Kimberly-Clark announces new dividend increase

Kimberly-Clark has announced a dividend increase of 9.5 percent, bringing its quarterly dividend to 81 cents (53 pence) per share.

The company's board of directors has approved the increase in light of Kimberly-Clark's recent strong business performance, as well as its desire to allocate its capital in ways that benefit shareholders.

Last year, the firm's quarterly dividend stood at 74 cents, with the increased sum to be made payable on April 2nd 2013 to stockholders of record on March 8th.

This marks the 41st consecutive year Kimberly-Clark has raised its dividend and the 79th straight year in which the dividend has been paid.

Thomas Falk, chairman and chief executive officer, said: "We continue to provide a top-tier dividend payout among our peer consumer packaged goods companies and this remains an important component of our plan to deliver strong returns to shareholders."

Last month, the company announced its full-year financial results for 2012, during which it generated annual sales of $21.1 billion, up by one percent on 2011.