Apr 25, 2011. /Lesprom Network/. Kimberly-Clark Corporation reported 1Q 2011 results and updated its expectations for full-year 2011 adjusted earnings per share and related key planning assumptions. Total company sales of $5 billion increased 4% compared with the 1Q 2010, as Kimberly-Clark said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. Organic sales rose more than 2%, driven by increased sales volumes of approximately 2% and higher net selling prices of about 1%. Volumes benefited from product innovations and targeted growth initiatives, while overall performance was negatively impacted by declines in Venezuela and continued soft demand in portions of the North American market. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates increased sales by about 2%. Operating profit was $544 million in the 1Q 2011, down 18% from $665 million in 2010. Adjusted operating profit was $658 million in the 1Q 2011, down 14% from $763 million in 2010. Adjusted results in 2011 exclude $82 million of costs for the pulp and tissue restructuring and a $32 million non-deductible charge due to a legislative change in the assessment of a business tax in Colombia, while adjusted results in 2010 exclude a $98 million loss for the remeasurement of the local currency balance sheet in Venezuela. Adjusted operating profit comparisons benefited from sales growth and $60 million in cost savings from the company's FORCE (Focused On Reducing Costs Everywhere) program. Meanwhile, inflation in key cost inputs amounted to approximately $195 million overall versus 2010, including $80 million in higher fiber costs, $95 million for raw materials other than fiber, primarily polymer resin and other oil-based materials, $10 million in distribution costs and $10 million for energy. In addition, lower production volumes in 2011 as a result of production curtailment to manage inventory levels adversely affected operating profit comparisons by approximately $25 million. Other (income) and expense, net was $2 million of income in the 1Q 2011. Prior year other (income) and expense, net was $101 million of expense, which included $79 million of the charge for the balance sheet remeasurement in Venezuela and more than $20 million of foreign currency transaction losses. Chairman and CEO Thomas J. Falk said, "We continue to execute our Global Business Plan strategies in a difficult environment. We grew organic sales in the first quarter in line with our full-year plan, as we continue to benefit from innovation and targeted growth initiatives. We are gaining market share in several businesses, and we are launching a number of product innovations to further improve our brands. We also continue to deliver significant ongoing cost savings and allocate capital in shareholder friendly ways, with first quarter share repurchases and dividend payments totaling more than $1.1 billion." Kimberly-Clark is an American corporation that produces mostly paper-based consumer products.