 million tariff refund and productivity gains helped offset higher brand investment.KMB expects mitigating actions to largely offset $150 million of second-half input-cost headwinds. Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB - Free Report) delivered its highest productivity level ever in the second quarter of 2026, reaching 6.4%. The strong productivity performance, together with a tariff refund received in the second quarter, more than offset the higher level of brand investment compared with the prior year. This reflects the company’s ability to generate productivity gains while continuing to invest in its brands.

The company remains focused on managing its entire toolkit to navigate cost pressures, with productivity serving as a key area of emphasis. Management believes there is still significant room to improve productivity in North America, particularly as the company continues its $2 billion investment in supply-chain restructuring. The investment is expected to provide additional productivity opportunities, with the restructuring program continuing through 2027 and 2028.

The company expects around $150 million of gross input-cost headwinds in the second half, based on current oil prices and actions already underway. These impacts are fully incorporated into the company’s outlook.

To manage these pressures, Kimberly-Clark is taking a comprehensive approach that goes beyond revenue growth management. Alongside productivity and pricing actions, the company is also managing negotiations and contracts with its vendors and suppliers as part of its broader toolkit.

Management expects mitigating actions, together with the $45 million tariff refund received in the second quarter, to offset these incremental costs. As a result, the company expects pricing, net of cost inflation, to remain roughly neutral for the full year despite the additional input-cost pressures.

Overall, Kimberly-Clark’s productivity gains are an important part of the company’s efforts to manage rising costs, while pricing actions, supplier negotiations and other measures are also being used to offset inflationary pressures. This approach allows Kimberly-Clark to address cost pressures while continuing to prioritize innovation and brand-building initiatives.

The Zacks Rundown for KMBShares of this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company have gained 10.8% in the past three months compared with the industry’s growth of 4.4%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

From a valuation standpoint, KMB trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 14.88, lower than the industry’s average of 18.75.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for KMB’s current fiscal-year earnings implies a year-over-year decline of 1.5%, and the same for next fiscal year earnings implies growth of 1.7%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Stocks to ConsiderSome better-ranked stocks have been discussed below:

WD-40 Company (WDFC - Free Report) engages in the provision of maintenance products and home care and cleaning products in North America, Central and South America, Asia, Australia, Europe, India, the Middle East, and Africa. At present, WDFC carries a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for WDFC’s current fiscal-year sales and earnings suggests growth of 9.9% and 7.2%, respectively, from the year-ago reported figures. WDFC reported a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 18.3%.

BBB Foods Inc. (TBBB - Free Report) provides spot products comprising food and non-food products, such as clothing, electronics, household goods, and others. At present, TBBB carries a Zacks Rank of 2.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for TBBB’s current fiscal-year sales and earnings implies growth of 44.6% and 52.7%, respectively, from the year-ago reported figures. TBBB delivered a trailing four-quarter negative earnings surprise of 44%, on average.

Purple Innovation, Inc. (PRPL - Free Report) designs, manufactures, and sells sleep and other products in the United States and internationally. PRPL currently carries a Zacks Rank #2.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PRPL's current fiscal-year sales and earnings implies growth of 0.4% and 20.8%, respectively, from the year-ago actuals. PRPL delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 21.3%, on average. 

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Let’s run the math on what it actually takes to replace $8,200 a month in dividend income. That works out to $98,400 a year before taxes. To put that in perspective, it is roughly what a mid-career software engineer or a hospital pharmacist takes home, or what a two-earner household clearing six figures actually spends after payroll deductions and savings are taken out. The amount of capital you need to generate that income hinges entirely on the yield you are willing to accept, and what you keep after taxes depends on where those dividends come from and which state you call home.

Conservative Tier: 3% to 4% Dividend Growth At a 3.5% blended yield, hitting $98,400 requires roughly $2,811,000. At 4%, you need about $2,460,000. This tier is built around dividend-growth compounders: consumer staples, industrial gas, healthcare, and broad dividend-growth funds.

PepsiCo (NASDAQ:PEP | PEP Price Prediction) yields 4.1% with an annualized forward dividend of $5.92 per share, after raising the quarterly payout from $1.4225 to $1.48 in mid-2026. Kimberly-Clark (NASDAQ:KMB) yields 4.7% and has raised its dividend for 54 consecutive years, putting it in the small club of Dividend Kings we ranked by valuation in a free report on 50-year dividend growers trading at attractive prices. Linde (NASDAQ:LIN) yields only 1.3%, but its quarterly payout stepped from $0.825 in 2018 to $1.60 in 2026, and the shares returned 66% over five years. Growth does the heavy lifting.

Moderate Tier: 5% to 7% Hybrid Income At 6%, $98,400 needs about $1,640,000. At 7%, roughly $1,406,000. This includes REITs, preferred shares, covered-call ETFs, and high-dividend utility zones.

Exelon (NASDAQ:EXC) sits at a 3.6% yield with a $1.68 annualized dividend and a 60% payout ratio target. Principal Financial Group (NASDAQ:PFG) yields 2.9% after raising its quarterly dividend from $0.82 to $0.84. Pair those with mortgage-adjacent equity REITs and preferred shares yielding closer to 7%, and the blend lands in the tier range.

Aggressive Tier: 8% to 14% Maximum Yield At 10%, you need only $984,000. At 12%, $820,000. Business development companies, mortgage REITs, high-yield bond funds, and leveraged covered-call funds live here. The catch is well documented: distributions get cut in recessions, NAVs drift lower, and much of the income is taxed as ordinary. You are often spending down the asset while it pays you.

Tax Bill Almost Nobody Plans For Here is where the tiers really diverge in ways that the yield alone completely hides. Qualified dividends from companies like PEP, KMB, LIN, PFG, and EXC get taxed federally at 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on your bracket. But REIT distributions, BDC dividends, and most covered-call ETF payouts are taxed as ordinary income, which changes everything.

For a married couple filing jointly in 2026, ordinary income above $100,800 gets taxed at 22%, and anything above $211,400 hits 24%. The standard deduction is $32,200. On $98,400 of qualified dividends, most retired couples pay a 15% federal rate. On that same income from REITs and BDCs, they can end up paying 22% federally. Toss in California, New York, or New Jersey, and you are adding another 6% to 10% or more in state tax on top of that. The aggressive tier can quietly cost you $15,000 to $20,000 more in taxes annually than the conservative tier, even at the same headline income.

Why Lower Yields Often Win A 3.5% yield growing 8% a year doubles your income in roughly nine years. PepsiCo’s quarterly dividend rose from $0.515 in 2011 to $1.48 today. Principal Financial Group just lifted its payout from $0.80 to $0.88, an 8% raise. A 12% yield with flat distributions and eroding NAV can leave you poorer in real terms, especially with core PCE inflation still trending up in 2026 and the 10-year Treasury near 5%.

Three Actions Before You Build the Portfolio Calculate actual annual spending after payroll deductions and savings. Payroll taxes, 401(k) contributions, and mortgage principal disappear in retirement. The number you need to replace is often 20% to 30% below your working income. Model the after-tax income at each tier in your specific bracket. Compare $98,400 of qualified dividends against the same figure in REIT and BDC ordinary income. Then layer your state rate on top. The gap is the real cost of chasing yield. Compare the 10-year total returns of a dividend growth basket against a high-yield basket. Linde’s 224% ten-year return and PEP’s 80% ten-year return include far more than the coupon. Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.

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Think about what it takes to collect $11,800 every month purely from dividends, never selling a single share. That works out to $141,600 over the course of a year, roughly what a physician assistant earns, or about what a comfortable retirement costs in an expensive coastal city. The amount of capital you need to make that happen swings wildly based on the yield you target, and the compromises you make at each yield level are really what this whole exercise is about.

Conservative Tier: 3% to 4% Yield At a blended 3.5% portfolio yield, $141,600 divided by 0.035 requires roughly $4 million in capital. At 4%, the number drops to about $3.5 million. This is the dividend-growth lane, populated by companies that raise their payout every year and let the income stream outrun inflation.

The blue chips in this article anchor the tier. PepsiCo (NASDAQ:PEP | PEP Price Prediction) yields 4.1% after raising its quarterly payout from $1.4225 to $1.48 earlier this year. Kimberly-Clark (NASDAQ:KMB) yields 4.7% and just extended its streak to 54 consecutive years of dividend increases. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) yields 2% but carries 64 straight years of hikes, with CFO Joe Wolk telling investors last month the company remains “committed to returning capital directly to shareholders, primarily through our dividend.”

Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) yields 2.3%, with 2026 free cash flow tracking near $6.9 billion at midyear. Linde (NASDAQ:LIN) yields only 1.3%, but management is guiding to 8% to 9% EPS growth this year, which is what powers future dividend hikes. The trade-off at this tier is obvious: the highest capital requirement in exchange for a growing stream and a principal balance likely to appreciate.

Moderate Tier: 5% to 7% Yield At 6%, the capital requirement drops to roughly $2.4 million. This tier draws from covered-call equity funds, preferred shares, real estate investment trusts, midstream energy partnerships, and higher-yield telecom equity. Broad high-dividend equity funds, mortgage-adjacent REITs like healthcare and net-lease landlords, and lower-leverage covered-call ETFs beyond the usual JEPI/JEPQ pairing all populate this space. Dividend growth slows here, and most covered-call strategies cap participation in bull markets.

Aggressive Tier: 8% to 12% Yield At 10%, the number falls to roughly $1.4 million. At 12%, roughly $1.2 million. This is the domain of business development companies, mortgage REITs, leveraged covered-call funds, CLO equity funds, and high-yield bond ETFs.

On paper, the numbers are dangerously appealing. In practice, though, principal erosion happens more often than you would think. Distributions tend to get slashed during downturns, and your portfolio can lose ground for years, all while still sending you what looks like generous monthly checks. What many investors do not realize is that they are effectively spending down the asset itself, not living off sustainable growth. That does not make this tier useless. It can be a sensible stopgap during a bridge period, say, early retirement before a pension or Social Security kicks in, or as one piece of a much bigger portfolio.

Compounding Insight Most Readers Miss Lower yields often produce better long-term outcomes. Consider JNJ, whose quarterly dividend rose from $1.19 in 2023 to $1.34 today. A 3.5% starting yield growing at 8% annually doubles your income roughly every nine years. A flat 12% yield, by contrast, stays flat, and if the fund trades below cost basis, you are also losing capital. On $141,600 of income, a growing 3.5% stream reaches almost $283,000 in nine years without adding a dollar (the whole point of a dividend ladder is that you never sell a share, and we laid out how to build one in a free guide here). A 12% flat payer stays at $141,600 forever, minus any distribution cuts.

The 10-year total return picture reinforces the point: JNJ has returned 195% on price alone, KO 184%, and LIN 224%. Most 12% of payers cannot show that chart.

Three Actions to Take This Week Calculate your actual spending, not your salary. Most households need to replace 70% to 80% of their gross income. If your target is really $9,000 a month, the capital math changes materially. Compare 10-year total returns. Line up a 3.5% dividend-growth fund against a 10% covered-call or BDC-heavy fund. Include reinvested distributions. The gap is usually the story. Model your tax bracket. Qualified dividends from PEP, JNJ, KO, and KMB receive preferential rates; BDC and mortgage REIT distributions typically do not. In the 24% federal bracket, that difference alone can shift your required capital by six figures. Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.

Emerald Investment Advisers LLC acquired a new stake in Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NASDAQ:KMB – Free Report) in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm acquired 6,160 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $676,000.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Westpac Banking Corp acquired a new stake in Kimberly-Clark in the 2nd quarter valued at $1,815,000. Landscape Capital Management L.L.C. acquired a new position in Kimberly-Clark during the second quarter worth $4,071,000. Korea Investment CORP acquired a new position in Kimberly-Clark during the second quarter worth $5,951,000. Burnham & Co LLC bought a new position in shares of Kimberly-Clark in the second quarter valued at $38,000. Finally, Callan Family Office LLC acquired a new position in shares of Kimberly-Clark during the second quarter valued at about $1,123,000. Institutional investors own 76.29% of the company’s stock.

Kimberly-Clark Stock Performance Shares of KMB stock opened at $109.31 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $36.35 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.59, a PEG ratio of 5.20 and a beta of 0.26. The company has a current ratio of 0.91, a quick ratio of 0.69 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.45. The firm’s 50 day moving average is $108.89 and its 200 day moving average is $103.43. Kimberly-Clark Corporation has a 12 month low of $92.42 and a 12 month high of $134.38.

Kimberly-Clark (NASDAQ:KMB – Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 4th. The company reported $1.80 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.01 by ($0.21). Kimberly-Clark had a return on equity of 143.92% and a net margin of 11.79%.The business had revenue of $4.19 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.22 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.92 earnings per share. The firm’s quarterly revenue was up .6% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Kimberly-Clark Corporation will post 7.43 earnings per share for the current year. Kimberly-Clark Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 2nd. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 4th will be given a $1.28 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 4th. This represents a $5.12 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.7%. Kimberly-Clark’s payout ratio is 87.07%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities research analysts have recently commented on the stock. UBS Group boosted their target price on shares of Kimberly-Clark from $115.00 to $116.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 5th. Weiss Ratings upgraded Kimberly-Clark from a “hold (c-)” rating to a “hold (c)” rating in a report on Tuesday, July 28th. Piper Sandler reaffirmed an “overweight” rating on shares of Kimberly-Clark in a research report on Wednesday. Seaport Research Partners upgraded shares of Kimberly-Clark to a “buy” rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 4th. Finally, TD Cowen upped their price target on Kimberly-Clark from $96.00 to $104.00 and gave the company a “hold” rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 5th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have given a Buy rating, eleven have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $117.93.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on KMB

About Kimberly-Clark (Free Report)

Kimberly-Clark Corporation is a U.S.-based multinational manufacturer of personal care and consumer tissue products. The company develops, produces and markets a range of consumer brands and professional products, including facial and bathroom tissues, disposable diapers and training pants, feminine care, incontinence products and workplace hygiene solutions. Known for consumer-facing names such as Kleenex, Huggies, Kotex, Cottonelle and Scott, as well as professional offerings under Kimberly-Clark Professional and KleenGuard, the company supplies goods to retail, healthcare and institutional customers.

Founded in 1872 in Neenah, Wisconsin, Kimberly-Clark has expanded from its 19th-century paper-making roots into a global household and workplace products company.

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