Top-line growth was a robust 14 percent and the bottom-line expanded at an even faster pace, as our teams delivered double-digit operating profit gains in every region of the world.
I'm also encouraged that overall net selling prices increased by nearly 2 percent during the quarter. Improving revenue realization is a key focus for us in order to improve margins, particularly in the Consumer Tissue and K-C Professional businesses, which have been hardest hit by inflation.
Meanwhile, we continued to do the right things for the long-term health of our business, driving costs out of the system and stepping up marketing support for our brands. During the quarter, we also made good use of our cash, boosting the dividend by more than 9 percent and buying back about $200 million of KMB stock.”
Review of first quarter sales:
The first quarter sales growth of 9.7 percent reflected increased sales volumes of nearly 3 percent, higher net selling prices of about 2 percent and favorable product mix of approximately 1 percent. As noted above, stronger foreign currencies boosted sales by more than 4 percent.
Sales of personal care products climbed 13.8 percent in the first quarter. Sales volumes rose 7 percent, while net selling prices and product mix both improved about 1 percent and currency effects added approximately 5 percent to sales.
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Kimberly-Clark Corporation