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 (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 the company'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 accelerated its diversification and growth in the health care business with an annualized sales target of $1 billion,
