Kleenex Maker Kimberly-Clark Hikes Dividend, Projects Double-Digit Profit Growth

Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NASDAQ:KMB) delivered a stronger-than-expected quarter on Tuesday, underscored by solid execution and expanding profit momentum, even as sales faced pressure from portfolio changes in the U.S. diaper business.

Management highlighted margin opportunities, particularly internationally, while expressing confidence in the company’s progress across global markets.

Kimberly-Clark is a global manufacturer of personal care and hygiene products, with a portfolio anchored by leading brands such as Huggies, Kleenex, Kotex, Depend, Scott, Cottonelle, Poise, and Viva.

Quarterly Metrics

The leading manufacturer in the tissue and hygiene sector reported fourth-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $1.86, beating the analyst consensus estimate of $1.81.

Quarterly sales of $4.08 billion missed the Street view of $4.09 billion. Revenues were down by 0.6%, with organic sales growth of 2.1%.

Gross margin was 35.9%, while adjusted gross margin was 37%, in line with the prior year. In the quarterly conference ...