01.25.16
Kimberly-Clark’s fourth quarter 2015 net sales of $4.5 billion decreased 6% compared to the year-ago period, as changes in foreign currency exchange rates reduced sales 11%. Organic sales rose 5%, including a 9% increase in developing and emerging markets.
In the Personal Care segment, fourth quarter sales of $2.2 billion decreased 4%. Currency rates were unfavorable by 12%. Volumes increased 6% and net selling prices and product mix were each favorable by 1%. Fourth quarter operating profit of $473 million increased 15%. The comparison benefited from organic sales growth, cost savings and lower input and other manufacturing-related costs, partially offset by unfavorable currency effects and increased marketing, research and general spending on a local currency basis.
Sales in North America increased 4%. Volumes improved 5%, while currency was unfavorable by 1%. Volumes were up double-digits in adult care, with benefits from category growth and market share gains. Volumes on Huggies diapers rose mid-single digits compared to a 10% decline in the year-ago period and included benefits from innovation and increased promotion support. Child care and feminine care volumes were each up low-single digits, while Huggies baby wipes volumes were off double-digits compared to strong double-digit growth in the prior year.
Sales in developing and emerging markets decreased nearly 12%, including a negative impact from changes in currency rates of more than 23%. Volumes increased 6% and the combined impact of higher net selling prices and changes in product mix improved sales 6%. The volume growth included gains in China and most of Latin America, led by Brazil. 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 9%, including a 12 point drag from unfavorable currency rates. Volumes rose 4%, driven by Australia, while the combined impact of changes in net selling prices and product mix reduced sales 1%.
In the Personal Care segment, fourth quarter sales of $2.2 billion decreased 4%. Currency rates were unfavorable by 12%. Volumes increased 6% and net selling prices and product mix were each favorable by 1%. Fourth quarter operating profit of $473 million increased 15%. The comparison benefited from organic sales growth, cost savings and lower input and other manufacturing-related costs, partially offset by unfavorable currency effects and increased marketing, research and general spending on a local currency basis.
Sales in North America increased 4%. Volumes improved 5%, while currency was unfavorable by 1%. Volumes were up double-digits in adult care, with benefits from category growth and market share gains. Volumes on Huggies diapers rose mid-single digits compared to a 10% decline in the year-ago period and included benefits from innovation and increased promotion support. Child care and feminine care volumes were each up low-single digits, while Huggies baby wipes volumes were off double-digits compared to strong double-digit growth in the prior year.
Sales in developing and emerging markets decreased nearly 12%, including a negative impact from changes in currency rates of more than 23%. Volumes increased 6% and the combined impact of higher net selling prices and changes in product mix improved sales 6%. The volume growth included gains in China and most of Latin America, led by Brazil. 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 9%, including a 12 point drag from unfavorable currency rates. Volumes rose 4%, driven by Australia, while the combined impact of changes in net selling prices and product mix reduced sales 1%.