Kimberly-Clark Releases Q2 Results

In the second quarter of 2026, Kimberly-Clark’s net sales of $4.2 billion increased 0.6%, as favorable currency impacts of 1.1% were partially offset by the exit of the company’s private label diaper business in the U.S. Organic sales growth was broadly in line with the prior year, including an approximately 50 basis point negative impact from a China social media disruption.

The company noted its second-quarter results were negatively impacted by a discrete disruption stemming from false allegations regarding the quality of certain diaper brands in the China market. Independent testing conducted by a government-certified third party confirmed the quality and safety of the company’s products, refuting the false allegations. While the company is effectively navigating the situation, the impact from the spread of false claims across social media significantly impacted the company’s diaper sales in China in the second quarter and is expected to further impact sales and profits in the near term.

In the North America business segment, net sales of $2.7 billion decreased 1.2% in the quarter, including a 0.5% impact from the exit of the company’s private label diaper business in the U.S. Organic sales decreased 0.7% primarily driven by an approximate 180 basis point headwind from a combination of changes in retail inventories and impacts from the Los Angeles Distribution Center fire. Year-to-date organic sales increased 0.5%, as volume growth of 0.8%, led by gains in Consumer Tissue and Professional categories, was partially offset by price-related investments to drive consumer trial of new products.

In the International Personal Care business segment, net sales of $1.5 billion increased 4% in the quarter, driven by favorable currency impacts of 3.1% and organic sales growth of 1%. Organic sales benefitted from strong volume-plus-mix led growth of 1.2%, reflecting improvements in consumer value propositions across the portfolio that more than offset a 140 basis point headwind from the China social media disruption. Personal Care categories gained weighted share in the quarter with strong gains in Diapers and Pants. Year-to-date organic sales increased 2.5% led by volume growth and improved portfolio mix of 2.2% and 1.2%, respectively, partially offset by price investments.