Jan 25, 2013. /Lesprom Network/. Kimberly-Clark Corporation reported year-end 2012 results and provided its 2013 outlook and related key planning assumptions. Sales of $5.3 billion in the 4Q 2012 were up 3% compared to the year-ago period, as the company said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. Organic sales rose 5%, with increased sales volumes of 3% and higher net selling prices of 2%. Changes in foreign currency rates and lost sales from exiting non-strategic products in conjunction with pulp and tissue restructuring actions each reduced sales by 1%. Operating profit was $449 million in the 4Q 2012, down 27% from $611 million in 2011. Adjusted operating profit was $798 million in the 4Q 2012, up 5% compared to $759 million in the year-ago period. Adjusted results exclude costs for pulp and tissue restructuring actions of $50 million in 2012 and $148 million in 2011. Adjusted results in 2012 also exclude $299 million of costs for European strategic changes. Full-year 2012 sales of $21.1 billion increased 1%. Organic sales rose 5%, as net selling prices and sales volumes each increased more than 2% and product mix improved slightly. Changes in foreign currency rates decreased sales by 3% and lost sales in conjunction with pulp and tissue restructuring actions reduced sales volumes by 1%. Year-to-date operating profit of $2,686 million increased 10% compared to $2,442 million in 2011. Adjusted operating profit in 2012 of $3,120 million increased 8% compared to $2,889 million in 2011. Adjusted operating profit comparisons benefited from organic sales growth, FORCE cost savings of $295 million and input cost deflation of $90 million. These benefits were partially offset by increased marketing, research and general expenses, including $115 million in higher strategic marketing spending. Administrative and research spending also increased, in part to build further capabilities and support future growth. Foreign currency translation effects reduced operating profit by $55 million as a result of the weakening of several currencies relative to the U.S. dollar. A lower level of income in other (income) and expense, net adversely impacted the operating profit comparison by $45 million. Diluted net income per share was $4.42 in 2012 and $3.99 in 2011. Adjusted earnings per share were $5.25 in 2012 and $4.80 in 2011. The increase in adjusted earnings per share was primarily due to higher adjusted operating profit. Kimberly-Clark is an American corporation that produces mostly paper-based consumer products.