07.25.17
Kimberly-Clark’s sales of $4.6 billion in the second quarter of 2017 were down 1% compared to the year-ago period. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates had no overall effect on sales. Organic sales were down 1% due to lower net selling prices.
Second quarter sales of $2.3 billion were down slightly. Net selling prices fell 1 percent, while product mix improved about 1 percent. Second quarter operating profit of $467 million increased 3 percent. The comparison benefited from cost savings, partially offset by lower net selling prices and input cost inflation.
In the Personal Care segment, sales in North America decreased 1%. Volumes were down 1% compared to 8% growth in the base period that included benefits from innovations and promotion activity. Volumes in 2017 were also impacted by competitive activity. Total volumes in infant and child care were off mid-single digits due to lower Huggies diaper volumes. Baby wipes volumes increased mid-single digits and adult care volumes rose low-single digits.
Sales in developing and emerging markets increased 3% including a 1 point benefit from favorable currency rates. Volumes increased 4% and product mix improved 1%, while net selling prices were down about 2%. The volume increase included gains in China, Eastern Europe and Latin America. The decline in net selling prices was mostly in China and Eastern Europe.
Sales in developed markets outside North America (Australia, South Korea and Western/Central Europe) decreased 7%. Volumes fell 5% and net selling prices were down 3%, while product mix improved approximately 2%. The changes mostly occurred in South Korea.
Second quarter sales of $2.3 billion were down slightly. Net selling prices fell 1 percent, while product mix improved about 1 percent. Second quarter operating profit of $467 million increased 3 percent. The comparison benefited from cost savings, partially offset by lower net selling prices and input cost inflation.
In the Personal Care segment, sales in North America decreased 1%. Volumes were down 1% compared to 8% growth in the base period that included benefits from innovations and promotion activity. Volumes in 2017 were also impacted by competitive activity. Total volumes in infant and child care were off mid-single digits due to lower Huggies diaper volumes. Baby wipes volumes increased mid-single digits and adult care volumes rose low-single digits.
Sales in developing and emerging markets increased 3% including a 1 point benefit from favorable currency rates. Volumes increased 4% and product mix improved 1%, while net selling prices were down about 2%. The volume increase included gains in China, Eastern Europe and Latin America. The decline in net selling prices was mostly in China and Eastern Europe.
Sales in developed markets outside North America (Australia, South Korea and Western/Central Europe) decreased 7%. Volumes fell 5% and net selling prices were down 3%, while product mix improved approximately 2%. The changes mostly occurred in South Korea.