Kimberly-Clark is one of companies on my list of top dividend stocks. Dividend stocks are a safe bet to increase your portfolio value as they provide both steady income and cushion against market risks. A large part of investment returns can be generated by dividend-paying stock given their role in compounding returns over time. Today I will share with you my best paying dividend shares you should be considering for your portfolio.

Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE:KMB)

Kimberly-Clark Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and markets personal care, consumer tissue, and professional products worldwide. Established in 1872, and headed by CEO Thomas Falk, the company now has 42,000 employees and with the stock’s market cap sitting at USD $40.97B, it comes under the large-cap stocks category.

KMB has a good-sized dividend yield of 3.33% and the company currently pays out 62.81% of its profits as dividends . In the case of KMB, they have increased their dividend per share from $2.12 to $3.88 so in the past 10 years. They have been dependable too, not missing a single payment in this time.

American Electric Power Company, Inc. (NYSE:AEP)

American Electric Power Company, Inc., a public utility holding company, engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity for sale to retail and wholesale customers in the United States. Started in 1906, and currently lead by Nicholas Akins, the company provides employment to 17,634 people and has a market cap of USD $37.61B, putting it in the large-cap category.

AEP has a nice dividend yield of 3.24% and is currently distributing 61.56% of profits to shareholders , with analysts expecting the payout in three years to be 63.55%. Over the past 10 years, AEP has increased its dividends from $1.64 to $2.48. During this period, they haven’t missed a payment, as one would expect from a company increasing their dividend.

PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG)

PG&E Corporation, through its subsidiary, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, transmits, delivers, and sells electricity and natural gas to residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural customers primarily in northern and central California. Founded in 1905, and now led by CEO Geisha Williams, the company size now stands at 24,000 people and has a market cap of USD $27.81B, putting it in the large-cap stocks category.

PCG has a decent dividend yield of 3.76% and is currently distributing 46.62% of profits to shareholders , with analysts expecting the payout ratio in three years to be 62.30%. The company’s DPS have increased from $1.44 to $2.12 over the last 10 years. They have been consistent too, not missing a payment during this 10 year period. PG&E’s earnings per share growth of % outpaced the US Electric Utilities industry’s 0.054755% average growth rate over the last year.