DALLAS, Feb. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE: KMB) today said its board of directors has approved a dividend increase of 5.7 percent. This will bring the quarterly dividend to 74 cents per share, up from 70 cents per share in 2011.

The board of directors declared the dividend payable on April 3, 2012 to stockholders of record on March 9, 2012. This is the 40th consecutive year Kimberly-Clark has raised its dividend; and the 78th straight year the company has paid dividends.

"This dividend increase reflects the underlying strength of our business and our focus on allocating cash flow in shareholder-friendly ways," said Thomas J. Falk, chairman and chief executive officer. "Kimberly-Clark continues to provide a top-tier dividend payout among consumer packaged goods companies, and this is an important component of our strategy to deliver strong returns to shareholders."    

About Kimberly-Clark

Kimberly-Clark and its well-known global brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Every day, nearly a quarter of the world's population trust K-C's brands and the solutions they provide to enhance their health, hygiene and well-being. With brands such as Kleenex, Scott, HUGGIES, Pull-Ups, Kotex and Depend, Kimberly-Clark holds No. 1 or No. 2 share positions in more than 80 countries. To keep up with the latest K-C news and to learn more about the company's 140-year history of innovation, visit www.kimberly-clark.com.

SOURCE Kimberly-Clark Corporation