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KIMBERLY CLARK CORP - Quarter Report: 2019 June (Form 10-Q)



 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
(Mark One)

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2019
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ________ to ________  
Commission file number 1-225
 
kclogoa09.jpg
KIMBERLY CLARK CORPORATON
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
 
39-0394230
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
P.O. Box 619100
Dallas, TX
75261-9100
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip code)
(972) 281-1200
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock
KMB
New York Stock Exchange
0.625% Notes due 2024
KMB24
New York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes  x    No  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated Filer
x
  
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
  
Smaller reporting company
 
 
 
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes      No  ☒
As of July 16, 2019, there were 344,136,273 shares of the Corporation's common stock outstanding.
 



Table of Contents
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 











PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30
 
Six Months Ended
June 30
(Millions of dollars, except per share amounts)
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
Net Sales
 
$
4,594

 
$
4,604

 
$
9,227

 
$
9,335

Cost of products sold
 
3,108

 
3,149

 
6,313

 
6,556

Gross Profit
 
1,486

 
1,455

 
2,914

 
2,779

Marketing, research and general expenses
 
811

 
771

 
1,580

 
1,850

Other (income) and expense, net
 
5

 
10

 
9

 
8

Operating Profit
 
670

 
674

 
1,325

 
921

Nonoperating expense
 
(11
)
 
(36
)
 
(22
)
 
(45
)
Interest income
 
2

 
3

 
5

 
5

Interest expense
 
(67
)
 
(68
)
 
(132
)
 
(134
)
Income Before Income Taxes and Equity Interests
 
594

 
573

 
1,176

 
747

Provision for income taxes
 
(132
)
 
(138
)
 
(275
)
 
(242
)
Income Before Equity Interests
 
462

 
435

 
901

 
505

Share of net income of equity companies
 
33

 
30

 
60

 
57

Net Income
 
495

 
465

 
961

 
562

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
(10
)
 
(10
)
 
(22
)
 
(14
)
Net Income Attributable to Kimberly-Clark Corporation
 
$
485

 
$
455

 
$
939

 
$
548

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Per Share Basis
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income Attributable to Kimberly-Clark Corporation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
1.41

 
$
1.30

 
$
2.73

 
$
1.57

Diluted
 
$
1.40

 
$
1.30

 
$
2.71

 
$
1.56

See notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.


1



KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)

 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30
 
Six Months Ended
June 30
(Millions of dollars)
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
Net Income
 
$
495

 
$
465

 
$
961

 
$
562

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Unrealized currency translation adjustments
 
(4
)
 
(381
)
 
22

 
(264
)
   Employee postretirement benefits
 
26

 
79

 
22

 
79

   Other
 
(3
)
 
29

 
(20
)
 
28

Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
 
19

 
(273
)
 
24

 
(157
)
Comprehensive Income
 
514

 
192

 
985

 
405

   Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
(9
)
 
1

 
(16
)
 
(4
)
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Kimberly-Clark Corporation
 
$
505

 
$
193

 
$
969

 
$
401

See notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.


2



KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(2019 Data is Unaudited)


(Millions of dollars)
 
June 30, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
Current Assets
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
534

 
$
539

Accounts receivable, net
 
2,397

 
2,164

Inventories
 
1,856

 
1,813

Other current assets
 
534

 
525

Total Current Assets
 
5,321

 
5,041

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
 
7,207

 
7,159

Investments in Equity Companies
 
249

 
224

Goodwill
 
1,478

 
1,474

Other Assets
 
1,092

 
620

TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
15,347

 
$
14,518

 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities
 
 
 
 
Debt payable within one year
 
$
1,291

 
$
1,208

Trade accounts payable
 
2,993

 
3,190

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
 
1,946

 
1,793

Dividends payable
 
355

 
345

Total Current Liabilities
 
6,585

 
6,536

Long-Term Debt
 
6,701

 
6,247

Noncurrent Employee Benefits
 
889

 
931

Deferred Income Taxes
 
513

 
458

Other Liabilities
 
571

 
328

Redeemable Preferred Securities of Subsidiaries
 
38

 
64

Stockholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock - no par value - authorized 20.0 million shares, none issued
 

 

Common stock - $1.25 par value - authorized 1.2 billion shares; issued 378.6 million shares at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018
 
473

 
473

Additional paid-in capital
 
510

 
548

Common stock held in treasury, at cost - 34.4 and 33.6 million shares at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively
 
(4,062
)
 
(3,956
)
Retained earnings
 
6,170

 
5,947

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
(3,269
)
 
(3,299
)
Total Kimberly-Clark Corporation Stockholders' Equity
 
(178
)
 
(287
)
Noncontrolling Interests
 
228

 
241

Total Stockholders' Equity
 
50

 
(46
)
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
$
15,347

 
$
14,518

See notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.


3



KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Unaudited)



 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
(Millions of dollars, shares in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Common Stock
Issued
 
Additional Paid-in Capital
 
Treasury Stock
 
Retained Earnings
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Non-controlling Interests
 
Total Stockholders' Equity
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
Balance at March 31, 2019
 
378,597

 
$
473
 
 
$
538

 
34,657

 
$
(4,075
)
 
$
6,048

 
$
(3,289
)
 
$
223

 
$
(82
)
Net income in stockholders' equity, excludes redeemable interests' share
 

 
 
 

 

 
 
 
485

 
 
 
9

 
494

Other comprehensive income, net of tax
 

 
 
 

 

 
 
 

 
20
 
 
(2
)
 
18

Stock-based awards exercised or vested
 

 
 
 
(60
)
 
(1,672
)
 
192
 
 

 
 
 

 
132

Shares repurchased
 

 
 
 

 
1,396

 
(179
)
 

 
 
 

 
(179
)
Recognition of stock-based compensation
 

 
 
 
31

 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
31

Dividends declared ($1.03 per share)
 

 
 
 

 

 
 
 
(355
)
 
 
 

 
(355
)
Other
 

 
 
 
1

 

 
 
 
(8
)
 
 
 
(2
)
 
(9
)
Balance at June 30, 2019
 
378,597

 
$
473
 
 
$
510

 
34,381

 
$
(4,062
)
 
$
6,170

 
$
(3,269
)
 
$
228

 
$
50



 
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
(Millions of dollars, shares in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Common Stock
Issued
 
Additional Paid-in Capital
 
Treasury Stock
 
Retained Earnings
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Non-controlling Interests
 
Total Stockholders' Equity
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2018
 
378,597

 
$
473
 
 
$
548

 
33,635

 
$
(3,956
)
 
$
5,947

 
$
(3,299
)
 
$
241

 
$
(46
)
Net income in stockholders' equity, excludes redeemable interests' share
 

 
 
 

 

 
 
 
939

 
 
 
20

 
959

Other comprehensive income, net of tax
 

 
 
 

 

 
 
 

 
30
 
 
(7
)
 
23

Stock-based awards exercised or vested
 

 
 
 
(87
)
 
(2,159
)
 
247
 
 

 
 
 

 
160

Shares repurchased
 

 
 
 

 
2,905

 
(353
)
 

 
 
 

 
(353
)
Recognition of stock-based compensation
 

 
 
 
48

 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
48

Dividends declared ($2.06 per share)
 

 
 
 

 

 
 
 
(709
)
 
 
 
(24
)
 
(733
)
Other
 

 
 
 
1

 

 
 
 
(7
)
 
 
 
(2
)
 
(8
)
Balance at June 30, 2019
 
378,597

 
$
473
 
 
$
510

 
34,381

 
$
(4,062
)
 
$
6,170

 
$
(3,269
)
 
$
228

 
$
50



See notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.



4



KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Unaudited)



 
 
Three Months Ended June 2018
(Millions of dollars, shares in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Common Stock
Issued
 
Additional Paid-in Capital
 
Treasury Stock
 
Retained Earnings
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Non-controlling Interests
 
Total Stockholders' Equity
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
Balance at March 31, 2018
 
378,597

 
$
473
 
 
$
589

 
29,001

 
$
(3,460
)
 
$
5,520

 
$
(2,805
)
 
$
238

 
$
555

Net income in stockholders' equity, excludes redeemable interests' share
 

 
 
 

 

 
 
 
455

 
 
 
9

 
464

Other comprehensive income, net of tax
 

 
 
 

 

 
 
 

 
(262
)
 
(11
)
 
(273
)
Stock-based awards exercised or vested
 

 
 
 
(54
)
 
(568
)
 
64
 
 

 
 
 

 
10

Shares repurchased
 

 
 
 

 
2,280

 
(236
)
 

 
 
 

 
(236
)
Recognition of stock-based compensation
 

 
 
 
8

 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
8

Dividends declared ($1.00 per share)
 

 
 
 

 

 
 
 
(349
)
 
 
 

 
(349
)
Other
 

 
 
 
(1
)
 

 
 
 
156

 
(155
)
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
Balance at June 30, 2018
 
378,597

 
$
473
 
 
$
542

 
30,713

 
$
(3,632
)
 
$
5,782

 
$
(3,222
)
 
$
235

 
$
178



 
 
Six Months Ended June 2018
(Millions of dollars, shares in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Common Stock
Issued
 
Additional Paid-in Capital
 
Treasury Stock
 
Retained Earnings
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Non-controlling Interests
 
Total Stockholders' Equity
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2017
 
378,597

 
$
473
 
 
$
594

 
27,491

 
$
(3,288
)
 
$
5,769

 
$
(2,919
)
 
$
253

 
$
882

Net income in stockholders' equity, excludes redeemable interests' share
 

 
 
 

 

 
 
 
548

 
 
 
12

 
560

Other comprehensive income, net of tax
 

 
 
 

 

 
 
 

 
(147
)
 
(10
)
 
(157
)
Stock-based awards exercised or vested
 

 
 
 
(79
)
 
(907
)
 
103
 
 

 
 
 

 
24

Shares repurchased
 

 
 
 

 
4,129

 
(447
)
 

 
 
 

 
(447
)
Recognition of stock-based compensation
 

 
 
 
25

 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
25

Dividends declared ($2.00 per share)
 

 
 
 

 

 
 
 
(699
)
 
 
 
(20
)
 
(719
)
Other
 

 
 
 
2

 

 
 
 
164

 
(156
)
 

 
10

Balance at June 30, 2018
 
378,597

 
$
473
 
 
$
542

 
30,713

 
$
(3,632
)
 
$
5,782

 
$
(3,222
)
 
$
235

 
$
178



See notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.




5



KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30
(Millions of dollars)
 
2019
 
2018
Operating Activities
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
961

 
$
562

Depreciation and amortization
 
470

 
435

Asset impairments
 

 
74

Stock-based compensation
 
48

 
26

Deferred income taxes
 
26

 
17

Net losses on asset dispositions
 
17

 
53

Equity companies' earnings in excess of dividends paid
 
(30
)
 
(25
)
Operating working capital
 
(525
)
 
93

Postretirement benefits
 
(21
)
 
(14
)
Other
 
(20
)
 
108

Cash Provided by Operations
 
926

 
1,329

Investing Activities
 
 
 
 
Capital spending
 
(569
)
 
(347
)
Investments in time deposits
 
(186
)
 
(147
)
Maturities of time deposits
 
229

 
94

Other
 
4

 
(12
)
Cash Used for Investing
 
(522
)
 
(412
)
Financing Activities
 
 
 
 
Cash dividends paid
 
(700
)
 
(691
)
Change in short-term debt
 
543

 
104

Debt proceeds
 
696

 

Debt repayments
 
(703
)
 
(4
)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
 
160

 
22

Acquisitions of common stock for the treasury
 
(330
)
 
(420
)
Other
 
(79
)
 
(41
)
Cash Used for Financing
 
(413
)
 
(1,030
)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
4

 
(19
)
Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
(5
)
 
(132
)
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Beginning of Period
 
539

 
616

Cash and Cash Equivalents - End of Period
 
$
534

 
$
484

See notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.


6



KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 1. Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") for interim financial information and instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all material adjustments which are of a normal and recurring nature necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods presented have been reflected. Dollar amounts are reported in millions, except per share dollar amounts, unless otherwise noted.
For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in our Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the year ended December 31, 2018. The terms "Corporation," "Kimberly-Clark," "K-C," "we," "our" and "us" refer to Kimberly-Clark Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Highly Inflationary Accounting in Argentina
GAAP guidance requires the use of highly inflationary accounting for countries whose cumulative three-year inflation exceeds 100 percent. In the second quarter of 2018, published inflation indices indicated that the three-year cumulative inflation in Argentina exceeded 100 percent, and as of July 1, 2018, we elected to adopt highly inflationary accounting for our subsidiaries in Argentina (“K-C Argentina”). Under highly inflationary accounting, K-C Argentina’s functional currency became the U.S. dollar, and its income statement and balance sheet have been measured in U.S. dollars using both current and historical rates of exchange. The effect of changes in exchange rates on peso-denominated monetary assets and liabilities has been reflected in earnings in Other (income) and expense, net and was not material.  As of June 30, 2019, K-C Argentina had a small net peso monetary position. Net sales of K-C Argentina were less than 2 percent of our consolidated net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018.
Leases
Lease assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement of an arrangement where it is determined at inception that a lease exists.  Lease assets represent the right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease.  These assets and liabilities are initially recognized based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term calculated using our incremental borrowing rate generally applicable to the location of the lease asset, unless the implicit rate is readily determinable.  Lease assets also include any upfront lease payments made and exclude lease incentives.  Lease terms include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that those options will be exercised.
Variable lease payments are generally expensed as incurred and include certain index-based changes in rent, certain nonlease components, such as maintenance and other services provided by the lessor, and other charges included in the lease.  Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet, and the expense for these short-term leases and for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Lease agreements with lease and nonlease components are combined as a single lease component.  The depreciable life of lease assets and leasehold improvements is limited by the expected lease term, unless there is a transfer of title or purchase option reasonably certain of exercise.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), amended by ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements. The new guidance requires a lessee to recognize assets and liabilities for all leases with lease terms of more than 12 months and provide additional disclosures. The ASU requires adoption using a modified retrospective transition approach with either 1) periods prior to the adoption date being recast or 2) a cumulative-effect adjustment recognized to the opening balance of retained earnings on the adoption date with prior periods not recast.  We adopted this standard on January 1, 2019 using the cumulative-effect adjustment approach. We elected the package of practical expedients in transition for leases that commenced prior to January 1, 2019 whereby these contracts were not reassessed or reclassified from their previous assessment as of December 31, 2018. We also elected certain other practical expedients in transition including not reassessing existing land easements as lease contracts. For all new and modified leases after adoption of the ASU, we have taken the component election allowing us to account for lease components together with nonlease components in the calculation of the lease asset and corresponding liability. We implemented processes and a lease accounting system to ensure adequate internal controls were in place to assess our contracts and enable proper accounting and reporting of

7



financial information upon adoption.  No cumulative-effect adjustment was recognized as the amount was not material, and the impact on our results of operations and cash flows was also not material. See Note 7 for the financial position impact and additional disclosures.
The FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. The new standard makes more financial and non-financial hedging strategies eligible for hedge accounting. It also amends presentation and disclosure requirements and changes how companies assess hedge effectiveness. This ASU requires adoption using a modified retrospective transition approach with a cumulative-effect adjustment recognized to the opening balance of retained earnings on the adoption date with prior periods not recast. We adopted this standard on January 1, 2019 with no cumulative-effect adjustment as the amount was not material. The effects of this standard on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows were not material.
Accounting Standards Issued - Not Yet Adopted
The FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820).  The new guidance modifies disclosure requirements related to fair value measurement.  The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019.  Implementation on a prospective or retrospective basis varies by specific disclosure requirement.  Early adoption is permitted. The standard also allows for early adoption of any removed or modified disclosures upon issuance of this ASU while delaying adoption of the additional disclosures until their effective date.
The FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40).  The new guidance reduces complexity for the accounting for costs of implementing a cloud computing service arrangement and aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal use software license).  For public companies, the amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted.  Implementation should be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption.  The effects of this standard on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows are not expected to be material.
Note 2.    2018 Global Restructuring Program
In January 2018, we announced the 2018 Global Restructuring Program to reduce our structural cost base by streamlining and simplifying our manufacturing supply chain and overhead organization. We expect to close or sell approximately 10 manufacturing facilities and expand production capacity at several others. We expect to exit or divest some lower-margin businesses that generate approximately 1 percent of our net sales. The sales are concentrated in our consumer tissue business segment. The restructuring is expected to impact our organizations in all major geographies. Workforce reductions are expected to be in the range of 5,000 to 5,500. Certain capital appropriations under the 2018 Global Restructuring Program are being finalized. Accounting for actions related to each appropriation will commence when the appropriation is authorized for execution.
The restructuring is expected to be completed by the end of 2020, with total costs anticipated to be $1.7 billion to $1.9 billion pre-tax ($1.35 billion to $1.5 billion after tax). Cash costs are expected to be $900 to $1.0 billion, primarily related to workforce reductions.  Non-cash charges are expected to be $800 to $900 pre-tax and will primarily consist of incremental depreciation, asset write-offs and pension settlement and curtailment charges. Restructuring charges in 2019 are expected to be $400 to $500 pre-tax ($320 to $400 after tax).

8



The following charges were incurred in connection with the 2018 Global Restructuring Program:
 
Three Months Ended
June 30
 
Six Months Ended
June 30
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
Cost of products sold:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Charges for workforce reductions
$
2

 
$
6

 
$
32

 
$
125

Asset impairments

 

 

 
74

Asset write-offs
15

 
31

 
27

 
86

Incremental depreciation
65

 
40

 
132

 
68

Other exit costs
20

 
8

 
36

 
9

Total
102

 
85

 
227

 
362

Marketing, research and general expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Charges for workforce reductions
(12
)
 
(16
)
 
(8
)
 
270

Other exit costs
29

 
31

 
53

 
45

Total
17

 
15

 
45

 
315

Other (income) and expense, net

 

 
(1
)
 

Nonoperating expense(a)

 
30

 

 
30

Total charges
119

 
130

 
271

 
707

Provision for income taxes
(27
)
 
(24
)
 
(58
)
 
(167
)
Net charges
92

 
106

 
213

 
540

Net impact related to equity companies and noncontrolling interests

 
(4
)
 
1

 
(10
)
Net charges attributable to Kimberly-Clark Corporation
$
92

 
$
102

 
$
214

 
$
530


(a)
Represents non-cash pension settlement charges resulting from restructuring actions. 
The asset impairment charges were measured based on the excess of the carrying value of the impacted asset groups over their fair values. These fair values were measured by using discounted cash flows expected over the limited time the assets would remain in use and as a result, the assets were essentially written off. The use of discounted cash flows represents a level 3 measure under the fair value hierarchy.
The following summarizes the restructuring liabilities activity:
 
 
2019
 
2018
Restructuring liabilities at January 1
 
$
210

 
$

Charges for workforce reductions and other cash exit costs
 
112

 
446

Cash payments
 
(142
)
 
(158
)
Currency and other
 
6

 
(13
)
Restructuring liabilities at June 30
 
$
186

 
$
275


Restructuring liabilities of $125 and $157 are recorded in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities and $61 and $118 are recorded in Other Liabilities as of June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The impact related to restructuring charges is recorded in Operating working capital and Other Operating Activities, as appropriate, in our consolidated cash flow statements.
Through June 30, 2019, cumulative pre-tax charges for the 2018 Global Restructuring Program were $1.3 billion ($1.0 billion after tax).
Note 3. Income Taxes
On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act"). In the period ended December 31, 2017, we recorded a provisional discrete net tax benefit related to the transition tax, remeasurement of deferred taxes, our reassessment of permanently reinvested earnings, uncertain tax positions and valuation allowances, and actions taken in anticipation of the Tax Act. The provisional amounts recorded in 2017 were finalized in 2018.  During 2018, we recorded discrete net tax expense related to new guidance issued during 2018 affecting tax benefits we recorded in the period ended December 31, 2017 for the transition tax and certain tax planning actions taken in anticipation of the

9



Tax Act.  At December 31, 2018, we finalized our policy and elected to use the period cost method for global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”) provisions and therefore have not recorded deferred taxes for basis differences expected to reverse in future periods.
In the first quarter of 2018, we recorded discrete net tax expense of $82 primarily related to guidance issued affecting tax benefits we recorded in the fourth quarter of 2017 for certain tax planning actions taken in anticipation of the Tax Act. 
The Brazilian tax authority, Secretaria da Receita Federal do Brasil ("RFB"), concluded an audit for the taxable periods from 2008-2013. This audit included a review of our determinations of amortization of certain goodwill arising from prior acquisitions in Brazil, and the RFB has proposed adjustments that effectively eliminate the goodwill amortization benefits related to these transactions. Administrative appeals have been exhausted, and the dispute is moving into the judicial phase. The amount of the proposed tax adjustments and penalties is approximately $90 as of June 30, 2019 (translated at the June 30, 2019 currency exchange rate).  The amount ultimately in dispute will be significantly greater because of interest. We believe we have meritorious defenses and intend to vigorously defend these proposed adjustments; however, it is expected to take a number of years to reach resolution of this matter.
Note 4. Fair Value Information
The following fair value information is based on a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The three levels in the hierarchy used to measure fair value are:
Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets accessible at the reporting date for identical assets and liabilities.
Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets. Quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not considered active or financial instruments for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3 – Prices or valuations that require inputs that are significant to the valuation and are unobservable.
A financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
During the six months ended June 30, 2019 and for the full year 2018, there were no significant transfers among level 1, 2, or 3 fair value determinations.
Derivative assets and liabilities are measured on a recurring basis at fair value. At June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, derivative assets were $31 and $30, respectively, and derivative liabilities were $34 and $18, respectively. The fair values of derivatives used to manage interest rate risk and commodity price risk are based on LIBOR rates and interest rate swap curves and NYMEX price quotations, respectively. The fair values of hedging instruments used to manage foreign currency risk are based on published quotations of spot currency rates and forward points, which are converted into implied forward currency rates. Measurement of our derivative assets and liabilities is considered a level 2 measurement. Additional information on our classification and use of derivative instruments is contained in Note 8.
Redeemable preferred securities of subsidiaries are measured on a recurring basis at fair value and were $38 and $64 at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. They are not traded in active markets. As of June 30, 2019, the fair values of the redeemable securities were based on a discounted cash flow valuation model. Measurement of the redeemable preferred securities is considered a level 3 measurement.
Company-owned life insurance ("COLI") assets are measured on a recurring basis at fair value. COLI assets were $71 and $64 at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. The COLI policies are a source of funding primarily for our nonqualified employee benefits and are included in Other Assets. The COLI policies are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient, and therefore, are not classified in the fair value hierarchy.

10



The following table includes the fair value of our financial instruments for which disclosure of fair value is required:
 
Fair Value Hierarchy Level
 
Carrying Amount
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Carrying Amount
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 30, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents(a)
1
 
$
534

 
$
534

 
$
539

 
$
539

Time deposits(b)
1
 
204

 
204

 
256

 
256

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term debt(c)
2
 
1,031

 
1,031

 
495

 
495

Long-term debt(d)
2
 
6,961

 
7,668

 
6,960

 
7,192

(a)
Cash equivalents are composed of certificates of deposit, time deposits and other interest-bearing investments with original maturity dates of 90 days or less. Cash equivalents are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value.
(b)
Time deposits are composed of deposits with original maturities of more than 90 days but less than one year and instruments with original maturities of greater than one year, included in Other current assets or Other Assets in the consolidated balance sheet, as appropriate. Time deposits are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value.
(c)
Short-term debt is composed of U.S. commercial paper and/or other similar short-term debt issued by non-U.S. subsidiaries, all of which are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value.
(d)
Long-term debt includes the current portion of these debt instruments. Fair values were estimated based on quoted prices for financial instruments for which all significant inputs were observable, either directly or indirectly.
Note 5. Earnings Per Share ("EPS")
There are no adjustments required to be made to net income for purposes of computing EPS. The average number of common shares outstanding is reconciled to those used in the basic and diluted EPS computations as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30
 
Six Months Ended
June 30
(Millions of shares)
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
Basic
 
344.2

 
348.8

 
344.3

 
349.6

Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted share unit awards
 
1.8

 
1.5

 
1.7

 
1.7

Diluted
 
346.0

 
350.3

 
346.0

 
351.3


The impact of options outstanding that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because their exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares was insignificant. The number of common shares outstanding as of June 30, 2019 and 2018 was 344.2 million and 347.9 million, respectively.
Note 6. Stockholders' Equity
Net unrealized currency gains or losses resulting from the translation of assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries, except those in highly inflationary economies, are recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI"). For these operations, changes in exchange rates generally do not affect cash flows; therefore, unrealized translation adjustments are recorded in AOCI rather than net income. Upon sale or substantially complete liquidation of any of these subsidiaries, the applicable unrealized translation would be removed from AOCI and reported as part of the gain or loss on the sale or liquidation.
Also included in unrealized translation amounts are the effects of foreign exchange rate changes on intercompany balances of a long-term investment nature and transactions designated as hedges of net foreign investments.
The change in net unrealized currency translation for the six months ended June 30, 2019 was primarily due to strengthening of foreign currencies versus the U.S. dollar.

11



The changes in the components of AOCI attributable to Kimberly-Clark, net of tax, are as follows:
 
 
Unrealized Translation
 
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
 
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
 
Cash Flow Hedges and Other
Balance as of December 31, 2017
 
$
(1,864
)
 
$
(976
)
 
$
(39
)
 
$
(40
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 
(254
)
 
27

 
13

 
15

(Income) loss reclassified from AOCI
 
1

 
39

(a)
(1
)
(a)
13

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
 
(253
)
 
66

 
12

 
28

Tax effects reclassified from AOCI
 
(18
)
 
(125
)
 
(5
)
 
(8
)
Balance as of June 30, 2018
 
$
(2,135
)
 
$
(1,035
)
 
$
(32
)
 
$
(20
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2018
 
$
(2,297
)
 
$
(1,017
)
 
$
12

 
$
3

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 
29

 
1

 
15

 
(12
)
(Income) loss reclassified from AOCI
 

 
6

(a)
(1
)
(a)
(8
)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
 
29

 
7

 
14

 
(20
)
Balance as of June 30, 2019
 
$
(2,268
)
 
$
(1,010
)
 
$
26

 
$
(17
)

(a)
Included in computation of net periodic benefit costs.
Note 7. Leases
We have entered into leases for certain facilities, vehicles, material handling and other equipment. Our leases have remaining contractual terms up to 19 years, some of which include options to extend the leases for up to 20 years, and some of which include options to terminate the leases within 1 year. Our lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. Our operating lease costs are primarily related to facility leases for inventory warehousing and administration offices, and our finance leases are immaterial.
Operating Lease Cost
 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2019
 
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2019
 
Income Statement Classification
Lease cost
 
$
40

 
$
79

 
Cost of products sold, Marketing, research and general expenses
Variable lease cost(a)
 
35

 
72

 
Cost of products sold, Marketing, research and general expenses
Total lease cost
 
$
75

 
$
151

 
 
(a)    Includes short-term leases, which are immaterial.

12



Operating Lease Assets and Liabilities
 
 
June 30, 2019
 
Balance Sheet Classification
Lease assets
 
$
416

 
Other Assets
 
 
 
 
 
Current lease liabilities
 
$
136

 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Noncurrent lease liabilities
 
291

 
Other Liabilities
Total lease liabilities
 
$
427

 
 

Maturity of Operating Lease Liabilities
 
 
June 30, 2019
2019
 
$
79

2020
 
133

2021
 
90

2022
 
63

2023
 
44

Thereafter
 
74

Total lease payments
 
483

Less imputed interest
 
56

Present value of lease liabilities
 
$
427


As of June 30, 2019, our operating leases have a weighted-average remaining lease term of 4.4 years and a weighted-average discount rate of 5.2 percent. Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities was $80 for the six months ended June 30, 2019.
As of June 30, 2019, we have additional operating leases, primarily for facilities, that have not yet commenced of $96. These operating leases will commence during 2020 with lease terms of 7 years.
The future minimum obligations under operating leases in effect as of December 31, 2018 having a noncancelable term in excess of one year as determined prior to the adoption of ASU 842 are as follows:
 
 
December 31, 2018
2019
 
$
160

2020
 
123

2021
 
85

2022
 
57

2023
 
41

Thereafter
 
72

Future minimum obligations
 
$
538


Note 8. Objectives and Strategies for Using Derivatives
As a multinational enterprise, we are exposed to financial risks, such as changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, and commodity prices. We employ a number of practices to manage these risks, including operating and financing activities and, where appropriate, the use of derivative instruments. We enter into derivative instruments to hedge a portion of forecasted cash flows denominated in foreign currencies for non-U.S. operations' purchases of raw materials, which are priced in U.S. dollars, and imports of intercompany finished goods and work-in-process priced predominantly in U.S. dollars and euros. The derivative instruments used to manage these exposures are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges. The foreign currency exposure on certain non-functional currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities, primarily intercompany loans and accounts payable, is hedged with primarily undesignated derivative instruments.
Interest rate risk is managed using a portfolio of variable and fixed-rate debt composed of short and long-term instruments. Interest rate swap contracts may be used to facilitate the maintenance of the desired ratio of variable and fixed-rate debt and are designated and qualify as fair value hedges. From time to time, we also hedge the anticipated issuance of fixed-rate debt, and these contracts are designated as cash flow hedges.

13



We use derivative instruments, such as forward contracts, to hedge a limited portion of our exposure to market risk arising from changes in prices of certain commodities. These derivatives are designated as cash flow hedges of specific quantities of the underlying commodity expected to be purchased in future months.
Translation adjustments result from translating foreign entities' financial statements into U.S. dollars from their functional currencies. The risk to any particular entity's net assets is reduced to the extent that the entity is financed with local currency borrowings. A portion of our balance sheet translation exposure for certain affiliates, which results from changes in translation rates between the affiliates’ functional currencies and the U.S. dollar, is hedged with cross-currency swap contracts and certain foreign denominated debt. These instruments are designated as net investment hedges and have an aggregate notional value of $1.5 billion at June 30, 2019. We exclude the interest accruals on cross-currency swap contracts and the forward points on foreign exchange forward contracts from the assessment and measurement of hedge effectiveness.  We recognize the interest accruals on cross-currency swap contracts in earnings within Interest expense.  We amortize the forward points on foreign exchange contracts into earnings within Interest expense over the life of the hedging relationship.  Changes in fair value of net investment hedges are recorded in AOCI and offset the change in the value of the net investment being hedged.  For the six months ended June 30, 2019, no significant unrealized gains or losses related to net investment hedge fair value changes were recorded in AOCI and no significant amounts were reclassified from AOCI to Interest expense.
At June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, derivative assets were $31 and $30, respectively, and derivative liabilities were $34 and $18, respectively, primarily comprised of foreign currency exchange contracts. Derivative assets are recorded in Other current assets or Other Assets, as appropriate, and derivative liabilities are recorded in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities or Other Liabilities, as appropriate.
Derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges are predominantly used to manage interest rate risk. The fair values of these interest rate derivative instruments are recorded as an asset or liability, as appropriate, with the offset recorded in Interest expense. The offset to the change in fair values of the related debt is also recorded in Interest expense. Any realized gain or loss on the derivatives that hedge interest rate risk is amortized to Interest expense over the life of the related debt. As of June 30, 2019, the aggregate notional values and carrying values of outstanding interest rate contracts designated as fair value hedges were $300 and $308, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, gains or losses recognized in Interest expense for interest rate swaps were not significant.
For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is initially recorded in AOCI, net of related income taxes, and recognized in earnings in the same income statement line and period that the hedged exposure affects earnings. As of June 30, 2019, outstanding commodity forward contracts were in place to hedge a limited portion of our estimated requirements of the related underlying commodities in the remainder of 2019 and future periods. As of June 30, 2019, the aggregate notional value of outstanding foreign exchange derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedges were $657. For the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, no significant gains or losses were reclassified into Interest expense, Cost of products sold or Other (income) and expense, net as a result of the discontinuance of cash flow hedges due to the original forecasted transaction no longer being probable of occurring. At June 30, 2019, amounts to be reclassified from AOCI into Interest expense, Cost of products sold or Other (income) and expense, net during the next twelve months are not expected to be material. The maximum maturity of cash flow hedges in place at June 30, 2019 is June 2021.
No significant amounts were excluded from the assessment of net investment, fair value or cash flow hedge effectiveness as of June 30, 2019.
Gains or losses on undesignated foreign exchange hedging instruments are immediately recognized in Other (income) and expense, net. Losses of $5 and $40 were recorded in the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Losses of $13 and $37 were recorded in the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The effect on earnings from the use of these non-designated derivatives is substantially neutralized by the transactional gains and losses recorded on the underlying assets and liabilities. At June 30, 2019, the notional value of these undesignated derivative instruments was approximately $1.7 billion.
Note 9. Business Segment Information
We are organized into operating segments based on product groupings. These operating segments have been aggregated into three reportable global business segments: Personal Care, Consumer Tissue and K-C Professional. The reportable segments were determined in accordance with how our chief operating decision maker and our executive managers develop and execute global strategies to drive growth and profitability. These strategies include global plans for branding and product positioning, technology, research and development programs, cost reductions including supply chain management, and capacity and capital investments for each of these businesses. Segment management is evaluated on several factors, including operating profit. Segment operating profit excludes Other (income) and expense, net and income and expense not associated with ongoing operations of the business segments, including the costs of corporate decisions related to the 2018 Global Restructuring Program described in Note 2.

14



The principal sources of revenue in each global business segment are described below:
Personal Care brands offer our consumers a trusted partner in caring for themselves and their families by delivering confidence, protection and discretion through a wide variety of innovative solutions and products such as disposable diapers, training and youth pants, swimpants, baby wipes, feminine and incontinence care products, and other related products. Products in this segment are sold under the Huggies, Pull-Ups, Little Swimmers, GoodNites, DryNites, Kotex, U by Kotex, Intimus, Depend, Plenitud, Poise and other brand names.
Consumer Tissue offers a wide variety of innovative solutions and trusted brands that responsibly improve everyday living for families around the world. Products in this segment include facial and bathroom tissue, paper towels, napkins and related products, and are sold under the Kleenex, Scott, Cottonelle, Viva, Andrex, Scottex, Neve and other brand names.
K-C Professional partners with businesses to create Exceptional Workplaces, helping to make them healthier, safer and more productive through a range of solutions and supporting products such as wipers, tissue, towels, apparel, soaps and sanitizers. Our brands, including Kleenex, Scott, WypAll, Kimtech and KleenGuard are well known for quality and trusted to help people around the world work better.
Information concerning consolidated operations by business segment is presented in the following tables:
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30
 
 
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
Change
 
2019
 
2018
 
Change
NET SALES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Personal Care
 
$
2,286

 
$
2,257

 
+1
 %
 
$
4,561

 
$
4,564

 

Consumer Tissue
 
1,472

 
1,472

 

 
2,998

 
3,051

 
-2
 %
K-C Professional
 
821

 
861

 
-5
 %
 
1,638

 
1,693

 
-3
 %
Corporate & Other
 
15

 
14

 
N.M.

 
30

 
27

 
N.M.

TOTAL NET SALES
 
$
4,594

 
$
4,604

 

 
$
9,227

 
$
9,335

 
-1
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OPERATING PROFIT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Personal Care
 
$
485

 
$
461

 
+5
 %
 
$
969

 
$
931

 
+4
 %
Consumer Tissue
 
221

 
207

 
+7
 %
 
462

 
456

 
+1
 %
K-C Professional
 
162

 
165

 
-2
 %
 
312

 
323

 
-3
 %
Corporate & Other(a)
 
(193
)
 
(149
)
 
N.M.

 
(409
)
 
(781
)
 
N.M.

Other (income) and expense, net(a)
 
5

 
10

 
-50
 %
 
9

 
8

 
+13
 %
TOTAL OPERATING PROFIT
 
$
670

 
$
674

 
-1
 %
 
$
1,325

 
$
921

 
+44
 %
(a)
Corporate & Other and Other (income) and expense, net include income and expense not associated with the business segments, including charges related to the 2018 Global Restructuring Program. Restructuring charges related to the personal care, consumer tissue and K-C Professional business segments were $66, $36 and $15, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2019, $87, $18 and $6, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2018, $155, $82 and $31, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and $401, $159 and $101, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2018.
N.M. - Not Meaningful
Sales of Principal Products
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30
 
Six Months Ended June 30
(Billions of dollars)
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
Consumer tissue products
 
$
1.5

 
$
1.5

 
$
3.0

 
$
3.1

Baby and child care products
 
1.6

 
1.6

 
3.1

 
3.2

Away-from-home professional products
 
0.8

 
0.9

 
1.6

 
1.7

All other
 
0.7

 
0.6

 
1.5

 
1.3

Consolidated
 
$
4.6

 
$
4.6

 
$
9.2

 
$
9.3


15



Note 10. Supplemental Balance Sheet Data
The following schedule presents a summary of inventories by major class:
 
 
June 30, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
 
 
LIFO
 
Non-LIFO
 
Total
 
LIFO
 
Non-LIFO
 
Total
Raw materials
 
$
88

 
$
249

 
$
337

 
$
99

 
$
263

 
$
362

Work in process
 
134

 
96

 
230

 
120

 
94

 
214

Finished goods
 
485

 
718

 
1,203

 
461

 
692

 
1,153

Supplies and other
 

 
267

 
267

 

 
275

 
275

 
 
707

 
1,330

 
2,037

 
680

 
1,324

 
2,004

Excess of FIFO or weighted-average cost over LIFO cost
 
(181
)
 

 
(181
)
 
(191
)
 

 
(191
)
Total
 
$
526

 
$
1,330

 
$
1,856

 
$
489

 
$
1,324

 
$
1,813


Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value, determined on the FIFO or weighted-average cost methods, and at the lower of cost or market, determined on the LIFO cost method.
The following schedule presents a summary of property, plant and equipment, net:
 
June 30, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
Land
$
169

 
$
169

Buildings
2,831

 
2,787

Machinery and equipment
14,212

 
14,059

Construction in progress
760

 
699

 
17,972

 
17,714

Less accumulated depreciation
(10,765
)
 
(10,555
)
Total
$
7,207

 
$
7,159



16



Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Introduction
This management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A") of financial condition and results of operations is intended to provide investors with an understanding of our recent performance, financial condition and prospects.  The following will be discussed and analyzed:
Overview of Second Quarter 2019 Results
Results of Operations and Related Information
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Business Outlook
Information Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
We describe our business outside North America in two groups – Developing and Emerging Markets ("D&E") and Developed Markets. D&E markets comprise Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Latin America and Asia-Pacific, excluding Australia and South Korea. Developed Markets consist of Western and Central Europe, Australia and South Korea. We have three reportable business segments: Personal Care, Consumer Tissue and K-C Professional. These business segments are described in greater detail in Note 9 to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
This section presents a discussion and analysis of our second quarter 2019 net sales, operating profit and other information relevant to an understanding of the results of operations. In addition, we provide commentary regarding organic sales growth, which describes the impact of changes in volume, net selling prices and product mix on net sales. Change in foreign currency exchange rates and exited businesses also impact the year-over-year change in net sales. Our analysis compares the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 results to the same periods in 2018.
Throughout this MD&A, we refer to financial measures that have not been calculated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S., or GAAP, and are therefore referred to as non-GAAP financial measures. These measures include adjusted gross and operating profit, adjusted net income, adjusted earnings per share, adjusted other (income) and expense, net and adjusted effective tax rate. We believe these measures provide our investors with additional information about our underlying results and trends, as well as insight into some of the financial measures used to evaluate management.
Non-GAAP financial measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the comparable GAAP measures, and they should be read only in conjunction with our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP.  There are limitations to these non-GAAP financial measures because they are not prepared in accordance with GAAP and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies due to potential differences in methods of calculation and items being excluded.  We compensate for these limitations by using these non-GAAP financial measures as a supplement to the GAAP measures and by providing reconciliations of the non-GAAP and comparable GAAP financial measures.
The non-GAAP financial measures exclude the following items for the relevant time periods as indicated in the reconciliations included later in this MD&A:
2018 Global Restructuring Program - In 2018, we initiated this restructuring program to reduce our structural cost base by streamlining and simplifying our manufacturing supply chain and overhead organization. See Note 2 to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for details.
U.S. Tax Reform Related Matters - In 2018, we recognized net charges associated with U.S. tax reform related matters. See Note 3 to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for details.
Overview of Second Quarter 2019 Results
Net sales of $4.6 billion were even with the year-ago period. Organic sales increased 5 percent while changes in foreign currency exchange rates reduced sales by 5 percent.
Operating profit was $670 in 2019 and $674 in 2018. Net Income Attributable to Kimberly-Clark Corporation was $485 in 2019 compared to $455 in 2018, and diluted earnings per share were $1.40 in 2019 compared to $1.30 in 2018. Results in 2019 and 2018 include charges related to the 2018 Global Restructuring Program.

17



Results of Operations and Related Information
This section presents a discussion and analysis of our second quarter 2019 net sales, operating profit and other information relevant to an understanding of the results of operations.
Consolidated
Selected Financial Results
Three Months Ended June 30
 
Six Months Ended June 30
 
2019
 
2018
 
Percent Change
 
2019
 
2018
 
Percent Change
Net Sales:
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

North America
$
2,430

 
$
2,347

 
+4
 %
 
$
4,820

 
$
4,732

 
+2
 %
Outside North America
2,235

 
2,335

 
-4
 %
 
4,550

 
4,757

 
-4
 %
Intergeographic sales
(71
)
 
(78
)
 
N.M.

 
(143
)
 
(154
)
 
N.M.

Total Net Sales
4,594

 
4,604

 

 
9,227

 
9,335

 
-1
 %
Operating Profit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
North America
608

 
571

 
+6
 %
 
1,180

 
1,124

 
+5
 %
Outside North America
260

 
262

 
-1
 %
 
563

 
586

 
-4
 %
Corporate & Other(a)
(193
)
 
(149
)
 
N.M.

 
(409
)
 
(781
)
 
N.M.

Other (income) and expense, net(a)
5

 
10

 
-50
 %
 
9

 
8

 
+13
 %
Total Operating Profit
670

 
674

 
-1
 %
 
1,325

 
921

 
+44
 %
Share of net income of equity companies
33

 
30

 
+10
 %
 
60

 
57

 
+5
 %
Net Income Attributable to Kimberly-Clark Corporation
485

 
455

 
+7
 %
 
939

 
548

 
+71
 %
Diluted Earnings per Share
1.40

 
1.30

 
+8
 %
 
2.71

 
1.56

 
+74
 %
(a)
Corporate & Other and Other (income) and expense, net include income and expense not associated with the business segments, including adjustments as indicated in the Non-GAAP Reconciliations.
N.M. - Not Meaningful
GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations of Selected Financial Results
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
 
As
Reported
 
2018 Global
Restructuring
Program
 
As
Adjusted
Non-GAAP
Cost of products sold
 
$
3,108

 
$
102

 
$
3,006

Gross Profit
 
1,486

 
(102
)
 
1,588

Marketing, research and general expenses
 
811

 
17

 
794

Operating Profit
 
670

 
(119
)
 
789

Provision for income taxes
 
(132
)
 
27

 
(159
)
Effective tax rate
 
22.2
%
 

 
22.3
%
Net Income Attributable to Kimberly-Clark Corporation
 
485

 
(92
)
 
577

Diluted Earnings per Share(a)
 
1.40

 
(0.27
)
 
1.67



18



 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
 
As
Reported
 
2018 Global
Restructuring
Program
 
As
Adjusted
Non-GAAP
Cost of products sold
 
$
3,149

 
$
85

 
$
3,064

Gross Profit
 
1,455

 
(85
)
 
1,540

Marketing, research and general expenses
 
771

 
15

 
756

Operating Profit
 
674

 
(100
)
 
774

Nonoperating expense
 
(36
)
 
(30
)
 
(6
)
Provision for income taxes
 
(138
)
 
24

 
(162
)
Effective tax rate
 
24.1
%
 

 
23.0
%
Share of net income of equity companies
 
30

 
2

 
28

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
(10
)
 
2

 
(12
)
Net Income Attributable to Kimberly-Clark Corporation
 
455

 
(102
)
 
557

Diluted Earnings per Share(a)
 
1.30

 
(0.29
)
 
1.59




 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
 
As
Reported
 
2018 Global
Restructuring
Program
 
As
Adjusted
Non-GAAP
Cost of products sold
 
$
6,313

 
$
227

 
$
6,086

Gross Profit
 
2,914

 
(227
)
 
3,141

Marketing, research and general expenses
 
1,580

 
45

 
1,535

Other (income) and expense, net
 
9

 
(1
)
 
10

Operating Profit
 
1,325

 
(271
)
 
1,596

Provision for income taxes
 
(275
)
 
58

 
(333
)
Effective tax rate
 
23.4
%
 

 
23.0
%
Share of net income of equity companies
 
60

 
(2
)
 
62

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
(22
)
 
1

 
(23
)
Net Income Attributable to Kimberly-Clark Corporation
 
939

 
(214
)
 
1,153

Diluted Earnings per Share(a)
 
2.71

 
(0.62
)
 
3.33




 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
 
As
Reported
 
2018 Global
 Restructuring
 Program
 
U.S. Tax
 Reform Related Matters
 
As
Adjusted
Non-GAAP
Cost of products sold
 
$
6,556

 
$
362

 
$

 
$
6,194

Gross Profit
 
2,779

 
(362
)
 

 
3,141

Marketing, research and general expenses
 
1,850

 
315

 

 
1,535

Operating Profit
 
921

 
(677
)
 

 
1,598

Nonoperating expense
 
(45
)
 
(30
)
 

 
(15
)
Provision for income taxes
 
(242
)
 
167

 
(82
)
 
(327
)
Effective tax rate
 
32.4
%
 

 

 
22.5
%
Share of net income of equity companies
 
57

 
(1
)
 

 
58

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
(14
)
 
11

 

 
(25
)
Net Income Attributable to Kimberly-Clark Corporation
 
548

 
(530
)
 
(82
)
 
1,160

Diluted Earnings per Share(a)
 
1.56

 
(1.51
)
 
(0.23
)
 
3.30

(a) "As Adjusted Non-GAAP" may not equal "As Reported" plus "Adjustments" as a result of rounding.

19



Analysis of Consolidated Results
Net Sales
 
Percent Change
 
Adjusted Operating Profit
 
Percent Change
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30
 
Six Months Ended June 30
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30
 
Six Months Ended June 30
Volume
 

 
(1
)
 
Volume
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
Net Price
 
5

 
4

 
Net Price
 
29

 
24

Mix/Other
 
1

 
1

 
Input Costs
 
(10
)
 
(13
)
Currency
 
(5
)
 
(5
)
 
Cost Savings(c)
 
12

 
13

Total(a)
 

 
(1
)
 
Currency Translation
 
(3
)
 
(3
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other(d)
 
(25
)
 
(20
)
Organic(b)
 
5

 
4

 
Total
 
2

 

(a) Total may not equal the sum of volume, net price, mix/other and currency due to rounding.
(b) Combined impact of changes in volume, net price and mix/other.
(c) Combined benefits of the FORCE (Focused On Reducing Costs Everywhere) program and 2018 Global Restructuring Program.
(d) Includes impact of changes in product mix, marketing, research and general expenses, foreign currency transaction effects and other manufacturing costs.

Net sales of $4.6 billion in the second quarter of 2019 were even with the year-ago period. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates reduced sales by 5 percent and business exits in conjunction with the 2018 Global Restructuring Program reduced sales slightly. Organic sales increased 5 percent. Changes in net selling prices and product mix increased sales by 5 percent and 1 percent, respectively, while sales volumes fell slightly. In North America, organic sales increased 5 percent in consumer products and 2 percent in K-C Professional. Outside North America, organic sales rose 9 percent in D&E markets and 1 percent in developed markets.
Operating profit in the second quarter was $670 in 2019 and $674 in 2018. Results in both periods include charges related to the 2018 Global Restructuring Program. Second quarter adjusted operating profit was $789 in 2019 and $774 in 2018. Results benefited from higher net selling prices, $70 of cost savings from our FORCE program and $20 of cost savings from the 2018 Global Restructuring Program. Results were impacted by $80 of higher input costs, driven by $40 in pulp inflation and increases in other raw materials and distribution expense. In addition, foreign currency translation effects reduced operating profit by $25 and transaction effects also negatively impacted the comparison. Other manufacturing costs were also higher year-on-year. Advertising spending increased and general and administrative costs were higher, driven by increased incentive compensation expense.
The second quarter effective tax rate was 22.2 percent in 2019 and 24.1 percent in 2018. The second quarter adjusted effective tax rate was 22.3 percent in 2019 and 23.0 percent in 2018. The rate in 2019 benefited from certain planning initiatives.
Our share of net income of equity companies in the second quarter was $33 in 2019 and $30 in 2018. At Kimberly-Clark de Mexico, S.A.B. de C.V. (K-C de Mexico) results benefited from organic sales growth and cost savings, but were negatively impacted by higher input costs and unfavorable currency effects.
Diluted net income per share for the second quarter of 2019 was $1.40 and $1.30 in 2018. Second quarter adjusted earnings per share were $1.67 in 2019, an increase of 5 percent compared to adjusted earnings per share of $1.59 in 2018.

20



Results by Business Segments
Personal Care
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30
 
Six Months Ended June 30
 


 
Three Months Ended June 30
 
Six Months Ended June 30
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
Net Sales
 
$
2,286

 
$
2,257

 
$
4,561

 
$
4,564

 
Operating Profit
 
$
485

 
$
461

 
$
969

 
$
931

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales
 
Percent Change
 
Percent Change
 
Operating Profit
 
Percent Change
 
Percent Change
Volume
 
 
 
1

 
 
 
1
 
Volume
 
 
 
4

 
 
 
4
Net Price
 
5

 
 
 
4
 
Net Price
 
26

 
 
 
19
Mix/Other
 
1

 
 
 
1
 
Input Costs
 
(8
)
 
 
 
(10)
Currency
 
(6
)
 
 
 
(6)
 
Cost Savings(c)
 
10

 
 
 
13
Total(a)
 
1

 
 
 
 
Currency Translation
 
(4
)
 
 
 
(4)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other(d)
 
(23
)
 
 
 
(18)
Organic(b)
 
8

 
 
 
6
 
Total
 
5

 
 
 
4
(a) Total may not equal the sum of volume, net price, mix/other and currency due to rounding.
(b) Combined impact of changes in volume, net price and mix/other.
(c) Combined benefits of the FORCE program and 2018 Global Restructuring Program.
(d) Includes impact of changes in product mix, marketing, research and general expenses, foreign currency transaction effects and other manufacturing costs.

Second quarter net sales of $2.3 billion increased 1 percent. Changes in net selling prices increased sales by approximately 5 percent, sales volumes rose 1 percent and changes in product mix increased sales by 1 percent. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates reduced sales by 6 percent. Second quarter operating profit of $485 increased 5 percent. The comparison benefited from organic sales growth and cost savings, while results were impacted by unfavorable currency effects, input cost inflation, higher advertising spending and other manufacturing cost increases.
Net sales in North America increased 5 percent. Changes in net selling prices increased sales by 3 percent, driven by baby and child care, and sales volumes rose 3 percent. Volumes were up high-single digits in adult care, including benefits from category growth, innovations and increased marketing support. Volumes increased low-single digits in baby and child care and fell mid-single digits in feminine care.
Net sales in D&E markets decreased 1 percent. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates decreased sales by 13 percent, including significant declines in Latin America. Changes in net selling prices and product mix increased sales by 11 percent and 2 percent, respectively, while sales volumes were even year-on-year. The higher net selling prices were primarily in Latin America and secondarily in China and the Middle East/Eastern Europe/Africa. Volumes increased in Eastern Europe, ASEAN and South Africa, but fell in Latin America and China.
Net sales in developed markets outside North America decreased 6 percent, including an 8 percent decrease due to unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Sales volumes and changes in product mix each increased sales by 1 percent

21



Consumer Tissue
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30
 
Six Months Ended June 30
 


 
Three Months Ended June 30
 
Six Months Ended June 30
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
Net Sales
 
$
1,472

 
$
1,472

 
$
2,998

 
$
3,051

 
Operating Profit
 
$
221

 
$
207

 
$
462

 
$
456

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales
 
Percent Change
 
Percent Change
 
Operating Profit
 
Percent Change
 
Percent Change
Volume
 
 
 
(2
)
 
 
 
(4
)
 
Volume
 
 
 
(6
)
 
 
 
(10
)
Net Price
 
5

 
 
 
5

 
Net Price
 
38

 
 
 
36

Mix/Other
 

 
 
 

 
Input Costs
 
(14
)
 
 
 
(16
)
Currency
 
(4
)
 
 
 
(4
)
 
Cost Savings(c)
 
16

 
 
 
12

Total(a)
 

 
 
 
(2
)
 
Currency Translation
 
(1
)
 
 
 
(1
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other(d)
 
(26
)
 
 
 
(20
)
Organic(b)
 
4

 
 
 
2

 
Total
 
7

 
 
 
1

(a) Total may not equal the sum of volume, net price, mix/other and currency due to rounding.
(b) Combined impact of changes in volume, net price and mix/other.
(c) Combined benefits of the FORCE program and 2018 Global Restructuring Program.
(d) Includes impact of changes in marketing, research and general expenses, foreign currency transaction effects and other manufacturing costs.

Second quarter net sales of $1.5 billion were even year-on-year. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates reduced sales by 4 percent. Changes in net selling prices increased sales by 5 percent and product mix improved sales slightly, while sales volumes declined 2 percent. Second quarter operating profit of $221  increased 7 percent. Results benefited from higher net selling prices and cost savings. The comparison was impacted by input cost inflation, other manufacturing cost increases, unfavorable currencies, lower volumes and higher general and administrative costs.
Net sales in North America increased 5 percent compared to a 4 percent decline in the year-ago period. Changes in net selling prices increased sales by 7 percent while sales volumes fell 2 percent.
Net sales in D&E markets decreased 4 percent. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates decreased sales by 8 percent, primarily in Latin America. Changes in net selling prices and product mix increased sales by 5 percent and 1 percent, respectively, while sales volumes fell 1 percent.
Net sales in developed markets outside North America decreased 7 percent. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates reduced sales by 7 percent. Changes in net selling prices increased sales by 3 percent while sales volumes fell 2 percent. The changes occurred primarily in Western/Central Europe.

22



K-C Professional
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30
 
Six Months Ended June 30
 


 
Three Months Ended June 30
 
Six Months Ended June 30
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
Net Sales
 
$
821

 
$
861

 
$
1,638

 
$
1,693

 
Operating Profit
$
162

 
$
165

 
$
312

 
$
323

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales
 
Percent Change
 
Percent Change
 
Operating Profit
 
Percent Change
 
Percent Change
Volume
 
 
 
(3
)
 
 
 
(2
)
 
Volume
 
 
 
(6
)
 
 
 
(2
)
Net Price
 
3

 
 
 
3

 
Net Price
 
16

 
 
 
15

Mix/Other
 
1

 
 
 
1

 
Input Costs
 
(7
)
 
 
 
(12
)
Exited Businesses(e)
 
(2
)
 
 
 
(2
)
 
Cost Savings(c)
 
7

 
 
 
10

Currency
 
(4
)
 
 
 
(4
)
 
Currency Translation
 
(2
)
 
 
 
(3
)
Total(a)
 
(5
)
 
 
 
(3
)
 
Other(d)
 
(10
)
 
 
 
(11
)
Organic(b)
 
1

 
 
 
2

 
Total
 
(2
)
 
 
 
(3
)
(a) Total may not equal the sum of volume, net price, mix/other, exited businesses and currency due to rounding.
(b) Combined impact of changes in volume, net price and mix/other.
(c) Combined benefits of the FORCE program and 2018 Global Restructuring Program.
(d) Includes impact of changes in product mix, marketing, research and general expenses, foreign currency transaction effects and other manufacturing costs.
(e) Exited businesses in conjunction with the 2018 Global Restructuring Program.

Second quarter net sales of $0.8 billion decreased 5 percent. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates reduced sales by 4 percent and business exits in conjunction with the 2018 Global Restructuring Program reduced sales 2 percent. Changes in net selling prices and product mix increased sales by 3 percent and 1 percent, respectively, while sales volumes were down 3 percent. Second quarter operating profit of $162 decreased 2 percent. The comparison was impacted by input cost inflation, lower volumes, unfavorable currency effects and higher general and administrative costs. Results benefited from increased net selling prices and cost savings.
Net sales in North America were even year-on-year. Changes in net selling prices increased sales by 2 percent while business exits in conjunction with the 2018 Global Restructuring Program reduced sales by 2 percent.
Net sales in D&E markets decreased 6 percent, including an 8 percent decrease due to unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Changes in net selling prices increased sales by 4 percent while sales volumes decreased 2 percent.
Net sales in developed markets outside North America were down 8 percent. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates decreased sales by 7 percent and business exits in conjunction with the 2018 Global Restructuring Program reduced sales 1 percent. Sales volumes fell 8 percent, while changes in net selling prices and product mix increased sales by 4 percent and 3 percent, respectively. The changes occurred mostly in Western/Central Europe.
2018 Global Restructuring Program
Annual pre-tax savings from the 2018 Global Restructuring Program are expected to be $500 to $550 by 2021. In addition, to implement this program, we expect to incur incremental capital spending of approximately $600 to $700 by the end of 2020. See Item 1, Note 2 to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for additional information.
Savings for the first six months of 2019 were $80, bringing cumulative savings to $215.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Provided by Operations
Cash provided by operations was $926 for the first six months of 2019 compared to $1,329 in the prior year. The decrease was primarily driven by increased working capital and higher tax payments.

Investing
During the six months ended June 30, 2019, our capital spending was $569 compared to $347 in the prior year. We anticipate that full year capital spending will be $1.1 billion to $1.3 billion, including incremental spending associated with the 2018 Global Restructuring Program.

23



Financing
In April 2019, we terminated our short-term $300 revolving credit facility in conjunction with the issuance of $700 aggregate principal amount of 3.20% notes due April 25, 2029. Proceeds from the offering were used for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of a portion of our outstanding commercial paper indebtedness.
Our short-term debt, which consists of U.S. commercial paper with original maturities up to 90 days and/or other similar short-term debt issued by non-U.S. subsidiaries, was $1.0 billion as of June 30, 2019 (included in Debt payable within one year on the consolidated balance sheet). The average month-end balance of short-term debt for the second quarter of 2019 was $1.0 billion. These short-term borrowings provide supplemental funding for supporting our operations. The level of short-term debt generally fluctuates depending upon the amount of operating cash flows and the timing of customer receipts and payments for items such as dividends and income taxes.
At June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, total debt was $8 billion and $7.5 billion, respectively.
We maintain a $2.0 billion revolving credit facility which expires in June 2023 and a $750 revolving credit facility which expires in June 2020.  These facilities, currently unused, support our commercial paper program, and would provide liquidity in the event our access to the commercial paper markets is unavailable for any reason.
We repurchase shares of Kimberly-Clark common stock from time to time pursuant to publicly announced share repurchase programs. During the first six months of 2019, we repurchased 2.7 million shares of our common stock at a cost of $334 through a broker in the open market. We are targeting full-year 2019 share repurchases between $600 and $900, subject to market conditions.
K-C Argentina began accounting for their operations as highly inflationary effective July 1, 2018, as required by GAAP.  Under highly inflationary accounting, K-C Argentina’s functional currency became the U.S. dollar, and its income statement and balance sheet have been measured in U.S. dollars using both current and historical rates of exchange.  The effect of changes in exchange rates on peso-denominated monetary assets and liabilities has been reflected in earnings in Other (income) and expense, net and was not material.  As of June 30, 2019, K-C Argentina had a small net peso monetary position.  Net sales of K-C Argentina were less than 2 percent of our consolidated net sales for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018.
We believe that our ability to generate cash from operations and our capacity to issue short-term and long-term debt are adequate to fund working capital, payments for our 2018 Global Restructuring Program, capital spending, pension contributions, dividends and other needs for the foreseeable future. Further, we do not expect restrictions or taxes on repatriation of cash held outside of the U.S. to have a material effect on our overall business, liquidity, financial condition or results of operations for the foreseeable future.
Business Outlook
In 2019, we plan to focus on our strategies for long-term success, including growing our brands, leveraging our financial discipline and allocating capital in value-creating ways. In 2019, we now expect earnings per share to be $5.50 to $5.90, up from our previous estimate of $4.85 to $5.35 reported in our first quarter Form 10-Q. Adjusted earnings per share are expected to be $6.65 to $6.80, up from our prior estimate of $6.50 to $6.70. Adjusted earnings per share exclude 2018 Global Restructuring Program charges equivalent to $0.90 to $1.15, which is down from our prior estimate of $1.35 to $1.65. Our earnings per share and adjusted earnings per share guidance is based on the assumptions described below:
We expect net sales to be even to down 1 percent year-on-year (prior assumption was a decrease of 1 to 2 percent). We continue to anticipate changes in foreign currency exchange rates to have an unfavorable impact of 3 to 4 percent. Exited businesses in conjunction with the 2018 Global Restructuring Program are expected to reduce sales slightly, mostly in K-C Professional.
We expect organic sales to increase approximately 3 percent, driven by higher net selling prices of at least 3 percent, compared to our prior target of 2 percent.
We expect adjusted operating profit growth of 3 to 5 percent, up from our prior estimate of 1 to 4 percent.
We plan to achieve total cost savings of $400 to $450 from our FORCE program and the 2018 Global Restructuring Program.
We expect inflation in key cost inputs of $150 to $250, down from our prior estimate of $300 to $400. The change is driven primarily by an improved outlook for pulp and secondarily for other raw materials including superabsorbent and polymer resin. We anticipate the majority of the inflation to occur in international markets.
We expect higher marketing spending and general and administrative costs than previously planned.

24



We expect foreign currency translation effects to reduce operating profit by 2 to 3 percent and transaction effects to also negatively impact the comparison.
We expect interest expense to increase somewhat year-on-year.
We expect an adjusted effective tax rate of 23 to 25 percent compared to 21 percent in 2018. At the mid-point, the higher rate is equivalent to an approximate 3 ½ percent reduction in adjusted earnings per share.
We expect net income from equity companies to be higher year-on-year compared to our prior assumption of similar.
Information Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Certain matters contained in this report concerning the business outlook, including the anticipated cost savings from our FORCE program, charges and savings from the 2018 Global Restructuring Program, cash flow and uses of cash, growth initiatives, innovations, marketing and other spending, net sales, anticipated currency rates and exchange risks, including the impact in Argentina, raw material, energy and other input costs, effective tax rate, contingencies and anticipated transactions of Kimberly-Clark, including dividends and share repurchases, constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are based upon management's expectations and beliefs concerning future events impacting Kimberly-Clark.  There can be no assurance that these future events will occur as anticipated or that our results will be as estimated.  Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update them. 
The assumptions used as a basis for the forward-looking statements include many estimates that, among other things, depend on the achievement of future cost savings and projected volume increases. In addition, many factors outside our control, including fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, the prices and availability of our raw materials, potential competitive pressures on selling prices for our products, energy costs, our ability to maintain key customer relationships and retail trade customer actions, as well as general economic and political conditions globally and in the markets in which we do business, could affect the realization of these estimates.
For a description of certain factors that could cause our future results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, see Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 entitled "Risk Factors." Other factors not presently known to us or that we presently consider immaterial could also affect our business operations and financial results.
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
As of June 30, 2019, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2019. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

25



PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
We repurchase shares of Kimberly-Clark common stock from time to time pursuant to publicly announced share repurchase programs. All our share repurchases during the second quarter of 2019 were made through a broker in the open market.
The following table contains information for shares repurchased during the second quarter of 2019. None of the shares in this table were repurchased directly from any of our officers or directors.
Period (2019)
 
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased(a)
 
Average
Price Paid
Per Share
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
 
Maximum Number
of Shares That May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs
April 1 to April 30
 
373,400

 
$
123.92

 
26,015,944

 
13,984,056

May 1 to May 31
 
595,900

 
128.42

 
26,611,844

 
13,388,156

June 1 to June 30
 
326,400

 
134.71

 
26,938,244

 
13,061,756

Total
 
1,295,700

 
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Share repurchases were made pursuant to a share repurchase program authorized by our Board of Directors on November 13, 2014. This program allows for the repurchase of 40 million shares in an amount not to exceed $5 billion.


26




Item 6. Exhibits
(a)
Exhibits
Exhibit No. (3)a. Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated April 30, 2009, incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. (3)a of the Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 1, 2009.
Exhibit No. (3)b. By-Laws, as amended May 2, 2019, incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. (3)b of the Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 3, 2019.
Exhibit No. (4). Copies of instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt will be furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission on request.
Exhibit No. (10)n. Form of Award Agreements under 2011 Equity Participation Plan for Nonqualified Stock Options, filed herewith.
Exhibit No. (10)r. Form of Award Agreements under 2011 Equity Participation Plan for Time-Vested Restricted Stock Units, filed herewith.
Exhibit No. (31)a. Certification of Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), filed herewith.
Exhibit No. (31)b. Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), filed herewith.
Exhibit No. (32)a. Certification of Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Exchange Act and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code, furnished herewith.
Exhibit No. (32)b. Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Exchange Act and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code, furnished herewith.
Exhibit No. (101).INS XBRL Instance Document - the instant document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document
Exhibit No. (101).SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
Exhibit No. (101).CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
Exhibit No. (101).DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
Exhibit No. (101).LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
Exhibit No. (101).PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document


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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
 
 
 
KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
By:
 
/s/ Maria Henry
 
 
Maria Henry
 
 
Senior Vice President and
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
(principal financial officer)
 
 
By:
 
/s/ Andrew S. Drexler
 
 
Andrew S. Drexler
 
 
Vice President and Controller
 
 
(principal accounting officer)
July 23, 2019

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