Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB), headquartered in Dallas, Texas, manufactures and markets a range of personal care products. Valued at $44.3 billion by market cap, the company’s products include diapers, tissues, paper towels, incontinence care products, surgical gowns, and disposable face masks.
Shares of this global consumer products giant have underperformed the broader market over the past year. KMB has declined 2.6% over this time frame, while the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has rallied nearly 19%. In 2025, KMB stock is up 2.9%, compared to the SPX’s 10% rise on a YTD basis.
Narrowing the focus, KMB’s underperformance is also apparent compared to the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLP). The exchange-traded fund has gained about 4.5% over the past year. Moreover, the ETF’s 5.1% returns on a YTD basis outshine the stock’s gains over the same time frame.
On Aug. 1, KMB shares closed up by 4.8% after reporting its Q2 results. Its adjusted EPS of $1.92 surpassed Wall Street expectations of $1.68. The company’s revenue stood $4.2 billion, down 1.6% year over year.
For the current fiscal year, ending in December, analysts expect KMB’s EPS to decline 10.7% to $6.52 on a diluted basis. The company’s earnings surprise history is impressive. It beat or matched the consensus estimate in each of the last four quarters.
Among the 19 analysts covering KMB stock, the consensus is a “Moderate Buy.” That’s based on five “Strong Buy” ratings, one “Moderate Buy,” 12 “Holds,” and one “Strong Sell.”
This configuration is more bullish than a month ago, with an overall “Hold” rating, consisting of four analysts suggesting a “Strong Buy,” and two recommending a “Strong Sell.”
On Aug. 7, TD Cowen analyst Robert Moskow maintained a “Hold” rating on KMB and set a price target of $145, implying a potential upside of 7.6% from current levels.
The mean price target of $142.89 represents a 6% premium to KMB’s current price levels. The Street-high price target of $162 suggests an upside potential of 20.2%.
On the date of publication, Neha Panjwani did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
