Kimberly-Clark Q4 Organic Sales Up: Breaking Down the Growth Drivers

Kimberly-Clark Corporation KMB reported fourth-quarter 2025 organic sales growth of 2.1%, underscoring continued traction in its volume-plus-mix growth model despite reported sales pressure from portfolio exits. Growth was driven by volume and mix gains of about 3%, partially offset by planned price investments aimed at strengthening consumer value and competitiveness.

A major contributor to momentum was broad-based volume improvement across categories and regions. Management noted this marked the eighth consecutive quarter of solid volume-plus-mix performance, reflecting stronger execution, innovation and marketing effectiveness. The company also delivered share-led growth, signaling strengthening demand across core categories.

Portfolio mix improvements further supported organic growth. The company continues pivoting toward higher-growth personal care segments and enhancing value tiers across its portfolio. International Personal Care was a standout, with 4.5% organic growth driven by strong volume gains of 3.3% and improved mix of 2.4%, while price investments helped reinforce value perception. Volume-led gains in baby and child care contributed to share improvements.

North America also showed encouraging volume trends. Broad-based volume growth helped offset declines in price and mix related to strategic pricing actions designed to improve price-value positioning. These pricing investments weighed modestly on growth but are intended to strengthen long-term competitiveness and demand resilience.

Overall, KMB’s fourth-quarter results show that organic growth was supported mainly by stronger volumes and a more favorable mix, alongside pricing actions. The performance reflects efforts to balance share gains with pricing discipline while strengthening participation in higher-growth categories. Ongoing focus on innovation, brand support and value tiers continues to shape demand and support steady growth dynamics.

Kimberly-Clark’s Zacks Rank & Share Price Performance

Shares of this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company have gained 5.5% in the past three months compared with the broader Consumer-Staples sector and the industry’s growth of 13.7% and 12%, respectively. KMB has outperformed the S&P 500 index growth of 2.9% during the same period.

KMB Stock's Past 3 Months' Performance

Is KMB a Value Play Stock?

Kimberly-Clark currently trades at a forward 12-month P/E ratio of 15.31, below the industry and the sector’s average of 19.88 and 18.24, respectively. This valuation positions the stock at a modest discount relative to both its direct peers and the broader consumer staples sector.

KMB P/E Ratio (Forward 12 Months)

Other Stocks to Consider

BJ's Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. BJ operates membership warehouse clubs in the eastern half of the United States. It presently has a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BJ's Wholesale’s fiscal-current year sales and earnings indicates growth of 4.3% and 7.7%, respectively, from the prior-year reported level. BJ's Wholesale delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 10.3%, on average.

Ollie's Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc. OLLI operates as a retailer of closeout merchandise and excess inventory in the United States. OLLI currently holds a Zacks Rank #2. Ollie's Bargain delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 5.2%, on average.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Ollie's Bargain’s fiscal 2025 sales and earnings implies growth of 16.7% and 17.7%, respectively, from the previous year’s reported numbers. 

European Wax Center, Inc. EWCZ operates as the franchisor and operator of out-of-home waxing services in the United States. At present, European Wax Center carries a Zacks Rank of 2. EWCZ delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 170.2%, on average.

The consensus estimate for European Wax Center’s current fiscal-year earnings implies growth of 46.7% from the year-ago figures.

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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

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