Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB)

Over the past six months, Kimberly-Clark's stock experienced several notable events. The company announced its decision to transfer its stock listing from the New York Stock Exchange to the Nasdaq Global Select Market, effective on May 30, 2025. In Q2 2025, the company's diluted earnings per share exceeded analyst expectations, despite net sales being down due to divestitures and unfavorable currency translation. In Q4 2024, Kimberly-Clark's revenue was flat year-on-year but surpassed Wall Street estimates, while its non-GAAP profit slightly missed consensus estimates. KMB declared an increased quarterly dividend of $1.26 per share, representing a 3.3% increase. From September 30, 2024, to September 26, 2025, the share price declined, underperforming the S&P 500 due to cost pressures, strategic divestitures, currency headwinds, and price investments. Analysts have a consensus "Hold" rating for KMB.

Demand seasonality is not considered a significant factor influencing Kimberly-Clark's business model. The essential nature of its products ensures resilient and relatively stable demand throughout the year. While there can be "noise and choppiness" in year-over-year comparisons due to factors like inventory shifts, the underlying demand for consumer staples products typically does not experience much volatility.

Kimberly-Clark Corp. is a multinational consumer goods and personal care corporation focused on producing paper-based consumer products. The company manufactures and markets products made from natural or synthetic fibers, utilizing nonwoven and absorbency technologies. Its major product categories include personal care, consumer tissue, and K-C Professional, with key brands such as Huggies, Kleenex, Kotex, Cottonelle, Scott, and Depend.

Kimberly-Clark has a worldwide business presence, operating in over 175 countries. The company segments its operations into two main regions: North America and Outside North America. The United States accounts for the largest portion of its total revenue, followed by Asia, Latin America, and other regions, then Europe, and Canada.

Maintaining brand reputation is crucial for Kimberly-Clark's relationship with consumers, customers, and suppliers. In 2023, the company faced a class action settlement related to the use of PFAS in its Thinx period underwear products, which it acquired in 2022, leading to a decline in sales and an asset impairment. In Q2 2025, Kimberly-Clark reported gaining weighted market share globally and achieving strong organic sales growth. The company's "Powering Care" strategy emphasizes innovation and premium products to maintain brand strength.

Kimberly-Clark's stock ownership is predominantly held by institutional investors, who collectively own between 64.80% and 83% of the company's shares. Major institutional owners include Vanguard Group Inc., BlackRock, Inc., and State Street Corp. Individual investors and the general public own a smaller percentage, ranging from 16% to 35.04%. Insiders own less than 1% of the company's stock.