Edgar Filing: KIMBERLY CLARK CORP

kc_10q-1q07.htm

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
	SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2007

¨	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
	SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from.............to.....................

Commission file number 1-225

KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	39-0394230
(State or other jurisdiction of	(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)	Identification No.)

P. O. Box 619100

Dallas, Texas

75261-9100

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

(972) 281-1200

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

No change

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes ¨ No x

As of April 30, 2007, there were 456,132,874 shares of the Corporation’s common stock outstanding.

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.

KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

(Unaudited)

	Three Months
	Ended March 31
(Millions of dollars, except per share amounts)	2007			2006

Net Sales	$	4,385.3		$	4,067.9
Cost of products sold		3,033.0			2,914.8

Gross Profit		1,352.3			1,153.1
Marketing, research and general expenses		732.6			712.5
Other (income) and expense, net		3.6			20.2

Operating Profit		616.1			420.4
Nonoperating expense		(27.6	)		(15.8	)
Interest income		6.6			6.4
Interest expense		(50.9	)		(54.3	)

Income Before Income Taxes and Equity Interests		544.2			356.7
Provision for income taxes		(112.1	)		(99.3	)

Income Before Equity Interests		432.1			257.4
Share of net income of equity companies		45.0			39.0
Minority owners’ share of subsidiaries’ net income		(25.1	)		(21.3	)

Net Income	$	452.0		$	275.1


Per Share Basis:

Net Income

Basic	$	.99		$	.60

Diluted	$	.98		$	.60

Cash Dividends Declared	$	.53		$	.49

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(Unaudited)

	March 31,		December 31,
(Millions of dollars)	2007		2006

ASSETS

Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	342.0		$	360.8
Accounts receivable		2,296.7			2,336.7
Inventories		2,085.8			2,004.5
Other current assets		510.4			567.7
Total Current Assets		5,234.9			5,269.7

Property		15,560.0			15,404.9
Less accumulated depreciation		7,825.6			7,720.1
Net Property		7,734.4			7,684.8

Investments in Equity Companies		427.6			392.9

Goodwill		2,900.3			2,860.5

Other Assets		884.4			859.1
	$	17,181.6		$	17,067.0


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current Liabilities
Debt payable within one year	$	1,288.8		$	1,326.4
Accounts payable		1,540.1			1,530.8
Accrued expenses		1,459.9			1,603.8
Other current liabilities		324.2			554.8
Total Current Liabilities		4,613.0			5,015.8

Long-Term Debt		2,277.0			2,276.0
Noncurrent Employee Benefits		1,871.8			1,887.6
Deferred Income Taxes		287.2			391.1
Other Liabilities		569.1			183.1
Minority Owners’ Interests in Subsidiaries		405.9			422.6
Preferred Securities of Subsidiary		802.6			793.4
Stockholders’ Equity		6,355.0			6,097.4
	$	17,181.6		$	17,067.0

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

(Unaudited)

	Three Months
	Ended March 31
(Millions of dollars)	2007			2006

Operating Activities
Net income	$	452.0		$	275.1
Depreciation and amortization		214.6			261.0
Stock-based compensation		13.9			18.5
Changes in operating working capital		(98.8	)		(9.1	)
Deferred income tax provision		(34.9	)		(80.4	)
Net losses on asset dispositions		2.7			63.9
Equity companies’ earnings in excess of dividends paid		(44.0	)		(37.7	)
Minority owners’ share of subsidiaries’ net income		25.1			21.3
Postretirement benefits		(11.4	)		3.3
Other		5.3			3.0

Cash Provided by Operations		524.5			518.9

Investing Activities
Capital spending		(281.8	)		(179.1	)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired		(15.7	)		-
Proceeds from sales of investments		7.5			8.5
Proceeds from dispositions of property		58.0			13.6
Net decrease in time deposits		42.8			32.6
Investments in marketable securities		(3.4	)		(7.1	)
Other		(5.5	)		(12.2	)

Cash Used for Investing		(198.1	)		(143.7	)

Financing Activities
Cash dividends paid		(224.1	)		(208.6	)
Net decrease in short-term debt		(40.1	)		(25.7	)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		3.9			2.2
Repayments of long-term debt		(5.6	)		(16.5	)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		101.4			63.2
Acquisitions of common stock for the treasury		(158.5	)		(152.2	)
Other		(24.8	)		(15.6	)

Cash Used for Financing		(347.8	)		(353.2	)

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents		2.6			3.2
(Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents		(18.8	)		25.2
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of year		360.8			364.0

Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period	$	342.0		$	389.2

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 1. Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.

For further information, refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements and footnotes thereto included in the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

New Accounting Standard

In February 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 allows entities to choose, at specified election dates, to measure many financial instruments (financial assets and liabilities) at fair value (the “Fair Value Option”). The election is made on an instrument-by-instrument basis and is irrevocable. If the Fair Value Option is elected for an instrument, SFAS 159 specifies that all subsequent changes in fair value for that instrument be reported in earnings. SFAS 159 is effective as of the beginning of the first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. The Corporation does not intend to apply the Fair Value Option to any of its existing financial assets or liabilities.

Note 2. Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes

In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 addresses the determination of whether tax benefits claimed or expected to be claimed on a tax return should be recorded in the financial statements by standardizing the level of confidence needed to recognize uncertain tax benefits and the process for measuring the amount of benefit to recognize. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition.

The Corporation adopted FIN 48, effective January 1, 2007. As a result, the Corporation recorded an increase in income tax liabilities for uncertain tax benefits and a decrease in retained earnings of $34.2 million resulting from a cumulative effect adjustment. As of January 1, 2007, the total amount of unrecognized income tax benefits was approximately $490 million. Of this amount, about $375 million would reduce the Corporation’s effective tax rate if recognized.

The Corporation recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. As of January 1, 2007, total accrued penalties and net accrued interest with respect to income taxes was approximately $37 million.

As also required by FIN 48, the Corporation has classified the amounts it has recorded for uncertain tax benefits in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as other liabilities (non-current) to the extent that payment is not anticipated within one year. Prior year financial statements have not been reclassified.

Note 2. (Continued)

It is reasonably possible that a number of uncertainties could be resolved and result in the recognition of tax benefits within the next 12 months. Transfer pricing is the most significant uncertainty, which may be resolved by entering into a revised advance pricing agreement between the U.S. and the U.K. Various other uncertain tax positions related to federal taxes are being discussed at the IRS Appeals level in the U.S. Other less significant uncertain tax positions also may be settled of which none are individually significant. Settlement of these matters is not expected to have a material effect on the Corporation’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

As of January 1, 2007, the following tax years remain subject to examination for the major jurisdictions where we do business:

Jurisdiction	Years
United States	2004 to 2006
United Kingdom	1999 to 2006
Canada	2003 to 2006
Korea	2004 to 2006
Australia	2002 to 2006

State income tax returns are generally subject to examination for a period of 3 to 5 years after filing of the respective return. The state impact of any federal changes remains subject to examination by various states for a period of up to two years after formal notification to the states. The Corporation and its subsidiaries have various state income tax returns in the process of examination, administrative appeals or litigation.

Note 3. Strategic Cost Reduction Plan

In July 2005, the Corporation authorized a multi-year plan to further improve its competitive position by accelerating investments in targeted growth opportunities and strategic cost reductions aimed at streamlining manufacturing and administrative operations, primarily in North America and Europe.

The strategic cost reductions commenced in the third quarter of 2005 and are expected to be substantially completed by December 31, 2008. Based on current estimates, the strategic cost reductions are expected to result in cumulative charges of approximately $950 million to $1.0 billion before tax ($665 - $700 million after tax) over that three and one-half year period.

By the end of 2008, it is anticipated there will be a net workforce reduction of about 10 percent, or approximately 6,000 employees. Since the inception of the strategic cost reductions, a net workforce reduction of more than 3,300 has occurred. Approximately 20 manufacturing facilities, or 17 percent of the Corporation’s worldwide total, are expected to be sold or closed, and an additional 4 facilities are expected to be streamlined. As of March 31, 2007, charges have been recorded related to strategic cost reduction initiatives for 23 facilities. To date, 11 facilities have been disposed of. Two additional facilities have been closed and are being marketed for sale.

Note 3. (Continued)

The following pretax charges totaling $40.6 million and $208.6 million were incurred in connection with the strategic cost reductions ($15.0 million and $155.2 million after tax) during the three month periods ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively:

	Three Months Ended March 31
(Millions of dollars)	2007			2006

Noncash charges		$	23.9		$	124.1
Charges for workforce reductions			4.6			77.0
Other cash charges			8.4			7.2
Charges for special pension and other benefits			3.7			.3

Total pretax charges		$	40.6		$	208.6

The following table summarizes the noncash charges totaling $23.9 million and $124.1 million:

	Three Months Ended March 31
(Millions of dollars)	2007				2006

Incremental depreciation and amortization		$	30.4			$	78.2
Asset write-offs			3.3				35.2
(Gain) loss on asset dispositions			(9.8	)			10.7

Noncash charges		$	23.9			$	124.1

The following table summarizes the cash charges recorded and reconciles such charges to accrued expenses at March 31:

(Millions of dollars)	2007				2006

Accrued expenses – beginning of the year		$	111.2			$	28.2
Charges for workforce reductions			4.6				77.0
Other cash charges			8.4				7.2
Cash payments			(36.0	)			(52.3	)
Currency			2.6				.2

Accrued expenses at March 31		$	90.8			$	60.3

Note 3. (Continued)

Termination benefits related to workforce reductions were accrued in accordance with the requirements of SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities (“SFAS 146”), SFAS No. 112, Employers’ Accounting for Postemployment Benefits, and SFAS No. 88, Employers’ Accounting for Settlements & Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits, as appropriate. Retention bonuses related to workforce reductions were accrued in accordance with SFAS 146. The majority of the termination benefits and retention bonuses will be paid within 12 months of accrual. The termination benefits were provided under: a special-benefit arrangement for affected employees in the U.S.; standard benefit practices in the U.K.; applicable union agreements; or local statutory requirements, as appropriate. Incremental depreciation and amortization was based on changes in useful lives and estimated residual values of assets that are continuing to be used, but will be removed from service before the end of their originally assumed service period.

Costs of the initiatives have not been recorded at the business segment level, as the strategic cost reductions are corporate decisions. These charges are included in the following income statement captions:

	Three Months Ended March 31
(Millions of dollars)	2007				2006

Cost of products sold		$	41.8			$	155.7
Marketing, research and general expenses			8.1				42.0
Other (income) and expense, net			(9.3	)			10.9

Pretax charges			40.6				208.6
Provision for income taxes			(25.6	)			(53.4	)
Minority owners’ share of subsidiaries’ net income			-				(1.6	)

Total charges		$	15.0			$	153.6

See Note 9 for additional information on the strategic cost reductions by business segment.

Actual pretax charges recorded for the strategic cost reductions relate to activities in the following geographic areas for the three months ended March 31:

2007

(Millions of dollars)

North

America

Europe

Other

Total

Incremental depreciation

15.9

13.0

1.5

30.4

Asset write-offs

1.8

1.4

3.3

Charges for workforce reductions and

special pension and other benefits

6.3

1.7

8.3

Loss (gain) on asset disposals and other charges

3.2

(3.4

)

(1.2

)

(1.4

)

Total charges

27.2

12.7

40.6

Note 3. (Continued)

	2006
(Millions of dollars)	North America		Europe		Other		Total

Incremental depreciation and amortization	$	38.5	$	27.7	$	12.0	$	78.2
Asset write-offs		22.6		12.4		.2		35.2
Charges for workforce reductions and
special pension and other benefits		8.0		64.1		5.2		77.3
Loss on asset disposals and other charges		7.8		10.0		.1		17.9

Total charges	$	76.9	$	114.2	$	17.5	$	208.6

Note 4. Inventories

The following schedule presents inventories by major class as of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006:

	March 31,				December 31,
(Millions of dollars)	2007				2006

At lower of cost on the First-In, First-Out (FIFO) method or market:
Raw materials		$	411.0			$	398.3
Work in process			294.2				298.6
Finished goods			1,340.6				1,263.4
Supplies and other			247.4				242.6
			2,293.2				2,202.9
Excess of FIFO cost over Last-In, First-Out (LIFO) cost			(207.4	)			(198.4	)

Total		$	2,085.8			$	2,004.5

The Corporation uses the LIFO method of valuing inventory for financial reporting purposes for most U.S. inventories. An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method is made at the end of each year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time. Accordingly, interim LIFO calculations are based on management’s estimates of expected year-end inventory levels and costs and are subject to the final year-end LIFO inventory valuation.

FIFO cost of total inventories on the LIFO method was $991.7 million and $936.0 million at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively.

Note 5. Synthetic Fuel Partnerships

The Corporation has minority interests in two synthetic fuel partnerships. The production of synthetic fuel results in pretax losses that are reported as nonoperating expense on the Corporation’s Consolidated Income Statement. The production of synthetic fuel results in tax credits as well as tax deductions for the nonoperating losses, which reduce the Corporation’s income tax expense. The effects of those losses and benefits for 2007 and 2006 are shown in the following table:

	Three Months Ended March 31
(Millions of dollars)	2007					2006

Nonoperating expense			$	(27.6	)			$	(15.8	)
Tax credits	$	25.6				$	13.8
Tax benefit of nonoperating expense		9.1		34.7			5.7		19.5
Net synthetic fuel benefit			$	7.1				$	3.7

Per share basis – diluted			$	.02				$	.01

Note 6. Employee Postretirement Benefits

The table below presents the interim period disclosure required by SFAS No. 132 (revised 2003), Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits:

	Defined						Other Postretirement
	Benefit Plans						Benefit Plans
	Three Months Ended March 31
(Millions of dollars)	2007			2006			2007		2006

Service cost	$	21.4		$	21.9		$	3.4	$	4.2
Interest cost		78.7			74.4			12.1		12.1
Expected return on plan assets		(92.1	)		(83.3	)		-		-
Recognized net actuarial loss		19.3			25.2			.8		1.3
Other		5.0			2.2			.8		.8

Net periodic benefit cost	$	32.3		$	40.4		$	17.1	$	18.4

During the first quarter of 2007 and 2006, the Corporation made cash contributions of approximately $42 million and $39 million, respectively, to its pension trusts outside the U.S. The Corporation currently anticipates contributing about $94 million for the full year in 2007 to its pension trusts outside the U.S.

Note 7. Earnings Per Share

There are no adjustments required to be made to net income for purposes of computing basic and diluted EPS. The average number of common shares outstanding used in the basic EPS computations is reconciled to those used in the diluted EPS computation as follows:

	Average Common Shares
	Outstanding for the Three
	Months Ended March 31
(Millions of shares)		2007	2006

Basic		455.8	460.4
Dilutive effect of stock options		2.7	.4
Dilutive effect of restricted share and restricted share unit awards		1.4	1.0

Diluted		459.9	461.8

Options outstanding during the three month periods ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 to purchase 118 thousand and 18.3 million shares of common stock, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the exercise prices of the options were greater than the average market price of the common shares.

The number of common shares outstanding as of March 31, 2007 and 2006 was 455.3 million and 460.0 million, respectively.

Note 8. Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income includes all changes in stockholders’ equity during the periods except those resulting from investments by and distributions to stockholders.

The following schedule presents the components of comprehensive income:

	Three Months
	Ended March 31
(Millions of dollars)	2007		2006

Net income	$	452.0	$	275.1
Unrealized currency translation adjustments		68.3		83.2
Deferred gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of tax		3.5		(2.3	)
Employee postretirement benefits, net		36.8		-

Comprehensive income	$	560.6	$	356.0

Note 8. (Continued)

Net unrealized currency gains or losses resulting from the translation of assets and liabilities of

non-U.S. subsidiaries, except those in highly inflationary economies, are accumulated in a separate section of stockholders’ equity. For these operations, changes in exchange rates generally do not affect cash flows; therefore, unrealized translation adjustments are recorded in stockholders’ equity rather than income. Upon sale or substantially complete liquidation of any of these subsidiaries, the applicable unrealized translation adjustment would be removed from stockholders’ equity and reported as part of the gain or loss on the sale or liquidation.

Also included are the effects of foreign exchange rate changes on intercompany balances of a long-term investment nature and transactions designated as hedges of net foreign investments.

The net unrealized currency translation adjustments for the three months ended March 31, 2007 are primarily due to a weakening of the U.S. dollar versus the Australian dollar, the Brazilian real and the Thai baht.

Note 9. 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 described in Note 3.

The principal sources of revenue in each global business segment 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 and Kimcare brand names.

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

Note 9. (Continued)

The following schedules present information concerning consolidated operations by business segment:

	Three Months
	Ended March 31
(Millions of dollars)	2007			2006

NET SALES:

Personal Care	$	1,797.6		$	1,625.0
Consumer Tissue		1,593.1			1,497.2
K-C Professional & Other		697.4			652.8
Health Care		302.7			300.5
Corporate & Other		8.0			9.0
Intersegment sales		(13.5	)		(16.6	)

Consolidated	$	4,385.3		$	4,067.9

	Three Months
	Ended March 31
(Millions of dollars)	2007			2006

OPERATING PROFIT (reconciled to income before income taxes):

Personal Care	$	347.2		$	300.2
Consumer Tissue		207.1			209.0
K-C Professional & Other		108.7			104.5
Health Care		55.6			51.3
Other income and (expense), net		(3.6	)		(20.2	)
Corporate & Other		(98.9	)		(224.4	)

Total Operating Profit		616.1			420.4

Nonoperating expense		(27.6	)		(15.8	)
Interest income		6.6			6.4
Interest expense		(50.9	)		(54.3	)

Income Before Income Taxes	$	544.2		$	356.7

Note 9. (Continued)

Note:

Other income and (expense), net and Corporate & Other include the following pretax amounts for

the strategic cost reductions:

	Three Months
	Ended March 31
(Millions of dollars)		2007			2006

Other income and (expense), net	$	9.3		$	(10.9	)

Corporate & Other		(49.9	)		(197.7	)

The following table presents the pretax charges for the strategic cost reductions related to activities in the Corporation’s business segments:

	Three Months
	Ended March 31
(Millions of dollars)		2007			2006

Personal Care	$		20.4	$	115.6
Consumer Tissue			15.9		73.9
K-C Professional & Other			2.6		6.7
Health Care			1.7		12.4

Total	$		40.6	$	208.6

Total pretax charges that are expected to be incurred for the strategic cost reduction plan by business segment are: Personal Care - $515 to $530 million; Consumer Tissue - $235 to $250 million; K-C Professional & Other - $80 to $90 million; and Health Care - $120 to $130 million.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Introduction

This management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is intended to provide investors with an understanding of the Corporation’s recent performance, its financial condition and its prospects. The following will be discussed and analyzed:

·	Overview of First Quarter 2007 Results

·	Business Segments

·	Results of Operations and Related Information

·	Liquidity and Capital Resources

·	New Accounting Standard

·	Environmental Matters

·	Business Outlook

Overview of First Quarter 2007 Results

·	Net sales increased 7.8 percent.

·	Operating profit and net income increased by 46.6 percent and 64.3 percent, respectively.

·	Cash provided by operations was $524.5 million.

Business Segments

The Corporation’s scientific business was reclassified from the Health Care segment to the K-C Professional & Other segment effective January 1, 2007 to reflect the current management responsibility for that business.

Results of Operations and Related Information

This section presents a discussion and analysis of the Corporation’s first quarter of 2007 net sales, operating profit and other information relevant to an understanding of the results of operations.

First Quarter of 2007 Compared With First Quarter of 2006

Analysis of Net Sales

By Business Segment

(Millions of dollars)

Net Sales	2007			2006

Personal Care	$	1,797.6		$	1,625.0
Consumer Tissue		1,593.1			1,497.2
K-C Professional & Other		697.4			652.8
Health Care		302.7			300.5
Corporate & Other		8.0			9.0
Intersegment sales		(13.5	)		(16.6	)

Consolidated	$	4,385.3		$	4,067.9

Commentary:

	Percent Change in Net Sales Versus Prior Year
		Change Due To
	Total	Volume		Net
	Change	Growth		Price		Currency	Other

Consolidated	7.8	3		1		3		1

Personal Care	10.6	8		(1	)	2		2
Consumer Tissue	6.4	(2	)	3		3		2
K-C Professional & Other	6.8	3		-		3		1
Health Care	.7	(1	)	-		1		1

Consolidated net sales increased 7.8 percent from the first quarter of 2006. Net sales benefited from 3 percent higher sales volumes while increased net selling prices and favorable product mix each added about 1 percent to the gain. Changes in foreign currency rates, primarily in Europe, also added about 3 percent to net sales. Highlights of the increase in first quarter 2007 net sales included a tenth consecutive quarter of double-digit increases in the developing and emerging markets, innovation-driven growth for infant and child care products in North America and for infant care in Europe.

Net sales of personal care products advanced 10.6 percent in the first quarter, highlighted by sales volume growth in excess of 8 percent. Favorable currency effects of more than 2 percent and better product mix of 1 percent also contributed to the increase in net sales, while net selling prices declined approximately 1 percent.

Personal care net sales in North America increased about 8 percent compared with the first quarter of 2006, driven entirely by higher sales volumes. Net selling prices were essentially unchanged. Sales volumes for Huggies diapers and baby wipes grew at a double-digit rate on the strength of innovations to the brand’s high-margin, super-premium offerings in both categories. Sales momentum for the Corporation’s market-leading Pull-Ups training pants remained strong, lifting sales volumes for the Corporation’s child care brands to a new first

quarter record. Although Kotex feminine care sales volumes were down year-over-year, they were similar to fourth quarter 2006 levels. In Europe, personal care net sales rose more than 12 percent in the quarter, with currency effects accounting for the entire increase. Sales volumes were up 1 percent, as gains for diapers were mostly offset by lower sales volumes in other areas. Meanwhile, net selling prices were down approximately 1 percent compared with the prior year. Positive customer and consumer response to new Huggies Newborn and Natural Fit diapers and Huggies Little Walkers diaper pants, launched in the second half of 2006, resulted in 9 percent volume growth for Huggies diapers in core European markets – the U.K., France, Italy and Spain. In developing and emerging markets, personal care net sales climbed about 16 percent, driven by a 12 percent increase in sales volumes and currency benefits of 3 percent. Sales growth was particularly strong throughout Latin America, as well as in China and Russia.

Net sales of consumer tissue products rose 6.4 percent versus the first quarter of 2006, as net selling prices improved 3 percent and changes in currency exchange rates also benefited net sales by 3 percent. Favorable product mix added about 2 percent to net sales; however, sales volumes were lower by 2 percent.

In North America, first quarter net sales of consumer tissue products rose approximately 4 percent, driven primarily by higher net selling prices, up 4 percent, and improved product mix of 1 percent, partially offset by a 1 percent decrease in sales volumes compared with the prior year. The rise in net selling prices was mainly attributable to list price increases implemented during the first half of 2006. Meanwhile, growth in higher-margin facial tissue and bathroom tissue product offerings enhanced product mix. Sales volumes for Kleenex facial tissue in the first quarter increased despite a weaker cold and flu season than in 2006; however, overall volumes for bathroom tissue and paper towels were down, due in part to the timing of promotional activities. In Europe, consumer tissue net sales were up about 6 percent. Net selling prices increased about 1 percent, product mix improved by 2 percent and stronger currencies boosted sales by 10 percent. Sales volumes decreased approximately 7 percent, as the Corporation has continued to maintain a disciplined approach to pricing and has also shed low-margin business following the sale or closure of certain facilities in the region. Consumer tissue net sales in developing and emerging markets rose approximately 11 percent, with growth in all regions, primarily reflecting higher net selling prices, favorable product mix and currency benefits.

Net sales of K-C Professional & Other products were 6.8 percent above the year-ago quarter. Higher sales volumes and currency effects both contributed about 3 percent to the increase in net sales. Product mix improved 1 percent, while net selling prices for the segment were up slightly, as U.S. price increases in K-C Professional (“KCP”) were tempered by lower prices for other products. As a result of its focused strategy to expand in the attractive workplace and safety markets, sales of KCP’s differentiated apparel, glove and wiper products in North America and Europe continued to grow at above the segment average. In addition, KCP continued to capitalize on opportunities in rapidly-growing international markets, generating double-digit sales increases in the first quarter in both Asia and Latin America.

Net sales of health care products were up .7 percent in the first quarter, as favorable product mix and currency benefits of 1 percent each were partially offset by a 1 percent decline in sales volumes. Although most product categories experienced solid growth, overall sales volumes were down as a result of the Corporation’s decision, in the second half of last year, to exit the latex exam glove business. In the near term, additional manufacturing capacity is needed to satisfy the growing demand for nitrile exam gloves, particularly new Sterling Nitrile gloves, as customers and users are transitioning to these more cost-effective, better-performing solutions faster than expected. As a result, the Corporation has accelerated plans to bring new capacity on line over the next several months.

By Geography

(Millions of dollars)

Net Sales	2007			2006

North America	$	2,472.7		$	2,367.8
Outside North America		2,058.0			1,837.9
Intergeographic sales		(145.4	)		(137.8	)

Consolidated	$	4,385.3		$	4,067.9

Commentary:

·	Net sales in North America increased 4.4 percent primarily due to the higher personal care sales volumes and the higher consumer tissue net selling prices.

·	Net sales outside North America increased 12.0 percent primarily because of the previously mentioned strength in the developing and emerging markets, and favorable currency effects, principally in Europe.

Analysis of Operating Profit

By Business Segment

(Millions of dollars)

Operating Profit	2007			2006

Personal Care	$	347.2		$	300.2
Consumer Tissue		207.1			209.0
K-C Professional & Other		108.7			104.5
Health Care		55.6			51.3
Other income and (expense), net		(3.6	)		(20.2	)
Corporate & Other		(98.9	)		(224.4	)

Consolidated	$	616.1		$	420.4

Note: Other income and (expense), net and Corporate & Other include the following pretax amounts for the Strategic Cost Reductions. In 2007, Corporate & Other also includes incremental implementation costs of $12.2 million related to the transfer of certain administrative processes to third-party providers.

(Millions of dollars)	2007			2006

Other income and (expense), net	$	9.3		$	(10.9	)

Corporate & Other		(62.1	)		(197.7	)

Commentary:

	Percentage Change in Operating Profit Versus Prior Year
				Change Due To
									Raw			Energy and
	Total					Net			Materials			Distribution
	Change			Volume		Price			Cost			Expense			Currency		Other ^(a)

Consolidated		46.6			19		9			(18	)		(7	)		4		40	^(b)
Personal Care		15.7			19		(3	)		(5	)		(2	)		2		5
Consumer Tissue		(.9	)		1		22			(19	)		(8	)		3		-
K-C Professional & Other		4.0			12		3			(15	)		(3	)		3		4
Health Care		8.4			17		(2	)		(8	)		(9	)		5		5

(a) Includes cost savings.

(b) Charges for the strategic cost reductions were $168 million lower in 2007 than in 2006.

Consolidated operating profit for the first quarter of 2007 increased $195.7 million, or 46.6 percent from the prior year. The increase was primarily due to lower charges for strategic cost reductions of $168 million. Charges for the strategic cost reductions, discussed later in this MD&A and in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, are not included in the results of the business segments. Higher sales volumes of about $80 million, increased net selling prices of nearly $40 million and cost savings of more than $60 million were tempered by cost inflation of about $80 million. The inflationary increases were driven primarily by higher fiber costs, which were up nearly $60 million versus the first quarter of 2006. As planned, strategic marketing expense increased at a faster rate than sales, rising nearly $20 million, principally to support new and improved products and other targeted growth initiatives. The Corporation also incurred about $25 million in additional distribution expense primarily related to the transition to new distribution centers. Also included in first quarter 2007 earnings were incremental charges of about $12 million related to the transfer of administrative activities to third-party providers.

Personal care segment operating profit increased 15.7 percent as higher sales volumes and cost savings more than offset lower net selling prices and cost inflation. In North America, the benefit of higher sales volumes, primarily for infant and child care products, and cost savings was tempered by increased marketing, research and general expenses. In Europe, operating profit improved due to the higher sales volumes and cost savings. In the developing and emerging markets, higher sales volumes more than offset increased marketing spending.

Consumer tissue segment operating profit declined .9 percent as higher net selling prices and cost savings were more than offset by raw materials cost inflation and increased distribution expenses. Operating profit in North America decreased because of the same factors affecting the total segment and higher marketing expenses. In Europe, operating profit improved as cost savings and favorable currency effects more than offset raw materials cost inflation. Operating profit in the developing and emerging markets increased primarily due to the higher net sales, tempered by higher distribution expenses.

·	Operating profit for K-C Professional & Other products increased 4.0 percent due to the higher net sales, cost savings and lower marketing, research and general expenses, partially offset by cost inflation.

·	Health care segment operating profit advanced 8.4 percent due to increased sales volumes of higher margin products and cost savings that more than offset raw materials cost inflation and higher distribution costs.

·	Other income and (expense), net for 2007 includes gains of $9.3 million on properties disposed of as part of the strategic cost reduction plan compared with a loss on disposition of $10.9 million in 2006. Foreign currency transaction losses were approximately $1 million higher in 2007 versus 2006.

By Geography

(Millions of dollars)

Operating Profit	2007			2006

North America	$	490.9		$	487.6
Outside North America		227.7			177.4
Other income and (expense), net		(3.6	)		(20.2	)
Corporate & Other		(98.9	)		(224.4	)

Consolidated	$	616.1		$	420.4

Note: Other income and (expense), net and Corporate & Other include the following pretax amounts for the strategic cost reductions. In 2007, Corporate & Other also includes the related implementation costs:

(Millions of dollars)	2007			2006

Other income and (expense), net	$	9.3		$	(10.9	)

Corporate & Other		(62.1	)		(197.7	)

Commentary:

·	Operating profit in North America increased .7 percent as the higher personal care profit was mostly offset by lower consumer tissue earnings.

·	Operating profit outside North America increased 28.4 percent with higher earnings in each of the geographic regions except for Africa and the Middle East.

Strategic Cost Reduction Plan

During the first quarter of 2007, the Corporation continued to make progress implementing the strategic cost reduction plan that will support the targeted growth investments announced in July 2005. As previously disclosed, the Corporation plans to reduce costs by streamlining manufacturing and administrative operations primarily in North America and Europe, creating an even more competitive platform for growth and margin improvement.

Pretax charges totaling $40.6 million ($15 million after tax) related to these cost reduction initiatives were recorded in the first quarter of 2007. A majority of the pretax charges were noncash, primarily for

incremental depreciation. Major components of the charges were for consolidation of consumer tissue operations in Europe and North American infant and child care operations.

To date, employees have been notified about workforce reductions and other actions at 22 of the approximately 24 facilities slated for sale, closure or streamlining as part of the cost reduction initiatives, and pretax charges of $753.6 million (about $528 million after tax) have been recorded. The Corporation currently expects to incur cumulative pretax charges of $950 million to $1.0 billion ($665 - $700 million after tax) through the end of 2008 that will yield annual pretax savings of at least $350 million in 2009. See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional detail on the costs recorded in the first quarter of 2007.

Year-over-year savings of approximately $33 million were realized in the first quarter of 2007. Based upon results to date and plans for the balance of the year, the Corporation expects to meet or potentially exceed its target of $75 million to $100 million of savings for the full year 2007. Pretax charges for the full year are expected to total approximately $190 million.

The strategic cost reductions are corporate decisions and are not included in the business segments’ operating profit performance. See Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the 2007 costs of the strategic cost reductions related to the activities in the Corporation’s business segments. First quarter 2007 charges have been recorded in cost of products sold ($41.8 million) and marketing, research and general expenses ($8.1 million); and gains on the disposals of properties totaling $9.3 million have been included in other income and (expense), net.

Additional Income Statement Commentary

·	Nonoperating expense of $27.6 million for the first quarter of 2007 is the Corporation’s pretax loss associated with its ownership interest in the synthetic fuel partnerships described in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

·	Interest expense decreased 6.3 percent primarily due to a higher amount of interest being capitalized for equipment construction combined with the effect of a lower average level of debt partially offset by higher interest rates.

·	The Corporation’s effective income tax rate was 20.6 percent in 2007 compared with 27.8 percent in 2006. The decrease in 2007 was primarily due to higher synthetic fuel credits and favorable settlements of tax issues related to prior years.

The Corporation’s share of net income of equity affiliates rose 15.4 percent, primarily due to higher earnings at Kimberly-Clark de Mexico, S.A.B. de C.V. (“KCM”). Continued strong performance of KCM’s consumer business as well as a lower level of currency transaction losses than in 2006 drove the increase, despite the absence of earnings from pulp and paper operations that were sold in the fourth quarter of last year.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash provided by operations in the first quarter increased to $525 million from $519 million in 2006, reflecting higher cash earnings primarily offset by an increased investment in working capital compared with the year-ago quarter. The change in working capital was mainly attributable to payment of accrued liabilities.

·	Capital spending for the quarter was $282 million compared with $179 million in the prior year. As previously announced, capital spending in 2007 is expected to total $900 million to $1 billion.

·	At March 31, 2007, total debt and preferred securities was $4.4 billion, essentially the same level as the end of 2006.

As discussed in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Corporation adopted FIN 48 as of January 1, 2007 and recorded an increase in income tax liabilities for uncertain tax benefits and a decrease in retained earnings of $34.2 million. As of January 1, 2007, the Corporation had approximately $490 million of unrecognized tax benefits that it is unable to reasonably determine when such benefits will be settled.

·	During the first quarter, the Corporation repurchased approximately 2.2 million shares of its common stock at a cost of $150 million, in line with its target to spend $600 to $800 million for share repurchases for the full year.

·	Management believes that the Corporation’s ability to generate cash from operations and its capacity to issue short-term and long-term debt are adequate to fund working capital, capital spending, payment of dividends, repurchases of common stock and other needs in the foreseeable future.

New Accounting Standard

See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information on recently issued accounting standards.

Environmental Matters

The Corporation has been named a potentially responsible party under the provisions of the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, or analogous state statutes, at a number of waste disposal sites, none of which, individually or in the aggregate, in management’s opinion, is likely to have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

Business Outlook

Based on its first quarter 2007 results, the Corporation is confident that it will continue to execute the Global Business Plan well. The Corporation believes that it has good momentum and plans in place that should enable generation of solid improvement in sales and earnings for the balance of the year. Although escalation in fiber costs is driving a higher level of inflation than had been assumed coming into the year, the Corporation expects to offset the additional cost pressure with continued strong business performance. At the same time, the Corporation will maintain its commitment to increase customer development and strategic marketing spending to support growth initiatives and further improve brand equity. Finally, the Corporation will remain focused on increasing cash flow from operations, deploying cash wisely and improving returns for shareholders.

Information Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Certain matters discussed in this report concerning, among other things, the business outlook, including new product introductions, cost savings, anticipated costs and benefits related to the Competitive Improvement Initiatives, anticipated financial and operating results, strategies, contingencies and contemplated transactions of the Corporation, constitute forward-looking statements and are based upon management’s expectations and beliefs concerning future events impacting the Corporation. There can be no assurance that these events will occur or that the Corporation’s results will be as estimated.

The assumptions used as a basis for the forward-looking statements include many estimates that, among other things, depend on the achievement of future cost savings and projected volume increases. In addition, many factors outside the control of the Corporation, including the prices of the Corporation’s raw materials, potential competitive pressures on selling prices or advertising and promotion expenses for the Corporation’s products, and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, as well as general economic conditions in the markets in which the Corporation does business, could impact the realization of such estimates.

For a description of these and other factors that could cause the Corporation’s future results to differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements, see Part I, Item 1A of the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 entitled “Risk Factors.”

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

As of March 31, 2007, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Corporation’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, the Corporation’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2007. There have been no significant changes during the quarter covered by this report in the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting or in other factors that could significantly affect internal control over financial reporting.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 2. Stock Repurchases.

The Corporation regularly repurchases shares of Kimberly-Clark common stock pursuant to publicly announced share repurchase programs. All share repurchases by the Corporation were made through brokers in the open market. During 2007, the Corporation anticipates purchasing about $600 to $800 million of its common stock. The following table contains information for shares repurchased during the first quarter of 2007. None of the shares in this table were repurchased directly from any officer or director of the Corporation.

					Cumulative	Remaining
					Number Of	Shares That
Period	Shares Purchased (1)		Average Cost		Shares Purchased	May Be
(2007)	Shares Purchased (1)		Per Share		Pursuant To The Plan	Repurchased

January 1 to 31		716,000	$	68.91	17,533,000	32,467,000
February 1 to 28		672,000		69.22	18,205,000	31,795,000
March 1 to 31		798,000		67.80	19,003,000	30,997,000

Total		2,186,000

(1)

Share repurchases were made pursuant to a share repurchase program authorized by the Corporation’s Board of Directors on September 15, 2005, which allowed for the repurchase of 50 million shares in an amount not to exceed $5.0 billion.

In addition, during February and March 2007, 5,611 shares at a cost of $389,701 and 6,586 shares at a cost of $448,968, respectively, were purchased from current or former employees in connection with the exercise of employee stock options and other awards. No shares were purchased during January 2007.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

The 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Corporation was held on Thursday, April 26, 2007, at the Dallas Marriott Las Colinas, 223 West Las Colinas Boulevard, Irving, Texas. Represented at the meeting in person or by proxy were 414,893,367 shares of common stock, or more than 90 percent of all shares of common stock outstanding.

Election of Directors

Following is a list of directors elected to three-year terms expiring at the 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and the corresponding vote tabulation for the shares represented at the meeting. Of the shares represented at the meeting, at least 96.51 percent voted for each nominee. There were no broker non-votes with respect to this matter.

		Votes
Nominee	Votes For	Against	Abstain

James M. Jenness	408,637,798	3,342,153	2,913,416
Linda Johnson Rice	400,421,809	11,404,164	3,067,394
Marc J. Shapiro	405,553,546	6,469,532	2,870,289

The Corporation’s other directors are John R. Alm, John F. Bergstrom, Dennis R. Beresford, Abelardo E. Bru, Robert W. Decherd, Thomas J. Falk, Mae C. Jemison, M. D., and G. Craig Sullivan.

Other Matters Voted on at Annual Meeting

The stockholders also voted on five proposals at the meeting. The following table shows the vote tabulation for the shares represented at the meeting:

		Votes		Broker
Proposal	Votes For	Against	Abstain	Non-votes

Approval of Auditors	405,281,822	6,707,848	2,903,197	500

Approval of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to Eliminate the Classified Board of Directors and to Make Certain Technical Changes	408,704,845	3,096,087	3,091,660	775

Stockholder Proposal Regarding Supermajority Voting	295,380,908	67,445,443	4,201,354	47,865,662

Stockholder Proposal Regarding Adoption of Global Human Rights Standards Based on International Labor Conventions	33,997,148	283,861,672	49,172,476	47,862,071

Stockholder Proposal Requesting a Report on the Feasibility of Phasing Out Use of Non-FSC Certified Fiber	27,271,021	309,974,807	29,785,468	47,862,071

Item 6. Exhibits.

(a) Exhibits

(3)a

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated April 26, 2007, filed herewith.

(3)b

By-Laws, as amended September 14, 2006, incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. (3)b of the Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 18, 2006.

(4)

Copies of instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt will be furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission on request.

(31)a

Certification of Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), filed herewith.

(31)b

Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act, filed herewith.

(32)a

Certification of Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Exchange Act and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code, furnished herewith.

(32)b

Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Exchange Act and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code, furnished herewith.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION

(Registrant)

By:	/s/ Mark A. Buthman
	Mark A. Buthman
	Senior Vice President and
	Chief Financial Officer
	(principal financial officer)

By:	/s/ Randy J. Vest
	Randy J. Vest
	Vice President and Controller
	(principal accounting officer)

May 9, 2007

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No. Description

(3)a	Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated April 26, 2007, filed herewith.

(3)b	By-Laws, as amended September 14, 2006, incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. (3)b of the Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 18, 2006.

(4)	Copies of instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt will be furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission on request.

(31)a

Certification of Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), filed herewith.

(31)b

Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act, filed herewith.

(32)a

Certification of Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Exchange Act and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code, furnished herewith.

(32)b

Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Exchange Act and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code, furnished herewith.