Kimberly-Clark reports lower second-quarter profit as China diaper claims pressure sales. Revenue missed analysts' estimates, and the company lowered its full-year organic sales growth outlook due to the impact of social media-related disruptions in the Chinese market. 08/06/2026 Kimberly-Clark reported lower profit for the second quarter, while revenue came in below market expectations as allegations regarding the quality of diapers sold in China affected the company's sales performance. The maker of Huggies, Kleenex and Pull-Ups posted net income of US$345 million, or US$1.04 per share, compared with US$509 million in the same period last year. Quarterly revenue increased 0.6% year over year to US$4.19 billion, falling short of the US$4.22 billion forecast by analysts surveyed by FactSet. According to the company, its second-quarter performance was negatively affected by false claims concerning the quality of certain diaper brands in the Chinese market. Kimberly-Clark said those allegations significantly reduced diaper sales and are expected to continue weighing on both sales and earnings in the near term. Chief Executive Officer Mike Hsu said the company is addressing temporary challenges while continuing to invest in innovation and strengthen the value propositions of its brands to regain consumer confidence across all value segments. In response to the weaker outlook, Kimberly-Clark lowered its full-year organic sales growth forecast to reflect the adverse effects of disruptions caused by activity on Chinese social media. The company also expects adjusted earnings per share to decline by a low single-digit percentage for the year.

Kimberly-Clark unveils natural fiber platform for next-gen hygiene products. YarnsandFibers News Bureau 2026-08-04 13:36:52 - USA Kimberly-Clark has introduced a proprietary innovation programme focused on developing alternative natural fibres for next-generation hygiene products. The new platform is designed to improve product performance, quality and sustainability while supporting the company's Better Care for a Better World commitment. The company's researchers have developed a patented technology that transforms fibres from a rapidly renewable succulent plant into a sustainable material. Kimberly-Clark believes this innovation could become the foundation for future hygiene products with enhanced performance and a lower dependence on traditional fibre sources. The Alternative Natural Fiber programme is part of Kimberly-Clark's consumer-focused innovation strategy, which invests in advanced technologies to develop higher-performing products while using resources more responsibly. The company expects products made with the new fibre to support its focus on premium, differentiated product categories. Kimberly-Clark said the alternative natural fibre could eventually be used across its hygiene product portfolio, helping the company strengthen fibre supply resilience, accelerate science-based product innovation and promote more responsible use of natural resources.

New investments expand Arizona's next-gen manufacturing base. Kimberly-Clark's new $100 million pilot facility focuses on alternative natural fibers, while Beam Global furthers its clean tech offerings with its move to the city. 08/04/2026 Both Kimberly-Clark and Beam Global are planning on new manufacturing facilities in Yuma, Arizona - furthering growth of the region's advanced manufacturing and sustainable technology sectors. The companies cited access to transportation infrastructure and major markets and availability of manufacturing talent among the key in their decisions to locate in this city in southwestern Arizona. With construction underway, Kimberly-Clark is building a 50,000-square-foot pilot facility representing a capital investment of more than $100 million. The company expects to create 50 full-time jobs at the Yuma plant. At this pilot facility, the company will extract useful fibers from hesperaloe, a low-water-use and rapidly renewable plant native to Arizona and elsewhere the southwest United States, which have the potential to be used in the company's future hygiene products. The facility is expected to be complete and begin operations in 2027. "Yuma offers a unique combination of agricultural expertise, natural resources, and talent that make it an ideal location for our alternative natural fiber facility," said Michael Todd, Vice President and Managing Director of Kimberly-Clark. "This investment reflects our commitment to exploring rapidly renewable fiber sources that have the potential to enhance the future of our products. Just as importantly, it represents an opportunity to invest in a community that shares our spirit of innovation and stewardship." "This monumental announcement reflects the strength of Greater Yuma's competitive manufacturing advantages and the value of strong regional partnerships," said Greg LaVann II, CEO and President of the Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation, a public-private partnership to expand economic opportunity throughout the Greater Yuma region "Our strategic location with direct access to major domestic/international markets, a reliable energy supply, and an abundant workforce provide the foundation for companies like Kimberly-Clark to succeed." "Kimberly-Clark's decision to establish a new alternative natural fiber pilot facility in Yuma is a tremendous win for Arizona," said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. "This investment reflects not only the strength of Yuma County's advanced manufacturing and agricultural assets, but also Arizona's growing leadership in sustainable industry. We're proud to partner with GYEDC and the City of Yuma to support Kimberly-Clark as they expand their innovative, sustainability-focused operations in our state." Also in Yuma, California-based Beam Global is relocating its manufacturing and production operations to the city. Under a leasing agreement, the sustainable infrastructure technology company will operate in two adjacent industrial buildings totaling approximately 55,000 square feet of office and manufacturing space. The company plans to occupy both buildings by the beginning of next year and will maintain its corporate headquarters in San Diego. Beam Global develops and manufactures infrastructure products and technologies supporting EV charging, energy storage, energy security, transportation, and smart city applications. The company designs, engineers and manufactures its proprietary technology solutions in the United States and through facilities in Europe and the Middle East. The company's new campus is located within an established manufacturing zone offering road and rail access, which is expected to support efficient shipping and supply chain operations. The relocation is anticipated to generate approximately $400,000 in rent savings during 2026 and $2.7 million over the company's five-year lease term compared with its current facility. The company has also identified Yuma's proximity to Marine Corps Air Station Yuma as an advantage in its continued efforts to recruit veterans and skilled manufacturing employees. "This relocation is one of the most impactful steps we can take to improve our gross margins and move more quickly toward becoming cash flow positive while positioning ourselves for significant growth and saving money," said Desmond Wheatley, CEO of Beam Global. "We will continue to design and manufacture our innovative products here in the U.S., but doing so in Arizona allows us to operate far more efficiently and to scale as demand for our energy storage and security, transportation and smart city solutions continue to grow." Anne Cosgrove is the Editorial Director of Business Facilities. With more than 20 years of experience covering site selection, facilities operations, and the forces shaping economic development, she collaborates with site selectors and industry stakeholders to deliver insights for business relocation and expansion decisions. Outside of work, Cosgrove can be found reading a book or spending time outdoors along the Jersey Shore.