Unilever H1 Profit Climbs - Quick Facts

(RTTNews) - Anglo-Dutch consumer goods giant Unilever Plc (UL, ULVR.L, UN) posted higher pre-tax profit of 3.66 billion euros in the first half, versus the prior year's 3.2 billion euros. Six-month net profit attributable to shareholders' equity reached 2.43 billion euros, an increase, compared with restated 2.13 billion euros in the 2012 period.

Including the profit on disposal of the Skippy brand, per-share earnings for the first half amounted to 0.83 euros, up 18% from 0.73 euros a year before. During the first six months, core earnings per share climbed by 4% to 0.76 euros, helped by the growth in core operating profit partially offset by negative foreign exchange movements. In constant currency, core earnings per share advanced by 7%. This excludes the impact of business disposals, acquisition and disposal related costs, impairments and other one-off items.

Half-yearly turnover went up 0.4% at current rates to 25.5 billion euros, from last year's 25.4 billion euros, as restated. At constant rates, turnover grew by 3.8%.

Underlying sales growth was 5.0%. The company said it delivered another quarter of solid growth, led by emerging markets which continued to grow at 10.3% with a good balance between volume and price.