By Jessica DiNapoli and Abigail Summerville NEW YORK (Reuters) -Kimberly-Clark's nearly $50 billion offer for Tylenol maker Kenvue is a risky bet that the world's biggest consumer market, the United States, will keep growing even as lower-income shoppers trim their budgets, according to analysts. The cash-and-stock deal, announced earlier on Monday, is set to close late next year. It brings the maker of Kleenex tissues and Huggies diapers into a slew of new categories like skin care and pain relief that ...

Stocks are mixed in the early going after last week’s solid finish. Gold and silver are rising modestly, while the dollar, Treasuries, and crude oil are mostly flat. Consumer products giant Kimberly-Clark Corp. (KMB) is taking advantage of the Tylenol-driven slide in Kenvue Inc. (KVUE), announcing plans to buy the firm for $40 billion in cash and stock. The offer price of $21.01 is a 46% premium to where KVUE closed on Friday. KVUE shares have been sliding for months amid comments from President Trump’s ...

Core Insights - Kimberly-Clark has agreed to acquire Kenvue, the maker of Tylenol, for approximately $48.7 billion, resulting in an 18% increase in Kenvue's shares during premarket trading [1] - The merger aims to create a new consumer health giant, combining Kenvue's portfolio with Kimberly-Clark's well-known brands like Kleenex and Huggies [1][4] - Kenvue has faced challenges, including a decline in stock prices since its spin-off from Johnson & Johnson in 2023 and negative publicity surrounding Tylenol [2][1] Company Overview - Kenvue's stock was valued at about $40 billion in the deal, with Kimberly-Clark shareholders set to own 54% of the new entity [3] - The combined company is projected to have annual revenues of around $32 billion, leveraging both companies' iconic brands [4] - Kimberly-Clark CEO Mike Hsu emphasized that the merger positions Kenvue at the intersection of consumer packaged goods (CPG) and healthcare, serving billions of consumers [5]

Core Thesis - Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB) is viewed positively due to its strong cash flows, consistent dividend increases, and essential consumer products, making it an attractive investment for long-term, dividend-focused investors [1][4]. Company Overview - Kimberly-Clark is a global leader in consumer essentials, known for brands like Kleenex, Huggies, Scott, and Cottonelle, with products sold in over 175 countries [2]. - The company has a history of resilience and stability in consumer demand, which remains consistent across economic cycles [2]. Financial Performance - KMB has achieved 52 consecutive years of dividend increases, earning the title of Dividend King, with a current dividend yield of approximately 3.6% and a five-year growth rate averaging 3-4% annually [3]. - The company has also engaged in significant share buybacks, enhancing its appeal to long-term investors [3]. Investment Appeal - KMB offers a reliable, cash-generating business model that is not high-growth but rewards patient, long-term investment [4]. - The combination of steady revenue streams, strong brand loyalty, and disciplined capital allocation positions Kimberly-Clark as a blueprint for resilient, long-term value creation [4].

Core Insights - Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NASDAQ:KMB) is recognized as one of the 10 Best Recession Proof Dividend Stocks to Buy [1] - The company is a global leader in consumer goods, particularly known for its personal care and tissue brands such as Huggies, Kotex, and Kleenex [2] - Demand for Kimberly-Clark's products remains stable during economic downturns, as essential items like diapers and toilet paper are necessary for households [3] Financial Resilience - During the 2007–09 financial crisis, Kimberly-Clark experienced only a 4% decline in sales, showcasing its resilience [4] - The company has effectively managed inflationary pressures on raw materials through price increases and efficiency measures [4] - Kimberly-Clark is classified as a Dividend King, having achieved 53 consecutive years of dividend growth, with a current quarterly dividend of $1.26 per share and a dividend yield of 4.12% as of September 26 [4]

Core Insights - Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NASDAQ:KMB) is recognized as one of the 10 Safest High Dividend Stocks to buy currently [1] - The company is known for its personal care and tissue products, with leading brands such as Huggies, Kotex, and Kleenex, serving both household and commercial markets globally [2] Business Strategy - In recent years, Kimberly-Clark has focused on product innovation and operational efficiency to enhance customer loyalty and market share [3] - The company has initiated a multi-year Transformation Initiative aimed at reducing costs and creating a more flexible operating structure, which is crucial for navigating supply chain complexities and external challenges like tariffs and rising costs [3] Dividend Performance - Kimberly-Clark has a strong dividend history, having raised its payouts for 53 consecutive years, currently offering a quarterly dividend of $1.26 per share [4] - The company boasts a dividend yield of 4.04% as of September 20, making it an attractive option for dividend-seeking investors [4]

Core Viewpoint - Dividend-paying stocks are favored for their stability during market fluctuations and provide a steady income stream, with a preference for dividend growth stocks highlighted by Goldman Sachs [1][2]. Dividend Performance - Companies that initiate and consistently increase dividends have historically outperformed the broader market, with Dividend Growers and Initiators returning 9.62%, Dividend Payers at 8.78%, and companies with no dividend changes at 6.88% [2]. Shareholder Preferences - Established companies often face pressure from shareholders to distribute dividends, which signal genuine profits and provide a cash cushion during market declines, thus increasing demand for dividend-paying stocks [3]. Methodology for Stock Selection - The article utilized a Finviz screener to identify companies with at least 10 consecutive years of dividend growth, selecting those with dividend yields above 4% as of September 20 [6]. Company Highlights - **Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NASDAQ:KMB)**: - Dividend Yield: 4.04% - Known for personal care and tissue products, with a focus on product innovation and operational efficiency. The company has raised dividends for 53 consecutive years, currently paying $1.26 per share [9][11]. - **The Clorox Company (NYSE:CLX)**: - Dividend Yield: 4.08% - Recognized for a wide range of consumer goods, focusing on brand value, supply chain resilience, and product innovation. The company has declared a quarterly dividend of $1.24 per share and has increased dividends for 22 years [12][14].