KIMBERLY CLARK CORP (KMB)

Kimberly-Clark Corporation, founded in 1872 and incorporated in Delaware in 1928, is a global consumer products company that manufactures and markets essential products made from natural and synthetic fibers using advanced fiber, nonwoven, and absorbency technologies, serving people in more than 175 countries under trusted brands such as Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Cottonelle, Poise, Depend, Andrex, Pull-Ups, GoodNites, Intimus, Plenitud, Sweety, Softex, Viva and WypAll, which hold No. 1 or No. 2 market share positions in approximately 70 countries across five categories: Baby & Child Care, Adult Care, Feminine Care, Family Care, and Professional. Following the reclassification of its former International Family Care and Professional (IFP) segment as discontinued operations due to a pending joint venture with Suzano S.A. (expected to close mid-2026, with Suzano acquiring 51% for approximately $1.7 billion), the company's continuing operations are now organized into two reportable segments: North America (NA) and International Personal Care (IPC). In a major pending transaction, Kimberly-Clark entered into a Merger Agreement on November 2, 2025 to acquire Kenvue, Inc., a global consumer health company, for stock and cash consideration valued at approximately 280 million Kimberly-Clark shares plus about $6.7 billion in cash, with the cash portion to be funded through cash on hand, new debt, and proceeds from the IFP transaction.

The company also launched a 2024 Transformation Initiative and "Powering Care" business strategy focused on pioneering innovation, margin optimization, and organizational agility. Kimberly-Clark's products are distributed through supermarkets, mass merchandisers, drugstores, warehouse clubs, distributors, and e-commerce, with Walmart Inc. representing approximately 16% of net sales from continuing operations in 2025. Recent acquisition and divestiture activity includes the 2024 sale of its personal protective equipment business, the 2023 acquisition of the remaining shares of Thinx Inc., and the 2023 sale of its Neve tissue brand in Brazil.

The company relies on cellulose fiber (kraft and fluff pulp), polypropylene, and superabsorbent materials as primary raw materials, considers its patents and trademarks material to its business, and faces competition from several major, often larger and more diversified, rivals based on brand recognition, innovation, quality, price, and distribution. Kimberly-Clark maintains a sustainability strategy built around Better Products, Better Planet, Better Workplace, and Better Society pillars, targeting reductions in fossil fuel-based plastics, natural forest fiber use, and greenhouse gas emissions, with environmental compliance operating expenses projected at approximately $150 million in 2026 and $140 million in 2027. The company is subject to extensive global regulations covering product safety, environmental protection, data privacy, anti-corruption, and antitrust matters.

As of December 31, 2025, Kimberly-Clark employed approximately 36,000 people across roughly 55 countries outside North America plus North America itself, with about 35% based in North America and 50% involved in manufacturing and distribution, supported by human capital programs emphasizing health and safety, employee development, engagement, belonging and inclusion, and competitive compensation and benefits.