.jpg)
Kimberly-Clark Corporation (Nasdaq: KMB) reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2025, posting improvements in volume, operational efficiency and profitability in line with its innovation-driven growth model.
During the fourth quarter, the company recorded net sales of US$4.1 billion, with organic sales growth of 2.1%, mainly driven by a 3.0% increase in volume and product mix. Gross margin reached 35.9%, while adjusted gross margin stood at 37.0%, in line with the prior-year period.
Adjusted operating profit for the quarter totaled US$629 million, representing a 13.1% year-over-year increase, supported by productivity savings and lower marketing, R&D and administrative expenses. Adjusted earnings per share rose to US$1.86, up 24% compared with the fourth quarter of 2024.
For full-year 2025, Kimberly-Clark reported net sales of US$16.4 billion. Despite the impact of divestments and foreign exchange, organic sales increased 1.7%, driven by a 2.5% rise in volume. Adjusted operating profit reached US$2.7 billion, while adjusted earnings per share totaled US$7.53, up 3.2% year over year.
In North America, annual sales reached US$10.8 billion, supported by organic growth of 1.8% and a 2.6% increase in volume. Personal Care value market share improved by 20 basis points, while volume share rose by 90 basis points during the year.
International Personal Care posted quarterly sales of US$1.4 billion, with organic growth of 4.5%, driven by higher volumes and improved portfolio mix, particularly in infant care.
The company generated US$2.8 billion in operating cash flow during 2025 and returned US$1.8 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. Total debt ended the year at US$7.2 billion.
Looking ahead to 2026, Kimberly-Clark expects organic sales growth to be in line with or above category averages, estimated at approximately 2%. The company also forecasts double-digit growth in adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations, supported by higher equity income, stable net interest expense and an adjusted effective tax rate of approximately 23%.
Kimberly-Clark continues to advance its strategic transformation, including the acquisition of Kenvue and a portfolio shift toward higher-growth, higher-margin personal care categories.
