Financial Performance - Net sales for Q1 2025 were $4.8 billion, a decrease of 6.0% compared to the prior year, impacted by approximately 2.4% from foreign currency translation and 2.0% from divestitures and business exits[4][6] - Operating profit for Q1 2025 was $769 million, down from $853 million in the prior year, reflecting charges related to the 2024 Transformation Initiative[5][6] - Net income attributable to Kimberly-Clark Corporation was $567 million, a decline of 12.4% from $647 million in 2024[32] - Cash provided by operations was $327 million, down from $438 million in the same period last year[36] - Income Before Income Taxes for Q1 2025 was reported at $694 million, compared to $781 million in Q1 2024, reflecting a decrease of approximately 11.1%[46] Earnings and Margins - Adjusted gross margin was 36.9%, down 20 basis points from the prior year, while reported gross margin was 35.8%[5][6] - Diluted earnings per share (EPS) were $1.70, down from $1.91 in the prior year, with adjusted EPS decreasing 4.0% to $1.93[9][6] - Diluted earnings per share decreased to $1.70, down 11.0% from $1.91 in the prior year[32] - Adjusted operating profit for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was $844 million, compared to $898 million in 2024[45] Sales Performance - North America net sales decreased 3.9% to $2.7 billion, with organic sales declining 0.6% primarily due to unfavorable price impacts[12] - International Personal Care (IPC) net sales were $1.4 billion, down 8.9%, with organic sales decreasing 2.8% driven by price investments[14] - Organic sales growth for the consolidated segment was reported at -1.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2025[43] - Net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2025, were $4,840 million, a decrease of 6.0% compared to $5,149 million in 2024[32] Future Outlook - The company expects 2025 organic sales growth to outpace the market growth of 1.5% to 2%[19] - Adjusted operating profit for 2025 is now expected to be flat to positive on a constant-currency basis, revised from previous expectations of high single-digit growth[20] - Adjusted free cash flow is now expected to be approximately $2 billion in 2025, down from a previous expectation of more than $2 billion[23] Balance Sheet - Total debt as of March 31, 2025, was $7.2 billion, a decrease from $7.4 billion as of December 31, 2024[18] - Total current assets decreased to $5,281 million from $5,580 million as of December 31, 2024[34] - Total liabilities decreased to $16,305 million from $16,546 million at the end of 2024[34] Taxation - The Adjusted Effective Tax Rate for Q1 2025 was 21.4%, while the reported rate for Q1 2024 was 23.6%[46] - The effective tax rate as reported for Q1 2025 was 23.8%, slightly higher than the 23.6% reported for Q1 2024[46]

Core Viewpoint - Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB) is expected to report declines in both revenue and earnings for the first quarter of 2025, with revenue estimates at $4.9 billion, reflecting a 5.5% decrease year-over-year [1]. Revenue and Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for quarterly earnings has decreased by 2 cents to $1.89 per share, indicating a 6% decline from the previous year's figure [2]. - The company has experienced a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 12.5% on average [2]. Segment Performance - Sales are projected to decline across various segments: North America by 0.9%, International Personal Care by 12.5%, and International Family Care & Professional by 8.8% in the upcoming quarter [2]. Strategic Challenges - Kimberly-Clark's exit from private label products is anticipated to create a near-term revenue headwind, compounded by ongoing retailer destocking affecting shipment volumes [3]. - Elevated cost pressures, particularly from higher pulp prices and limited pricing flexibility, are expected to compress margins, with adjusted gross profit estimated at $1,801.3 million, down from $1,911 million in the prior year [4]. Strategic Initiatives - The company is advancing its Powering Care Strategy, which emphasizes growth, operational efficiency, and organizational alignment, potentially providing some relief through a volume-and-mix-led growth model supported by innovation and premium product adoption [5]. Earnings Prediction Model - The current model does not predict an earnings beat for Kimberly-Clark, as it holds a Zacks Rank of 2 and an Earnings ESP of -0.73% [6].

Core Viewpoint - Kimberly-Clark (KMB) is anticipated to report a year-over-year decline in earnings and revenues for the quarter ended March 2025, which could significantly influence its stock price depending on the actual results compared to estimates [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - The upcoming earnings report is scheduled for April 22, 2025, with a consensus estimate of $1.89 per share, reflecting a 6% decrease year-over-year. Revenues are projected to be $4.84 billion, down 6.1% from the previous year [3][2]. Estimate Revisions - Over the last 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate has been revised 0.26% higher, indicating a slight reassessment by analysts [4]. However, the Most Accurate Estimate is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, leading to an Earnings ESP of -0.73%, suggesting a bearish outlook on the company's earnings prospects [10][11]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model indicates that a positive or negative reading can predict the likelihood of actual earnings deviating from consensus estimates, with positive readings being more reliable [6][7]. However, Kimberly-Clark's current negative Earnings ESP reading complicates predictions of an earnings beat [11]. Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, Kimberly-Clark met the consensus EPS estimate of $1.50, resulting in no surprise. Over the past four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates three times [12][13]. Conclusion - Kimberly-Clark does not appear to be a strong candidate for an earnings beat based on current estimates and revisions. Investors are advised to consider other factors in addition to earnings expectations when evaluating the stock ahead of its earnings release [16][15].

Core Insights - Goodnites® has launched a new XXL size of nighttime underwear, accommodating children up to 165 lbs, to better serve the needs of those experiencing bedwetting [1][4][5] Product Development - The introduction of the XXL size is driven by consumer research indicating a demand for larger sizes, following the successful launch of the XL size in 2021 [5] - Goodnites® offers five sizes of nighttime underwear, emphasizing their commitment to providing size-inclusive products with reliable leak protection [5] Market Position - Goodnites® is recognized as the 1 nighttime underwear brand, aiming to reduce the stigma associated with bedwetting and enhance comfort for children [1][5] - The new XXL size is available on Amazon and will be rolled out to retailers nationwide over the coming months [5] Target Demographic - Bedwetting is common in younger children, but some may continue to experience it into adolescence, particularly neurodivergent children [4] - Among children who experience bedwetting, one in ten has a disability, with Autism and ADHD being the most prevalent [4] Partnerships and Community Engagement - Goodnites® partners with the Autism Society of America to provide resources and support for families dealing with bedwetting [6] Company Overview - Kimberly-Clark, the parent company of Goodnites®, operates in over 175 countries and is recognized for its sustainable practices and ethical business operations [7]

Core Insights - Poise® is addressing the challenges faced by women in rural health deserts regarding perimenopause and menopause, emphasizing the need for accessible health information [1][2][3] Group 1: Initiative Overview - Poise® has launched an initiative aimed at bridging the healthcare gap for women in rural areas, where 80% of U.S. counties are classified as health deserts [2] - Only about 6% of obstetricians and gynecologists practice in rural areas, leading to limited healthcare access for women [2] - Approximately 2 million women enter perimenopause and 1.3 million become menopausal each year in the U.S., with many lacking education on these stages [2][3] Group 2: Research and Development - Poise® is collaborating with scientists to explore the extraction of dry urine from pad materials to identify indicators related to perimenopause and menopause, potentially aiding in the detection of conditions like urinary tract infections and diabetes [2] - The initiative aims to enhance understanding and management of menopause-related symptoms, including bladder leaks, which affect 25 million U.S. women [2] Group 3: Community Engagement - Poise® has traveled across America to gather stories from women in rural health deserts, highlighting their struggles with perimenopause and menopause, which are documented in a new film directed by Sara Nesson [3] - The film aims to amplify the voices of these women and raise awareness about the challenges they face [3] Group 4: Company Background - Kimberly-Clark, the parent company of Poise®, operates in over 175 countries and is recognized for its commitment to sustainable practices and ethical business operations [5] - The company holds leading market positions in various product categories and has been acknowledged as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for seven consecutive years [5]

DALLAS, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) will issue its first quarter 2025 results on Tuesday, April 22. A press release and supplemental materials will be issued at approximately 7:00 a.m. EDT. Kimberly-Clark management will then host a live Q&A session with analysts beginning at 8:30 a.m. EDT. The earnings release, supplemental materials, and Kimberly-Clark's Q&A session can be accessed at Kimberly-Clark - Investor Relations. A replay of the webcast will be available following the ...

Core Insights - Kimberly-Clark Professional has introduced significant enhancements to its WypAll® X70 and X80 cleaning cloths, focusing on improved performance and value for commercial customers in industrial and manufacturing environments [2][3]. Product Enhancements - The WypAll X70 Medium Duty Cleaning Cloths have been redesigned to be stronger and more absorbent, featuring a new construction that absorbs up to 20% more oil and water than the previous version [4]. - The WypAll X80 Heavy Duty Cleaning Cloths have been improved with a new surface texture, enhancing durability and user satisfaction for cleaning performance with water, oil, and grease [5]. - Both product lines now offer enhanced absorbency and a nearly 10% larger sheet size in popular packaging formats, which aids in reducing downtime during cleaning tasks [3]. Customer Insights - The innovation process for these improvements combined material science expertise with customer-focused insights, resulting in higher quality and better value solutions for cleaning tasks [6]. - The WypAll brand is recognized as the top branded disposable wipes in the U.S. and Canada, indicating strong market presence and customer preference [6]. Company Overview - Kimberly-Clark Professional partners with businesses to enhance employee and guest well-being through quality hygiene and personal care solutions, with key brands including WypAll, Kleenex, Cottonelle, and Scott [7]. - Kimberly-Clark operates in over 175 countries, with a portfolio of brands that hold leading market positions in approximately 70 countries, emphasizing its global reach and commitment to sustainable practices [8].

Core Viewpoint - Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB) has outperformed the industry and Consumer Staples sector, with a 10.2% share price increase over the past three months, compared to 5.8% and 7.8% respectively, while the S&P 500 declined by 6.1% [1] Performance Analysis - KMB stock last traded at $143.03, remaining above the 50-day and 200-day simple moving averages of $135.88 and $135.63, indicating a bullish trend [4] - The company's Powering Care strategy focuses on innovation, margin optimization, and restructuring for sustainable growth, driving its market position and financial resilience [6][15] Innovation and Market Share - Innovation is central to Kimberly-Clark's strategy, with new premium products launched across various price tiers to meet evolving consumer demands [7] - The focus on premiumization has led to market share growth in regions such as North America, China, the UK, South Korea, Australia, and Indonesia, with notable gains in Huggies and other product lines [9][10] Valuation Metrics - Despite recent stock appreciation, KMB remains attractively valued with a forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio of 18.83X, slightly above its median of 18.66X but lower than the industry average of 20.66X, suggesting it is not overly expensive relative to its earnings potential [11] Challenges and Outlook - The company faces challenges in a dynamic retail environment, with softening demand in North America's professional segment and economic pressures in emerging markets [13][15] - Anticipated adverse impacts on net sales and operating profit growth due to unfavorable currency movements are expected to affect EPS as well [14]

Core Insights - Huggies has launched a campaign featuring the Poop Poncho, highlighting the effectiveness of their new Little Snugglers diapers which offer blowout protection in every direction [1][3][4] - The Poop Poncho serves as a humorous reminder of parenting challenges and promotes the innovative features of the Little Snugglers diapers [2][3] - Huggies emphasizes its commitment to product innovation aimed at improving the lives of parents and their children [4][10] Product Features - The new Huggies Little Snugglers diapers include front and back blowout blockers, stretchy leg cuffs, and a color-changing wetness indicator [5][9] - These diapers are designed to be hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and made without harmful chemicals, ensuring safety for sensitive skin [9] Company Background - Huggies has been a trusted brand for over 40 years, focusing on providing care and support for parents and their babies [7] - Kimberly-Clark, the parent company of Huggies, operates in over 175 countries and is recognized for its sustainable practices and ethical business operations [8][10]

Core Viewpoint - Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB) is experiencing strong upward momentum in its stock price, currently trading at $139.53, significantly above its 50-day and 200-day simple moving averages of $132.99 and $135.18 respectively, prompting investors to consider their investment strategies [1][4]. Stock Performance - KMB stock has increased by 6.2% over the past three months, outperforming the industry growth of 2.5% and the S&P 500's decline of 4.8%, while also exceeding the broader Consumer Staples sector's growth of 5.1% [4]. - The stock is currently 7.3% below its 52-week high of $150.45, reached on March 10, indicating potential challenges in maintaining upward momentum, but also presenting an opportunity for growth if it surpasses this previous high [4]. Growth Drivers - Kimberly-Clark's growth strategy, termed "Powering Care," focuses on accelerating innovation, optimizing margins, and restructuring for sustainable growth, which enhances productivity and reinforces its global leadership position [6][7]. - The company has achieved significant market share growth in key regions, including personal care in North America and baby care in China, with strong performance in tissue brands in the UK and diaper and feminine care categories in Asia-Pacific [8][9]. Valuation - From a valuation perspective, KMB is trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings multiple of 18.4X, which is below its one-year median of 18.66X and the industry average of 21.22X, suggesting that the stock may be undervalued relative to its earnings potential [10]. Challenges - Kimberly-Clark faces challenges in a difficult consumer and retail landscape, with management noting softening demand in North America's professional segment and reduced purchasing frequency in emerging markets due to economic pressures [11]. - The company's global footprint exposes it to foreign currency fluctuations, with a stronger U.S. dollar impacting margins and contributing to a 0.8% year-over-year decline in fourth-quarter 2024 revenues to $4.93 billion [12]. - Looking ahead to 2025, the company anticipates net sales and operating profit growth to be adversely impacted by nearly 300 basis points due to unfavorable currency rates, with EPS expected to reflect a 350-400 basis point negative impact from currency translation [13]. Overall Outlook - Kimberly-Clark continues to show a strong growth trajectory supported by its strategic initiatives and market share expansion, while its valuation indicates potential upside [16]. - However, near-term risks such as currency volatility and demand softness in key markets warrant caution for investors [17].