The ratings on Dallas, Texas-based Kimberly-Clark Corp. reflect its well above-average business profile, softer yet still strong operating margins, and the expectation that the company will maintain a moderate financial profile. Kimberly-Clark has leading 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 and strength of Kimberly-Clark's product portfolio should provide the company with a solid and consistent stream of future earnings and cash flow. However, margin pressure has resulted from lower pricing and increased brand support by Kimberly-Clark in an effort to defend market shares against intense competition. Specifically, the company's operating margin (before D&A) declined to 22.2% for the 12 months
