07.29.15
Kimberly-Clark’s sales of $4.6 billion in the second quarter of 2015 were down 6% compared to the year-ago period. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates reduced sales 10% as a result of the weakening of most currencies relative to the U.S. dollar. Organic sales rose 4%, as volumes increased 3% and product mix/other was favorable by 1%.
In the personal care segment, second quarter sales of $2.3 billion decreased 6%. Currency rates were unfavorable by more than 10%. Volumes increased 3% and net selling prices and product mix each improved 1%. Second quarter operating profit of $473 million increased 4%. The comparison benefited from organic sales growth, cost savings and lower input costs, partially offset by unfavorable effects from changes in currency rates.
Sales in North America decreased 2%. Currency was unfavorable 1% and the combined impact of changes in net selling prices and product mix reduced sales 1%. Huggies baby wipes volumes rose double digits, including benefits from innovation and market share gains. Volumes in adult care, child care and Huggies diapers were all down slightly. Feminine care volumes were off high-single digits compared to mid-single digit growth in the year-ago period, with market shares down slightly.
Sales in developing and emerging markets decreased 7%, including a 20% negative impact from changes in currency rates. Volumes increased 7%, net selling prices improved 5% and product mix advanced 1%. The volume growth included gains in China and most of Latin America, led by Argentina, Brazil and Peru. The higher net selling prices were driven by increases in Eastern Europe and Latin America in response to weaker currency rates.
Sales in developed markets outside North America (Australia, South Korea and Western/Central Europe) decreased 12%. Currency rates were unfavorable by 11% and net selling prices and volumes were both down slightly.
In the personal care segment, second quarter sales of $2.3 billion decreased 6%. Currency rates were unfavorable by more than 10%. Volumes increased 3% and net selling prices and product mix each improved 1%. Second quarter operating profit of $473 million increased 4%. The comparison benefited from organic sales growth, cost savings and lower input costs, partially offset by unfavorable effects from changes in currency rates.
Sales in North America decreased 2%. Currency was unfavorable 1% and the combined impact of changes in net selling prices and product mix reduced sales 1%. Huggies baby wipes volumes rose double digits, including benefits from innovation and market share gains. Volumes in adult care, child care and Huggies diapers were all down slightly. Feminine care volumes were off high-single digits compared to mid-single digit growth in the year-ago period, with market shares down slightly.
Sales in developing and emerging markets decreased 7%, including a 20% negative impact from changes in currency rates. Volumes increased 7%, net selling prices improved 5% and product mix advanced 1%. The volume growth included gains in China and most of Latin America, led by Argentina, Brazil and Peru. The higher net selling prices were driven by increases in Eastern Europe and Latin America in response to weaker currency rates.
Sales in developed markets outside North America (Australia, South Korea and Western/Central Europe) decreased 12%. Currency rates were unfavorable by 11% and net selling prices and volumes were both down slightly.