Profits were offset by higher input costs on materials like wood pulp during the quarter.

FORBES: Kimberly-Clark To Raise Prices, Cites Lower Profits On Materials Costs

Paper and consumer care products maker Kimberly-Clark said first quarter earnings fell 8.9%, largely as a result of a sharp increase in costs that the company pays for materials like wood pulp.

FORBES: Kimberly-Clark To Raise Prices, Cites Lower Profits On Materials Costs

It was carrying materials for the construction of a pulp mill in Uruguay - a project that has caused a huge rift between Uruguay and Argentina.

BBC: Last Updated: Friday, 3 March 2006, 04:00 GMT