Kimberly-Clark’s fourth quarter sales of $4.9 billion were down 0.8%, with organic sales up 2.3%, driven by the highest quarterly volume growth of the year at 1.5%, a 0.6% increase in price from ongoing revenue growth management programs and a 0.1% contribution from favorable product mix. All segments grew in volume in the quarter. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates reduced sales by approximately 1.7% and the divestiture of the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) business reduced sales by approximately 1.4%.

For 2024, net sales of $20.1 billion were 1.8% lower than the prior year due to negative impacts of approximately 3.8% from foreign currency translation and 1.2% from divestitures. Organic sales grew 3.2%, driven by an approximately 1.9% increase in price, primarily in hyperinflationary economies, a 0.8% increase in volume and a 0.4% benefit from favorable product mix.

“2024 was a breakthrough year for Kimberly-Clark with the launch of our transformative, multi-year Powering Care strategy and successfully rewiring our organization into three powerhouse segments with world-class functional support,” says Kimberly-Clark chairman and CEO Mike Hsu. “Our full-year results exceeded our new long-term growth algorithm – supported by consistent execution across the organization – and we established a strong foundation to accelerate our strategy in 2025 and beyond.”

“We delivered organic top-line growth with an upward inflection in volume-plus-mix. This, coupled with improved productivity, has driven strong adjusted profit growth and fueled investments to advance our competitive advantage.” Hsu continues. “We’re excited about this new chapter of Kimberly-Clark, and we look forward to building on our momentum and enhancing value for all stakeholders.”

North America net sales of $2.7 billion decreased 0.5% in the fourth quarter, with organic sales increasing 1.1% that were primarily driven by volume growth of 1.9%.

Full-year (FY) net sales of $11 billion were essentially flat versus the prior year with organic sales growing 1.1% driven by balanced contributions from volume and mix. Growth was driven by Adult Care and Baby and Child Care with innovation and strong commercial execution driving share gains in both the fourth quarter and full year.

International Personal Care (IPC) net sales of $1.4 billion decreased 1.3% in the quarter, while organic sales were up 5.3% reflecting price gains of 4.1% and a volume increase of 0.9%. Pricing in the quarter was driven primarily by hyperinflationary economies while volume growth was driven by double-digit volume growth in China.

FY net sales of $5.7 billion decreased 3.1% while organic sales grew 9.2% reflecting pricing in hyperinflationary economies, volume growth driven by double-digit volume growth in China, as well as gains from product mix versus the prior year.

International Family Care & Professional (IFP) net sales of $831 million decreased 1.2% in the quarter, while organic sales increased 0.7% with volume growing 1% offset by negative price of 0.5%. Volume growth was driven by growth in Family Care in Western & Central Europe and Australia.

FY net sales of $3.3 billion decreased 5.9% primarily driven by a 4.4% impact from divestitures and business exits. Organic sales were broadly flat versus the prior year with volume growth of 1.5% offset by negative price of 2% which was driven by lapping of temporary energy-related surcharges in Europe.