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. Kimberly-Clark has strong market shares in a number of core categories, including personal care (Huggies, Pull-Ups, Depend), consumer tissue (Kleenex, Scott, Cottonelle), and business-to-business products (Safeskin, Ballard). 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. Revenue and operating profit grew by 2.6% and 2.7%, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2002,
