Group 1 - Kimberly-Clark's leadership team includes Mike Hsu as Chairman and CEO, Nelson Urdaneta as CFO, Russ Torres as President and COO, and Chris Jakubik as Head of Investor Relations [1] - The company is focusing on discussing progress against its strategic goals and the recent leadership changes, particularly Russ Torres's new role [2]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in net sales since 2021, with consistent volume and mix growth observed over the last couple of years [10] - Operating margin improved by 300 basis points over the past two years, while marketing spending increased by 33% [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The North American diaper business saw a significant shift towards premium products, with the premium segment increasing from 40% to over 70% [13] - E-commerce now accounts for more than 25% of consumer sales, with a strong performance in digital channels [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The global category growth rate in the second quarter was around 2%, with expectations to outpace this through innovation and premiumization [16] - The company is gaining or holding market share in seven of its eight consumer categories, particularly in personal care [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is transforming into a pure-play personal care and wellness company, focusing on higher growth and higher margin categories [5][42] - A new leadership appointment was made to accelerate transformation, with a focus on leveraging global expertise and proprietary technologies [6][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that consumers are under pressure, but the company is well-positioned to meet their needs through innovation and product performance [16] - The company expects to continue investing in innovation and marketing to drive growth, despite current economic challenges [16][39] Other Important Information - The company plans to increase capital expenditures to around 6% of net sales in the coming years to support supply chain transformation [28] - The advertising spend has doubled since 2018, with a current run rate of about 7% of sales, which management believes is appropriate for long-term growth [39] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the positive volume mix growth? - Management indicated that consumers are willing to trade up for better-performing products, leading to significant premiumization in categories like diapers [13][15] Question: What are the key focus areas for the COO in the next year? - The COO emphasized the importance of performing while transforming, focusing on executing current strategies while laying the groundwork for future growth [40] Question: How does the company plan to manage productivity targets in light of recent changes? - The CFO confirmed that the company remains committed to its long-term productivity targets and is tracking ahead of its $3 billion gross productivity program [54]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in net sales since 2021, with consistent volume and mix growth observed over the last couple of years [10] - Operating margin improved by 300 basis points over the past two years while marketing spending increased by 33% [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The North American diaper business saw a significant shift towards premium products, with the premium segment increasing from 40% to over 70% [13] - E-commerce now accounts for more than 25% of consumer sales, with a strong share index compared to national averages [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The global category growth rate in the second quarter was around 2%, with expectations to outpace this through innovation and premiumization [16][18] - In China, the premium segment of the diaper market grew from 6% in 2019 to 42% [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is transforming into a pure-play personal care and wellness company, focusing on high-growth, high-margin categories [5][42] - A new leadership appointment aims to enhance the company's operational capabilities and drive growth [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that consumers are under pressure, but the company is well-positioned to meet their needs across all price tiers [16] - The company expects to continue investing in innovation and marketing to drive growth, despite a challenging consumer environment [16][39] Other Important Information - The company plans to increase capital expenditures to around 6% of net sales in the coming years to support supply chain transformation [28] - The joint venture with Suzano is expected to reduce earnings volatility related to fiber costs significantly [43] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the positive volume mix growth? - Management highlighted that consumers are willing to trade up for better-performing products, leading to a significant shift towards premium offerings [12][13] Question: What are the key drivers of the current 2% category growth? - The focus on driving new benefits, innovation, and premiumization across all price tiers is essential for growth [18] Question: How is the company approaching innovation? - The company plans to accelerate the pace of innovation, focusing on both incremental and category-changing advancements [20] Question: What are the priorities for the new COO? - The COO emphasized the importance of performing while transforming, ensuring the company executes effectively while laying the groundwork for future growth [40] Question: How does the company view its advertising investment? - The company has doubled its advertising spend since 2018 and is focused on creating brand love through effective storytelling [39] Question: What is the outlook for earnings growth into 2026 and 2027? - The company expects ongoing operations to grow in line with its long-term algorithm, with specific adjustments for the joint venture's impact [56]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in net sales since 2021, with consistent volume and mix growth observed over the last couple of years [10] - Operating margin improved by 300 basis points over the past two years while marketing spending increased by 33% [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The North American diaper business saw a significant shift towards premium products, with the premium segment increasing from 40% to over 70% [13] - E-commerce now accounts for more than 25% of consumer sales, with a strong share index compared to national averages [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a 2% weighted average category growth rate globally in the second quarter [16] - In developed markets, there is a notable shift towards premiumization, with significant growth in premium segments in various regions, including China [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is transforming into a pure-play personal care and wellness company, focusing on high-growth, high-margin categories [5] - A multi-year pipeline of proprietary innovation is being developed to expand categories and meet consumer needs [5] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that consumers are under pressure, and there is no immediate catalyst for change in the near term [16] - The strategy of cascading innovation across all tiers is driving growth, with a focus on meeting consumer needs at every price point [15] Other Important Information - The company plans to increase capital expenditures to around 6% of net sales in the coming years to support supply chain transformation [28] - The advertising spend has doubled since 2018, with a projected ongoing run rate of about 7% of sales [39] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the positive volume mix growth? - Management highlighted that consumers are willing to trade up for better-performing products, leading to significant shifts towards premium offerings [12][13] Question: What are the drivers of the current 2% category growth? - The focus on driving new benefits, innovation, and premiumization across all price tiers is essential for growth [18] Question: How is the company approaching innovation? - The company is committed to both an accelerated pace of innovation and significant improvements in product performance [20][21] Question: What are the top priorities for the new COO? - The focus is on performing while transforming, ensuring the organization is set up for future success while executing current strategies [40] Question: How does the company view its portfolio changes? - The company aims to focus on higher growth, higher margin categories and reduce earnings volatility associated with fiber costs [42][43] Question: What is the outlook for advertising investment? - The company has increased advertising investment significantly and plans to continue this trend to enhance brand storytelling and consumer connection [30][39]

North America Business Performance - Kimberly-Clark North America achieved approximately 4% Net Sales CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) from FY21 to FY24[12] - The company gained market share in 7 out of 8 consumer categories in Q2[12] - Kimberly-Clark North America delivered around 300 bps (basis points) operating margin improvement from FY22 to FY24, while increasing marketing spending by 33%[12] Strategic Priorities - Kimberly-Clark is focused on accelerating operating momentum and advancing transformation[9] - The company aims to create durable growth by focusing on powerhouse categories and brands[7] - Kimberly-Clark is prioritizing pioneering innovation to accelerate growth[7] - Optimizing the margin structure is a key focus for Kimberly-Clark[7] - Wiring the organization for growth is essential for Kimberly-Clark[7] Risk Factors - Factors described in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, could cause future results to differ from forward-looking statements[4]

Group 1 - Kimberly-Clark Corporation will have its Chairman and CEO Mike Hsu, along with CFO Nelson Urdaneta, speaking at the Piper Sandler Growth Frontiers Conference on September 10, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. CT [1] - The conference broadcast will be accessible through the Investors section of Kimberly-Clark's website [1] Group 2 - Kimberly-Clark operates in over 175 countries and territories, with a portfolio of trusted brands including Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, and Kotex [2] - The company holds No. 1 or No. 2 market share positions in approximately 70 countries [2] - Kimberly-Clark is committed to sustainable practices aimed at supporting a healthy planet and building strong communities [2]

Core Message - The Depend campaign emphasizes the significance of early detection and emotional support for prostate cancer, with advocates encouraging open dialogue and screenings [1][2]. Group 1: Campaign and Advocacy - The Stand Strong for Men's Health™ campaign, launched in 2020, has donated over $1 million to the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) to support critical research [2][6]. - Depend will donate up to $300,000 from select product sales to PCF during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and Men's Health Awareness Month [2][7]. Group 2: Personal Stories and Impact - Griffey Jr. shares a personal connection to prostate cancer, highlighting that one in eight men will be diagnosed, and emphasizes the importance of early detection through simple blood tests [2][3]. - Smith stresses the need for open conversations about prostate cancer, particularly for Black men who face a 70% higher diagnosis rate [2][3]. Group 3: Research and Technological Advances - Research funded by PCF has led to advancements in prostate cancer evaluation and treatment, including the PSMA-PET scan, which improves early detection [3][6]. Group 4: Company Background - Kimberly-Clark, the parent company of Depend, operates in over 175 countries and is recognized for its sustainable practices and innovative products [5]. - The Prostate Cancer Foundation is a leading organization in funding prostate cancer research, having raised nearly one billion dollars since its inception [6].

Core Viewpoint - Kimberly-Clark Corporation has appointed Stacey Valy Panayiotou as Chief Human Resources Officer, effective September 10th, succeeding Viviane Cury who will return to her previous role [1][2]. Group 1: Appointment Details - Stacey Valy Panayiotou will oversee the global human resources function, which includes talent recruiting, development, performance management, labor relations, compensation, and employee benefits [2]. - Panayiotou will report directly to Mike Hsu, the Chairman and CEO of Kimberly-Clark, and will be part of the executive leadership team [2]. Group 2: Leadership Background - Panayiotou is recognized as a transformational leader with over two decades of global human resources experience, previously serving as Chief Human Resources Officer at Ball Corporation [3]. - At Ball Corporation, she led the global human resources function and established the company's first enterprise-wide learning university [3]. - Prior to her role at Ball, she held senior HR positions at Graphic Packaging International and Coca-Cola Company, where she was Global Vice President and Head of Talent and Development [4]. Group 3: Educational Background - Panayiotou holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Iowa and two master's degrees from Loyola University Chicago [5]. Group 4: Company Vision - Panayiotou expressed her commitment to enhancing Kimberly-Clark's workforce capabilities and building on the company's legacy of performance and care for consumers, customers, communities, and employees [6].

Core Insights - The article discusses the competitive dynamics in the North American baby diaper market, particularly focusing on the emergence of Millie Moon, a brand under Zuru Edge, which is challenging established players like Procter & Gamble (P&G) and Kimberly-Clark [5][10][21] Group 1: Market Dynamics - Millie Moon has rapidly gained market share in the U.S. baby diaper segment, achieving a growth rate of over 300% and capturing 2% of the market within three years [5][14] - P&G's Pampers brand has seen a decline in market share, dropping from 32.5% in 2022 to 32.3% in 2024, while its budget brand Luvs fell from 9% to 6.9% during the same period [13][14] - The competitive landscape is characterized by a shift towards high-quality, aesthetically appealing products, with Millie Moon leveraging social media trends to enhance brand visibility [6][21] Group 2: Competitive Strategies - Millie Moon's success is attributed to its innovative product features, such as "CloudTouch™" technology and appealing packaging, which resonate with younger consumers [5][6] - In response to Millie Moon's market penetration, P&G has adopted a strategy of replicating its key selling points while undercutting prices by 1 cent with its BumBum brand [10][13] - Kimberly-Clark's Huggies brand has resorted to regulatory complaints to counter Millie Moon's marketing claims, highlighting a shift from traditional competitive tactics to administrative measures [11][21] Group 3: Supply Chain and Production - Zuru Edge operates with a lean workforce of under 300 employees, optimizing its supply chain efficiency, which allows for quicker turnaround times compared to P&G [8][10] - The article notes a significant increase in imports of Chinese-made diapers to the U.S., with the volume more than doubling over the past two years, reflecting a strategic shift in sourcing [14][15] - The competitive advantage of Chinese manufacturers is underscored by government subsidies and lower labor costs, enabling them to offer products at competitive prices [15][17]

Group 1 - Kimberly-Clark Corporation will have key executives, including Chairman and CEO Mike Hsu, President and COO Russ Torres, and CFO Nelson Urdaneta, speaking at the Barclays 18th Annual Global Consumer Staples Conference on September 3, 2025 [1] - The conference will be broadcasted through the Investors section of Kimberly-Clark's website [1] Group 2 - Kimberly-Clark operates in over 175 countries and territories, with a portfolio of trusted brands such as Huggies, Kleenex, and Scott [2] - The company holds No. 1 or No. 2 market share positions in approximately 70 countries [2] - Kimberly-Clark is committed to sustainable practices aimed at supporting a healthy planet and building strong communities [2]