Kimberly-Clark approves new dividend increase

Kimberly-Clark has announced that its board of directors has approved a new dividend increase of 5.7 percent.

The latest dividend will be payable on April 3rd 2012 to stockholders of record on March 9th and brings bring the firm's quarterly dividend to 74 cents (47 pence) per share, up from 70 cents in 2011.

It represents the 40th consecutive year that Kimberly-Clark has raised its dividend, as well as the 78th straight year the company has paid a dividend.

Thomas Falk, the company's chairman and chief executive officer, said this is indicative of Kimberly-Clark's commitment to investments that benefit shareholders, as well as its underlying business strength.

He added: "Kimberly-Clark continues to provide a top-tier dividend payout among consumer packaged goods companies and this is an important component of our strategy to deliver strong returns to shareholders."

Last year, the company generated annual sales of $20.8 billion, up by six percent compared to 2010.