First Half Year Results 2017

RNS Number : 5666L
Unilever PLC
20 July 2017
 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

2017 FIRST HALF YEAR RESULTS

PROFITABLE GROWTH AHEAD OF OUR MARKETS, DRIVEN BY 'CONNECTED 4 GROWTH' ('C4G')

 

Performance highlights

Underlying performance

GAAP measures



vs 2016



vs 2016

First Half






Underlying sales growth (USG)


3.0%

Turnover

€27.7bn

5.5%

USG excluding spreads


3.4%

Turnover excluding spreads

€26.2bn

6.0%

Underlying operating margin

17.8%

180bps

Operating margin

17.5%

310bps

Underlying earnings per share

 €1.13

14.4%

Earnings per share

€1.09

24.1%




Net profit

€3.3bn

22.4%

Second quarter






Underlying sales growth


3.0%

Turnover

€14.4bn

4.9%

Quarterly dividend payable in September 2017                                                                           €0.3585 per share

·      Strong progress against the strategic objectives set out for 2020

·      Turnover increased 5.5%, including a positive currency impact of 1.7%

·      Underlying sales growth 3.0%, ahead of our markets, with price up 3.0% and flat volumes

·      Excluding spreads, underlying sales growth of 3.4% with volume up 0.3%

·      Underlying operating margin up 180bps, reflecting faster savings delivery and phasing of investment

·      Underlying earnings per share up 14%, constant underlying EPS up 12%

·      Net profit increased 22%

 

Paul Polman: Chief Executive Officer statement

 

 

"Our first half results show continued growth well ahead of our markets and a substantial step-up in profitability despite the persisting volatile global trading environment. It once more shows the validity of Unilever's long-term compounding growth model. Our change programme 'Connected 4 Growth' ('C4G'), which started in the autumn of 2016, is delivering ahead of plan.

 

The transformation of Unilever into a more resilient, more competitive and more profitable business is accelerating. C4G is making our business even more agile, less complex and increasingly responsive to fast-changing consumer trends. The resulting increase in innovation speed and effectiveness will allow us to grow ahead of market. We see this as a proven way of delivering long-term shareholder value. C4G also enables a further step-change in margin expansion and cash flow delivery as we secure efficiencies from the roll-out of our savings programmes and benefit from the investments we have made over the last few years.

 

The actions we are taking keep us on track for another year of underlying sales growth ahead of our markets, in the
3 - 5% range. We anticipate accelerating growth in the second half of the year driven by the phasing of our innovation plans and a step-up in brand and marketing investment. We now expect an improvement in underlying operating margin this year of at least 100 basis points and strong cash flow."

 

20 July 2017

 

Underlying sales growth (USG), underlying volume growth (UVG), underlying price growth (UPG), underlying operating profit (UOP), underlying operating margin (UOM), underlying earnings per share (underlying EPS), constant underlying EPS, underlying effective tax rate, free cash flow (FCF) and net debt are non-GAAP measures (see pages 6 to 9)

 

FIRST HALF OPERATIONAL REVIEW CATEGORIES

 


Second Quarter 2017

First Half 2017

 

 

 

(unaudited)

Turnover

USG

UVG

UPG

Turnover

USG

UVG

UPG

Change in underlying operating margin


€bn

%

%

%

€bn

%

%

%

bps

 Unilever

14.4

3.0

   -

3.0

27.7

3.0

   -

3.0

180

 Personal Care

5.3

2.2

(0.3)

2.5

10.5

2.6

   -

2.6

240

 Home Care

2.7

2.5

0.1

2.4

5.4

3.3

0.8

2.5

110

 Home Care and Personal Care

8.0

2.3

(0.1)

2.5

15.9

2.8

0.3

2.6

180

 Foods

3.2

1.2

(1.3)

2.5

6.3

0.6

(1.7)

2.4

100

 Refreshment

3.2

6.7

1.8

4.8

5.5

6.1

1.2

4.9

230

 Foods and Refreshment

6.4

3.9

0.2

3.7

11.8

3.1

(0.4)

3.5

160

 

As part of our strategic review we announced on 6 April 2017 our intention to either sell or demerge our spreads business. The table below provides information on our second quarter 2017 and first half 2017 performance excluding sales related to spreads.


Second Quarter 2017

First Half 2017

(unaudited)

Turnover

USG

UVG

UPG

Turnover

USG

UVG

UPG


€bn

%

%

%

€bn

%

%

%

  Unilever excluding spreads

13.7

3.3

0.3

3.1

26.2

3.4

0.3

3.1

  Foods and Refreshment excluding spreads

5.6

4.8

0.8

3.9

10.4

4.2

0.3

3.9

  Foods excluding spreads

2.4

2.3

(0.4)

2.8

4.8

2.0

(0.7)

2.7

 

Our markets: Market conditions have remained challenging. In the markets in which we operate volumes were virtually flat in aggregate. The economic crisis in Brazil continued to present a significant headwind. In India, trade stock levels thinned in the second quarter ahead of the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax, while markets in Indonesia were adversely impacted by fewer trading days due to public holidays.

                 

Unilever overall performance: Underlying sales grew 3.0%, ahead of our markets, with growth in all our categories and sub-categories except for spreads. Turnover increased 5.5% to €27.7 billion, which included a positive currency impact of 1.7% and 0.8% from acquisitions net of disposals.

 

Gross margin improved by 40bps to 43.1% driven by margin-accretive innovations and acquisitions as well as our discipline in driving savings programmes. Brand and marketing investment contributed 130bps to margin progression. This reflects: 1) a recalibration of advertising spend in the overall market; 2) strong savings delivery from our zero based budgeting programme; and 3) innovation and support plans which are weighted towards the second half of the year, particularly in Personal Care. For the year as a whole, we expect our brand and marketing investment to be maintained at last year's level in absolute terms. Overheads were reduced by 10bps, driven by a further reduction in the underlying cost base partially offset by investment in new business models including retail-led brands and e-commerce. Underlying operating margin improved by 180bps to 17.8%. Operating margin was 17.5%.

                  

'Connected 4 Growth' ('C4G'): We are making good progress against the objectives we have set out:

 

The new Country Category Business Teams ('CCBTs') are fully in place and helping to make our innovation pipeline stronger. CCBTs enable us to roll out global innovations faster, and be more agile in responding to local trends.

 

The savings programmes which are an integral part of C4G are delivering faster than expected, with savings of more than €1 billion in the first half year. This puts us well on track towards our savings target of €6 billion, and a targeted underlying operating margin of 20% by 2020. The faster delivery seen in the first half of the year enables a step-up in the level of reinvestment behind growth in the remainder of this year and beyond. The holistic '5-S' gross margin improvement programme is being rolled out from Home Care into all categories and realising savings across the supply chain. Zero based budgeting ('ZBB') is improving our productivity in brand and marketing investment as we reduce the cost of advertising production. ZBB is also eliminating waste in those areas where we have over-saturated traditional channels, as well as reducing low-added value costs in overheads. The new organisation is simpler and more agile and we are progressing plans for the integration of Foods and Refreshment into a single business.

 

At the same time we have been active in managing our portfolio to ensure we have the platforms in place for long-term growth. In the first half year we announced the acquisitions of Hourglass in prestige Personal Care in the United States, the Quala home and personal care brands in Latin America, and a joint venture with Europe & Asia Commercial Company Ltd to build our operations in Myanmar.

 

USG, UVG, UPG, UOP, UOM, underlying EPS, constant underlying EPS, underlying effective tax rate, FCF and net debt are non-GAAP measures (see pages 6 to 9)

 

The preparation for the exit from spreads via a sale or de-merger is well underway. The review of the dual-headed legal structure is also progressing well and we expect the Board to decide the outcome before the end of the year.

 

In the first half of the year we have bought back shares to the value of €1.4 billion, putting us on track to complete the announced €5 billion programme by the end of the year.

 

Personal Care

Personal Care continued to grow the core while expanding in high-growth segments and building in premium positions. Challenging market conditions in some of the key markets, such as India, Brazil and Indonesia weighed on the overall growth rate. Oral care performed well, supported by innovations in premium segments such as the new Signal Enamel Repair and Signal White Now Care Correction range with blue light technology in France. In skin, Baby Dove has now been introduced to 19 markets, while the new Lifebuoy with Activ Silver formula for enhanced germ-protection was rolled out across Asia. In Indonesia we are launching Hijab Fresh, a new brand, that provides a solution to the specific needs of the Muslim population. Continued growth in deodorants was driven by new variants of dry sprays in North America and Dove antiperspirants with an improved, particularly skin-friendly formulation that have been rolled out to 65 countries. In hair, growth was driven by Sunsilk, helped by the expansion into natural propositions that has driven increased penetration among millennials. Dermalogica performed well and our recent acquisitions Dollar Shave Club and Living Proof, which will contribute to underlying sales growth from next quarter and next year respectively, continued to grow strongly.

 

Underlying operating margin was up 240bps reflecting both brand and marketing efficiencies from zero based budgeting and the phasing of brand and marketing investment.

 

Home Care

Home Care delivered good growth despite a strong comparator, enabled by continued market development and benefit-led innovations that address emerging needs, including the growing trend towards natural products. In laundry, growth was driven by strong performances of the fabric conditioner Comfort in our Asian markets and the value brand Brilhante in Latin America. The roll-out of Surf into Central and Eastern Europe continued to perform well, while in the United Kingdom Persil Powergems, the laundry detergent with 100% active ingredients delivering superior stain-removal as well as care and intense freshness, were introduced. In household care, Domestos grew strongly helped by the successful roll-out of toilet blocks, which have reached 25 countries, and by Cif's premium sprays with improved formulation now in more than 20 countries. The air purification brand Blue Air grew strongly in China, while Seventh Generation with its naturals proposition, was introduced to the United Kingdom.

 

Underlying operating margin improved by 110bps driven by higher gross margin and brand and marketing efficiencies.

 

Foods

Foods continued to modernise the portfolio while building its presence in emerging markets and sustaining a strong performance in the food service channels. However the overall growth was adversely affected by declines of some of our non-core brands in Europe. Knorr, our largest brand, performed well by responding to key needs such as nutrition deficiency or time-saving cooking products. The successful Knorr Mealmakers with 100% natural ingredients have now been extended into 100% natural seasonings. In dressings, Hellmann's relaunched the brand with strengthened naturalness claims while the organic variants have been rolled out from North America into Europe. In spreads, the new margarines with specialty oils and the roll-out of the dairy-free variants are performing well. The rate of decline in spreads has slowed to 3.7% as sales growth in emerging markets partially offset the continued market contraction in developed countries.

 

Underlying operating margin was up 100bps mainly due to brand and marketing efficiencies.

 

Refreshment

Ice cream delivered strong growth driven by margin-accretive innovations behind our premium brands, such as Ben & Jerry's pint range 'Topped', that takes ice cream indulgence to a new level, and the 'Wich sandwich. Magnum grew at double-digit rates, helped by the new Magnum pints that deliver the ultimate chocolate and ice cream experience in a tub, as well as the coconut and raspberry variants. We have extended our less than 50 calories offering under Solero and launched vegan and gluten-free variants under Cornetto. Leaf tea showed good growth as we are increasingly seeing the benefits of our innovations in specialty and premium tea segments. Lipton was launched in Brazil and Argentina, and is successfully extending its presence in the faster-growing green and matcha segments, while T2 continued to show strong growth.

 

Underlying operating margin was up 230bps primarily driven by higher gross margins in both ice cream and tea, reflecting the premiumisation of the portfolio and savings delivery.

USG, UVG, UPG, UOP, UOM, underlying EPS, constant underlying EPS, underlying effective tax rate, FCF and net debt are non-GAAP measures (see pages 6 to 9)

 

FIRST HALF OPERATIONAL REVIEW GEOGRAPHICAL AREA

 


Second Quarter 2017

First Half 2017

 

 

 

(unaudited)

Turnover

USG

UVG

UPG

Turnover

USG

UVG

UPG

Change in underlying operating margin


€bn

%

%

%

€bn

%

%

%

bps

Unilever

14.4

3.0

   -

3.0

27.7

3.0

   -

3.0

180

Asia/AMET/RUB

6.2

4.3

(0.6)

4.9

12.1

5.5

0.8

4.8

260

The Americas

4.7

3.7

0.9

2.8

9.0

2.5

(0.6)

3.1

180

Europe

3.5

0.3

0.1

0.1

6.6

(0.8)

(0.6)

(0.1)

20

 


Second Quarter 2017

First Half 2017

(unaudited)

Turnover

USG

UVG

UPG

Turnover

USG

UVG

UPG


€bn

%

%

%

€bn

%

%

%

Developed markets

6.1

0.7

0.2

0.4

11.5

(0.4)

(0.4)

0.1

Emerging markets

8.3

4.8

(0.1)

5.0

16.2

5.5

0.3

5.1

North America

2.5

1.4

0.6

0.9

4.8

0.3

(0.2)

0.5

Latin America

2.2

6.3

1.2

5.1

4.2

5.0

(1.0)

6.0

 

The table below provides information on our second quarter 2017 and first half 2017 performance excluding sales related to spreads.


Second Quarter 2017

First Half 2017

(unaudited)

Turnover

USG

UVG

UPG

Turnover

USG

UVG

UPG


€bn

%

%

%

€bn

%

%

%

Developed markets excluding spreads

5.6

1.2

0.8

0.5

10.5

0.3

0.2

0.1

Europe excluding spreads

3.2

1.0

0.9

0.1

5.8

0.1

0.2

(0.1)

North America excluding spreads

2.4

1.8

0.8

0.9

4.5

0.9

0.3

0.6

 

Asia/AMET/RUB

Underlying sales growth was 5.5% in the first half as pricing has increased in Asia in response to rising commodity costs. Volumes in the second quarter were adversely affected by some trade destocking ahead of the Goods and Services Tax implementaton in India and by fewer trading days in Indonesia. China demonstrated a good first half performance, driven by rapid e-commerce sales and modest growth in other channels, while Australia returned to volume-led growth.

 

Underlying operating margin was up 260bps driven by increased gross margin and brand and marketing efficiencies.

 

The Americas

Latin America grew underlying sales by 5.0% with volumes returning to growth in the second quarter. Mexico demonstrated strong volume-driven growth and Argentina delivered positive volume growth. Sales continued to decline in our largest market, Brazil, as consumers and retailers reacted to the impact of the harsh economic environment.

Underlying sales improved in North America driven by a strong delivery of our innovations in deodorants, hair care and skin cleansing which helped offset continued soft market conditions. Sales in spreads were lower due to continued market declines in the first half.

 

Underlying operating margin improved by 180bps reflecting higher gross margin in North America as well as ZBB savings and phasing of brand and marketing investment.

 

Europe

In Europe consumer demand remained weak and the retail environment challenging. Refreshment delivered strong volume-driven growth, while the competitive intensity remained particularly high in Home Care. The margarine market contraction continued to weigh on the overall growth, particularly in the United Kingdom and Germany. We saw strong momentum in Central and Eastern Europe and Spain, following on from good growth in prior years.

 

Underlying operating margin was up 20bps primarily due to brand and marketing efficiencies.

 

USG, UVG, UPG, UOP, UOM, underlying EPS, constant underlying EPS, underlying effective tax rate, FCF and net debt are non-GAAP measures (see pages 6 to 9)

 

 

ADDITIONAL COMMENTARY ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - FIRST HALF 2017

 

Finance costs and tax

Net finance costs increased by €6 million to €290 million in the first half of 2017. This included a slightly higher cost of financing net borrowings at €241 million, which was driven by the increase in net debt while the average interest rate on net debt was 3.1% versus 3.3% in 2016. Pensions financing was a charge of €49 million compared to €47 million in the prior year.

 

The effective tax rate was 28.9% versus 26.0% in the same period last year. The change was mainly driven by the tax impact of the AdeS disposal in 2017 and favourable tax audit settlements in 2016. The effective tax rate on underlying profit was 27.9% compared to 26.2% in the prior year which included favourable tax audit settlements.

 

Joint ventures, associates and other income from non-current investments

Net profit from joint ventures and associates contributed €75 million compared with €72 million in the first half of 2016 mainly due to growth in profits from the Pepsi Lipton joint venture. Other income from non-current investments was zero versus €61 million in the prior year which included a gain of €68 million from the revaluation of a financial asset.

 

Earnings per share

Underlying earnings per share in the first half increased by 14.4% to €1.13, including a positive currency impact of 2.6%. Constant underlying earnings per share increased by 11.8% primarily driven by underlying sales growth and improved underlying operating margin, and partially offset by a higher tax rate. These underlying measures exclude the post-tax impact of business disposals, acquisition and disposal-related costs, restructuring costs, impairments, one-off items within operating profit and any other significant unusual items within net profit but not operating profit.

 

Diluted earnings per share for the first half was up 24.1% at €1.09. We recorded a gain on disposal of €0.3 billion for the AdeS soy beverage business in Latin America.

 

Free cash flow

Free cash flow in the first half of 2017, which included the usual seasonal increase in inventory and receivables, improved by €0.6 billion to €1.4 billion despite a one-off injection of €0.6 billion to our pension funds. The step-up was primarily driven by the higher underlying operating profit and further improvements in both working capital and net capital expenditure.

 

Net debt

Closing net debt was €13.8 billion compared with €12.6 billion as at 31 December 2016, mainly reflecting the share buy-backs of €1.4 billion we have undertaken so far in May and June 2017. Total financial liabilities amounted to €19.6 billion compared to €16.6 billion at the year-end. Cash and other current financial assets increased by €1.8 billion to €5.8 billion compared to 31 December 2016.

 

Pensions

The pension liability net of assets reduced to €1.6 billion at the end of June 2017 versus €3.2 billion as at 31 December 2016. The decrease in the net pension liability was driven by strong investment returns and cash contributions that included a one-off cash injection of €0.6 billion.

 

Finance and liquidity

On 30 January 2017, we announced the issuance of £350 million 1.125% fixed rate notes due February 2022. On 9 February 2017, we issued €1.2 billion in bonds, equally split between 0.375% fixed rate notes due February 2023 and 1.0% fixed rate notes due February 2027. On 2 May 2017, we issued a quadruple-tranche $3.15 billion bond, comprising of $800 million 1.8% fixed rate notes due May 2020, $850 million 2.2% fixed rate notes due May 2022, $500 million 2.6% fixed rate notes due May 2024 and $1 billion 2.9% fixed rate notes due May 2027.

 

The following bonds matured and were repaid: (i) February 2017 Renminbi 300 million 2.95% fixed rates notes and (ii) June 2017 £400 million 4.75% bonds.

 

Reporting of spreads business

Our spreads business is not reported as a discontinued operation or held for sale as it does not meet the relevant accounting criteria at 30 June 2017.

 

USG, UVG, UPG, UOP, UOM, underlying EPS, constant underlying EPS, underlying effective tax rate, FCF and net debt are non-GAAP measures (see pages 6 to 9)

 

CHANGES TO THE LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN TARGETS

 

Following the 6 April 2017 announcement of our plans to accelerate sustainable shareholder value creation and the introduction of new performance metrics, the targets of the long-term incentive plans have been adjusted. Further information can be found at www.unilever.com/Images/compensation-committee-statement-alignment-performance-measures-for-incentives-2017_tcm244-508726_en.pdf .

 

COMPETITION INVESTIGATIONS

 

As previously disclosed, along with other consumer products companies and retail customers, Unilever is involved in a number of ongoing investigations by national competition authorities, including those within Italy and South Africa. These proceedings and investigations are at various stages and concern a variety of product markets. Where appropriate, provisions are made and contingent liabilities disclosed in relation to such matters.

 

Ongoing compliance with competition laws is of key importance to Unilever. It is Unilever's policy to co-operate fully with competition authorities whenever questions or issues arise. In addition the Group continues to reinforce and enhance its internal competition law training and compliance programme on an ongoing basis.

 

BRAZIL TAX LITIGATION

 

In common with many other businesses operating in Brazil, Unilever has a number of open legal proceedings related to indirect taxes. In Q4 2016, we noted that there had been an adverse court judgment in respect of a Brazilian PIS and COFINS indirect tax case, which we had included in our contingent liabilities, and that we were likely to make a judicial deposit equating to the potential amount owing during 2017. In Q1 2017, the Brazilian Supreme Court ruled in favour of the taxpayer in the leading case on this matter and we now expect this ruling to be applied to our case. As a result, we have not made a judicial deposit. Since this matter was considered to be a contingent liability, there is no impact on profit as a result of this development.

 

NON-GAAP MEASURES

 

Certain discussions and analyses set out in this announcement include measures which are not defined by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) such as IFRS. We believe this information, along with comparable GAAP measurements, is useful to investors because it provides a basis for measuring our operating performance, ability to retire debt and invest in new business opportunities. Our management uses these financial measures, along with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, in evaluating our operating performance and value creation. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information presented in compliance with GAAP. Wherever appropriate and practical, we provide reconciliations to relevant GAAP measures.

 

Unilever uses 'constant rate', and 'underlying' measures primarily for internal performance analysis and targeting purposes. We present certain items, percentages and movements, using constant exchange rates, which exclude the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. We calculate constant currency values by translating both the current and the prior period local currency amounts using the prior period average exchange rates into euro.

The table below shows exchange rate movements in our key markets.

First half average rate in 2017

First half average rate in 2016

 Brazilian Real (€1 = BRL)

3.429

4.203

 Chinese Yuan (€1 = CNY)

7.433

7.295

 Indian Rupee (€1 = INR)

71.111

75.011

 Indonesia Rupiah (€1 = IDR)

14409

14990

 UK Pound Sterling (€1 = GBP)

0.860

0.778

 US Dollar (€1 = US $)

1.081

1.116

 

 

Underlying sales growth (USG)

Underlying Sales Growth or "USG" refers to the increase in turnover for the period, excluding any change in turnover resulting from acquisitions, disposals and changes in currency. The impact of acquisitions and disposals is excluded from USG for a period of 12 calendar months from the applicable closing date. Turnover from acquired brands that are launched in countries where they were not previously sold is included in USG as such turnover is more attributable to our existing sales and distribution network than the acquisition itself. We believe this measure provides valuable additional information on the underlying sales performance of the business and is a key measure used internally. The reconciliation of changes in the GAAP measure turnover to USG is provided in notes 3 and 4.

 

Underlying volume growth (UVG)

Underlying Volume Growth or "UVG" is part of USG and means, for the applicable period, the increase in turnover in such period calculated as the sum of (1) the increase in turnover attributable to the volume of products sold; and (2) the increase in turnover attributable to the composition of products sold during such period. UVG therefore excludes any impact to USG due to changes in prices. The measures and the related turnover GAAP measure are set out in notes 3 and 4.

 

Underlying price growth (UPG)

Underlying price growth or "UPG" is part of USG, and means, for the applicable period, the increase in turnover attributable to changes in prices during the period. UPG therefore excludes the impact to USG due to (1) the volume of products sold; and (2) the composition of products sold during the period. The measures and the related turnover GAAP measure are set out in notes 3 and 4.

 

Free cash flow (FCF)

Within the Unilever Group, free cash flow (FCF) is defined as cash flow from operating activities, less income taxes paid, net capital expenditures and net interest payments and preference dividends paid. It does not represent residual cash flows entirely available for discretionary purposes; for example, the repayment of principal amounts borrowed is not deducted from FCF. Free cash flow reflects an additional way of viewing our liquidity that we believe is useful to investors because it represents cash flows that could be used for distribution of dividends, repayment of debt or to fund our strategic initiatives, including acquisitions, if any.

 

The reconciliation of net profit to FCF is as follows:

 

  € million

First Half

  (unaudited)

2017

2016

 Net profit

3,317

2,710

 Taxation

1,315

928

 Share of net profit of joint ventures/associates and other income



    from non-current investments

(75)

(133)

 Net finance costs

290

284

 Operating profit

4,847

3,789

 Depreciation, amortisation and impairment

763

681

 Changes in working capital

(1,436)

(1,554)

 Pensions and similar obligations less payments

(794)

(223)

 Provisions less payments

68

32

 Elimination of (profits)/losses on disposals

(299)

117

 Non-cash charge for share-based compensation

158

105

 Other adjustments

-

8

 Cash flow from operating activities

3,307

2,955

 Income tax paid

(1,122)

(1,136)

 Net capital expenditure

(672)

(759)

 Net interest and preference dividends paid

(148)

(235)

 Free cash flow

1,365

825

 Total net cash flow (used in)/from investing activities

(460)

(644)

 Total net cash flow (used in)/from financing activities

138

(518)

 

Underlying operating profit (UOP), underlying operating margin (UOM) and non-underlying items

Underlying operating profit and underlying operating margin mean operating profit and operating margin before the impact of business disposals, acquisition and disposal related costs, restructuring costs, impairments and other one-off items, which we collectively term non-underlying items, due to their nature and/or frequency of occurrence. Underlying operating profit represents our measure of segment profit or loss as it is the primary measure used for making decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance of the segments. The reconciliation of operating profit to underlying operating profit is as follows:

 

€ million

First Half

(unaudited)

2017

2016

Operating profit

4,847

3,789

Non-underlying items (see note 2)

79

418

Underlying operating profit

4,926

4,207

Turnover

27,725

26,283

Operating margin (%)

17.5

14.4

Underlying operating margin (%)

17.8

16.0

 

Underlying EPS

Underlying earnings per share (underlying EPS) is calculated as underlying profit attributable to shareholders' equity divided by the diluted combined average number of share units. In calculating underlying profit attributable to shareholders' equity, net profit attributable to shareholders' equity is adjusted to eliminate the post-tax impact of non-underlying items in operating profit and any other significant unusual items within net profit but not operating profit. This measure reflects the underlying earnings for each share unit of the Group. Refer to note 2 on page 16 for reconciliation of underlying profit to net profit attributable to shareholders' equity.

 

Underlying effective tax rate

Underlying effective tax rate is calculated by dividing taxation excluding the tax impact of non-underlying items in operating profit and any other significant unusual items by profit before tax excluding non-underlying items in operating profit, other significant unusual items and share of net profit/(loss) of joint ventures and associates. This measure reflects the underlying tax rate in relation to profit before tax, non-underlying items, other significant unusual items within net profit but not operating profit and share of net profit/(loss) of joint ventures and associates. Tax impact on non-underlying items is calculated as the sum of each non-underlying item multiplied by the corporate tax rate of the respective jurisdictions in which tax on that item is payable.

 

The reconciliation of taxation to taxation before non-underlying items and other significant unusual items is as follows:

 

€ million

First Half

(unaudited)

2017

2016

Taxation

1,315

928

Tax impact of non-underlying items

(21)

114

Taxation before non-underlying items and other significant unusual items

1,294

1,042

Profit before taxation

4,632

3,638

Non-underlying items before tax

79

418

Share of net profit /loss of joint ventures and associates

(75)

(72)

Profit before tax, non-underlying items, other significant unusual items and joint ventures and associates

 

4,636

 

3,984

Underlying effective tax rate

27.9%

26.2%

 

 

Constant underlying EPS

Constant underlying earnings per share (constant underlying EPS) is calculated as underlying profit attributable to shareholders' equity at constant exchange rates and excluding the impact of translational hedges divided by the diluted combined average number of share units. This measure reflects the underlying earnings for each share unit of the Group in constant exchange rates.

 

The reconciliation of underlying profit attributable to shareholders' equity to constant underlying earnings attributable to shareholders' equity and the calculation of constant underlying EPS is as follows:

 

€ million

First Half

(unaudited)

2017

2016

Underlying profit attributable to shareholders' equity (see note 2)

3,206

2,812

Impact of translation of earnings between constant and current exchange rates and translational hedges

 

(41)

156

Constant underlying earnings attributable to shareholders' equity

3,165

2,968

Diluted combined average number of share units (millions of units)

2,845.7

2,853.5

Constant underlying EPS (€)

1.11

1.04

 

In calculating the movement in constant underlying EPS, the constant underlying EPS for 2017 is compared to the underlying EPS for 2016 as adjusted for the impact of translational hedges, which was €1.00.

 

Net debt

Net debt is defined as the excess of total financial liabilities, excluding trade payables and other current liabilities, over cash, cash equivalents and other current financial assets, excluding trade and other current receivables. It is a measure that provides valuable additional information on the summary presentation of the Group's net financial liabilities and is a measure in common use elsewhere.

 

The reconciliation of total financial liabilities to net debt is as follows:

 

€ million

As at

As at

As at

(unaudited)

30 June

31 December

30 June

2017

2016

2016

Total financial liabilities

(19,633)

(16,595)

(16,371)

      Current financial liabilities

(5,081)

(5,450)

(5,759)

      Non-current financial liabilities

(14,552)

(11,145)

(10,612)

Cash and cash equivalents as per balance sheet

5,016

3,382

3,119

      Cash and cash equivalents as per cash flow statement

4,860

3,198

2,937

      Add bank overdrafts deducted therein

156

184

182

Other current financial assets

825

599

678

Net debt

(13,792)

(12,614)

(12,574)

 

 

PRINCIPAL RISK FACTORS

 

On pages 37 to 41 of our 2016 Report and Accounts we set out our assessment of the principal risk issues that would face the business through 2017 under the headings: brand preference; portfolio management; sustainability; climate change; customer relationships; talent & organisation; supply chain; safe and high quality products; systems and information; business transformation; economic and political instability; treasury and pensions; ethical; and legal and regulatory. In our view, the nature and potential impact of such risks remain essentially unchanged as regards our performance over the second half of 2017.

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

This document represents Unilever's half-yearly report for the purposes of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules (DTR) issued by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (DTR 4.2) and the Dutch Act on Financial Supervision, section 5:25d (8)/(9) (Half-yearly financial reports). In this context: (i) the condensed set of financial statements can be found on pages 11 to 21; (ii) pages 2 to 10 comprise the interim management report; and (iii) the Directors' responsibility statement can be found on page 22. No material related parties transactions have taken place in the first six months of the year.

 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

 

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, including 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements related to underlying sales growth and underlying operating margin. Words such as 'will', 'aim', 'expects', 'anticipates', 'intends', 'looks', 'believes', 'vision', or the negative of these terms and other similar expressions of future performance or results, and their negatives, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and assumptions regarding anticipated developments and other factors affecting the Unilever Group (the "Group"). They are not historical facts, nor are they guarantees of future performance.

 

Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Among other risks and uncertainties, the material or principal factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are: Unilever's global brands not meeting consumer preferences; Unilever's ability to innovate and remain competitive; Unilever's investment choices in its portfolio management; inability to find sustainable solutions to support long-term growth; customer relationships; the recruitment and retention of talented employees; disruptions in our supply chain; the cost of raw materials and commodities; the production of safe and high quality products; secure and reliable IT infrastructure; successful execution of acquisitions, divestitures and business transformation projects; economic and political risks and natural disasters; the effect of climate change on Unilever's business; financial risks; failure to meet high and ethical standards; and managing regulatory, tax and legal matters. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group's filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including in the Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016 and the Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2016.

 

ENQUIRIES

 

 

Media: Media Relations Team

Investors: Investor Relations Team 

UK

+44 79 1727 1819

treeva.fenwick@unilever.com

+44 20 7822 6830

investor.relations@unilever.com

or

+44 78 2504 9151

louise.phillips@unilever.com



NL

+31 10 217 4844

els-de.bruin@unilever.com



or

+32 494 60 4906

freek.bracke@unilever.com



 

 

There will be a web cast of the results presentation available at:

www.unilever.com/investor-relations/results-and-publications/latest-results/

 

 

INCOME STATEMENT

(unaudited)

 

€ million

First Half

2017

2016

Increase/
(Decrease)

Current

rates

Constant

Rates

Turnover

27,725

26,283

5.5%

3.8%






Operating profit

4,847

3,789

27.9%

24.7%






 After (charging)/crediting non-underlying items

(79)

(418)








Net finance costs

(290)

(284)



Finance income

90

66



Finance costs

(331)

(303)



Pensions and similar obligations

(49)

(47)








Share of net profit/(loss) of joint ventures and associates

75

72



Other income/(loss) from non-current investments and associates

-

61








Profit before taxation

4,632

3,638

27.3%

24.2%






Taxation

(1,315)

(928)








Net profit

3,317

2,710

22.4%

18.3%






Attributable to:





   Non-controlling interests

207

198



   Shareholders' equity

3,110

2,512

23.8%

19.6%

 


Basic earnings per share (euros)

1.10

0.88

24.1%

19.9%

Diluted earnings per share (euros)

1.09

0.88

24.1%

19.9%

 

 

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(unaudited)

 

€ million

First Half


2017

2016

Net profit

3,317

2,710




Other comprehensive income



Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:



Remeasurements of defined benefit pension plans net of tax

641

(1,356)




Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:



Currency retranslation gains/(losses) net of tax

Fair value gains/(losses) on financial instruments net of tax

(694)

51

(140)

(18)




Total comprehensive income

3,315

1,196

Attributable to:



 Non-controlling interests

170

177

 Shareholders' equity

3,145

1,019

 

 

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

(unaudited)

 

€ million

Called up share capital

Share premium account

Other reserves

Retained profit

Total

Non- controlling interest

Total equity

 

First half - 2017








 

1 January 2017

484

134

(7,443)

23,179

16,354

626

16,980

 

Profit or loss for the period

-

-

-

3,110

3,110

207

3,317

 

Other comprehensive income net of tax:








 

Fair value gains/(losses) on financial instruments

 

-

 

-

 

52

 

-

 

52

 

(1)

 

51

 

Remeasurements of defined benefit pension plans net of tax

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

641

 

641

 

-

 

641

 

Currency retranslation gains/(losses)

-

-

(633)

(25)

(658)

(36)

(694)

 

Total comprehensive income

-

-

(581)

3,726

3,145

170

3,315

 

Dividends on ordinary capital




(1,925)

(1,925)

-

(1,925)

 

Repurchase of shares(a)

-

-

(1,368)

-

(1,368)

-

(1,368)

 

Movements in treasury stock(b)

-

-

(54)

(146)

(200)

-

(200)

 

Share-based payment credit(c)

-

-

-

158

158

-

158

 

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(184)

 

(184)

 

Currency retranslation gains/(losses) net of tax

 

-

 

(3)

 

-

 

-

 

(3)

 

-

 

(3)

 

Other movements in equity

-

-

31

11

42

3

45

 

30 June 2017

484

131

(9,415)

25,003

16,203

615

16,818

 

 









First half - 2016








 

1 January 2016

484

152

(7,816)

22,619

15,439

643

16,082

 

Profit or loss for the period

-

-

-

2,512

2,512

198

2,710

 

Other comprehensive income net of tax:








 

Fair value gains/(losses) on financial instruments

-

-

(18)

-

(18)

-

(18)

 

Remeasurements of defined benefit pension plans net of tax

-

-

-

(1,356)

(1,356)

-

(1,356)

 

Currency retranslation gains/(losses)

-

-

(141)

22

(119)

(21)

(140)

 

Total comprehensive income

-

-

(159)

1,178

1,019

177

1,196

 

Dividends on ordinary capital

-

-

-

(1,775)

(1,775)

-

(1,775)

 

Movements in treasury stock(b)

-

-

(73)

(182)

(255)

(4)

(259)

 

Share-based payment credit(c)

-

-

-

105

105

(1)

104

 

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

-

-

-

-

-

(195)

(195)

 

Currency retranslation gains/(losses) net of tax

-

(14)

-

-

(14)

-

(14)

 

Other movements in equity

-

-

(16)

(19)

(35)

2

(33)

 

30 June 2016

484

138

(8,064)

21,926

14,484

622

15,106

 

 

(a) Repurchase of shares reflects the cost of acquiring ordinary shares as part of the share buyback programme announced on 6 April 2017.  At 30 June 2017 these shares have not been cancelled and are recognised as treasury shares (see note 8).

(b) Includes purchases and sales of treasury stock, and transfer from treasury stock to retained profit of share-settled schemes arising from prior years and differences between exercise and grant price of share options.

(c) The share-based payment credit relates to the non-cash charge recorded against operating profit in respect of the fair value of share options and awards granted to employees.

 

 

BALANCE SHEET

(unaudited)

 

€ million

As at

30 June

2017

As at

31 December

2016

As at

30 June

2016


Non-current assets




Goodwill

16,974

17,624

15,977

Intangible assets

9,481

9,809

8,531

Property, plant and equipment

11,063

11,673

11,048

Pension asset for funded schemes in surplus

1,334

694

408

Deferred tax assets

1,255

1,354

1,458

Financial assets

685

673

602

Other non-current assets

615

718

898


41,407

42,545

38,922

Current assets




Inventories

4,162

4,278

4,649

Trade and other current receivables

6,215

5,102

6,291

Current tax assets

328

317

319

Cash and cash equivalents

5,016

3,382

3,119

Other financial assets

825

599

678

Non-current assets held for sale

52

206

197


16,598

13,884

15,253





Total assets

58,005

56,429

54,175

Current liabilities




Financial liabilities

5,081

5,450

5,759

Trade payables and other current liabilities

13,322

13,871

14,216

Current tax liabilities

992

844

974

Provisions

424

390

360

Current liabilities held for sale

1

1

1


19,820

20,556

21,310

Non-current liabilities




Financial liabilities

14,552

11,145

10,612

Non-current tax liabilities

116

120

114

Pensions and post-retirement healthcare liabilities:




   Funded schemes in deficit

1,277

2,163

2,563

   Unfunded schemes

1,619

1,704

1,677

Provisions

1,001

1,033

951

Deferred tax liabilities

2,053

2,061

1,542

Other non-current liabilities

749

667

300


21,367

18,893

17,759





Total liabilities

41,187

39,449

39,069

Equity




Shareholders' equity

16,203

16,354

14,484

Non-controlling interests

615

626

622

Total equity

16,818

16,980

15,106





Total liabilities and equity

58,005

56,429

54,175

 

 

 

CASH FLOW STATEMENT

(unaudited)

 

€ million

First Half


2017

2016

Net profit

 

3,317

2,710

Taxation

1,315

928

Share of net profit of joint ventures/associates and other income



  from non-current investments and associates

(75)

(133)

Net finance costs

290

284

Operating profit

4,847

3,789

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment

763

681

Changes in working capital

(1,436)

(1,554)

Pensions and similar obligations less payments

(794)

(223)

Provisions less payments

68

32

Elimination of (profits)/losses on disposals

(299)

117

Non-cash charge for share-based compensation

158

105

Other adjustments

-

8

Cash flow from operating activities

3,307

2,955

Income tax paid

(1,122)

(1,136)




Net cash flow from operating activities

2,185

1,819

Interest received

104

55

Net capital expenditure

(672)

(759)

Other acquisitions and disposals

154

(92)

Other investing activities

(46)

152




Net cash flow (used in)/from investing activities

(460)

(644)

Dividends paid on ordinary share capital

(1,911)

(1,768)

Interest and preference dividends paid

(252)

(290)

Change in financial liabilities

3,613

1,859

Repurchase of shares

(1,071)

-

Other movements on treasury stock

(199)

(260)

Other financing activities

(42)

(59)




Net cash flow (used in)/from financing activities

138

(518)







Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

1,863

657

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period

3,198

2,128




Effect of foreign exchange rate changes

(201)

152




Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period

4,860

2,937

 

 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

 

1   ACCOUNTING INFORMATION AND POLICIES

 

The accounting policies and methods of computation are in compliance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' as issued by the International Accounting Standard Board (IASB) and as adopted by the EU; and except as set out below are consistent with the year ended 31 December 2016. The condensed interim financial statements are based on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the EU and IFRS as issued by the IASB. With effect from 1 January 2017 we have implemented amendments to IAS 7 'Statement of Cash Flows'. The impact on the Group is not material.

 

After making appropriate enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the half year financial statements.

 

The condensed interim financial statements are shown at current exchange rates, while percentage year-on-year changes are shown at both current and constant exchange rates to facilitate comparison. The income statement on page 11, the statement of comprehensive income on page 11, the statement of changes in equity on page 12 and the cash flow statement on page 14 are translated at exchange rates current in each period. The balance sheet on page 13 is translated at period-end rates of exchange.

 

The condensed interim financial statements attached do not constitute the full financial statements within the meaning of section 434 of the UK Companies Act 2006. The comparative figures for the financial year ended 31 December 2016 are not Unilever PLC's statutory accounts for that financial year. Those accounts of Unilever for the year ended 31 December 2016 have been reported on by the Group's auditor and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditor on these accounts was (i) unqualified, (ii) did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditor drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report, and (iii) did not contain a statement under section 498 (2) or (3) of the UK Companies Act 2006.

 

Change in reporting of performance measures

Following our strategic review earlier this year, we announced that we would be accelerating savings programmes and being more active in the development of our portfolio, including exiting from our spreads business. This will mean spending significant funds on restructuring costs. In order to provide a clear picture of our performance against the objectives set out in the announcement of the outcome of the review, where relevant, our non-GAAP measures will now exclude restructuring costs as well as any other significant unusual items within net profit but not operating profit.

 

Our non-GAAP measures have therefore changed from 'core operating profit', 'core operating margin', 'core earnings per share', 'core effective tax rate' and 'constant core earnings per share' to 'underlying operating profit', 'underlying operating margin', 'underlying earnings per share', 'underlying effective tax rate' and 'constant underlying earnings per share' respectively.

 

Underlying operating profit and underlying operating margin exclude the impact of business disposals, acquisition and disposal-related costs, restructuring costs, impairments and other one-off items, which we collectively term non-underlying items.

 

Underlying earnings per share, underlying effective tax rate and constant underlying earnings per share exclude post-tax impact of non-underlying items and post-tax impact of other significant unusual items within net profit but not operating profit.

 

The definitions of underlying operating profit, underlying operating margin, underlying earnings per share, underlying effective tax rate and constant underlying earnings per share are provided on pages 8 and 9. Note 2 explains non-underlying items for the first half year 2017 and 2016.

 

 

2   SIGNIFICANT ITEMS WITHIN THE INCOME STATEMENT

 

In our income statement reporting we disclose the total value of non-underlying items that arise within operating profit. These are costs and revenues relating to business disposals, acquisition and disposal related costs, restructuring costs, impairments and other one-off items, which we collectively term non-underlying items, due to their nature and/or frequency of occurrence.

 

€ million

First Half


2017

2016

Acquisition and disposal related costs

(69)

(43)

Gain/(loss) on disposal of group companies

308

(101)

Restructuring costs

(318)

(258)

Impairments and other one-off items(a)

-

(16)




Non-underlying items before tax

(79)

(418)

Tax impact of non-underlying items

(21)

114

Non-underlying items after tax

(100)

(304)




Attributable to:



Non-controlling interests

(4)

(4)

Shareholders' equity

(96)

(300)

 

 (a) 2016 relates to foreign exchange losses arising from remeasurement of our Argentinian business at a rate of 14 pesos per US dollar.

 

The following table shows the impact of non-underlying items on profit attributable to shareholders.

 

€ million

First Half


2017

2016

Net profit attributable to shareholders' equity

3,110

2,512

Post tax impact of non-underlying items

96

300




Underlying profit attributable to shareholders' equity

3,206

2,812

 

 

3   SEGMENT INFORMATION - CATEGORIES

 

Second Quarter

Personal

Care

 

Home Care

 

Home Care and Personal Care

Foods

Refreshment

Foods and Refreshment

Total

Turnover (€ million)








   2016

5,027

2,501

7,528

3,073

3,134

6,207

13,735

   2017

5,340

2,688

8,028

3,148

3,230

6,378

14,406

Change (%)

6.3

7.5

6.7

2.4

3.0

2.8

4.9

Impact of:








   Exchange rates (%)

2.0

2.3

2.1

1.2

(1.7)

(0.3)

1.0

   Acquisitions (%)

2.0

3.0

2.3

0.1

-

0.0

1.3

   Disposals (%)

(0.1)

(0.4)

(0.2)

-

(1.7)

(0.9)

(0.5)









Underlying sales growth (%)

2.2

2.5

2.3

1.2

6.7

3.9

3.0

   Price (%)

2.5

2.4

2.5

2.5

4.8

3.7

3.0

   Volume (%)

(0.3)

0.1

(0.1)

(1.3)

1.8

0.2

-

 

First Half

Personal

Care

 

Home Care

 

Home Care

and Personal Care

Foods

Refreshment

Foods and Refreshment

Total

Turnover (€ million)








   2016

9,822

4,950

14,772

6,169

5,342

11,511

26,283

   2017

10,481

5,398

15,879

6,297

5,549

11,846

27,725

Change (%)

6.7

9.1

7.5

2.1

3.9

2.9

5.5

Impact of:








   Exchange rates (%)

2.5

3.0

2.7

1.6

(1.1)

0.3

1.7

   Acquisitions (%)

1.6

2.9

2.0

-

-

-

1.1

   Disposals (%)

(0.1)

(0.4)

(0.2)

(0.2)

(1.0)

(0.6)

(0.4)









Underlying sales growth (%)

2.6

3.3

2.8

0.6

6.1

3.1

3.0

   Price (%)

2.6

2.5

2.6

2.4

4.9

3.5

3.0

   Volume (%)

-

0.8

0.3

(1.7)

1.2

(0.4)

-









Operating profit (€ million)








   2016

1,640

476

2,116

1,048

625

1,673

3,789

   2017

2,068

573

2,641

1,167

1,039

2,206

4,847









Underlying operating profit (€ million)








   2016

1,840

533

2,373

1,154

680

1,834

4,207

   2017

2,207

643

2,850

1,242

834

2,076

4,926









Operating margin (%)








   2016

16.7

9.6

14.3

17.0

11.7

14.5

14.4

   2017

19.7

10.6

16.6

18.5

18.7

18.6

17.5









Underlying operating margin (%)








   2016

18.7

10.8

16.1

18.7

12.7

15.9

16.0

   2017

21.1

11.9

17.9

19.7

15.0

17.5

17.8









 

Turnover growth is made up of distinct individual growth components namely underlying sales, currency impact, acquisitions and disposals. Turnover growth is arrived at by multiplying these individual components on a compounded basis as there is a currency impact on each of the other components. Accordingly, turnover growth is more than just the sum of the individual components.

 

Underlying operating profit represents our measure of segment profit or loss as it is the primary measure used for the purpose of making decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance of segments. Underlying operating margin is calculated as underlying operating profit divided by turnover.

 

 

4   SEGMENT INFORMATION - GEOGRAPHICAL AREA

 

Second Quarter

Asia /

AMET /

RUB

The

Americas

Europe

Total

 

Turnover (€ million)





   2016

5,817

4,302

3,616

13,735

   2017

6,163

4,707

3,536

14,406

Change (%)

5.9

9.4

(2.2)

4.9

Impact of:





   Exchange rates (%)

0.9

3.3

(1.7)

1.0

   Acquisitions (%)

1.0

3.4

(0.9)

1.3

   Disposals (%)

(0.3)

(1.2)

-

(0.5)






Underlying sales growth (%)

4.3

3.7

0.3

3.0

   Price (%)

4.9

2.8

0.1

3.0

   Volume (%)

(0.6)

0.9

0.1

-

 

First Half

Asia /

AMET /

RUB

The

Americas

Europe

Total

 

Turnover (€ million)





    2016

11,281

8,278

6,724

26,283

    2017

12,085

9,077

6,563

27,725

Change (%)

7.1

9.7

(2.4)

5.5

Impact of:





    Exchange rate (%)

1.2

5.0

(1.9)

1.7

    Acquisitions (%)

0.5

2.7

0.3

1.1

    Disposals (%)

(0.3)

(0.8)

(0.0)

(0.4)






Underlying sales growth (%)

5.5

2.5

(0.8)

3.0

    Price (%)

4.8

3.1

(0.1)

3.0

    Volume (%)

0.8

(0.6)

(0.6)

-






Operating profit (€ million)





    2016

1,668

999

1,122

3,789

    2017

2,070

1,704

1,073

4,847






Underlying operating profit (€ million)





    2016

1,766

1,252

1,189

4,207

    2017

2,211

1,538

1,177

4,926






Operating margin (%)





    2016

14.8

12.1

16.7

14.4

    2017

17.1

18.8

16.3

17.5






Underlying operating margin (%)





    2016

15.7

15.1

17.7

16.0

    2017

18.3

16.9

17.9

17.8

 

 

5   TAXATION

 

The effective tax rate for the first half was 28.9% compared to 26.0% in 2016. The tax rate is calculated by dividing the tax charge by pre-tax profit excluding the contribution of joint ventures and associates.

 

Tax effects of components of other comprehensive income were as follows:

 

€ million

First Half 2017

First Half 2016


Before

tax

Tax

(charge)/

credit

After

tax

Before

tax

Tax

(charge)/

credit

After

tax

Fair value gains/(losses) on financial instruments

 

63

 

(12)

 

51

 

(76)

 

58

 

(18)

Remeasurements of defined benefit pension plans

751

(110)

641

(1,814)

458

(1,356)

Currency retranslation gains/(losses)

(723)

29

(694)

(140)

-

(140)

Other comprehensive income

91

(93)

(2)

(2,030)

516

(1,514)

 

 

 6   COMBINED EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

The combined earnings per share calculations are based on the average number of share units representing the combined ordinary shares of NV and PLC in issue during the period, less the average number of shares held as treasury stock.

 

In calculating diluted earnings per share and underlying earnings per share, a number of adjustments are made to the number of shares which principally includes the exercise of share options by employees.

 

Earnings per share for total operations for the six months were calculated as follows:


2017

2016


Combined EPS - Basic



Net profit attributable to shareholders' equity (€ million)

3,110

2,512




Average number of combined share units (millions of units)

2,834.4

2,841.1




Combined EPS - basic (€)

1.10

0.88




Combined EPS - Diluted

Net profit attributable to shareholders' equity (€ million)

3,110

2,512




Adjusted average number of combined share units (millions of units)

2,845.7

2,853.5




Combined EPS - diluted (€)

1.09

0.88


Underlying EPS



Underlying profit attributable to shareholders' equity (see note 2) (€ million)

3,206

2,812




Adjusted average number of combined share units (millions of units)

2,845.7

2,853.5




Underlying EPS - diluted (€)

1.13

0.99

 

In calculating underlying earnings per share, net profit attributable to shareholders' equity is adjusted to eliminate the post-tax impact of non-underlying items in operating profit and any other significant unusual items within net profit but not operating profit.

 

During the period the following movements in shares have taken place:



Millions

Number of shares at 31 December 2016 (net of treasury stock)


2,839.7

Shares repurchased under the share buyback programme


(27.5)

Net movement in shares under incentive schemes


0.3

Number of shares at 30 June 2017


2,812.5

 

 

7   ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS

 

The Group completed the following business acquisitions and disposals in the first six months of 2017.

 

Deal completion date

Acquired/Disposed business

1 February 2017

Acquired Living Proof Inc., an innovative premium hair care business.

28 March 2017

Sold AdeS soy beverage business in Latin America to Coca Cola FEMSA and The Coca Cola Company.

1 May 2017

Acquired Sir Kensington, a premium condiments business.

 

The total consideration for acquisitions completed in the first half of 2017 was €304 million (first half of 2016: €40 million).

 

8   SHARE BUYBACK PROGRAMME

 

On 6 April 2017 Unilever announced a share buyback programme of €5 billion in 2017. At 30 June 2017 the group has repurchased 27,537,570 ordinary shares as part of the programme for €1,368 million. Cash paid for the repurchase of shares was €1,071 million and €297 million is shown within current financial liabilities. These shares have not been cancelled and are recognised as treasury shares with the cost reported within other reserves.

 

9   FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

The Group is exposed to the risks of changes in fair value of its financial assets and liabilities. The following tables summarise the fair values and carrying amounts of financial instruments and the fair value calculations by category.

 

 € million

 

Fair value

Carrying amount

As at 30 June

2017

As at 31 December

2016

As at 30 June

2016

As at 30 June

2017

As at 31 December

2016

As at 30 June

2016

Financial assets





Cash and cash equivalents

3,382

3,119

3,382

3,119

Held-to-maturity investments

142

138

142

138

Loans and receivables

398

344

398

344

Available-for-sale financial assets

509

509

544

Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss:




Derivatives

91

91

130

Other

106

132

124

106

132

124


4,654

4,654

4,399

Financial liabilities




Preference shares

(125)

(68)

(68)

Bank loans and overdrafts

(1,147)

(1,146)

(1,179)

Bonds and other loans

(15,844)

(15,053)

(14,308)

Finance lease creditors

(165)

(143)

(149)

Derivatives

(185)

(185)

(144)

Other financial liabilities

-

-

(523)

-

-

(523)


(20,391)

(17,466)

(17,627)

(19,633)

(16,595)

(16,371)

 

 

 

 € million

 Level 1

 Level 2

Level 3

 Level 1

 Level 2

Level 3

 Level 1

 Level 2

Level 3


As at 30 June 2017

As at 31 December 2016

As at 30 June 2016

Assets at fair value










Other cash equivalents

-

724

-

-

90

-

-

211

-

Available-for-sale financial assets

277

8

370

138

98

273

93

1

450

Financial assets at fair value










through profit or loss:










Derivatives(a)

-

376

-

-

226

-

-

349

-

Other

-

104

2

-

131

1

-

121

3

Liabilities at fair value










Derivatives(b)

-

(392)

-

-

(331)

-

-

(394)

-

Contingent Consideration

-

-

(413)

-

-

(380)

-

-

(102)

(a) Includes €83 million (December 2016: €135 million) derivatives, reported within trade receivables, that hedge trading activities.

(b) Includes €(139) million (December 2016: €(146) million) derivatives, reported within trade payables, that hedge trading activities.

 

There were no significant changes in classification of fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities since 31 December 2016. There were also no significant movements between the fair value hierarchy classifications since 31 December 2016.

 

The fair value of trade receivables and payables is considered to be equal to the carrying amount of these items due to their short-term nature. The instruments that have a fair value that is different from the carrying amount are classified as Level 2.

 

Calculation of fair values

The fair values of the financial assets and liabilities are defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair values are consistent with those used in the year ended 31 December 2016.

 

10   DIVIDENDS

 

The Boards have determined to pay a quarterly interim dividend for Q2 2017 at the following rates which are equivalent in value between the two companies at the rate of exchange applied under the terms of the Equalisation Agreement:

 

 

Per Unilever N.V. ordinary share:

€ 0.3585

Per Unilever PLC ordinary share:

£ 0.3183

Per Unilever N.V. New York share:

US$ 0.4140

Per Unilever PLC American Depositary Receipt:

US$ 0.4140

 

 

The quarterly interim dividends have been determined in euros and converted into equivalent sterling and US dollar amounts using exchange rates issued by WM/Reuters on 18 July 2017.

 

US dollar cheques for the quarterly interim dividend will be mailed on 6 September 2017 to holders of record at the close of business on 4 August 2017. In the case of the NV New York shares, Netherlands withholding tax will be deducted.

 

The quarterly dividend calendar for the remainder of 2017 will be as follows:

 

 


Announcement Date

NV NY and PLC ADR ex-Dividend Date

NV and PLC ex-Dividend Date

Record Date

Payment Date

Quarterly dividend - for Q2 2017

20 July 2017

2 August 2017

3 August 2017

4 August 2017

6 September 2017

Quarterly dividend - for Q3 2017

19 October 2017

1 November 2017

2 November 2017

3 November 2017

13 December 2017

 

 

11   EVENTS AFTER THE BALANCE SHEET DATE

 

There were no material post balance sheet events other than those mentioned elsewhere in this report.

 

DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

 

The Directors declare that, to the best of their knowledge:

 

·      this condensed set of interim financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting', as issued by the International Accounting Standard Board and endorsed and adopted by the EU gives a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of Unilever; and

·      the interim management report gives a fair review of the information required pursuant to regulations 4.2.7 and 4.2.8 of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules (DTR) issued by the UK Financial Conduct Authority and section 5:25d (8)/(9) of the Dutch Act on Financial Supervision (Wet op het financieel toezicht).

 

Unilever's Directors are listed in the Annual Report and Accounts for 2016, with the exception of Professor Louise Fresco who retired as a Non-Executive Director following the Unilever N.V. and Unilever PLC 2017 AGMs.

 

 

Details of all current Directors are available on our website at www.unilever.com.

 

 

 

By order of the Board

 

Paul Polman                                          Graeme Pitkethly

Chief Executive Officer                            Chief Financial Officer

 

20 July 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
 
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