Kimberly-Clark

KMB

Market cap $37B

Dividend yields matter, but they're not the only important dividend stock criteria. Consistent dividend income often comes from companies selling goods that consumers purchase over and over again.

The ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrat ETF (NOBL) is up 9.39% YTD in 2026, decisively outperforming SPY's 1.08%. Dividend Aristocrats are regaining momentum after a weak 2025, with 55 outpacing SPY and 39 posting double-digit gains this year already. Dividend growth is lagging, with 2026's average increase currently at 3.22%, below last year's trend and potentially signaling headwinds.

Inflation has negatively impacted consumer staples companies. Conagra stock has lost 50% of its value over the last three years.

For Best Buy, improvements to the macro picture could drive a comeback. Kimberly-Clark's upcoming merger could cement its status as a dividend growth stock.

After a 35-year career in the finance industry, including two decades as an institutional stockbroker at Bear Stearns, Lehman Brothers, and Morgan Stanley, I developed an institutional perspective on dividend-focused investing.

At 24/7 Wall St., we have closely followed dividend-paying stocks for over 15 years.

Consumer staples stocks are soaring in 2026. Kimberly-Clark is discounted compared to the broader sector.

Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB) Presents at Consumer Analyst Group of New York Conference 2026 Prepared Remarks Transcript

DALLAS, Feb. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NASDAQ: KMB) today presented at the 2026 Consumer Analyst Group of New York (CAGNY) Conference, outlining how Kimberly-Clark's fast and agile operating model and differentiated capabilities position the company to benefit from growth trends in key cohorts, raise the standard of care and create generational value through its pending acquisition of Kenvue. "For more than 150 years, Kimberly-Clark has been there for people at their most important moments, with consumer-inspired innovation that creates deep connections through the essential stages of their lives," said Mike Hsu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Kimberly-Clark.

Kenvue Inc (NYSE:KVUE) reported fourth quarter results that topped Wall Street expectations, while the consumer health company also outlined restructuring steps ahead of its planned combination with Kimberly-Clark. For Q4, Kenvue posted adjusted earnings per share of $0.27, beating analyst estimates of $0.22.