Kimberly-Clark's Dividend Streak Faces Pressure Amid $48.7 Billion Acquisition of Kenvue
Kimberly-Clark (KMB) has extended its 54-year dividend increase streak, with a forward annualized payout of $5.12 per share and the next payment scheduled for October 2026. However, this milestone comes as the company nears completion of its $48.7 billion acquisition of Kenvue (KVUE), which is expected to strain its balance sheet significantly. The firm's operating cash flow in 2025 was approximately $2.777 billion, barely covering both capital expenditures ($1.138 billion) and dividends ($1.66 billion). With limited financial cushion before Kenvue-related financing impacts the books, investors are growing concerned about sustainability of the dividend streak. Kimberly-Clark's stock has fallen 20% over the past year to $98 per share, pushing its yield near 5%. CEO Mike Hsu described the acquisition as a
