Jan 25, 2011. /Lesprom Network/. Kimberly-Clark Corporation reported year-end 2010 earnings in line with its previous expectations and provided guidance for growth in 2011 adjusted earnings per share consistent with its long-term Global Business Plan target. The company also announced a series of actions to further enhance shareholder value, including the 39th consecutive annual increase in the company's dividend, a pulp and tissue restructuring, and a plan to repurchase a significant amount of company stock in 2011, partially funded by incremental debt financing. 4Q sales of $5.1 billion increased 2% compared with the 4Q 2009. Organic sales rose 3%, driven by higher net selling prices of 2% and improved product mix of 1% , while overall sales volumes were even with year-ago levels. Volumes benefited from product innovations and targeted growth initiatives, while overall performance was negatively impacted by declines in Venezuela that reduced overall company volumes by 1% and the difficult economic environment in developed markets. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates reduced sales by 1%. Operating profit was $699 million in the 4Q 2010, down 3% from $717 million in 2009. Comparisons benefited from organic sales growth and $90 million in cost savings from the company's FORCE (Focused On Reducing Costs Everywhere) program. In addition, pension expense fell $20 million, as expected, with a majority of the decrease reflected in cost of sales. Meanwhile, inflation in key cost inputs amounted to $220 million overall versus 2009, including $130 million in higher fiber costs, $75 million for raw materials other than fiber, primarily polymer resin and other oil-based materials, $10 million in distribution costs and $5 million for energy. In addition, lower production volumes as a result of production curtailment to manage inventory levels adversely affected fourth quarter operating profit comparisons by $20 million. Other (income) and expense, net was $8 million of income in the fourth quarter of 2010, driven by foreign currency transaction gains. Prior year other (income) and expense, net was $25 million of income, which included favorable settlement of value-added tax matters. The company's effective tax rate for the 4Q 2010 was 26.7% compared to 28% in the year-ago period. The full-year 2010 adjusted effective tax rate, which excludes the effects of the balance sheet remeasurement in Venezuela, was 29.8%, in line with the company's target for a rate between 29 and 31%. For the full-year of 2010, sales of $19.7 billion increased 3%. Organic sales rose 2%, including higher net selling prices of 1% and benefits from higher sales volumes and improved product mix.