15 Best Dividend Stocks to Buy for Long-Term Passive Income

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11. Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE:KMB)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 50

Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE:KMB) is an American multinational consumer goods and personal care company, headquartered in Texas. The company, recognized for well-known brands such as Huggies, Kleenex, and Kotex, has a global presence and focuses on essential consumer products. Its strategic efforts have been directed toward enhancing its supply chain, with the goal of boosting operational efficiency and better controlling costs. The stock has delivered a modest return of 1.2% since the start of 2025.

In the first quarter of 2025, Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE:KMB) reported revenue of $4.8 billion, which fell by 6% from the same period last year. The revenue also missed analysts’ estimates by $53.94 million. The reported gross margin came in at 35.8%, while the adjusted gross margin stood at 36.9%, reflecting a decline of 20 basis points compared to the previous year. Diluted earnings per share were $1.70, and adjusted earnings per share were $1.93, representing a 4% decrease year over year.

Despite experiencing losses on these fronts, Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE:KMB) remained a favored choice for investors because of its cash position. In the most recent quarter, the company reported an operating cash flow of $327 million. Moreover, it returned $466 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. It currently offers a quarterly dividend of $1.26 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.81%, as of April 24. The company has raised its payouts for 52 consecutive years, which makes KMB one of the best dividend stocks for passive income.

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