Key Points Coca-Cola raised its dividend by 5.2% in 2025, extending its streak to 63 straight years. Kimberly-Clark's 3.3% raise last year pushed its dividend growth streak to 53 consecutive years. Johnson & Johnson's 4.8% payment hike in 2025 pushed its dividend growth streak to 63 years in a row. 10 stocks we like better than Kimberly-Clark › Dividend Kings are some of the most durable dividend stocks. These companies have increased their payments for at least 50 years in a row. Their ability t ...

Group 1: Investment Outlook - Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB) is recognized as one of the 14 Best Dividend Aristocrats to invest in heading into 2026 [1] - Citi has lowered its price target for KMB from $100 to $95, maintaining a Sell rating, as part of a broader shift in outlook for the household care sector [2] Group 2: Strategic Developments - Kimberly-Clark is in the process of acquiring Kenvue, which is expected to generate $2.1 billion in cost synergies and be accretive for shareholders over time [3] - The company is expanding its manufacturing footprint in Vietnam, having purchased 1.2 hectares of land to increase production by approximately 40%, supporting a broader export strategy [4] Group 3: Digital Engagement - Kimberly-Clark is exploring new strategies to enhance its competitiveness in a digital environment, focusing on deeper engagement with parenting communities and a push into e-commerce [5]

Global mergers and acquisitions surged in 2025, nearly reclaiming the all-time peak of 2021. After a lull from cooling markets and higher borrowing costs, firms around the world stepped back into deal-making with renewed confidence. Total M&A value reached roughly $4.5 trillion — about 50% above 2024 levels and the second-largest annual tally on record, the Financial Times reported Friday. One defining characteristic of 2025’s deal boom was the value of the cash exchanging hands. There were 68 transact ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the comparison between AI stocks and traditional investments, particularly using the example of toilet paper stocks versus internet equipment companies from the late '90s [1][12]. Investment Experience - The author reflects on their early investment experiences during the tech bubble of the late '90s, noting that many high-tech companies saw their stock prices soar before crashing [3][5]. - The author questions whether current AI stocks are a good investment, comparing the current market to the tech bubble [3]. Historical Context - The Nasdaq and S&P saw significant gains of 70% and 60% respectively from 1995 to 1996, leading to a rush in tech investments [4]. - Many companies from the internet equipment sector have either disappeared or merged, with Nokia being one of the few survivors [8][9]. Company Valuations - The combined peak valuation of Alcatel, Lucent, and Nokia during the dot-com bubble was $550 billion, which would be over $1 trillion today when adjusted for inflation [10]. - As of 2025, Nokia's market capitalization is only $32 billion, representing a significant loss for early investors [10]. Comparative Analysis - A comparison of Nokia and Kimberly-Clark shows that while Nokia had a total return of 87% over 30 years, Kimberly-Clark had a total return of 363% [13]. - The average annual return for Nokia was 2.1%, while Kimberly-Clark's was 8.0%, highlighting the stark difference in investment performance [13]. Future Outlook - The article raises the question of whether investments in AI will outperform traditional stocks like toilet paper over the next 25 years [14]. - The author suggests that while AI valuations may experience a pullback, the long-term outlook remains positive for the sector [19].

DALLAS, Dec. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kimberly-Clark (NASDAQ: KMB) will issue its fourth quarter and full year 2025 results on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. A press release and supplemental materials will be issued at approximately 6:30 a.m. EST. Kimberly-Clark management will then host a live Q&A session with analysts beginning at 8:00 a.m. EST. The earnings release, supplemental materials, and Kimberly-Clark's Q&A session can be accessed at Kimberly-Clark - Investor Relations. A replay of the webcast will b ...

Core Insights - Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NASDAQ:KMB) is recognized as one of the 15 Blue Chip Dividend Stocks suitable for building a passive income portfolio [1] - BNP Paribas Exane has lowered its price target for Kimberly-Clark from $127 to $110, maintaining a Neutral rating, citing integration risks related to the planned acquisition of Kenvue expected to close in the second half of 2026 [2] - The company is expanding its manufacturing capabilities in Vietnam, acquiring 1.2 hectares of land to increase production by approximately 40%, with half of its output being exported to 18 different markets [3] - Kimberly-Clark is also enhancing its competitiveness in the digital space by engaging with parenting communities and expanding its e-commerce initiatives [4]

Core Insights - Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB) has a market capitalization of $35.5 billion and operates globally in the personal care and tissue products sector, with well-known brands such as Huggies, Kotex, Depend, Kleenex, and Scott [1][2] Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, Kimberly-Clark reported net sales of $4.15 billion and adjusted EPS of $1.82, exceeding expectations. Overall volumes grew by 2.4%, and organic sales in North America increased by 2.7%, indicating resilient demand for household staples despite pricing pressures [5] - Year-to-date, KMB stock is down 18.4%, underperforming the Nasdaq Composite's gain of 21.3%. Over the past 52 weeks, KMB shares have declined by 23.4%, compared to the Nasdaq's return of 20.7% [4] Stock Performance - Shares of Kimberly-Clark have pulled back 28.9% from their 52-week high of $150.45 and have declined nearly 17% over the past three months, lagging behind the Nasdaq Composite's over 10% increase during the same period [3][4] - The stock has been trading mostly below its 50-day and 200-day moving averages since late April [4] Competitive Landscape - In comparison, Procter & Gamble (PG) has experienced a less pronounced decline, with shares down 18.8% over the past 52 weeks and 13% year-to-date. Analysts maintain a moderately optimistic outlook for PG, with a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and a mean price target of $124.62, representing a 16.5% premium to current levels [6]

Core Viewpoint - Kimberly-Clark Corporation will participate in the Morgan Stanley Global Consumer & Retail Conference on December 3, 2025, featuring CEO Mike Hsu and CFO Nelson Urdaneta as speakers [1]. Company Overview - Kimberly-Clark operates in over 175 countries, with a portfolio of trusted brands such as Huggies, Kleenex, and Scott, holding No. 1 or No. 2 market share positions in approximately 70 countries [2]. - The company's mission is to deliver Better Care for a Better World, emphasizing sustainable practices to support a healthy planet and strong communities [2]. Financial Updates - Kimberly-Clark's board of directors has declared a quarterly dividend of $1.26 per share [3]. - The company reported third quarter 2025 results, highlighting resilient consumer demand for its brands [4].

Core Insights - PepsiCo has made significant acquisitions, including full ownership of Sabra, Obela, Siete Foods, and Poppi, marking a major diversification effort in its portfolio [1] - The company is undergoing a portfolio transformation and cost reduction strategy to enhance operations and respond to the growing demand for wellness and healthy snacks [2] - The consumer staples sector, including PepsiCo, has faced challenges due to rising living costs, inflation, and a weakening job market, leading to decreased foot traffic and demand for snacks and beverages [3][4] Company-Specific Summaries - **PepsiCo**: The company is focusing on diversifying its product offerings through acquisitions that do not overlap with its existing brands, aiming to adapt to changing consumer preferences [2][7] - **Procter & Gamble (P&G)**: P&G is demonstrating strong pricing power and modest earnings growth, with international markets helping to offset weaknesses in North America [8] - **Colgate-Palmolive**: Colgate is primarily focused on oral and home care products, maintaining a strong position in the toothpaste market, and has a high-margin pet nutrition segment [9][10][11] - **Kimberly-Clark**: The company is facing challenges following its acquisition of Kenvue, but it maintains strong brands in the diaper and tissue markets, which are resilient during economic downturns [12][14][15] - **Target**: Target is struggling to compete on price but is improving its in-store experience and e-commerce capabilities, still generating sufficient cash flow to support its dividend [16] Market Performance and Valuation - The consumer staples sector, including Dividend Kings like PepsiCo, P&G, and Colgate, has seen a decline in stock performance, with many companies trading at attractive valuations based on forward earnings projections [17][18] - Kimberly-Clark is noted for trading at a significant discount to its historical average, although this may change post-acquisition of Kenvue [18] - The current market conditions present a compelling opportunity for long-term investors to consider these Dividend Kings, particularly those with strong cash flow and dividend reliability [19]

Core Viewpoint - The article argues that the aggressive regulatory approach to corporate mergers under the Biden administration has stifled innovation and competition, leading to negative outcomes for companies and consumers [2][3][4]. Group 1: Impact of Regulatory Environment - The Biden administration's stance on mergers has led to significant consequences, such as the collapse of Spirit Airlines' merger with JetBlue, resulting in bankruptcy and loss of market share [3]. - iRobot's acquisition by Amazon was blocked due to regulatory threats, leading to substantial workforce reductions and weakening the company [4]. Group 2: Positive Examples of Mergers - Kimberly-Clark's $48.7 billion acquisition of Kenvue is highlighted as a beneficial merger that combines complementary strengths without threatening competition, enhancing the company's global competitiveness [6]. - The merger supports domestic manufacturing, with Kimberly-Clark committing an additional $2 billion to expand U.S. operations, thereby creating more jobs and increasing American production [7]. Group 3: Future Outlook - A shift towards a more market-oriented regulatory philosophy could lead to increased innovation, competitiveness, and economic growth, suggesting that the U.S. economy is poised for a surge if regulatory barriers are reduced [8].