Kimberly-Clark raises 2011 guidance following first quarter growth

Kimberly-Clark has increased its expectations for its 2011 full-year performance based on its first-quarter results for the year.

The health and personal care firm's quarterly net sales came to $5 billion (3.03 billion pounds), up by five percent year on year, as the company continues to execute and benefit from its long-term global business plan.

In the report, Kimberly-Clark noted gains in market share across a number of business areas, while also seeing annual growth in its personal care, healthcare and consumer tissue segments.

The firm now expects to achieve a rise in 12-month sales of between four and six percent, up from its previous target range of between three and four percent.

Chairman and chief executive officer Thomas Falk said: "We are firmly convinced that successful execution of our global business plan will improve shareholder value over time."

During the quarter, Kimberly-Clark was also named as one of the world's top 100 best corporate citizens following a survey conducted by Corporate Responsibility Magazine.