Core Viewpoint - Kimberly-Clark is positioned as a deep value stock for income investors in 2026, especially with its strong dividend yield of 5% and a history of consistent dividend increases [3][9][19] Company Overview - Kimberly-Clark specializes in paper products, including brands like Kleenex, Huggies, and Scott, holding leading market shares in 70 countries [4] - Approximately two-thirds of its sales are generated in North America, with the remainder coming from international markets [4] Financial Performance - In 2025, Kimberly-Clark achieved 1.7% organic sales growth, driven by a 2.5% increase in volume, despite a 0.9% decrease in price [6] - The company reported gross margins of 36%, flat adjusted operating profit, and a 3.2% increase in adjusted earnings per share (EPS) [6] - For 2026, Kimberly-Clark is guiding for 2% organic sales growth and flat adjusted EPS, with a mid-to-high single-digit increase in adjusted operating profit [6] Dividend and Cash Flow - Kimberly-Clark raised its dividend for the 54th consecutive year, indicating a commitment to returning value to shareholders [3][10] - The company's earnings and free cash flow exceed its dividend expense, suggesting that the dividend is sustainable without relying on debt [10] Acquisition Strategy - The acquisition of Kenvue, a consumer health company, is expected to generate $2.1 billion in annual synergies, primarily from cost reductions [12][15] - This acquisition aligns with Kimberly-Clark's strategy to expand its product offerings and cover a broader range of consumer needs [13][15] Market Position and Valuation - Kimberly-Clark's stock is currently trading at 13 times forward earnings, making it an attractive option for value investors [18] - The stock has experienced a sell-off, leading to a higher dividend yield, which is appealing for income-focused investors [9][19]

Upgrades - BMO Capital upgraded Southwest (LUV) to Outperform from Market Perform with a price target of $57.50, up from $43, citing significant momentum and earnings upside to at least $4.00 per share in 2026 from 93 cents in 2025 [2] - Barclays upgraded Quest Diagnostics (DGX) to Overweight from Equal Weight with a price target of $210, up from $195, noting sustainable organic growth of 4% from fiscal 2024 to 2025 [3] - Guggenheim upgraded GE Vernova (GEV) to Buy from Neutral with a price target of $910, believing the market may underestimate cash generation potential and margin improvement in the electrification segment [4] - Wolfe Research upgraded Broadcom (AVGO) to Outperform from Peer Perform with a price target of $400, based on channel checks indicating the company will ship 7 million tensor processing units by 2028 [5] - Citi upgraded Spotify (SPOT) to Buy from Neutral with an unchanged price target of $650, stating the stock's valuation is now attractive and consensus estimates are beatable [5] Downgrades - HSBC downgraded Pinterest (PINS) to Hold from Buy with a price target of $24.90, down from $34.50, due to an abrupt jobs cut announcement indicating a softer near-term outlook [6] - Jefferies downgraded Kenvue (KVUE) to Hold from Buy with a price target of $18, down from $23, following shareholder approval for a merger with Kimberly-Clark [6] - Citizens downgraded SAP (SAP) to Market Perform from Outperform without a price target, citing disappointing Q4 sales results and a current cloud backlog growth of 25% versus the expected 26% [6] - D. Boral Capital downgraded Quince Therapeutics (QNCX) to Hold from Buy without a price target after negative results from a pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial [6] - Stifel downgraded Codere Online (CDRO) to Hold from Buy with a price target of $8.50, down from $9, believing the company's estimates need to reset due to a recently announced tax hike in Mexico [6]

Jefferies set a price target of $18 for Kenvue Inc. (NYSE: KVUE), indicating a potential upside of about 4.65%.The consensus rating among eighteen brokerages is a "Hold," with an average 1-year target price of $20.23.Recent analyst reports show mixed sentiments, with price targets ranging from $15.00 to $20.00.Kenvue Inc. (NYSE: KVUE) is a prominent player in the consumer health industry, known for its wide range of health and wellness products. The company operates in a competitive market, with rivals like ...

Jefferies downgrades Kenvue Inc. (NYSE: KVUE) from Buy to Hold, indicating a cautious outlook.The average 1-year target price among analysts is set at approximately $20.23.Other financial institutions like Citigroup and Canaccord Genuity Group have also revised their price targets and ratings, reflecting a tempered view on Kenvue's future performance.Kenvue Inc. (NYSE: KVUE) is a prominent player in the consumer health industry, offering a range of products that cater to personal health and wellness. The co ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Kenvue's special meeting of stockholders was convened with a quorum of 1,499,451,317 shares, representing 78.2% by proxy [3] - The merger proposal was approved by a majority of voting power of capital stock present [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The meeting included discussions on the Merger Agreement with Kimberly-Clark, which was deemed fair and in the best interest of Kenvue and its stockholders [4] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - No specific market data or key metrics were provided in the meeting records Company Strategy and Development Direction - The Kenvue Board of Directors unanimously recommended approval of the Merger Proposal, indicating a strategic move towards consolidation with Kimberly-Clark [4][5] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the merger's benefits for Kenvue and its stockholders, highlighting the importance of the transaction [4] Other Important Information - The Advisory Compensation Proposal related to the merger was also approved by stockholders [7] Q&A Session Summary - No specific questions or answers were recorded during the meeting, as it primarily focused on the proposals and their approvals [7]

Kenvue (NYSE:KVUE) FY 2026 Annual General Meeting January 29, 2026 09:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsLarry Merlo - Chair of the Board of DirectorsTeddy Reed - VP and Corporate SecretaryOperator...Welcome to the Kenvue Inc. special meeting of stockholders. I'd now like to introduce Larry Merlo, Chair of Kenvue's Board of Directors.Larry MerloMy pleasure to welcome you to Kenvue's special meeting of stockholders. I'm Larry Merlo, Chair of Kenvue's Board of Directors, and I will chair this special meeting. It is ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Kenvue's special meeting confirmed the approval of the Merger Proposal, indicating a significant strategic move for the company [4][6] - The Advisory Compensation Proposal was also approved, reflecting shareholder support for management's compensation related to the merger [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - No specific data on individual business lines was provided in the meeting [1][2] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The meeting did not present detailed market data or metrics [1][2] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is pursuing a merger with Kimberly-Clark, which is seen as beneficial for Kenvue and its shareholders [4][5] - The board unanimously recommended the merger, indicating a strong strategic alignment with Kimberly-Clark [5] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management did not provide specific comments on the operating environment or future outlook during this meeting [1][2] Other Important Information - The meeting was conducted with a quorum of 78.2% of shares represented, ensuring that decisions made were valid [3] - The final vote results will be reported in a current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC [6] Q&A Session Summary - There were no questions or answers recorded during this special meeting [1][2]

Core Viewpoint - Kimberly-Clark Corporation and Kenvue Inc. have received overwhelming shareholder approval for Kimberly-Clark's acquisition of Kenvue, marking a significant step towards creating a global health and wellness leader [1][2]. Group 1: Transaction Details - The acquisition transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions [3]. - Approximately 96% of shares present at Kimberly-Clark's Special Meeting voted in favor of the share issuance related to the transaction [2]. - At Kenvue's Special Meeting, about 99% of shares voted to adopt the merger agreement, representing approximately 77% of all outstanding shares [2]. Group 2: Company Statements - Kimberly-Clark's CEO, Mike Hsu, expressed gratitude to shareholders for their support and emphasized the potential to raise care standards for billions globally while generating significant shareholder value [2]. - Kenvue's CEO, Kirk Perry, highlighted the growth opportunities for the combined company and the potential to accelerate innovation and expand access to trusted brands [2]. Group 3: Company Backgrounds - Kimberly-Clark operates in over 175 countries with a portfolio of brands that hold No. 1 or No. 2 market share positions in approximately 70 countries, focusing on sustainable practices [4]. - Kenvue is recognized as the world's largest pure-play consumer health company by revenue, with a heritage of over a century and a portfolio of well-known brands [5].

Kenvue (KVUE) shareholders will vote on Kimberly-Clark's (KMB) $48.7 billion acquisition proposal on Thursday, Jan. 29. The merge deal, announced in November 2025, would create a consumer health and wellness powerhouse, combining iconic brands like Band-Aid, Tylenol, and Listerine with Huggies, Kleenex, and Cottonelle. The transaction offers shareholders $21.01 per share in total consideration, representing a meaningful premium over current trading levels of around $17. Yet with KVUE stock trading roughl ...

Valued at a market cap of $33.5 billion, Kenvue Inc. (KVUE) is a consumer health company based in Summit, New Jersey. It focuses on developing, manufacturing, and marketing everyday health, personal care, and wellness products. This personal care company has lagged behind the broader market over the past 52 weeks. Shares of KVUE have declined 18.4% over this time frame, while the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has gained 16.1%. Moreover, on a YTD basis, the stock is up 1.5%, compared to SPX’s 1.9% return. ...