6-K

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 6-K

 

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN ISSUER

Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the month of July, 2016

 

 

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 INDEX

 

EXHIBIT NUMBER    EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION
99    2016 First Half Year Results


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

 

By  

/S/ T E LOVELL

 

T E LOVELL

SECRETARY

Date: 22 July 2016


LOGO

JUNE 2016 FIRST HALF YEAR RESULTS

CONSISTENT, COMPETITIVE AND PROFITABLE PERFORMANCE IN CHALLENGING MARKETS

First half highlights

 

    Underlying sales growth 4.7%, ahead of our markets, with volume up 2.2%

 

    Sales increased by 5.4% at constant exchange rates and decreased by (2.6)% at current exchange rates

 

    Emerging markets underlying sales growth 8.0% with volume up 2.9%. Emerging markets turnover was €15.0 billion compared to €15.8 billion in the first half of 2015

 

    Core operating margin at 15.0% up 50bps, driven by an 80bps improvement in gross margin

 

    Operating margin at 14.4% up 30bps

 

    Core earnings per share up 7.5% at constant exchange rates, up 1.3% at current exchange rates

 

    Basic earnings per share up 0.9% at current exchange rates, up 6.3% at constant exchange rates

Paul Polman: Chief Executive Officer statement

“Our first half results further demonstrate the progress we have made in the transformation of Unilever to deliver consistent, competitive, profitable and responsible growth. Despite a challenging environment with slower global economic growth and intensifying geopolitical instability, we have again grown profitably in our markets, competitively and driven by strong innovations.

This consistency of performance, achieved during a period of high volatility and accelerating change, shows that our long-term focus is paying off. We are seeing the benefits from delivery against the four differentiated category strategies that continue to guide investment in our brands, our infrastructure and our people.

We have been preparing ourselves for tougher market conditions in 2016 and do not see any sign of an improving global economy. Against this backdrop we continue to drive agility and cost discipline, implementing the key initiatives announced at the end of last year: net revenue management, zero based budgeting and ‘Connected 4 Growth’ which is the next stage in our organisational transformation. Our priorities continue to be volume-driven growth ahead of our markets, steady improvement in core operating margin and strong cash flow.”

 

Key Financials (unaudited)

Current Rates

   First Half 2016  

Underlying Sales Growth

     4.7  

Turnover

   26.3bn        (2.6 )% 

Operating Profit

   3.8bn        (0.1 )% 

Net Profit

   2.7bn        2.0

Core earnings per share

   0.92        1.3

Diluted earnings per share

   0.88        1.0

Quarterly dividend payable in September 2016 €0.3201 per share

  

Underlying sales growth, core operating margin and core earnings per share are non-GAAP measures (see pages 5 and 6). 21 July 2016


OPERATIONAL REVIEW: CATEGORIES

 

     First Half 2016  

(unaudited)

   Turnover     USG      UVG     UPG      Change
in core
operating
margin
 
     €bn      %
change
    %      %     %      bps  

Unilever Total

     26.3         (2.6     4.7         2.2        2.5         50   

Personal Care

     9.8         (0.7     5.7         3.6        2.0         10   

Foods

     6.2         (4.2     2.3         (0.5     2.9         (70

Home Care

     5.0         (3.9     6.5         2.9        3.5         250   

Refreshment

     5.3         (3.1     4.1         2.2        1.8         90   

Our markets: Consumer demand remained weak and in the markets in which we operate volumes have slowed further, with market volume growth low in emerging markets and negative in Europe and in North America.

Unilever overall performance: Turnover declined by (2.6)% which included negative currency impact of (7.6)%. Underlying sales growth in the first half was broad-based and driven by market share gains across the four categories which continued to deliver progress against their strategic priorities: Personal Care and Foods achieved improved growth while maintaining strong profitability. Home Care and Refreshment improved margins while continuing to grow competitively. Emerging markets grew 8.0% driven by good volume growth in Asia and price growth in Latin America. Developed markets grew 0.2% with volume growth more than offsetting price deflation in Europe.

Gross margin improved by 80bps to 42.7% driven by margin-accretive innovations and acquisitions as well as our discipline in driving savings programmes. In local currencies brand and marketing investment was sustained at the absolute level of the prior year and as a percentage of turnover was down by 50bps due to sales leverage and cost efficiencies. Overheads were up by 80bps from the lapping of gains on pension plan changes in the prior year and the higher overheads ratio of new business models including the acquired prestige brands. Operating margin improved by 30bps to 14.4% and core operating margin improved by 50bps to 15.0%.

Personal Care

Personal Care volumes improved across all sub-categories driven by innovations that grow the core of our brands and extend into more premium segments. Deodorants performed strongly, supported by new variants of the successful dry sprays in North America and by the roll-out of Rexona Antibacterial that provides 10x more odour protection into 36 new countries. We are addressing the higher growth male grooming segment with the launch of the new Axe range, opening the brand to a broader audience. Good growth in hair was supported by the successful Sunsilk re-launch and by the TRESemmé Beauty-Full Volume range with a unique reverse conditioning system. In skin cleansing Lifebuoy demonstrated strong volume-driven growth across emerging markets driven by our handwashing campaign. Turnover declined by (0.7)% which included negative currency impact of (7.9)%.

Core operating margin was up 10bps driven by higher gross margins and helped by brand and marketing efficiencies.

Foods

Growth in Foods accelerated with a good performance in savoury and dressings and a continued decline in spreads as a result of the market contraction in developed countries. Savoury showed good growth driven by cooking products in emerging markets, innovations around naturalness such as Knorr Mealmakers with 100% natural ingredients in Europe and our local brands such as Bango in Indonesia and Robertsons in South Africa. Hellmann’s grew strongly in dressings helped by the convenient squeeze packaging with proprietary easy-out technology, the launch of Carefully Crafted and Organic variants as well as the expansion into Italy and Belgium. In spreads Flora highlighted its plant-based health credentials with a new advertising campaign and introduced a dairy-free variant in the United Kingdom. Turnover declined by (4.2)% which included negative currency impact of (6.1)%.

Core operating margin was down 70bps due to gains on pension plan changes in the prior year and higher restructuring costs.

Home Care

Home Care continued to deliver broad-based growth, ahead of our markets. This was driven by innovations in higher margin segments and the continued roll-out of the new Omo with enhanced formulation and improved cleaning technology which has now reached 27 countries. After the success of Omo pre-treaters and stain removers in Brazil we are rolling them out in Latin America, South East Asia and China. Fabric conditioners grew at double-digit rates, helped by new variants of Comfort Intense with its concentrated, double-encapsulated fragrance technology that delivers long-lasting freshness. In household care growth was driven by Cif’s premium Power and Shine sprays and Domestos toilet blocks in Europe as well as the continued expansion of our brands into new markets such as Iran. Turnover declined by (3.9)% which included negative currency impact of (9.7)%.

 

2


In line with our strategy, core operating margin improved by 250bps driven by improved mix and cost savings.

Refreshment

Ice cream delivered good growth driven by margin-accretive innovations behind premium brands, such as the new Magnum Double range, the Ben & Jerry’s ‘Wich sandwich and dairy free range, as well as premium desserts under Breyer’s Gelato and Carte D’Or Sorbet. We continued to develop the value segment with a new yoghurt variant of the smaller-sized Cornetto at a recommended resale price of €1. In leaf tea, we have been building our presence in more premium products with T2 and machine-compatible tea capsules. Lipton and PG Tips continued to extend in the faster-growing green and speciality teas segments where we are still under-represented. Turnover declined by (3.1)% which included negative currency impact of (7.0)%.

Core operating margin was up 90bps driven by improved mix and savings in ice cream as well as brand and marketing efficiencies.

OPERATIONAL REVIEW: GEOGRAPHICAL AREA

 

     First Half 2016  

(unaudited)

   Turnover     USG      UVG      UPG     Change
in core
operating
margin
 
     €bn      %
change
    %      %      %     bps  

Unilever Total

     26.3         (2.6     4.7         2.2         2.5        50   

Asia/AMET/RUB

     11.3         (1.5     5.5         4.0         1.4        100   

The Americas

     8.3         (5.6     7.4         0.1         7.3        90   

Europe

     6.7         (0.7     0.1         1.8         (1.6     (70

 

     First Half 2016  

(unaudited)

   Turnover      USG      UVG      UPG  
     €bn      %      %      %  

Developed markets

     11.3         0.2         1.2         (1.0

Emerging markets

     15.0         8.0         2.9         5.0   

North America

     4.5         0.7         0.5         0.2   

Latin America

     3.8         14.7         (0.4      15.1   

Asia/AMET/RUB

Growth was driven by solid volume gains in Asia, price-led growth elsewhere, and included strong performances for Refreshment and Foods. The Philippines accelerated its double-digit growth rate, Russia and Australia returned to positive volume growth and Turkey grew strongly led by ice cream and tea. India and Africa demonstrated solid growth while sales in China were broadly flat with rapid growth in e-commerce offset by declines in other channels. Turnover declined by (1.5)% which included negative currency impact of (6.6)%.

Core operating margin was up 100bps driven by increased gross margins.

The Americas

Latin America delivered double-digit underlying sales growth, ahead of our markets, underpinned by pricing to recover higher input costs. Importantly, the business demonstrated resilience with volumes only slightly down in markets which faced substantial currency devaluation, high inflation and lower consumer confidence. In North America, growth improved driven by a strong delivery of our innovations in deodorants, dressings and ice cream. Sales in hair were down in an intensely competitive environment while the rate of decline in spreads has slowed. Turnover declined by (5.6)% which included negative currency impact of (13.4)%.

Core operating margin was up 90bps primarily due to improved gross margins in North America.

Europe

Underlying sales in Europe were flat as volume growth offset continued price deflation. Personal Care, Home Care and ice cream delivered good volume-driven growth, but the contraction of the margarine market impacted our Foods performance, particularly in the United Kingdom and France. We continued to see strong momentum in Central and Eastern Europe and restored growth in the Nordic countries. Turnover declined by (0.7)% which included negative currency impact of (1.6)%.

Core operating margin was down 70bps as a result of gains on pension plan changes in the prior year and higher restructuring costs.

 

3


ADDITIONAL COMMENTARY ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – FIRST HALF 2016

Finance costs and tax

Net finance costs increased by €15 million to €284 million in the first half of 2016. This included a higher cost of financing net borrowings at €237 million and a lower pensions financing charge at €47 million.

The effective tax rate was 26.0% versus 26.8% in the same period last year. The change was due to favourable tax audit settlements and fewer non-deductible expenses. The effective tax rate on core profit was 26.1%, slightly higher than 26.0% in 2015 and in line with our longer term expectation of 26% – 27%.

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

Net profit from joint ventures and associates contributed €72 million compared with €57 million in the first half of 2015 due to growth in profits from the Pepsi Lipton joint venture. Other income from non-current investments was €61 million versus €26 million in 2015 and included a gain of €68 million from the revaluation of a financial asset.

Earnings per share

Core earnings per share in the first half increased by 1.3% to €0.92, including an adverse currency impact of (6.2)%. In constant exchange rates, core earnings per share increased by 7.5% primarily driven by underlying sales growth and improved core operating margin. This measure excludes the impact of business disposals, acquisition and disposal related costs, impairments and other one-off items.

Diluted earnings per share for the first half was up 1.0% at €0.88. We recorded a loss on disposal of €(104) million for local Alberto Culver brands and the rights for VO5 in Argentina that we were required to sell as part of the regulatory approval process.

Free cash flow

Net profit for the first half of 2016 was €2,710 million compared to €2,658 million in the first half of 2015. Free cash flow in the first half of 2016 was €0.8 billion including the usual seasonal increase in inventory and receivables. This was lower than the €1.1 billion in the same period last year following an exceptionally low year-end 2015 working capital position.

Net debt

Total financial liabilities amounted to €16.4 billion compared to €14.6 billion at 31 December 2015. Closing net debt was €12.6 billion versus €11.5 billion as at 31 December 2015 primarily due to the seasonal outflow of working capital.

Pensions

The pension liability net of assets increased to €3.8 billion at the end of June 2016 versus €2.3 billion as at 31 December 2015. The increase in the net pension liability reflects the impact of lower discount rates which exceeded investment returns and cash contributions.

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. 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.

PRINCIPAL RISK FACTORS

On pages 54 to 57 of our 2015 Report and Accounts we set out our assessment of the principal risk issues that would face the business through 2016 under the headings: brand preference; portfolio management; sustainability; customer relationships; talent & organisation; supply chain; safe and high quality products; systems and information; business transformation; external economic and political risks and natural disasters; treasury and pensions; ethical; 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 2016.

 

4


NON-GAAP MEASURES

In our financial reporting we use certain measures that are not recognised under IFRS or other generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). We do this because we believe that these measures are useful to investors and other users of our financial statements in helping them to understand underlying business performance. Wherever we use such measures, we make clear that these are not intended as a substitute for recognised GAAP measures. Wherever appropriate and practical, we provide reconciliations to relevant GAAP measures. Unilever uses ‘constant rate’ ‘underlying’ and ‘core’ measures primarily for internal performance analysis and targeting purposes. The non-GAAP measures which we apply in our reporting are set out below.

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. The reconciliation of USG to changes in the GAAP measure turnover 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 relationship between the two measures is 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 FCF to net profit is as follows:

 

€ million    First Half  

(unaudited)

   2016      2015  

Net profit

     2,710         2,658   

Taxation

     928         950   

Share of net profit of joint ventures/associates and other income from non-current investments and associates

     (133      (83

Net finance costs

     284         269   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating Profit

     3,789         3,794   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment

     681         666   

Changes in working capital

     (1,554      (915

Pensions and similar obligations less payments

     (223      (283

Provisions less payments

     32         (111

Elimination of (profits)/losses on disposals

     117         3   

Non-cash charge for share-based compensation

     105         84   

Other adjustments

     8         (5
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash flow from operating activities

     2,955         3,233   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income tax paid

     (1,136      (987

Net capital expenditure

     (759      (844

Net interest and preference dividends paid

     (235      (276
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Free cash flow

     825         1,126   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cash flow (used in)/from investing activities

     (644      (1,205

Net cash flow (used in)/from financing activities

     (518      (71

 

5


NON-GAAP MEASURES (continued)

 

Core operating profit (COP), core operating margin (COM) and non-core items

Core operating profit (COP) and core operating margin (COM) means operating profit and operating margin, respectively, before the impact of business disposals, acquisition and disposal related costs, impairments and other one-off items, which we collectively term non-core items, due to their nature and frequency of occurrence. Core 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.

The reconciliation of core operating profit to operating profit is as follows:

 

€ million    First Half  

(unaudited)

   2016      2015  

Operating profit

     3,789         3,794   

Non-core items (see note 2)

     160         108   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Core operating profit

     3,949         3,902   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Turnover

     26,283         26,991   

Operating margin (%)

     14.4         14.1   

Core operating margin (%)

     15.0         14.5   

Core EPS

The Group also refers to core earnings per share (core EPS). In calculating core earnings, net profit attributable to shareholders’ equity is adjusted to eliminate the post tax impact of non-core items. Refer to note 2 on page 13 for reconciliation of core earnings to net profit attributable to shareholders’ equity.

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 net debt to the GAAP measure total financial liabilities is as follows:

 

€ million

(unaudited)

   As at
30 June
2016
     As at
31 December
2015
     As at
30 June
2015
 

Total financial liabilities

     (16,371      (14,643      (15,382

Current financial liabilities:

     (5,759      (4,789      (6,415

Non-current financial liabilities

     (10,612      (9,854      (8,967

Cash and cash equivalents as per balance sheet

     3,119         2,302         2,710   

Cash and cash equivalents as per cash flow statement

     2,937         2,128         2,424   

Add bank overdrafts deducted therein

     182         174         286   

Other financial assets

     678         836         868   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net debt

     (12,574      (11,505      (11,804
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

6


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. 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; financial risks; failure to meet high and ethical standards; and failure to comply with laws and regulations, including tax laws. 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. 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 Group’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2015 and the Annual Report and Accounts 2015.

ENQUIRIES

 

Media:    Investors: Investor Relations Team

UK

or

or

NL

or

  

+44 73 4206 8784

+44 79 0110 3950

+44 78 2504 9151

+32 49 4604 906

+31 10 217 4844

  

merlin.koene@unilever.com

william.davies@unilever.com

louise.phillips@unilever.com

freek.bracke@unilever.com

els-de.bruin@unilever.com

   +44 20 7822 6830    investor.relations@unilever.com

 

7


INCOME STATEMENT

(unaudited)

 

€ million

   First Half  
     2016     2015     Increase/
(Decrease)
 
       Current
rates
    Constant
Rates
 

Turnover

     26,283        26,991        (2.6 )%      5.4

Operating profit

     3,789        3,794        (0.1 )%      5.4

After (charging)/crediting non-core items

     (160     (108    

Net finance costs

     (284     (269    

Finance income

     66        72       

Finance costs

     (303     (281    

Pensions and similar obligations

     (47     (60    

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

     72        57       

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

     61        26       

Profit before taxation

     3,638        3,608        0.8     6.1

Taxation

     (928     (950    

Net profit

     2,710        2,658        2.0     7.5

Attributable to:

        

Non-controlling interests

     198        169       

Shareholders’ equity

     2,512        2,489        0.9     6.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Combined earnings per share

  

Basic earnings per share (euros)

     0.88        0.88        0.9     6.3

Diluted earnings per share (euros)

     0.88        0.87        1.0     6.4

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(unaudited)

 

€ million

   First Half  
     2016     2015  

Net profit

     2,710        2,658   

Other comprehensive income

    

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:

    

Remeasurements of defined benefit pension plans net of tax

     (1,356     679   

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

    

 

(140

(18


   

 

249

39

  

  

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income

     1,196        3,625   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Attributable to:

    

Non-controlling interests

     177        206   

Shareholders’ equity

     1,019        3,419   

 

8


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 - 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(a)

     –           –          (73     (182     (255     (4     (259

Share-based payment credit(b)

     –           –          –          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   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

First half - 2015

               

1 January 2015

     484         145        (7,538     20,560        13,651        612        14,263   

Profit or loss for the period

     –           –          –          2,489        2,489        169        2,658   

Other comprehensive income net of tax:

               

Fair value gains/(losses) on financial instruments

     –           –          39        –          39        –          39   

Remeasurements of defined benefit pension plans net of tax

     –           –          –          679        679        –          679   

Currency retranslation gains/(losses)

     –           –          211        1        212        37        249   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income

     –           –          250        3,169        3,419        206        3,625   

Dividends on ordinary capital

     –           –          –          (1,687     (1,687     –          (1,687

Movements in treasury stock(a)

     –           –          108        (242     (134     –          (134

Share-based payment credit(b)

     –           –          –          84        84        –          84   

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

     –           –          –          –          –          (192     (192

Currency retranslation gains/(losses) net of tax

     –           11        –          –          11        (1     10   

Other movements in equity

     –           –          (11     (68     (79     (5     (84
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

30 June 2015

     484         156        (7,191     21,816        15,265        620        15,885   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 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.
(b) 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.

 

9


BALANCE SHEET

(unaudited)

 

€ million

   As at
30 June
2016
     As at
31 December
2015
     As at
30 June
2015
 

Non-current assets

        

Goodwill

     15,977         16,213         15,414   

Intangible assets

     8,531         8,846         8,472   

Property, plant and equipment

     11,048         11,058         11,067   

Pension asset for funded schemes in surplus

     408         934         1,024   

Deferred tax assets

     1,458         1,185         1,163   

Financial assets

     602         605         617   

Other non-current assets

     898         771         762   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     38,922         39,612         38,519   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current assets

        

Inventories

     4,649         4,335         4,588   

Trade and other current receivables

     6,291         4,804         6,368   

Current tax assets

     319         230         296   

Cash and cash equivalents

     3,119         2,302         2,710   

Other financial assets

     678         836         868   

Non-current assets held for sale

     197         179         37   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     15,253         12,686         14,867   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

     54,175         52,298         53,386   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current liabilities

        

Financial liabilities

     5,759         4,789         6,415   

Trade payables and other current liabilities

     14,216         13,788         13,999   

Current tax liabilities

     974         1,127         1,121   

Provisions

     360         309         304   

Liabilities associated with assets held for sale

     1         6         1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     21,310         20,019         21,840   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-current liabilities

        

Financial liabilities

     10,612         9,854         8,967   

Non-current tax liabilities

     114         121         170   

Pensions and post-retirement healthcare liabilities:

        

Funded schemes in deficit

     2,563         1,569         1,787   

Unfunded schemes

     1,677         1,685         1,782   

Provisions

     951         831         899   

Deferred tax liabilities

     1,542         1,744         1,785   

Other non-current liabilities

     300         393         271   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     17,759         16,197         15,661   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     39,069         36,216         37,501   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity

        

Shareholders’ equity

     14,484         15,439         15,265   

Non-controlling interests

     622         643         620   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total equity

     15,106         16,082         15,885   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

     54,175         52,298         53,386   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

10


CASH FLOW STATEMENT

(unaudited)

 

€ million

   First Half  
     2016     2015  

Net profit

     2,710        2,658   

Taxation

     928        950   

Share of net profit of joint ventures/associates and other income from non-current investments and associates

     (133     (83

Net finance costs

     284        269   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating profit

     3,789        3,794   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment

     681        666   

Changes in working capital

     (1,554     (915

Pensions and similar obligations less payments

     (223     (283

Provisions less payments

     32        (111

Elimination of (profits)/losses on disposals

     117        3   

Non-cash charge for share-based compensation

     105        84   

Other adjustments

     8        (5
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flow from operating activities

     2,955        3,233   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax paid

     (1,136     (987
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flow from operating activities

     1,819        2,246   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest received

     55        56   

Net capital expenditure

     (759     (844

Other acquisitions and disposals

     (92     (405

Other investing activities

     152        (12
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flow (used in)/from investing activities

     (644     (1,205
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends paid on ordinary share capital

     (1,768     (1,687

Interest and preference dividends paid

     (290     (332

Change in financial liabilities

     1,859        2,164   

Other movements on treasury stock

     (260     (138

Other financing activities

     (59     (78
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flow (used in)/from financing activities

     (518     (71
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     657        970   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period

     2,128        1,910   

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes

     152        (456
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period

     2,937        2,424   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

11


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 Standards Board (IASB) and as adopted by the EU; and except as set out below are consistent with the year ended 31 December 2015. The condensed interim financial statements are based on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the EU and IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

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 8, the statement of comprehensive income on page 8, the statement of changes in equity on page 9 and the cash flow statement on page 11 are translated at exchange rates current in each period. The balance sheet on page 10 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 2015 are not Unilever PLC’s statutory accounts for that financial year. Those accounts of Unilever for the year ended 31 December 2015 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.

Recent accounting developments

With effect from 1 January 2016 we have adopted the following new standards, amendments and interpretations. Standards have been endorsed by the EU unless otherwise stated. The Group does not currently believe adoption of the new standards would have a material impact on the consolidated results or financial position of the Group.

Amendments to IFRS 5 ‘Non-Current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations’ adds specific guidance in IFRS 5 for cases in which an entity reclassifies an asset from held for sale to held for distribution to owners or vice versa.

IFRS 14 ‘Regulatory Deferral Accounts’ permits first time adopters of IFRS to continue to account for amounts related to rate regulation in accordance with their previous GAAP. The standard does not apply to the Group and has not been endorsed by the EU yet.

The ‘Disclosure Initiative’ aims at clarifying IAS 1 ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’ through exploring how presentation and disclosure principles and requirements in existing standards can be improved to enable preparers in exercising their judgement in presenting their financial reports.

Amendments to IAS 16 ‘Property, Plant and Equipment’ and IAS 38 ‘Intangible Assets’ covers clarification of the principle of the basis of depreciation and revenue based methods are not appropriate.

Amendments to IAS 19 ‘Employee Benefits’ clarifies that the high quality corporate bonds used in estimating the discount rate for post-employment benefits should be denominated in the same currency as the benefits to be paid.

Amendments to IAS 41 ‘Agriculture: Bearer Plants’ change the accounting for biological assets that meet the definition of bearer plants. These will now be in the scope of IAS 16 ‘Property, Plant and Equipment’.

The Group is currently assessing the impact of the following new standards that are not yet effective.

IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ (effective from the year ending 31 December 2018) reflects all phases of the financial instruments project and replaces IAS 39 ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’. The standard introduces new requirements for classification and measurement of financial instruments, a new expected credit loss model for calculating impairment of financial assets and new general hedge accounting requirements.

IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’ (effective from the year ending 31 December 2018) supersedes all existing revenue recognition requirements under IFRS. It is based on the principle that revenue is recognised when control of goods or services is transferred and provides a single, principle-based model. It applies to all transactions to provide goods and services except those in the scope of other standards and replaces the separate models for goods, services and construction contracts under current IFRS.

IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ was issued on 13 January 2016 and is effective from the year ending 31 December 2019. The standard replaces all existing lease accounting requirements and represents a significant change in the accounting and reporting of leases, with more assets and liabilities to be reported on the balance sheet and a different recognition of lease costs.

 

12


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

 

2 SIGNIFICANT ITEMS WITHIN THE INCOME STATEMENT

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

 

€ million

   First Half  
     2016      2015  

Acquisition and disposal related costs

     (43      (32

Gain/(loss) on disposal of group companies

     (101      8   

Impairments and other one-off items(a)

     (16      (84
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-core items before tax

     (160      (108

Tax impact of non-core items

     43         2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-core items after tax

     (117      (106

Attributable to:

     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-controlling interests

     1         –     

Shareholders’ equity

     (118      (106

 

(a) 2016 relates to foreign exchange losses arising from remeasurement of our Argentinian business at a rate of 14 pesos per US dollar. 2015 relates to foreign exchange loss resulting from remeasurement of the Venezuelan business.

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

 

€ million

   First Half  
     2016      2015  

Net profit attributable to shareholders’ equity

     2,512         2,489   

Post tax impact of non-core items

     118         106   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Core profit attributable to shareholders’ equity

     2,630         2,595   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

13


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

 

3 SEGMENT INFORMATION - CATEGORIES

 

First Half

   Personal
Care
    Foods     Home
Care
    Refreshment     Total  

Turnover (€ million)

          

2015

     9,888        6,441        5,150        5,512        26,991   

2016

     9,822        6,169        4,950        5,342        26,283   

Change (%)

     (0.7     (4.2     (3.9     (3.1     (2.6

Impact of:

          

Exchange rates (%)

     (7.9     (6.1     (9.7     (7.0     (7.6

Acquisitions (%)

     2.3        –          –          0.3        0.9   

Disposals (%)

     (0.3     (0.3     –          (0.1     (0.2

Underlying sales growth (%)

     5.7        2.3        6.5        4.1        4.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Price (%)

     2.0        2.9        3.5        1.8        2.5   

Volume (%)

     3.6        (0.5     2.9        2.2        2.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating profit (€ million)

          

2015

     1,704        1,159        375        556        3,794   

2016

     1,640        1,048        476        625        3,789   

Core operating profit (€ million)

          

2015

     1,751        1,175        374        602        3,902   

2016

     1,753        1,082        483        631        3,949   

Operating margin (%)

          

2015

     17.2        18.0        7.3        10.1        14.1   

2016

     16.7        17.0        9.6        11.7        14.4   

Core operating margin (%)

          

2015

     17.7        18.2        7.3        10.9        14.5   

2016

     17.8        17.5        9.8        11.8        15.0   

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.

Core 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. Core operating margin is calculated as core operating profit divided by turnover.

 

14


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

 

4 SEGMENT INFORMATION - GEOGRAPHICAL AREA

 

First Half

   Asia /
AMET /
RUB
     The
Americas
     Europe      Total  

Turnover (€ million)

           

2015

     11,449         8,769         6,773         26,991   

2016

     11,281         8,278         6,724         26,283   

Change (%)

     (1.5      (5.6      (0.7      (2.6

Impact of:

           

Exchange rate (%)

     (6.6      (13.4      (1.6      (7.6

Acquisitions (%)

     0.2         1.8         0.9         0.9   

Disposals (%)

     (0.2      (0.2      (0.2      (0.2

Underlying sales growth (%)

     5.5         7.4         0.1         4.7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Price (%)

     1.4         7.3         (1.6      2.5   

Volume (%)

     4.0         0.1         1.8         2.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating profit (€ million)

           

2015

     1,581         1,035         1,178         3,794   

2016

     1,668         999         1,122         3,789   

Core operating profit (€ million)

           

2015

     1,580         1,145         1,177         3,902   

2016

     1,666         1,159         1,124         3,949   

Operating margin (%)

           

2015

     13.8         11.8         17.4         14.1   

2016

     14.8         12.1         16.7         14.4   

Core operating margin (%)

           

2015

     13.8         13.1         17.4         14.5   

2016

     14.8         14.0         16.7         15.0   

 

15


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

 

5 TAXATION

The effective tax rate for the first half was 26.0% compared to 26.8% in 2015. 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:

 

     First Half 2016     First Half 2015  

€ million

   Before
tax
    Tax
(charge)/
credit
     After
tax
    Before
tax
     Tax
(charge)/
credit
    After
tax
 

Fair value gains/(losses) on financial instruments

     (76     58         (18     41         (2     39   

Remeasurements of defined benefit pension plans

     (1,814     458         (1,356     958         (279     679   

Currency retranslation gains/(losses)

     (140     –           (140     234         15        249   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income

     (2,030     516         (1,514     1,233         (266     967   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

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 core 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:

 

     2016      2015  

Combined EPS – Basic

     

Net profit attributable to shareholders’ equity (€ million)

     2,512         2,489   

Average number of combined share units (millions of units)

     2,841.1         2,841.0   

Combined EPS – basic (€)

     0.88         0.88   

Combined EPS – Diluted

     

Net profit attributable to shareholders’ equity (€ million)

     2,512         2,489   

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

     2,853.5         2,854.9   

Combined EPS – diluted (€)

     0.88         0.87   

Core EPS

     

Core profit attributable to shareholders’ equity (see note 2) (€ million)

     2,630         2,595   

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

     2,853.5         2,854.9   

Core EPS – diluted (€)

     0.92         0.91   

In calculating core earnings per share, net profit attributable to shareholders’ equity is adjusted to eliminate the post tax impact of business disposals, acquisition and disposals and related costs, impairments, and other one-off items.

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

 

     Millions  

Number of shares at 31 December 2015 (net of treasury stock)

     2,838.9   

Net movements in shares under incentive schemes

     (0.1
  

 

 

 

Number of shares at 30 June 2016

     2,838.8   
  

 

 

 

 

16


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

 

7 ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS

 

Date

  

Deal

6 May 2016    The Group completed the disposal of Alberto Culver brands Antiall, Farmaco, Veritas and VO5 in Unilever Argentina
1 June 2016    The Group announced that it has signed an agreement with Coca Cola FEMSA and The Coca Cola Company to sell the AdeS soy beverage business in Latin America for an aggregate amount of US$ 575 million.

On 20 July 2016 the Group announced that it has signed an agreement to purchase Dollar Shave Club ®, an innovative male grooming business and category leader in the direct-to-consumer channel. Subject to regulatory approval, the transaction is expected to close during the third quarter of 2016.

8 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
2016
    As at
31 December
2015
    As at
30 June
2015
    As at
30 June
2016
    As at
31 December
2015
    As at
30 June
2015
 

Financial assets

            

Cash and cash equivalents

     3,119        2,302        2,710        3,119        2,302        2,710   

Held-to-maturity investments

     138        144        89        138        144        89   

Loans and receivables

     344        303        294        344        303        294   

Available-for-sale financial assets

     544        641        672        544        641        672   

Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss:

            

Derivatives

     130        230        289        130        230        289   

Other

     124        123        141        124        123        141   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     4,399        3,743        4,195        4,399        3,743        4,195   

Financial liabilities

            

Preference shares

     (129     (132     (124     (68     (68     (68

Bank loans and overdrafts

     (1,181     (1,067     (1,126     (1,179     (1,064     (1,121

Bonds and other loans

     (15,475     (13,509     (14,024     (14,308     (12,703     (13,258

Finance lease creditors

     (175     (217     (222     (149     (195     (208

Derivatives

     (144     (124     (272     (144     (124     (272

Other financial liabilities

     (523     (489     (454     (523     (489     (454
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (17,627     (15,538     (16,222     (16,371     (14,643     (15,381
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Level 1      Level 2     Level 3  

€ million

   As at 30 June 2016      As at 31 December 2015      As at 30 June 2015  

Assets at fair value

                       

Other cash equivalents

     –           211        –           –           100        –           –           185        –     

Available-for-sale financial assets

     93         1        450         14         180        447         11         168        493   

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss:

                       

Derivatives(a)

     –           349        –           –           303        –           –           341        –     

Other

        121        3         120         –          3         139         –          3   

Liabilities at fair value

                       

Derivatives(b)

     –           (394     –           –           (194     –           –           (332     –     

 

(a)  Includes €219 million (December 2015: €73 million) derivatives, reported within trade receivables, that hedge trading activities.
(b)  Includes €(250) million (December 2015: €(71) million) derivatives, reported within trade creditors, that hedge trading activities.

 

17


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

 

8 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)

 

There were no significant changes in classification of fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities since 31 December 2015. There were also no significant movements between the fair value hierarchy classifications since 31 December 2015.

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 2015.

9 DIVIDENDS

The Boards have declared a quarterly interim dividend for Q2 2016 at the following rates which are equivalent in value at the rate of exchange applied under the terms of the Equalisation Agreement between the two companies:

 

     Q1 2016      Q2 2016  

Per Unilever N.V. ordinary share

   0.3201       0.3201   

Per Unilever PLC ordinary share

   £ 0.2556       £ 0.2689   

Per Unilever N.V. New York share

   US$ 0.3648       $ 0.3531   

Per Unilever PLC American Depositary Receipt

   US$ 0.3648       $ 0.3531   

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 19 July 2016.

US dollar cheques for the quarterly interim dividend will be mailed on 7 September 2016 to holders of record at the close of business on 5 August 2016. In the case of the NV New York shares, Netherlands withholding tax will be deducted.

The quarterly dividend calendar for the remainder of 2016 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 2016

   21 July 2016    3 August

2016

   4 August 2016    5 August 2016    7 September
2016

Quarterly dividend – for Q3 2016

  

13 October

2016

   26 October

2016

   27 October

2016

   28 October

2016

   7 December
2016

10 EVENTS AFTER THE BALANCE SHEET DATE

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

 

18


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

 

11 GUARANTOR STATEMENTS

On 30 September 2014, NV and Unilever Capital Corporation (UCC) filed a US Shelf registration, which is unconditionally and fully guaranteed, jointly and severally, by NV, PLC and Unilever United States, Inc. (UNUS) and that superseded the NV and UCC US Shelf registration filed on 1 November 2011, which was unconditionally and fully guaranteed, jointly and severally, by NV, PLC and UNUS. UCC and UNUS are each indirectly 100% owned by the Unilever parent entities (as defined below). Of the US Shelf registration, US $5.1 billion of Notes were outstanding at 30 June 2016 (2015: US $5.0 billion; 2014: US $5.0 billion) with coupons ranging from 0.85% to 5.9%. These Notes are repayable between 2 August 2017 and 15 November 2032.

Provided below are the income statements, cash flow statements and balance sheets of each of the companies discussed above, together with the income statement, cash flow statement and balance sheet of non-guarantor subsidiaries. These have been prepared under the historical cost convention and, aside from the basis of accounting for investments at net asset value (equity accounting), comply in all material respects with International Financial Reporting Standards. The financial information in respect of NV, PLC and UNUS has been prepared with all subsidiaries accounted for on an equity basis. Information on NV and PLC is shown collectively as Unilever parent entities. The financial information in respect of the non-guarantor subsidiaries has been prepared on a consolidated basis.

 

Income Statement

Six months ended 30 June 2016

€ million

   Unilever
Capital
Corporation
subsidiary
issuer
    Unilever(a)
parent
entities
    Unilever
United
States
Inc.
subsidiary
guarantor
    Non-
guarantor
subsidiary
    Eliminations     Unilever
Group
 

Turnover

     –          –          –          26,283        –          26,283   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Profit

     –          4        (3     3,788        –          3,789   

Net finance costs

     (2     (49     (160     (26     –          (237

Pensions and similar obligations

     –          (1     (14     (32     –          (47

Other income

     –          –          –          133        –          133   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit before taxation and subsidiaries

     (2     (46     (177     3,863        –          3,638   

Taxation

     1        (59     (73     (797     –          (928
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net profit before subsidiaries

     (1     (105     (250     3,066        –          2,710   

Equity earnings of subsidiaries

     –          2,617        449        (1,207     (1,859     –     

Net Profit

     (1     2,512        199        1,859        (1,859     2,710   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Attributed to:

            

Non-controlling interests

     –          –          –          198        –          198   

Shareholders’ equity

     (1     2,512        199        1,661        (1,859     2,512   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income

     (1     2,512        243        301        (1,859     1,196   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) The term ‘Unilever parent entities’ includes Unilever N.V. and Unilever PLC. Though Unilever N.V. and Unilever PLC are separate legal entities, with different shareholder constituencies and separate stock exchange listings, they operate as nearly as practicable as a single economic entity. Debt securities issued by entities in the Unilever Group are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by both Unilever N.V. and Unilever PLC.

 

19


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

 

11 GUARANTOR STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Income Statement

Six months ended 30 June 2015

€ million

   Unilever
Capital
Corporation
subsidiary
issuer
     Unilever(a)
parent
entities
    Unilever
United
States
Inc.
subsidiary
guarantor
    Non-
guarantor
subsidiary
    Eliminations      Unilever
Group
 

Turnover

     –           –          –          26,991        –           26,991   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating Profit

     –           820        (2     2,976        –           3,794   

Net finance costs

     –           (35     (158     (16     –           (209

Pensions and similar obligations

     –           (1     (14     (45     –           (60

Other income

     –           –          –          83        –           83   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Profit before taxation and subsidiaries

     –           784        (174     2,998        –           3,608   

Taxation

     –           (501     46        (495     –           (950
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net profit before subsidiaries

     –           283        (128     2,503        –           2,658   

Equity earnings of subsidiaries

     –           2,206        97        (4,255     1,952         –     
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Profit

     –           2,489        (31     (1,752     1,952         2,658   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Attributed to:

              

Non-controlling interests

     –           –          –          169        –           169   

Shareholders’ equity

     –           2,489        (31     (1,921     1,952         2,489   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income

     –           2,489        (42     (774     1,952         3,625   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) The term ‘Unilever parent entities’ includes Unilever N.V. and Unilever PLC. Though Unilever N.V. and Unilever PLC are separate legal entities, with different shareholder constituencies and separate stock exchange listings, they operate as nearly as practicable as a single economic entity. Debt securities issued by entities in the Unilever Group are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by both Unilever N.V. and Unilever PLC.

 

20


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

 

11 GUARANTOR STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Balance Sheet

As at 30 June 2016

€ million

   Unilever
Capital
Corporation
subsidiary
issuer
     Unilever(a)
Parent
entities
     Unilever
United
States
Inc.
Subsidiary
guarantor
     Non-
guarantor
subsidiary
     Eliminations     Unilever
Group
 

Non-current assets

                

Goodwill and intangible assets

     –           2,319         –           22,189         –          24,508   

Deferred tax assets

     –           136         56         1,266         –          1,458   

Other non-current assets

     –           78         3         12,875         –          12,956   

Amounts due from group companies

     13,465         4,280         –           –           (17,745     –     

Net assets of subsidiaries (equity accounted)

     –           39,301         19,325         –           (58,626     –     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     13,465         46,114         19,384         36,330         (76,371     38,922   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current assets

                

Amounts due from group companies

     89         4,264         4,632         35,727         (44,712     –     

Trade and other current receivables

     –           101         10         6,180         –          6,291   

Current tax assets

     –           63         –           256         –          319   

Other current assets

     –           7         –           8,636         –          8,643   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     89         4,435         4,642         50,799         (44,712     15,253   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

     13,554         50,549         24,026         87,129         (121,083     54,175   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current liabilities

                

Financial liabilities

     1,774         2,559         4         1,422         –          5,759   

Amounts due to group companies

     6,883         28,834         10         8,985         (44,712     –     

Trade payables and other current liabilities

     51         96         16         14,053         –          14,216   

Current tax liabilities

     –           –           30         944         –          974   

Other current liabilities

     –           8         –           353         –          361   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     8,708         31,497         60         25,757         (44,712     21,310   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-current liabilities

                

Financial liabilities

     4,520         4,587         –           1,505         –          10,612   

Amounts due to group companies NC

     –           –           13,464         4,281         (17,745     –     

Pension and post-retirement healthcare liabilities:

     –           –           –           –           –          –     

Funded schemes in deficit

     –           9         45         2,509         –          2,563   

Unfunded schemes

     –           94         522         1,061         –          1,677   

Other non-current liabilities

     –           19         2         2,886         –          2,907   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     4,520         4,709         14,033         12,242         (17,745     17,759   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     13,228         36,206         14,093         37,999         (62,457     39,069   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity

     326         14,343         9,933         48,508         (58,626     14,484   

Non-controlling interests

     –           –           –           622         –          622   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity

     326         14,343         9,933         49,130         (58,626     15,106   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

     13,554         50,549         24,026         87,129         (121,083     54,175   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) The term ‘Unilever parent entities’ includes Unilever N.V. and Unilever PLC. Though Unilever N.V. and Unilever PLC are separate legal entities, with different shareholder constituencies and separate stock exchange listings, they operate as nearly as practicable as a single economic entity. Debt securities issued by entities in the Unilever Group are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by both Unilever N.V. and Unilever PLC.

 

21


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

 

11 GUARANTOR STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Balance Sheet

As at 30 June 2015

€ million

   Unilever
Capital
Corporation
subsidiary
issuer
     Unilever(a)
Parent
entities
     Unilever
United
States
Inc.
Subsidiary
guarantor
     Non-
guarantor
subsidiary
     Eliminations     Unilever
Group
 

Non-current assets

                

Goodwill and intangible assets

     –           1,706         –           22,180         –          23,886   

Deferred tax assets

     –           126         190         847         –          1,163   

Other non-current assets

     –           7         3         13,460         –          13,470   

Amounts due from group companies

     12,047         2,770         –           –           (14,817     –     

Net assets of subsidiaries (equity accounted)

     –           43,762         17,492         –           (61,254     –     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     12,047         48,371         17,685         36,487         (76,071     38,519   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current assets

                

Amounts due from group companies

     60         5,110         3,863         37,473         (46,506     –     

Trade and other current receivables

     –           79         14         6,275         –          6,368   

Current tax assets

     –           –           3         293         –          296   

Other current assets

     –           8         –           8,195         –          8,203   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     60         5,197         3,880         52,236         (46,506     14,867   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

     12,107         53,568         21,565         88,723         (122,577     53,386   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current liabilities

                

Financial liabilities

     1,431         3,582         4         1,398         –          6,415   

Amounts due to group companies

     6,712         30,749         12         9,033         (46,506     –     

Trade payables and other current liabilities

     46         185         34         13,734         –          13,999   

Current tax liabilities

     –           40         –           1,081         –          1,121   

Other current liabilities

     –           10         –           295         –          305   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     8,189         34,566         50         25,541         (46,506     21,840   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-current liabilities

                

Financial liabilities

     3,592         3,757         –           1,618         –          8,967   

Amounts due to group companies NC

     –           –           12,046         2,771         (14,817     –     

Pension and post-retirement healthcare liabilities:

     –           –           –           –           –          –     

Funded schemes in deficit

     –           8         189         1,590         –          1,787   

Unfunded schemes

     –           106         601         1,075         –          1,782   

Other non-current liabilities

     –           25         2         3,098         –          3,125   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     3,592         3,896         12,838         10,152         (14,817     15,661   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     11,781         38,462         12,888         35,693         (61,323     37,501   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity

     326         15,106         8,677         52,410         (61,254     15,265   

Non-controlling interests

     –           –           –           620         –          620   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity

     326         15,106         8,677         53,030         (61,254     15,885   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

     12,107         53,568         21,565         88,723         (122,577     53,386   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) The term ‘Unilever parent entities’ includes Unilever N.V. and Unilever PLC. Though Unilever N.V. and Unilever PLC are separate legal entities, with different shareholder constituencies and separate stock exchange listings, they operate as nearly as practicable as a single economic entity. Debt securities issued by entities in the Unilever Group are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by both Unilever N.V. and Unilever PLC.

 

22


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

 

11 GUARANTOR STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Cash flow statement

Six months ended 30 June 2016

€ million

   Unilever
Capital
Corporation
subsidiary
issuer
    Unilever(a)
parent
entities
    Unilever
United
States
Inc.
subsidiary
guarantor
    Non-
guarantor
subsidiary
    Eliminations     Unilever
Group
 

Net cash flow from operating activities

     –          (240     (83     2,142        –          1,819   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flow from /(used in) investing activities

     (638     (1,946     (410     1,801        549        (644
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flow from/(used in) financing activities

     637        2,232        493        (3,331     (549     (518
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (1     46        0        612        –          657   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     –          3        (1     2,126        –          2,128   

Effect of foreign exchange rates

     1        (43     –          194        –          (152
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

     –          6        (1     2,932        –          2,937   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flow statement

Six months ended 30 June 2015

€ million

   Unilever
Capital
Corporation
subsidiary
issuer
    Unilever(a)
parent
entities
    Unilever
United
States
Inc.
subsidiary
guarantor
    Non-
guarantor
subsidiary
    Eliminations     Unilever
Group
 

Net cash flow from operating activities

     –          (752     (39     3,037        –          2,246   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flow from /(used in) investing activities

     (544     (2,038     (403     1,297        483        (1,205
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flow from/(used in) financing activities

     541        2,872        442        (3,443     (483     (71
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (3     82        –          891        –          970   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     –          5        (3     1,908        –          1,910   

Effect of foreign exchange rates

     3        (78     –          (381     –          (456
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

     –          9        (3     2,418        –          2,424   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) The term ‘Unilever parent entities’ includes Unilever N.V. and Unilever PLC. Though Unilever N.V. and Unilever PLC are separate legal entities, with different shareholder constituencies and separate stock exchange listings, they operate as nearly as practicable as a single economic entity. Debt securities issued by entities in the Unilever Group are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by both Unilever N.V. and Unilever PLC.

 

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