Kenvue Acquisition Progress Significant Amid Stock Fluctuations
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 12 2026
0mins
Should l Buy KVUE?
Source: Benzinga
- Acquisition Progress: Kenvue's acquisition proposal with Kimberly-Clark received overwhelming support from approximately 99% of shareholders, with the transaction expected to close in the second half of 2026, marking a significant step towards creating a global health and wellness leader and enhancing market competitiveness.
- Stock Fluctuations: Kenvue shares fell 0.32% to $18.48 during Thursday's premarket trading, reflecting short-term strength despite an 11.55% decline over the past 12 months, indicating market uncertainty.
- Financial Outlook: Kenvue is set to report earnings on February 17, 2026, with an estimated EPS of 22 cents and revenue of $3.70 billion, showing revenue growth but a decline in EPS from the previous year, highlighting profitability pressures.
- Analyst Ratings: The stock currently holds a Hold rating with an average price target of $20.18, and recent downgrades from Jefferies and Canaccord Genuity indicate a cautious market outlook regarding its future performance.
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Analyst Views on KVUE
Wall Street analysts forecast KVUE stock price to fall
8 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
7 Hold
0 Sell
Hold
Current: 18.880
Low
17.00
Averages
18.86
High
23.00
Current: 18.880
Low
17.00
Averages
18.86
High
23.00
About KVUE
Kenvue Inc. is a consumer health company. The Company’s differentiated portfolio of brands includes Tylenol, Neutrogena, Listerine, Johnson’s, BAND-AID, Aveeno, Zyrtec, and Nicorette. It operates through three segments: Self Care, Skin Health and Beauty, and Essential Health. Its Self Care product categories include pain care; cough, cold, and allergy; digestive health; smoking cessation; eye care; and other products. Self Care segments include brands such as Tylenol, Motrin, Nicorette, Benadryl, Zyrtec, Zarbee’s, ORSLTM, Rhinocort, and Calpol. The Skin Health and Beauty segment is focused on face and body care, as well as hair, sun, and other products. The Essential Health segment includes oral care, baby care, women’s health, wound care, and other products. Its portfolio includes Self Care, Skin Health and Beauty, and Essential Health products which connect with consumers across North America, Asia Pacific (APAC), Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), and Latin America (LATAM).
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Price Target Increases: Following the earnings report, several analysts raised Kenvue's stock price targets to the $18-$20 range, reflecting optimistic market sentiment and contributing to the stock's upward movement.
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- Earnings Beat: Kenvue reported Q4 adjusted EPS of $0.27, surpassing the $0.22 estimate, with revenue of $3.78 billion reflecting a 3.2% year-over-year increase, indicating robust growth in the consumer health sector.
- Price Target Increases: Following the earnings report, several analysts raised Kenvue's stock price targets to the $18-$20 range, reflecting optimistic market sentiment and contributing to the stock's upward movement.
- Acquisition Restructuring: Kenvue entered a definitive merger agreement with Kimberly-Clark for approximately $48.7 billion in cash and stock, planning a global restructuring that includes a 3.5% workforce reduction and an anticipated $250 million in pre-tax charges by 2026, which will impact operational dynamics.
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See More
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- Strong Earnings Beat: Kenvue reported Q4 adjusted EPS of $0.27, surpassing the $0.22 estimate, with revenue of $3.78 billion reflecting a 3.2% year-over-year increase, indicating robust performance in the consumer health sector.
- Price Target Increases: Following the earnings report, several analysts raised Kenvue's stock price targets to the $18-$20 range, reflecting optimistic market sentiment regarding the company's growth potential, which may further boost investor confidence.
- Acquisition Progress: Kenvue has entered into a definitive merger agreement with Kimberly-Clark for approximately $48.7 billion in cash and stock, expected to close in the second half of 2026, which will reshape the company's market position and drive long-term growth.
- Restructuring Plans: In conjunction with the acquisition, Kenvue announced a global restructuring plan that includes a 3.5% workforce reduction and an anticipated $250 million in pre-tax charges for 2026, which will impact short-term financial performance but aims to enhance long-term operational efficiency.
See More
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- Policy Advocacy: FDA Commissioner Marty Makary stated in Washington that the agency plans to push for more prescription drugs to become over-the-counter (OTC) this year, aiming to improve drug accessibility and reduce healthcare costs, which could allow patients to obtain basic safe medications without a doctor's visit.
- Regulatory Streamlining: Legislation passed by Congress in November simplifies the regulatory process for transitioning prescription drugs to OTC status, including full, conditional, and partial switch pathways, which is expected to accelerate drug availability and enhance patient convenience in medication access.
- Increased Transparency: Makary emphasized that OTC sales would bypass insurers and pharmacy benefit managers, potentially lowering drug prices and increasing transparency, with cash prices for OTC medications possibly being lower than patients' copays for prescription drugs, thereby alleviating financial burdens on patients.
- Industry Pushback: The pharmaceutical industry has raised concerns about this policy, arguing that OTC drugs may not be covered by insurance, leading to higher costs for patients, and that the FDA lacks authority over drug pricing, necessitating thorough consultations with manufacturers before any transitions.
See More
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See More
Kenvue Q4 Earnings Exceed Expectations
- Earnings Beat: Kenvue reported a Q4 non-GAAP EPS of $0.27, surpassing expectations by $0.05, indicating strong profitability that may boost investor confidence.
- Significant Revenue Growth: The company achieved Q4 revenue of $3.78 billion, a 3.3% year-over-year increase, exceeding expectations by $90 million, reflecting its competitive position and sustained product demand in the market.
- Net Sales Increase: Net sales rose 3.2% compared to the prior year, driven by organic sales growth of 1.2% and a foreign currency benefit of 2.1%, showcasing Kenvue's adaptability and profit potential in global markets.
- Optimistic Merger Outlook: With the Kenvue and Kimberly-Clark merger nearing completion, the combined financials are expected to create greater shareholder value, further solidifying their leadership in the household products market.
See More
