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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration No. 333-212013
The information in this preliminary prospectus supplement is not complete and may be changed without notice.
This preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are not an offer to sell these securities nor a solicitation to buy these securities, in any jurisdiction where the offering is
not permitted.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JULY 26, 2016
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(To Prospectus Dated June 14, 2016)
$ % Notes due 2046
Kimberly-Clark will pay interest on the % notes
due , 2046 (the "notes")
on and
of
each year. The first payment on the notes will be made on , 2017. We may redeem the notes at our option and at any time, either as
a whole or in part, at the redemption prices described
in this prospectus supplement. If we experience a change of control repurchase event, we may be required to offer to repurchase the notes from holders.
The
notes will not be listed on any national securities exchange or quoted on any automated dealer quotation system. Currently there is no public market for the notes.
Investing in the notes involves risks. Please see "Risk Factors" in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2015, which is incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the securities or passed upon
the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
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Per Note
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Total
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Public Offering Price
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%
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$
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Underwriting Discount
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%
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$
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Proceeds to Kimberly-Clark (before expenses)
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%
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$
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The
initial public offering prices set forth above do not include accrued interest, if any. Interest on the notes will begin to accrue
on , 2016 and must be paid by the
purchaser if the notes are delivered after , 2016. The proceeds to Kimberly-Clark set forth above do not take into account offering
expenses.
The
notes are offered severally by the underwriters, subject to the satisfaction of various conditions. The underwriters expect to deliver the notes in book-entry form only through The
Depository Trust Company for the accounts of its direct participants, against payment on or about , 2016.
Joint Book-Running Managers
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Goldman, Sachs & Co.
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J.P. Morgan
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Morgan Stanley
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The date of this Prospectus Supplement is July , 2016.
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Table of Contents
You should read this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus carefully before you invest. You should rely only on the information contained in or
incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. We have not, and the underwriters have not, authorized anyone to give you different information. If anyone
gives you different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. This prospectus supplement may add to, update or change information in the accompanying prospectus. The information
contained in this prospectus supplement is current only as of the date appearing at the bottom of the cover. Since that date, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may
have changed.
In
this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, unless we otherwise specify or the context otherwise requires, references to "Kimberly-Clark," the "Company," "we," "us,"
and "our" refer to Kimberly-Clark Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries. We are not, and the underwriters are not, offering to sell or seeking offers to buy securities in any jurisdiction
where the offer or sale is not permitted.
This
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not contain all of the information contained in the registration statement and its exhibits which we filed with the
Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "SEC"). You should read the registration statement and its exhibits for information that may be of interest to you. For information on obtaining a copy of the registration statement,
see "Where You Can Find More Information" in this prospectus supplement.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy and information statements, and other information with the SEC. You may read and
copy any document we file at the SEC's public reference rooms at 100 F Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information concerning its public
reference rooms and regional offices. Our SEC filings also are available to the public from the SEC's website at
http://www.sec.gov
and on our website
at
http://www.kimberly-clark.com
. The information on our website is not part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus.
The
SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" the information we file with it, which means we can disclose information to you by referring you to those documents. Information
incorporated by reference is part of this prospectus supplement. Later information filed with the SEC automatically updates and supersedes information in this prospectus supplement.
We
incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings made with the SEC under sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), until this offering is completed:
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Our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (the "2015 Annual Report");
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Our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2016 and June 30, 2016;
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Our current reports on Form 8-K filed on January 25, 2016 (only with respect to Item 8.01), February 22,
2016 (only with respect to Item 8.01), May 5, 2016, and June 15, 2016; and
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The information in our definitive proxy statement filed on March 11, 2016 that is incorporated by reference in our annual
report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.
We
will provide to you at no charge, upon your written or oral request, a copy of these filings or any other information incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, other
than exhibits to the filings which are not specifically incorporated by reference. You may request this information by contacting us at Kimberly-Clark Corporation, P.O. Box 619100,
Dallas, Texas 75261-9100 (telephone 972-281-1200); attention: Secretary of the Corporation.
S-1
Table of Contents
RISK FACTORS
You should carefully consider the risk factors under the heading "Risk Factors" in our 2015 Annual Report, which is incorporated by
reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, as well as other information included or incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus, before making an investment decision. In addition, there may be other risks that a prospective investor should consider that are relevant to its own particular circumstances.
S-2
Table of Contents
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS AND RATIOS
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Six Months
Ended
June 30,(a)
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Year Ended December 31,
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2016
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2015(b)
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2015(c)
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2014(d)
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2013(e)
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2012(f)
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2011(g)
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Net Sales
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$
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9,064
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$
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9,334
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$
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18,591
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$
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19,724
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$
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19,561
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$
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19,467
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$
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19,268
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Gross Profit
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3,303
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3,316
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6,624
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6,683
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6,609
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6,129
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5,539
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Operating Profit
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1,642
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204
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1,613
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2,521
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2,903
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2,377
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2,152
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Share of Net Income of Equity Companies
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70
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75
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149
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146
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205
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177
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161
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Income from Continuing Operations
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1,138
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193
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1,066
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1,545
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2,018
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1,627
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1,495
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Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Income Taxes
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50
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203
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201
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189
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Net Income
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1,138
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193
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1,066
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1,595
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2,221
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1,828
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1,684
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Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests in Continuing Operations
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(27
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(30
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(53
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(69
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(79
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(78
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(93
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Net Income Attributable to Kimberly-Clark
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1,111
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163
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1,013
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1,526
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2,142
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1,750
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1,591
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Per Share Basis
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Net Income Attributable to Kimberly-Clark Basic
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Continuing Operations
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3.08
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0.45
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2.78
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3.94
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5.05
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3.94
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3.54
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Discontinued Operations
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0.13
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0.53
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0.51
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0.48
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Net Income
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3.08
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0.45
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2.78
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4.07
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5.58
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4.45
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4.02
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Diluted
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Continuing Operations
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3.06
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0.44
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2.77
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3.91
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5.01
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3.91
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3.52
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Discontinued Operations
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0.13
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0.52
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0.51
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0.47
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Net Income
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3.06
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0.44
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2.77
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4.04
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5.53
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4.42
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3.99
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Cash Dividends Per Share
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Declared
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1.84
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1.76
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3.52
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3.36
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3.24
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2.96
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2.80
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Paid
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1.80
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1.72
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3.48
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3.33
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3.17
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2.92
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2.76
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Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges(h)
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8.25x
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1.50x
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4.63x
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7.15x
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7.99x
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6.73x
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6.45x
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At June 30,
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At December 31,
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2016
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2015
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2015
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2014
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2013
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2012
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2011
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Total Assets
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$
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14,770
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$
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15,346
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$
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14,842
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$
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15,526
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$
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18,919
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$
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19,873
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$
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19,373
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Long-Term Debt
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6,905
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5,544
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6,106
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5,630
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5,386
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5,070
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5,426
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Total Stockholders' Equity
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424
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744
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40
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999
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5,140
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5,287
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5,529
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(a)
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Unaudited
consolidated financial data has been prepared on the same basis as the 2015 Annual Report and includes all adjustments necessary to present fairly
the selected financial data for the periods indicated.
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(b)
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Results
include pre-tax charges of $1,331, $819 after tax, related to pension settlements, pre-tax charges of $25, $13 after tax, related to the 2014
organization restructuring, and pre-tax and after tax charges of $45 related to the remeasurement of the Venezuelan balance sheet.
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(c)
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Results
include pre-tax charges related to pension settlements of $1,358, $835 after tax, a $45 nondeductible charge related to the remeasurement of the
Venezuelan balance sheet and a pre-tax charge of $108, $102 after tax, related to the deconsolidation of our Venezuelan operations. Additionally, results were negatively impacted by pre-tax charges of
$63, $42 after tax, related to the 2014 Organization Restructuring, and nondeductible charges of $23 related to the restructuring
S-3
Table of Contents
of
operations in Turkey. Also included is an income tax charge of $49 related to prior years as a result of an updated assessment of uncertain tax positions in certain of our international operations.
See Item 8, Notes 1, 2, 9 and 14 of the consolidated financial statements contained in the 2015 Annual Report (the "Consolidated Financial Statements") for details.
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(d)
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Results
include pre-tax charges of $133, $95 after tax, related to the 2014 Organization Restructuring, pre-tax charges of $33, $30 after tax, related to
European strategic changes, a nondeductible charge of $462 related to the remeasurement of the Venezuelan balance sheet and a nondeductible charge of $35, $17 attributable to Kimberly-Clark
Corporation, related to a regulatory dispute in the Middle East. Additionally, results were negatively impacted by pre-tax charges of $157, $138 after tax, for transaction and related costs associated
with the spin-off of the health care business (classified in discontinued operations). See Item 8, Notes 1 through 4 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for details on the charges
for the Venezuela devaluation and restructuring programs.
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(e)
-
Results
include pre-tax charges of $81, $66 after tax, related to European strategic changes. Additionally, results were negatively impacted by a $36
pre-tax charge, $26 after tax, related to the devaluation of the Venezuelan bolivar. See Item 8, Notes 1 and 4 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for details.
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(f)
-
Results
include pre-tax charges of $299, $242 after tax, related to European strategic changes. Additionally, results were negatively impacted by $135 in
pre-tax charges, $86 after tax, for restructuring actions related to our pulp and tissue operations. See Item 8, Note 4 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for details related to
European strategic changes.
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(g)
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Results
include a nondeductible business tax charge related to a law change in Colombia of $35, as well as the effect of pre-tax charges of $415, $289 after
tax, related to the restructuring of our pulp and tissue operations.
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(h)
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For
the purpose of computing our ratios of earnings to fixed charges, we define "earnings" to mean our income from continuing operations before income taxes
plus our interest expense, an estimate of the interest factor in our rent expense and amortization of capitalized interest plus (a) our share of 50% owned equity affiliates and the distributed
income of our less than 50% owned equity affiliates. For the purpose of computing our ratios of earnings to fixed charges, we define "fixed charges" to mean our interest expense, our capitalized
interest and an estimate of the interest factor in our rent expense.
S-4
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USE OF PROCEEDS
We estimate that the net proceeds we will receive from this offering will be approximately $ million after
deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated expenses of the offering payable by us. We anticipate using the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, including
to repay a portion of our outstanding commercial paper indebtedness.
At
June 30, 2016, our outstanding commercial paper indebtedness was $0.525 billion, had a weighted average interest rate of 0.406% and a weighted average maturity of
14 days.
S-5
Table of Contents
DESCRIPTION OF NOTES
The following summary of the terms of the notes supplements the general description of debt securities contained in the accompanying
prospectus. To the extent the following terms are inconsistent with the general description contained in the accompanying prospectus, the following terms replace such inconsistent terms. You should
read both the accompanying prospectus and this prospectus supplement.
General
The notes:
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will be in an aggregate initial principal amount of $ million, subject to our ability to issue additional notes
which may be of the same series as described under "Further Issues,"
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will mature on , 2046,
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will bear interest at a rate of % per annum,
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will be our senior debt, ranking equally with all our other present and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness,
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will be issued in U.S. dollars in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof,
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will be repaid at par at maturity,
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will be redeemable by us at any time prior to maturity as described below under "Optional Redemption,"
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will be subject to repurchase by us upon a Change of Control Repurchase Event as described below under "Repurchase upon
Change of Control Repurchase Event,"
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will be subject to defeasance and covenant defeasance as described below under "Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance," and
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will not be subject to any sinking fund.
The
indenture and the notes do not limit the amount of indebtedness that may be incurred or the amount of securities that may be issued by us.
Interest
Interest on the notes will accrue from and include , 2016 or from and include
the most recent interest payment date to
which interest has been paid or provided for. We will make interest payments semi-annually
on and of each year, with the first
interest payment being made on
, 2017. We will make interest payments to the person in whose name the notes are registered at the close of business
on and , as applicable (in each case,
whether or not a business day), before the next interest payment date.
If
the interest payment date is not a business day at the relevant place of payment, payment of interest will be made on the next day that is a business day at such place of payment and
no interest will accrue for the period from and after such interest payment date. For the purposes of the notes, "business day" means any day that is not a Saturday or Sunday and that is not a day on
which banking institutions are generally authorized or obligated by law, regulation or executive order to close in The City of New York and, for any place of payment outside of The City of New York,
in such place of payment.
Interest on the notes will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months.
S-6
Table of Contents
Optional Redemption
We may redeem notes at our option as described below. See "Our Redemption Rights." The following terms are relevant to the
determination of the redemption price:
When
we use the term "Treasury Rate," we mean with respect to any redemption date, the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity of the Comparable Treasury
Issue. In determining this rate, we assume a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price for such redemption
date.
When
we use the term "Comparable Treasury Issue," we mean the United States Treasury security selected by an Independent Investment Banker as having a maturity comparable to the
remaining term of the notes to be redeemed (assuming, for this purpose, that the notes mature on the Par Call Date) that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary
financial practice, in pricing a new issue of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the remaining term of such notes.
"Independent
Investment Banker" means each of Goldman, Sachs & Co., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and their respective
successors as may be appointed from time to time by the Company; provided, however, that if any of the foregoing shall cease to be a primary U.S. Government
securities dealer (a "Primary Treasury Dealer"), we shall substitute therefor another Primary Treasury Dealer.
"Comparable
Treasury Price" means, with respect to any redemption date, the arithmetic average, as determined by the Independent Investment Banker, of the Reference Treasury Dealer
Quotations for such redemption date.
"Par
Call Date" means , 2046 (the date that is six months prior to the maturity date of the notes).
"Reference
Treasury Dealer Quotations" means, with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer and any redemption date prior to the Par Call Date, the arithmetic average, as determined by
the Independent Investment Banker, of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing to the Independent
Investment Banker by such Reference Treasury Dealer by 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the third business day preceding such redemption date.
"Reference
Treasury Dealer" means each of Goldman, Sachs & Co., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and their respective
successors; provided, however, that if any of the foregoing shall cease to be a Primary Treasury Dealer, the Company shall substitute therefor another Primary Treasury Dealer.
When
we use the term "Remaining Scheduled Payments," we mean with respect to any note, the remaining scheduled payments of the principal thereof to be redeemed and interest thereon that
would be due after the related redemption date if such note matured on the Par Call Date; provided, however, that, if such redemption date is not an interest payment date with respect to such note,
the amount of the next scheduled interest payment thereon will be reduced by the amount of interest accrued thereon to such redemption date.
We may redeem the notes at our option and at any time, either as a whole or in part.
S-7
Table of Contents
If
we elect to redeem the notes prior to the Par Call Date, we will pay a redemption price equal to the greater of:
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100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, and
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the sum of the present values of the Remaining Scheduled Payments, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
In
determining the present value of the Remaining Scheduled Payments, we will discount such payments to the redemption date on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of
twelve 30-day months) using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate plus basis points. In the case of a partial redemption of the notes, the
notes to be redeemed will be selected by
such method as the trustee shall deem fair and appropriate,
provided
that if the notes are in global form, interests in such global notes will be
selected for redemption by DTC in accordance with its standard procedures, and may provide for the selection for redemption of portions (equal to the minimum authorized denomination for the notes or
any integral multiple thereof) of the principal amount of notes of a denomination larger than the minimum authorized denomination for the notes.
If
we elect to redeem the notes at any time on or after the Par Call Date, we will pay a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest,
if any, up to but excluding the redemption date (subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date).
Notice
of any redemption will be sent at least 15 days but not more than 45 days before the redemption date to each holder of notes to be redeemed.
Unless
we default in payment of the redemption price, on and after the redemption date interest will cease to accrue on the notes or portions thereof called for redemption.
Repurchase upon Change of Control Repurchase Event
If a Change of Control Repurchase Event (as defined below) occurs with respect to the notes, unless we have exercised our right to
redeem the notes as described above, we will make an offer to each holder of notes to repurchase all or any part (in denominations of $2,000 or integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof) of that
holder's notes at a repurchase price in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of notes repurchased plus any accrued and unpaid interest on the notes repurchased to the date of
repurchase. Within 30 days following any Change of Control Repurchase Event or, at our option, prior to any Change of Control (as defined below), but after the public announcement of an
impending Change of Control, we will mail a notice to each holder, with a copy to the trustee, describing the transaction or transactions that constitute or may constitute the Change of Control
Repurchase Event and offering to repurchase notes on the payment date specified in the notice, which date will be no earlier than 30 days and no later than 60 days from the date such
notice is mailed. The notice shall, if mailed prior to the date of consummation of the Change of Control, state that the offer to repurchase is conditioned on the Change of Control Repurchase Event
occurring on or prior to the payment date specified in the notice.
We
will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder, to the extent those laws and regulations are
applicable in connection with the repurchase of the notes as a result of a Change of Control Repurchase Event. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the
Change of Control Repurchase Event provisions of the notes, we will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached our obligations under the Change
of Control Repurchase Event provisions of the notes by virtue of such conflict.
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On
the Change of Control Repurchase Event payment date, we will, to the extent lawful:
-
-
accept for payment all notes or portions of notes (in denominations of $2,000 or integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof)
properly tendered pursuant to our offer;
-
-
deposit with the trustee an amount equal to the aggregate repurchase price in respect of all notes or portions of notes properly
tendered; and
-
-
deliver or cause to be delivered to the trustee the notes properly accepted, together with an officers' certificate stating the
aggregate principal amount of notes being purchased by us.
The
trustee will promptly pay to each holder of notes properly tendered the repurchase price for the notes, and the trustee will promptly authenticate and mail (or cause to be
transferred by book-entry) to each holder a new note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of any notes surrendered;
provided
, that each
new note will be in a principal amount of $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof.
We
will not be required to make an offer to repurchase the notes upon a Change of Control Repurchase Event if a third party makes such an offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise
in compliance with the requirements for an offer made by us, and such third party purchases all notes properly tendered and not withdrawn under its offer.
We
have no present intention to engage in a transaction involving a Change of Control, although it is possible that we would decide to do so in the future. We could, in the future, enter
into certain transactions, including acquisitions, refinancings or other recapitalizations, that would not constitute a Change of Control, but that could increase the amount of debt outstanding at
such time or otherwise affect our capital structure or credit ratings.
Definitions
"Below Investment Grade Rating Event" means the notes are rated below Investment Grade by each of the Rating Agencies on any date from
the date of the public notice of an arrangement that could result in a Change of Control until the end of the 60-day period following public notice of the occurrence of a Change of Control (which
period shall be extended so long as the rating of the notes is under publicly announced consideration for possible downgrade by any of the Rating Agencies);
provided
that a Below Investment Grade Rating
Event otherwise arising by virtue of a particular reduction in rating shall not be deemed to have occurred
in respect of a particular Change
of Control (and thus shall not be deemed a Below Investment Grade Rating Event for purposes of the definition of Change of Control Repurchase Event hereunder) if the Rating Agencies making the
reduction in rating to which this definition would otherwise apply do not announce or publicly confirm or inform the trustee in writing at its request that the reduction was the result, in whole or in
part, of any event or circumstance comprised of or arising as a result of, or in respect of, the applicable Change of Control (whether or not the applicable Change of Control shall have occurred at
the time of the Below Investment Grade Rating Event).
"Change
of Control" means the occurrence of any of the following: (1) the direct or indirect sale, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of merger or
consolidation), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of Kimberly-Clark and its subsidiaries taken as a whole to any "person" (as that
term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), other than Kimberly-Clark or one of its subsidiaries; (2) the consummation of any transaction (including, without limitation, any
merger or consolidation) the result of which is that any "person" (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of more
than 50% of the then outstanding number of shares of Kimberly-Clark's Voting Stock; or (3) the first day on which a majority of the members of Kimberly-Clark's Board of Directors are not
Continuing Directors.
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"Change
of Control Repurchase Event" means the occurrence of both a Change of Control and a Below Investment Grade Rating Event.
"Continuing
Directors" means, as of any date of determination, any member of the Board of Directors of Kimberly-Clark who (1) was a member of such Board of Directors on the date
of the issuance of the notes; or (2) was nominated for election or elected to such Board of Directors with the approval of a majority of the Continuing Directors who were members of such Board
of Directors at the time of such nomination or election (either by a specific vote or by approval of Kimberly-Clark's proxy statement in which such member was named as a nominee for election as a
director).
"Fitch"
means Fitch Ratings Ltd.
"Investment
Grade" means a rating of Baa3 or better by Moody's (or its equivalent under any successor rating categories of Moody's); a rating of BBB- or better by S&P (or its equivalent
under any successor rating categories of S&P); and a rating of BBB- or better by Fitch (or its equivalent under any successor rating categories of Fitch); or the equivalent investment grade credit
rating from any additional Rating Agency or Rating Agencies selected by us.
"Moody's"
means Moody's Investors Service Inc.
"Rating
Agency" means (1) each of Fitch, Moody's and S&P; and (2) if any of Fitch, Moody's or S&P ceases to rate the notes or fails to make a rating of the notes publicly
available for reasons outside of our control, a "nationally recognized statistical rating organization" within the meaning of Section 3(a)(62) under the Exchange Act, selected by us as a
replacement agency for Fitch, Moody's or S&P, as the case may be.
"S&P"
means Standard & Poor's Ratings Services, a division of McGraw-Hill, Inc.
"Voting
Stock" means Kimberly-Clark capital stock of any class or kind the holders of which are ordinarily, in the absence of contingencies, entitled to vote for the election of
directors (or persons performing similar functions) of Kimberly-Clark, even if the right so to vote has been suspended by the happening of such a contingency.
Further Issues
We may from time to time, without notice to or the consent of the holders of the notes, create and issue further notes ranking equally
with the notes in all respects (or in all respects other than the payment of interest accruing prior to the issue date of such further notes or except, in some cases, for the first payment of interest
following the issue date of such further notes). Such further notes may be consolidated and form a single series with the previously issued notes and have the same terms as to status,
redemption or otherwise as the notes.
Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance
The provisions of Sections 402 and 1006 of the indenture relating to defeasance as described under "Description of Debt
SecuritiesDefeasance and Covenant Defeasance" in the accompanying prospectus will apply to the notes.
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CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL
INCOME AND ESTATE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO NON-U.S. HOLDERS
The following is a summary of certain United States federal income and estate tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and
disposition of the notes as of the date hereof. Except where noted, this summary deals only with notes that are held as capital assets by a non-U.S. holder who acquires the notes upon original
issuance at their initial offering price.
A
"non-U.S. holder" means a beneficial owner of the notes (other than an entity treated as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes) that is not for United States
federal income tax purposes any of the following:
-
-
an individual citizen or resident of the United States;
-
-
a corporation (or any other entity treated as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or
under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;
-
-
an estate the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source; or
-
-
a trust if it (1) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and one or more United States
persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (2) has a valid election in effect under applicable United States Treasury regulations to be treated as a United
States person.
This
summary is based upon provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and regulations, rulings and judicial decisions as of the date hereof. Those
authorities may be changed, perhaps retroactively, so as to result in United States federal income and estate tax consequences different from those summarized below. This summary does not address all
aspects of United States federal income and estate taxes and does not deal with foreign, state, local or other tax considerations that may be relevant to non-U.S. holders in light of their personal
circumstances. In addition, it does not represent a detailed description of the United States federal income and estate tax consequences applicable to you if you are subject to special treatment under
the United States federal income tax laws (including, for example, if you are a dealer in securities or currencies, a trader in securities that elects to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for
your securities holdings, a bank or other financial institution, an employee stock ownership plan, a United States expatriate, a "controlled foreign corporation," a "passive foreign investment
company," a corporation that accumulates earnings to avoid tax, an insurance company, a tax-exempt organization, a person subject to the alternative minimum tax, a person that owns notes that are a
hedge or that are hedged against interest rate or currency risks, a person that owns notes as part of a straddle or a conversion transaction for tax purposes, a person that purchases or sells notes as
part of a wash sale for tax purposes or a partnership or other pass-through entity for United States federal income tax purposes (or an investor in any such entity)). We cannot assure you that a
change in law will not alter significantly the tax considerations that we describe in this summary.
If
a partnership (or other entity treated as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes) holds the notes, the tax treatment of a partner will generally depend upon the
status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner of a partnership holding the notes, you should consult your tax advisors.
If you are considering the purchase of notes, you should consult your own tax advisors concerning the particular United States federal income and estate tax
consequences to you of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the notes, as well as the consequences to you arising under other United States federal tax laws and the laws of any other taxing
jurisdiction.
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Certain Contingent Payments
We may become obligated to pay an amount in excess of the stated interest and/or the principal amount of the notes, as described, for
example, in "Description of NotesRepurchase upon Change of Control Repurchase Event." Although the matter is not free from doubt, we believe, and intend to take the position, that the
notes should not be characterized as contingent payment debt instruments under United States federal income tax law. Our determination is binding on a holder, unless the holder discloses in the proper
manner to the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") that it is taking a different position. Our determination is not, however, binding on the IRS, and if the IRS successfully takes a contrary position,
a holder subject to United States federal income tax may be required (i) to accrue interest income at a rate higher than the stated interest rate on the notes, and (ii) to treat as
ordinary income, rather than capital gain, a portion or all of any gain on the sale or retirement of the notes. You should consult your tax advisor about the risk of the notes being treated as
contingent payment debt instruments. The remainder of this discussion assumes that the notes are not contingent payment debt instruments.
United States Federal Withholding Tax
Subject to the discussion of backup withholding and FATCA below, United States federal withholding tax will not apply to any payment of
interest on the notes made to you under the "portfolio interest rule," provided that:
-
-
interest paid on the notes is not effectively connected with your conduct of a trade or business in the United States;
-
-
you do not actually (or constructively) own 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of our voting stock within
the meaning of Section 871(h)(3) of the Code;
-
-
you are not a controlled foreign corporation that is related (actually or constructively) to us through stock ownership;
-
-
you are not a bank whose receipt of interest on the notes is a receipt of interest on an extension of credit made pursuant to a loan
agreement entered into in the ordinary course of your trade or business; and
-
-
either (a) you provide your name and address on an applicable IRS Form W-8 (together with all appropriate attachments),
and certify, under penalties of perjury, that you are not a United States person as defined under the Code or (b) you hold your notes through certain foreign intermediaries, and you and the
intermediaries satisfy the certification requirements of applicable United States Treasury regulations. Special certification rules apply to non-U.S. holders that are pass-through entities rather than
corporations or individuals.
If
you cannot satisfy the requirements described above, payments of interest made to you will be subject to a 30% United States federal withholding tax, unless you provide the applicable
withholding agent with a properly executed:
-
-
IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or other applicable form) claiming an exemption from or reduction in withholding under the benefit
of an applicable income tax treaty; or
-
-
IRS Form W-8ECI (or other applicable form) stating that interest paid on the notes is not subject to withholding tax because it
is effectively connected with your conduct of a trade or business in the United States (as discussed below under "United States Federal Income Tax").
Subject
to the discussion of FATCA below, the 30% United States federal withholding tax generally will not apply to any payment of principal or gain that you realize on the sale,
exchange, retirement or other disposition of a note.
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United States Federal Income Tax
If you are engaged in a trade or business in the United States and interest on the notes is effectively connected with the conduct of
that trade or business (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a United States permanent establishment), then you will be subject to United States federal income tax
on that interest on a net income basis (although you will be exempt from the 30% United States federal withholding tax, provided the certification requirements discussed above in "United
States Federal Withholding Tax" are satisfied) in the same manner as if you were a United States person as defined under the Code. In addition, if you are a foreign corporation, you may be subject to
a branch profits tax equal to 30% (or lower applicable income tax treaty rate) of your effectively connected earnings and profits, subject to adjustments.
Subject
to the discussion of backup withholding and FATCA below, any gain realized on the disposition of a note generally will not be subject to United States federal income tax
unless:
-
-
the gain is effectively connected with your conduct of a trade or business in the United States (and, if required by an applicable
income tax treaty, is attributable to a United States permanent establishment), in which case such gain will generally be subject to United States federal income tax (and possibly branch profits tax)
in the same manner as effectively connected interest as described above; or
-
-
you are an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of that disposition, and
certain other conditions are met, in which case, unless an applicable income tax treaty provides otherwise, you will generally be subject to a 30% United States federal income tax on any gain
recognized, which may be offset by certain United States source losses.
United States Federal Estate Tax
If you are an individual and are not a United States citizen or a resident of the United States (as specifically defined for United
States federal estate tax purposes), your estate will not be subject to United States federal estate tax on notes beneficially owned by you at the time of your death, provided that any payment to you
on the notes would be eligible for exemption from the 30% United States federal withholding tax under the "portfolio interest rule" described above under "United States Federal
Withholding Tax" without regard to the statement requirement described in the fifth bullet point of that section.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Generally, we or other payors must report to the IRS and to you the amount of interest paid to you and the amount of tax, if any,
withheld with respect to those payments. Copies of the information returns reporting such interest payments and any withholding may also be made available to the tax authorities in the country in
which you reside under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty.
In
general, you will not be subject to backup withholding with respect to payments on the notes that we make to you provided that the applicable withholding agent does not have actual
knowledge or reason to know that you are a United States person as defined under the Code, and such withholding agent has received from you an applicable IRS Form W-8 (together with all
appropriate attachments) or you comply with certain certification requirements, as described above in the fifth bullet point under "United States Federal Withholding Tax."
Information
reporting and, depending on the circumstances, backup withholding will apply to the proceeds of a sale of notes within the United States or conducted through certain United
States-related financial intermediaries, unless you certify under penalties of perjury that you are a non-U.S. holder
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(and
the payor does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that you are a United States person as defined under the Code), or you otherwise establish an exemption.
Backup
withholding is not an additional tax and any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or a credit against your United States federal income
tax liability provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.
Additional Withholding Requirements
Under Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code (such Sections commonly referred to as "FATCA"), a 30% United States federal
withholding tax may apply to any interest income paid on the notes and, for a disposition of a note occurring after December 31, 2018, the gross proceeds from such disposition, in each case
paid to (i) a "foreign financial institution" (as specifically defined in the Code) which does not provide sufficient documentation, typically on IRS Form W-8BEN-E, evidencing either
(x) an exemption from FATCA, or (y) its compliance (or deemed compliance) with FATCA (which may alternatively be in the form of compliance with an intergovernmental agreement with the
United States) in a manner which avoids withholding, or (ii) a "non-financial foreign entity" (as specifically defined in the Code) which does not provide sufficient documentation, typically on
IRS Form W-8BEN-E, evidencing either (x) an exemption from FATCA, or (y) adequate information regarding certain substantial United States beneficial owners of such entity (if
any). If an interest payment is both subject to withholding under FATCA and subject to the withholding tax discussed above under "United States Federal Withholding Tax," the withholding
under FATCA may be credited against, and therefore reduce, such other withholding tax. You should consult your own tax advisors regarding these rules and whether they may be relevant to your ownership
and disposition of the notes.
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UNDERWRITING (CONFLICTS OF INTEREST)
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the underwriting agreement
dated , 2016, each underwriter named below
has severally agreed to purchase, and we have agreed to sell to each underwriter, the principal amount of notes set forth opposite its name below:
|
|
|
|
|
Underwriter
|
|
Principal Amount
of Notes
|
|
Goldman, Sachs & Co.
|
|
$
|
|
|
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
|
|
|
|
|
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Under
the terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement, the several underwriters are committed to take and pay for all of the notes, if any are taken.
The
following table shows the underwriting discount and commission we will pay to the underwriters in connection with this offering (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount of
the notes):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paid by
Kimberly-Clark
|
|
Per Note
|
|
|
|
%
|
The
underwriters propose to offer the notes directly to purchasers at the initial public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement and may offer the notes
to certain securities dealers at such price less a concession of % of the principal amount of the notes. The underwriters may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a concession not to
exceed % of the principal amount of the notes to certain brokers and dealers.
After
the notes are released for sale to the public, the offering price and other selling terms may from time to time be varied by the underwriters. The offering of the notes by the
underwriters is subject to receipt and acceptance and subject to the underwriters' right to reject any order in whole or in part.
In
connection with this offering, certain underwriters and their affiliates may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the notes. Such
transactions may include stabilization transactions, pursuant to which such persons may bid for or purchase notes for the purpose of stabilizing their market price. The underwriters also may create a
short position for the account of the underwriters by selling more notes in connection with the offering than they are committed to purchase from us, and in such case may purchase notes in the open
market following completion of the offering to cover such short position. Any of the transactions described in this paragraph may result in the maintenance of the price of the notes at a level above
that which might otherwise prevail in the open market. None of the transactions described in this paragraph is required and, if they are undertaken, they may be discontinued at any time.
The
underwriters also may impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the underwriters a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the
representatives have repurchased notes sold by or for the account of such underwriter in stabilizing or short covering transactions.
The
notes are a new issue of securities with no established trading market. We have been advised by the underwriters that they intend to make a market in the notes but are not obligated
to do so and
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may
discontinue market making at any time without notice. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the trading market for the notes.
We
estimate that our total expenses of this offering, excluding the underwriting discount, will be approximately $ .
We
have agreed to indemnify the several underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
The
underwriters and their respective affiliates are full service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include securities trading, commercial and investment
banking, financial advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, financing and brokerage activities. The underwriters and their affiliates have, directly and
indirectly, provided various investment and commercial banking services to us and our affiliates for which they have received customary fees and commissions, including participating as lenders in our
existing syndicated $2.0 billion revolving credit facility. The underwriters and their affiliates may also provide such services to us and our affiliates in the future for customary fees and
commissions. In the ordinary course of their various business activities, the underwriters and their respective affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and
equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers, and such investment and securities
activities may involve securities and/or instruments of the issuer. The underwriters and their respective affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent
research views in respect of such securities or instruments and may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.
Conflicts of Interest
Certain affiliates of Goldman, Sachs & Co., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Morgan
Stanley & Co. LLC, the underwriters in this offering, will receive at least 5% of the net proceeds of this offering in connection with the repayment of our commercial paper. See
"Use of Proceeds." Accordingly, this offering is being made in compliance with the requirements of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Rule 5121. Because the notes will be rated
investment grade, pursuant to Rule 5121, the appointment of a qualified independent underwriter is not necessary. Goldman, Sachs & Co., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC will not confirm sales of the notes to any account over which they exercise discretionary authority without the prior written approval of the customer.
Selling Restrictions
In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area which has implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a "Relevant Member
State"), with effect from and including the date on which the Prospectus Directive is implemented in that Relevant Member State no
offer of notes which are the subject of the offering contemplated by this prospectus supplement may be made to the public in that Relevant Member State other
than:
-
-
to any legal entity which is a "qualified investor" as defined in the Prospectus Directive;
-
-
to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than "qualified investors" as defined in the Prospectus Directive), subject to
obtaining the prior consent of the relevant dealer or dealers nominated by us for any such offer; or
-
-
in any other circumstances falling within Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive,
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provided
that no such offer of notes shall result in a requirement for us or any underwriter to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the
Prospectus Directive or a supplemental prospectus pursuant to Article 16 of the Prospectus Directive.
For
the purposes of this provision, the expression an "offer of notes to the public" in relation to any notes in any Relevant Member State means the communication in any form and by any
means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the notes to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for the notes, as the same may be varied in that
Relevant Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that Relevant Member State. The expression "Prospectus Directive" means Directive 2003/71/EC (as amended, including by
Directive 2010/73/EU), and includes any relevant implementing measure in the Relevant Member State.
Each
underwriter has represented and agreed that:
-
-
it has only communicated or caused to be communicated and will only communicate or cause to be communicated an invitation or
inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the "FSMA")) received by it in connection with the issue or sale of
the notes in circumstances in which Section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply to the Company; and
-
-
it has complied and will comply with all applicable provisions of the FSMA with respect to anything done by it in relation to the
notes in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom.
The
notes may not be offered or sold, by means of any document other than (i) in circumstances which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the Companies
(Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap. 32, Laws of Hong Kong), or (ii) to "professional investors" within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571, Laws
of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder, or (iii) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a "prospectus" within the meaning of the Companies (Winding Up and
Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap. 32, Laws of Hong Kong), and no advertisement, invitation or document relating to the notes will be issued or may be in the possession of any person for the
purpose of issue (in each case whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere), which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong (except if permitted to
do so under the laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to notes which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to "professional investors" within the meaning
of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder.
The
notes have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (the "Financial Instruments and Exchange Law") and each underwriter has
agreed that it will not offer or sell any securities, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to, or for the benefit of, any resident of Japan (which term as used herein means any person resident in
Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan), or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to a resident of Japan, except pursuant
to an exemption from the registration requirements of, and otherwise in compliance with, the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law and any other applicable laws, regulations and ministerial
guidelines of Japan.
This
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus have not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, this prospectus supplement and
the accompanying prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the notes may not be circulated or distributed, nor
may the notes be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an
institutional investor under Section 274 of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore (the "SFA"), (ii) to a relevant person, or any person pursuant to
Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions, specified in
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Section 275
of the SFA or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.
Where
the notes are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 by a relevant person which is: (a) a corporation (which is not an accredited investor) the sole business of
which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or (b) a trust (where the trustee is not an
accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary is accredited investor, shares, debentures and units of shares and debentures of that corporation or the
beneficiaries' rights and interest in that trust shall not be transferable for 6 months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the notes under Section 275 except:
(1) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the SFA or to a relevant person, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions, specified
in Section 275 of the SFA; (2) where no consideration is given for the transfer; or (3) by operation of law.
The
notes may be sold only to purchasers purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principal that are accredited investors, as defined in National Instrument 45-106
Prospectus Exemptions
or
subsection 73.3(1) of the
Securities Act
(Ontario), and are permitted
clients, as defined in National Instrument 31-103
Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations
. Any resale of the
notes must be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws.
Securities
legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if this prospectus supplement (including any
amendment thereto) contains a misrepresentation,
provided
that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time
limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser's province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser's
province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.
Pursuant
to section 3A.3 (or, in the case of securities issued or guaranteed by the government of a non-Canadian jurisdiction, section 3A.4) of National
Instrument 33-105
Underwriting Conflicts
(NI 33-105), the underwriters are not required to comply with the disclosure requirements of
NI 33-105 regarding underwriter conflicts of interest in connection with this offering.
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VALIDITY OF NOTES
The validity of the notes offered hereby is being passed upon for Kimberly-Clark by Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, New
York, New York, and for the underwriters by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, New York, New York.
EXPERTS
The financial statements and the related financial statement schedule, incorporated in this prospectus supplement by reference from the
Annual Report on Form 10-K of Kimberly-Clark Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2015, and the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting, have been
audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports, which are incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements and
financial statement schedule have been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
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PROSPECTUS
Debt Securities
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Warrants
This prospectus relates to debt securities, common stock, preferred stock and warrants that we may sell from time to time in one or more
offerings. The debt securities, preferred stock and warrants may be convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of our common stock or other securities.
Each
time securities are offered under this prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement and attach it to this prospectus. We will provide specific terms of the offerings in
supplements to this prospectus. A prospectus supplement also may modify or supersede information contained in this prospectus. This prospectus may not be used to offer or sell securities unless
accompanied by a prospectus supplement describing the method and terms of the applicable offering.
We
may offer and sell these securities to or through one or more underwriters, dealers and agents, or directly to purchasers, on a continuous or delayed basis. We will offer the
securities in amounts, at prices and on terms to be determined by market conditions at the time of the offerings.
The
common stock of Kimberly-Clark Corporation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") under the symbol "KMB." Any common stock of Kimberly-Clark Corporation sold pursuant
to a prospectus supplement will be listed on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance.
Investing in these securities involves certain risks. See the "Risk Factors" on page 1 of this prospectus.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these
securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The
date of this prospectus is June 14, 2016.
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You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone to
provide you with information that is different from what is contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. The date of this prospectus can be found on the first page. We are not making an
offer of these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or a prospectus
supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of the document.
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About This Prospectus
This prospectus is part of a "shelf" registration statement that we have filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "SEC"). By using a shelf registration statement, we may sell, at any time and from time to time, in one or more offerings, any combination of the securities described in this
prospectus. The exhibits to our registration statement contain the full text of certain contracts and other important documents we have summarized in this prospectus. Since these summaries may not
contain all the information that you may find important in deciding whether to purchase the securities we offer, you should review the full text of these documents. The registration statement and the
exhibits can be obtained from the SEC as indicated under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information."
This
prospectus only provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that contains specific
information about the terms of those securities. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and any
prospectus supplement together with the additional information described below under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information."
Unless
we otherwise specify or the context otherwise requires, references to "Kimberly-Clark," "we," "us," and "our" refer to Kimberly-Clark Corporation and its consolidated
subsidiaries.
Risk Factors
An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks described in
our filings with the SEC referred to under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information" below as well as the risks included and incorporated by reference in this prospectus, as updated by annual,
quarterly and other reports and documents we file with the SEC after the date of this prospectus and that are incorporated by reference herein, including the specific risks that may be included in a
prospectus supplement under the caption "Risk Factors."
Where You Can Find More Information
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy and information statements, and other information with the SEC.
You may read and copy any document we file at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549. You may call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information concerning
its Public Reference Room. The SEC also maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file with the SEC. Our SEC filings are
available to the public from the SEC\'s website at http://www.sec.gov and on our website at http://www.kimberly-clark.com. The information on our website is not part of this prospectus
The
SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" the information we file with it, which means we can disclose information to you by referring you to those documents. Information
incorporated by reference is part of this prospectus. Information later filed with the SEC automatically updates and supersedes information in this prospectus.
We
incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings made with the SEC under sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, until this offering is completed (other than, in each case, documents or information deemed to have been furnished and not filed in accordance with SEC
rules):
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Our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.
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Our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016.
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Our current reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 25, 2016, February 22, 2016, and May 5,
2016.
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The description of our common stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the SEC on June 28,
1988, including any amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating such description.
We
are not incorporating by reference any documents or information deemed to have been furnished and not filed in accordance with SEC rules.
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We
will provide to you at no charge, upon your written or oral request, a copy of these filings or any other information incorporated by reference in this prospectus, other than exhibits
to the filings which are not specifically incorporated by reference. You may request this information by contacting us at the following address and telephone number:
Kimberly-Clark
Corporation
P.O. Box 619100
Dallas, Texas 75261-9100
Attention: Secretary
(972) 281-1200
Forward-Looking Statements
Any prospectus supplement and documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus may contain forward-looking
statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "expects," "goals," "plans," "believes," "continues," "may," "will" and variations of such words
and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements we make concerning business
outlook, including the anticipated costs, scope, timing and financial and other effects of the company's cost saving programs, cash flow and uses of cash, growth initiatives, innovations, marketing
and other spending, cost savings and reductions, net sales, anticipated currency rates and exchange risks, raw material, energy and other input costs, contingencies and anticipated transactions of
Kimberly-Clark, including dividends, share repurchases and pension contributions. These statements are based upon our expectations and beliefs concerning future events affecting us. We cannot assure
you that these events will occur or that our results will be as estimated.
The
assumptions used as a basis for the forward-looking statements include many estimates that, among other things, depend on the achievement of future cost savings and projected volume
increases. In addition, many factors outside our control, including fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, the prices and availability of our raw materials, potential competitive pressures
on selling prices for our products, energy costs and retail trade customer actions, as well as general economic and political conditions globally and in the markets in which we do business, could
affect the realization of these estimates. These factors, together with those described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K under Item 1A, "Risk Factors", in any applicable prospectus
supplement and in our other SEC filings, could cause our future results to be materially different from those described in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us. Other factors
not presently known to us or that we presently consider immaterial could also affect our business operations and financial results. We do not undertake any duty to update forward-looking statements to
reflect future events or changes in our expectations.
Description of Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark is a global company focused on leading the world in essentials for a better life through product
innovation and building its personal care, consumer tissue and K-C Professional brands. Kimberly-Clark is principally engaged in the manufacturing and marketing of a wide range of products mostly made
from natural or synthetic fibers using advanced technologies in fibers, nonwovens and absorbency.
Kimberly-Clark
is organized into operating segments based on product groupings. These operating segments have been aggregated into three reportable global business segments. Information
on these three segments, as well as their principal sources of revenue, is included below.
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Personal Care
brands offer Kimberly-Clark's consumers a trusted partner in caring for
their families by delivering confidence, protection and discretion through a wide variety of innovative solutions and products such as disposable diapers, training and youth pants, swimpants, baby
wipes, feminine and incontinence care products, and other related products. Products in this segment are sold under the Huggies, Pull-Ups, Little Swimmers, GoodNites, DryNites, Kotex, U by Kotex,
Intimus, Depend, Plenitud, Poise and other brand names.
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Consumer Tissue
offers a wide variety of innovative solutions and trusted brands that
touch and improve people's lives every day. Products in this segment include facial and bathroom tissue, paper towels, napkins and related products, and are sold under the Kleenex, Scott, Cottonelle,
Viva, Andrex, Scottex, Neve and other brand names.
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K-C Professional
partners with businesses to create Exceptional Workplaces, helping to
make them healthier, safer and more productive through a range of solutions and supporting products such as wipers, tissue, towels, apparel, soaps and
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sanitizers.
Kimberly-Clark's brands, including Kleenex, Scott, WypAll, Kimtech and Jackson Safety, are well-known for quality and trusted to help people around the world work better.
These
reportable segments were determined in accordance with how our chief operating decision maker and our executive managers develop and execute our global strategies to drive growth
and profitability of our worldwide personal care, consumer tissue and K-C Professional operations. These strategies include global plans for branding and product positioning, technology, research and
development programs, cost reductions including supply chain management and capacity and capital investments for each of these businesses.
Products
for household use are sold directly to supermarkets, mass merchandisers, drugstores, warehouse clubs, variety and department stores and other retail outlets, as well as through
other distributors and e-commerce. Products for away-from-home use are sold through distributors and directly to manufacturing, lodging, office building, food service and high volume public
facilities.
Kimberly-Clark
was incorporated in Delaware in 1928. Our principal executive offices are located at 351 Phelps Drive, Irving, Texas 75038 and our telephone number is
(972) 281-1200.
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
Our consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges for each of the periods indicated is as follows:
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Three Months
Ended
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Year Ended December 31
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March 31, 2016
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2015
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2014
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2013
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2012
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2011
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8.09x
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4.63x
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7.15x
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7.99x
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6.73x
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6.45x
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For
the purpose of calculating these ratios, "earnings" are defined as income from continuing operations before income taxes, interest expense, an interest factor attributable to rent
expense, amortization of capitalized interest and distributed income of equity affiliates in which at least 20% but less than 50% is owned. "Fixed charges" consist of interest expense, capitalized
interest and an interest factor attributable to rent expense.
If
we offer preferred stock under this prospectus, then we will, if required at that time, provide a ratio of combined fixed charges and preference dividends to earnings in the
applicable prospectus supplement for such offering.
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Use of Proceeds
Unless we state otherwise in a prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds from the sales of securities offered by this
prospectus for general corporate purposes, which may include working capital, acquisitions, repurchases of common stock, capital expenditures and the repayment of indebtedness.
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Description of Debt Securities
The general provisions of the debt securities are described below. The specific terms of the debt securities and the
extent, if any, to which the general provisions may not apply will be described in a prospectus supplement.
The
debt securities will be issued under the first amended and restated indenture dated as of March 1, 1988, as amended by the first and second supplemental indentures dated as of
November 6, 1992 and May 25, 1994, respectively.
We
have summarized the material provisions of the indenture below. The indenture has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement and you should read the indenture for a
complete statement of the provisions summarized in this prospectus and for provisions that may be important to you. For information on obtaining a copy of the indenture, see "Where You Can Find More
Information" in this prospectus.
General
The debt securities will be unsecured obligations and will rank equally and ratably with all of our other currently
outstanding unsecured and unsubordinated debt. In addition to the debt securities that we may offer under this prospectus, we may issue additional debt in an unlimited amount in one or more series
under the indenture or other agreements. This additional debt may contain provisions different from those included in the indenture or applicable to one or more series of debt securities.
Prospectus Supplement
You should refer to the prospectus supplement for the following specific terms of the debt
securities:
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the title;
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the aggregate principal amount;
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the initial offering price(s) at which they will be sold;
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the date(s) on which the principal will be payable;
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the rate(s) (which may be fixed or variable) at which they will bear interest, if any, and the date(s) from which the interest, if
any, will accrue;
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the date(s) on which the interest, if any, will be payable and any record dates for the interest payments;
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any sinking fund or similar provisions, whether mandatory or at your option, along with the periods, prices and terms of redemption,
purchase or repayment;
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any provisions for redemption or purchase, at our option or otherwise, including the periods, prices and terms of redemption or
purchase;
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the amount or percentage payable if their maturity is accelerated, if other than the entire principal amount;
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the currency of our payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest, and any index used to determine the amounts of such
payments;
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any defeasance provisions with respect to the amount we owe, restrictive covenants and/or events of default; and
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any other terms in addition to those described in this prospectus.
We
may issue debt securities as original issue discount securities to be offered and sold at a substantial discount from their principal amount. Special federal income tax, accounting
and other considerations relating to any original issue discount securities will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Unless
otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, the covenants contained in the indenture and the debt securities would not necessarily protect you in the event of a highly
leveraged or other transaction to which we are or may become a party.
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Restrictive Covenants
Meanings of Terms
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When we use the term "attributable debt" in the context of a sale and lease-back transaction, we mean the present value (discounted at
the rate of interest implicit in the terms of the lease involved in such sale and lease-back transaction, as determined by us in good faith) of our obligation thereunder for rental expenses. We
exclude from this calculation any amounts we pay for maintenance and repairs, insurance, taxes, assessments, water rates or similar charges, or amounts contingent upon sales amounts.
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When we use the term "consolidated net tangible assets," we mean the total amount of our assets minus (a) applicable reserves,
(b) all current liabilities (excluding any thereof which are by their terms extendible or renewable at the option of the obligor thereon to a time more than 12 months after the time as
of which the amount thereof is being computed and excluding current maturities of long-term indebtedness) and (c) intangible assets. Our consolidated net tangible assets include any
attributable debt with respect to a sale and lease-back transaction that is not capitalized on our balance sheet.
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When we use the term "principal property," we mean any of our mills, manufacturing plants, manufacturing facilities or timberland,
located within the United States having a gross book value in excess of 1% of our consolidated net tangible assets and which is owned by us or any restricted subsidiary. However, if our board of
directors decides that any facility is not of material importance, it will not be considered a principal property.
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When we use the term "restricted subsidiary," we mean any of our subsidiaries (a) which has substantially all of its property
or conducts substantially all of its business in the United States, and (b) which owns a principal property. The term does not include subsidiaries whose business consists principally of
financing operations outside the United States or leasing or financing installment receivables.
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When we use the term "sale and lease-back transaction," we mean any arrangement where we or any restricted subsidiary lease a
principal property from a third party and the principal property has been or is to be sold or transferred by us or the restricted subsidiary to the third party with the intention of taking back the
lease. The term does not include temporary leases of three years or less, including any renewal thereof, or certain intercompany leases.
Liens.
Section 1004 of the indenture provides that we will not, and will not permit any restricted subsidiary to, issue,
assume or guarantee any debt secured by a mortgage, security interest, pledge or lien (hereafter called a "mortgage") of or on any principal property, or any shares of capital stock or debt of any
restricted subsidiary, without also providing that the debt securities (together with, if we determine, any other indebtedness issued, assumed or guaranteed by us or any restricted subsidiary and then
existing or thereafter created) shall be secured by the mortgage equally and ratably with or prior to such debt. This restriction does not apply to:
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mortgages on any property acquired, constructed or improved by, or on any shares of capital stock or debt acquired by, us or any
restricted subsidiary to secure debt which finances all or any part of (a) the purchase price of the property, shares or debt, or (b) the cost of constructing or improving the property,
and which debt is incurred prior to or within 360 days after the acquisition, completion of construction or commencement of commercial operation of the property;
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mortgages on any property, shares of capital stock or debt existing at the time we or any restricted subsidiary acquires the property,
shares or debt;
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mortgages on property of a corporation existing at the time that corporation merges or consolidates with us or any restricted
subsidiary or at the time that corporation sells or transfers all or substantially all of its properties to us or any restricted subsidiary;
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mortgages on any property, shares of capital stock or debt of any corporation existing at the time that corporation becomes a
restricted subsidiary;
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mortgages to secure intercompany debt among us and/or any of our restricted subsidiaries;
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mortgages in favor of governmental bodies to secure advance or progress payments or to secure the purchase price of the mortgaged
property; and
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extensions, renewals or replacements of any existing mortgage or any mortgage referred to above.
In
addition, we or any restricted subsidiary may, without equally and ratably securing the debt securities, issue, assume or guarantee debt secured by a mortgage not excepted above, if
the aggregate amount of the debt, together with (a) all other debt secured by mortgages not so excepted, and (b) the attributable debt with respect to sale and lease-back transactions,
does not at the time exceed 5% of our consolidated net tangible assets. For purposes of clause (b) of this calculation, certain sale and lease-back transactions in which the attributable debt
has been applied to the optional prepayment or retirement of long-term debt are excluded.
Arrangements
under which we or any restricted subsidiary transfer an interest in timber but retain an obligation to cut the timber in order to provide the transferee with a specified
amount of money will not create a mortgage or a sale and lease-back transaction under the indenture.
Sale and Lease-Back Transactions.
Section 1005 of the indenture provides that neither we nor any restricted subsidiary may
engage in sale and lease-back transactions with respect to any principal property unless:
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we or the restricted subsidiary are able, without equally and ratably securing the debt securities, to incur debt secured by a
mortgage on the property pursuant to the exceptions described in "Liens" above;
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we or the restricted subsidiary are able, without equally and ratably securing the debt securities, to incur debt secured by a
mortgage on the property in an amount at least equal to the attributable debt with respect to the transaction; or
within
360 days after the effective date of the transaction, we or the restricted subsidiary apply an amount equal to the attributable debt with respect to the transaction to the optional
prepayment or retirement of our long-term debt or that of any restricted subsidiary.
Consolidations, Mergers and Sales of Assets
Section 801 of the indenture provides that we may consolidate with or merge into, and sell or transfer all or
substantially all of our property and assets to, any other corporation. The corporation formed by the consolidation or into which we merge, or the corporation which acquires all or substantially all
of our property and assets, must assume, by execution of a supplemental indenture, our obligations to:
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pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the debt securities when due; and
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perform and observe all the terms, covenants and conditions of the indenture.
If,
upon the consolidation, merger, sale or transfer, any principal property or any shares of capital stock or debt of any restricted subsidiary would become subject to a mortgage, security interest,
pledge or lien securing any debt of, or guaranteed by, the other corporation, we must secure, prior to the consolidation, merger, sale or transfer, the payment of the principal of, premium, if any,
and interest on the debt securities equally and ratably with or prior to the debt secured by the mortgage, security interest, pledge or lien. This provision would not apply to any mortgage which would
be permitted under "Liens" above.
Events of Default
Section 501 of the indenture provides that the following are events of default with respect to debt securities
of any series:
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our failure to pay principal or premium, if any, on any debt security of that series at maturity;
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our failure to pay interest on any debt security of that series when due, continued for 30 days;
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our failure to make any sinking fund payment, when due, in respect of any debt security of that series;
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our failure to perform any other covenant or agreement in the indenture that is applicable to debt securities of that series,
continued for 90 days after written notice;
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certain events involving bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; and
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any other event of default applicable to debt securities of that series.
An
event of default with respect to a particular series of debt securities (except as to matters involving bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization) does not necessarily mean that there
is an event of default with respect to any other series of debt securities.
If
an event of default occurs and continues, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% of the outstanding debt securities of that series may declare those debt securities to be due and
payable. However, at any time after such a declaration of acceleration has been made, but before the stated maturity of the debt securities, the
holders of a majority of the outstanding debt securities of that series may, subject to certain conditions, rescind and annul the acceleration if all events of default with respect to the debt
securities, other than the non-payment of accelerated principal, have been cured or waived. You should refer to the prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities that are original
issue discount securities for particular provisions relating to acceleration of a portion of the principal amount of the original issue discount securities upon the occurrence and continuance of an
event of default.
Subject
to the trustee's duties in the case of an event of default, the trustee is not required to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request or direction of
any holder unless one or more of them shall have offered reasonable indemnity to the trustee. Subject to this indemnification provision and certain other rights of the trustee, the holders of a
majority of the outstanding debt securities of any series shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising
any trust or power conferred on the trustee with respect to the debt securities of that series.
No
holder of any debt security of any series will have the right to institute any proceeding with respect to the indenture, unless:
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the holder shall have previously notified the trustee of a continuing event of default with respect to debt securities of that series
and the holders of at least 25% of the outstanding debt securities of that series shall have requested, and offered reasonable indemnity to, the trustee to institute the proceeding;
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the trustee shall not have received from the holders of a majority of the outstanding debt securities of that series a
direction inconsistent with the request; and
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the trustee shall have failed to institute the proceeding within 60 days.
However,
the holder of any debt security will have an absolute and unconditional right to receive payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the debt security on or
after the applicable due dates and to sue for the enforcement of any such payment.
The
indenture requires us to furnish to the trustee annually a statement as to the absence of certain defaults under the indenture. The indenture provides that the trustee may withhold
notice to the holders of debt securities of any series of any non-monetary default with respect to debt securities of the series if it considers it in the interest of the holders to do so.
Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance
Section 402 of the indenture provides that we may be discharged from most of our obligations in respect of the
outstanding debt securities of any series if we irrevocably deposit with the trustee money and/or United States government securities which, together with the income from those securities, are
sufficient to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and each installment of interest on the outstanding debt securities of the series on the stated maturity or redemption date, as the case may be.
This arrangement requires that we (a) deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel that we have received an Internal Revenue Service ruling, or a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service has been
published that in the opinion of counsel establishes, that holders of the outstanding debt securities of the series will have no federal income tax consequences as a result of the deposit, defeasance
and discharge, (b) deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel that the outstanding debt securities of the series, if then listed on any securities exchange, will not be delisted as a result
of the deposit, defeasance and discharge, and (c) deliver to the
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trustee
an officer's certificate and opinion of counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent to the deposit, defeasance and discharge have been met.
Section 1006
of the indenture provides that we need not comply with certain restrictive covenants, including those described under "Liens" and "Sale and Lease-back Transactions"
above, and that our failure to comply would not be an event of default under the outstanding debt securities of any series, if we deposit with the trustee money and/or United States government
securities which, together with the income from those securities, are sufficient to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and each installment of interest on the outstanding debt securities of the
series on the stated maturity or redemption date, as the case may be. Our other obligations under the indenture and the outstanding debt securities of the series would remain in full force and effect.
This arrangement requires that we deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel that (a) the holders of the outstanding debt securities of the series will have no federal income tax consequences
as a result of the deposit and defeasance, (b) the outstanding debt securities of the series, if then listed on any securities exchange, will not be delisted as a result of the deposit and
defeasance, and (c) deliver to the trustee an officer's certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent relating to the defeasance have been complied with.
In
the event the outstanding debt securities of the applicable series are declared due and payable because of the occurrence of an event of default, the amount of money and government
securities on deposit with the trustee may not be sufficient to pay amounts due on the outstanding debt securities of the series at the time of the acceleration resulting from the event of default.
However, we will remain liable to pay these amounts.
Amendments to the Indenture and Waiver of Covenants
Section 902 of the indenture provides that we may amend the indenture with the consent of the holders of at
least 66
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% of the outstanding debt securities of each series affected by the amendments. However, unless we have the consent of each holder of the affected debt securities, we may
not:
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change the maturity date of the principal amount of, or any installment of principal of or interest on, any debt security;
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reduce the principal amount of, premium, if any, or any interest on, any debt security or reduce the amount of principal of an
original issue discount security that would be due and payable upon acceleration;
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change the place or currency of payment of the principal of, premium, if any, of or interest on, any debt security;
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impair the right to sue for payment with respect to any debt security after its maturity date; or
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reduce the percentage of outstanding debt securities of any series which is required to consent to an amendment of the indenture or to
waive our compliance with certain provisions of the indenture or certain defaults.
The
holders of 66
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% of the outstanding debt securities of any series may, on behalf of the holders of all debt securities of that series, waive our compliance with
certain restrictive covenants of the indenture. The holders of a majority of the outstanding debt securities of any series may, on behalf of the holders of all debt securities of that series, waive
any past default under the indenture with respect to that series, except (a) a default in the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any debt security of that series, or
(b) in respect of a provision which under the indenture cannot be amended without the consent of each holder of the affected debt securities.
Payments, Transfer and Exchange
Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will make payments of principal, premium, if any, and
interest on the debt securities, and you may exchange and transfer the debt securities, at the office of the trustee at The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., 601 Travis St., Floor 16,
Houston, Texas 77002. We may elect to pay any interest by check mailed by first class mail to the address of the person entitled to receive the payment as it appears in the trustee's security
register.
We
will not charge you for any transfer or exchange of debt securities, but we may require you to pay any related tax or other governmental charge.
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Form of Debt Securities
The debt securities will be issued in registered form. We will issue debt securities only in denominations of $1,000 or
integral multiples of that amount, unless the prospectus supplement states otherwise.
Unless
the prospectus supplement otherwise provides, debt securities will be issued in the form of one or more global securities. This means that we will not issue certificates to each
holder. Rather, we will issue global securities in the total principal amount of the debt securities distributed in that series.
Global Securities
In General.
Debt securities in global form will be deposited with or on behalf of a depositary. Global securities are represented by
one or more certificates for the series registered in the name of the depositary or its nominee. Debt securities in global form may not be transferred except as a whole among the depositary, a nominee
of or a successor to the depositary, or any nominee of that successor. Unless otherwise identified in the prospectus supplement, the depositary will be The Depository Trust Company.
If
a depositary for a series of debt securities is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary, we will issue that series of debt securities in registered form in exchange for the
global security or securities of that series. We also may determine at any time in our discretion not to use global securities for any series. In that event, we will issue debt securities in
registered form.
Ownership of the Global Securities; Beneficial Ownership.
So long as the depositary or its nominee is the registered owner of a global
security, that entity will be the sole holder of the debt securities represented by that instrument. We and the trustee are only required to treat the depositary or its nominee as the legal owner of
the debt securities for all purposes under the indenture.
A
purchaser of debt securities represented by a global security will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of certificated securities, will not be considered the holder of those
securities for any purpose under the indenture, and will not be able to transfer or exchange the global security, unless the prospectus supplement provides to the contrary. As a result, each
beneficial owner must rely on the procedures of the depositary to exercise any rights of a holder under the indenture. In addition, if the beneficial owner is not a direct or indirect participant in
the depositary, the beneficial owner must rely on the procedures of the participant through which it owns its beneficial interest in the global security. We understand that under existing industry
practice, in the event we request any action of holders of debt securities or an owner of a beneficial interest in the global securities desires to take any action that the depositary, as the holder
of the global securities, is entitled to take, the depositary would authorize the participants to take such action, and the participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through such
participants to take such action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners owning through them.
The
laws of some jurisdictions require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of the securities in certificated form. Those laws and the above conditions may impair
the ability to transfer beneficial interests in the global securities.
Book-Entry System
Upon the issuance of the global securities, the depositary will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer
system, the respective principal amounts of the debt securities represented by such global securities to the accounts of participants. The accounts to be credited shall be designated by the
underwriters. Ownership of beneficial interests in the global securities will be limited to participants or persons that may hold interests through participants. Ownership of interests in the global
securities will be shown on, and the transfer of those ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by the depositary (with respect to
participants' interests) and such participants (with respect to the owners of beneficial interests in the global securities through such participants).
We
expect that the depositary, upon receipt of any payment of principal or interest in respect of the global securities, will credit immediately participants' accounts with payment in
amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of the global securities as shown on the records of the depositary. We also expect that payments by participants
to owners of beneficial interests in the global securities held through such participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities held for the
accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in "street name," and will be the responsibility of such participants. None of Kimberly-Clark, the trustee or any agent of Kimberly-Clark or the
trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial ownership interests in the global securities for any debt
securities or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any
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records
relating to such beneficial ownership interests or for any other aspect of the relationship between the depositary and its participants or the relationship between such participants and the
owners of beneficial interests in the global securities owned through such participants.
The
debt securities represented by the global securities are exchangeable for certificated debt securities in definitive registered form of like tenor as such securities in denominations
of $1,000 and in any greater amount that is an integral multiple thereof if (i) the depositary notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for the global securities or
if at any time the depositary ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or (ii) we in our discretion at any time determine not to have all
of the debt securities represented by the global securities and we notify the trustee thereof. Any global securities that are exchangeable pursuant to the preceding sentence are exchangeable for
certificated debt securities registered in such names as the depositary shall direct. Subject to the foregoing, the global securities are not exchangeable, except for a global security or global
securities of the same aggregate denominations to be registered in the name of the depositary or its nominee.
Unless
and until they are exchanged in whole or in part for certificated debt securities in definitive form, the global securities may not be transferred except as a whole among the
depositary, a nominee of or a successor to the depositary, or any nominee of that successor.
Same-Day Settlement and Payment
Settlement by the purchasers of the debt securities will be made in immediately available funds. All payments by us to
the depositary of principal and interest will be made in immediately available funds.
The
debt securities will trade in the depositary's settlement system until maturity, and therefore the depositary will require secondary trading activity in the debt securities to be
settled in immediately available funds.
The Depository Trust Company
The following is based on information furnished by The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") and applies to the extent it is
the depositary, unless otherwise stated in the prospectus supplement:
Registered Owner.
The debt securities will be issued as fully registered securities in the name of Cede & Co., which is
DTC's partnership nominee. No single global security will be issued in a principal amount of more than $500 million. The trustee will deposit the global securities with DTC. The deposit of the
global securities with DTC and their registration in the name of Cede & Co. will not change the beneficial ownership of the securities.
DTC Organization.
DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a "banking organization" within the
meaning of that law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code and a "clearing agency" registered under the provisions
of Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
DTC
is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation ("DTCC"). DTCC is the holding company for DTC, National Securities Clearing Corporation and Fixed Income
Clearing Corporation, all of which are registered clearing agencies. DTCC is owned by the users of its regulated subsidiaries. Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as both U.S.
and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, and clearing corporations that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with DTC's participants. The rules that apply to
DTC and its participants are on file with the SEC.
DTC Activities.
DTC holds securities that its participants deposit with it. DTC also facilitates the settlement among participants of
securities transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry changes in participants' accounts. This eliminates the need for physical
movement of securities certificates.
Participants' Records.
The debt securities must be purchased by or through direct participants, which will receive a credit for the
debt securities on DTC's records. The beneficial owner's ownership interest in the debt securities is in turn recorded on the direct or indirect participants' records. Beneficial owners will not
receive written
confirmations from DTC of their purchases, but they are expected to receive them, along with periodic statements of their holdings, from the direct or indirect participants through whom they purchased
the debt securities. Transfers of ownership interests in the global securities will be made on the books of the participants on behalf of the beneficial owners. Certificates representing the interests
of the beneficial
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owners
in the debt securities will not be issued unless the use of global securities is suspended, as discussed above.
DTC
has no knowledge of the actual beneficial owners of the global securities. Its records only reflect the identity of the direct participants as owners of the debt securities. Those
participants may or may not be the beneficial owners. Participants are responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.
Notices Among DTC, Participants and Beneficial Owners.
Notices and other communications by DTC, its participants and the beneficial
owners will be
governed by standing arrangements among them, subject to any legal requirements in effect.
Voting Procedures.
Neither DTC nor Cede & Co. will give consents for or vote the global securities. DTC generally mails an
omnibus
proxy to us just after any applicable record date. That proxy assigns Cede & Co.'s consenting or voting rights to the direct participants to whose accounts the securities are credited on
the record date.
Payments.
Principal and interest payments made by us will be delivered to Cede & Co. DTC's practice is to credit direct
participants'
accounts upon receipt of funds and corresponding detail information on the applicable payment date. Payments by participants to beneficial owners will be governed by standing instructions and
customary practices, as is the case with securities held for customers in bearer form or registered in "street name." Those payments will be the responsibility of that participant, and not DTC, the
trustee or us, subject to any legal requirements in effect at that time. We are responsible for paying principal, interest and premium, if any, to the trustee, which is responsible for making those
payments to Cede & Co. DTC is responsible for disbursing those payments to direct participants. The participants are responsible for disbursing payments to the beneficial owners.
Governing Law
New York law will govern the indenture and the debt securities.
The Trustee
The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A (as the successor trustee) is the trustee under the indenture. The Bank of New York
Mellon Trust Company, N.A. serves as trustee with respect to debt securities previously issued under the indenture. We may have normal banking relationships with the trustee and its affiliates in the
ordinary course of business.
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Description of Capital Stock
Set forth below is a description of our capital stock. The following description is a summary and is subject to the
provisions of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, our By-laws and the relevant provisions of the law of the State of Delaware.
Common Stock
We are currently authorized to issue up to 1,200,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $1.25 per share. As of
May 31, 2016, we had outstanding 360,063,366 shares of our common stock. The shares of common stock outstanding are fully paid and nonassessable.
Holders
of our common stock are entitled to share equally and ratably in any dividends and in any assets available for distribution to stockholders on liquidation, dissolution or
winding-up, subject, if preferred stock is then outstanding, to any preferential rights of such preferred stock. Each share of common stock entitles the holder of record to one vote at all meetings of
stockholders, and the votes are noncumulative. The common stock is not redeemable, has no subscription or conversion rights and does not entitle the holder to any preemptive rights.
Dividends
may be paid on our common stock out of funds legally available for dividends, as and when declared from time to time by our board of directors.
Computershare
Trust Company, N.A. is the transfer agent and registrar for our common stock.
Preferred Stock
We are also authorized to issue up to 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, no par value per share, in one or more
series. If preferred stock is issued, our board of directors may fix the designation, relative rights, preferences and limitations of the shares of each series. As of May 31, 2016, no shares of
preferred stock were issued and outstanding.
Anti-Takeover Provisions
The provisions of Delaware law and our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws we summarize below
may have an anti-takeover effect and may delay, defer or prevent a tender offer or takeover attempt that a stockholder might consider in his or her best interest.
Director Nominations.
Our stockholders may nominate candidates for our board of directors or propose business to be acted upon at an
annual meeting only if the stockholders follow the advance notice procedures described in our By-laws. To be properly brought before an annual meeting of stockholders, any stockholder nomination must
be delivered to our secretary at our principal executive office not less than 75 days nor more than 100 days prior to the annual meeting. If, however, less than 75 days' notice or
prior public announcement of the date of the annual meeting is given or made to stockholders, to be timely, the stockholder's nomination must be received not later than the tenth day following the day
on which notice of the meeting date was mailed or public announcement was made, whichever occurs first. Generally, a proposal for business (other than the nomination or election of directors) must be
delivered to our secretary at our principal executive office not less than 75 days nor more than 100 days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year's annual meeting. In all
cases, the notice must include the name and address of, and the number and type of shares owned by, the stockholder and certain of its affiliates,
any derivative positions beneficially held by the stockholder and certain of its affiliates, any rights to dividends on our shares that are separated or separable from our underlying shares, any
performance-related fees (other than an asset-based fee) that the stockholder or certain of its affiliates are entitled to based on any increase or decrease in the value of our shares or any
derivative position and a representation as to whether the stockholder or certain of its affiliates intend to make such a proposal or nomination and to solicit proxies in support of it. If the
stockholder submits a nomination to our board of directors, in addition to the foregoing, the nomination must include certain information as to such nominee including compensation arrangements and
other relationships between the stockholder and the nominee, the background and experience of the nominee, and all other information required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election
of directors in accordance with Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The nominee must also provide a written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a
nominee and to serving as a director if elected.
Our
stockholders may nominate candidates for our board of directors or propose business to be acted upon at a special meeting if the stockholders follow the advance notice procedures
described in our By-laws. If a special meeting of stockholders is called for the purpose of electing one or more directors, a stockholder may nominate a person or persons as specified in our By-
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laws
by delivering to our secretary at our principal executive office not less than 75 days nor more than 100 days prior to such special meeting all information required as if such
nomination was being made at an annual meeting of stockholders. If, however, less than 75 days' notice or prior public announcement of the date of the meeting is given or made to stockholders,
to be timely, the stockholder's nomination must be received not later than the tenth day following the day on which notice of the meeting date was mailed or public announcement was made, whichever
occurs first.
In
addition to the director nomination provisions described above, our By-laws permit any stockholder or group of up to twenty stockholders who have maintained continuous qualifying
ownership of 3% or more of our outstanding common stock for at least the previous three years to include up to a specified number of director nominees in our proxy materials for an annual meeting. The
maximum number of stockholder nominees permitted under the proxy access provisions of our By-laws is the greater of two or 20% of the total number of Kimberly-Clark directors on the last day a notice
of nomination may be submitted. Notice of a nomination under our proxy access By-law provisions must be submitted to our secretary at our principal executive office within the time periods for
stockholder notices of director nominations described above for annual meetings. The notice must contain the information described above, along with certain additional information specified in our
By-laws.
Director
nominations that are late or that do not include all required information may be rejected. This could prevent stockholders from making director nominations.
No Action by Written Consent.
Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation states that action may be taken by stockholders
only at annual or special meetings of the stockholders, and that stockholders may not act by written consent.
Special Meetings of Stockholders.
The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and our By-laws vest the power to call
special meetings of stockholders in our chairman of the board, our chief executive officer, our board of directors or, subject to certain restrictions contained in our By-laws, the holders of not less
than 25% of our issued and outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote to request that a special meeting of stockholders be called. Each request for a special meeting must contain certain
information about the requesting stockholders described in our By-laws.
Certain Anti-Takeover Effects of Delaware Law.
We are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. In
general, Section 203 prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in various "business combination" transactions with any interested stockholder for a period of three years
following the date when the person became an interested stockholder, unless:
-
-
either the business combination or the transaction which caused the stockholder to become an interested stockholder is approved by the
board of directors prior to the date the interested stockholder obtained that status;
-
-
upon consummation of the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder
owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for the purposes of determining voting stock outstanding (but not voting stock
owned by the interested stockholder) shares owned by certain insiders and certain employee stock plans; or
-
-
on or subsequent to such date, the business combination is approved by the board and authorized at an annual or special meeting of
stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least 66
2
/
3
% of the outstanding voting stock which is not owned by the interested stockholder.
A
"business combination" is defined to include mergers, asset sales and other transactions resulting in financial benefit to a stockholder. In general, an "interested stockholder" is a
person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns (or within three years, did own) 15% or more of a corporation's voting stock.
The
statute could prohibit or delay mergers or other takeover or change in control attempts with respect to our company and, accordingly, may discourage attempts to acquire us even
though such a transaction may offer our stockholders the opportunity to sell their stock at a price above the prevailing market price.
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Description of Warrants
We may issue warrants, in one or more series, for the purchase of debt securities, common stock, preferred stock or other securities.
Warrants may be issued independently or together with any other securities and may be attached to, or separate from, these securities. In addition to this summary, you should refer to the detailed
provisions of the specific warrant agreement for complete terms of the warrants and the warrant agreement. Each warrant agreement will be between us and a banking institution or trust company, as
warrant agent. Further terms of the warrants and the applicable warrant agreement will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.
A
prospectus supplement accompanying this prospectus relating to a particular series of warrants will describe the terms of those warrants,
including:
-
-
the title and the aggregate number of warrants;
-
-
the securities for which such warrants are exercisable;
-
-
the date or dates on which the right to exercise such warrants commence and expire;
-
-
the price or prices at which such warrants are exercisable;
-
-
the currency or currencies in which such warrants are exercisable;
-
-
the periods during which and places at which such warrants are exercisable;
-
-
the terms of any mandatory or optional call provisions;
-
-
the price or prices, if any, at which the warrants may be redeemed at the option of the holder or will be redeemed upon expiration;
-
-
the identity of the warrant agent; and
-
-
the exchanges, if any, on which such warrants may be listed.
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Plan of Distribution
We may offer and sell the securities from time to time as follows:
-
-
through agents;
-
-
to dealers;
-
-
to underwriters;
-
-
directly to other purchasers; or
-
-
through a combination of any of these methods of sale.
The
distribution of the securities may be made from time to time in one or more transactions, either:
-
-
at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed;
-
-
at market prices prevailing at the time of sale;
-
-
at prices related to prevailing market prices;
-
-
at prices determined by an auction process; or
-
-
at negotiated prices
Through Agents
We and the agents designated by us may solicit offers to purchase securities. Agents that participate in the
distribution of securities may be deemed underwriters under the Securities Act of 1933. Any agent will be acting on a "best efforts" basis for the period of its appointment, unless we indicate
differently in the prospectus supplement.
The securities may be sold to a dealer as principal. The dealer may then resell the securities to the public at varying
prices determined by it at the time of resale. The dealer may be deemed to be an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933.
We may sell securities to one or more underwriters under an underwriting agreement that we enter into with them at the
time of sale. The names of the underwriters will be set forth in the prospectus supplement, which will be used by the underwriters to resell the securities.
In
addition, we may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the
applicable prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with such a transaction, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including
in short sale transactions. If so, the third party may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle such sales or to close out any related open borrowings of stock, and may use
securities received from us in settlement of a derivative transaction to close out any related open borrowings of stock. We otherwise may loan or pledge securities to a financial institution or other
third party that in turn may sell the loaned securities or, in an event of default in the case of a pledge, sell the pledged securities, in either case using this prospectus and the applicable
prospectus supplement.
Direct Sales
We may sell securities directly to you, without the involvement of underwriters or agents.
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General Information
Any underwriters or agents will be identified and their compensation described in a prospectus supplement.
We
may have agreements with the underwriters, dealers and agents to indemnify them against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, or to
contribute to payments they may be required to make.
Underwriters,
dealers and agents may engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us or our subsidiaries in the ordinary course of their businesses.
Legal Matters
The validity of the securities offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, New
York, New York. If legal matters in connection with offerings made by this prospectus are passed on by other counsel for us or by counsel for the underwriters of an offering of the securities, such
counsel will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Experts
The financial statements, and the related financial statement schedules, incorporated in this prospectus by reference from the
Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K, and the effectiveness of the Corporation's internal control over financial reporting have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an
independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports, which are incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements and financial statement schedules have been so
incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
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$ % Notes due 2046
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
July , 2016
Joint Book-Running Managers
Goldman, Sachs & Co.
J.P. Morgan
Morgan Stanley
Kimberly Clark (NYSE:KMB)
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