Kimberly-Clark’s sales of $4.7 billion in the second quarter of 2021 increased 2% versus the prior year. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates increased sales 3% and the net impact of the Softex Indonesia acquisition and exited businesses in conjunction with the 2018 Global Restructuring Program increased sales 2%. Organic sales decreased 3% as volumes declined 4% while the combined impact of changes in net selling prices and product mix increased sales approximately 1%.

In North America, organic sales decreased 11% in consumer products and 4% in K-C Professional. Volumes in North America, particularly consumer tissue, were negatively impacted by consumer and retailer destocking following the stock up that occurred in prior periods related to the global outbreak of Covid-19. Outside North America, organic sales were up 9% in developing and emerging (D&E) markets and up 1% in developed markets.

In the Personal Care segment, second quarter sales of $2.5 billion increased 13%. The net impact of the Softex Indonesia acquisition and exited businesses in conjunction with the 2018 Global Restructuring Program increased sales 4% while changes in currency rates increased sales 3%. Volumes increased 4% while product mix improved 2%. Second quarter operating profit of $454 million decreased 13%. Results were impacted by input cost inflation and higher other manufacturing cost increases while the comparison benefited from organic sales growth and cost savings.

Sales in North America increased 2%. Product mix improved 2%, driven by baby and child care, and changes in currency rates increased sales 1%. Exited business related to the 2018 Global Restructuring program reduced sales 1%.

Sales in D&E markets increased 24%. The Softex Indonesia acquisition increased sales by 14% while changes in currency rates increased sales 2%. Volumes rose 6% and the combined impact of changes in net selling prices and product mix increased sales 2%. Organic sales increased in Argentina, Brazil, China, India and throughout the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe region but declined in ASEAN and most of the rest of Latin America.