Kimberly-Clark Q1 sales rise 2.7% to $4.16B, EPS up 2.1%
Kimberly-Clark reported first-quarter net sales of $4.16 billion, a 2.7% increase driven by 3.0% volume-plus-mix growth and held organic sales up 2.5% despite 0.5% pricing reductions. Adjusted EPS rose 2.1% to $1.97, as the company reaffirmed its full-year outlook while bracing for up to $170 million in crude-oil cost pressure.
1. First-Quarter Financial Results
Kimberly-Clark achieved net sales of $4.16 billion in Q1, up 2.7% year-over-year. Organic sales grew 2.5% as volume-plus-mix gains of 3.0% offset a 0.5% pricing reduction, while adjusted EPS rose 2.1% to $1.97 from $1.93.
2. Segment Performance
North America net sales fell 0.6% to $2.65 billion, reflecting a 2.7% decline from exiting the private-label diaper business but underlying organic growth of 1.8%. International Personal Care sales climbed 9.1% to $1.51 billion, driven by 4.0% organic growth and volume-led gains.
3. Outlook and Cost Pressures
The company reaffirmed its full-year targets for organic sales growth around 2.5% and mid-to-high single-digit operating profit expansion in constant currency. Management warned of $150–170 million in additional raw-material costs if crude stays near $100 a barrel, plus a $50 million Q2 impact from a California distribution-center fire.
4. Strategic Transactions
Kimberly-Clark expects to close its acquisition of Kenvue in H2 2026 and complete the sale of its International Family Care and Professional business by mid-2026. Proceeds from divestitures will help fund the Kenvue transaction and support ongoing transformation initiatives.