How Is Kimberly-Clark's Stock Performance Compared to Other Consumer Defensive Stocks?

With a market cap of $44 billion, Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB) is a global manufacturer and marketer of personal care and tissue products. Operating through segments in North America and international markets, the company offers a wide range of products under well-known brands, including Huggies, Kotex, Depend, Kleenex, and Scott.

Companies valued at $10 billion or more are generally classified as “large-cap” stocks, and Kimberly-Clark fits this criterion perfectly, exceeding the mark. Its products are distributed through retail channels like supermarkets and mass merchandisers, as well as professional and commercial outlets, including healthcare and public facilities.

Shares of the Dallas, Texas-based company pulled back 11.8% from its 52-week high of $150.45. Shares of Kimberly-Clark have declined 8.4% over the past three months, lagging behind the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund’s (XLP) 1.5% decrease over the same time frame.

Longer term, KMB stock is up 1.3% on a YTD basis, underperforming XLP’s 3.8% rise. Moreover, shares of Kimberly-Clark have dipped 1.3% over the past 52 weeks, compared to XLP’s 5.1% return over the same time frame.

The stock has fallen below its 50-day and 200-day moving averages since June. 

Despite Kimberly-Clark beating Q1 2025 earnings expectations with an adjusted EPS of $1.93, shares fell 1.5% on Apr. 22. The company reported revenue of $4.8 billion, down 6% year-over-year and below the analyst forecast. Additionally, all three business segments saw sales declines, with North America dropping 3.9% and International Personal Care plunging 8.9%. 

Investor sentiment was further dampened by a cut in full-year guidance, as management now expects flat to slightly positive EPS growth instead of the previously projected mid-single-digit increase, citing $300 million in added costs from global trade disputes.

Nevertheless, in comparison, rival The Procter & Gamble Company (PG) has lagged behind Kimberly-Clark stock. Shares of Procter & Gamble have decreased 2.7% over the past 52 weeks and 3% on a YTD basis.

Despite the stock’s better performance compared to its industry peers, analysts remain cautious about its prospects. The stock has a consensus rating of “Hold” from the 18 analysts covering the stock, and as of writing, KMB is trading below the mean price target of $142.06.