By Mary de Wet

Kimberly-Clark Corp. is anticipating higher pulp prices this year after its input costs rose in the first quarter.

On its first quarter:

"First-quarter adjusted operating profit was $804 million in 2021 and $997 million in 2020. Results were impacted by lower sales volumes and $135 million of higher input costs, driven by pulp, other materials and distribution costs," the maker of diapers, toilet paper and tissues said.

On the outlook:

Kimberly-Clark nearly doubled its 2021 forecast for key input costs to $900 million to $1.05 billion, from $450 million to $600 million previously.

"The increased estimate is driven by polymer-based materials and pulp," the company said.

Write to Mary de Wet at mary.dewet@dowjones.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

04-23-21 0806ET