Kimberly-Clark (KMB) vs Smurfit WestRock (SW)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Smurfit WestRock (SW) has outperformed Kimberly-Clark (KMB) over the past year, gaining 0.3% versus a loss of 21.1%. Over five years, SW leads with a -24.8% price change compared with -27.6% for KMB. Kimberly-Clark is the larger company by market cap ($32.49 billion vs $21.71 billion), about 1.5 times the size, while Smurfit WestRock is growing revenue faster (+47.7% vs -2.1%).
On valuation, Smurfit WestRock trades at a lower forward P/E (12.1x vs 13.1x for Kimberly-Clark). Kimberly-Clark offers the higher dividend yield (5.20% vs 4.27%). Kimberly-Clark converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 12.3% versus 2.2%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | KMB | SW |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $97.69 | $41.39 |
| Market cap | $32.49B | $21.71B |
| 1-day change | +1.25% | +0.24% |
| YTD return | -4.37% | +6.78% |
| 1-year return | -21.13% | +0.27% |
| 5-year return | -27.64% | -24.82% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 19.27 | 43.57 |
| Forward P/E | 13.08 | 12.05 |
| EPS (TTM) | $5.07 | $0.95 |
| Dividend yield | 5.20% | 4.27% |
| Annual dividend | $5.08 | $1.77 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $16.45B | $31.18B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | -2.13% | +47.70% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $2.02B | $699.00M |
| Gross margin | 36.01% | 19.38% |
| Operating margin | 14.29% | 5.51% |
| Net margin | 12.29% | 2.24% |
| 52-week high | $123.09 | $52.65 |
| 52-week low | $92.42 | $32.73 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -20.64% | -21.39% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +18.61% | +37.04% |
| Average volume | 3.88M | 4.62M |
| Shares outstanding | 332.58M | 524.52M |
| Employees | 36,000 | 96,000 |
| Sector | Consumer Discretionary | Consumer Discretionary |
| Industry | Containers/Packaging | Containers/Packaging |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- SW has outperformed KMB by 21.4 percentage points over the past year.
- Smurfit WestRock trades at a higher earnings multiple (43.6x vs 19.3x trailing P/E).
- Kimberly-Clark is more profitable, keeping 12.3 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 2.2 cents for Smurfit WestRock.
- Smurfit WestRock grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+47.70% vs -2.13%).
About Kimberly-Clark
KMB stock →Kimberly-Clark Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and markets personal care products in the United States. It operates in two segments, North America and International Personal Care.
Consumer Discretionary · Containers/Packaging · 36,000 employees
About Smurfit WestRock
SW stock →Smurfit Westrock Plc, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, distributes, and sells containerboard, corrugated containers, and other paper-based packaging products in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and internationally. The company produces containerboard and paperboard; packaging of corrugated containers; consumer packaging; and offers solid board, kraft paper, and graphic board, as well as other packaging products, such as solidboard packaging, paper sacks and bag-in-box.
Consumer Discretionary · Containers/Packaging · 96,000 employees
KMB vs SW FAQ
Which is bigger, Kimberly-Clark or Smurfit WestRock?
Kimberly-Clark (KMB) is larger, with a market capitalization of $32.49B compared with $21.71B for Smurfit WestRock (SW).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, KMB or SW?
SW returned +0.27% over the past 12 months, compared with -21.13% for KMB (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, KMB or SW?
KMB has the lower trailing P/E at 19.3, versus 43.6 for SW. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Kimberly-Clark or Smurfit WestRock?
Kimberly-Clark has the higher yield at 5.20%, compared with 4.27% for Smurfit WestRock.
Are Kimberly-Clark and Smurfit WestRock in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Containers/Packaging industry within the Consumer Discretionary sector.