With a market cap of $45.7 billion, Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB) manufactures and markets personal care products in the United States. Founded in 1872, the Dallas, Texas-based company operates through three segments: North America, International Personal Care, and International Family Care and Professional. The company is expected to announce its fiscal Q1 earnings on Tuesday, Apr. 22.

Ahead of the event, analysts expect KMB to report a profit of $1.89 per share on a diluted basis, down 6% from the year-ago value of $2.01. The company has surpassed and matched the consensus estimates in each of the last four quarters. In the previous quarter, it reported an EPS of $1.50, which successfully met the consensus estimate.

For the current year, analysts expect KMB to report an EPS of $7.50, up 2.7% from $7.30 in fiscal 2024. Looking ahead, analysts expect its EPS to rise 5.1% annually to $7.88 in fiscal 2026.

Over the past year, KMB shares have surged 9%, outperforming the S&P 500 Index’s ($SPX) 1.4% fall and the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund’s (XLP) 5.7% return over the same time frame.

Kimberly-Clark reaffirmed its strength as a key player in the consumer staples sector, rising over 1% on March 3, even as broader markets declined amid concerns over a looming global trade war. The stock’s resilience highlights the defensive nature of consumer staples, which tend to outperform during periods of heightened market uncertainty due to the essential demand for their products.

However, analysts remain skeptical about KMB’s performance, with a "Hold" rating overall. Among the 19 analysts in coverage, five give it a “Strong Buy,” one appoints a "Moderate Buy," 11 analysts advocate a “Hold.” and the remaining two suggest a “Strong Sell.” The average analyst price target for KMB is $143.67, indicating a potential upside of 6.4% from the current price levels.