Kimberly-Clark reported sales of $4.5 billion in the fourth quarter of 2016, even with the year-ago period. Organic sales were up 1%, as volumes increased 2%, while the combined impact of changes in net selling prices and product mix reduced sales by 1%. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates lowered sales 1%.

In the personal care segment, fourth quarter sales of $2.2 billion increased 1%. Volumes increased 3%, while the combined impact of changes in net selling prices and product mix reduced sales 1%. Changes in currency rates reduced sales 1%. Fourth quarter operating profit of $495 million increased 5%. The comparison benefited from cost savings, partially offset by manufacturing-related cost increases and unfavorable currency effects.

Sales in North America increased 1%. Volumes were up 2%, while net selling prices were off 1%. Child care and adult volumes each rose high-single digits, with benefits from category growth and innovations launched in the last 12 months. Baby wipes volumes increased mid-single digits and market shares improved. Huggies diaper volumes were down high-single digits compared to mid-single digit growth in the year-ago period, as comparisons were impacted by the timing of promotion shipments and lower category demand.

Sales in developing and emerging markets increased approximately 1% despite a 4 point drag from unfavorable currency rates. Volumes increased 5%, while the combined impact of changes in net selling prices and product mix reduced sales 1%. The volume increase included gains in China, Eastern Europe and Central America, while volumes declined in Argentina and Brazil. Net selling prices increased in Latin America, primarily in Argentina, but decreased in China.

Sales in developed markets outside North America (Australia, South Korea and Western/Central Europe) increased 1% due to favorable currency rates.