P&G Outshines KMB in Dividend Showdown for Retirees

When it comes to retirement income, dividend-paying stocks can be a reliable choice. Two household staples in particular have caught investors' attention: Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG) and Kimberly-Clark (NASDAQ: KMB). While Kimberly-Clark pays the bigger dividend check, P&G's payout is backed by more cash flow and a longer record of dividend increases.

P&G has just celebrated its 70th consecutive year of dividend increases and its 136th consecutive year of payments. Its quarterly dividend rose from $0.28 in 2006 to $1.0885 today, including a 3% raise in FY2026. In contrast, Kimberly-Clark's streak stands at 54 consecutive years, with its quarterly payout rising from $0.49 in 2006 to $1.28.

Kimberly-Clark's shares fell 15.05% over the past year and 9.71% in the past month, while P&G slipped just 1.1% over the year. While Kimberly-Clark yields more per dollar invested at 5.23%, its trailing diluted EPS of $5.06 sits below its $5.08 dividend per share.

P&G's business durability also stands out, with brands like Tide and Gillette defending premium pricing against store labels. In contrast, Kimberly-Clark's mix is concentrated in paper-based necessities where store brands compete hardest.