Oct 22, 2013. /Lesprom Network/. Kimberly-Clark Corporation’ sales of $5.3 billion in the 3Q 2013 were even with the year-ago period. Organic sales rose 5%, with increased sales volumes of 3%, higher net selling prices of 1% and improved product mix of 1%. Operating profit was $807 million in the 3Q 2013, up 3% from $783 million in 2012, as the company said in the press release received by Lesprom Network.

Adjusted operating profit was $821 million in the 3Q 2013, up 1% compared to $814 million in the year-ago period.

Adjusted results exclude $14 million of restructuring costs for European strategic changes in 2013 and $31 million of costs for pulp and tissue restructuring actions in 2012. The increase in year-over-year adjusted operating profit included benefits from organic sales growth and $70 million in cost savings from the company's FORCE (Focused On Reducing Costs Everywhere) program.

Chairman and CEO Thomas J. Falk said, "We delivered another very good quarter of results in a challenging environment. I'm particularly encouraged that we achieved organic sales growth of 5%, which reflects progress with targeted growth initiatives, innovation programs and revenue realization strategies. We also generated healthy levels of cost savings and cash flow, increased adjusted earnings per share at a high-single digit rate and continued to allocate capital in shareholder-friendly ways. In terms of the full year, we expect to deliver growth in adjusted earnings per share of 8% to 10%. That's toward the high end of, or slightly above, our long-term objective. We are executing our Global Business Plan strategies well and we continue to be optimistic about our prospects to generate attractive returns to shareholders."

For the first nine months of 2013, sales of $15.8 billion increased 1%. Organic sales rose 4%, with higher sales volumes of 3% and increased net selling prices of 1%. Changes in foreign currency rates, and lost sales in conjunction with European strategic changes and pulp and tissue restructuring actions, each reduced sales by approximately 2%.

Year-to-date operating profit of $2,386 million in 2013 increased 7% compared to $2,237 million in 2012. Adjusted operating profit of $2,489 million in 2013 increased 7% compared to $2,322 million in 2012.

Through nine months, diluted net income per share was $4.13 in 2013 and $3.73 in 2012. Adjusted earnings per share were $4.33 in 2013 and $3.88 in 2012. The increase in adjusted earnings per share was primarily due to higher adjusted operating profit, along with increased equity income and a lower share count.

Kimberly-Clark is an American corporation that produces mostly paper-based consumer products.