Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB - Free Report) , came out with second-quarter 2018 results, wherein adjusted earnings of $1.59 surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.57. Bottom-line improved almost 7% from the prior-year quarter.

Earnings Estimate Revision: The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2018 went down by 7 cents in the last 30 days. In the trailing four quarters, excluding the quarter under review, the company earnings surprise history has been quite mixed.

Revenues: Kimberly-Clark generated net sales of $4,604 million that jumped close to 1% year over year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate was $4,606 million.

Kimberly-Clark Corporation Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Outlook: For 2018, management now expects sales growth in a range of flat to up 1%, compared to the prior view of rise in the range of 2-3%. Further, earnings are expected in the range of $6.60-$6.80 as compared to the earlier view of $6.90-$7.20.

Key Events: The company repurchased 2.2 million shares for approximately $224 million during the quarter.

Zacks Rank: Currently, Kimberly-Clark has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell), which is subject to change following the earnings announcement.

Stock Movement: Shares of the company are down nearly 3.8% in the pre-market trading session following the second quarter outcome.