NYSE:KVUE

Kenvue Edges Up 1% as Margin Gains and Kimberly-Clark Deal Progress Steady the Ship

Summit, N.J., May 7, 2026 — Shares in Kenvue rose a modest 1% today after the consumer health company reported first quarter results that showed meaningful progress on profitability, even as organic sales growth remained thin and the business continues to operate in the shadow of its pending acquisition by Kimberly-Clark.

Net sales grew 4.5% to start the year, but the headline figure was heavily flattered by a 3.8% foreign currency tailwind. Organic sales growth — the more honest measure of underlying demand — came in at just 0.7%, driven by 1% favorable pricing partially offset by a 0.3% volume decline. For a company anchored in household staples like Tylenol, Neutrogena, and Listerine, that is a modest performance, though management framed it as a second consecutive quarter of organic growth after a difficult stretch.

Where the report genuinely impressed was on margins. Adjusted gross profit margin expanded 80 basis points to 60.8%, and adjusted operating income margin widened a full 420 basis points to 24.0%, reflecting the benefits of supply chain optimization, cost reduction initiatives, and lower SGA spending. Adjusted diluted EPS of $0.32 was up 33% year-over-year, a meaningful improvement driven more by cost discipline than revenue momentum. Free cash flow also nearly doubled to $0.4 billion.

The segment picture was mixed. Skin Health and Beauty was the standout, with 5% organic growth fueled by Neutrogena internationally and strong eCommerce execution. Essential Health added 1.5% organically. Self Care was the drag, with organic sales falling 2.3% as weak cold and flu seasons across major markets weighed on demand, partially offset by share gains in smoking cessation and sequential improvement for Tylenol.

With the Kimberly-Clark acquisition expected to close in the second half of 2026 and all shareholder and U.S. antitrust approvals already secured, Kenvue is not providing forward-looking guidance. The stock's quiet gain reflects a market content to wait for the deal to close rather than reprice the business on its own merits.
Kenvue Inc. (NYSE: KVUE) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.2075 per share on its common stock. The quarterly dividend is payable on May 27, 2026, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 13, 2026.
Kenvue to Announce First Quarter 2026 Results on May 7, 2026
Kenvue Inc. (NYSE: KVUE) reported improved fourth-quarter performance but lower full-year sales for 2025.

Fourth-quarter net sales rose 3.2%, driven by 1.2% organic growth and a 2.1% FX benefit. Diluted EPS was $0.17, with adjusted EPS of $0.27. Gross margin was flat at 56.5%, while adjusted operating margin improved to 19.9%. Growth was led by Essential Health (+6.1%) and Skin Health and Beauty (+2.9%), while Self Care rose 1.5%.

For full-year 2025, net sales declined 2.1%, with organic sales down 2.2% due to lower volumes. Diluted EPS was $0.76 and adjusted EPS was $1.08. Free cash flow increased to $1.7 billion, and total debt stood at $8.5 billion at year-end.

Due to its pending merger with Kimberly-Clark, expected to close in the second half of 2026, Kenvue will not provide forward guidance.

Source: Business Wire
Kimberly-Clark Corporation and Kenvue Inc. announced that shareholders of both companies have overwhelmingly approved all proposals required for Kimberly-Clark’s acquisition of Kenvue, marking a key milestone in the creation of a global health and wellness leader. The approvals were obtained at separate special shareholder meetings held on January 29, 2026.

Based on preliminary results, around 96 percent of the shares present at Kimberly-Clark’s special meeting voted in favor of issuing Kimberly-Clark shares for the transaction, while approximately 99 percent of the shares voted at Kenvue’s meeting approved the merger agreement, representing about 77 percent of Kenvue’s total outstanding shares. Final voting results will be formally filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Company executives from both sides highlighted the strategic rationale of the deal, emphasizing expanded growth opportunities, accelerated innovation, and the ability to broaden access to trusted consumer health and personal care brands worldwide. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

Source: PR Newswire
Kenvue Inc. (NYSE: KVUE) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.2075 per share on its common stock. Dividend is payable on February 25, 2026, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 11, 2026.
Kimberly-Clark to Acquire Kenvue in $3.50 Cash and Stock Deal

Kenvue (NYSE: KVUE) entered into a definitive merger agreement to be acquired by Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB). Under the deal, Kenvue shareholders will receive 0.14625 shares of Kimberly-Clark common stock and $3.50 in cash per Kenvue share. The transaction, unanimously approved by both boards, will create a combined company with expanded consumer health and hygiene portfolios. Following the merger, Kenvue will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Kimberly-Clark through a two-step merger structure. Kenvue CEO Kirk Perry, previously interim CEO, was appointed permanently alongside an amended executive severance plan effective at closing. The companies expect to file a joint proxy statement and Form S-4 registration with the SEC, with closing targeted following regulatory and shareholder approvals.
Kenvue Inc. (NYSE: KVUE) today announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.2075 per share on its common stock. The quarterly dividend is payable on November 26, 2025, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on November 12, 2025.
Kenvue sets Q3 2025 earnings release for November 6

Kenvue Inc. (NYSE: KVUE) said it will report third-quarter 2025 financial results before U.S. market open on November 6, 2025.
Kenvue Inc. (NYSE: KVUE) will announce its second quarter 2025 financial results before the market opens on August 7, 2025.

The company will host a conference call and webcast at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss its financial results.
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