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]

Financial Performance - Organic sales growth for Q2 2025 was 3.9% [43], driven by strong volume growth in North America and International Personal Care [16] - Adjusted operating profit growth for Q2 2025 decreased by 2.2% [43] - Adjusted EPS growth attributable to Kimberly-Clark for Q2 2025 decreased by 2.0% [43] - Adjusted free cash flow year-to-date is $829 million [43] - The company is targeting 5-6% gross productivity savings in 2025 [34] Business Strategy and Initiatives - The company announced a $2 billion investment in North America to support growth and unlock efficiencies [10, 16] - A joint venture with Suzano was announced to create a preeminent international tissue and professional products company [12, 16, 38] - The company streamlined product platforms from 30 to 11 to drive simplicity and improve quality [36, 37] Segment Performance - North America experienced organic growth of 4.5% in Q2 2025 [45], driven by 5% volume growth [47] - International Personal Care saw organic growth of 6.0% in Q2 2025 [48], with focus markets growing volume by 8% [50] 2025 Outlook - The company anticipates low-to-mid single-digit organic sales growth ahead of market growth in constant currency [51] - Adjusted free cash flow for 2025 is expected to be approximately $2 billion, including $1.0-$1.2 billion in capital expenditures [51]

Core Insights - Kimberly-Clark Corporation reported strong second quarter results driven by innovation-led volume growth, effective cost management, and resilient consumer demand [1][2][4] - The company is executing its "Powering Care" transformation strategy, which has led to one of the strongest quarters in recent history [2][3] Financial Performance - Net sales for Q2 2025 were $4.2 billion, a decrease of 1.6% from the previous year, impacted by divestitures and foreign currency translation [4][10] - Organic sales increased by 3.9%, primarily due to a 5.0% volume-led growth, partially offset by a 1.2% investment in pricing [4][10] - Gross margin was reported at 35.0%, with an adjusted gross margin of 36.9%, down 180 basis points year-over-year due to pricing pressures and cost inflation [5][10] - Operating profit for Q2 was $592 million, up from $539 million in the prior year, with adjusted operating profit at $713 million, a decline of 2.2% [6][10] Year-to-Date Results - For the first half of 2025, sales totaled $8.2 billion, down 4.0% compared to the same period last year, with organic sales growth of 1.2% [11][12] - Year-to-date gross margin was 36.1%, with an adjusted gross margin of 37.7%, reflecting a decline of 120 basis points year-over-year [12] - Year-to-date operating profit was $1.2 billion, including $196 million in transformation initiative costs, with adjusted operating profit at $1.4 billion, down 4.7% from 2024 [13] Business Segment Performance - North America net sales decreased by 1.9% to $2.7 billion, while organic sales grew by 4.3% driven by strong volume growth [19][20] - International Personal Care (IPC) net sales increased by 0.4% to $1.4 billion, with organic sales growth of 3.3% [21][22] Cash Flow and Balance Sheet - Year-to-date cash provided by operations was $1.1 billion, down from $1.5 billion last year, with capital spending at $401 million [23] - The company returned $944 million to shareholders through dividends and stock repurchases, with total debt at $7.2 billion as of June 30, 2025 [23] 2025 Outlook - The company adjusted its full-year outlook, expecting organic sales growth to outpace the average growth in its categories, which are currently at approximately 2% [24][25] - Adjusted operating profit is anticipated to grow at a low-to-mid single-digit rate on a constant-currency basis, with a negative impact from divestitures and currency translation [26][27] - Adjusted earnings per share are expected to grow at a low-to-mid single-digit rate, factoring in various impacts including higher net interest expense and a higher effective tax rate [27]

Group 1 - Kimberly-Clark will release its second quarter 2025 results on August 1, 2025, at approximately 6:30 a.m. EDT [1] - A live Q&A session with analysts will follow the earnings release, starting at 8:00 a.m. EDT [1] - The earnings release and supplemental materials will be accessible through Kimberly-Clark's Investor Relations website, along with a replay of the webcast [2] Group 2 - Kimberly-Clark operates in over 175 countries and territories, providing essential products under trusted brands [3] - The company's portfolio includes well-known brands such as Huggies, Kleenex, and Scott, which hold No. 1 or No. 2 market share positions in approximately 70 countries [3] - Kimberly-Clark has been recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies® for seven consecutive years and was listed among Fortune's Most Innovative Companies in America in 2024 [3]

Core Viewpoint - Investing in high-yielding stocks can be attractive for income investors, but it is essential to consider the stability and growth potential of the companies behind these dividends [1][2]. Group 1: Verizon Communications - Verizon offers a dividend yield of 6.3%, significantly higher than the S&P 500 average of 1.2% [4]. - The company reported sales of $134.8 billion in 2024, showing minimal growth from $133.6 billion in 2021 [4]. - Verizon has a profit margin exceeding 13% and trades at 10 times its trailing earnings, making it a solid income investment [5]. - The company has increased its dividend for 18 consecutive years, with a sustainable payout ratio of 64% [5][6]. Group 2: Duke Energy - Duke Energy provides a dividend yield of 3.5% and operates in essential utility services, offering stability [7]. - The company generated $30.9 billion in revenue and $4.7 billion in earnings over the past 12 months, resulting in a profit margin of 15% [8]. - Duke has paid dividends for 99 straight years, with a 31% increase in its quarterly per-share dividend over the past decade [9]. - The payout ratio of 69% indicates potential for future dividend increases, making it a strong long-term investment [9]. Group 3: Kimberly-Clark - Kimberly-Clark, known for brands like Huggies and Kleenex, has maintained sales around $20 billion for the past three years with profit margins typically around 10% [10][11]. - The company has raised its dividend for 53 consecutive years, earning the title of Dividend King, indicating a commitment to growing its payouts [12]. - With a dividend yield of 3.9% and a payout ratio of approximately 67%, Kimberly-Clark is positioned as a low-volatility stock suitable for long-term investment [12][13].

Core Insights - Kimberly-Clark has formed a strategic partnership with Suzano to create a leading international tissue and professional products company, focusing on higher growth and margin segments [1][2][3] - The new venture will allow Kimberly-Clark to enhance its operational efficiency and improve its growth trajectory by concentrating on its iconic global brands [3][4] - The transaction is expected to generate significant shareholder returns through upfront cash proceeds and share repurchases [3][4][6] Company Strategy - The partnership sharpens Kimberly-Clark's focus on proprietary spaces that enhance growth, with approximately two-thirds of net revenues projected to come from personal care categories post-transaction [3][4] - The collaboration with Suzano is anticipated to reduce product costs and improve supply chain efficiency, benefiting both consumers and customers [3][4] Financial Details - Kimberly-Clark will contribute its International Family Care and Professional (IFP) business, which generated approximately $3.3 billion in net sales in 2024, to the new venture [5][6] - The implied enterprise value for the IFP business is approximately $3.4 billion, subject to adjustments at closing [6] - The transaction is expected to be dilutive to Adjusted Earnings Per Share by approximately $0.30-0.40 in the first full year following the close [7][8] Operational Impact - The new venture will encompass sales in over 70 countries, 22 manufacturing facilities, and around 9,000 employees, with more than 40 regional brands being owned by the new entity [5][6] - Kimberly-Clark's interests in Mexico and its joint venture in South Korea are excluded from this transaction [5] Timeline and Approvals - The transaction has been unanimously approved by Kimberly-Clark's Board of Directors and is expected to close in mid-2026, pending regulatory approvals [10]

Core Points - Kimberly-Clark announced the recipients of its Bright Futures college scholarships, awarding 30 high school seniors from North America [1][2] - The Bright Futures program, now in its 33rd year, provides scholarships worth up to $20,000, or $5,000 per school year, for full-time students attending accredited colleges and universities [2] - Since its inception, the program has awarded nearly $50 million in scholarships to over 2,400 students [2] Company Commitment - The Bright Futures scholarship program reflects Kimberly-Clark's commitment to developing future leaders, supporting students who have shown exceptional dedication to their studies and communities [3] - The average GPA of this year's scholarship recipients is 3.98, with awardees attending prestigious institutions such as MIT and the University of Wisconsin [3] - Past recipients have pursued successful careers in various fields, including medicine, education, and engineering [3] Foundation Overview - The Kimberly-Clark Foundation, established in 1952, focuses on social impact investments that support essential care for women and girls [5] - The foundation aims to create lasting social change through its charitable initiatives [5] Company Profile - Kimberly-Clark operates in over 175 countries, providing essential products under trusted brands like Huggies and Kleenex [6] - The company emphasizes sustainable practices and has been recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for seven consecutive years [6] - Kimberly-Clark was also listed among Fortune's Most Innovative Companies in America in 2024 [6]

Group 1 - Kimberly-Clark Corporation will voluntarily transfer its U.S. stock exchange listing from the New York Stock Exchange to the Nasdaq Global Select Market, with trading on NYSE ceasing on May 29, 2025, and commencing on Nasdaq on May 30, 2025 [1] - Kimberly-Clark is a global leader in the consumer staples industry, with trusted brands that are essential for people in over 175 countries [2] - The company's portfolio includes well-known brands such as Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, and Kotex, which hold No. 1 or No. 2 market share positions in approximately 70 countries [2] Group 2 - Kimberly-Clark emphasizes sustainable practices that support a healthy planet and strong communities, ensuring long-term business viability [2] - The company has been recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for seven consecutive years and was listed among Fortune's Most Innovative Companies in America in 2024 [2]

Summary of Avanos Medical (AVNS) Conference Call - May 13, 2025 Company Overview - **Company**: Avanos Medical (AVNS) - **Industry**: Consumer Goods, specifically in health and hygiene products Key Points and Arguments Company Evolution and Strategy - The company has evolved from being perceived as a "pulp proxy" to focusing on volume mix-led growth, aided by a reorganization in the previous year [3][9] - The CEO highlighted the importance of innovation and the need to elevate and expand product categories, particularly in emerging markets [11][13] - Organic growth improved from 1-2% to approximately 4% over the past five years, indicating a successful shift in strategy [14] Financial Performance and Challenges - The company faced significant cost inflation of approximately $3.5 to $3.7 billion between 2021 and 2022, impacting gross margins which fell to 29.8%, 500 basis points lower than pre-pandemic levels [31][33] - Despite challenges, the company achieved a gross margin of 36.5% in 2024, up 200 basis points year-on-year, and aims for at least 40% by the end of the decade [77] Market Dynamics - The overall category growth has decelerated to about 1.5-2%, below the historical range of 2-3%, leading to a reduction in full-year guidance primarily due to tariff impacts [51][53] - Demand for essential products remains resilient, with consumers exhibiting value-seeking behavior in developed markets [55][62] Innovation and Product Development - The company has focused on launching premium products while also ensuring competitive offerings in the value tier, with a significant shift from 60% value tier to 85% premium in North American diapers [73][74] - Recent product launches include Huggies Skin Essentials and Snug and Dry, which leverage advanced technology for better performance [101][106] Supply Chain and Cost Management - A new global supply chain organization was established to drive efficiency and standardization across product platforms [41][46] - The company is adopting a proactive risk management approach, including programmatic hedging and strategic supplier relationships to manage costs effectively [35][36] Tariff Impacts and Guidance - The company anticipates a gross impact of $300 million from tariffs, with two-thirds of this impact stemming from China [84][96] - The management is exploring ways to mitigate these costs through network reflowing and other strategies [86][90] Marketing and Advertising Strategy - The company has doubled its advertising spend since 2018, focusing on storytelling to enhance brand perception rather than relying on promotions [126][128] - The CEO expressed a preference for advertising over promotions, viewing the latter as potentially dilutive to brand value [128][129] Additional Important Insights - The company is committed to maintaining investments in innovation and brand support despite the challenging market environment [77][100] - There is a strong bifurcation in consumer behavior, with higher-income households continuing to spend on premium products while budget-constrained consumers seek value [62][65] This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the Avanos Medical conference call, highlighting the company's strategic direction, financial performance, market challenges, and innovation efforts.

Core Points - Kimberly-Clark Corporation will establish an $800 million advanced manufacturing facility in Trumbull County, Ohio, creating 491 new high-quality jobs [1][4][11] - This facility will be Kimberly-Clark's first investment in Ohio and is part of a strategic expansion to enhance its operations in the American market [3][4] - The project received a 10-year Job Creation Tax Credit from the Ohio Tax Credit Authority, which was approved earlier this week [2] Company Overview - Kimberly-Clark is a leading manufacturer of personal care and hygiene products, with a portfolio that includes brands such as Huggies, Kleenex, and Scott, and operates in over 175 countries [6] - The new facility will span over one million square feet and is expected to serve approximately 117 million consumers in the Midwest and Northeast [4][6] Economic Impact - The investment is anticipated to have a long-term economic impact on the region, not only by creating direct jobs but also by attracting ancillary businesses and boosting local housing and economy [11][12] - The project is seen as a catalyst for regional revitalization and reflects Ohio's pro-business climate and commitment to workforce development [7][11] Collaboration and Support - The successful establishment of the facility is attributed to close collaboration among local, regional, and state partners, including JobsOhio and the Ohio Department of Development [8][10] - The site received $17.2 million from the All Ohio Future Fund to assist in site readiness and infrastructure development [5]