-- CFRA, an independent research provider, has providedwith the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:
Kimberly-Clark delivered Q1 2026 net sales of $4.2B (+2.7% Y/Y), above the $4.1B consensus, with organic growth of 2.5% driven by volume-plus-mix gains of 3.0%. Adjusted EPS from continuing operations of $1.60 declined 1.2% Y/Y, but total adjusted EPS of $1.97 beat the $1.95 consensus estimate. The company continued executing its Powering Care transformation strategy while preparing for the Kenvue acquisition, with adjusted operating profit of $732M exceeding the $679M consensus. Segment performance showed contrasting dynamics, with International Personal Care surging 9.1% to $1.5B while North America declined 0.6% to $2.7B due to the private label diaper business exit. The adjusted effective tax rate increased significantly to 26.2% from 20.7% in the prior year, reflecting discrete unfavorable factors and U.S. tax law changes. We believe the volume-led growth strategy is gaining traction with broad-based gains, though profitability faces pressure from strategic pricing investments and higher tax rates.