Kimberly-Clark (KMB) showed a steady Q1 performance amid volatile macros and Kenvue (KVUE) acquisition, RBC Capital Markets said in a note on Wednesday.

The report said the company topped organic sales and earnings per share expectations in the quarter.

"Share performance in the US and internationally signals strong fundamentals and that ongoing M&A activity (Suzano JV and KVUE acquisition) is not impacting execution," the note said.

Guidance was largely reiterated, and the firm pointed to potential inflation in H2 on rising oil prices, the note said, adding that new guidance will be issued if the Kenvue deal closes in H2.

"We continue to see more upside than downside to KMB," it said. RBC kept its outperform rating with a $162 price target.

Price: 96.96, Change: -1.48, Percent Change: -1.50