A global economy on the mend means better days are ahead for Kimberly-Clark Corp. (NYSE: KMB), hence I'm reiterating my Buy rating for the company, first recommended on June 22, 2009 at a price of $51.06. If you bought KMB's shares then, you're up about 16%.

Evidence is mounting that the global economy, particularly in emerging markets, is starting to gain traction, and global consumer products giant Kimberly, with a presence in more than 150 countries, is poised to benefit. Institutional Investors have sensed this, and have bid-up KMB's shares since March.

Generally, an investment strategy that focuses the total average annual return on equity over longer time periods tends to avoid an evaluation of companies that are about to or that have recently reported quarterly earnings. But there are exceptions, and International Paper (NYSE: IP) is one.

International Paper Friday reported unspectacular Q3 EPS of 57 cents compared to the Reuters consensus estimate of 57 cents. IP also reported Q3 revenue of $5.54 billion versus the Reuters consensus estimate of $5.36 billion. In other words, IP's performance barely met the Wall Street's expectations, and the Street was not overjoyed, with IP's shares declining 68 cents to $35.39 in Friday afternoon trading.

Still, the IP investment thesis remains largely intact. A restructuring has re-aligned its product mix and cut costs, while balance sheet improvements mean the company can more-quickly make investments in faster-growth regions. Further, while domestic free sheet (used in copiers, envelopes, forms) and linerboard (used in corrugated boxes) demand is expected to remain soft in 2008, international demand should grow at an acceptable rate.