Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE:KMB) reported disappointing fourth-quarter 2024 results, falling just short of analyst expectations and sending its stock down 1% in pre-market today in response to weaker-than-anticipated performance and a restrained outlook for 2025.

For the quarter, the consumer goods leader posted adjusted earnings per share of $1.50, narrowly missing the consensus estimate of $1.51. Revenue reached $4.93 billion, slightly above forecasts of $4.86 billion, reflecting a 2.3% organic growth rate year-over-year. However, total net sales declined by 0.8% compared to the prior year, signaling challenges in sustaining top-line momentum.

Kimberly-Clark’s adjusted gross margin climbed to 35.4%, an improvement of 50 basis points, thanks to productivity gains that offset some cost pressures.

Looking to 2025, Kimberly-Clark issued a measured forecast, expecting adjusted earnings per share growth in the mid-to-high single digits on a constant-currency basis. This tempered outlook reflects ongoing challenges in balancing growth initiatives with economic uncertainties.