KMB Kimberly-Clark Corporation - Fundamental Analysis
At a glance
Key valuation, profitability, growth, and risk metrics.
AI Analysis
Powered by advanced machine learning algorithms
Key Strengths
Key Risks
Performance Snowflake
Multi-dimensional analysis across 5 key categories
KMB is materially cheaper than peers on earnings basis—CL (21.86x), PM (22.17x), MNST (40.52x)—but its margin and growth profile do not fully justify the discount, indicating potential value trap risks.
- Forward P/E of 13.63x is 42% below sector average of 23.76x
- Price/Sales of 1.76x below sector implied average of ~2.2x
- Price/Book of 25.91x is extremely high, suggesting balance sheet distortions or intangible overvaluation
- Lack of EV/EBITDA and cash flow data limits full-cycle valuation rigor
Despite a sharp 6M price decline (-23.8%), there are early signs of earnings stabilization, but without revenue inflection or margin recovery, sustained price momentum remains unlikely in the near term.
- Recent Q/Q EPS growth of +11.7% hints at stabilization after deep YoY decline
- Analyst target implies 23.6% upside, suggesting confidence in recovery
- Revenue growth of just 0.10% YoY indicates minimal top-line momentum
- Earnings growth of -50.2% YoY reflects severe cost and demand pressures
KMB has delivered strong profitability historically and recently stabilized earnings performance, but long-term share price underperformance (-12.5% over 5Y) and erratic earnings surprises reflect inconsistent execution amid inflation and competitive pressures.
- Consistent earnings beat streak: 3 of last 4 quarters above estimates
- Historical profitability strength: ROE of 136.88% and ROA of 11.33% reflect long-term capital efficiency
- Earnings volatility evident: from +26.8% surprise in Q2 2023 to -13.8% in Q3 2021
- 5Y price return of -12.5% lags defensive sector expectations
Despite solid operating margins, KMB’s capital structure is riskier than peers—CL (6.80), TGT (1.32), MNST (0.01)—and its weak liquidity positions it poorly for economic tightening or demand shocks.
- Operating margin of 16.70% remains healthy relative to sector average of 15.35%
- Gross margin of 35.65% indicates brand pricing power and cost control at production level
- Debt/Equity of 5.00 is alarmingly high, increasing refinancing and interest rate risk
- Current and Quick Ratios of 0.77 and 0.37 signal potential liquidity stress
KMB’s dividend is a key investor draw, offering yield well above peers like CL (~2.4%) and PM (~5.5%), but the high payout ratio and weak earnings growth create sustainability risks in a prolonged downturn.
- Dividend yield of 4.85% is highly attractive, nearly double the sector average implied yield (~2.4%)
- Payout ratio of 84.60% is manageable given stable free cash flow profile historically
- Payout ratio near 85% leaves little room for error if earnings decline further
- No data on dividend growth streak or consistency, raising policy transparency concerns
Stock Price & Analyst Targets
Real-time price movements and analyst price targets
Multi-Horizon Performance vs Peers
Price momentum across 5Y → 1W horizons for KMB and closest competitors.
| Company | 5Y | 3Y | 1Y | 6M | 1M | 1W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
KMB
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
Primary
|
-12.5% | -9.4% | -18.0% | -23.8% | -13.3% | +0.2% |
|
HSY
The Hershey Company
Peer
|
+29.8% | -10.8% | +3.5% | +13.9% | -6.5% | +5.0% |
|
TGT
Target Corporation
Peer
|
-37.2% | -44.2% | -38.4% | -6.7% | +0.1% | -0.2% |
|
GIS
General Mills, Inc.
Peer
|
-7.9% | -31.6% | -23.4% | -11.9% | -0.7% | +1.1% |
|
CL
Colgate-Palmolive Company
Peer
|
+2.2% | +11.3% | -12.6% | -13.4% | +1.2% | -0.9% |
Positive values indicate cumulative gains over the specified period. Comparables pulled from the same sector to highlight whether momentum is stock-specific or industry-wide.
Historical Performance Trends
Long-term financial metrics and growth patterns
Revenue & Net Income
Profit & Operating Margins
Return on Equity (ROE)
Quarterly Revenue Growth
Valuation Metrics
Key valuation ratios and pricing indicators
Profitability
Profit margins and return metrics
Growth
Revenue and earnings growth rates
Financial Health
Balance sheet strength and liquidity metrics
Quarterly Earnings History
EPS performance vs analyst estimates
Consumer Defensive Sector Comparison
Similar Companies
Peer comparison within the same industry
| Company | AI Rating | Market Cap | P/E | ROE | Profit Margin | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
KMB
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
|
NEUTRAL | $34.66B | 17.6 | 136.9% | 10.0% | $104.02 | |
|
HSY
The Hershey Company
|
NEUTRAL | $36.12B | 26.83 | 31.0% | 11.8% | $179.2 | |
|
TGT
Target Corporation
|
NEUTRAL | $41.18B | 10.48 | 26.3% | 3.7% | $89.9 | |
|
GIS
General Mills, Inc.
|
NEUTRAL | $25.29B | 8.96 | 30.9% | 15.2% | $47.41 | |
|
CL
Colgate-Palmolive Company
|
NEUTRAL | $63.51B | 21.86 | 293.6% | 14.5% | $78.05 |
Recent Insider Trading
Insider buy and sell transactions from the last 6 months
| Date | Insider | Position | Transaction | Shares | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-10-31 | FENSKE TAMERA | Officer | Stock Award | 4,483 | - |
| 2025-10-31 | FENSKE TAMERA | Officer | Stock Award | 20,176 | - |
| 2025-08-04 | HICKS ZACKERY ALLEN | Chief Technology Officer | Sale | 15,038 | $2,006,117 |
| 2025-07-31 | SLAVTCHEFF CRAIG | Officer | Stock Award | 5,036 | - |
| 2025-07-31 | CORSI PATRICIA | Officer | Stock Award | 921 | - |
| 2025-07-29 | HICKS ZACKERY ALLEN | Chief Technology Officer | Stock Award | 5,361 | - |
| 2025-07-29 | HICKS ZACKERY ALLEN | Chief Technology Officer | Stock Award | 38,098 | - |
Wall Street Analysts
Professional analyst ratings and price targets