Kimberly-Clark’s sales of $4.6 billion in the first quarter of 2019 were down 2% compared to the year-ago period. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates reduced sales by 5%. Organic sales increased 3%. Net selling prices rose approximately 4% and product mix improved 1%, while volumes fell about 2%. In North America, organic sales increased 1% in both consumer products and K-C Professional. Outside North America, organic sales rose 7% in developing and emerging markets and 1% in developed markets.

In the Personal Care Segment, first quarter sales of $2.3 billion decreased 1%. Changes in currency rates reduced sales by 6%. Net selling prices increased approximately 2%, volumes rose 1% and product mix improved 1%. First quarter operating profit of $484 million increased 3%. The comparison benefited from organic sales growth and cost savings, while results were impacted by unfavorable currency effects, input cost inflation and increased advertising spending.

Sales in North America increased 3% driven by higher volumes. Volumes were up high-single digits in adult care, including benefits from category growth, innovations and increased marketing support. Volumes increased low-single digits in baby and child care.

Sales in developing and emerging markets decreased 5%. Currency rates were unfavorable by 13%, including significant declines in Latin America. Net selling prices rose 8% and product mix improved 2%, while volumes fell 2%. The higher net selling prices were primarily in Latin America and secondarily in the Middle East/Eastern Europe/Africa, partially offset by decreases in China. The lower volumes included declines in China and Argentina, and increases in Eastern Europe and ASEAN.

Sales in developed markets outside North America (Australia, South Korea and Western/Central Europe) decreased 6%, including a 6 point negative impact from changes in currency rates. Net selling prices fell 3% while volumes were up 2%.