Kimberly ClarkKMBBUYMar 27, 2024Stock price when the opinion was issued
As of Nov 02, 2026. Market Open.
Of consumer staples, the only ones that remain strong are the WMTs and COSTs of the world.
Only 4% earnings growth going forward. He needs at least high single-digit earnings growth, preferably double-digit. Price and 200-day MA are sliding lower, as is the 200-week MA. Be cautious. Market seems nonchalant about the KVUE deal.
Important strategy shifts, with the first one being purchase of KVUE (continued litigation overhang). Divesting pulp business (always volatile). Significant transformation as it pivots from that to a high-margin, pure-play personal care giant.
If you're willing to hold on and litigation and pulp issues get resolved, then clip your coupon and stock could work quite well. Attractive yield of 4.5%.
Iconic brands. Trading at 10-year low of 13x PE. Dividend stalwart with over 50 consecutive years of increasing dividends. About to change dramatically as it merges with KVUE (the old JNJ consumer products division). Huge synergies. Expects earnings growth to rise relatively quickly after the merger, which will boost stock price. Great yield of 4.88%.
(Analysts’ price target is $118.25)They bought Kenvue today; shares plunged nearly 15%. KMB grew from a local company to a global giant (Europe, Latin America, Asia). Their stock was once a juggernaut, but after that expansion, they faced competition from Unilever and Procter & Gamble as well as local brands. Growth plunged to only a 2.5% organic growth rate. No wonder KMB bought Kenvue. The deal will make them the second-biggest consumer packaged goods company in the world. Is a terrific deal, giving KMB the growth it needs.
For years, they struggled with supply chain woes and inflation, but at today's investor day, they rolled out a major reorganization and large cost cuts.