Kimberly-Clark Corporation's sales of $4.6 billion in the 4Q 2017 were up 1%, compared to the year-ago period, as the company said in the press release received by Lesprom Network.
4Q operating profit was $812 million in 2017 and $839million in 2016. 4Q adjusted operating profit was $836 million in 2017 and $859 million in 2016. The year-over-year comparison was impacted by lower net selling prices and $130 million of higher input costs, driven by increases in pulp and other raw materials.
FY 2017 sales of $18.3 billion were up slightly compared to the year-ago period. Operating profit was $3,299 million in 2017 and $3,317 million in 2016. Adjusted operating profit was $3,323 million in 2017 and $3,341 million in 2016.
Diluted net income per share was $6.40 in 2017 and $5.99 in 2016. Adjusted earnings per share of $6.23 in 2017 increased 3% compared to $6.03 in 2016.
Chairman and CEO Thomas J. Falk said, "In 2017, we delivered bottom-line growth in a challenging environment. We also achieved all-time record FORCE cost savings of $450 million and reduced discretionary spending to help offset inflationary cost headwinds. In addition, we returned $2.3 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases."
Kimberly-Clark Corporation is an American multinational personal care corporation that produces mostly paper-based consumer products.
