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Kimberly-Clark Corporation


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Kimberly-Clark to Present at 2009 LPIA Fall Management Conference

www.graphicartsonline.com | Aug 27, 2009

Creating strategies that address the new realities of doing business in a challenging economic climate will be a key highlight of the 2009 LPIA Fall Management Conference entitled, Getting Back to the Basics of Business.

http://www.graphicartsonline.com/article/339025-Kimberly_Clark_to_Present_at_2009_LPIA_Fall_Management_Conference.php

Kimberly-Clark Buys I-Flow For $276 Million

www.manufacturing.net | Oct 9, 2009

Maker of Huggies diapers and Kleenex tissues said it will add higher-margin medical devices to its health care unit by purchasing I-Flow in a cash deal valued at $276 million.

http://www.manufacturing.net/News-Kimberly-Clark-Buys-I-Flow-For-276-Million-100909.aspx

Kimberly-Clark posts higher profit and raises forecast - MarketWatch

www.marketwatch.com | Oct 22, 2009

Kimberly-Clark Corp., maker of Huggies diapers and Kleenex tissue, reported Thursday that third-quarter net income rose 41%, helped in part by cost cutting.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/kimberly-clark-posts-higher-profit-raises-view-2009-10-22

 

Kimberly-Clark Corporation: Kimberly-Clark Corporation Announces Regulatory Clearance For Its

Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE: KMB) today announced the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act with respect to its previously announced planned acquisition of I-Flow Corporation (NASDAQ: IFLO).

Kimberly-Clark initiated a cash tender offer on October 20, 2009 to purchase all outstanding shares of I-Flow common stock. The tender offer will expire at midnight on November 17, 2009, unless extended in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement with I-Flow and the applicable rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Termination of the waiting period satisfies one of the conditions to the closing of the tender offer. The closing of the tender offer also is conditioned on the tender of a majority of the outstanding shares of I-Flow Corporation's common stock on a fully diluted basis and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.

Upon the successful closing of the tender offer, stockholders of I-Flow will receive $12.65 in cash for each share of I-Flow common stock tendered in the offer, without interest and less any required withholding taxes. Following the purchase of shares in the tender offer, I-Flow will operate as part of Kimberly-Clark Health Care, a global business segment of Kimberly-Clark Corporation, with net sales of more than $1 billion.

About Kimberly-Clark and Kimberly-Clark Health Care

Kimberly-Clark and its well-known global brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 150 countries. To learn more about Kimberly-Clark and its 137-year history of innovation, visit www.kimberly-clark.com.

Around the world, medical professionals turn to Kimberly-Clark for a wide portfolio of solutions that improve the health, hygiene and well-being of their patients and staff. As part of their healing mission, caregivers rely on Kimberly-Clark Health Care to deliver clinical solutions and educational resources that they can depend on to prevent, diagnose and manage a wide variety of healthcare-associated infections. This over $1 billion global business segment of Kimberly-Clark Corporation holds the No. 1 or No. 2 positions in several categories including infection control solutions, surgical solutions, pain management and digestive health. And throughout the care continuum, patients and staff alike trust Kimberly-Clark medical supplies and devices, Kleenex brand tissues, Kimberly-Clark professional skin care products, and Scott brand towels for day-to-day needs. For more information, please visit www.kchealthcare.com.

This press release contains "forward-looking statements." These statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the expected benefits of the transaction involving Kimberly-Clark and I-Flow, including potential synergies and cost savings, future financial and operating results, and the combined company's plans and objectives. In addition, statements made in this communication about anticipated financial results, future operational improvements and results or regulatory approvals are also forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from Kimberly-Clark's and I-Flow's expectations and projections.

Risks and uncertainties include satisfaction of closing conditions for the acquisition, including the tender of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of I-Flow, calculated on a fully diluted basis; the possibility that the transaction will not be completed, or if completed, not completed on a timely basis; the potential that market segment growth will not follow historical patterns; general industry conditions and competition; business and economic conditions, such as interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; technological advances and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approvals; domestic and foreign governmental laws and regulations, and trends toward healthcare cost containment. Kimberly-Clark can give no assurance that any of the transactions related to the Offer will be completed or that the conditions to the Offer and the merger will be satisfied. A further list and description of additional business risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Kimberly-Clark's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, and I-Flow's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, as well as other Kimberly-Clark and I-Flow SEC filings. Copies of these filings, as well as subsequent filings, are available online at www.sec.gov, www.kimberly-clark.com, www.iflo.com or on request from Kimberly-Clark or I-Flow. Many of the factors that will determine the outcome of the subject matter of this communication are beyond Kimberly-Clark's or I-Flow's ability to control or predict. Neither Kimberly-Clark nor I-Flow undertakes to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments.

Important Additional Information

This release is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell securities. Kimberly-Clark has filed a tender offer statement on Schedule TO with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Kimberly-Clark has mailed an offer to purchase, forms of letter of transmittal and related documents to I-Flow stockholders. I-Flow has filed with the SEC, and has mailed to I-Flow stockholders, a solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9. INVESTORS AND I-FLOW STOCKHOLDERS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO READ THE TENDER OFFER STATEMENT (INCLUDING THE OFFER TO PURCHASE, LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND RELATED TENDER OFFER DOCUMENTS), AND THE RELATED SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT ON SCHEDULE 14D-9 FILED BY I-FLOW WITH THE SEC BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION.

These documents will be available at no charge on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. In addition, a copy of the offer to purchase, letter of transmittal and certain other related tender offer documents (once they become available) may be obtained free of charge by directing a request to Kimberly-Clark at P.O. Box 612606, Dallas, Texas 75261-2606, by phone at 972-281-1522, or email: stockholders@kcc.com.

((M2 Communications disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to info@m2.com.

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Tags: acquisition   annual report   antitrust   business   clinical   currency   email   financial results   health   healthcare   infection   market   medical   medical supplies   nasdaq   new product   nyse   online   products   regulations   schedule   sec   securities   taxes   web  

Companies: I-Flow Corp. (IFLO), Kimberly-Clark Corp. (KMB)

 

Kimberly-Clark & TerraCycle, Inc. Partner to Reduce Waste and Help Fund Schools and Non-Profits -

Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE: KMB) has joined forces with leading upcycling firm TerraCycle to enhance the sustainability performance of some of its product packaging. The new program between K-C and TerraCycle also creates fundraising programs which benefit schools and communities nationwide.

Kimberly-Clark, already a trusted leader in helping people improve their health, hygiene, and well being, and TerraCycle are now providing a FREE way for consumers to make a difference in their communities. The company's partnership with TerraCycle creates new programs that allow participants to earn funds for their selected charity of choice for every used piece of plastic packaging associated with Scott or Huggies brands that they collect. The collected plastic packaging will be upcycled into affordable, high-quality products available next year at major retailers nationwide.

Already the personal products category leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, this new plastic packaging reclamation program will enhance K-C's ongoing sustainability efforts.

"Kimberly-Clark is already making significant strides in reducing packaging waste from its products, but this program with TerraCycle will help us do even more," said Matt Kolton, brand manager, Scott Naturals brand. "No longer will all the plastic packaging from both our Scott brand bath tissue, towels, napkins and moist wipes, and Huggies brand diapers be considered waste. Rather, it can be used as a resource in a new generation of products."

He added, "We are pleased that TerraCycle will make it as easy as possible for consumers to not only participate in recycling efforts, but also earn contributions to important causes in their communities."

To help encourage the maximum participation and collection of used product packaging, consumers can sign up for free to create a Brigade location. Schools, business, houses of worship and even individuals are encouraged to join a Brigade and sign up today at www.terracycle.net/brigades. For every piece of packaging a Brigade participant collects, two cents is paid to a school or non-profit group of their choice.

Each of these Brigade programs is diverting product packaging waste from landfills, giving much needed funding to local communities and helping to raise consumer awareness about reusing and reducing.

"By encouraging people to rethink what is waste, TerraCycle is making it simple for consumers and companies like Kimberly-Clark to have a positive impact on the environment," said Tom Szaky, TerraCycle's founder and CEO. "And with a monetary reward as our incentive to recycle, the Brigade programs help schools, community groups, and non-profits across the country earn funds to support local activities."

About Kimberly-Clark

Kimberly-Clark and its well-known global brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 150 countries. Every day, 1.3 billion people -- nearly a quarter of the world's population -- trust K-C brands and the solutions they provide to enhance their health, hygiene and well-being. With brands such as Kleenex, Scott, Huggies, Pull-Ups, Kotex and Depend, Kimberly-Clark holds the No. 1 or No. 2 share positions in more than 80 countries. To keep up with the latest K-C news and to learn more about the company's 137-year history of innovation or its sustainability efforts, visit www.kimberly-clark.com.

About TerraCycle

In 2001, Tom Szaky, a Princeton University Freshman, founded TerraCycle in hopes of building an eco-capitalist company built on waste. After winning countless business plan contests, Tom dropped out of Princeton to pursue his dream of founding the world's most environmentally-friendly company. Seven years later, TerraCycle's eco-friendly products have received a myriad of social and environmental accolades and are sold at major retailers like The Home Depot, Target, Wal*Mart and Whole Foods Markets. TerraCycle's business plan and products made from waste received a Zerofootprint Seal of Approval, won The Home Depot's Environmental Stewardship Award twice and recently won the 2007 Social Venture Network Innovation Award. Please visit us at www.terracycle.net to learn more.

    CONTACT:
    Albe Zakes
    TerraCycle
    609.393.4252 x233
    Albe@terracycle.net

    Kay Jackson
    Kimberly-Clark
    972-281-1486
    Kay.jackson@kcc.com

SOURCE TerraCycle

http://www.terracycle.net

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Tags: business   ceo   charity   community   consumer   contributions   health   local   nyse   packaging   partnership   population   products   profit   university  

Companies: Kimberly-Clark Corp. (KMB)

 

Kimberly-Clark Corporation: Kimberly-Clark Announces Record EPS For Third Quarter 2009 And

Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE: KMB) today reported that net sales in the third quarter of 2009 decreased 1.7 percent to $4.9 billion, as the effect of weaker foreign currency exchange rates more than offset organic sales growth of about 3 percent. The growth in organic sales was driven by higher net selling prices, which increased approximately 3 percent, while overall sales volumes were essentially even with year-ago levels. Sales volumes continue to reflect challenging economic conditions, particularly affecting the company's K-C Professional and Consumer Tissue businesses in North America and Europe, along with the company's focus on improving net realized revenue. Meanwhile, sales volumes rose approximately 18 percent for K-C's global Health Care business and about 3 percent for the company's operations in developing and emerging markets.

Diluted net income per share for the quarter was an all-time record $1.40 compared with $0.99 in 2008 and prior-year adjusted earnings of $1.02. During the quarter, the company delivered continued double-digit organic sales growth in developing and emerging markets, realized improved net selling prices in North America, generated strong sales and operating profit growth in Health Care, achieved significant cost savings and benefited from lower costs stemming from commodity cost deflation. These factors led to an increase in gross profit margin of nearly 600 basis points and growth in both operating profit and diluted net income per share in excess of 40 percent. The growth in earnings per share was achieved despite unfavorable currency effects of approximately 15 cents per share.

Adjusted earnings per share in the third quarter of 2008 exclude charges for strategic cost reductions. Additional detail on these items and further information about adjusted earnings per share and why the company uses this non-GAAP financial measure are provided later in this news release.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Thomas J. Falk said, "We delivered outstanding third quarter results in a challenging environment, while maintaining a strong focus on doing what's right to sustain our long-term growth. Third quarter performance was highlighted by strong margin expansion in each of our four business segments, record earnings per share and excellent cash flow. We realized sizable benefits from improved net realized revenue, and our strategy of driving efficiency in every aspect of our operations led to another quarter of significant cost reductions as well as overhead efficiencies. At the same time, we continued to deliver on our targeted growth initiatives, with double-digit organic top-line growth in developing and emerging markets and excellent results in Health Care. In addition, we continued to support our brands with an increase in strategic marketing spending of about $50 million in local currency terms. We also improved our working capital position in the quarter, building further on the progress we made in the first half of the year. All-in-all, we continue to execute our business plans well and I'm really pleased that bottom-line results in the third quarter are spurring a significant increase in our outlook for the year."

Review of third quarter sales by business segment

Sales of personal care products declined 0.7 percent compared with the third quarter of 2008. Although net selling prices increased 5 percent and sales volumes advanced about 1 percent, weaker currencies reduced sales by 6 percent and changes in product mix reduced sales by about 1 percent.

Personal care sales in North America decreased nearly 1 percent versus the third quarter of 2008. Although net selling prices advanced approximately 2 percent, sales volumes fell 2 percent and currency effects reduced sales by 1 percent. The higher selling prices resulted from increases implemented during 2008 in most product categories. Sales volumes for Huggies diapers fell about 3 percent, and volumes for the company's child care brands were down about 7 percent, reflecting continued category softness. Nonetheless, the company's third quarter market shares in both categories were even with year-ago levels. In other areas of the business, sales volumes for Huggies baby wipes decreased about 5 percent compared to double-digit growth in the year-ago period, and volumes for Kotex feminine care products were also down about 5 percent. Lastly, volumes for K-C's adult incontinence brands rose 10 percent, including benefits from product innovation on the Depend brand launched earlier in the year.

In Europe, personal care sales declined approximately 9 percent in the quarter, as unfavorable currency exchange rates reduced sales by more than 12 percent. Sales volumes rose nearly 7 percent, while net selling prices were down about 2 percent and changes in product mix reduced sales by more than 1 percent. The volume gains reflect continued strong performance for Huggies diapers in Central Europe, along with solid improvement in the company's four core markets of the U.K., France, Italy and Spain. In addition, sales volumes for Huggies baby wipes increased at a double-digit rate in the third quarter.

In developing and emerging markets, personal care sales increased 2 percent, as continued double-digit growth in organic sales was mostly offset by negative currency effects of 11 percent. Net selling prices improved about 10 percent and sales volumes rose 4 percent, while changes in product mix reduced sales by about 1 percent in the third quarter. The growth in organic sales was broad-based, with particular strength in Argentina, Brazil, China, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey and the Andean region in Latin America.

Sales of consumer tissue products declined 5.0 percent in the third quarter. Although net selling prices and product mix each improved about 1 percent, overall sales volumes were down 2 percent compared with the prior year and unfavorable currency exchange rates reduced sales by approximately 5 percent.

In North America, sales of consumer tissue products fell 2 percent compared to the year-ago period, as an increase in net selling prices of 2 percent was more than offset by a decline in sales volumes of 4 percent. The improvement in net selling prices reflects list price increases implemented during 2008, partially offset by an increase in competitive promotional activity. The lower sales volumes reflect the company's focus on improving revenue realization, as well as slower category growth and consumer trade-down. For the quarter, volumes were down at a double-digit rate for paper towels and mid-single digits for Kleenex facial tissue, while volumes for bathroom tissue fell slightly.

In Europe, consumer tissue sales dropped approximately 14 percent compared with the third quarter of 2008, including negative currency effects of more than 10 percent. Net selling prices decreased more than 2 percent and sales volumes declined more than 1 percent in a continued competitive environment.

Consumer tissue sales in developing and emerging markets fell about 3 percent, driven by unfavorable currency effects of more than 7 percent and slightly lower sales volumes. These factors were partially offset by higher net selling prices of approximately 3 percent and improved product mix of more than 1 percent, reflecting the company's actions over the past year to recover inflationary cost increases and improve profitability.

Sales of K-C Professional (KCP) & other products decreased 4.5 percent compared with the third quarter of 2008. Overall sales volumes fell 4 percent, net of an approximate 3 percent benefit from the acquisition of Jackson Safety that occurred in April 2009. Changes in foreign currency rates reduced sales by 4 percent, and product mix was unfavorable by 1 percent, while higher net selling prices increased sales by nearly 4 percent. Economic weakness and rising unemployment levels in North America and Europe continued to have a significant effect on KCP's categories in the third quarter. In North America, sales declined about 1 percent. Overall sales volumes declined 4 percent, net of an approximate 6 percent benefit from the Jackson Safety acquisition. In addition, changes in product mix and negative currency effects each reduced sales by about 1 percent, while net selling prices rose approximately 5 percent in the quarter. In Europe, KCP's sales declined 20 percent in the third quarter, including negative currency effects of 9 percent. In addition, sales volumes were 12 percent lower and product mix was off 1 percent, while net selling prices increased 2 percent. Across developing and emerging markets, sales rose approximately 7 percent despite an adverse currency effect of nearly 7 percent. Higher sales volumes and improved product mix each benefited sales by about 5 percent, and increased net selling prices contributed 4 points of growth.

Sales of health care products increased 15.8 percent in the third quarter. Sales volumes climbed about 18 percent and product mix was higher by 1 percent, while unfavorable currency exchange rates reduced sales by approximately 2 percent and net selling prices fell nearly 1 percent. Volume growth was broad-based across several product categories, including continued double-digit growth in exam gloves. The business continues to benefit from strong results in nitrile gloves, including the new Lavender offering introduced late last year. In addition, approximately 40 percent of the total gain in health care volumes in the quarter was attributable to increased global demand for face masks as a result of the H1N1 flu virus.

Other third quarter operating results

Operating profit was $871 million in the third quarter of 2009, up about 43 percent from $610 million in 2008, and up approximately 39 percent compared with prior year adjusted operating profit of $625 million. The latter amount excludes net charges incurred in 2008 for the company's strategic cost reduction plan.

In addition to the effect of higher net selling prices, there were a number of other significant factors affecting year-over-year operating profit comparisons. Deflation in key cost inputs amounted to more than $270 million overall versus 2008, including about $130 million in lower fiber costs, approximately $100 million for raw materials other than fiber, primarily polymer resins and other oil-based materials, about $25 million of lower energy costs, and more than $15 million in distribution costs. Cost savings in the quarter from the company's FORCE (Focused On Reducing Costs Everywhere) program and strategic cost reduction plan totaled $47 million and $14 million, respectively. Third quarter results also included approximately $12 million in severance and related costs to streamline the organization, more than offset by related savings of approximately $24 million. A breakdown of the costs by income statement line and business segment is included later in this news release. Pension expense rose by about $25 million in the third quarter, as expected, with a majority of the increase reflected in cost of sales.

Meanwhile, currency effects reduced third quarter operating profit by approximately $75 million in 2009 versus 2008. Translation losses arising from changes in currency exchange rates totaled about $30 million. In addition, cost of sales in the third quarter of 2009 included about $35 million of expense to recognize the U.S. dollar cost of importing finished product into Venezuela at the currency rate in place in the parallel market rather than the official rate. The company has successfully implemented other actions in that country to improve business results in order to mitigate the effects of the ongoing currency restrictions. Lastly, currency transaction losses included in other (income) and expense, net in the third quarter amounted to $13 million in 2009 and $4 million in 2008.

The company's effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2009 was 29.6 percent, consistent with the anticipated full year range of 28 to 30 percent. In the year-ago quarter, the effective tax rate was 28.1 percent.

Kimberly-Clark's share of net income of equity companies in the third quarter decreased to $40 million from $53 million in 2008, mainly as a result of lower net income at Kimberly-Clark de Mexico, S.A.B. de C.V. (KCM). Although KCM delivered solid organic sales growth and improved its gross profit margin, net income comparisons were adversely affected by a favorable income tax settlement in the year-ago period and currency translation losses in 2009. Compared with the third quarter of 2008, the Mexican peso depreciated on average by more than 20 percent versus the U.S. dollar.

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests was $29 million in the third quarter of 2009 compared with $35 million in the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to the acquisition of the remaining interest in the company's Andean affiliate in January 2009.

Organization optimization initiative - update

As announced in June of 2009, the company plans to reduce its worldwide salaried workforce by approximately 1,600 positions by the end of the year. This action is intended to further improve Kimberly-Clark's underlying profitability and cash flow and put the company in a better position to take advantage of future growth and innovation opportunities. As mentioned earlier in this release, third quarter results included $12 million in pre-tax severance and related costs for this initiative, bringing year-to-date costs to $122 million. The company now expects that full-year severance and related costs will total $130 to $140 million pre-tax in 2009, down slightly from the previous estimate of $140 to $150 million. Related savings from this initiative in the third quarter of 2009 were approximately $24 million, with full-year savings anticipated to be about $55 million. Expected annualized pre-tax savings are approximately $135 million compared to the previous estimate of about $150 million.

Cash flow and balance sheet

Cash provided by operations in the third quarter totaled $791 million, an increase of 23 percent from $641 million in the prior year. The improvement was driven by higher cash earnings and reduced working capital, partially offset by increased pension plan contributions. Third quarter contributions to the company's defined benefit pension plans totaled $223 million in 2009 versus $14 million in 2008, bringing year-to-date contributions to $718 million compared to $67 million last year. The company contributed $200 million to its U.S. defined benefit pension plan in the third quarter, which was incremental to the company's previous plan for the year. As a result, the company now anticipates contributions for the year to total approximately $730 million compared to its previous plan of $530 million. Capital spending for the quarter was $167 million compared with $219 million in the prior year. The company continues to target total spending of $800 to $850 million for the year. Consistent with its previously announced plans for 2009, the company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock during the third quarter.

Total debt and redeemable securities was $6.7 billion at September 30, 2009 compared with $7.0 billion at the end of 2008.

Year-to-date results

For the first nine months of 2009, sales of $14.1 billion fell 4.6 percent from $14.8 billion in the prior year. Unfavorable currency effects reduced sales by nearly 8 percent, more than offsetting organic sales growth of approximately 3 percent. Net selling prices increased about 4 percent and product mix added approximately 1 point of sales growth, while sales volumes declined about 2 percent. Year-to-date operating profit of $2,108 million was up 10 percent compared to $1,924 million in 2008 and up 7 percent compared to prior-year adjusted operating profit of $1,978 million. The benefits of organic sales growth, FORCE and strategic cost reduction plan savings of about $190 million and deflation in key cost components totaling approximately $525 million, were partially offset by negative currency effects of about $350 million, severance and related costs of $122 million, increased pension expense of more than $120 million, higher operating costs and increased strategic marketing spending. Through nine months, diluted net income per share in 2009 was $3.35 compared with $3.02 in 2008 and prior-year adjusted earnings of $3.13. Adjusted results in 2008 exclude strategic cost reduction charges and an extraordinary loss related to the restructuring of certain contractual arrangements.

Outlook

The company updated several key planning and guidance assumptions for 2009, as follows:

Net sales decline of about 2 percent versus previous guidance for a decline of 4 to 6 percent. Currency rates are now expected to reduce sales for the full year by approximately 5 percent, compared to the company's previous assumption for a negative impact of 6 to 7 percent. Meanwhile, organic sales are expected to grow about 3 percent, up from previous expectations of 1 to 2 percent. Sales volumes are anticipated to be flat to down slightly for the year and product mix should be flat to up modestly. Based on performance to date and plans for the fourth quarter, the full-year benefit from higher net selling prices is expected to be at least 3 percent.

Deflation in key cost inputs is expected to be within the company's previous expectation of $600 to $700 million. This reflects estimated average market pricing for benchmark northern softwood pulp of approximately $800 to $825 per metric ton for the fourth quarter and oil prices averaging $70 to $75 per barrel for the balance of the year. Pulp prices have moved higher than previously estimated. On the other hand, the continued strengthening in foreign currency rates is providing greater than anticipated benefits for operations outside the U.S. that purchase dollar-based raw materials.

Cost savings from the company's FORCE program and strategic cost reduction plan of approximately $250 million, compared to prior guidance for savings of at least $200 million. The increased savings expectations are primarily due to the company's continued efforts to identify and implement incremental savings opportunities in sourcing and supply chain activities.

Negative year-over-year currency effects for consolidated operations now expected to be $325 to $375 million versus the previously assumed range of $400 to $450 million.

Commenting on the outlook, Falk said, "We are assuming the economic environment will remain relatively stable for the balance of 2009. We will continue to pursue our targeted growth initiatives and invest in our brands. At the same time, we remain focused on reducing costs, improving margins and maximizing cash flow. We expect a strong finish to the year, even though pulp and polymer costs are expected to increase sequentially from third quarter levels and competitive promotional activity is anticipated to rise modestly.

"All-in-all, we are well ahead of our plan for the year and are raising our earnings guidance for the second consecutive quarter. We now expect earnings per share in 2009 will be in a range of $4.50 to $4.60 per share, up significantly from our previous estimate of $4.10 to $4.25. The improvement is being driven primarily by a combination of increased cost savings, better organic sales growth and a further recovery in currency exchange rates. We are making excellent progress managing the factors we control and executing well in a difficult environment. Based on our new outlook, we now expect full-year earnings per share to grow 9 to 11 percent compared to adjusted earnings per share in 2008. That's at the high end of, or slightly above, our long-range Global Business Plan target and is a credit to the hard work of our worldwide team."

Non-GAAP financial measures

This press release and the accompanying tables include the following financial measures in 2008 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.

adjusted earnings and earnings per share adjusted operating profit

These non-GAAP financial measures exclude certain items that are included in the company's earnings, earnings per share and operating profit calculated in accordance with GAAP. A detailed explanation of each of the adjustments to the comparable GAAP financial measures is given below. In accordance with the requirements of SEC Regulation G, reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures to the comparable GAAP financial measures are attached.

The company provides these non-GAAP financial measures as supplemental information to our GAAP financial measures. Management and the company's Board of Directors use adjusted earnings, adjusted earnings per share and adjusted operating profit to (a) evaluate the company's historical and prospective financial performance and its performance relative to its competitors, (b) allocate resources and (c) measure the operational performance of the company's business units and their managers. Additionally, the Management Development and Compensation Committee of the company's Board of Directors uses these non-GAAP financial measures when setting and assessing achievement of incentive compensation goals. These goals are based, in part, on the company's adjusted earnings per share and improvement in the company's adjusted return on invested capital determined by excluding the charges that are used in calculating these non-GAAP financial measures.

In addition, Kimberly-Clark management believes that investors' understanding of the company's performance is enhanced by including these non-GAAP financial measures as a reasonable basis for comparing the company's ongoing results of operations. Many investors are interested in understanding the performance of our businesses by comparing our results from ongoing operations from one period to the next. By providing these non-GAAP financial measures, together with reconciliations, we believe we are enhancing investors' understanding of our businesses and our results of operations, as well as assisting investors in evaluating how well the company is executing the material changes to our enterprise contemplated by the strategic cost reduction plan. Also, many financial analysts who follow our company focus on and publish both historical results and future projections based on non GAAP financial measures. We believe that it is in the best interests of our investors for us to provide this information to analysts so that those analysts accurately report the non-GAAP financial information.

We calculated adjusted earnings, adjusted earnings per share and adjusted operating profit by excluding from the comparable GAAP measure charges related to our strategic cost reduction plan for streamlining the company's operations and an after-tax extraordinary loss related to the restructuring of certain contractual arrangements in the second quarter of 2008. The nature of and basis for the adjustments are described below:

Strategic cost reduction plan. In July 2005, the company authorized a strategic cost reduction plan aimed at streamlining manufacturing and administrative operations, primarily in North America and Europe. The strategic cost reduction plan commenced in the third quarter of 2005 and was completed as of December 31, 2008. At the time we announced the plan, we advised investors that we would report our earnings, earnings per share and operating profit excluding the strategic cost reduction plan charges so that investors could compare our operating results without the plan charges from period to period and could assess our progress in implementing the plan. Management does not consider these charges to be part of our earnings from ongoing operations for purposes of evaluating the performance of its business units and their managers and excludes these charges when making decisions to allocate resources among its business units.

Extraordinary loss. In June 2008, the company restructured contractual arrangements of two financing entities, which resulted in the consolidation of these two entities. As a result of the consolidation, notes receivable and loan obligations held by these entities have been included in long-term notes receivable and long-term debt on the company's consolidated balance sheet. Because the fair value of the loans exceeded the fair value of the notes receivable, the company recorded an after-tax extraordinary loss on its income statement for the period ended June 30, 2008. Management does not consider this loss to be part of our earnings from ongoing operations for purposes of evaluating the performance of its business units and their managers and excludes this loss when making decisions to allocate resources among its business units.

These non-GAAP financial measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the comparable GAAP measure. 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. The company compensates 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 should be read only in conjunction with the company's consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Conference call

A conference call to discuss this news release and other matters of interest to investors and analysts will be held at 9 a.m. (CDT) today. The conference call will be simultaneously broadcast over the World Wide Web. Stockholders and others are invited to listen to the live broadcast or a playback, which can be accessed by following the instructions set out in the Investors section of the company's Web site (www.kimberly-clark.com).

About Kimberly-Clark

Kimberly-Clark and its well-known global brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 150 countries. Every day, 1.3 billion people - nearly a quarter of the world's population - trust K-C brands and the solutions they provide to enhance their health, hygiene and well-being. With brands such as Kleenex, Scott, Huggies, Pull-Ups, Kotex and Depend, Kimberly-Clark holds No. 1 or No. 2 share positions in more than 80 countries. To keep up with the latest K-C news and to learn more about the company's 137-year history of innovation, visit www.kimberly-clark.com.

Copies of Kimberly-Clark's Annual Report to Stockholders and its proxy statements and other SEC filings, including Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, are made available free of charge on the company's Web site on the same day they are filed with the SEC. To view these filings, visit the Investors section of the company's Web site.

Certain matters contained in this news release concerning the business outlook, including economic conditions, anticipated currency rates and exchange risk, cost savings, changes in finished product selling prices, anticipated raw material and energy costs, anticipated benefits related to the strategic cost reduction plan and organization optimization initiatives, anticipated financial and operating results, revenue realization strategies, contingencies and anticipated transactions of the company constitute forward-looking statements and are based upon management's expectations and beliefs concerning future events impacting the company. There can be no assurance that these future events will occur as anticipated or that the company's results will be as estimated. For a description of certain factors that could cause the company's future results to differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements, see Item 1A of the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 entitled "Risk Factors".

KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION PERIODS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30

Description of Business Segments

The Corporation is organized into operating segments based on product groupings. These operating segments have been aggregated into four reportable global business segments: Personal Care; Consumer Tissue; K-C Professional & Other; and Health Care. The reportable segments were determined in accordance with how the Corporation's executive managers develop and execute the Corporation's global strategies to drive growth and profitability of the Corporation's worldwide Personal Care, Consumer Tissue, K-C Professional & Other, and Health Care operations. 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; income and expense not associated with the business segments; and the costs of corporate decisions related to the Strategic Cost Reductions. Corporate & Other includes the costs related to the Strategic Cost Reductions.

The principal sources of revenue in each of our global business segments are described below.

The Personal Care segment manufactures and markets disposable diapers, training and youth pants and swimpants; baby wipes; feminine and incontinence care products; and related products. Products in this segment are primarily for household use and are sold under a variety of brand names, including Huggies, Pull-Ups, Little Swimmers, GoodNites, Kotex, Lightdays, Depend, Poise and other brand names.

The Consumer Tissue segment manufactures and markets facial and bathroom tissue, paper towels, napkins and related products for household use. Products in this segment are sold under the Kleenex, Scott, Cottonelle, Viva, Andrex, Scottex, Hakle, Page and other brand names.

The K-C Professional & Other segment manufactures and markets facial and bathroom tissue, paper towels, napkins, wipers and a range of safety products for the away-from-home marketplace. Products in this segment are sold under the Kimberly-Clark, Kleenex, Scott, WypAll, Kimtech, KleenGuard, Kimcare and Jackson brand names.

The Health Care segment manufactures and markets disposable health care products such as surgical gowns, drapes, infection control products, sterilization wrap, face masks, exam gloves, respiratory products and other disposable medical products. Products in this segment are sold under the Kimberly-Clark, Ballard and other brand names.

((M2 Communications disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to info@m2.com.

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Companies: Kimberly-Clark Corp. (KMB)

 

Kimberly-Clark Begins Tender Offer to Acquire I-Flow Corporation - Zibb.com

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Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE: KMB) today will commence a cash tender offer to purchase all outstanding shares of common stock of I-Flow Corporation (Nasdaq: IFLO). On October 9, 2009, the companies previously announced a definitive agreement whereby Kimberly-Clark would acquire I-Flow in a cash tender offer and subsequent merger for approximately $324 million on a fully diluted basis.

Upon the successful closing of the tender offer, stockholders of I-Flow will receive $12.65 in cash for each share of I-Flow common stock tendered in the offer, without interest and less any required withholding taxes. If more than 50 percent but less than all of the outstanding shares of I-Flow common stock are tendered, and all other closing conditions are satisfied, any remaining shares not tendered will be converted into the right to receive the same consideration in cash in connection with a merger of Kimberly-Clark's merger subsidiary into I-Flow. Following the purchase of shares in the tender offer, I-Flow will operate as part of Kimberly-Clark Health Care, a global business segment of Kimberly-Clark Corporation, with net sales of more than $1 billion.

Today, Kimberly-Clark will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) a tender offer statement on Schedule TO that provides the terms of the tender offer, and I-Flow will file a solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9 that includes the recommendation of I-Flow's board of directors that I-Flow stockholders accept the tender offer and tender their shares in the offer. As previously disclosed, I-Flow's board of directors has unanimously approved the transaction. Kimberly-Clark's board of directors has also unanimously approved the transaction.

The tender offer will expire at midnight on November 17, 2009, unless extended in accordance with the merger agreement and the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC. The closing of the tender offer is conditioned upon the tender of a majority of the outstanding shares of I-Flow Corporation's common stock on a fully diluted basis. The closing is also conditioned upon expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and other customary closing conditions.

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    About Kimberly-Clark and Kimberly-Clark Health Care
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Kimberly-Clark and its well-known global brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 150 countries. To learn more about Kimberly-Clark and its 137-year history of innovation, visit www.kimberly-clark.com.

Around the world, medical professionals turn to Kimberly-Clark for a wide portfolio of solutions that improve the health, hygiene and well-being of their patients and staff. As part of their healing mission, caregivers rely on Kimberly-Clark Health Care to deliver clinical solutions and educational resources that they can depend on to prevent, diagnose and manage a wide variety of healthcare-associated infections. This over $1 billion global business segment of Kimberly-Clark Corporation holds the No. 1 or No. 2 positions in several categories including infection control solutions, surgical solutions, pain management and digestive health. And throughout the care continuum, patients and staff alike trust Kimberly-Clark medical supplies and devices, Kleenex brand tissues, Kimberly-Clark professional skin care products, and Scott brand towels for day-to-day needs. For more information, please visit http://www.kchealthcare.com.

This press release contains "forward-looking statements". Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the expected benefits of the transaction involving Kimberly-Clark and I-Flow, including potential synergies and cost savings, future financial and operating results, and the combined company's plans and objectives. In addition, statements made in this communication about anticipated financial results, future operational improvements and results or regulatory approvals are also forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from Kimberly-Clark's and I-Flow Corporation's expectations and projections.

Risks and uncertainties include the satisfaction of closing conditions for the acquisition, including expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and the tender of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of I-Flow, calculated on a fully diluted basis; the possibility that the transaction will not be completed, or if completed, not completed on a timely basis; the potential that market segment growth will not follow historical patterns; general industry conditions and competition; business and economic conditions, such as interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; technological advances and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approvals; domestic and foreign governmental laws and regulations, and trends toward healthcare cost containment. Kimberly-Clark can give no assurance that any of the transactions related to the Offer will be completed or that the conditions to the Offer and the merger will be satisfied. A further list and description of additional business risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Kimberly-Clark's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, and I-Flow's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, as well as other Kimberly-Clark and I-Flow SEC filings. Copies of these filings, as well as subsequent filings, are available online at www.sec.gov, www.kimberly-clark.com, www.iflo.com or on request from Kimberly-Clark or I-Flow. Many of the factors that will determine the outcome of the subject matter of this communication are beyond Kimberly-Clark's or I-Flow's ability to control or predict. Neither Kimberly-Clark nor I-Flow undertakes to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments.

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    Important Additional Information

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The tender offer described in this release will commence today. This release is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell securities. Kimberly-Clark will file a tender offer statement on Schedule TO with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). INVESTORS AND I-FLOW STOCKHOLDERS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO READ THE TENDER OFFER STATEMENT (INCLUDING THE OFFER TO PURCHASE, LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND RELATED TENDER OFFER DOCUMENTS) AND THE RELATED SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT ON SCHEDULE 14D-9 THAT WILL BE FILED BY I-FLOW WITH THE SEC BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION.

These documents will be available at no charge on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. In addition, a copy of the offer to purchase, letter of transmittal and certain other related tender offer documents (once they become available) may be obtained free of charge by directing a request to Kimberly-Clark at P.O. Box 612606, Dallas, Texas 75261-2606, by phone at 972-281-1522, or email: stockholders@kcc.com.

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SOURCE: Kimberly-Clark Corporation

media, Kay Jackson, Kimberly-Clark, +1-972-281-1486, kay.jackson@kcc.com; or
investors, Paul Alexander, +1-972-281-1440, palexand@kcc.com, both of Kimberly-Clark
Web Site: http://www.kimberly-clark.com

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Tags: acquisition   annual report   antitrust   business   clinical   currency   email   financial results   health   healthcare   infection   market   medical   medical supplies   merger   nasdaq   new product   nyse   online   products   regulations   schedule   sec   securities   taxes  

Companies: I-Flow Corp. (IFLO), Kimberly-Clark Corp. (KMB)

 

Web Sites

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Kimberly-Clark TerraCycle, Inc. Partner to Reduce Waste and Help Fund Schools and Non-Profits

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Health,...DALLAS and TRENTON N.J. Nov. 2 /- Kimberly-Clark Corpor...Kimberly-Clark already a trusted leader in helping people improve the...Already the personal products category leader in the Dow Jones Sustain... Kimberly-Clark is already making significant strides in reducing

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Kimberly-Clark Professional* DIY: Home

As every professional and do-it-yourselfer knows, getting the best results means starting with the best products. That's why Kimberly-Clark Professional offers a full line of products for home improvement and automotive projects that make fixing up and cleaning up fast, easy and efficient.

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Get contact information for Kimberly-Clark Filtration at Professional Builders Professional

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Kimberly-Clark Is Tough To Live Without (KMB, PG, JNJ, CLX)

stocks.investopedia.com

KMB sells things that few people will give up - no matter how bad the economic picture becomes - but that's not the only thing that makes this a strong stock.

http://stocks.investopedia.com/stock-analysis/2009/Kimberly-Clark-Is-Tough-To-Live-Without-KMB-PG-JNJ-CLX1020.aspx

Web Sites powered by Bing

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Welcome to Kimberly-Clark, the source for information on consumer ...

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At K-C we believe in recruiting the best people and putting them in the right jobs so that they can do their best work. Our trusted brands are an indispensable part of life for 1.3 ...

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Kimberly-Clark - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE: KMB, BMV: Kimber) is an American corporation that produces mostly paper-based consumer products. Kimberly-Clark brand name products include ...

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Kimberly Clark Corporation

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Producer of paper products and cleaning solutions for industry and the consumer.

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