02.27.17
Kimberly-Clark Corporation reported year-end 2016 results and provided its 2017 outlook and related key planning assumptions. Fourth quarter 2016 net sales of $4.5 billion were even with the prior year. Organic sales increased 1%—including 3% growth in developing and emerging markets. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates reduced sales 1%.
Net sales in 2017 are expected to be similar to 2016, including organic sales growth of approximately 2%, said the company.
Chairman and CEO Thomas J. Falk commented, “Our full-year results were consistent with our previous outlook. While we experienced a challenging economic and competitive environment in 2016, our market share positions remained broadly healthy. We also achieved record cost savings, which helped us improve our margins and deliver bottom-line earnings in line with our guidance for the year. In addition, we generated strong cash flow and returned $2.1 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.”
This year, K-C will execute its Global Business Plan strategies in what is expected to be a continued difficult environment.
“Our teams will invest in innovation, marketing and targeted growth initiatives to keep our brands strong and help us compete effectively,” said Falk. “We will also continue to manage our company with financial discipline, with a focus on cost savings, cash flow and shareholder-friendly capital allocation.”
Net sales in 2017 are expected to be similar to 2016, including organic sales growth of approximately 2%, said the company.
Chairman and CEO Thomas J. Falk commented, “Our full-year results were consistent with our previous outlook. While we experienced a challenging economic and competitive environment in 2016, our market share positions remained broadly healthy. We also achieved record cost savings, which helped us improve our margins and deliver bottom-line earnings in line with our guidance for the year. In addition, we generated strong cash flow and returned $2.1 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.”
This year, K-C will execute its Global Business Plan strategies in what is expected to be a continued difficult environment.
“Our teams will invest in innovation, marketing and targeted growth initiatives to keep our brands strong and help us compete effectively,” said Falk. “We will also continue to manage our company with financial discipline, with a focus on cost savings, cash flow and shareholder-friendly capital allocation.”