Kimberly-Clark reported adjusted fourth-quarter earnings per share of $1.86, surpassing analyst projections of $1.39. Organic sales grew 2.1%, driven by 3.0% volume and mix expansion, partially offset by 1.1% in pricing investments. Total revenue for the quarter was $4.08 billion, slightly below the consensus estimate of $4.091 billion, reflecting the company’s strategic exit from its U.S. private-label diaper business, which weighed on North America sales by 3.7%.

Adjusted operating profit increased 13.1% to $629 million, as a result of disciplined cost controls, enhanced manufacturing efficiencies and lower planned marketing, research and overhead spending. The International Personal Care segment delivered 4.5% organic sales growth, while North America achieved 0.8% organic growth after accounting for portfolio changes. These productivity gains contributed significantly to the company’s margin expansion for the quarter.

The board approved a quarterly dividend increase to $1.28 per share, marking 54 consecutive years of dividend growth and underscoring the company’s commitment to returning cash to shareholders. Guidance for 2026 forecasts organic sales growth in line with or slightly above category averages of about 2%, adjusted operating profit growth in the mid-to-high single digits on a constant-currency basis, and double-digit growth in adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations. Additionally, Kimberly-Clark plans to pursue the acquisition of Kenvue to strengthen its position in the global health and wellness market.