Kimberly Clark Corp (KMB) is an American multinational personal care corporation that produces mainly paper-based consumer products. Its diverse product line includes everything from diapers and wipes to tissues, incontinence care, and professional products for the B2B market. With its roots tracing back as far as 1872, KMB has risen to become one of the leading brands in the health and hygiene industry.
The company was founded by John A. Kimberly, Havilah Babcock, Charles B. Clark, and Franklyn C. Shattuck in Neenah, Wisconsin, with $42,000 (roughly $1 million today) of capital. Initially, they produced newsprint, however, they quickly diversified into a wider variety of paper products.
The company's brands such as Kleenex facial tissue, Scott paper towels, Kotex feminine hygiene products, Cottonelle, Scott and Andrex toilet paper are recognized globally. KMB also owns personal healthcare brand Huggies which includes baby wipes, diapers, and training pants, and Depend, Poise, and U by Kotex which offer adult incontinence and feminine products.
KMB is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "KMB". The company's strong growth and solid performance have made it a favorite among investors seeking dividend income. As a member of the Dividend Aristocrats, KMB has increased its dividend for at least 25 consecutive years, a testament to the company's stability and reliability.
At the heart of Kimberly-Clark's success is their commitment to innovation, quality, and essential health products. The company is also a responsible corporate citizen. It has set various sustainability goals and is committed to reducing its environmental footprint. Its social responsibility programs include improving sanitation in developing countries, promoting health education, and reducing infant mortality.
Corporate headquarters for Kimberly-Clark Corporation remain in Irving, Texas, after moving from its historical locale of Wisconsin. The company has over 40,000 employees worldwide and operates in more than 175 countries. It reported a revenue of $19.1 billion in 2019, making it one of the largest companies in the personal care industry. Despite the competitive market, KMB continues to thrive and adapt, meeting the evolving needs and expectations of its global consumer base.