Unilever booked an increase in full-year core earnings this morning (19 January) but warned trading conditions in 2016 could get even tougher. 

The Magnum ice cream maker said core operating profit rose 12% to EUR7.9bn (US$8.6bn). Core EPS increased 14% to EUR1.82. Total operating and net profit dropped year-on-year due to gains recorded on disposals in 2014 affecting comparability. Operating and net profit fell by 6% and 5% respectively. 

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Sales jumped 10% to EUR53.3bn. Currency added 5.9 points of growth. Organic sales contributed 4.1 points thanks to higher pricing and volumes. 

CEO Paul Polman stressed Unilever had “again grown ahead of our markets” despite a “challenging year”, driven by innovation and increased brand support. 

Looking to 2016, Polman sounded a note of caution on the global economic outlook and revealed Unilever is responding with more of the same: a focus on costs and increased brand investment. 

See Also:

“It is vital that we drive agility and cost discipline across our business. We are further strengthening our innovation funnel while shortening innovation cycle times, stepping up our digital capabilities and rolling out a global zero based budgeting programme. Our priorities continue to be volume-driven growth ahead of our markets, steady improvement in core operating margin and strong cash flow.”

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Unilever’s food performance 

  • Turnover: EUR12.9bn, +1.5% on an underlying basis 
  • Core operating margin: -40 bps on brand investment 
  • Core operating profit: EUR2.4bn, up EUR0.1bn 

Unilever’s refreshments performance 

  • Turnover: EUR10.1bn, up 5.4% on underlying basis
  • Core operating margin: up 60 bps on improved sales mix, savings in ice cream
  • Core operating profit: EUR0.9bn, up EUR0.1bn

—-

Read our analysis of how Unilever is preparing for a challenging 2016, including investment in innovation, e-commerce and zero-based budgeting.