FORM 6-K
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
REPORT OF FOREIGN ISSUER
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the month of August, 2006
UNILEVER PLC
(Translation of registrant's name into English)
UNILEVER HOUSE, BLACKFRIARS, LONDON, ENGLAND
(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports
under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F..X.. Form 40-F.....
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper
as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):_____
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper
as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):_____
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information
contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the
Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes ..... No .X..
If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant
in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82- _______
Exhibit 99 attached hereto is incorporated herein by reference.
Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
UNILEVER PLC
/S/ S G WILLIAMS
By S G WILLIAMS
SECRETARY
Date: August 03, 2006
EXHIBIT INDEX
-------------
EXHIBIT NUMBER EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION
99 Notice to London Stock Exchange dated
03 August 2006, 2nd Quarter Results 2006
Exhibit 99
SECOND QUARTER AND HALF YEAR RESULTS 2006
Broad-based growth in first half year, outlook for 2006 reaffirmed.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(unaudited)
Second Quarter 2006 EUR million Half Year 2006
-------------------------- --------------------------
Current Current Constant Current Current Constant
rates rates rates rates rates rates
Continuing operations:
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
10 258 3% 3% Turnover 19 793 6% 3%
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
1 435 20% 21% Operating profit 2 845 13% 10%
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
1 351 28% 29% Pre-tax profit 2 661 19% 16%
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
1 007 37% 38% Net profit from continuing 2 008 22% 19%
------- ------- ------- operations ------- ------- -------
1 044 33% 34% Net profit from total 2 103 19% 17%
------- ------- ------- operations ------- ------- -------
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
0.33 42% 42% EPS from continuing 0.65 23% 20%
------- ------- ------- operations (Euros) ------- ------- -------
0.34 37% 38% EPS from total operations 0.69 20% 18%
------- ------- ------- (Euros) ------- ------- -------
KEY FEATURES
- Underlying sales growth of 3.4% in the first half year and 3.9% in the
quarter, with sustained volume momentum and a pick-up in price.
- Increased investment in advertising and promotions.
- Operating margin of 14.4% in the first half year and 14.0% in the
quarter.
- EPS from continuing operations up by 23% in the first half year, and by
8% excluding the impact of last year's impairment of Slim Fast.
GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S COMMENT
The first half year results give me confidence that we have largely succeeded in
restoring competitiveness. All regions and categories contributed to growth and
we continue to maintain market share in aggregate. Investment in support of our
priorities has been rewarded by sustained progress in personal care, developing
and emerging markets and Vitality innovation. I am also particularly encouraged
by the resumption of growth in Europe.
I fully expect that we will achieve our outlook for this year of sustained
growth and an operating margin above last year. This is in spite of a harsher
than expected commodity cost environment which has impacted margins in the first
half. We are accelerating our savings programmes and have an increasing
contribution from price, while a strong innovation programme is driving improved
mix.
We are now moving to the next phase of our strategy. Our new organisation is
already focusing resources more effectively behind our priorities. We now need
to drive harder to build a winning portfolio by extending our leadership
positions and our presence in high growth spaces. At the same time we are
improving our consumer marketing and customer development to deliver outstanding
execution. Bringing all this together as 'One Unilever' will ensure that we
capitalise on both our local roots and global scale.
This strategy will enable us to grow ahead of our markets with sustainable
margin improvement. I am confident that this will lead to sustainable underlying
sales growth of 3-5%, and an operating margin in excess of 15% by 2010.
Patrick Cescau, Group Chief Executive
3 August 2006
In the following commentary, sales growth is stated on an underlying basis at
constant exchange rates and excluding the effects of acquisitions and disposals.
Turnover includes the impact of exchange rates and acquisitions and disposals.
Unilever uses 'constant rate' and 'underlying' measures primarily for internal
performance analysis and targeting purposes. Unilever believes that such
measures provide additional information for shareholders on underlying business
performance trends. Such measures are not defined under IFRS or US GAAP and are
not intended to be a substitute for GAAP measures of turnover, profit and cash
flow.
SECOND QUARTER AND HALF YEAR FINANCIAL RESULTS
Turnover increased by 5.8% in the first half year, with 3.4% underlying sales
growth including 0.7% from price. Favourable currency movements added 3.2%,
while disposals account for the remainder of the change in turnover. In the
second quarter underlying sales grew by 3.9% including pricing of 0.8%.
The operating margin for the first half year at 14.4% was 1.0 percentage point
higher than a year ago, while the quarter at 14.0% was 2.0 percentage points
higher. Before the impact of restructuring, disposals and impairment, the
operating margin would have been 0.6 percentage points lower than a year ago for
the first half and 1.0 percentage point lower in the second quarter.
Investment behind our brands has been stepped up in priority categories and
regions. Advertising and promotions as a percentage of turnover increased by 0.5
points in the first half year and by 0.6 points in the second quarter.
Gross margins were in line with last year throughout the first half. Savings
programmes are accelerating and innovation continues to drive an improved mix
However input costs, particularly mineral oil-based, edible oils and tea have
continued to rise and pricing has lagged.
Overhead costs were higher in the second quarter than the same period last year,
which included the benefit of the profit on sale of an office building in the
US.
Net profit from continuing operations increased by 22% in the first half year
and by 37% in the quarter. Total net profit, including discontinued operations,
increased by 19% in the first half year and by 33% in the quarter.
EPS from continuing operations increased by 23% in the first half year and by
42% in the quarter. Excluding the impact of the Slim Fast impairment charge in
the second quarter of last year, EPS from continuing operations increased by 8%
in the first half year and by 6% in the quarter. The growth in net profit and
EPS included important contributions from improvements in tax, financing,
associates and joint ventures for both the half year and the quarter.
Net finance costs benefited from a lower level of net debt and the effect of
higher asset values on pensions financing. The tax rate was 25% for the first
half year compared with 26% last year. In the quarter the tax rate was also 25%,
against 30% last year. The lower rates include better country mix and other
improvements.
Share of net profit from joint ventures increased due to strong growth in the
partnerships between Lipton and Pepsi for ready-to-drink tea.
OUTLOOK
The outlook for the year of sustained top line growth
and an operating margin of greater than 13.4% is reconfirmed. Support for
innovation is expected to be strongest in the middle of the year, while last
year's heavier weighting of market research and development costs towards the
end of the year contribute to an easier margin comparator in the fourth quarter.
We now expect gross restructuring costs ahead of one percentage point of sales
as savings programmes are accelerated.
The outlook for ungeared free cash flow of EUR25-30 billion over the period
2005-2010 and an improvement in return on invested capital over the 2004 base of
11% is also reaffirmed. This is expected to be achieved with underlying sales
growth of 3-5%, representing growth ahead of our markets, and an operating
margin in excess of 15% by 2010 after a normal level of restructuring.
CASH FLOW
Net cash flow from operating activities was EUR0.1 billion higher than last
year, with lower tax payments more than offsetting a slightly higher seasonal
outflow of working capital. Net cash flow used in investing and financing
activities was EUR0.3 billion higher than last year including EUR0.1 billion
higher dividends. During the first half there was a net reduction in cash and
cash equivalents of EUR0.2 billion.
BALANCE SHEET
The euro has strengthened against a number of currencies since the start of the
year, resulting in a significant lowering in balance sheet values. Assets and
liabilities held for sale include items related to the frozen foods businesses.
Closing net debt was EUR10.3 billion, a reduction of EUR0.2 billion since the
start of the year. Total equity has increased by EUR0.4 billion. Net profit for
the period of EUR2.1 billion is netted by dividends of EUR1.3 billion and
currency translation losses of EUR0.4 billion.
PERFORMANCE BY REGION
EUROPE
Underlying sales grew by 0.3% in the half year and by 1.0% in the second
quarter, with volume growth partly offset by a small reduction in price.
Conditions in Western Europe remain tough, but demand has picked up slightly and
we are growing in line with our markets in aggregate.
There has been a steady improvement in performance over the past six quarters
across most countries and categories. The Netherlands grew strongly, benefiting
from being a first mover in the One Unilever programme, and the UK and Italy
have returned to modest levels of growth. However sales were still down in the
quarter in France, despite an improvement over the very slow start to the year,
and in Germany. Central and Eastern Europe continues to grow well.
A key driver of the overall improvement has been the impact of Vitality led
innovation in savoury, in heart health spreads and in leaf tea. There have also
been encouraging share gains in skin care, deodorants and household cleaners.
The ice cream season started slowly because of the later Easter but picked up
well in the second quarter, although sales were still slightly behind a strong
second quarter last year. We have lost some share in laundry and hair care in
competitive markets and sales of ready-to-drink tea were lower.
The theme of Vitality runs clearly through the innovation programme. AdeZ
drinks, combining the goodness of soya with the refreshment, taste and health of
fruit juice have just been launched in the UK, building on success in Latin
America. A range of Knorr bouillon cubes with selected natural ingredients and a
better, richer taste is being rolled out across the region and Vie 'one shot'
fruit and vegetable drinks have been launched into two new countries. 'Fresh'
soups in pouches with premium ingredients and tasty recipes are re-invigorating
markets in the Netherlands, Russia and Poland. New Lipton see-through pyramid
tea bags with a unique and healthy mix of the best tea leaves, spices and dried
fruit have been launched in France and the Netherlands.
Product launches in Home and Personal Care with clear functional or emotional
benefits are being rolled out rapidly across the region. Dove 'summer glow',
offers gentle self-tanning from a trusted brand and the latest Axe fragrance
'Click' is being introduced globally. Comfort Creme blended with natural oils
brings premium indulgence to fabric conditioning while Cif Power Cream combines
convenience with high performance.
The operating margin for the first half year at 15.0% was 1.7 percentage points
lower than last year. This is mainly due to higher restructuring costs, lower
profits on disposals and the impact of input cost increases, particularly in
edible oils, tea and mineral oil based costs. These were only partly offset by
savings programmes and a better mix.
THE AMERICAS
Underlying sales grew by 3.2% in the first half year and by 3.6% in the second
quarter with a slight acceleration over the first quarter in both volume and
price. Markets in the US continue to grow well and we are maintaining our share.
In the rest of the region demand in Home and Personal Care markets remains
solid, but there has been a further slowdown in market growth in Foods.
Sales in the US improved after a slow start and were 2.7% ahead in the first
half year. This included the continued success of Bertolli frozen meals and
Country Crock side dishes, and a second quarter of growth for Slim Fast. There
was further innovation driven growth in deodorants and skin cleansing and good
results from the initial sell-in of Sunsilk.
In Brazil there was good growth in hair care, deodorants and laundry but skin
cleansing and spreads faced tough price competition. In Mexico, new regionally
harmonised transaction systems were successfully implemented in April. Trade
stocks had been built up ahead of this and, as expected, sales in the second
quarter were substantially down as a result. There was strong growth elsewhere,
particularly in Canada, Venezuela, Central America and the Caribbean.
Recently introduced products in the US include Wishbone salad 'spritzers', with
one calorie per spray, and Lipton pyramid tea bags, as in Europe. Launches under
the Breyer's ice cream brand include 'cyclone' with pieces of confectionery in a
swirl and more creamy varieties of 'double churn'.
New Knorr soups and bouillons across the region cater for local flavour and
tastes while sharing common product platforms. The highly succesful AdeS
nutritional drink has been extended with a 'light' variant, new fruit flavours
and the launch of Soymilk in Brazil.
We have been reshaping our hair care portfolio in the US. Sunsilk, with ranges
tailored to tackle individual hair 'dramas', was launched in the US and Canada
in June with a strong initial support programme starting in July. Dove has been
further extended throughout the region with three new skin care ranges in the US
and 'cool moisture' deodorants and hair care products in Latin America. Laundry
innovations include 'baby' and 'foam control' variants of Omo in Brazil and the
launch of a second concentrated detergent, Wisk dual action, in the US.
The operating margin for the first half year at 15.3%
was 5.6 percentage points higher than last year which included the impairment
charge for Slim Fast in the second quarter, equivalent to 5.7 percentage points.
The second quarter last year also included a profit on the sale of an office
building in the US. Price increases, savings programmes and an improved mix more
than offset the impact of higher input costs.
ASIA AFRICA
Underlying sales grew by 8% in the first half year and by 9% in the second
quarter. Volume continued to be the major driver, although price increases have
been taken in some categories, particularly in laundry to mitigate the effects
of higher input costs.
Markets remain buoyant and we have capitalised on our strong market positions to
deliver good growth across all categories.
India sustained double-digit sales increases across almost all categories.
Growth was driven by a mix of global, regional and local brands, notably Surf,
Lux, Lifebuoy, Clinic and Fair and Lovely.
China continued to grow very strongly through a healthy combination of market
growth and share gains from better distribution and innovation behind brands
such as Omo, Zonghua, Lux and Pond's. Lipton leaf and powder teas both performed
well.
Other highlights of the first half year included good performances in Indonesia,
Vietnam, Turkey, Egypt and Arabia with Thailand also coming through well in the
second quarter. Sales in Nigeria were lower as we work to restructure our
distribution model in the country.
Australia has sustained an improved performance, while Japan had a weaker second
quarter after a promising start to the year.
Increasingly, innovation activity has been driven globally and regionally rather
than locally. The new Sunsilk range has been introduced in most major markets
and in laundry the global 'Dirt is Good' positioning is now in place across the
region. The latest Axe/Lynx fragrance, 'Click' has been introduced in Australia
and New Zealand.
In Foods, low unit priced Knorr bouillon cubes, already successful in Latin
America, have been brought to the region and Green Tea innovations are being
rolled out extensively. In South Africa, communication behind new Rama
communicates the healthy oils in the product, a theme being used well elsewhere
around the world.
The operating margin for the first half year at 12.3% was 0.9 percentage points
lower than a year ago, due to increased investment in advertising and
promotions. Selected price increases, savings programmes and the benefit of
increased volumes more than offset the impact of higher input costs.
SAFE HARBOUR 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. Words such as
'expects', 'anticipates', 'intends' 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 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, including, among
others, competitive pricing and activities, consumption levels, costs, the
ability to maintain and manage key customer relationships and supply chain
sources, currency values, interest rates, the ability to integrate acquisitions
and complete planned divestitures, physical risks, environmental risks, the
ability to manage regulatory, tax and legal matters and resolve pending matters
within current estimates, legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments,
political, economic and social conditions in the geographic markets where the
Group operates and new or changed priorities of the Boards. 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 the Annual Report and Accounts on
Form 20-F. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this
document. 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.
CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INCOME STATEMENT
(unaudited)
Second Quarter EUR million Half Year
---------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------
2006 2005 Increase/ 2006 2005 Increase/
(Decrease) (Decrease)
Current rates Constant rates Current rates Constant rates
Continuing
operations:
10 258 9 926 3% 3% Turnover 19 793 18 709 6% 3%
1 435 1 191 20% 21% Operating profit 2 845 2 511 13% 10%
------ ------ ------ ------ -------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------
After (charging)/
crediting:
(100) (28) Restructuring (161) (49)
36 (326) Business disposals 155 (255)
and impairments
------ ------ ------ ------ -------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------
(114) (152) Net finance costs (235) (303)
------ ------ ------ ------ -------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------
(19) 4 Finance income 68 101
(108) (144) Finance costs (324) (377)
13 (12) Pensions and similar 21 (27)
obligations
------ ------ ------ ------ -------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------
16 9 Share in net profit/ 34 19
(loss) of joint
ventures
6 (8) Share in net profit/ 6 (8)
(loss) of associates
8 13 Other income from 11 21
------ ------ non-current ------ ------
investments
1 351 1 053 28% 29% Profit before 2 661 2 240 19% 16%
taxation
(344) (317) Taxation (653) (591)
------ ------ ------ ------
1 007 736 37% 38% Net profit from 2 008 1 649 22% 19%
continuing operations
37 48 Net profit/(loss) 95 116
------ ------ from discontinued ------ ------
operations
1 044 784 33% 34% Net profit for the 2 103 1 765 19% 17%
period
------ ------ ------ ------ -------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------
Attributable to:
58 53 Minority interests 127 100
986 731 35% 36% Shareholders' equity 1 976 1 665 19% 16%
------ ------ ------ ------ -------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------
------ ------ ------ ------ -------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------
Combined earnings per
share
0.34 0.25 37% 38% Total operations 0.69 0.57 20% 18%
(Euros)
0.34 0.24 38% 39% Total operations - 0.67 0.55 21% 18%
diluted (Euros)
0.33 0.23 42% 42% Continuing operations 0.65 0.53 23% 20%
(Euros)
0.32 0.23 43% 43% Continuing operations 0.63 0.51 23% 21%
- diluted (Euros)
------ ------ ------ ------ -------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------
STATEMENT OF RECOGNISED INCOME AND EXPENSE
(unaudited)
EUR million Half Year
----------------
2006 2005
Fair value gains/(losses) on financial instruments net of tax 5 12
Actuarial gains/(losses) on pension schemes net of tax 7 12
Currency retranslation gains/(losses) net of tax (368) 482
--------- ---------
Net income/(expense) recognised directly in equity (356) 506
Net profit for the period 2 103 1 765
--------- ---------
Total recognised income and expense for the period 1 747 2 271
----------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Attributable to:
Minority interests 103 146
Shareholders' equity 1 644 2 125
----------------------------------------- --------- ---------
MOVEMENTS IN EQUITY
(unaudited)
EUR million Half Year
---------------
2006 2005
Equity at 1 January 8 765 6 515
Total recognised income and expense for the period 1 747 2 271
Dividends (1 266) (1 229)
Conversion of preference shares - 930
(Purchase)/sale of treasury stock (14) (285)
Share option credit 63 85
Dividends paid to minority shareholders (97) (106)
Currency retranslation gains/(losses) net of tax (11) 15
Other movements in equity 6 -
--------- ---------
Equity at the end of the period 9 193 8 196
BALANCE SHEET
(unaudited)
--------- --------- ---------
EUR million As at As at As at
1 July 31 December 2 July
2006 2005 2005
--------- --------- ---------
Non-current assets
--------------------
Goodwill and intangible assets 17 428 18 055 17 876
Property, plant and equipment 6 139 6 492 6 451
Pension asset for funded schemes in surplus 1 099 1 036 720
Deferred tax assets 1 469 1 703 1 633
Other non-current assets 1 068 1 072 1 243
--------- --------- ---------
Total non-current assets 27 203 28 358 27 923
Assets held for sale 488 217 373
Current assets
----------------
Inventories 3 893 4 107 4 282
Trade and other current receivables 5 043 4 830 5 370
Other financial assets 297 335 372
Cash and cash equivalents 1 590 1 529 1 594
--------- --------- ---------
Total current assets 10 823 10 801 11 618
Current liabilities
---------------------
Borrowings due within one year (5 939) (5 942) (7 506)
Trade payables and other current liabilities (7 989) (8 658) (8 613)
Restructuring and other provisions (497) (644) (983)
--------- --------- ---------
Total current liabilities (14 425) (15 244) (17 102)
--------- --------- ---------
Net current assets/(liabilities) (3 602) (4 443) (5 484)
--------- --------- ---------
Total assets less current liabilities 24 089 24 132 22 812
Non-current liabilities
-------------------------
Borrowings due after one year 6 111 6 457 6 085
Pension liability for funded schemes in
deficit 2 305 2 415 2 428
Pension liability for unfunded schemes 3 931 4 202 4 002
Restructuring and other provisions 783 732 366
Deferred tax liabilities 951 933 855
Other non-current liabilities 583 602 761
--------- --------- ---------
Total non-current liabilities 14 664 15 341 14 497
Liabilities held for sale 232 26 119
Equity
--------
Shareholders' equity 8 788 8 361 7 782
Minority interests 405 404 414
--------- --------- ---------
Total equity 9 193 8 765 8 196
--------- --------- ---------
Total capital employed 24 089 24 132 22 812
CASH FLOW STATEMENT
(unaudited)
EUR million Half Year
---------------
2006 2005
Operating activities
----------------------
Cash flow from operating activities 1 894 2 127
Income tax paid (435) (777)
--------- ---------
Net cash flow from operating activities 1 459 1 350
Investing activities
----------------------
Interest received 49 79
Net capital expenditure (440) (335)
Acquisitions and disposals 186 117
Other investing activities 45 299
--------- ---------
Net cash flow from/(used in) investing activities (160) 160
Financing activities
----------------------
Dividends paid on ordinary share capital (1 194) (1 093)
Interest and preference dividends paid (278) (364)
Change in borrowings and finance leases 49 327
Purchase of treasury stock (14) (285)
Other financing activities (72) (101)
--------- ---------
Net cash flow from/(used in) financing activities (1 509) (1 516)
--------- ---------
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (210) (6)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 1 265 1 406
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 269 (36)
--------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period 1 324 1 364
ANALYSIS OF NET DEBT
(unaudited)
--------- ---------
EUR million As at As at
1 July 31 December
2006 2005
--------- ---------
Total borrowings (12 050) (12 399)
------------------------
Borrowings due within one year (5 939) (5 942)
Borrowings due after one year (6 111) (6 457)
------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents as per balance sheet 1 590 1 529
------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents as per cash flow statement 1 324 1 265
Add bank overdrafts deducted therein 266 265
Less cash and cash equivalents in assets/liabilities
held for sale - (1)
------------------------
Other financial assets 297 335
Derivatives and finance leases included in other
receivables and other liabilities (184) 33
--------- ---------
Net debt (10 347) (10 502)
GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS
(unaudited)
Continuing operations - Second Quarter
EUR million Europe Americas Asia Africa Total
-------- -------- -------- --------
Turnover
2005 4 011 3 301 2 614 9 926
2006 4 009 3 478 2 771 10 258
Change 0.0% 5.4% 6.0% 3.3%
Impact of:
Exchange rates (0.1)% 2.5% (1.4)% 0.4%
Acquisitions 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Disposals (0.9)% (0.7)% (1.1)% (0.9)%
Underlying sales growth 1.0% 3.6% 8.7% 3.9%
---------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Price (0.2)% 1.6% 1.4% 0.8%
Volume 1.2% 1.9% 7.2% 3.0%
---------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Operating profit
2005 683 167 341 1 191
2006 539 556 340 1 435
Change current rates (21.0)% 232.7% (0.4)% 20.5%
Change constant rates (21.0)% 237.5% 0.6% 20.8%
Operating margin
2005 17.0% 5.1% 13.0% 12.0%
2006 13.4% 16.0% 12.3% 14.0%
Includes restructuring, business
disposals and impairments
2005 0.1% (11.0)% 0.2% (3.6)%
2006 (1.6)% 0.4% (0.5)% (0.6)%
Continuing operations -Half Year
EUR million Europe Americas Asia Africa Total
-------- -------- -------- --------
Turnover
2005 7 517 6 249 4 943 18 709
2006 7 480 6 896 5 417 19 793
Change (0.5)% 10.4% 9.6% 5.8%
Impact of:
Exchange rates 0.2% 7.5% 2.3% 3.2%
Acquisitions 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Disposals (1.0)% (0.5)% (1.1)% (0.9)%
Underlying sales growth 0.3% 3.2% 8.3% 3.4%
---------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Price (0.4)% 1.5% 1.2% 0.7%
Volume 0.7% 1.7% 7.0% 2.7%
---------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Operating profit
2005 1 253 606 652 2 511
2006 1 121 1 056 668 2 845
Change current rates (10.5)% 74.3% 2.3% 13.3%
Change constant rates (10.7)% 60.7% (0.2)% 9.8%
Operating margin
2005 16.7% 9.7% 13.2% 13.4%
2006 15.0% 15.3% 12.3% 14.4%
Includes restructuring, business
disposals and impairments
2005 0.4% (5.8)% 0.6% (1.6)%
2006 (0.4)% 0.0% 0.5% 0.0%
Operating profit of discontinued operations - Second Quarter
EUR million Europe Americas Asia Africa Total
-------- -------- -------- --------
2005 70 3 - 73
2006 58 - - 58
Operating profit of discontinued operations - Half Year
EUR million Europe Americas Asia Africa Total
-------- -------- -------- --------
2005 149 20 - 169
2006 139 - - 139
PRODUCT AREA ANALYSIS
(unaudited)
Continuing operations - Second Quarter
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
EUR million Savoury, Ice cream and Foods Personal care Home care Home and Total
dressings and beverages and Personal Care
spreads other
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Turnover
2005 3 267 2 294 5 561 2 595 1 770 4 365 9 926
2006 3 338 2 362 5 700 2 764 1 794 4 558 10 258
Change 2.2% 2.9% 2.5% 6.5% 1.3% 4.4% 3.3%
Impact of:
Exchange 0.5% 0.4% 0.4% 0.5% 0.1% 0.4% 0.4%
rates
Acquisitions 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Disposals (1.5)% (0.4)% (1.0)% (1.1)% (0.3)% (0.7)% (0.9)%
Underlying
sales growth 3.2% 3.0% 3.1% 7.1% 1.4% 4.8% 3.9%
Operating
profit
2005 519 73 592 418 181 599 1 191
2006 463 383 846 451 138 589 1 435
Change
current (10.7)% 429.6% 43.2% 7.8% (24.3)% (1.9)% 20.5%
rates
Change
constant (10.9)% 502.0% 45.3% 6.6% (25.3)% (3.0)% 20.8%
rates
Operating
margin
2005 15.9% 3.2% 10.6% 16.1% 10.2% 13.7% 12.0%
2006 13.9% 16.3% 14.9% 16.2% 7.6% 12.8% 14.0%
-------- --------
Continuing operations - Half Year
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
EUR million Savoury, Ice cream and Foods Personal care Home care Home and Total
dressings and beverages and Personal Care
spreads other
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Turnover
2005 6 503 3 789 10 292 4 973 3 444 8 417 18 709
2006 6 737 3 992 10 729 5 466 3 598 9 064 19 793
Change 3.6% 5.3% 4.2% 9.9% 4.5% 7.7% 5.8%
Impact of:
Exchange 2.5% 2.8% 2.6% 4.1% 3.5% 3.8% 3.2%
rates
Acquisitions 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.1% 0.0% 0.0%
Disposals (1.5)% (0.3)% (1.0)% (0.8)% (0.5)% (0.7)% (0.9)%
Underlying
sales growth 2.5% 2.8% 2.6% 6.4% 1.4% 4.4% 3.4%
Operating
profit
2005 1 087 196 1 283 853 375 1 228 2 511
2006 1 037 544 1 581 950 314 1 264 2 845
Change
current (4.6)% 178.3% 23.3% 11.3% (16.3)% 2.9% 13.3%
rates
Change
constant (6.5)% 179.2% 21.3% 5.9% (20.0)% (2.0)% 9.8%
rates
Operating
margin
2005 16.7% 5.2% 12.5% 17.2% 10.9% 14.6% 13.4%
2006 15.4% 13.6% 14.7% 17.4% 8.7% 13.9% 14.4%
-------- --------
NOTES
(unaudited)
Basis of Preparation
The condensed interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the EU. These
are the same accounting policies as those used for preparation of the Annual
Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2005.
The condensed interim financial statements, which comply with IAS 34, are shown
at current exchange rates, while percentage year-on-year changes are shown at
both current and constant exchange rates to facilitate comparison.
Discontinued operations
In line with the requirements of IFRS 5, the frozen foods businesses in Western
Europe which are planned to be sold are treated as discontinued operations,
together with the results of Unilever Cosmetics International, which was sold in
the middle of last year.
Restated figures for all quarters of 2005 are available at www.unilever.com/
ourcompany/investorcentre.
The net cash flows attributable to the discontinued operations in respect of
operating, investing and financing activities for the half year were EUR63
million, EUR(2) million and EUR(2) million respectively (2005:
EUR(37) million, EUR19 million and EUR(5) million). Earnings per share for
discontinued operations are given on page 12.
Taxation
The charge for the year to date includes EUR76 million (2005: EUR76 million)
relating to United Kingdom taxation.
Issuances and repayments of debt and purchase of own shares
On 7 June 2006 Unilever repaid on maturity a EUR1.0 billion bond with a fixed
interest rate of 5.125%. Also in June we repaid three floating rate bonds
denominated in Japanese yen for a total of Y 37 billion (approximately EUR250
million) and issued a new floating rate bond for a similar amount with a
maturity date of June 2008.
Exchange rate conventions
The income statement on page 5, the statement of recognised income and expense
and the movements in equity on page 6 and the cash flow statement on page 8 are
translated at rates current in each period.
The balance sheet on page 7 and the analysis of net debt on page 8 are
translated at period-end rates of exchange.
Supplementary information in US dollars and sterling is available on our website
at www.unilever.com/ourcompany/investorcentre.
The financial statements attached do not constitute the full financial
statements within the meaning of Section 240 of the UK Companies Act 1985. Full
accounts for Unilever for the year ended 31 December 2005 have been delivered to
the Registrar of Companies. The auditors' report on these accounts was
unqualified and did not contain a statement under Section 237(2) or Section 237
(3) of the UK Companies Act 1985.
EARNINGS PER SHARE
(unaudited)
Combined earnings per share
At the Annual General Meetings of NV and PLC held on 8 May and 9 May 2006
respectively, shareholders approved proposals that the NV ordinary shares be
split 3 to 1 and that the PLC ordinary shares be consolidated 9 to 20.
Corresponding changes have also been made to the NV New York shares and PLC
ADRs, so that these units now also represent equivalent value to the shares
traded in the UK and the Netherlands.
These changes are aimed at improving transparency for investors and establishing
a one-to-one equivalence in their economic interests in the Unilever Group. 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, a number of adjustments are made to
the number of shares, principally the following: (i) conversion into PLC
ordinary shares in the year 2038 of shares in a group company under the
arrangements for the variation of the Leverhulme Trust; (ii) conversion of the
EUR0.05 NV preference shares (up to the point of conversion); and (iii) the
exercise of share options by employees.
Earnings per share attributable to discontinued operations were as follows:
2006 2005
------ ------
Second quarter:
Basic EPS EUR 0.01 EUR 0.02
Diluted EPS EUR 0.02 EUR 0.01
First half year:
Basic EPS EUR 0.04 EUR 0.04
Diluted EPS EUR 0.04 EUR 0.04
Earnings per share for total operations for the first half year
2006 2005
--------- ---------
Combined EPS Thousands of units
---------------
Average number of combined share units 2 881 632 2 922 018
EUR million
----------------------
Net profit attributable to shareholders' equity 1 976 1 665
----------------------
Combined EPS (Euros) 0.69 0.57
----------------------
Combined EPS - Diluted Thousands of units
---------------
Adjusted average number of combined share units 2 966 729 3 019 830
EUR million
---------------
Adjusted net profit attributable to shareholders'
equity 1 976 1 668
----------------------
Combined EPS - diluted (Euros) 0.67 0.55
----------------------
Earnings per share in US Dollars and Sterling
----------------------
Combined EPS (Dollars) 0.84 0.73
Combined EPS - diluted (Dollars) 0.82 0.71
----------------------
----------------------
Combined EPS (Pounds) 0.47 0.39
Combined EPS - diluted (Pounds) 0.46 0.38
----------------------
DATES
The results for the third quarter and the announcement of interim dividends will
be published on 2 November 2006.
ENQUIRIES: UNILEVER PRESS OFFICE
+44 (0) 20 7822 6805/6010
Internet: www.unilever.com
E-mail: press-office.london@unilever.com
3 August 2006