$KMB

Kimberly-Clark (KMB) reported Q2 2026 net sales of $4.2B, up 0.6% on currency gains, while adjusted EPS from continuing operations rose 10.4% to $1.80. Adjusted gross margin increased to 38.8%. Management cited $45M tariff refunds, China social media disruption, and a $22M LA distribution center fire. Full-year organic sales guidance is about 100 bps below category growth; adjusted EPS guidance calls for high-single-digit constant-currency growth.

Kimberly-Clark said it will invest more than $100 million in a pilot facility to develop an alternative natural fibre for use in its hygiene products. The company framed the project as part of its sustainability efforts. The article does not provide additional financial results or guidance.

Kimberly-Clark (KMB) said its Q2 2026 outlook was cut due to a China diaper disruption, North American trade inventory reductions, and softer category growth. Adjusted EPS was $1.80 vs $2.00 expected, and net sales were $4.19B vs $4.23B. Management expects China to create about a 200 bps sales headwind in H2 and $70M operating profit pressure.

According to local officials, Kimberly-Clark is building a new 50,000 square-foot pilot facility in Yuma, Arizona, with a capital investment of more than $100 million, announced by the City of Yuma, the Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation, and the Arizona Commerce Authority. The report also covers a separate youth program in San Luis.

Kenvue (KVUE) missed Q2 adjusted EPS ($0.31 vs $0.32 consensus) and revenue ($3.955B), withheld guidance, and skipped its conference call ahead of a pending $48.7B cash-and-stock buyout by Kimberly-Clark (KMB). The deal is in Q4 and will include Kenvue’s revived Tylenol autism litigation. KVUE closed at $19.18.

Kimberly-Clark reported Q2 global revenues of $4.2 billion, up 0.6% year over year, citing a pressurized consumer environment and factors including exiting U.S. private-label diapers and China social media allegations. Management said demand stayed stable and it expects another strong year, while highlighting Huggies and Viva marketing results and new diaper and fiber innovations.

Kimberly-Clark said it will consolidate 6,000 applications and more than 15 ERP systems as it nears completion of its Kenvue acquisition. On an earnings call, COO Russell Torres cited a three-year plan targeting $1.9 million in savings and identified over $600 million of savings, with system integration and supply chain and commercial integration as key drivers.

Kimberly-Clark (maker of Huggies) cut its annual profit and sales outlook after social media allegations in China claimed Huggies diapers contained formamide, hurting Q2 sales. The company commissioned an independent government-approved test that refuted the claims, while regulators are investigating. It now expects 2026 organic sales growth about 100 bps below peers and adjusted EPS growth in high single digits.

Kimberly-Clark said it is developing a proprietary materials platform using hesperaloe-derived fibers, aiming to replace forest-based inputs in hygiene products. The company plans lower-water agricultural practices and regional sourcing, with a pilot facility in Arizona to assess commercial potential across its product portfolio.

Kimberly-Clark (KMB) discussed Q2 results and guidance on an earnings call. Management cited China diaper disruption starting late June as a headwind to organic sales and said it expects about a $70 million operating profit and $0.16 EPS impact in H2. North America shipments fell 1.4% vs consumption up 0.3%, partly from a Los Angeles distribution center fire. The company received a $45 million U.S. tariff refund and expects $150 million gross input-cost headwinds in H2.