KMB has struggled on the charts recently, though
Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE:KMB) is one of the largest and longest-standing producers of personal care products in the world, with nearly 150 years of history. The company manufactures sanitary paper products and surgical & medical instruments. Kimberly-Clark’s portfolio of brand name products includes Kleenex, Cottonelle, and many other brand names.
On January 25 Kimberly-Clark approved a 6.5% increase in its quarterly dividend, marking is its 49th consecutive annual dividend increase. KMB paid $1.14 to its shareholders for the first quarter of 2021, bring its forward dividend up to $4.56 and its dividend yield to 3.45%. The company's board of directors also authorized a new $5 billion share repurchase program a few weeks ago, emphasizing KMB's efforts to return cash to shareholders.
However, the attempts to raise shareholder value have not resulted in gains on the charts. KMB has carved a channel of lower highs since an Aug. 12 record high of $160.16. The shares' 200-day moving average contained a rally last month, and the year-to-date breakeven level looks to be providing additional resistance.
From a value perspective, Kimberly-Clark isn’t the most attractive stock available. KMB trades at a price-earnings ratio of 18.96, which isn’t overvalued, but doesn’t necessarily offer the most opportunity when taking its long-term revenue growth into account. Since 2017, KMB has grown revenues by slightly less than $1 billion, signaling growth of 4.6% in the span of three years.
Moreover, with a dividend history dating back to 1972, Kimberly-Clark currently offers its best value as a dividend play. The company’s consistent dividend growth coupled with its stable financial figures and its immovable grasp on the current market share for personal care products make KMB a viable long-term passive income option.