Infant care volumes were even with a strong year-ago base period, when volumes went up 7 percent. In feminine care, although Kotex brand sales volumes were down from last year, third quarter shipments were similar to first and second quarter levels.
Currency effects added 1 percent to sales, while net selling prices decreased about 1 percent to match competitive activity and support product initiatives.
Sales of K-C Professional & other products were 6.1 percent above the year-ago quarter. Net selling prices increased about 3 percent and sales volumes rose approximately 1 percent, while currency benefits added 2 percent to sales.
K-C Professional's key strategies to improve revenue realization and shift volume to more profitable market segments with distinctive, differentiated products such as Kleenex and Scottfold hand towels, WypAll X80 towels, Kimtech wipers and offerings for the Do-It-Yourself channel continue to deliver solid overall top-line growth.
Sales of health care products climbed 7.9 percent in the quarter, highlighted by continued strong volume growth of 7 percent. The business is experiencing broad-based growth in face masks, sterilization wrap and exam gloves, including the company's new Sterling Nitrile brand. Favorable product mix also benefited third quarter sales by 1 percent.
Other third quarter operating results
Operating profit was $526 million in the third quarter of 2006, compared with $465 million in 2005.
Excluding charges for the company's strategic cost reduction plan in both years, adjusted operating profit for the quarter increased 3 percent to $650 million from $633 million in the prior year.
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
marketing@alchempro.com
