In the third quarter of 2017, Essity’s net sales increased 7.7% compared with the corresponding period a year ago to SEK 27.1 billion ($3.2 billion). Organic sales, which exclude exchange rate effects, acquisitions and divestments, rose 1.8%, of which volume accounted for 2.2% and price/mix for -0.4%. Organic sales decreased 0.8% in mature markets and increased 6.8% in emerging markets. Emerging markets accounted for 34% of net sales. Exchange rate effects reduced net sales by 2.3%. The acquisition of BSN medical increased net sales by 8.2%.

In the personal care segment, third quarter net sales increased 24.9% to SEK 10.4 billion ($1.2 billion). Organic sales, which exclude exchange rate effects, acquisitions and divestments, increased 3%, of which volume accounted for 4.9% and price/mix for -1.9%. The closures of the Baby Care business in Mexico and the hygiene business in India negatively impacted organic sales by approximately 1%. Organic sales in mature markets increased by 1.9%. In emerging markets, which accounted for 36% of net sales, organic sales increased by 4.6%. The acquisition of BSN medical increased net sales by 24.7%. Exchange rate effects reduced net sales by 2.8%.

For Incontinence Products, under the globally leading TENA brand, organic sales increased 2.9%. Growth is mainly related to emerging markets and North America. In Europe, sales grew driven by favorable growth in the retail sector, while sales to the healthcare sector were in line with the preceding year. For Baby Care, sales increased by 0.1%. The increase was mainly the result of higher sales in Europe. The closures of the Baby Care businesses in Mexico and India had a negative impact on sales. For Feminine Care, organic sales increased by 5.2%, mainly related to Latin America.