Kimberly-Clark’s sales of $4.7 billion in the first quarter of 2018 were up 5% compared to the year-ago period. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates benefited sales by 3%. Organic sales improved 2%, as volumes increased 3% while net selling prices were down 1%. In North America, organic sales increased 3% in consumer products and 2% in K-C Professional. Outside North America, organic sales rose 2% in developed markets and 1% in developing and emerging markets.

Personal Care Segment first quarter sales of $2.3 billion were up 3%. Changes in currency rates and last year’s acquisition of the company’s joint venture in India benefited sales by 2% and 1%, respectively. Volumes and product mix each improved 1%, while net selling prices fell 2%. First quarter operating profit of $470 million decreased 3%. The comparison was impacted by input cost inflation and lower net selling prices. Results benefited from cost savings, reduced marketing, research and general spending, volume growth and favorable currency effects.

Sales in North America improved 1%. Volumes increased 3%, while net selling prices declined 2%, including higher promotion spending in the baby care and adult care categories. Volumes were up mid-single digits in child care and low-single digits in both Huggies diapers and adult care.

Sales in developing and emerging markets increased 3%. The acquisition of the company’s joint venture in India benefited sales by 2% and currency rates were favorable by 1%. Product mix improved 2% and volumes increased 1%, while net selling prices were down 3%. Volumes increased in Eastern Europe and Latin America, but fell in China.

Sales in developed markets outside North America (Australia, South Korea and Western/Central Europe) increased 6%, including an 8 point benefit from favorable currency rates. Volumes were down 4%, driven by South Korea. The combined impact of changes in net selling prices and product mix benefited sales by 2%.