Kimberly-Clark's dividend is safer than Clorox's despite Clorox's higher yield, due to better cash flow and balance sheet.

Clorox and Kimberly-Clark both offer dividend yields above 5%, but Kimberly-Clark's dividend is safer. Clorox's payout is nearly equal to its operating cash flow and management admits the dividend is elevated and may not be sustainable. Its balance sheet is also weaker with high liabilities. In contrast, Kimberly-Clark has strong free cash flow coverage for its dividend, a healthier balance sheet, and a 54-year streak of dividend increases. Despite Clorox's higher yield, Kimberly-Clark is a more reliable choice for dividend-focused investors due to better financial stability and consistent growth.

As of September 21, 2026, 20:32 WIB, Clorox (CLX) trades near its 52-week low at USD 83.50, while Kimberly-Clark (KMB) is closer to its 52-week high at USD 97.55 on Pluang. Clorox offers a higher dividend yield of 6.02% compared to Kimberly-Clark's 5.23%, but Clorox's stock price is significantly further from its 52-week high of USD 127.16 than Kimberly-Clark's is from its high of USD 124.62. This contrast in price levels aligns with the article's view of Kimberly-Clark's stronger financial stability despite its lower yield.