The ratings for Kimberly-Clark Corp. reflect the company's above-average business profile and the expectation that a moderate financial profile will be maintained. The company has strong market shares in a number of core categories, including tissue (Kleenex, Cottonelle), personal care (Huggies, Pull-Ups), and health care/other (Safeskin, Ballard Medical). The diversification of Kimberly-Clark's product portfolio and its international presence should provide the company with a solid and consistent stream of future earnings and cash flow. One of Kimberly-Clark's key strategic objectives is to build its existing U.S. platform and extend its strong brands globally through acquisitions, joint ventures, and licensing arrangements. Kimberly-Clark is accelerating its diversification and growth into the health care business with an annualized sales target of $1 billion,
