Kimberly-Clark Set for Q1 Earnings Release Amid Mixed Analyst Sentiment

With a market capitalization of $45.7 billion, Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB) is a prominent manufacturer and marketer of personal care products in the United States. Established in 1872 and based in Dallas, Texas, Kimberly-Clark operates through three primary segments: North America, International Personal Care, and International Family Care and Professional. The company is scheduled to announce its fiscal Q1 earnings on Tuesday, April 22.

Q1 Earnings Expectations

Ahead of the earnings announcement, analysts forecast that KMB will report a profit of $1.89 per share on a diluted basis. This figure represents a decline of 6% compared to the year-ago value of $2.01. Notably, Kimberly-Clark has either surpassed or matched consensus estimates in each of the last four quarters. In the previous quarter, it reported an EPS of $1.50, aligning with market expectations.

Future Earnings Projections

For the current fiscal year, analysts predict that KMB will report an EPS of $7.50, marking an increase of 2.7% from the $7.30 reported in fiscal 2024. Looking ahead, expectations indicate a 5.1% annual rise in EPS, forecasted to reach $7.88 by fiscal 2026.

Stock Performance Overview

Over the past year, KMB shares have increased by 9%, outperforming the S&P 500 Index’s drop of 1.4% and the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund’s (XLP) gain of 5.7% during the same period.

Market Sentiment and Analyst Ratings

Kimberly-Clark has demonstrated its resilience as a key player in the consumer staples sector, with a rise of over 1% on March 3, despite broader market declines linked to global trade tensions. This stock’s strength underscores the defensive qualities of consumer staples, which typically perform well in uncertain economic environments due to the steady demand for essential products.

Despite this, some analysts express caution regarding KMB’s outlook, issuing an overall “Hold” rating. Among 19 analysts covering the stock, five assign a “Strong Buy,” one recommends a “Moderate Buy,” 11 analysts advocate a “Hold,” and two suggest a “Strong Sell.” The average price target for KMB stands at $143.67, indicating a potential upside of 6.4% based on current price levels.

On the date of publication, Kritika Sarmah did not hold (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. This information is provided solely for informational purposes. For further details, please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.

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