Kimberly-Clark reports first-quarter growth

Kimberly-Clark has reported its financial results for the first quarter of 2012, a period that saw the business experience year-over-year sales growth of four percent.

The health and personal care company has reported net revenues of $5.2 billion (3.2 billion pounds) for the quarter, with organic sales rising by six percent thanks to higher net selling prices and improved volumes.

An outstanding 13 percent growth in Kimberly-Clark International sales was highlighted as a key driver of this trend, while improved performance was noted across its personal care, professional and healthcare segments.

Thomas Falk, chairman and chief executive officer of Kimberly-Clark, said new innovations, marketing investments and ongoing cost savings projects will help drive success across the rest of 2012.

He added: "Our first quarter performance and our plans going forward have us well-positioned to deliver on our targets for the year and generate strong returns to shareholders."

Earlier this month, the company announced the launch of Water for Life, a new water sustainability scheme, to coincide with Earth Week.