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 July, 2017
 
                      
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.
 

Date: 26 July 2017

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

 

EXHIBIT NUMBER  EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION  

99  2017 First Half Year Results

 

              

Exhibit 99

  

 

2017 FIRST HALF YEAR RESULTS

 

Performance highlights

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

 

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

 

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

 

20 July 2017

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The savings programmes which are an integral part of C4G are delivering faster than expected, with savings of more than €1 billion in the first half year. This puts us well on track towards

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

Personal Care

Personal Care continued to grow the core while expanding in high-growth segments and building in premium positions. Challenging market conditions in some of the key markets, such as India, Brazil and Indonesia weighed on the overall growth rate. Oral care performed well, supported by innovations in premium segments such as the new Signal Enamel Repair and Signal White Now Care Correction range with blue light technology in France. In skin, Baby Dove has now been introduced to 19 markets, while the new Lifebuoy with Activ Silver formula for enhanced germ-protection was rolled out across Asia. In Indonesia we are launching Hijab Fresh, a new brand, that provides a solution to the specific needs of the Muslim population. Continued growth in deodorants was driven by new variants of dry sprays in North America and Dove antiperspirants with an improved, particularly skin-friendly formulation that have been rolled out to 65 countries. In hair, growth was driven by Sunsilk, helped by the expansion into natural propositions that has driven increased penetration among millennials. Dermalogica performed well and our recent acquisitions Dollar Shave Club and Living Proof, which will contribute to underlying sales growth from next quarter and next year respectively, continued to grow strongly. Turnover increased 6.7% including a favourable currency impact of 2.5% and a 1.6% contribution from acquisitions.

 

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

 

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Home Care

Home Care delivered good growth despite a strong comparator, enabled by continued market development and benefit-led innovations that address emerging needs, including the growing trend towards natural products. In laundry, growth was driven by strong performances of the fabric conditioner Comfort in our Asian markets and the value brand Brilhante in Latin America. The roll-out of Surf into Central and Eastern Europe continued to perform well, while in the United Kingdom Persil Powergems, the laundry detergent with 100% active ingredients delivering superior stain-removal as well as care and intense freshness, were introduced. In household care, Domestos grew strongly helped by the successful roll-out of toilet blocks, which have reached 25 countries, and by Cif’s premium sprays with improved formulation now in more than 20 countries. The air purification brand Blue Air grew strongly in China, while Seventh Generation with its naturals proposition, was introduced to the United Kingdom. Turnover increased by 9.1% including a favourable currency impact of 3.0% and a 2.9% contribution from acquisitions.

 

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

 

Foods

Foods continued to modernise the portfolio while building its presence in emerging markets and sustaining a strong performance in the food service channels. However the overall growth was adversely affected by declines of some of our non-core brands in Europe. Knorr, our largest brand, performed well by responding to key needs such as nutrition deficiency or time-saving cooking products. The successful Knorr Mealmakers with 100% natural ingredients have now been extended into 100% natural seasonings. In dressings, Hellmann’s relaunched the brand with strengthened naturalness claims while the organic variants have been rolled out from North America into Europe. In spreads, the new margarines with specialty oils and the roll-out of the dairy-free variants are performing well. The rate of decline in spreads has slowed to 3.7% as sales growth in emerging markets partially offset the continued market contraction in developed countries. Turnover increased by 2.1% including a favourable currency impact of 1.6%.

 

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

 

Refreshment

Ice cream delivered strong growth driven by margin-accretive innovations behind our premium brands, such as Ben & Jerry’s pint range ‘Topped’, that takes ice cream indulgence to a new level, and the ‘Wich sandwich. Magnum grew at double-digit rates, helped by the new Magnum pints that deliver the ultimate chocolate and ice cream experience in a tub, as well as the coconut and raspberry variants. We have extended our less than 50 calories offering under Solero and launched vegan and gluten-free variants under Cornetto. Leaf tea showed good growth as we are increasingly seeing the benefits of our innovations in specialty and premium tea segments. Lipton was launched in Brazil and Argentina, and is successfully extending its presence in the faster-growing green and matcha segments, while T2 continued to show strong growth. Turnover increased by 3.9% including a negative currency impact of (1.1)% and  (1.0)% negative contribution from disposals.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

Asia/AMET/RUB

Underlying sales growth was 5.5% in the first half as pricing has increased in Asia in response to rising commodity costs. Volumes were adversely affected by some trade destocking ahead of the Goods and Services Tax implementaton in India and by fewer trading days in Indonesia. China

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demonstrated a good first half performance, driven by rapid e-commerce sales and modest growth in other channels, while Australia returned to volume-led growth. Turnover increased by 7.1% including a favourable currency impact of 1.2%.

 

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

 

The Americas

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

Underlying sales improved in North America driven by a strong delivery of our innovations in deodorants, hair care and skin cleansing which helped offset continued soft market conditions. Sales in spreads were lower due to continued market declines in the first half. Turnover increased by 9.7% including a favourable currency impact of 5.0% and a 2.7 % contribution from acquisitions.

 

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

 

Europe

In Europe consumer demand remained weak and the retail environment challenging. Refreshment delivered strong volume-driven growth, while the competitive intensity remained particularly high in Home Care. The margarine market contraction continued to weigh on the overall growth, particularly in the United Kingdom and Germany. We saw strong momentum in Central and Eastern Europe and Spain, following on from good growth in prior years. Turnover declined by (2.4)% including a negative currency impact of (1.9)%.

 

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

 

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

 

ADDITIONAL COMMENTARY ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – FIRST HALF 2017

 

Finance costs and tax

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

 

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

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

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

 

Earnings per share

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

 

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

 

Free cash flow

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

 

Net debt

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

 

Pensions

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

 

Finance and liquidity

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

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fixed rate notes due May 2020, $850 million 2.2% fixed rate notes due May 2022, $500 million 2.6% fixed rate notes due May 2024 and $1 billion 2.9% fixed rate notes due May 2027.

 

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

 

Reporting of spreads business

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

 

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

 

CHANGES TO THE LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN TARGETS

 

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

 

COMPETITION INVESTIGATIONS

 

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

 

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

 

BRAZIL TAX LITIGATION

 

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

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NON-GAAP MEASURES

 

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

 

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

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

 

Underlying sales growth (USG)

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

 

Underlying volume growth (UVG)

Underlying Volume Growth or “UVG” is part of USG and means, for the applicable period, the increase in turnover in such period calculated as the sum of (1) the increase in turnover attributable to the volume of products sold; and (2) the increase in turnover attributable to the composition of products sold during such period. UVG therefore excludes any impact to USG due

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to changes in prices. The measures and the related turnover GAAP measure are set out in notes 3 and 4.

 

Underlying price growth (UPG)

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

 

Free cash flow (FCF)

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

 

The reconciliation of net profit to FCF is as follows:

 

 

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

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

 

 

Underlying EPS

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

 

Underlying effective tax rate

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

 

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

 

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Constant underlying EPS

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

Net debt

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

 

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

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PRINCIPAL RISK FACTORS

 

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

 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

 

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

 

Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Among other risks and uncertainties, the material or principal factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are: Unilever's global brands not meeting consumer preferences; Unilever's ability to innovate and remain competitive; Unilever's investment choices in its portfolio management; inability to find sustainable solutions to support long-term growth; customer relationships; the recruitment and retention of talented employees;

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disruptions in our supply chain; the cost of raw materials and commodities; the production of safe and high quality products; secure and reliable IT infrastructure; successful execution of acquisitions, divestitures and business transformation projects; economic and political risks and natural disasters; the effect of climate change on Unilever's business; financial risks; failure to meet high and ethical standards; and managing regulatory, tax and legal matters. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group's filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including in the Annual Report on Form 20-F 2016 and the Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2016.

 

ENQUIRIES

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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INCOME STATEMENT

(unaudited)

 

 

 

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(unaudited)

 

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STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

(unaudited)

 

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

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

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

 

 

 

BALANCE SHEET

(unaudited)

 

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CASH FLOW STATEMENT

(unaudited)

 

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

 

1   ACCOUNTING INFORMATION AND POLICIES

 

The accounting policies and methods of computation are in compliance with IAS 34 ‘Interim Financial Reporting’ as issued by the International Accounting Standard Board (IASB) and as adopted by the EU; and except as set out below are consistent with the year ended 31 December 2016. The condensed interim financial statements are based on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the EU and IFRS as issued by the IASB.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Change in reporting of performance measures

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

Recent accounting developments

The expected impact of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments, IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts with customers and IFRS 16 Leases remains consistent with that disclosed on page 89 of Unilever’s Form 20-F 2016.

 

With effect from 1 January 2017 we have implemented amendments to IAS 7 ‘Statement of Cash Flows’. The impact on the Group is not material.

 

 

 

2   SIGNIFICANT ITEMS WITHIN THE INCOME STATEMENT

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

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3   SEGMENT INFORMATION - CATEGORIES

 

 

 

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

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components on a compounded basis as there is a currency impact on each of the other components. Accordingly, turnover growth is more than just the sum of the individual components.

 

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

 

 

4   SEGMENT INFORMATION – GEOGRAPHICAL AREA

 

 

 

5   TAXATION

 

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

 

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

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6   COMBINED EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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7   ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

8   SHARE BUYBACK PROGRAMME

 

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

 

9   FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

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

  

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

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

 

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

 

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

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Calculation of fair values

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

 

 

10   DIVIDENDS

 

The Boards have determined to pay a quarterly interim dividend for Q1 2017 and Q2 2017 at the following rates which are equivalent in value between the two companies at the rate of exchange applied under the terms of the Equalisation Agreement:

 

 

The quarterly interim dividends have been determined in euros and converted into equivalent sterling and US dollar amounts using exchange rates issued by WM/Reuters on 18 April 2017 and 18 July 2017 for Q1 and Q2 respectively.

 

US dollar cheques for Q2 interim dividend will be mailed on 6 September 2017 to holders of record at the close of business on 4 August 2017. In the case of the NV New York shares, Netherlands withholding tax will be deducted.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

11   EVENTS AFTER THE BALANCE SHEET DATE

 

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

 

 

12   GUARANTOR STATEMENTS

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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 $9.5 billion of Notes were outstanding at 30 June 2017 (2016: US $5.1 billion; 2015: 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.

 

 

^(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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^(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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^(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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^(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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^(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.