Kimberly-Clark confirms dividend increase

Kimberly-Clark has announced that it is raising its dividend for the 38th year in a row.

The health and personal care company’s board of directors has approved a dividend increase of ten per cent, which brings its quarterly dividend up to 66 cents (43 pence) per share.

This is an increase of six cents from the value agreed last year and continues the company’s long run of consecutive dividend increases, which it attributed to its ongoing strong financial performance.

Thomas Falk, chairman and chief executive officer of Kimberly-Clark, said: “This dividend increase reflects our solid balance sheet and confidence in our ability to continue to execute our strategic business plan and generate strong cash flow going forward.”

He added that the firm’s healthy finances also allow it to continue providing value for its shareholders.

This comes after the firm last month published its financial breakdown for 2009, during which the company’s sales increased by 8.4 per cent on a year-on-year basis.