Kimberly-Clark reported sales of $4.5 billion in the first quarter of 2017, which were even with the year-ago period. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates increased sales by 1%. Organic sales were down 1%, as net selling prices fell more than 1%, while volumes rose approximately 1%.

In its personal care segment, first quarter sales of $2.3 billion increased 2%. Changes in currency rates benefited sales 2%. Volumes increased 2%, while net selling prices fell 2%. First quarter operating profit of $481 million increased 7%. The comparison benefited from volume growth, cost savings and favorable currency effects, partially offset by lower net selling prices and input cost inflation.

Sales in North America decreased 1% due to lower volumes. Total volumes in infant and child care were off low-single digits, as a mid-single digit decline in Huggies diapers was partially offset by a mid-single digit increase in child care. Baby wipes volumes increased mid-single digits, while feminine care volumes were down mid-single digits.

Sales in developing and emerging markets increased 9% including a 3 point benefit from favorable currency rates. Volumes increased 9%, while net selling prices were down 3%. The volume increase included gains in China, Eastern Europe and Latin America, led by Brazil. The decline in net selling prices was primarily in China and secondarily in Eastern Europe.

Sales in developed markets outside North America (Australia, South Korea and Western/Central Europe) decreased 8% despite a 1 point benefit from favorable currency rates. Net selling prices declined 5% and volumes fell 4%, with the changes mostly in South Korea.