Kenvue Inc. saw its shares advance modestly in extended trading on Monday, gaining 0.2% to $18.18. The stock had closed the regular session at $18.14, after moving between $17.99 and $18.20. Trading volume was substantial at approximately 91.5 million shares.
The consumer health products firm is scheduled to release its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 financial results after the market closes on February 17. Notably, the company will not hold its customary quarterly earnings call, citing its ongoing acquisition by Kimberly-Clark.
Shareholders overwhelmingly approved the merger agreement on January 29, with roughly 1.49 billion votes cast in favor and only 7.5 million opposed. In a recent communication, Kimberly-Clark CEO Mike Hsu indicated the transaction is expected to be finalized in the latter half of 2026, pending regulatory clearances and other customary closing conditions.
While broader equity markets posted gains on Monday, with the S&P 500 up 0.5% and the Nasdaq rising 0.9%, Kenvue's stock showed little movement during the main trading session. The company's portfolio includes well-known brands such as Tylenol, Neutrogena, and Listerine across self-care, skin health, and essential health categories.
With no management commentary accompanying the upcoming results, investors are likely to scrutinize the earnings release for any shifts in business performance, including demand trends, margin pressure, or marketing expenses. The significant daily trading volume has led some market participants to speculate that activity is being driven by views on the merger's progression rather than fundamental changes in the underlying business.
Proxy advisory firm Institutional Shareholder Services has endorsed the transaction but highlighted potential risks, including ongoing litigation related to talc-based baby powder and regulatory scrutiny surrounding Tylenol's active ingredient. The firm concluded that, on balance, support for the deal is warranted.
Attention now turns to the February 17 earnings report. Market watchers will be looking for any updates from the company regarding the regulatory approval process or the anticipated closing timeline for the merger.
