Kimberly-Clark’s sales of $4.8 billion in the fourth quarter of 2020 increased 6% compared to the year-ago period. Organic sales rose 5% and the Softex Indonesia acquisition increased sales by approximately 2%, while changes in foreign currency exchange rates reduced sales 1%. Net selling prices increased approximately 3%, volumes increased 2% and product mix was slightly favorable. In North America, organic sales increased 11% in consumer products but fell 7% in K-C Professional. Outside North America, organic sales rose 3% in developing and emerging (D&E) markets and 2% in developed markets.

In the Personal Care Segment, fourth quarter sales of $2.3 billion increased 5%. Volumes increased 3% and net selling prices and product mix each improved 1%. The Softex Indonesia acquisition increased sales 3% while changes in currency rates reduced sales by 3%. Fourth quarter operating profit of $401 million decreased 10%. Results were impacted by unfavorable currency effects, other manufacturing cost increases, higher advertising spending, increased general and administrative costs and input cost inflation. The comparison benefited from organic sales growth and cost savings.
Sales in North America increased 3% driven by baby and child care. Volumes increased 2 percent and net selling prices rose 1%.

Sales in D&E markets increased 7%. The Softex Indonesia acquisition increased sales by 8% while changes in currency rates reduced sales 9%.  Volumes rose 4%, including increases in Brazil, China, Eastern Europe, India and South Africa. Product mix improved more than 2% and net selling prices increased 1%.

Sales in developed markets outside North America (Australia, South Korea and Western/Central Europe) increased 6%. Changes in currency rates increased sales 5%. Volumes rose 2% while the combined impact of changes in net selling prices and product mix reduced sales by 1%.

For the Full Year 2020, sales of $19.1 billion increased 4%. Organic sales increased 6%, as volumes rose 4% and net selling prices and product mix each improved 1%. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates reduced sales by 2%. The net impact of the Softex Indonesia acquisition and business exits in conjunction with the 2018 Global Restructuring Program increased sales slightly.