, /PRNewswire/ -- Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NASDAQ: KMB) is deepening its commitment to advancing essential care for women and girls through four enhanced strategic, charitable partnerships. Through new programs with Baby2Baby, Plan International, Project HOPE, and UNICEF, Kimberly-Clark aims to expand access to life-changing care in Brazil, Peru, China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the United States. Taken together, these partnerships will work to improve the lives of an estimated 24 million women and ...

Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB), based in Irving, Texas, is a multinational company that produces hygiene and personal care products for everyday use, including Kotex, Kleenex, and Scott. With a market capitalization of $39.99 billion, the company operates manufacturing facilities and offices in dozens of countries, distributing its brands to more than 175 nations globally. Its worldwide reach is supported by a workforce dedicated to delivering trusted, innovative solutions in the health and hygiene secto ...

This story was originally published on HR Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily HR Dive newsletter. Hershey, International Motors and more announced new CHROs in August. Here are the companies that welcomed new HR professionals to the team in September. Kimberly-Clark At the end of August, Kimberly-Clark, a company known for owning brands like Huggies, Kleenex, Kotex and Pullups, named Stacey Valy Panayiotou as its CHRO. Previously, Panayiotou was CHRO at Ball Corp.  “Her co ...

Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Kimberly-Clark Corp. (NASDAQ: KMB) manufactures and markets personal care, hygiene, and consumer products, including well-known brands like Huggies, Kleenex, Kotex, and Cottonelle. It will report its Q3 2025 earnings on Oct. 21. Wall Street analysts expect the company to post EPS of $1.72, down from $1.83 in the prior-year period. According to data from Benzinga Pro, quarterly revenue is expected to be $4. ...

Kimberly-Clark FY Conference Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) - **Industry**: Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) - **Conference Date**: September 10, 2025 Key Points Transformation and Portfolio Reshaping - Kimberly-Clark has evolved from an industrial company to a consumer-focused CPG company over the last few decades, with a significant shift occurring since the late 1980s and early 1990s [2][3] - The company has focused on premium, value-added offerings and brand building, enhancing consumer-centric capabilities [1][4] - The CEO highlighted the importance of consumer insights and marketing execution in driving growth [4][5] Financial Performance and Growth - Since the CEO's tenure began, Kimberly-Clark has achieved a compounded organic growth rate of approximately 4% [5] - The company has historically faced challenges with lower gross margins and higher EPS volatility compared to peers, primarily due to pulp cost exposure [5][6] - A joint venture with Suzano, a major eucalyptus pulp producer, aims to reduce volatility and improve visibility into the tissue business [6][8] 2030 Financial Targets - Kimberly-Clark aims for a 40% gross margin and 18% EBITDA by 2030, with expectations to reach these milestones ahead of schedule due to portfolio changes [9][10] - The company has initiated a $3 billion productivity program over five years, tracking ahead of schedule [10][11] Advertising and Brand Building - The company has significantly increased advertising investments, from $500 million to $600 million, focusing on digital channels for better targeting [18][19] - Kimberly-Clark has received recognition for its advertising efforts, winning 11 Lion Awards at Cannes, more than doubling its previous five-year total [19][20] Innovation and Product Development - The company emphasizes product superiority and engineering capabilities as foundational principles [22][23] - An innovative absorbent core technology for diapers has been successfully rolled out in multiple markets, contributing to market share growth [23][24] - R&D investments are healthy, at approximately 1.9% of net sales, with CapEx increasing from 3.6% to 4.3% of net sales [26][27] Market Dynamics and Challenges - The diaper category has seen subdued growth due to increased promotional activity and competition from private labels, with recent growth at around 1% [29] - The company is strategically avoiding participation in aggressive promotional activities to maintain brand integrity [29] Future Outlook - Kimberly-Clark is positioned as a more capable company than a decade ago, with reduced earnings volatility and a strong innovation pipeline [32][33] - The company is focused on becoming world-class in productivity, with a target of achieving around 6% productivity growth this year [33] Conclusion - Kimberly-Clark is optimistic about its future, emphasizing a lean, agile operating model and a commitment to winning in local markets [34]

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]