Defensive Stocks Amid Market Crash Concerns
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 3 days ago
0mins
Source: Fool
- Kimberly-Clark's Defensive Edge: Kimberly-Clark (KMB), a producer of essential goods, has seen its stock drop nearly 22% over the past year, yet boasts a market cap of $33 billion and a forward P/E ratio of 12.8, significantly below its five-year average of 18.6, indicating attractive stock valuation that may draw long-term investors.
- Stable Dividend Yield: With a dividend yield of 5.4% and a history of increasing dividends for 54 consecutive years, Kimberly-Clark demonstrates its ability to provide a reliable income stream for investors even in adverse conditions, enhancing its appeal during market volatility.
- Realty Income's Robust Performance: Realty Income (O), as a real estate investment trust (REIT), offers a dividend yield of 5.1% and has paid dividends for 670 consecutive months, showcasing its stability during market downturns and attracting shareholders seeking safe investments.
- Diversified Property Portfolio: By late 2025, Realty Income's portfolio included over 15,500 properties with a 98.7% occupancy rate and a diverse tenant base featuring well-known brands like Dollar General and Walgreens, ensuring long-term revenue stability and growth potential.
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Analyst Views on KMB
Wall Street analysts forecast KMB stock price to rise
14 Analyst Rating
5 Buy
8 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 97.040
Low
95.00
Averages
127.71
High
162.00
Current: 97.040
Low
95.00
Averages
127.71
High
162.00
About KMB
Kimberly-Clark Corporation is a global company focused on delivering products and solutions that provide better care. The Company's segments include North America and International Personal Care. The North America segment consists of products encompassing each of its five global daily-need categories across consumer and professional channels including disposable diapers, training and youth pants, swim pants, baby wipes, feminine and incontinence care products, reusable underwear, facial and bathroom tissue, paper towels, napkins, wipers, tissue, towels, soaps and sanitizers and other related products. International Personal Care segment consists of three core categories: Baby & Child Care, Adult Care and Feminine Care, including disposable diapers, training and youth pants, swim pants, baby wipes, feminine and incontinence care products, reusable underwear and other related products. Its portfolio of brands includes Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Cottonelle, Depend, and Pull-Ups.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Analysis of SDY ETF's 52-Week Price Range
- Price Range Analysis: The SDY ETF's 52-week low is $131.96 per share, with a high of $156.39, and the last trade at $148.22 indicates a mid-range position that may influence investor buying decisions.
- Technical Analysis Tool: Comparing the current share price to the 200-day moving average can provide valuable insights for investors, helping to assess market trends and potential buy or sell opportunities.
- ETF Trading Mechanism: Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) trade like stocks, where investors buy and sell 'units' that can be created or destroyed based on demand, impacting liquidity and market performance.
- Inflows and Outflows Monitoring: Weekly monitoring of changes in shares outstanding helps identify ETFs experiencing significant inflows (new units created) or outflows (old units destroyed), which can affect the underlying stocks held within the ETFs.
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Suzano Secures EU Approval for $3.4B Joint Venture with Kimberly-Clark
- Joint Venture Approval: Brazil's Suzano has secured unconditional EU antitrust approval for its $3.4 billion joint venture with Kimberly-Clark, marking a significant advancement since the deal was announced in June last year, which is expected to enhance Suzano's competitiveness in the international tissue market.
- Market Share Increase: Through this transaction, Suzano will acquire a 51% stake in Kimberly-Clark's international tissue business, which includes well-known brands like Kleenex, likely resulting in a substantial increase in its share of the global paper products market.
- Regulatory Environment Shift: Amidst falling demand and structural overcapacity in the global paper industry, regulators have intensified scrutiny over corporate mergers, and this approval reflects the EU's efforts to balance market competition with support for business development.
- Industry Consolidation Trend: The global paper industry is undergoing a wave of consolidation, and Suzano's joint venture not only aids its own growth but may also encourage other companies in the sector to pursue similar collaborations to tackle market challenges.
See More
Defensive Stocks Amid Market Crash Concerns
- Kimberly-Clark's Defensive Edge: Kimberly-Clark (KMB), a producer of essential goods, has seen its stock drop nearly 22% over the past year, yet boasts a market cap of $33 billion and a forward P/E ratio of 12.8, significantly below its five-year average of 18.6, indicating attractive stock valuation that may draw long-term investors.
- Stable Dividend Yield: With a dividend yield of 5.4% and a history of increasing dividends for 54 consecutive years, Kimberly-Clark demonstrates its ability to provide a reliable income stream for investors even in adverse conditions, enhancing its appeal during market volatility.
- Realty Income's Robust Performance: Realty Income (O), as a real estate investment trust (REIT), offers a dividend yield of 5.1% and has paid dividends for 670 consecutive months, showcasing its stability during market downturns and attracting shareholders seeking safe investments.
- Diversified Property Portfolio: By late 2025, Realty Income's portfolio included over 15,500 properties with a 98.7% occupancy rate and a diverse tenant base featuring well-known brands like Dollar General and Walgreens, ensuring long-term revenue stability and growth potential.
See More
Defensive Dividend Stocks to Consider Amid Market Concerns
- Attractive Dividend Yield: Kimberly-Clark's recent dividend yield stands at 5.4%, and after a nearly 22% stock price drop over the past year, its P/E ratio of 12.8 is significantly below the five-year average of 18.6, indicating an attractive valuation for long-term investors seeking stable income while waiting for a turnaround.
- Defensive Business Model: Products like toilet paper and diapers from Kimberly-Clark are necessities that consumers will purchase regardless of economic conditions, ensuring stability during market fluctuations, while the company is working on cost-cutting and supply chain modernization to improve profitability with a target gross margin of at least 40%.
- REIT Stability: Realty Income, as a real estate investment trust, boasts a dividend yield of 5.1% and has paid dividends for 670 consecutive months, showcasing strong cash flow and stability, making it a solid hold during market downturns.
- High Occupancy Assurance: As of late 2025, Realty Income's portfolio includes over 15,500 properties with a 98.7% occupancy rate and long-term contracts with tenants like Dollar General and Walgreens, ensuring a steady income stream even amidst economic volatility.
See More
Caution Signals Emerge in the Market
- Market Valuation Warning: The Shiller P/E ratio has reached 41, the highest level since the dot-com bubble, indicating that the market may be overvalued and investors should be cautious about potential risks.
- Berkshire's Liquidity Innovation: Berkshire Hathaway holds nearly $397 billion in liquidity, surpassing its $330 billion stock portfolio, indicating a strategy of cash accumulation in anticipation of a discounted market.
- Realty Income Stability: Realty Income boasts a 5.1% dividend yield and a 99% occupancy rate, consistently paying dividends monthly since 1994, demonstrating strong cash flow and market competitiveness.
- Kimberly-Clark's Brand Strength: Kimberly-Clark has increased its dividend for 54 consecutive years, and despite merger cost pressures, its 5.2% dividend yield and stable cash flow suggest it still has the capacity to attract investors.
See More
Realty Income and Clorox Outlook Amid Market Challenges
- Stability of Realty Income: Realty Income (NYSE: O) maintains a 99% occupancy rate by leasing single-tenant properties, continuously developing new assets to ensure steady revenue while upholding its reputation for monthly dividends since 1994, with an annual payout of $3.25 and a yield of 5.1%, significantly above the S&P 500's 1.1% average.
- Clorox's Challenges and Opportunities: Despite facing pressures from a cyberattack and rising costs that led to downward revisions in sales and earnings forecasts, Clorox (NYSE: CLX) boasts an annual dividend of $4.96 and a yield of 5.6%, indicating long-term stability, and is likely to maintain its dividend growth streak.
- Kimberly-Clark's Merger Prospects: Kimberly-Clark (NASDAQ: KMB) is set to merge with Kenvue, and although its $32 billion market cap is below the $48.7 billion deal cost, the market has likely priced in some dilution effects, while the merger will integrate more well-known brands, enhancing competitive strength.
- Cautious Market Sentiment: Given the current market conditions, investors should be cautious, especially with the Shiller P/E ratio at a historical high of 41 and Berkshire Hathaway holding nearly $397 billion in liquidity, suggesting it may be preparing for a discounted market, prompting investors to focus on potential value stocks.
See More
Analysis of SDY ETF's 52-Week Price Range
- Price Range Analysis: The SDY ETF's 52-week low is $131.96 per share, with a high of $156.39, and the last trade at $148.22 indicates a mid-range position that may influence investor buying decisions.
- Technical Analysis Tool: Comparing the current share price to the 200-day moving average can provide valuable insights for investors, helping to assess market trends and potential buy or sell opportunities.
- ETF Trading Mechanism: Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) trade like stocks, where investors buy and sell 'units' that can be created or destroyed based on demand, impacting liquidity and market performance.
- Inflows and Outflows Monitoring: Weekly monitoring of changes in shares outstanding helps identify ETFs experiencing significant inflows (new units created) or outflows (old units destroyed), which can affect the underlying stocks held within the ETFs.
See More
Suzano Secures EU Approval for $3.4B Joint Venture with Kimberly-Clark
- Joint Venture Approval: Brazil's Suzano has secured unconditional EU antitrust approval for its $3.4 billion joint venture with Kimberly-Clark, marking a significant advancement since the deal was announced in June last year, which is expected to enhance Suzano's competitiveness in the international tissue market.
- Market Share Increase: Through this transaction, Suzano will acquire a 51% stake in Kimberly-Clark's international tissue business, which includes well-known brands like Kleenex, likely resulting in a substantial increase in its share of the global paper products market.
- Regulatory Environment Shift: Amidst falling demand and structural overcapacity in the global paper industry, regulators have intensified scrutiny over corporate mergers, and this approval reflects the EU's efforts to balance market competition with support for business development.
- Industry Consolidation Trend: The global paper industry is undergoing a wave of consolidation, and Suzano's joint venture not only aids its own growth but may also encourage other companies in the sector to pursue similar collaborations to tackle market challenges.
See More
Defensive Stocks Amid Market Crash Concerns
- Kimberly-Clark's Defensive Edge: Kimberly-Clark (KMB), a producer of essential goods, has seen its stock drop nearly 22% over the past year, yet boasts a market cap of $33 billion and a forward P/E ratio of 12.8, significantly below its five-year average of 18.6, indicating attractive stock valuation that may draw long-term investors.
- Stable Dividend Yield: With a dividend yield of 5.4% and a history of increasing dividends for 54 consecutive years, Kimberly-Clark demonstrates its ability to provide a reliable income stream for investors even in adverse conditions, enhancing its appeal during market volatility.
- Realty Income's Robust Performance: Realty Income (O), as a real estate investment trust (REIT), offers a dividend yield of 5.1% and has paid dividends for 670 consecutive months, showcasing its stability during market downturns and attracting shareholders seeking safe investments.
- Diversified Property Portfolio: By late 2025, Realty Income's portfolio included over 15,500 properties with a 98.7% occupancy rate and a diverse tenant base featuring well-known brands like Dollar General and Walgreens, ensuring long-term revenue stability and growth potential.
See More
Defensive Dividend Stocks to Consider Amid Market Concerns
- Attractive Dividend Yield: Kimberly-Clark's recent dividend yield stands at 5.4%, and after a nearly 22% stock price drop over the past year, its P/E ratio of 12.8 is significantly below the five-year average of 18.6, indicating an attractive valuation for long-term investors seeking stable income while waiting for a turnaround.
- Defensive Business Model: Products like toilet paper and diapers from Kimberly-Clark are necessities that consumers will purchase regardless of economic conditions, ensuring stability during market fluctuations, while the company is working on cost-cutting and supply chain modernization to improve profitability with a target gross margin of at least 40%.
- REIT Stability: Realty Income, as a real estate investment trust, boasts a dividend yield of 5.1% and has paid dividends for 670 consecutive months, showcasing strong cash flow and stability, making it a solid hold during market downturns.
- High Occupancy Assurance: As of late 2025, Realty Income's portfolio includes over 15,500 properties with a 98.7% occupancy rate and long-term contracts with tenants like Dollar General and Walgreens, ensuring a steady income stream even amidst economic volatility.
See More
Caution Signals Emerge in the Market
- Market Valuation Warning: The Shiller P/E ratio has reached 41, the highest level since the dot-com bubble, indicating that the market may be overvalued and investors should be cautious about potential risks.
- Berkshire's Liquidity Innovation: Berkshire Hathaway holds nearly $397 billion in liquidity, surpassing its $330 billion stock portfolio, indicating a strategy of cash accumulation in anticipation of a discounted market.
- Realty Income Stability: Realty Income boasts a 5.1% dividend yield and a 99% occupancy rate, consistently paying dividends monthly since 1994, demonstrating strong cash flow and market competitiveness.
- Kimberly-Clark's Brand Strength: Kimberly-Clark has increased its dividend for 54 consecutive years, and despite merger cost pressures, its 5.2% dividend yield and stable cash flow suggest it still has the capacity to attract investors.
See More
Realty Income and Clorox Outlook Amid Market Challenges
- Stability of Realty Income: Realty Income (NYSE: O) maintains a 99% occupancy rate by leasing single-tenant properties, continuously developing new assets to ensure steady revenue while upholding its reputation for monthly dividends since 1994, with an annual payout of $3.25 and a yield of 5.1%, significantly above the S&P 500's 1.1% average.
- Clorox's Challenges and Opportunities: Despite facing pressures from a cyberattack and rising costs that led to downward revisions in sales and earnings forecasts, Clorox (NYSE: CLX) boasts an annual dividend of $4.96 and a yield of 5.6%, indicating long-term stability, and is likely to maintain its dividend growth streak.
- Kimberly-Clark's Merger Prospects: Kimberly-Clark (NASDAQ: KMB) is set to merge with Kenvue, and although its $32 billion market cap is below the $48.7 billion deal cost, the market has likely priced in some dilution effects, while the merger will integrate more well-known brands, enhancing competitive strength.
- Cautious Market Sentiment: Given the current market conditions, investors should be cautious, especially with the Shiller P/E ratio at a historical high of 41 and Berkshire Hathaway holding nearly $397 billion in liquidity, suggesting it may be preparing for a discounted market, prompting investors to focus on potential value stocks.
See More
