Kimberly-Clark(US:KMB)2025-10-30 13:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The third quarter results indicate strong progress in transforming Kimberly-Clark into an industry-leading personal care company, with consistent operating margin expansion and industry-leading productivity [5][6] - The company achieved volume plus mix-led growth for the seventh consecutive quarter, despite challenges in the broader consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry [5][6] - The company maintained global weighted market share in the fourth quarter despite increased competitive promotional activity [5][6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In North America, Kimberly-Clark gained 10 basis points of market share in diapers during the third quarter, with a year-to-date increase of 90 basis points [12][12] - Promotional activity in North America is down compared to 2019 levels, with a focus on driving trial for innovation [13][15] - The company is experiencing double-digit growth in the club channel, which is positively impacting business performance [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a significant migration of consumers to e-commerce and club channels, with 100% of growth in digital channels coming from this segment [43][44] - Year-to-date shipments are largely in line with consumption, with specific impacts from last year's hurricane-related shipment issues [41][42] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Kimberly-Clark's strategy focuses on innovation-led growth and premiumization across all product tiers, aiming to meet consumer needs at every price point [10][73] - The company is committed to achieving long-term operating profit growth and gross margin targets of at least 40% by the end of the decade [32][81] - The partnership with Suzano is expected to stabilize fiber costs and reduce volatility in input costs [78][80] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate competitive dynamics and maintain strong performance despite external pressures on consumer purchasing power [52][53] - The company anticipates continued organic growth ahead of its categories, with a focus on mitigating stranded costs from the IFB transaction expected to close mid-next year [31][32] Other Important Information - The company is targeting a gross margin of at least 40% and an operating profit of 18% to 20% by the end of the decade [32] - The company is actively managing tariff impacts, with a reduction in gross tariffs from $170 million to $100 million [59][60] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on competitive dynamics in U.S. diapers - Management acknowledged increased competitive activity but noted solid performance and a slight market share gain in diapers [10][12] Question: Shape of the P&L in 2026 and 2027 - Management indicated it is premature to provide detailed guidance but emphasized targeting organic growth consistent with long-term algorithms [30][31] Question: Performance in North America relative to trends - Management explained that discrepancies in performance data may arise from different data sources and emphasized sustained momentum from innovation [38][41] Question: Promotional activity in North America - Management discussed the strategy of using promotions to drive trial and the expectation of gross margin expansion in Q4 [56][57] Question: Full 2025 guidance and top-line expectations - Management expects to grow in line with category growth, with an acceleration anticipated in Q4 [65][67] Question: Competing in the ultra-premium diaper market - Management expressed confidence in their technology and innovation pipeline, aiming to compete effectively across all product tiers [73][74]