UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017

OR

oTRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ________ to ________  

Commission file number 1-225

KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	39-0394230
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

P. O. Box 619100

Dallas, Texas

75261-9100

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip code)

(972) 281-1200

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer	x	Accelerated filer	o
Non-accelerated filer	o(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company	o
		Emerging growth company	o

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes  o    No  x

As of October 16, 2017, there were 351,757,295 shares of the Corporation's common stock outstanding.

Table of Contents

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION	3
Item 1. Financial Statements	3
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 AND 2016	3
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 AND 2016	4
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 (UNAUDITED) AND DECEMBER 31, 2016	5
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 AND 2016	6
UNAUDITED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	7
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	13
Item 4. Controls and Procedures	19
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION	20
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	20
Item 6. Exhibits	21

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended September 30						Nine Months Ended September 30
(Millions of dollars, except per share amounts)	2017			2016			2017			2016
Net Sales	$	4,640		$	4,594		$	13,677		$	13,658
Cost of products sold	2,981			2,924			8,722			8,685
Gross Profit	1,659			1,670			4,955			4,973
Marketing, research and general expenses	813			833			2,468			2,505
Other (income) and expense, net	(8		)	1			—			(10		)
Operating Profit	854			836			2,487			2,478
Interest income	3			2			7			9
Interest expense	(78		)	(81		)	(246		)	(238		)
Income Before Income Taxes and Equity Interests	779			757			2,248			2,249
Provision for income taxes	(224		)	(227		)	(633		)	(651		)
Income Before Equity Interests	555			530			1,615			1,598
Share of net income of equity companies	24			33			79			103
Net Income	579			563			1,694			1,701
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(12		)	(13		)	(33		)	(40		)
Net Income Attributable to Kimberly-Clark Corporation	$	567		$	550		$	1,661		$	1,661
Per Share Basis
Net Income Attributable to Kimberly-Clark Corporation
Basic	$	1.61		$	1.53		$	4.69		$	4.61
Diluted	$	1.60		$	1.52		$	4.66		$	4.58
Cash Dividends Declared	$	0.97		$	0.92		$	2.91		$	2.76

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

3

KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended September 30						Nine Months Ended September 30
(Millions of dollars)	2017			2016			2017			2016
Net Income	$	579		$	563		$	1,694		$	1,701
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax
Unrealized currency translation adjustments	128			39			450			175
Employee postretirement benefits	(8		)	15			(11		)	22
Other	(9		)	2			(49		)	(5		)
Total Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax	111			56			390			192
Comprehensive Income	690			619			2,084			1,893
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(12		)	(23		)	(44		)	(54		)
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Kimberly-Clark Corporation	$	678		$	596		$	2,040		$	1,839

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

4

KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(2017 Data is Unaudited)

(Millions of dollars)	September 30, 2017		December 31, 2016
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	655	$	923
Accounts receivable, net	2,360		2,176
Inventories	1,748		1,679
Other current assets	463		337
Total Current Assets	5,226		5,115
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	7,317		7,169
Investments in Equity Companies	272		257
Goodwill	1,581		1,480
Other Assets	653		581
TOTAL ASSETS	$	15,049	$	14,602
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Debt payable within one year	$	589	$	1,133
Trade accounts payable	2,729		2,609
Accrued expenses	1,752		1,775
Dividends payable	342		329
Total Current Liabilities	5,412		5,846
Long-Term Debt	7,057		6,439
Noncurrent Employee Benefits	1,285		1,301
Deferred Income Taxes	434		532
Other Liabilities	305		309
Redeemable Preferred Securities of Subsidiaries	58		58
Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)
Kimberly-Clark Corporation	259		(102		)
Noncontrolling Interests	239		219
Total Stockholders' Equity	498		117
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	$	15,049	$	14,602

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

5

KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

(Unaudited)

	Nine Months Ended September 30
(Millions of dollars)	2017			2016
Operating Activities
Net income	$	1,694		$	1,701
Depreciation and amortization	540			528
Stock-based compensation	64			64
Deferred income taxes	(41		)	(13		)
Equity companies' earnings in excess of dividends paid	(12		)	(31		)
Operating working capital	(154		)	149
Postretirement benefits	(1		)	4
Other	(24		)	(41		)
Cash Provided by Operations	2,066			2,361
Investing Activities
Capital spending	(595		)	(582		)
Investments in time deposits	(123		)	(133		)
Maturities of time deposits	70			64
Other	(29		)	75
Cash Used for Investing	(677		)	(576		)
Financing Activities
Cash dividends paid	(1,017		)	(981		)
Change in short-term debt	111			(837		)
Debt proceeds	937			1,290
Debt repayments	(972		)	(596		)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	114			97
Acquisitions of common stock for the treasury	(804		)	(512		)
Other	(49		)	2
Cash Used for Financing	(1,680		)	(1,537		)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	23			17
Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(268		)	265
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Beginning of Period	923			619
Cash and Cash Equivalents - End of Period	$	655		$	884

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

6

KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 1. Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form  10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all material adjustments which are of a normal and recurring nature necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods presented have been reflected. Dollar amounts are reported in millions, except per share dollar amounts, unless otherwise noted.

For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in our Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the year ended December 31, 2016. The terms "Corporation," "Kimberly-Clark," "K-C," "we," "our" and "us" refer to Kimberly-Clark Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Annual Goodwill Impairment Assessment

Goodwill represents costs in excess of fair values assigned to the underlying net assets of acquired businesses.  Goodwill is not amortized, but rather is assessed for impairment annually and whenever events and circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred.  Impairment testing compares the reporting unit carrying amount of goodwill with its fair value.  If the reporting unit carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its fair value, an impairment charge would be recorded.  In our evaluation of goodwill impairment, we have the option to first assess qualitative factors such as macroeconomic, industry and competitive conditions, legal and regulatory environments, historical and projected financial performance, significant changes in the reporting unit and the magnitude of excess fair value over carrying amount from the previous quantitative impairment testing.  If the qualitative assessment determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then a quantitative impairment test using discounted cash flows to estimate fair value must be performed.  On the other hand, if the qualitative assessment determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is more than its carrying value, then further quantitative testing is not required.  For 2017, we have completed the required annual assessment of goodwill for impairment for all of our reporting units using a qualitative assessment as of the first day of the third quarter, and have determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value is more than the carrying amount for each of our reporting units.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718). The new guidance simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. We adopted this standard as of January 1, 2017. The adoption did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Prior periods were not recast.

In 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force),providing guidance on eight specific cash flow statement classification matters. We early adopted this standard as of January 1, 2017. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our cash flow statement. Prior periods were not recast.

Accounting Standards Issued - Not Yet Adopted

In 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. The new standard makes more financial and non-financial hedging strategies eligible for hedge accounting. It also amends the presentation and disclosure requirements and changes how companies assess effectiveness. For public companies, the amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted in any interim period. The effects of this standard on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows are not yet known.

In 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715), Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. The standard requires that an employer report the service cost component in the same line items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside of operating profit. The standard is effective for public companies for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods.  Prior periods are required to be recast. We will adopt this standard as of January 1, 2018. Net periodic benefit cost for pensions and other postretirement benefits for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $81 and $87, of which $38 and $41, respectively, related to service cost. 

7

In 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory, which removes the prohibition in ASC 740 against the immediate recognition of the current and deferred income tax effects of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory.  The ASU is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods.  The ASU should be applied on a modified retrospective basis, recognizing the effects in retained earnings as of the beginning of the year of adoption.  We will adopt this standard as of January 1, 2018. The impact of this standard on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows is not expected to be material.

In 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). Under the new guidance, a lessee will be required to recognize assets and liabilities for all leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. Consistent with current GAAP, the recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee primarily will depend on its classification as a finance or operating lease. The ASU requires additional disclosures. The standard is effective for public companies for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The ASU requires adoption based upon a modified retrospective transition approach. Early adoption is permitted. The effects of this standard on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows are not yet known.

In 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which provides a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and will supersede most current revenue recognition guidance. The standard is effective for public companies for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017.  We will adopt this ASU effective January 1, 2018. The guidance is required to be adopted on either a full or modified retrospective basis. As this standard is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows on either a full or modified retrospective basis, we do not plan to recast prior periods.

Note 2. Fair Value Information

The following fair value information is based on a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The three levels in the hierarchy used to measure fair value are:

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets accessible at the reporting date for identical assets and liabilities.

Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets. Quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not considered active or financial instruments for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.

Level 3 – Prices or valuations that require inputs that are significant to the valuation and are unobservable.

A financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and for the full year 2016, there were no significant transfers among level 1, 2, or 3 fair value determinations.

Derivative liabilities and assets are measured on a recurring basis at fair value. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, derivative liabilities were $69 and $46, respectively, and derivative assets were $50 and $43, respectively. The fair values of derivatives used to manage interest rate risk and commodity price risk are based on LIBOR rates and interest rate swap curves and NYMEX price quotations, respectively. The fair values of hedging instruments used to manage foreign currency risk are based on published quotations of spot currency rates and forward points, which are converted into implied forward currency rates. Measurement of our derivative assets and liabilities is considered a level 2 measurement. Additional information on our classification and use of derivative instruments is contained in Note 5.

Redeemable preferred securities of subsidiaries are measured on a recurring basis at fair value and were $58 at both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. They are not traded in active markets. For certain redeemable securities, fair values were calculated using a floating rate pricing model that compared the stated spread to the fair value spread to determine the price at which each of the financial instruments should trade. The model used the following inputs to calculate fair values: face value, current LIBOR rate, unobservable fair value credit spread, stated spread, maturity date and interest or dividend payment dates. The fair values of the remaining redeemable securities were based on various inputs, including an independent third-party appraisal, adjusted for current market conditions. Measurement of the redeemable preferred securities is considered a level 3 measurement.

Company-owned life insurance ("COLI") assets are measured on a recurring basis at fair value. COLI assets were $66 and $61 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The COLI policies are a source of funding primarily for our nonqualified employee benefits and are included in other assets. The COLI policies are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient, and therefore, are not classified in the fair value hierarchy.

8

The following table includes the fair value of our financial instruments for which disclosure of fair value is required:

	Fair Value Hierarchy Level	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value
		September 30, 2017				December 31, 2016
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents(a)	1	$	655	$	655	$	923	$	923
Time deposits and other(b)	1	195		195		138		138
Liabilities and redeemable securities of subsidiaries
Short-term debt(c)	2	282		282		170		170
Long-term debt(d)	2	7,364		7,876		7,402		7,886

(a) Cash equivalents are composed of certificates of deposit, time deposits and other interest-bearing investments with original maturity dates of 90 days or less. Cash equivalents are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value.

(b) Time deposits are composed of deposits with original maturities of more than 90 days but less than one year and instruments with original maturities of greater than one year, included in other current assets or other assets in the consolidated balance sheet, as appropriate. Other, included in other current assets, is composed of funds held in escrow. Time deposits and other are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value.

(c) Short-term debt is composed of U.S. commercial paper and/or other similar short-term debt issued by non-U.S. subsidiaries, all of which are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value.

(d) Long-term debt includes the current portion of these debt instruments. Fair values were estimated based on quoted prices for financial instruments for which all significant inputs were observable, either directly or indirectly.

Note 3. Earnings Per Share ("EPS")

There are no adjustments required to be made to net income for purposes of computing EPS. The average number of common shares outstanding is reconciled to those used in the basic and diluted EPS computations as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30		Nine Months Ended September 30
(Millions of shares)	2017	2016	2017	2016
Basic	352.7	359.2	354.4	360.0
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted share unit awards	2.1	2.3	2.3	2.4
Diluted	354.8	361.5	356.7	362.4

Options outstanding that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because their exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares were insignificant. The number of common shares outstanding as of September 30, 2017 and 2016 was 351.9 million and 358.4 million, respectively.

Note 4. Stockholders' Equity

Set forth below is a reconciliation for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 of the carrying amount of total stockholders' equity (deficit) from the beginning of the period to the end of the period.

	Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) Attributable to
	The Corporation			Noncontrolling Interests
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	(102	)	$	219
Net Income	1,661			29
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	379			12
Stock-based awards exercised or vested	113			—
Recognition of stock-based compensation	64			—
Shares repurchased	(827		)	—
Dividends declared	(1,030		)	(22		)
Other	1			1
Balance at September 30, 2017	$	259		$	239

During the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017, we repurchased 6.3 million shares at a total cost of $800pursuant to a share repurchase program authorized by our Board of Directors.

9

Net unrealized currency gains or losses resulting from the translation of assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries, except those in highly inflationary economies, are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI"). For these operations, changes in exchange rates generally do not affect cash flows; therefore, unrealized translation adjustments are recorded in AOCI rather than net income. Upon sale or substantially complete liquidation of any of these subsidiaries, the applicable unrealized translation would be removed from AOCI and reported as part of the gain or loss on the sale or liquidation.

Also included in unrealized translation amounts are the effects of foreign exchange rate changes on intercompany balances of a long-term investment nature and transactions designated as hedges of net foreign investments.

The change in net unrealized currency translation for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017 was primarily due to the strengthening of most foreign currencies versus the U.S. dollar, including the euro, Australian dollar, British pound sterling, and South Korean won.

The changes in the components of AOCI attributable to Kimberly-Clark, net of tax, are as follows:

	Unrealized Translation			Defined Benefit Pension Plans				Other Postretirement Benefit Plans				Cash Flow Hedges and Other
Balance as of December 31, 2015	$	(2,252	)	$	(1,013	)		$	(3	)		$	(10	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	161			10				(9		)		8
(Income) loss reclassified from AOCI	—			22			(a)	(1		)	(a)	(13		)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	161			32				(10		)		(5		)
Balance as of September 30, 2016	$	(2,091	)	$	(981	)		$	(13	)		$	(15	)
Balance as of December 31, 2016	$	(2,351	)	$	(1,097	)		$	(31	)		$	5
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	439			(34		)		(3		)		(55		)
(Income) loss reclassified from AOCI	—			27			(a)	(1		)	(a)	6
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	439			(7		)		(4		)		(49		)
Balance as of September 30, 2017	$	(1,912	)	$	(1,104	)		$	(35	)		$	(44	)

(a) Included in computation of net periodic benefit costs.

Note 5. Objectives and Strategies for Using Derivatives

As a multinational enterprise, we are exposed to financial risks, such as changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, and commodity prices. We employ a number of practices to manage these risks, including operating and financing activities and, where appropriate, the use of derivative instruments. We enter into derivative instruments to hedge a portion of forecasted cash flows denominated in foreign currencies for non-U.S. operations' purchases of raw materials, which are priced in U.S. dollars, and imports of intercompany finished goods and work-in-process priced predominantly in U.S. dollars and euros. The derivative instruments used to manage these exposures are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges. The foreign currency exposure on certain non-functional currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities, primarily intercompany loans and accounts payable, is hedged with primarily undesignated derivative instruments.

Interest rate risk is managed using a portfolio of variable and fixed-rate debt composed of short and long-term instruments. Interest rate swap contracts may be used to facilitate the maintenance of the desired ratio of variable and fixed-rate debt and are designated and qualify as fair value hedges. From time to time, we also hedge the anticipated issuance of fixed-rate debt, and these contracts are designated as cash flow hedges.

We use derivative instruments, such as forward swap contracts, to hedge a limited portion of our exposure to market risk arising from changes in prices of certain commodities. These derivatives are designated as cash flow hedges of specific quantities of the underlying commodity expected to be purchased in future months.

Translation adjustments result from translating foreign entities' financial statements into U.S. dollars from their functional currencies. The risk to any particular entity's net assets is reduced to the extent that the entity is financed with local currency borrowings. A portion of our balance sheet translation exposure for certain affiliates, which results from changes in translation rates between the affiliates’ functional currencies and the U.S. dollar, is hedged with financial instruments. These instruments are designated as net investment hedges and have an aggregate notional value of $55 at September 30, 2017. In addition, we issued €500 million euro-denominated debt in September 2017 and designated these instruments as net investment hedges. Changes in fair value of net investment hedges are recorded in AOCI as part of the cumulative translation adjustment.

10

At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, derivative liabilities were $69 and $46, respectively, and derivative assets were $50 and $43, respectively, primarily comprised of foreign currency exchange contracts.

Derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges are predominantly used to manage interest rate risk. The fair values of these derivative instruments are recorded as an asset or liability, as appropriate, with the offset recorded in current earnings. The offset to the change in fair values of the related hedged items also is recorded in current earnings. Any realized gain or loss on the derivatives that hedge interest rate risk is amortized to interest expense over the life of the related debt. As of September 30, 2017, there were no outstanding interest rate contracts designated as fair value hedges. Fair value hedges resulted in no significant ineffectiveness in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, and gains or losses recognized in interest expense for interest rate swaps were not significant. For the nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, no gains or losses were recognized in earnings as a result of a hedged firm commitment no longer qualifying as a fair value hedge.

For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is initially recorded in AOCI, net of related income taxes, and recognized in earnings in the same period that the hedged exposure affects earnings. As of September 30, 2017, outstanding commodity forward contracts were in place to hedge a limited portion of our estimated requirements of the related underlying commodities in the remainder of 2017 and future periods. As of September 30, 2017, the aggregate notional values of outstanding foreign exchange and interest rate derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedges were $765 and $200, respectively. Cash flow hedges resulted in no significant ineffectiveness for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, and no gains or losses were reclassified into earnings as a result of the discontinuance of cash flow hedges due to the original forecasted transaction no longer being probable of occurring. At September 30, 2017, amounts to be reclassified from AOCI during the next twelve months are not expected to be material. The maximum maturity of cash flow hedges in place at September 30, 2017 is October 2019.

Gains or losses on undesignated foreign exchange hedging instruments are immediately recognized in other (income) and expense, net. Gains of $22 and $5 were recorded in the three months endedSeptember 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Gains of $38 and $19 were recorded in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The effect on earnings from the use of these non-designated derivatives is substantially neutralized by the transactional gains and losses recorded on the underlying assets and liabilities. At September 30, 2017, the notional amount of these undesignated derivative instruments was approximately $2 billion.

Note 6. Business Segment Information

We are organized into operating segments based on product groupings. These operating segments have been aggregated into three reportable global business segments: Personal Care, Consumer Tissue and K-C Professional. The reportable segments were determined in accordance with how our chief operating decision maker and our executive managers develop and execute global strategies to drive growth and profitability. 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. Segment management is evaluated on several factors, including operating profit. Segment operating profit excludes other (income) and expense, net and income and expense not associated with the business segments.

The principal sources of revenue in each global business segment are described below:

• Personal Care brands offer our consumers a trusted partner in caring for themselves and 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.

• 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.

• 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 sanitizers. Our brands, including Kleenex, Scott, WypAll, Kimtech and Jackson Safety, are well-known for quality and trusted to help people around the world work better.

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Information concerning consolidated operations by business segment is presented in the following tables:

	Three Months Ended September 30								Nine Months Ended September 30
	2017			2016			Change		2017			2016			Change
NET SALES
Personal Care	$	2,284		$	2,312		-1	%	$	6,804		$	6,798		—
Consumer Tissue	1,518			1,472			+3	%	4,436			4,462			-1	%
K-C Professional	827			802			+3	%	2,405			2,371			+1	%
Corporate & Other	11			8			N.M.		32			27			N.M.
TOTAL NET SALES	$	4,640		$	4,594		+1	%	$	13,677		$	13,658		—
OPERATING PROFIT
Personal Care	$	476		$	458		+4	%	$	1,424		$	1,362		+5	%
Consumer Tissue	260			267			-3	%	776			822			-6	%
K-C Professional	173			157			+10	%	482			457			+5	%
Corporate & Other(a)	(63		)	(45		)	N.M.		(195		)	(173		)	N.M.
Other (income) and expense, net(a)	(8		)	1			N.M.		—			(10		)	N.M.
TOTAL OPERATING PROFIT	$	854		$	836		+2	%	$	2,487		$	2,478		—

(a) Corporate & Other and Other (income) and expense, net include income and expense not associated with the business segments, including adjustments as indicated in the Non-GAAP Reconciliations.

N.M. - Not Meaningful

Note 7. Supplemental Balance Sheet Data

The following schedule presents a summary of inventories by major class:

	September 30, 2017								December 31, 2016
	LIFO			Non-LIFO		Total			LIFO			Non-LIFO		Total
Raw materials	$	88		$	249	$	337		$	93		$	236	$	329
Work in process	106			97		203			114			89		203
Finished goods	396			687		1,083			430			600		1,030
Supplies and other	—			298		298			—			280		280
	590			1,331		1,921			637			1,205		1,842
Excess of FIFO or weighted-average cost over LIFO cost	(173		)	—		(173		)	(163		)	—		(163		)
Total	$	417		$	1,331	$	1,748		$	474		$	1,205	$	1,679

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value, determined on the FIFO or weighted-average cost methods, and at the lower of cost or market, determined on the LIFO cost method.

The following schedule presents a summary of property, plant and equipment, net:

	September 30, 2017			December 31, 2016
Land	$	171		$	163
Buildings	2,787			2,612
Machinery and equipment	14,328			13,591
Construction in progress	337			488
	17,623			16,854
Less accumulated depreciation	(10,306		)	(9,685		)
Total	$	7,317		$	7,169

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Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Introduction

This management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A") of financial condition and results of operations is intended to provide investors with an understanding of our recent performance, financial condition and prospects.  The following will be discussed and analyzed:

• Overview of Third Quarter 2017 Results

• Results of Operations and Related Information

• Liquidity and Capital Resources

• Business Outlook

We describe our business outside North America in two groups – Developing and Emerging Markets ("D&E") and Developed Markets. D&E markets comprise Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Latin America and Asia-Pacific, excluding Australia and South Korea. Developed Markets consist of Western and Central Europe, Australia and South Korea.

This section presents a discussion and analysis of our third quarter2017 net sales, operating profit and other information relevant to an understanding of the results of operations. In addition, we provide commentary regarding organic sales growth, which describes the impact of changes in volume, net selling prices and product mix on net sales. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates also impact the year-over-year change in net sales. Our analysis compares the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017 results to the same periods in 2016.

Throughout this MD&A, we refer to financial measures that have not been calculated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S., or GAAP, and are therefore referred to as non-GAAP financial measures. These measures include adjusted operating profit, adjusted net income, adjusted earnings per share and adjusted effective tax rate. We believe these measures provide our investors with additional information about our underlying results and trends, as well as insight into some of the financial measures used to evaluate management.

Non-GAAP financial measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the comparable GAAP measures, and they should be read only in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP.  There are limitations to these non-GAAP financial measures because they are not prepared in accordance with GAAP and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies due to potential differences in methods of calculation and items being excluded.  We compensate for these limitations by using these non-GAAP financial measures as a supplement to the GAAP measures and by providing reconciliations of the non-GAAP and comparable GAAP financial measures.

The non-GAAP financial measures exclude the following items for the relevant time periods as indicated in the reconciliations included later in this MD&A:

• 2014 Organization Restructuring - In 2014, we initiated this restructuring in order to improve organization efficiency and offset the impact of stranded overhead costs resulting from the 2014 spin-off of our health care business. As a result, we recognized restructuring charges in 2014, 2015 and 2016. Restructuring actions were completed by December 31, 2016.

• Adjustment related to Venezuelan Operations - Effective December 31, 2015, we deconsolidated the assets and liabilities of our business in Venezuela from our consolidated balance sheet, and in the second quarter of 2016, recorded an adjustment related to an updated assessment.

Overview of Third Quarter 2017 Results

• Net sales of $4.6 billion increased 1 percent compared to the prior year. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates benefited sales by nearly 1 percent and organic sales rose slightly. Organic sales were similar in North American consumer products. Outside North America, organic sales increased 3 percent in D&E markets and fell 3 percent in developed markets.

• Operating profit of $854 increased 2 percent compared to $836 in the prior year. Net Income Attributable to Kimberly-Clark Corporation was $567 compared to $550 in 2016. Diluted net income per share was $1.60 in 2017 and $1.52 in 2016.

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Results of Operations and Related Information

This section presents a discussion and analysis of our third quarter 2017 net sales, operating profit and other information relevant to an understanding of the results of operations.

Consolidated

Selected Financial Results	Three Months Ended September 30								Nine Months Ended September 30
	2017			2016			Percent Change		2017			2016			Percent Change
Net Sales:
North America	$	2,416		$	2,410		—		$	7,095		$	7,193		-1	%
Outside North America	2,299			2,260			+2	%	6,821			6,689			+2	%
Intergeographic sales	(75		)	(76		)	N.M.		(239		)	(224		)	N.M.
Total Net Sales	4,640			4,594			+1	%	13,677			13,658			—
Operating Profit:
North America	593			575			+3	%	1,722			1,734			-1	%
Outside North America	316			307			+3	%	960			907			+6	%
Corporate & Other(a)	(63		)	(45		)	N.M.		(195		)	(173		)	N.M.
Other (income) and expense, net(a)	(8		)	1			N.M.		—			(10		)	N.M.
Total Operating Profit	854			836			+2	%	2,487			2,478			—
Provision for income taxes	(224		)	(227		)	-1	%	(633		)	(651		)	-3	%
Share of Net Income of Equity Companies	24			33			-27	%	79			103			-23	%
Net Income Attributable to Kimberly-Clark Corporation	567			550			+3	%	1,661			1,661			—
Diluted Earnings per Share	1.60			1.52			+5	%	4.66			4.58			+2	%

(a) Corporate & Other and Other (income) and expense, net include income and expense not associated with the business segments, including adjustments as indicated in the Non-GAAP Reconciliations.

N.M. - Not Meaningful

GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations of Selected Financial Results

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
	As Reported			Charges for 2014 Organization Restructuring			As Adjusted Non-GAAP
Cost of products sold	$	2,924		$	1		$	2,923
Marketing, research and general expenses	833			2			831
Other (income) and expense, net	1			(3		)	4
Operating Profit	836			—			836
Provision for income taxes	(227		)	(1		)	(226		)
Net Income Attributable to Kimberly-Clark Corporation	550			(1		)	551
Diluted Earnings per Share	1.52			—			1.52

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	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
	As Reported			Charges for 2014 Organization Restructuring			Adjustment Related to Venezuelan Operations			As Adjusted Non-GAAP
Cost of products sold	$	8,685		$	3		$	—		$	8,682
Marketing, research and general expenses	2,505			15			—			2,490
Other (income) and expense, net	(10		)	(3		)	(11		)	4
Operating Profit	2,478			(15		)	11			2,482
Provision for income taxes	(651		)	3			—			(654		)
Net Income Attributable to Kimberly-Clark Corporation	1,661			(12		)	11			1,662
Diluted Earnings per Share(a)	4.58			(0.03		)	0.03			4.59

(a) "As Adjusted Non-GAAP" does not equal "As Reported" plus "Adjustments" as a result of rounding.

Analysis of Consolidated Results

Net Sales	Percent Change				Adjusted Operating Profit	Percent Change
	Three Months Ended September 30		Nine Months Ended September 30			Three Months Ended September 30		Nine Months Ended September 30
Volume	1		1		Volume	4		1
Net Price	(1	)	(1	)	Net Price	(6	)	(6	)
Mix/Other	—		—		Input Costs	(14	)	(9	)
Currency	1		1		Cost Savings	15		14
Total(a)	1		—		Currency Translation	—		1
					Other(c)	3		(1	)
Organic(b)	—		—		Total	2		—

(a) Total may not equal the sum of volume, net price, mix/other and currency due to rounding.

(b) Combined impact of changes in volume, net price and mix/other.

(c) Includes the impact of changes in marketing, research and general expenses, foreign currency transaction effects and other manufacturing costs.

Net sales of $4.6 billion in the third quarter of 2017 increased 1 percent compared to the prior year. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates benefited sales by nearly 1 percent. Organic sales rose slightly, as sales volumes increased more than 1 percent while changes in net selling prices decreased sales by 1 percent.

Third quarter operating profit was $854 in 2017 and $836 in 2016. The year-over-year comparison included benefits from sales volume growth, $125 of cost savings from our FORCE (Focused On Reducing Costs Everywhere) program and reduced marketing, research and general spending. Results were also impacted by lower net selling prices and $115 of higher input costs, driven by increases in pulp and other raw materials.

The third quarter effective tax rate was 28.8 percent in 2017 and 30.0 percent in 2016. The rate in 2017 benefited from certain tax planning initiatives.

Our share of net income of equity companies in the third quarter was $24 in 2017 and $33 in 2016. Kimberly-Clark de Mexico, S.A.B. de C.V. ("K-C de Mexico") results were impacted by higher input costs, partially offset by benefits from sales growth and cost savings.

Diluted earnings per share for the third quarter was $1.60 in 2017 and $1.52 in 2016. The comparison benefited from sales volume growth, cost savings and reduced marketing, research and general spending, and was negatively impacted by lower net selling prices and input cost inflation.

Year-to-date net sales of $13.7 billion were essentially even with the prior year. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates benefited sales slightly. Organic sales were down slightly, as changes in net selling prices decreased sales by 1 percent while sales volumes improved about 1 percent. Operating profit was $2,487 in 2017 compared to $2,478 in 2016. The comparison benefited from sales volume growth, $355 of FORCE cost savings and lower marketing, research and general spending. Results were also impacted by lower net selling prices and $220 of higher input costs. The year-to-date effective tax rate was 28.2 percent in 2017 and 28.9 percent in 2016. The rate in both periods benefited from the resolution of certain tax matters and tax planning initiatives.

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In 2017, the rate also benefited from the adoption of ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718). Diluted earnings per share was $4.66 in 2017, up 2 percent compared to $4.58 in 2016. The comparison benefited from higher operating profit and declines in the effective tax rate and share count, and was negatively impacted by reduced net income from equity companies.

Results by Business Segments

Personal Care

	Three Months Ended September 30					Nine Months Ended September 30						Three Months Ended September 30					Nine Months Ended September 30
	2017		2016			2017		2016				2017		2016			2017		2016
Net Sales	$	2,284	$	2,312		$	6,804	$	6,798		Operating Profit	$	476	$	458		$	1,424	$	1,362
Net Sales	Percent Change					Percent Change					Operating Profit	Percent Change					Percent Change
Volume			(1		)			1			Volume			1					2
Net Price			(1		)			(1		)	Net Price			(7		)			(7		)
Mix/Other			—					—			Input Costs			(9		)			(6		)
Currency			—					1			Cost Savings			14					14
Total(a)			(1		)			—			Currency Translation			—					1
											Other(c)			5					1
Organic(b)			(2		)			(1		)	Total			4					5

(a) Total may not equal the sum of volume, net price, mix/other and currency due to rounding.

(b) Combined impact of changes in volume, net price and mix/other.

(c) Includes the impact of changes in marketing, research and general expenses, foreign currency transaction effects and other manufacturing costs.

Third quarter net sales of $2.3 billion were down 1 percent. Changes in net selling prices decreased sales by 1 percent and sales volumes fell about 1 percent, while changes in product mix improved sales slightly. Third quarter operating profit of $476 increased 4 percent. The comparison benefited from cost savings and reduced marketing, research and general spending, partially offset by lower net selling prices and input cost inflation.

Net sales in North America decreased 3 percent. Changes in net selling prices decreased sales by 2 percent, including higher promotion spending in adult care and feminine care. Overall sales volumes were down 1 percent. Total volumes in infant and child care decreased mid-single digits due to lower Huggies diaper volumes. Baby wipes volumes were down mid-single digits compared to double-digit growth in the year-ago period, and feminine care volumes also declined mid-single digits. Adult care volumes rose high-single digits, with benefits from category growth, promotion activity and innovations launched over the last 12 months.

Net sales in developing and emerging markets increased 3 percent. Sales volumes increased 3 percent and changes in product mix improved sales by 1 percent, while changes in net selling prices decreased sales by 1 percent. The volume increase included gains in Eastern Europe and Latin America.

Net sales in developed markets outside North America decreased 6 percent, despite a 2 percent benefit from favorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Sales volumes fell 7 percent and changes in net selling prices decreased sales by 2 percent, while changes in product mix improved sales by 1 percent. The changes mostly occurred in South Korea.

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Consumer Tissue

	Three Months Ended September 30					Nine Months Ended September 30						Three Months Ended September 30					Nine Months Ended September 30
	2017		2016			2017		2016				2017		2016			2017		2016
Net Sales	$	1,518	$	1,472		$	4,436	$	4,462		Operating Profit	$	260	$	267		$	776	$	822
Net Sales	Percent Change					Percent Change					Operating Profit	Percent Change					Percent Change
Volume			4					—			Volume			7					(2		)
Net Price			(1		)			(1		)	Net Price			(6		)			(6		)
Mix/Other			—					—			Input Costs			(21		)			(11		)
Currency			1					—			Cost Savings			16					12
Total(a)			3					(1		)	Currency Translation			—					—
											Other(c)			1					1
Organic(b)			2					(1		)	Total			(3		)			(6		)

(a) Total may not equal the sum of volume, net price, mix/other and currency due to rounding.

(b) Combined impact of changes in volume, net price and mix/other.

(c) Includes the impact of changes in marketing, research and general expenses, foreign currency transaction effects and other manufacturing costs.

Third quarter net sales of $1.5 billion increased 3 percent. Sales volumes rose approximately 4 percent and foreign currency exchange rates were favorable by 1 percent, while changes in net selling prices decreased sales by 1 percent and product mix was slightly unfavorable. Third quarter operating profit of $260 decreased 3 percent. The comparison was impacted by input cost inflation and declines in net selling prices and product mix. Results benefited from volume growth, cost savings and lower marketing, research and general spending.

Net sales in North America increased approximately 3 percent. Sales volumes were up 5 percent, while changes in net selling prices decreased sales by 1 percent and product mix reduced sales slightly. The volume comparison benefited from increased promotion activity and soft performance in the year-ago period.

Net sales in developing and emerging markets increased 5 percent, including a 2 percent benefit from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Sales volumes increased 7 percent, while changes in net selling prices decreased sales by 3 percent and product mix decreased sales by 1 percent. The changes mostly occurred in Latin America.

Net sales in developed markets outside North America increased 1 percent, including a 1 percent impact from favorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Changes in product mix increased sales by 1 percent, while sales volumes fell 1 percent.

K-C Professional

	Three Months Ended September 30					Nine Months Ended September 30						Three Months Ended September 30					Nine Months Ended September 30
	2017		2016			2017		2016				2017		2016			2017		2016
Net Sales	$	827	$	802		$	2,405	$	2,371		Operating Profit	$	173	$	157		$	482	$	457
Net Sales	Percent Change					Percent Change					Operating Profit	Percent Change					Percent Change
Volume			2					1			Volume			7					3
Net Price			(1		)			(1		)	Net Price			(4		)			(4		)
Mix/Other			—					—			Input Costs			(12		)			(12		)
Currency			1					—			Cost Savings			12					13
Total(a)			3					1			Currency Translation			1					—
											Other(c)			6					5
Organic(b)			2					1			Total			10					5

(a) Total may not equal the sum of volume, net price, mix/other and currency due to rounding.

(b) Combined impact of changes in volume, net price and mix/other.

(c) Includes the impact of changes in marketing, research and general expenses, foreign currency transaction effects and other manufacturing costs.

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Third quarter net sales of $0.8 billion increased 3 percent. Sales volumes increased approximately 2 percent, changes in foreign currency exchange rates benefited sales by 1 percent and product mix improved sales slightly, while changes in net selling prices decreased sales by 1 percent. Third quarter operating profit of $173 increased 10 percent. The comparison benefited from sales growth and cost savings, partially offset by input cost inflation.

Net sales in North America increased 3 percent. Sales volumes increased 3 percent, with growth in all major product categories, while net selling prices were down about 1 percent.

Net sales in developing and emerging markets increased 3 percent, including a 1 percent benefit from foreign currency exchange rates. Changes in product mix improved sales by approximately 3 percent and sales volumes increased 1 percent, while changes in net selling prices decreased sales by 1 percent.

Net sales in developed markets outside North America were up 5 percent, including a 3 percent positive impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Sales volumes improved 2 percent and changes in net selling prices increased sales by 1 percent, while product mix decreased sales by 1 percent.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Provided by Operations

Cash provided by operations was $2.1 billion for the first nine months of 2017, compared to $2.4 billion in the prior year. The decrease was mainly due to higher tax payments in 2017.

Investing

During the first nine months of 2017, our capital spending was $595 compared to $582 in the prior year. We anticipate that full-year 2017 capital spending will be slightly below our target range of $850 to $950.

Financing

In September 2017, we issued €500 million aggregate principal amount of 0.625% notes due September 7, 2024. Proceeds from the offering were used to repay a portion of our outstanding commercial paper indebtedness.

In May 2017, we issued $350 aggregate principal amount of 3.90% notes due May 4, 2047. Proceeds from the offering were used for general corporate purposes, including repayment of a portion of our outstanding commercial paper indebtedness.

Our short-term debt, which consists of U.S. commercial paper with original maturities up to 90 days and/or other similar short-term debt issued by non-U.S. subsidiaries, was $282 as of September 30, 2017 (included in debt payable within one year on the consolidated balance sheet). The average month-end balance of short-term debt for the third quarter of 2017 was $517. These short-term borrowings provide supplemental funding for supporting our operations. The level of short-term debt generally fluctuates depending upon the amount of operating cash flows and the timing of customer receipts and payments for items such as pension contributions, dividends and income taxes.

At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, total debt was $7.6 billion.

We maintain a $2.0 billion revolving credit facility which expires in 2021. This facility, currently unused, supports our commercial paper program, and would provide liquidity in the event our access to the commercial paper markets is unavailable for any reason.

We repurchase shares of Kimberly-Clark common stock from time to time pursuant to publicly announced share repurchase programs. During the first nine months of 2017, we repurchased 6.3 million shares of our common stock at a cost of $800 through a broker in the open market. We are targeting full-year 2017 share repurchases of $900, subject to market conditions.

We engage in foreign currency denominated transactions with customers and suppliers, as well as between subsidiaries with different functional currencies. There has been a steady devaluation of the Argentine peso relative to the U.S. dollar in recent years, along with an increase in local inflation. As of September 30, 2017, we have not designated Argentina as a highly-inflationary economy for accounting purposes. We are closely monitoring developments in Argentina and potential implications on our results and reporting for our operations in that country. Net sales of K-C Argentina were approximately 2 percent of our consolidated net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

We also continue to monitor developments related to tax legislation and government policy, including U.S. corporate tax reform and the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union. The impact of these potential changes to our business and consolidated financial results cannot be determined until the relevant legislation and policies are finalized.

Management believes that our ability to generate cash from operations and our capacity to issue short-term and long-term debt are adequate to fund working capital, capital spending, payment of dividends, pension plan contributions and other needs for the

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foreseeable future. Further, we do not expect restrictions or taxes on repatriation of cash held outside of the U.S. to have a material effect on our overall business, liquidity, financial condition or results of operations for the foreseeable future.

Business Outlook

In 2017, we plan to continue to execute our Global Business Plan strategies, which include a focus on targeted growth initiatives, innovation and brand building, cost savings programs and shareholder-friendly capital allocation. In 2017, we expect earnings per share to be at the low end of our target range of $6.20 to $6.35. Our outlook is based on the assumptions described below:

• We expect net sales and organic sales will be similar, or up slightly, year-on-year.

• We anticipate commodity cost inflation will be slightly above the previous estimate of $200 to $300.

• We plan to achieve cost savings of $425 to $450 from our FORCE program.

• We expect an effective tax rate slightly lower than 2016.

• We expect net income from equity companies to decline due to lower income at K-C de Mexico as a result of input cost inflation and a weaker Mexican peso.

Information Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Certain matters contained in this report concerning the business outlook, including the anticipated cost savings from our FORCE program, cash flow and uses of cash, growth initiatives, innovations, marketing and other spending, net sales, anticipated currency rates and exchange risks, raw material, energy and other input costs, effective tax rate, contingencies and anticipated transactions of Kimberly-Clark, including dividends, share repurchases and pension contributions, constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are based upon management's expectations and beliefs concerning future events impacting Kimberly-Clark.  There can be no assurance that these future events will occur as anticipated or that our results will be as estimated.  Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update them. 

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.

For a description of certain factors that could cause our future results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, see Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 entitled "Risk Factors." Other factors not presently known to us or that we presently consider immaterial could also affect our business operations and financial results.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

As of September 30, 2017, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2017. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

We repurchase shares of Kimberly-Clark common stock from time to time pursuant to publicly announced share repurchase programs. All our share repurchases during the third quarter of 2017 were made through a broker in the open market.

The following table contains information for shares repurchased during the third quarter of 2017. None of the shares in this table were repurchased directly from any of our officers or directors.

Period (2017)	Total Number of Shares Purchased(a)	Average Price Paid Per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs	Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
July 1 to July 31	383,955	$	125.02	14,767,346	25,232,654
August 1 to August 31	665,100	121.90		15,432,446	24,567,554
September 1 to September 30	592,900	119.57		16,025,346	23,974,654
Total	1,641,955

(a) Share repurchases were made pursuant to a share repurchase program authorized by our Board of Directors on November 13, 2014. This program allows for the repurchase of 40 million shares in an amount not to exceed $5 billion.

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Item 6. Exhibits

(a) Exhibits

Exhibit No. (3)a. Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated April 30, 2009, incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. (3)a of the Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 1, 2009.

Exhibit No. (3)b. By-Laws, as amended December 14, 2015, incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. (3)b of the Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 14, 2015.

Exhibit No. (4). Copies of instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt will be furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission on request.

Exhibit No. (10)p. Severance Pay Plan, amended and restated, executed on September 14, 2017 and effective January 1, 2017, filed herewith.

Exhibit No. (31)a. Certification of Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), filed herewith.

Exhibit No. (31)b. Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act, filed herewith.

Exhibit No. (32)a. Certification of Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Exchange Act and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code, furnished herewith.

Exhibit No. (32)b. Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Exchange Act and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code, furnished herewith.

Exhibit No. (101).INS XBRL Instance Document

Exhibit No. (101).SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

Exhibit No. (101).CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

Exhibit No. (101).DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

Exhibit No. (101).LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

Exhibit No. (101).PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

	KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION
	(Registrant)
By:	/s/ Maria Henry
	Maria Henry
	Senior Vice President and
	Chief Financial Officer
	(principal financial officer)
By:	/s/ Michael T. Azbell
	Michael T. Azbell
	Vice President and Controller
	(principal accounting officer)

October 23, 2017

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