Kimberly-Clark Reports Strong Finish to Second Year of Transformation

Rhea-AI Summary

Kimberly-Clark (Nasdaq: KMB) reported Q4 and full‑year 2025 results showing momentum from its Powering Care transformation and the announced Kenvue acquisition. Q4 net sales were $4.1B, down 0.6% with organic sales +2.1%. Q4 adjusted operating profit rose 13.1% to $629M and adjusted EPS increased 24.0% to $1.86. Full‑year net sales were $16.4B, down 2.1% with organic sales +1.7%. Cash from operations was $2.8B, capex rose to $1.1B, and the company returned $1.8B to shareholders. For 2026 the company expects organic growth in line-to-ahead of ~2% category growth, mid-to-high single‑digit adjusted operating profit growth, and double‑digit adjusted EPS growth on a constant‑currency basis.

Positive

• Q4 adjusted EPS +24.0% to $1.86
• Q4 adjusted operating profit +13.1% to $629M
• Full‑year organic sales +1.7%
• Capex increased to $1.1B, supporting reinvestment
• Returned $1.8B to shareholders in 2025

Negative

• Q4 reported net sales down 0.6% to $4.1B
• FY reported net sales down 2.1% to $16.4B
• Exit of private‑label diaper business drove ~2.5% Q4 and 2.9% FY sales headwind
• Cash from operations declined ~12.5% to $2.8B versus prior year

Key Figures

Q4 2025 net sales: $4.1 billion Q4 organic sales growth: 2.1 percent Q4 adjusted EPS: $1.86 +5 more

8 metrics

Q4 2025 net sales $4.1 billion Fourth quarter 2025 net sales, down 0.6 percent year-on-year

Q4 organic sales growth 2.1 percent Fourth quarter 2025 organic sales growth driven by volume-plus-mix

Q4 adjusted EPS $1.86 Fourth quarter 2025 adjusted EPS, up 24.0 percent versus prior year

FY 2025 net sales $16.4 billion Full year 2025 net sales, 2.1 percent lower than prior year

FY 2025 adjusted EPS $7.53 Full year 2025 adjusted EPS, up 3.2 percent versus prior year

Cash from operations $2.8 billion Cash provided by operations in 2025

Capital spending 2025 $1.1 billion Full year 2025 capital spending

Total debt $7.2 billion Total debt as of December 31, 2025

Market Reality Check

Price: $101.14 Vol: Volume 8,667,353 vs 20-da...

normal vol

$101.14 Last Close

Volume Volume 8,667,353 vs 20-day average 5,883,986 (about 1.47x typical activity) ahead of the results. normal

Technical Shares at 101.14, trading below 200-day MA of 122.18 and 32.78% under the 52-week high.

Peers on Argus

KMB fell 1.07% with elevated volume. Several close peers also traded lower (e.g....

KMB fell 1.07% with elevated volume. Several close peers also traded lower (e.g., KVUE, EL, CL, CHD), while UL rose modestly, indicating mixed but slightly negative sector tone rather than a confirmed sector-wide move.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Jan 15 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Jan 15	Philanthropy initiative	Positive	+1.3%	Huggies pledged 15 million diapers in 15 days and expanded donations.
Dec 12	Earnings date notice	Neutral	-0.3%	Announcement of timing for Q4 and full-year 2025 results release.
Nov 21	Conference appearance	Neutral	-0.1%	Planned presentation at Morgan Stanley Global Consumer & Retail Conference.
Nov 20	Dividend declaration	Positive	+1.4%	Declared $1.26 quarterly dividend, extending a 53-year increase streak.
Nov 03	Large acquisition	Positive	-14.6%	Agreed to acquire Kenvue in cash-and-stock deal creating larger platform.

Pattern Detected

Recent news shows mixed reactions: philanthropy and dividends saw modest gains, while the large Kenvue acquisition headline coincided with a double‑digit decline.

Recent Company History

Over the past few months, KMB news has ranged from strategic M&A to brand and capital return updates. A major step was the planned Kenvue acquisition on Nov 3, 2025, which coincided with a -14.57% move. Dividend continuity and a Huggies donation campaign in late 2025 and early 2026 saw modest positive reactions. Today’s 2025 results and 2026 outlook follow this backdrop of transformation, portfolio reshaping, and continued shareholder payouts.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights steady organic growth, with Q4 organic sales up 2.1% and full‑year adju...

Analysis

This announcement highlights steady organic growth, with Q4 organic sales up 2.1% and full‑year adjusted EPS reaching $7.53, alongside significant capital returns of $1.8 billion to shareholders. It also updates progress on the multi‑year transformation and the planned Kenvue acquisition. Investors may focus on how volume‑led growth, cost savings, and discontinued operations evolve versus 2026 targets for adjusted operating profit and earnings.

Key Terms

organic sales growth, adjusted gross margin, operating profit, diluted earnings per share, +4 more

8 terms

organic sales growth financial

"Delivered net sales of $4.1 billion, down 0.6 percent, with organic sales growth of 2.1 percent."

Organic sales growth measures how much a company’s revenue rises from its regular business activity — like selling more products, charging higher prices, or selling to more customers — without counting money from buying other businesses or one-time currency effects. Investors watch it because it shows whether demand and the company’s core operations are genuinely getting stronger, similar to judging a garden by how much the plants you planted yourself are growing rather than by adding bought potted plants.

adjusted gross margin financial

"Gross margin was 35.9 percent; adjusted gross margin was 37.0 percent, in line with the prior year."

Adjusted gross margin is a measure of how much profit a company makes from its sales after accounting for certain expenses or one-time costs, but before deducting other operating expenses. It helps investors see the company's core profitability more clearly by removing factors that might distort the usual profit picture, similar to a runner measuring their speed without considering obstacles or weather. This metric provides a clearer view of the company's ongoing financial health.

operating profit financial

"Operating profit for the quarter was $507 million, while adjusted operating profit was $629 million"

Operating profit is the amount of money a company makes from its core business activities after subtracting the costs directly related to running those activities, such as wages and supplies. It shows how efficiently a company is generating profit from its main operations, serving as a key indicator for investors to assess its financial health and profitability before considering other expenses like taxes or interest.

diluted earnings per share financial

"Diluted earnings per share ("EPS") attributable to Kimberly-Clark were $1.50; adjusted earnings per share were $1.86"

Diluted earnings per share is a measure of a company's profit allocated to each share of stock, taking into account all possible shares that could be created through stock options, convertible bonds, or other securities. It shows the lowest possible earnings per share if all these potential shares were issued, helping investors understand the worst-case scenario for their ownership. This figure matters because it provides a more conservative view of a company's profitability per share.

discontinued operations financial

"exclude the International Family Care and Professional ("IFP") business, which is reported as discontinued operations."

Discontinued operations are parts of a company that it has decided to sell or shut down, and no longer plans to run in the future. This matters to investors because it helps them understand which parts of the business are ongoing and which are being phased out, providing a clearer picture of the company’s current performance and future prospects. Think of it like a store closing a department—it no longer contributes to sales or profits.

effective tax rate financial

"The effective tax rate was 23.9 percent compared to 13.4 percent in the prior year."

The effective tax rate is the percentage of a company's profits that it pays in taxes. It shows how much of its earnings go to taxes after all deductions and credits are considered. For investors, it indicates how much of the company's income is taken by taxes, impacting overall profitability and financial health.

basis points financial

"approximately 110 basis points, and $68 million, or approximately 170 basis points, respectively"

Basis points are a way to measure small changes in interest rates or percentages, where one basis point equals 0.01%. For example, if a loan's interest rate increases by 50 basis points, it's gone up by 0.50%. They help people understand tiny differences in rates that can add up over time, making financial comparisons clearer.

Form 10-K regulatory

"periods in the 2024 Form 10-K are being recast so IFP results appear as discontinued operations."

A Form 10-K is a comprehensive report that publicly traded companies are required to file annually with regulators. It provides a detailed overview of a company's financial health, operations, and risks, similar to a detailed health report. Investors use this information to assess the company's performance and make informed decisions about buying or selling its stock.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

2025 results show further momentum from Powering Care strategy, supporting further strategic transformation
2026 outlook reflects continued organic growth and operating momentum as transformation progresses

DALLAS, Jan. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Kimberly-Clark Corporation (Nasdaq: KMB) today reported fourth quarter and full year 2025 results that reflect the momentum of its innovation-driven, volume-plus-mix led growth model. These are supported by significant efficiencies that are enabling strong reinvestment in its brands and capabilities, and generating attractive returns to its shareholders.

"In 2025, we accelerated the largest transformation in Kimberly-Clark's more than 150-year history, delivering results that underscore the strength of our business and serve as a springboard for enhanced growth and continued outperformance in 2026," said Kimberly-Clark Chairman and CEO Mike Hsu. "We delivered pioneering innovation across the value spectrum, breakthrough creative storytelling that strengthened brand love, and superior execution that fueled our second consecutive year of broad-based, share gain-led volume-plus-mix growth. We've also maintained a relentless focus on cost discipline as we successfully pivot our portfolio to higher growth, higher margin personal care categories."

 "Acquiring Kenvue is a powerful next step in our transformation that will compound the momentum we're already delivering across Kimberly-Clark. Importantly, it will also enable us to raise the standard of care for billions of people around the world," Hsu continued. "We are making strong progress on our integration planning efforts and look forward to delivering on this unique opportunity to create generational value for Kimberly-Clark shareholders."

Quarter Highlights

• Unless otherwise noted, reported results in this release are based on continuing operations and exclude the International Family Care and Professional ("IFP") business, which is reported as discontinued operations.
• Delivered net sales of $4.1 billion, down 0.6 percent, with organic sales growth of 2.1 percent.
• Gross margin was 35.9 percent; adjusted gross margin was 37.0 percent, in line with the prior year.
• Operating profit for the quarter was $507 million, while adjusted operating profit was $629 million, up 13.1 percent versus the prior year driven by strong productivity gains and lower planned marketing, research and general expenses.
• Diluted earnings per share ("EPS") attributable to Kimberly-Clark were $1.50; adjusted earnings per share were $1.86, up 24.0 percent versus prior year driven primarily by strong operating profit delivery, aided by higher income from discontinued operations and lower adjusted effective tax rate.

Fourth Quarter 2025 Results

Net sales of $4.1 billion were down 0.6 percent, as organic sales growth of 2.1 percent was offset by a 2.5 percent decline primarily from the exit of the company's private label diaper business in the US. Organic sales growth was driven by volume-plus-mix growth of 3.0 percent, partially offset by price investments of 1.1 percent to enhance value propositions.

Gross margin was 35.9 percent compared to 35.2 percent in the prior year, inclusive of $44 million, or approximately 110 basis points, and $68 million, or approximately 170 basis points, respectively, of charges related to the 2024 Transformation Initiative. Excluding these charges, adjusted gross margin was 37.0 percent, in line with the prior year as strong productivity savings and volume growth were offset by unfavorable pricing net of cost inflation, reflecting planned investments to improve price:value tiers across the portfolio.

Operating profit was $507 million compared to $420 million in the prior year, inclusive of charges of $122 million and $136 million, respectively, for certain items that management does not believe reflect our underlying and ongoing operations. Excluding these items, adjusted operating profit was $629 million compared to $556 million, an increase of 13.1 percent driven by strong productivity savings and lower marketing, research and general expenses.

Net interest expense was $54 million, broadly in line with prior year.

The effective tax rate was 23.9 percent compared to 13.4 percent in the prior year. On an adjusted basis, the effective rate was 23.1 percent, compared to 26.8 percent in the prior year. The year-on-year benefit to the adjusted rate was driven primarily by a lower valuation allowance linked to improved business outlook in an enterprise market, and by the resolution of certain tax matters.

Net income of equity companies was $59 million compared to $44 million in the prior year, primarily driven by favorable currency impacts.

Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes was $119 million compared to $103 million in the prior year including an impact of pre-tax separation costs of $27 million in the current year. Adjusted income from discontinued operations was $142 million compared to $103 million in the prior year, an increase of 37.9 percent primarily driven by lower depreciation and amortization expense of approximately $30 million in the current year due to discontinued operations reporting requirements along with higher net sales.

Diluted EPS attributable to Kimberly-Clark were $1.50 compared to $1.34 the prior year. These amounts are inclusive of net charges of $0.36 and $0.16, respectively, for certain items that management does not believe reflect our underlying and ongoing operations. Excluding these items, adjusted EPS attributable to Kimberly-Clark increased 24.0 percent to $1.86 reflecting growth in adjusted operating profit, lower diluted shares outstanding and higher income from equity companies.

Full Year 2025 Results

Net sales of $16.4 billion were 2.1 percent lower than the prior year primarily due to a 2.9 percent negative impact from a combination of the PPE divestiture and the exit of the company's private label diaper business in the US, as well as a 0.9 percent negative impact from foreign currency translation. Organic sales grew 1.7 percent driven by a 2.5 percent increase in volume, partially offset by price investments of 0.9 percent, while portfolio mix was broadly in line with a year ago.

Gross margin was 36.0 percent compared to 37.4 percent in the prior year, inclusive of $213 million, or approximately 130 basis points, and $144 million, or approximately 85 basis points, respectively, of charges related to the 2024 Transformation Initiative. Excluding these charges, adjusted gross margin was 37.3 percent, a decrease of 100 basis points versus the prior year as strong productivity gains were more than offset by unfavorable pricing net of cost inflation, reflecting planned investments to improve price:value tiers across the portfolio, as well as incremental tariff-related costs.

Operating profit was $2.4 billion compared to $2.7 billion in the prior year, inclusive of net charges of $380 million and $27 million, respectively, for certain items that management does not believe reflect our underlying and ongoing operations. Excluding these items, adjusted operating profit was $2.7 billion, in line with the prior year as lower marketing, research and general expenses driven by efficiency gains were offset by the gross profit headwinds discussed above.

Net Interest expense was $232 million compared to $222 million in the prior year primarily driven by lower interest income.

The effective tax rate was 29.2 percent compared to 18.3 percent in the prior year. The increase was primarily due to incremental tax charges relating to a valuation allowance on current and prior year U.S. foreign tax credits due to provisions within the One Big Beautiful Bill Act ("OBBBA"), coupled with tax benefits recognized in the prior year for the release of an uncertain tax position reserve related to the impairment for certain Softex intangible assets. On an adjusted basis, the effective tax rate was 22.8 percent, in line with the prior year.

Net income of equity companies was $196 million compared to $216 million in the prior year driven primarily by unfavorable currency impacts.

Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes was $400 million compared to $386 million in the prior year including an impact of pre-tax separation costs of $77 million in the current year. Adjusted income from discontinued operations was $467 million compared to $386 million in the prior year, an increase of 21.0 percent driven by a step-up in operating results combined with a lower effective tax rate. Depreciation and amortization expense was approximately $70 million lower in the current year due to discontinued operations reporting requirements.

Diluted EPS attributable to Kimberly-Clark were $6.07 compared to $7.55 in the prior year. These amounts are inclusive of $1.46 of charges and $0.25 of net benefit, respectively, for certain items that management does not believe reflect our underlying and ongoing operations. Excluding these items, adjusted EPS attributable to Kimberly-Clark were $7.53 compared to $7.30, an increase of 3.2 percent driven primarily by lower weighted average shares outstanding and higher income from discontinued operations.

Business Segment Results

Q4 changes vs. year ago (%)		Volume		Mix/Other		Net Price		Divestitures and Business Exits(c)		Currency Translation		Total(a)		Organic(b)
Consolidated		2.7		0.3		(1.1)		(2.5)		(0.1)		(0.6)		2.1
NA		2.5		(0.7)		(1.0)		(3.7)		(0.1)		(3.0)		0.8
IPC		3.3		2.4		(1.2)		(0.1)		(0.2)		4.2		4.5
FY changes vs. year ago (%)		Volume		Mix/Other		Net Price		Divestitures and Business Exits(c)		Currency Translation		Total(a)		Organic(b)
Consolidated		2.5		0.1		(0.9)		(2.9)		(0.9)		(2.1)		1.7
NA		2.6		(0.5)		(0.4)		(3.9)		(0.2)		(2.4)		1.8
IPC		2.3		1.3		(2.0)		(0.2)		(2.3)		(0.9)		1.7

(a)	Total may not sum across due to rounding.
(b)	Represents the change in net sales excluding the impacts of currency translation and divestitures and business exits. Organic Sales Growth is a non-GAAP financial measure. See "Summary of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below for reconciliations of our GAAP to non-GAAP measures.
(c)	Impact of the sale of the PPE business, the exit of the Company's private label diaper business in the United States, and other exited businesses and markets in conjunction with the 2024 Transformation Initiative.

North America (NA)

Net sales of $2.6 billion decreased 3.0 percent in the quarter, driven by a 3.7 percent impact from the exit of the company's private label diaper business, partially offset by organic sales growth of 0.8 percent. Organic sales growth was driven by broad-based volume growth of 2.5 percent, which was partially offset by declines in price and mix. 

Net sales of $10.8 billion for the year were down 2.4 percent driven by a 3.9 percent impact from the exit of the company's private label diaper business, partially offset by organic sales growth of 1.8 percent. Organic sales growth was driven by volume growth of 2.6 percent, partially offset by declines in price and mix. Personal Care categories value market share were up 20 basis points for the year, with volume share up 90 basis points.

Operating profit for the quarter of $580 million increased 5.5 percent versus the prior year, despite a 290 basis point headwind from divestiture and business exits, reflecting strong productivity gains and lower marketing, research and general expenses. 

Operating profit for the year of $2.6 billion was in line with the prior year despite a 330 basis point headwind from divestiture and business exits. Results reflect organic growth led gains, strong productivity savings and lower marketing, research and general expenses, partially offset by unfavorable pricing net of cost inflation, including tariff impacts, and supply chain related investments.

International Personal Care (IPC)

Net sales in the quarter of $1.4 billion increased 4.2 driven by organic sales growth of 4.5 percent. Organic sales benefitted from strong volume led growth of 3.3 percent reflecting improvements in consumer value propositions across the portfolio, and enhanced portfolio mix of 2.4 percent, partially offset by price investment of 1.2 percent.

Net sales of $5.7 billion for the year decreased 0.9 percent as unfavorable currency impacts offset organic sales growth of 1.7 percent. Similar to the quarter, organic sales growth was driven by volume led growth and improved portfolio mix, partially offset by price investments. Strong volume led growth drove weighted share gains primarily in baby and child care.

Operating profit for the quarter of $199 million increased 20.6 percent driven by volume and mix led gains, strong productivity savings and lower marketing, research and general expenses, partially offset by pricing investments resulting in negative pricing net of cost inflation.

Operating profit for the year of $796 million decreased 3.6 percent primarily due to strong comparisons in the prior year period and incremental pricing investments, partially offset by strong productivity savings and lower marketing, research and general expenses.

Cash Flow and Balance Sheet

Cash provided by operations was $2.8 billion compared to $3.2 billion last year, while capital spending was $1.1 billion compared to $721 million last year. The company returned $1.8 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. The company completed share repurchases of 1.1 million shares at a cost of $141 million in 2025. Total debt was $7.2 billion as of December 31, 2025 compared to $7.4 billion at the end of 2024.

2026 Outlook

Consistent with the Company's long term growth algorithm, it currently expects 2026 Organic Sales Growth to grow in line to ahead of the weighted average growth in the categories and countries it competes, which for the latest year grew at approximately two percent. Reported Net Sales are forecast to reflect a negative impact of 50 basis points from the exit of the company's private label diaper business in the US with no meaningful impact from currency translation. Adjusted Operating Profit is expected to grow at a mid-to-high single-digit rate on a constant-currency basis. Adjusted Earnings Per Share from Continuing Operations are expected to grow Double-Digit on a constant-currency basis driven by approximately 30 percent increase in Income from Equity Companies versus 2025, expectations of flat net interest expense, an adjusted effective tax rate of approximately 23 percent, and average shares outstanding essentially unchanged versus 2025. Adjusted Earnings Per Share attributable to Kimberly-Clark are expected to be flat on a constant-currency basis reflecting a reduction in Income from Discontinued Operations in line with the expected close of the IFP transaction in mid-2026, the proceeds from which will be held to fund, in part, the Kenvue acquisition. Earnings Per Share are expected to be favorably impacted by currency translation of approximately 130 basis points.

Supplemental Materials and Live Webcast

Supplemental materials will be available at approximately 6:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time in the Investor Relations section of the Kimberly-Clark website. The company will host a live Q&A session with investors and analysts on January 27, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. The supplemental materials and Kimberly-Clark's Q&A session can be accessed at the Investor Relations section of the Kimberly-Clark website. A replay of the webcast will be available following the event through the same website.

About Kimberly-Clark

Kimberly-Clark (NASDAQ: KMB) and its trusted brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries and territories. Our portfolio of brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Cottonelle, Poise, Depend, Andrex, Pull-Ups, Goodnites, Intimus, Plenitud, Sweety, Softex, Viva and WypAll, hold No. 1 or No. 2 share positions in approximately 70 countries. Our company's purpose is to deliver Better Care for a Better World. We are committed to using sustainable practices designed to support a healthy planet, build strong communities, and enable our business to thrive for decades to come. To keep up with the latest news and learn more about the company's more than 150-year history of innovation, visit the Kimberly-Clark website.

Copies of Kimberly-Clark's Annual Report to Stockholders and its proxy statements and other SEC filings, including Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, are made available free of charge on the company's website on the same day they are filed with the SEC. To view these filings, visit the Investors section of the company's website.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain matters contained in this press release concerning our plans and expectations regarding the pending mergers with Kenvue and the pending International Family Care and Professional ("IFP") joint venture transaction with Suzano ("IFP Transaction"), the business outlook, including raw material, energy and other input costs, the anticipated charges and savings from the 2024 Transformation Initiative, cash flow and uses of cash, growth initiatives, innovations, marketing and other spending, net sales, anticipated currency rates and exchange risks, including the impact in Argentina and Türkiye, effective tax rate, contingencies and anticipated transactions of Kimberly-Clark, including dividends, share repurchases and pension contributions, constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are based upon management's expectations and beliefs concerning future events impacting Kimberly-Clark. There can be no assurance that these future events will occur as anticipated or that our results will be as estimated. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update them.

The assumptions used as a basis for the forward-looking statements include many estimates that, among other things, depend on the successful completion of the mergers with Kenvue and the achievement of future cost savings and projected volume increases. In addition, many factors outside our control, including risks and uncertainties around the pending mergers with Kenvue (including the risk that the anticipated benefits and synergies of the mergers may not be realized when expected or at all, the terms and scope of the expected financing in connection with the mergers may prove to be less favorable than currently expected, that the mergers may not be completed in a timely matter or at all and the risk of litigation related to the mergers), the pending IFP Transaction (including risks related to delays or failure to complete the proposed transaction, the incurrence of significant transaction and separation costs, adverse market reactions, regulatory or legal challenges, and operational disruptions), risks that we are not able to realize the anticipated benefits of the 2024 Transformation Initiative (including risks related to disruptions to our business or operations or related to any delays in implementation), war in Ukraine (including the related responses of consumers, customers, and suppliers and sanctions issued by the U.S., the European Union, Russia or other countries), government trade or similar regulatory actions (including current and potential trade and tariff actions affecting the countries where we operate and the resulting negative impacts on our supply chain, commodity costs, and consumer spending), pandemics, epidemics, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, the prices and availability of our raw materials, supply chain disruptions, disruptions in the capital and credit markets, counterparty defaults (including customers, suppliers and financial institutions with which we do business), failure to realize the expected benefits or synergies from our acquisition and disposition activity, impairment of goodwill and intangible assets and our projections of operating results and other factors that may affect our impairment testing, changes in customer preferences, severe weather conditions, regional instabilities and hostilities, potential competitive pressures on selling prices for our products, energy costs, general economic and political conditions globally and in the markets in which we do business, as well as our ability to maintain key customer relationships, could affect the realization of these estimates.

The factors described under Item 1A, "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, or in our other SEC filings, among others, could cause our future results to differ from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf. Other factors not presently known to us or that we presently consider immaterial could also affect our business operations and financial results.

KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Millions, except per share amounts) (Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended December 31
	2025		2024		Change
Net Sales	$    4,080		$    4,104		(0.6) %
Cost of products sold	2,615		2,659		(1.7) %
Gross Profit	1,465		1,445		1.4 %
Marketing, research and general expenses	955		1,006		(5.1) %
Other (income) and expense, net	3		19		(84.2) %
Operating Profit	507		420		20.7 %
Nonoperating expense	(17)		(15)		13.3 %
Interest income	6		11		(45.5) %
Interest expense	(60)		(64)		(6.3) %
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Equity Interests	436		352		23.9 %
Provision for income taxes	(104)		(47)		121.3 %
Income from Continuing Operations Before Equity Interests	332		305		8.9 %
Share of net income of equity companies	59		44		34.1 %
Income from Continuing Operations	391		349		12.0 %
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Income Taxes	119		103		15.5 %
Net Income	510		452		12.8 %
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(11)		(5)		120.0 %
Net Income Attributable to Kimberly-Clark Corporation	$       499		$       447		11.6 %
Per Share Basis
Net Income Attributable to Kimberly-Clark Corporation
Basic:
Continuing operations	$      1.14		$      1.03		10.7 %
Discontinued operations	0.36		0.31		16.1 %
Basic Earnings per Share	$      1.50		$      1.34		11.9 %
Diluted:
Continuing operations	$      1.14		$      1.03		10.7 %
Discontinued operations	0.36		0.31		16.1 %
Diluted Earnings per Share	$      1.50		$      1.34		11.9 %
Cash Dividends Declared	$      1.26		$      1.22		3.3 %
Common Shares Outstanding	December 31
	2025		2024
Outstanding shares as of	331.9		331.8
Average diluted shares for three months ended	333.1		334.4

KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Millions, except per share amounts) (Unaudited)
	Twelve Months Ended December 31
	2025		2024		Change
Net Sales	$  16,447		$  16,805		(2.1) %
Cost of products sold	10,524		10,516		0.1 %
Gross Profit	5,923		6,289		(5.8) %
Marketing, research and general expenses	3,528		3,930		(10.2) %
Impairment of intangible assets	—		97		N.M.
Other (income) and expense, net	44		(438)		N.M.
Operating Profit	2,351		2,700		(12.9) %
Nonoperating expense	(67)		(60)		11.7 %
Interest income	24		48		(50.0) %
Interest expense	(256)		(270)		(5.2) %
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Equity Interests	2,052		2,418		(15.1) %
Provision for income taxes	(599)		(442)		35.5 %
Income from Continuing Operations Before Equity Interests	1,453		1,976		(26.5) %
Share of net income of equity companies	196		216		(9.3) %
Income from Continuing Operations	1,649		2,192		(24.8) %
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Income Taxes	400		386		3.6 %
Net Income	2,049		2,578		(20.5) %
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(28)		(33)		(15.2) %
Net Income Attributable to Kimberly-Clark Corporation	$    2,021		$    2,545		(20.6) %
Per Share Basis
Net Income Attributable to Kimberly-Clark Corporation
Basic:
Continuing operations	$      4.88		$      6.43		(24.1) %
Discontinued operations	1.21		1.15		5.2 %
Basic Earnings per Share	$      6.09		$      7.58		(19.7) %
Diluted:
Continuing operations	$      4.86		$      6.41		(24.2) %
Discontinued operations	1.21		1.14		6.1 %
Diluted Earnings per Share	$      6.07		$      7.55		(19.6) %
Cash Dividends Declared	$      5.04		$      4.88		3.3 %
Common Shares Outstanding	December 31
	2025		2024
Average diluted shares for twelve months ended	333.2		337.0
N.M. - Not Meaningful

KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Millions) (Unaudited)
	December 31
	2025		2024
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$              688		$           1,010
Accounts receivable, net	1,892		1,728
Inventories	1,475		1,452
Other current assets	535		694
Current assets of discontinued operations	720		696
Total Current Assets	5,310		5,580
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	6,775		6,284
Investments in Equity Companies	330		314
Goodwill	1,839		1,796
Other Intangible Assets, Net	77		80
Other Assets	1,062		984
Non-current Assets of Discontinued Operations	1,705		1,508
TOTAL ASSETS	$         17,098		$         16,546
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Debt payable within one year	$              694		$              564
Trade accounts payable	3,388		3,264
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	1,888		2,091
Dividends payable	415		402
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	740		683
Total Current Liabilities	7,125		7,004
Long-Term Debt	6,474		6,854
Non-current Employee Benefits	605		628
Deferred Income Taxes	445		300
Other Liabilities	646		609
Non-current Liabilities of Discontinued Operations	151		139
Redeemable Preferred Securities of Subsidiaries	22		37
Stockholders' Equity
Kimberly-Clark Corporation	1,502		840
Noncontrolling Interests	128		135
Total Stockholders' Equity	1,630		975
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	$         17,098		$         16,546

KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Millions) (Unaudited)
		Twelve Months Ended December 31
		2025		2024
Operating Activities
Net income		$           2,049		$           2,578
Depreciation and amortization		805		781
Asset impairments		18		114
Stock-based compensation		140		131
Deferred income taxes		241		(38)
Net (gains) losses on asset and business dispositions		39		(448)
Equity companies' earnings (in excess of) less than dividends paid		(35)		(62)
Operating working capital		(503)		178
Postretirement benefits		15		3
Other		8		(3)
Cash Provided by Operations		2,777		3,234
Investing Activities
Capital spending		(1,138)		(721)
Proceeds from asset and business dispositions		33		651
Investments in time deposits		(447)		(605)
Maturities of time deposits		552		562
Other		49		13
Cash Used for Investing		(951)		(100)
Financing Activities
Cash dividends paid		(1,660)		(1,628)
Change in short-term debt		275		1
Debt repayments		(550)		(554)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		40		136
Repurchases of common stock		(141)		(1,000)
Cash dividends paid to noncontrolling interests		(32)		(35)
Other		(111)		(86)
Cash Used for Financing		(2,179)		(3,166)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents		33		(40)
Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents		(320)		(72)
Cash and cash equivalents from continuing operations - beginning of period		1,010		1,075
Cash and cash equivalents from discontinued operations - beginning of period(a)		11		18
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Beginning of Period		1,021		1,093
Cash and cash equivalents from continuing operations - end of period		688		1,010
Cash and cash equivalents from discontinued operations - end of period(a)		13		11
Cash and Cash Equivalents - End of Period		$              701		$           1,021
(a)        Included in Current assets of discontinued operations.

KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION BUSINESS SEGMENT RESULTS (Millions) (Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended December 31						Twelve Months Ended December 31
		2025		2024		Change		2025		2024		Change
Net Sales
NA		$   2,641		$   2,723		(3.0) %		$ 10,753		$ 11,017		(2.4) %
IPC		1,439		1,381		4.2 %		5,694		5,743		(0.9) %
Segment Net Sales(a)		4,080		4,104		(0.6) %		16,447		16,760		(1.9) %
Corporate & Other(b)		—		—		N.M.		—		45		N.M.
Total Net Sales		$   4,080		$   4,104		(0.6) %		$ 16,447		$ 16,805		(2.1) %
Operating Profit
NA		$      580		$      550		5.5 %		$   2,553		$   2,542		0.4 %
IPC		199		165		20.6 %		796		826		(3.6) %
Segment Operating Profit(a)		779		715		9.0 %		3,349		3,368		(0.6) %
Corporate & Other(b)		(272)		(295)		(7.8) %		(998)		(668)		49.4 %
Total Operating Profit		$      507		$      420		20.7 %		$   2,351		$   2,700		(12.9) %

(a)	Segment Net Sales and Segment Operating Profit are non-GAAP financial measures as they exclude certain results included within Corporate & Other, as discussed below. Refer to "Summary of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below for further discussion of how we utilize non-GAAP financial measures. As shown above, we have included a reconciliation to Total Net Sales and Total Operating Profit, as determined in accordance with GAAP.
(b)	Corporate & Other includes income and expense not associated with the ongoing operations of the segments, including certain operations of the former IFP segment that were divested prior to the IFP Transaction and costs previously allocated to the former IFP segment that aren't reported as discontinued operations.
N.M. - Not Meaningful

SUMMARY OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
The following provides the reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures provided in this press release to the most closely related GAAP measure. These measures include: Organic Sales Growth, Adjusted Gross Profit, Adjusted Operating Profit, Adjusted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations, Adjusted Earnings per Share Attributable to Kimberly-Clark, Adjusted Effective Tax Rate, and Adjusted Income from Discontinued Operations. Unless specifically stated, all discussions regarding non-GAAP financial measures reflect results from our continuing operations for all periods presented. 

• Organic Sales Growth is defined as the change in Net Sales, as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, excluding the impacts of currency translation and divestitures and business exits.
• Adjusted Gross and Operating Profit, Adjusted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations, Adjusted Earnings per Share Attributable to Kimberly-Clark, Adjusted Effective Tax Rate, and Adjusted Income from Discontinued Operations are defined as Gross Profit, Operating Profit, Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations, Diluted Earnings per Share Attributable to Kimberly-Clark, Effective Tax Rate, and Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Income Taxes, respectively, as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, excluding the impacts of certain items that management believes do not reflect our underlying operations, and which are discussed in further detail below.

The income tax effect of these non-GAAP items on the Company's Adjusted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations is calculated based upon the tax laws and statutory income tax rates applicable in the tax jurisdiction(s) of the underlying non-GAAP adjustment. The impact of these non-GAAP items on the Company's effective tax rate represents the difference in the effective tax rate calculated with and without the non-GAAP adjustment on Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Equity Interests and Provision for income taxes.

We use these non-GAAP financial measures to assist in comparing our performance on a consistent basis for purposes of business decision making by removing the impact of certain items that we do not believe reflect our underlying and ongoing operations. We believe that presenting these non-GAAP financial measures is useful to investors because it (i) provides investors with meaningful supplemental information regarding financial performance by excluding certain items, (ii) permits investors to view performance using the same tools that management uses to budget, make operating and strategic decisions, and evaluate historical performance, and (iii) otherwise provides supplemental information that may be useful to investors in evaluating our results. We believe that the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures, when considered together with the corresponding U.S. GAAP financial measures and the reconciliation to those measures, provides investors with additional understanding of the factors and trends affecting our business than could be obtained absent these disclosures.

These non-GAAP financial measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the comparable GAAP measures, and they should be read only in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. There are limitations to these non-GAAP financial measures because they are not prepared in accordance with GAAP and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies due to potential differences in methods of calculation and items being excluded. We compensate for these limitations by using these non-GAAP financial measures as a supplement to the GAAP measures and by providing reconciliations of the non-GAAP and comparable GAAP financial measures. Certain non-GAAP financial measures referenced in this press release are presented on a forward-looking basis. Kimberly-Clark does not provide a reconciliation of these forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures on a forward-looking basis because it is unable to predict certain adjustment items without unreasonable effort. Please note that these items could be material to Kimberly-Clark's results calculated in accordance with GAAP.

The non-GAAP financial measures exclude the following items for the relevant time periods:

• 2024 Transformation Initiative - We initiated this transformation to create a more agile and focused operating structure that will accelerate our proprietary pipeline of innovation in right-to-win spaces and improve our growth trajectory, profitability, and returns on investment.
• Kenvue Acquisition - Acquisition-related costs incurred in connection with the pending Kenvue Acquisition, primarily related to external advisory, legal, accounting, and other related costs.
• U.S. Tax Reform Related Matters (OBBBA) - In 2025, we recognized a valuation allowance on prior year U.S. foreign tax credits as a result of provisions within the OBBBA that impact our ability to use the credits.
• IFP Repatriated Earnings – In connection with the IFP Transaction, we recognized a deferred tax liability for certain permanently reinvested earnings from the IFP Business that are expected to be repatriated prior to the close of the transaction.
• IFP Separation Costs - In 2025, costs were incurred in connection with the IFP Transaction related to external advisory, legal, accounting, contractor and other incremental costs, and are reported in discontinued operations.
• IFP Tax Basis Adjustment - In 2025, in connection with the IFP Transaction, we recognized a deferred tax liability on the difference between our book and tax basis for certain of our investments in subsidiaries reported as discontinued operations.
• Sale of PPE Business - In 2024, we recognized a gain related to the sale of our PPE business.
• Impairment of Intangible Assets - In 2024, we recognized charges related to the impairment of certain intangible assets related to Softex and Thinx.
• Legal Expense - In 2024, we incurred certain costs related to litigation and regulatory matters for a previously exited business.
• Softex Tax Reserve Release - In 2024 we released a reserve for an uncertain tax position related to the prior year impairment of certain Softex intangible assets.

The following tables provide a reconciliation of Organic Sales Growth from continuing operations:

	Three Months Ended December 31, 2025
	Percent change vs. the prior year period
	NA		IPC		Total
Net Sales Growth	(3.0)		4.2		(0.6)
Currency Translation	0.1		0.2		0.1
Divestitures and Business Exits	3.7		0.1		2.6
Organic Sales Growth(a)	0.8		4.5		2.1

	Year Ended December 31, 2025
	Percent change vs. the prior year period
	NA		IPC		Total
Net Sales Growth	(2.4)		(0.9)		(2.1)
Currency Translation	0.2		2.3		0.9
Divestitures and Business Exits	4.0		0.3		2.9
Organic Sales Growth(a)	1.8		1.7		1.7

(a)	Table may not foot due to rounding.

The following table provides a reconciliation of Adjusted Gross Profit from continuing operations:

	Three Months Ended December 31				Year Ended December 31
	2025		2024		2025		2024
Gross Profit	$          1,465		$          1,445		$          5,923		$          6,289
2024 Transformation Initiative	44		68		213		144
Adjusted Gross Profit	$          1,509		$          1,513		$          6,136		$          6,433

The following table provides a reconciliation of Adjusted Operating Profit from continuing operations:

	Three Months Ended December 31				Year Ended December 31
	2025		2024		2025		2024
Operating Profit	$             507		$             420		$          2,351		$          2,700
2024 Transformation Initiative	90		97		348		456
Kenvue Acquisition	32		—		32		—
Sale of PPE Business	—		—		—		(565)
Impairment of Intangible Assets	—		—		—		97
Legal Expense	—		39		—		39
Adjusted Operating Profit	$             629		$             556		$          2,731		$          2,727

The following table provides a reconciliation of Adjusted Earnings per Share from continuing operations:

	Three Months Ended December 31				Year Ended December 31
	2025		2024		2025		2024
Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations	$            1.14		$            1.03		$            4.86		$            6.41
2024 Transformation Initiative	0.22		0.25		0.86		1.01
Kenvue Acquisition	0.07		—		0.07		—
OBBBA	—		—		0.29		—
IFP Repatriated Earnings	—		—		0.04		—
Sale of PPE Business	—		—		—		(1.34)
Impairment of Intangible Assets	—		—		—		0.17
Legal Expense	—		0.11		—		0.11
Softex Tax Reserve Release	—		(0.20)		—		(0.20)
Adjusted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations(a)	$            1.43		$            1.19		$            6.12		$            6.16

(a)	The non-GAAP adjustments included above are presented net of tax. The income tax effect of these non-GAAP items is calculated based upon the tax laws and statutory income tax rates applicable in the tax jurisdiction(s) of the underlying non-GAAP adjustment. Refer to the Adjusted Effective Tax Rate reconciliation below for the tax effect of these adjustments on the Company's reported Provision for income taxes.

The following table provides a reconciliation of Adjusted Earnings per Share Attributable to Kimberly-Clark:

	Three Months Ended December 31				Year Ended December 31
	2025		2024		2025		2024
Diluted Earnings per Share Attributable to Kimberly-Clark	$            1.50		$            1.34		$            6.07		$            7.55
2024 Transformation Initiative	0.22		0.25		0.86		1.01
Kenvue Acquisition	0.07		—		0.07		—
OBBBA	—		—		0.29		—
IFP Separation Costs	0.07		—		0.18		—
IFP Repatriated Earnings	—		—		0.04		—
IFP Tax Basis Adjustment	—		—		0.02		—
Sale of PPE Business	—		—		—		(1.34)
Impairment of Intangible Assets	—		—		—		0.17
Legal Expense	—		0.11		—		0.11
Softex Tax Reserve Release	—		(0.20)		—		(0.20)
Adjusted Earnings per Share Attributable to Kimberly-Clark	$            1.86		$            1.50		$            7.53		$            7.30

The following tables provide a reconciliation of the continuing operations Adjusted Effective Tax Rate:

	Three Months Ended December 31
	2025				2024
	Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Equity Interests		Provision for Income Taxes		Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Equity Interests		Provision for Income Taxes
As Reported	$             436		$        (104)		$             352		$          (47)
2024 Transformation Initiative	90		(17)		98		(16)
Kenvue Acquisition	32		(8)		—		—
Legal Expense	—		—		39		(1)
Softex Tax Reserve Release	—		—		—		(67)
As Adjusted	$             558		$        (129)		$             489		$        (131)
Effective Tax Rate
As Reported			23.9 %				13.4 %
As Adjusted			23.1 %				26.8 %

	Year Ended December 31
	2025				2024
	Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Equity Interests		Provision for Income Taxes		Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Equity Interests		Provision for Income Taxes
As Reported	$          2,052		$        (599)		$          2,418		$        (442)
2024 Transformation Initiative	351		(56)		457		(118)
Kenvue Acquisition	32		(8)		—		—
OBBBA	—		96		—		—
IFP Repatriated Earnings	—		13		—		—
Sale of PPE Business	—		—		(565)		112
Impairment of Intangible Assets	—		—		97		(40)
Legal Expense	—		—		39		(1)
Softex Tax Reserve Release	—		—		—		(67)
As Adjusted	$          2,435		$        (554)		$          2,446		$        (556)
Effective Tax Rate
As Reported			29.2 %				18.3 %
As Adjusted			22.8 %				22.7 %

The following table provides a reconciliation of Adjusted Income from Discontinued Operations:

	Three Months Ended December 31				Year Ended December 31
	2025		2024		2025		2024
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Income Taxes	$             119		$             103		$             400		$             386
IFP Separation Costs	27		—		77		—
Tax Effect(a)	(4)		—		(10)		—
Adjusted Income from Discontinued Operations	$             142		$             103		$             467		$             386

(a)	The income tax effect of this non-GAAP item is calculated based upon the tax laws and statutory income tax rates applicable in the tax jurisdiction(s) of the non-GAAP adjustment, and is inclusive of the IFP Tax Basis Adjustment (as defined above).

 

[KMB-F]

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/648588/Kimberly_Clark_v1_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kimberly-clark-reports-strong-finish-to-second-year-of-transformation-302670526.html

SOURCE Kimberly-Clark Corporation

FAQ

What drove Kimberly‑Clark (KMB) Q4 2025 adjusted EPS of $1.86?

Adjusted EPS rose 24.0% driven by higher adjusted operating profit, lower adjusted tax rate, and higher income from discontinued operations.

How did Kimberly‑Clark's organic sales perform in 2025 and Q4 2025 (KMB)?

Organic sales were +1.7% for full‑year 2025 and +2.1% in Q4 2025, led by volume‑plus‑mix growth.

What is the financial impact of exiting the private‑label diaper business on KMB 2025 results?

The exit reduced reported sales by about 2.5% in Q4 2025 and about 2.9% for full‑year 2025.

What does Kimberly‑Clark forecast for 2026 organic growth and adjusted operating profit (KMB)?

The company expects 2026 organic sales growth in line-to-ahead of ~2% category growth and mid-to-high single‑digit adjusted operating profit growth on a constant‑currency basis.

How much cash did Kimberly‑Clark return to shareholders in 2025 (KMB)?

Kimberly‑Clark returned $1.8 billion to shareholders in 2025 through dividends and share repurchases.

How did Kimberly‑Clark's cash flow and capital spending change in 2025 (KMB)?

Cash provided by operations fell to $2.8B from $3.2B, while capital spending increased to $1.1B from $721M in 2024.