KMB · 8-K · 20260804PR052113

Operating Expense Trends

KIMBERLY CLARK CORP · 2026-08-04 · Importance 68 · Surprise 58

Marketing, research and general expenses increased 16.3% year over year to $1.004 billion in the second quarter and 12.0% to $1.924 billion in the first half. The company cited planned brand investments to drive new-product trial and improve price-value tiers as a partial offset to productivity savings. First-half operating profit also reflected increased brand investments and supply-chain-related investments.

Key facts

• Second quarter operating profit included $54 million of charges related to the 2024 Transformation Initiative, $109 million related to the Kenvue acquisition and a $39 million benefit related to Brazil business tax credits. source
• Net interest expense was $49 million versus $62 million in the prior year. source