Kimberly-Clark delivers better-than-expected Q1 2013 results

Kimberly-Clark has announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2013, during which it achieved a three-month sales total of $5.3 billion (3.48 billion pounds).

This represented a year-on-year increase of one percent, while the firm's earnings per share for the quarter came to $1.48, representing an all-time record for Kimberly-Clark.

Positive drivers of growth during the period included rising sales of tissues in the US and an improved international performance, while efforts to restructure the business and streamline operations for greater efficiency have also paid dividends.

As a result of these better-than-expected figures, Kimberly-Clark is raising its full-year earnings outlook.

The company's chairman and chief executive officer Thomas Falk said: "We are optimistic about our plans and believe that execution of our global business plan strategies will generate attractive returns to shareholders."

Earlier this month, the firm was named as one of the top 100 best corporate citizens in the world by Corporate Responsibility Magazine, placing in the top 20 for the fifth consecutive year.