Half-year Report

RNS Number : 0535G

Unilever PLC

22 July 2021

 

 2021 FIRST HALF YEAR RESULTS

Performance highlights (unaudited)

Underlying performance				GAAP measures
		vs 2020				vs 2020
First Half
Underlying sales growth (USG)		5.4%		Turnover	€25.8bn	0.3%
Underlying operating margin	18.8%	(100)bps		Operating margin	17.2%	(100)bps
Underlying earnings per share	€1.33	(2.0)%		Diluted earnings per share	€1.19	(5.0)%
Second Quarter
USG		5.0%		Turnover	€13.5bn	1.2%
Quarterly dividend payable in September 2021			€0.4268 per share

First half highlights

· Underlying sales growth of 5.4%, with 4.0% volume and 1.3% price. Price growth stepped up in Q2

· Turnover increased 0.3% including a positive impact of 1.4% from acquisitions net of disposals and negative impact of 6.1% from currency related items

· Underlying operating margin of 18.8%, a decrease of 100bps driven by investment behind our brands and input cost inflation

· Underlying earnings per share down 2.0%, including a negative impact of 6.3% from currency

· Free cash flow of €2.4 billion, compared to €2.9 billion in the first half of 2020

· Quarterly shareholder dividend of €0.4268 per share and share buyback programme of up to €3 billion underway

Alan Jope: Chief Executive Officer statement

"Unilever has delivered a strong first half, with underlying sales growth of 5.4% driven by our continued focus on operational excellence.

We are making good progress against the strategic choices outlined earlier this year, including the development of our portfolio into high growth spaces. Prestige Beauty and Functional Nutrition grew strongly and we recently announced the acquisition of digitally-native skin care brand Paula's Choice. The operational separation of our Tea business is substantially complete. Our ecommerce business grew 50% and the channel now represents 11% of sales.
 

Competitive growth is our priority, and we are confident that we will deliver underlying sales growth in 2021 well within our multi-year framework of 3-5%, despite more challenging comparators in the second half.  We have seen further cost inflation emerge through the second quarter.  Cost volatility and the timing of landing price actions create a higher than normal range of likely year end margin outcomes.  We are managing this dynamically and expect to maintain underlying operating margin for 2021 around flat."

22 July 2021

FIRST HALF OPERATIONAL REVIEW: DIVISIONS

	Second Quarter 2021				First Half 2021
(unaudited)	Turnover	USG	UVG	UPG	Turnover	USG	UVG	UPG	Change in underlying operating margin
	€bn	%	%	%	€bn	%	%	%	bps
Unilever	13.5	5.0	3.3	1.6	25.8	5.4	4.0	1.3	(100)
Beauty & Personal Care	5.4	4.2	2.1	2.0	10.4	3.3	1.8	1.4	(220)
Home Care	2.6	3.2	3.1	0.1	5.2	4.5	4.8	(0.3)	(130)
Foods & Refreshment	5.5	6.8	4.6	2.0	10.2	8.1	5.8	2.1	60

Our markets: The operating environment across our markets has seen some improvements but remains volatile. Restrictions on daily life continue around the world, impacting channel dynamics, sales mix and consumer behaviour. Although renewed restrictions in India impacted the market in the second quarter, they were less severe than in the same period last year. In China, normalisation has continued, but market growth is still below pre-Covid-19 levels. The North America and Europe markets declined in the second quarter as we lapped the surge in demand for in-home food and hygiene products in the same period of 2020. In difficult macroeconomic conditions, markets are growing in Latin America but market conditions in South East Asia remain challenging. In Indonesia, large parts of the country have entered lock-down following a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases.

Unilever overall performance: We continue to be guided by our five strategic choices:

· develop our portfolio into higher growth spaces;

· win with our brands as a force for good, powered by purpose and innovation;

· accelerate in the USA, India and China and leverage our emerging markets strength;

· lead in the channels of the future; and

· build a purpose-led, future-fit organisation and growth culture.

These strategic choices and our sharp focus on operational excellence have delivered first half underlying sales growth of 5.4%, with volume growth of 4.0% and 1.3% from price. Underlying sales growth in the second quarter was 5.0%, including price of 1.6%, which accelerated through the quarter as our pricing actions landed in markets.

Emerging markets grew 8.3%, driven by continued recovery in China and strong performance in South Asia, both growing double digit.   Performance in South East Asia was mixed, with Indonesia declining high single digit. Latin America grew high single digit, led by price growth. Developed markets grew 1.5%, as North America and Europe each grew low single digit. In North America, food solutions and Prestige Beauty contributed to growth as the out of home eating and health and beauty channels reopened. We saw a relative decline in food consumed at home and flat growth in hygiene products, as we lapped the spike in demand in the prior year. In Europe, volume growth was supported by a recovery in out of home ice cream. Price declined in Europe as we lapped a period of lower promotional intensity in some markets. Ecommerce grew 50% and is now 11% of sales.

Turnover increased 0.3% including a positive impact of 1.4% from acquisitions net of disposals and negative impact of 6.1% from currency related items.

We continue to develop our portfolio into higher growth spaces. In Prestige Beauty we signed an agreement in June to acquire the leading digital-led skin care brand Paula's Choice, which has pioneered jargon-free science, high performing ingredients and cruelty-free products. Underlying sales in functional nutrition grew high single digit in the second quarter, which includes vitamins, minerals & supplements brands OLLY and Equilibra and our South Asian nutrition brands Horlicks and Boost.

The operational separation of our tea business is substantially complete and is due to conclude in October 2021. We are now focused on the next phase for this business, which we expect to be either an IPO, sale or partnership. This business generated revenues of around €2 billion in 2020 and excludes our hot tea businesses in India and Indonesia and our partnership interests in ready-to-drink tea.

As we announced in April, a number of smaller beauty and personal care brands have been separated with a dedicated management team under the name Elida Beauty. The brands include Q-Tips, Caress, Tigi, Timotei, Impulse and Monsavon with combined revenues of around €0.6 billion in 2020. We are exploring options for these brands with a focus on maximising value creation.

Underlying operating margin declined by 100bps to 18.8%. After conserving spend at the peak of the global pandemic in the prior year we have stepped up investment in our brands and marketing campaigns, increasing spend by 80bps. Gross margin was 60bps lower, impacted by an increase in raw material, packaging and distribution costs globally. There was a slightly negative incremental impact on gross margin in the first half from adverse mix related to Covid-19 . Overheads improved by 40bps. Productivity programmes and ongoing Covid-19 related savings in areas like travel and facilities continued.

Beauty & Personal Care

Beauty and Personal Care underlying sales grew 3.3% with 1.8% from volume and 1.4% from price, with an acceleration to 4.2% underlying sales growth in the second quarter, helped by increased personal care consumption occasions as living restrictions were eased in some of our markets.

Skin care grew double digit and deodorants returned to growth. In skin care Vaseline and Ponds each grew double digit. We launched Dove's refillable deodorant innovation in the USA, one of many Dove projects exploring sustainable packaging solutions. Skin cleansing declined as we lapped the sharp increase in demand in the prior year related to Covid-19. Hair grew mid-single digit. Wash and care and styling both grew and we saw good growth in China, India and Brazil. Premium brand Shea Moisture grew double digit in the USA. Oral care grew mid-single digit, led by volume from South Asia and Africa. Closeup's freshness innovation is driving growth in Brazil. Our Prestige Beauty brands grew double digit, with higher in-store footfall. We increased pricing in response to commodity inflation across categories, particularly in Latin America and South Asia.

Underlying operating margin declined 220bps as we stepped up brand and marketing investment compared to the prior year and as gross margin declined as a result of high cost inflation.

Home Care

Home Care underlying sales grew 4.5% with 4.8% from volume and negative price of 0.3%.

Fabric cleaning grew mid-single digit driven by recovery in India and price-led growth in Brazil. In Latin America growth was helped by our Omo dilutable laundry liquid innovation, which launched in 2020. Fabric enhancers grew mid-single digit led by China, where our Comfort fragrance boosters innovation with dual-colour beads and luxury-inspired fragrances performed well. Home & hygiene declined low single digit. There was good growth in dishwash in emerging markets, whilst household cleaners declined as we lapped a prior year spike in growth. We expanded our Lifebuoy brand into home hygiene products in the UK and Germany, launching the new Botanitech range of cleaning products with naturally-derived ingredients.  

Price declined overall as we lapped a period of lower promotional intensity in some markets and as the impact of rising input costs was more muted in fabric cleaning through the first half. Pricing was slightly positive in the second quarter as we started to take pricing action in markets including Brazil and Turkey to respond to rising input costs.

Underlying operating margin declined 130bps as we increased brand and marketing investment compared to the prior year. Gross margin declined as a result of high cost inflation, whilst overheads decreased.

Foods & Refreshment

Foods and Refreshment underlying sales grew 8.1% with 5.8% from volume and 2.1% from price.

Ice cream sales grew across both in home and out of home products, with double digit performances in Turkey, China and India. Out of home ice cream in Europe grew double digit as living restrictions began to ease, although sales have not returned to pre-Covid-19 levels. Magnum and Ben and Jerry's both grew double digit. Magnum launched the Miley in Layers campaign with Miley Cyrus. Ben and Jerry's has seen innovation success with its 'Topped' product range, with larger chunks and unique patterns and layers.

Food solutions grew double digit. Sales in China were above pre-Covid-19 levels, however in most other markets turnover has not yet recovered to 2019 levels as out of home channel restrictions remained in place. In-home foods grew low single digit even as we lapped a spike in demand in the prior year. Knorr and Hellmanns's grew double digit led by volume with campaigns such as Make Taste Not Waste in Hellmann's and the rollout of innovations such as Knorr's flavour rich, low salt bouillon. We took pricing action across food and ice cream to counter rising input costs.

Tea grew high single digit through both price and volume, with growth in North America, Turkey, Europe and India. Price was driven by India, following significant raw material inflation.

Underlying operating margin increased 60bps. There was an increase in brand marketing investment and a decrease in overheads as we benefitted from turnover leverage .

	Second Quarter 2021				First Half 2021
(unaudited)	Turnover	USG	UVG	UPG	Turnover	USG	UVG	UPG	Change in underlying operating margin
	€bn	%	%	%	€bn	%	%	%	bps
Unilever	13.5	5.0	3.3	1.6	25.8	5.4	4.0	1.3	(100)
Asia/AMET/RUB	6.1	5.7	4.5	1.2	12.1	7.7	6.4	1.2	( 30 )
The Americas	4.2	4.8	0.7	4.1	8.0	5.1	1.7	3.3	(190)
Europe	3.2	4.0	4.7	(0.6)	5.7	1.1	2.2	(1.1)	(130)

	Second Quarter 2021				First Half 2021
(unaudited)	Turnover	USG	UVG	UPG	Turnover	USG	UVG	UPG
	€bn	%	%	%	€bn	%	%	%
Developed markets	5.8	2.2	1.6	0.6	10.8	1.5	1.4	0.2
Emerging markets	7.7	7.2	4.7	2.4	15.0	8.3	5.9	2.2
North America	2.7	1.1	(1.1)	2.2	5.1	2.6	1.0	1.6
Latin America	1.5	11.9	4.2	7.4	2.9	9.5	3.1	6.3

Asia/AMET/RUB

Underlying sales grew 7.7% with 6.4% from volume and 1.2% from price. South Asia grew double digit as we lapped a period of strict lock-down measures in India in the prior year, although growth slowed from the first to the second quarter as regional restrictions were put in place. We increased prices across categories in response to commodity inflation. China grew double digit, with broad based growth across divisions and a recovery to pre-Covid-19 turnover levels in our food solutions business. In Turkey double digit growth was balanced between price and volume, helped by strong ice cream performance. Indonesia declined high single digit in difficult market conditions, whilst Thailand grew mid-single digit as we lapped a period of heavy decline in the second quarter of 2020.

Underlying operating margin declined 30bps as a result of increased brand and marketing investment compared to the prior year, and a lower gross margin due to higher input costs. This was mostly offset by lower overheads due to turnover leverage.  . 

The Americas

Underlying sales growth in North America was 2.6%, with 1.6% from price and 1.0% from volume. Our food solutions and Prestige Beauty businesses grew double digit as channels reopened. In-home foods declined low single digit as we lapped a period of surge demand and beauty and personal care saw low single digit growth. Underlying price growth was delivered across all divisions.

Latin America delivered underlying sales growth of 9.5%, with 6.3% from price and 3.1% from volume. Growth was balanced across all divisions. We took strong pricing action in response to high commodity inflation and currency devaluation. Brazil grew double digit and Mexico grew mid-single digit, both led by price. Argentina delivered mid-single digit volume growth.

Underlying operating margin decreased by 190bps with greater brand and marketing investment compared to the prior year and a lower gross margin due to higher input costs. The input costs were partially offset through pricing particularly in Latin America. There was a benefit in overheads.

Europe

Underlying sales grew 1.1% with volume of 2.2% and negative pricing of 1.1%. Volume growth was led by a recovery in out of home ice cream in the second quarter, particularly in Italy and Spain, as the channel started to re-open. Food solutions returned to growth, as out of home eating outlets reopened. The UK and Germany sales declined as we lapped a spike in growth in the second quarter of 2020. Price declined and we lapped a period of lower promotional intensity in the second quarter in some markets.

Underlying operating margin declined 130bps driven by lower gross margin as high levels of input cost inflation outweighed pricing in a challenging retail environment. We increased brand and marketing investment compared to the prior year.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTARY ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - FIRST HALF 2021

Finance costs and tax

Net finance costs decreased by €96 million to €153 million in the first half of 2021. The decrease was largely driven by a lower cost of debt and a one-off foreign exchange gain. This was partially offset by lower interest income driven by interest on tax credits in Brazil in the prior year. The interest rate on average net debt decreased to 1.4% from 2.0% in 2020.

The underlying effective tax rate for H1 2021 decreased to 21.9% from 22.6% in H1 2020 due to favourable tax audit settlements and provision releases, as well as the restatement of deferred tax balances for changes in tax rates. The effective tax rate for H1 2021 was 22.7% compared with 22.3% in H1 2020.

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

Net profit from joint ventures and associates was €91 million, consistent with the prior year. Other income from non-current investments was €34 million.

Earnings per share
Underlying earnings per share decreased by 2.0%, including a negative impact of 6.3% from currency. Constant underlying earnings per share increased by 4.3%. The increase was mainly driven by underlying sales growth, lower tax and finance costs, partially offset by an increase in profit attributable to minority interests following the Horlicks acquisition in India. Diluted earnings per share decreased 5.0% at €1.19.

Free cash flow
Free cash flow in the first half of 2021 was €2.4 billion, down from the €2.9 billion delivered in the first half of 2020.  This was primarily a result of lower operating profit. We have maintained the enhanced working capital discipline that improved our free cash flow in 2020 at the start of the pandemic.

Net debt

Closing net debt increased to €22.4 billion compared with €20.9 billion at 31 December 2020. The increase was driven by dividends paid and our share buyback programme, partially offset by free cash flow delivery.

Pensions
Pension assets net of liabilities were in surplus of €1.9 billion at the end of June 2021 versus €0.3 billion as at 31 December 2020. The increase was driven by positive investment returns on pension assets, and lower liabilities as interest rates increased.

Finance and liquidity
In February 2021 $1,000 million 4.25% fixed rate notes matured and were repaid. In March 2021 $400 million 2.75% fixed rate notes matured and were repaid.

On 30 June 2021 Unilever had undrawn revolving 364-day bilateral credit facilities of $7,965 million in aggregate with a 364-day term out.

Share buyback programme
On 29 April 2021 we announced our intention to start a share buyback programme of up to €3 billion. On 6 May 2021 we announced we would commence the first tranche of this buyback programme for an aggregate market value equivalent to €1.5 billion. As at 30 June 2021 the Group had repurchased 17,973,091 ordinary shares. Total consideration for the repurchase of shares was €0.9 billion which is recorded within other reserves. The first tranche for an aggregate market value of €1.5 billion will end on or before 27 August 2021.

Capital Reduction

On 15 June 2021 the UK court approved a capital reduction of £18.4 billion (€20.6 billion). The impact of this was to transfer €20.6 billion from share premium to retained earnings.
 

COMPETITION INVESTIGATIONS

As previously disclosed, Unilever is involved in a number of ongoing investigations and cases by national competition authorities, including those within Italy, Greece, South Africa and Turkey. 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 .

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 year average exchange rates into euro, except for the local currency of entities that operate in hyperinflationary economies. These currencies are translated into euros using the prior year closing exchange rate before the application of IAS 29. The table below shows exchange rate movements in our key markets.

	First half average rate in 2021	First half average rate in 2020
Brazilian Real (€1 = BRL)	6.492	5.323
Chinese Yuan (€1 = CNY)	7.800	7.743
Indian Rupee (€1 = INR)	88.365	81.535
Indonesia Rupiah (€1 = IDR)	17231	16055
Philippine Peso (€1 = PHP)	58.153	55.823
UK Pound Sterling (€1 = GBP)	0.868	0.873
US Dollar (€1 = US $)	1.206	1.102

Underlying sales growth (USG)

Underlying sales growth (USG) refers to the increase in turnover for the period, excluding any change in turnover resulting from acquisitions, disposals, changes in currency and price growth in excess of 26% in hyperinflationary economies. Inflation of 26% per year compounded over three years is one of the key indicators within IAS 29 to assess whether an economy is deemed to be hyperinflationary. We believe this measure provides valuable additional information on the underlying sales performance of the business and is a key measure used internally. 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 changes in the GAAP measure turnover to USG is provided in notes 3 and 4.

Underlying price growth (UPG)

Underlying price growth (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 (i) the volume of products sold; and (ii) the composition of products sold during the period. In determining changes in price we exclude the impact of price growth in excess of 26% per year in hyperinflationary economies as explained in USG above. The measures and the related turnover GAAP measure are set out in notes 3 and 4.

Underlying volume growth (UVG)

Underlying volume growth (UVG) is part of USG and means, for the applicable period, the increase in turnover in such period calculated as the sum of (i) the increase in turnover attributable to the volume of products sold; and (ii) the increase in turnover attributable to the composition of products sold during such period. UVG therefore excludes any impact on USG due to changes in prices. The measures and the related turnover GAAP measure are set out in notes 3 and 4.

Non-underlying items

Several non-GAAP measures are adjusted to exclude items defined as non-underlying due to their nature and/or frequency of occurrence.

^· Non-underlying items within operating profit are: gains or losses on business disposals, acquisition and disposal related costs, restructuring costs, impairments and other items within operating profit classified here due to their nature and frequency.

^· Non-underlying items not in operating profit but within net profit are: net monetary gain/(loss) arising from hyperinflationary economies and significant and unusual items in net finance cost, share of profit/(loss) of joint ventures and associates and taxation.

^· Non-underlying items are: both non-underlying items within operating profit and those non-underlying items not in operating profit but within net profit.

Underlying operating profit (UOP) and underlying operating margin (UOM)

Underlying operating profit and underlying operating margin mean operating profit and operating margin before the impact of non-underlying items within operating profit. 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:

€ million	First Half
(unaudited)	2021	2020
Operating profit	4,426	4,672
Non-underlying items within operating profit (see note 2)	421	412
Underlying operating profit	4,847	5,084
Turnover	25,791	25,714
Operating margin (%)	17.2	18.2
Underlying operating margin (%)	18.8	19.8

Underlying effective tax rate

The underlying effective tax rate is calculated by dividing taxation excluding the tax impact of non-underlying items by profit before tax excluding the impact of non-underlying 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 excluding non-underlying items before tax and share of net profit/(loss) of joint ventures and associates. Tax impact on non-underlying items within operating profit is the sum of the tax on each non-underlying item, based on the applicable country tax rates and tax treatment. This is shown in the following table: 

€ million	First Half
(unaudited)	2021	2020
Taxation	972	991
Tax impact:
Non-underlying items within operating profit(a)	97	109
Non-underlying items not in operating profit but within net profit(a)	(34)	(7)
Taxation before tax impact of non-underlying items	1,035	1,093
Profit before taxation	4,369	4,533
Non-underlying items within operating profit before tax(a)	421	412
Non-underlying items not in operating profit but within net profit before tax(a)	29	(21)
Share of net (profit)/loss of joint ventures and associates	(91)	(89)
Profit before tax excluding non-underlying items before tax and share of net profit/(loss) of joint ventures and associates	4, 728	4,835
Underlying effective tax rate	21.9%	22.6%

^(a)  Refer to note 2 for further details on these items.

Underlying earnings per share

Underlying earnings per share (underlying EPS) is calculated as underlying profit attributable to shareholders' equity divided by the diluted average number of ordinary shares. 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. This measure reflects the underlying earnings for each share unit of the Group. Refer to note 6 for reconciliation of net profit attributable to shareholders' equity to underlying profit attributable to shareholders equity .

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 both translational hedges and price growth in excess of 26% per year in hyperinflationary economies divided by the diluted average number of ordinary shares. 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:

€ million	First Half
(unaudited)	2021	2020
Underlying profit attributable to shareholders' equity (see note 6)	3,488	3,559
Impact of translation from current to constant exchange rates and translational hedges
	133	(103)
Impact of price growth in excess of 26% per year in hyperinflationary economies	(16)	-
Constant underlying earnings attributable to shareholders' equity	3,605	3,456
Diluted average number of share units (millions of units)	2,627.2	2,627.2
Constant underlying EPS (€)	1.37	1.32

Net debt

Net debt 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. 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, and non-current financial asset derivatives that relate to financial liabilities.

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

€ million	As at 30 June 2021	As at 31 December 2020	As at 30 June 2020
(unaudited)
Total financial liabilities	(27,542)	(27,305)	(28,805)
Current financial liabilities	(6,720)	(4,461)	(4,792)
Non-current financial liabilities	(20,822)	(22,844)	(24,013)
Cash and cash equivalents as per balance sheet	4,182	5,548	4,855
Cash and cash equivalents as per cash flow statement	4,072	5,475	4,722
Add bank overdrafts deducted therein	110	73	133
Other current financial assets	885	808	1,100
Non-current financial assets derivatives that relate to financial liabilities	33	21	96
Net debt	(22,442)	(20,928)	(22,754)

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 expenditure and net interest payments. 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. FCF 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 cash flow from operating activities to FCF is as follows:

€ million	First Half
(unaudited)	2021	2020
Cash flow from operating activities	3,961	4,427
Income tax paid	(917)	(899)
Net capital expenditure	(386)	(422)
Net interest paid	(227)	(256)
Free cash flow	2,431	2,850
Net cash flow (used in)/from investing activities	(570)	(581)
Net cash flow (used in)/from financing activities	(4,097)	(2,088)

OTHER INFORMATION

This document represents Unilever's half-yearly report for the purposes of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules (DTR) issued by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (DTR 4.2) and the Dutch Act on Financial Supervision, section 5:25d (8)/(9) (Half-yearly financial reports). In this context: (i) the condensed set of financial statements can be found on pages 11 to 22; (ii) pages 2 to 10 comprise the interim management report; and (iii) the Directors' responsibility statement can be found on page 23. No material related party transactions have taken place in the first six months of the year.

PRINCIPAL RISK FACTORS

On pages 46 to 50 of our 2020 Annual Report and Accounts we set out our assessment of the principal risk issues that would face the business under the headings: brand preference; portfolio management; climate change; plastic packaging; customer; talent; supply chain; safe and high quality products; systems and information; business transformation; economic and political instability; treasury and tax; 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 2021.

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; the effect of climate change on Unilever's business; Unilever's ability to find sustainable solutions to its plastic packaging; significant changes or deterioration in customer relationships; the recruitment and retention of talented employees; disruptions in our supply chain and distribution; increases or volatility in the cost of raw materials and commodities; the production of safe and high quality products; secure and reliable IT infrastructure; execution of acquisitions, divestitures and business transformation projects; economic, social and political risks and natural disasters; financial risks; failure to meet high and ethical standards; and managing regulatory, tax and legal matters. A number of these risks have increased as a result of the current Covid-19 pandemic. 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 Annual Report on Form 20-F 2020 and the Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2020 available on our corporate website.

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

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

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

(unaudited)

€ million		First Half
		2021	2020	Increase/ (Decrease)
				Current rates	Constant rates
	Turnover	25,791	25,714	0.3%	7.1%
	Operating profit	4,426	4,672	(5.3)%	2.6%
	Which includes non-underlying items credits/(charges) of	(421)	(412)
	Net finance costs	(153)	(249)
	Finance income	68	139
	Finance costs	(216)	(378)
	Pensions and similar obligations	(5)	(10)
	Non-underlying item net monetary gain/(loss) arising from hyperinflationary economies	(29)	21
	Share of net profit/(loss) of joint ventures and associates	91	89
	Other income/(loss) from non-current investments and associates	34	-
	Profit before taxation	4,369	4,533	(3.6)%	5.2%
	Taxation	(972)	(991)
	Which includes tax impact of non-underlying items of	63	102
	Net profit	3,397	3,542	(4.1)%	5.3%
	Attributable to:
	Non-controlling interests	276	258
	Shareholders' equity	3,121	3,284	(5.0)%	4.4%

Combined earnings per share
Basic earnings per share (euros)	1.19	1.25	(5.0)%	4.4%
Diluted earnings per share (euros)	1.19	1.25	(5.0)%	4.4%

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(unaudited)

€ million	First Half
	2021	2020
Net profit	3,397	3,542
Other comprehensive income
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss, net of tax:
Gains/(losses) on equity instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income	55	20
Remeasurements of defined benefit pension plans(a)	968	(201)
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss, net of tax:
Gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	137	43
Currency retranslation gains/(losses)(b)	617	(1,481)
Total comprehensive income	5,174	1,923
Attributable to:
Non-controlling interests	299	177
Shareholders' equity	4,875	1,746

^(a)  Remeasurement of defined benefit pension plans in 2021 is driven by positive investment returns and increase in interest rates.

^(b)  2021 gain is primarily due to strengthening of the US Dollar, British Pound, Brazilian Real and Indian Rupee against the Euro. 2020 loss is due to weakening of the Brazilian Real, Mexican Peso, Indian Rupee, South Korean Won and Russian Ruble against the Euro.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

(unaudited)

€ million	Called up share capital	Share premium account	Unification reserve	Other reserves	Retained profit	Total	Non- controlling interest	Total equity
First half - 2021
1 January 2021	92	73,472	(73,364)	(7,482)	22,548	15,266	2,389	17,655
Profit or loss for the period	-	-	-	-	3,121	3,121	276	3,397
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Gains/(losses) on:
Equity instruments	-	-	-	67	-	67	(12)	55
Cash flow hedges	-	-	-	136	-	136	1	137
Remeasurements of defined benefit pension plans	-	-	-	-	968	968	-	968
Currency retranslation gains/(losses)	-	-	-	576	7	583	34	617
Total comprehensive income	-	-	-	779	4,096	4,875	299	5,174
Dividends on ordinary capital	-	-	-	-	(2,252)	(2,252)	-	(2,252)
Share capital reduction(a)		(20, 626)	-	-	20,626	-	-	-
Repurchase of shares(b)	-	-	-	(897)	-	(897)	-	(897)
Other movements in treasury shares(c)	-	-	-	78	(101)	(23)	-	(23)
Share-based payment credit(d)	-	-	-	-	82	82	-	82
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests	-	-	-	-	-	-	(258)	(258)
Currency retranslation gains/(losses) net of tax	-	(3)	-	-	-	(3)	-	(3)
Hedging gain/(loss) transferred to non-financial assets	-	-	-	(89)	-	(89)	(1)	(90)
Other movements in equity(e)	-	-	-	(83)	140	57	14	71
30 June 2021	92	52,843	(73,364)	(7,694)	45,139	17,016	2,443	19,459

First half - 2020
1 January 2020 as previously reported	420	134	-	(5,574)	18,212	13,192	694	13,886
Profit or loss for the period	-	-	-	-	3,284	3,284	258	3,542
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Gains/(losses) on:
Equity instruments	-	-	-	16	-	16	4	20
Cash flow hedges	-	-	-	46	-	46	(3)	43
Remeasurements of defined benefit pension plans	-	-	-	-	(200)	(200)	(1)	(201)
Currency retranslation gains/(losses)	-	-	-	(1,387)	(13)	(1,400)	(81)	(1,481)
Total comprehensive income	-	-	-	(1,325)	3,071	1,746	177	1,923
Dividends on ordinary capital	-	-	-	-	(2,149)	(2,149)	-	(2,149)
Other movements in treasury shares(c)	-	-	-	190	(126)	64	-	64
Share-based payment credit(d)	-	-	-	-	74	74	-	74
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests	-	-	-	-	-	-	( 210 )	(210)
Currency retranslation gains/(losses) net of tax	-	(7)	-	-	-	(7)	-	(7)
Hedging gain/(loss) transferred to non-financial assets	-	-	-	-	-	-	1	1
Net gain arising from Horlicks acquisition(f)	-	-	-	-	2,930	2,930	1,918	4,848
Other movements in equity(e)	-	-	-	-	(211)	(211)	5	(206)
30 June 2020	420	127	-	(6,709)	21,801	15,639	2,585	18,224

^(a)  Share premium has been adjusted to reflect the legal share capital of the PLC company, which reduced by £18,400 million following court approval on 15 June 2021.

^(b)  Repurchase of shares reflects the cost of acquiring ordinary shares as part of the share buyback programmes announced on 29 April 2021.

^(c)  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.

^(d)  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.

^(e)  2021 includes a hyperinflation adjustment of €137 million and €83 million related to the Welly acquisition. 2020 includes €163 million paid for purchase of the non-controlling interest in Unilever Malaysia.

^(f)  Consideration for the Main Horlicks Acquisition included the issuance of shares in a group subsidiary, Hindustan Unilever Limited, which resulted in a net gain being recognised within equity.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(unaudited)

€ million	As at 30 June 2021	As at 31 December 2020	As at 30 June 2020
Non-current assets
Goodwill	19,239	18,942	19,675
Intangible assets	16,064	15,999	16,049
Property, plant and equipment	10,521	10,558	11,374
Pension asset for funded schemes in surplus	4,017	2,722	2,296
Deferred tax assets	1,320	1,474	1,325
Financial assets	960	876	815
Other non-current assets	1,032	931	896
	53,153	51,502	52,430
Current assets
Inventories	4,766	4,462	4,646
Trade and other current receivables	6,478	4,939	6,955
Current tax assets	272	372	336
Cash and cash equivalents	4,182	5,548	4,855
Other financial assets	885	808	1,100
Assets held for sale	828	28	56
	17,411	16,157	17,948
Total assets	70,564	67,659	70,378
Current liabilities
Financial liabilities	6,720	4,461	4,792
Trade payables and other current liabilities	14,799	14,132	14,602
Current tax liabilities	1,597	1,451	1,051
Provisions	514	547	530
Liabilities held for sale	158	1	1
	23,788	20,592	20,976
Non-current liabilities
Financial liabilities	20,822	22,844	24,013
Non-current tax liabilities	143	149	289
Pensions and post-retirement healthcare liabilities:
Funded schemes in deficit	832	1,109	1,275
Unfunded schemes	1,298	1,326	1,426
Provisions	592	583	642
Deferred tax liabilities	3,361	3,166	3,276
Other non-current liabilities	269	235	257
	27,317	29,412	31,178
Total liabilities	51,105	50,004	52,154
Equity
Shareholders' equity	17,016	15,266	15,639
Non-controlling interests	2,443	2,389	2,585
Total equity	19,459	17,655	18,224
Total liabilities and equity	70,564	67,659	70,378

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

(unaudited)

€ million	First Half
	2021	2020
Net profit	3,397	3,542
Taxation	972	991
Share of net (profit)/loss of joint ventures/associates and other (income)/loss
from non-current investments and associates	(125)	(89)
Net monetary (gain)/loss arising from hyperinflationary economies	29	(21)
Net finance costs	153	249
Operating profit	4,426	4,672
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment	860	987
Changes in working capital	(1,233)	(1,215)
Pensions and similar obligations less payments	(126)	(79)
Provisions less payments	(29)	(66)
Elimination of (profits)/losses on disposals	-	45
Non-cash charge for share-based compensation	82	74
Other adjustments	(19)	9
Cash flow from operating activities	3,961	4,427
Income tax paid	(917)	(899)
Net cash flow from operating activities	3,044	3,528
Interest received	61	80
Net capital expenditure	(386)	(422)
Other acquisitions and disposals	(275)	(623)
Other investing activities	30	384
Net cash flow (used in)/from investing activities	(570)	(581)
Dividends paid on ordinary share capital	(2,277)	(2,120)
Interest paid	(288)	(336)
Change in financial liabilities	(430)	602
Repurchase of shares	(845)	-
Other financing activities	(257)	(234)
Net cash flow (used in)/from financing activities	(4,097)	(2,088)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(1,623)	859
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period	5,475	4,116
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes	220	(253)
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period	4,072	4,722

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

1 ACCOUNTING INFORMATION AND POLICIES

The condensed interim financial statements are prepared in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' as issued by the International Accounting Standard Board (IASB), as adopted by the EU (Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002) and as adopted for use in the UK and except as set out below are consistent with the year ended 31 December 2020.

The Interest Rate Benchmark Reform Amendments Phase 2 (Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7) apply for the first time in 2021. We do not have significant derivatives that refer to an interest rate benchmark so these amendments do not have a significant impact on the interim condensed consolidated financial statements of the Group. The Group has not early adopted any standard, interpretation or amendment that has been issued but is not yet effective.

Management have produced forecasts which have been modelled for different plausible scenarios. These scenarios confirm the Group is able to generate profits and cash in the year ended 31 December 2021 and beyond. As a result, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to meet its obligations as they fall due for a period of at least 12 months from the date of signing these financial statements. 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 consolidated income statement on page 11, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income on page 11, the consolidated statement of changes in equity on page 12 and the consolidated cash flow statement on page 14 are translated at exchange rates current in each period. The consolidated 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 2020 are not Unilever PLC's statutory accounts for that financial year. Those accounts of Unilever for the year ended 31 December 2020 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.

During Q4 2020 the Group reorganised under Unilever PLC ("PLC") as its single parent company, a process which we referred to as 'Unification'. Prior to Unification the Group operated with two parent companies, Unilever N.V. ("NV") and Unilever PLC ("PLC"), who together with the group companies operated as a single economic entity. Under the terms of Unification, all the NV ordinary shares were cancelled and NV shareholders received one new PLC ordinary share in exchange for each NV share owned. Unification resulted in the issue of 1,460,713,122 new PLC ordinary shares. As at 30 June 2021 2,629,243,772 (December 2020: 2,629,243,772) PLC ordinary shares were in issue and no NV ordinary shares were in issue (December 2020: nil).

Prior to Unification NV and PLC formed a single reporting entity for the purposes of presenting consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, group companies included in the comparative information provided in the condensed interim financial statements are PLC and NV and those companies controlled by NV or PLC.

Refer to note 1 to our 2020 consolidated financial statements for more details on Unification.

2 SIGNIFICANT ITEMS WITHIN THE INCOME STATEMENT

Non-underlying items

These include non-underlying items within operating profit and non-underlying items not in operating profit but within net profit:

· Non-underlying items within operating profit are gains or losses on business disposals, acquisition and disposal related costs, restructuring costs, impairment and other items within operating profit classified here due to their nature and frequency.

· Non-underlying items not in operating profit but with net profit are net monetary gain/(loss) arising from hyperinflationary economies and significant and unusual items in net finance cost, share of profit/(loss) of joint ventures and associates and taxation.

Restructuring costs are charges associated with activities planned by management that significantly change either the scope of the business or the manner in which it is conducted.

€ million	First Half
	2021	2020
Acquisition and disposal-related credit/(costs)	(122)	(27)
Gain/(loss) on disposal of group companies	7	6
Restructuring costs	(306)	(391)
Non-underlying items within operating profit before tax	(421)	(412)
Tax on non-underlying items within operating profit	97	109
Non-underlying items within operating profit after tax	(324)	( 303 )
Net monetary gain/(loss) arising from hyperinflationary economies	(29)	21
Non-underlying items not in operating profit but within net profit before tax	(29)	21
Tax impact of non-underlying items not in operating profit but within net profit:
Taxes related to the UK tax audit of intangible income and centralised services	(6)	-
Hyperinflation adjustment for Argentina deferred tax	(28)	(7)
Non-underlying items not in operating profit but within net profit after tax	(63)	14
Non-underlying items after tax(a)	(387)	(289)
Attributable to:
Non-controlling interests	(20)	( 14 )
Shareholders' equity	(367)	(275)
(a)  Non-underlying items after tax is calculated as non-underlying items within operating profit after tax plus non-underlying items not in operating profit but within net profit after tax.

3 SEGMENT INFORMATION - DIVISIONS

Second Quarter	Beauty & Personal Care	Home Care	Foods & Refreshment	Total
Turnover (€ million)
2020	5,320	2,617	5,355	13,292
2021	5,367	2,575	5,509	13,451
Change (%)	0.9	(1.6)	2.9	1.2
Impact of:
Acquisitions (%)	2.6	-	0.2	1.1
Disposals (%)	-	(0.2)	(0.2)	(0.1)
Currency-related items (%), of which:	(5.7)	(4.5)	(3.6)	(4.6)
Exchange rates changes (%)	(5.9)	(4.8)	(3.8)	(4.8)
Extreme price growth in hyperinflationary markets* (%)	0.2	0.3	0.2	0.2
Underlying sales growth (%)	4.2	3.2	6.8	5.0
Price* (%)	2.0	0.1	2.0	1.6
Volume (%)	2.1	3.1	4.6	3.3

First Half	Beauty & Personal Care	Home Care	Foods & Refreshment	Total
Turnover (€ million)
2020	10,610	5,328	9,776	25,714
2021	10,407	5,182	10,202	25,791
Change (%)	(1.9)	(2.7)	4.4	0.3
Impact of:
Acquisitions (%)	2.2	-	1.6	1.5
Disposals (%)	-	(0.2)	(0.2)	(0.1)
Currency-related items (%), of which:	(7.1)	(6.8)	(4.8)	(6.1)
Exchange rates changes (%)	(7.3)	(6.9)	(5.0)	(6.3)
Extreme price growth in hyperinflationary markets* (%)	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.2
Underlying sales growth (%)	3.3	4.5	8.1	5.4
Price* (%)	1.4	(0.3)	2.1	1.3
Volume (%)	1.8	4.8	5.8	4.0
Operating profit (€ million)
2020	2,403	744	1,525	4,672
2021	2,089	655	1,682	4,426
Underlying operating profit (€ million)
2020	2,495	817	1,772	5,084
2021	2,215	727	1,905	4,847
Operating margin (%)
2020	22.6	14.0	15.6	18.2
2021	20.1	12.6	16.5	17.2
Underlying operating margin (%)
2020	23.5	15.3	18.1	19.8
2021	21.3	14.0	18.7	18.8
* Underlying price growth in excess of 26% per year in hyperinflationary economies has been excluded when calculating the price growth in the tables above, and an equal and opposite amount is shown as extreme price growth in hyperinflationary markets.

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.

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

Second Quarter	Asia / AMET / RUB	The Americas	Europe	Total
Turnover (€ million)
2020	6,063	4,210	3,019	13,292
2021	6,081	4,216	3,154	13,451
Change (%)	0.3	0.1	4.5	1.2
Impact of:
Acquisitions (%)	0.2	3.3	-	1.1
Disposals (%)	-	(0.1)	(0.2)	(0.1)
Currency-related items (%), of which:	(5.3)	(7.4)	0.7	(4.6)
Exchange rates changes (%)	(5.4)	(7.9)	0.7	(4.8)
Extreme price growth in hyperinflationary markets* (%)	0.1	0.6	-	0.2
Underlying sales growth (%)	5.7	4.8	4.0	5.0
Price* (%)	1.2	4.1	(0.6)	1.6
Volume (%)	4.5	0.7	4.7	3.3

First Half	Asia / AMET / RUB	The Americas	Europe	Total
Turnover (€ million)
2020	11,807	8,227	5,680	25,714
2021	12,040	8,022	5,729	25,791
Change (%)	2.0	(2.5)	0.9	0.3
Impact of:
Acquisitions (%)	1.4	2.8	-	1.5
Disposals (%)	-	(0.2)	(0.3)	(0.1)
Currency-related items (%), of which:	(6.6)	(9.6)	0.1	(6.1)
Exchange rates changes (%)	(6.7)	(9.9)	0.1	(6.3)
Extreme price growth in hyperinflationary markets* (%)	0.1	0.4	-	0.2
Underlying sales growth (%)	7.7	5.1	1.1	5.4
Price* (%)	1.2	3.3	(1.1)	1.3
Volume (%)	6.4	1.7	2.2	4.0
Operating profit (€ million)
2020	2,265	1,532	875	4,672
2021	2,289	1,303	834	4,426
Underlying operating profit (€ million)
2020	2,394	1,622	1,068	5,084
2021	2,413	1,429	1,005	4,847
Operating margin (%)
2020	19.2	18.6	15.4	18.2
2021	19.0	16.2	14.6	17.2
Underlying operating margin (%)
2020	20.3	19.7	18.8	19.8
2021	20.0	17.8	17.5	18.8
* Underlying price growth in excess of 26% per year in hyperinflationary economies has been excluded when calculating the price growth in the tables above, and an equal and opposite amount is shown as extreme price growth in hyperinflationary markets.

5 TAXATION

The effective tax rate for the first half was 22.7% compared to 22.3% in 2020. 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:

€ million	First Half 2021			First Half 2020
	Before tax	Tax (charge)/ credit	After tax	Before tax	Tax (charge)/ credit	After tax
Gains/(losses) on
Equity instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income	56	(1)	55	19	1	20
Cash flow hedges	143	(6)	137	71	(28)	43
Remeasurements of defined benefit pension plans(a)	1,404	(436)	968	(242)	41	(201)
Currency retranslation gains/(losses)	653	(36)	617	(1,516)	35	(1,481)
Other comprehensive income	2,256	(479)	1,777	(1,668)	49	(1,619)

(a)  Remeasurement of defined benefit pension plans in 2021 is driven by positive investment returns and increase in interest rates.

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 shares.

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

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

	2021	2020
Combined EPS - Basic
Net profit attributable to shareholders' equity (€ million)	3,121	3,284
Average number of share units (millions of units)	2,618.7	2,619.0
Combined EPS - basic (€)	1.19	1.25
Combined EPS - Diluted
Net profit attributable to shareholders' equity (€ million)	3,121	3,284
Adjusted average number of share units (millions of units)	2,627.2	2,627.2
Combined EPS - diluted (€)	1.19	1.25
Underlying EPS
Net profit attributable to shareholder's equity (€ million)	3,121	3,284
Post tax impact of non-underlying items attributable to shareholders' equity (see note 2)	367	275
Underlying profit attributable to shareholders' equity (€ million)	3,488	3,559
Adjusted average number of share units (millions of units)	2,627.2	2,627.2
Underlying EPS - diluted (€)	1.33	1.35

In calculating underlying earnings per share, net profit attributable to shareholders' equity is adjusted to eliminate the post-tax impact of non-underlying items.

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

		Millions
Number of shares at 31 December 2020 (net of treasury shares)		2,622.0
Shares repurchased under the share buyback programme		(18.0)
Net movement in shares under incentive schemes		1.7
Number of shares at 30 June 2021		2,605.7

7 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Group's Treasury function aims to protect the Group's financial investments, while maximising returns. The fair value of financial assets is the same as the carrying amount for 2021 and 2020. The Group's cash resources and other financial assets are shown below.

€ million	30 June 2021			31 December 2020			30 June 2020
	Current	Non-current	Total	Current	Non-current	Total	Current	Non-current	Total
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash at bank and in hand	2,625	-	2,625	2,764	-	2,764	2,672	-	2,672
Short-term deposits(a)	1,411	-	1,411	2,764	-	2,764	2,176	-	2,176
Other cash equivalents	146	-	146	20	-	20	7	-	7
	4,182	-	4,182	5,548	-	5,548	4,855	-	4,855
Other financial assets
Financial assets at amortised cost(b)	514	148	662	468	138	606	774	129	903
Financial assets at fair value through
other comprehensive income(c)	9	413	422	9	361	370	-	304	304
Financial assets at fair value
through profit or loss:
Derivatives that relate to financial liabilities	40	32	72	59	21	80	69	96	165
Other(d)	322	367	689	272	356	628	257	286	543
	885	960	1,845	808	876	1,684	1,100	815	1,915
Total financial assets(e)	5,067	960	6,027	6,356	876	7,232	5,955	815	6,770

^(a)  Short-term deposits typically have maturity of up to 3 months.

^(b)  Current financial assets at amortised cost include short term deposits with banks with maturities longer than three months excluding deposits which are part of a recognised cash management process and loans to joint venture entities. Non-current financial assets at amortised cost include judicial deposits of € 107 million (31 December 2020: € 101 million, 30 June 2020: €94 million ).

^(c)  Included within non-current financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income are equity investments of €408 million (31 December 2020: €356 million, 30 June 2020: €284 million).

^(d)  Current other financial assets at fair value through profit or loss include A- or higher rated money and capital market instruments. Included within non-current financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are assets in a trust to fund benefit obligations in the US, an option over non-controlling interest in a subsidiary in Hong Kong and investments in a number of companies and financial institutions in North America, North Asia, South Asia and Europe .

^(e)  Financial assets exclude trade and other current receivables.

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 2021	As at 31 December 2020	As at 30 June 2020	As at 30 June 2021	As at 31 December 2020	As at 30 June 2020
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents	4,182	5,548	4,855	4,182	5,548	4,855
Financial assets at amortised cost	662	606	903	662	606	903
Financial assets at fair value through other
comprehensive income	422	370	304	422	370	304
Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss:
Derivatives	72	80	165	72	80	165
Other	689	628	543	689	628	543
	6,027	7,232	6,770	6,027	7,232	6,770
Financial liabilities
Bank loans and overdrafts	(593)	(411)	(851)	(593)	(411)	(851)
Bonds and other loans	(26,587)	(26,936)	(28,206)	(24,683)	(24,585)	(25,837)
Lease liabilities	(1,694)	(1,771)	(1,849)	(1,694)	(1,771)	(1,849)
Derivatives	(224)	(315)	(76)	(224)	(315)	(76)
Other financial liabilities	(348)	(223)	(192)	(348)	(223)	(192)
	(29,446)	(29,656)	(31,174)	(27,542)	(27,305)	(28,805)

€ million	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3
	As at 30 June 2021			As at 31 December 2020			As at 30 June 2020
Assets at fair value
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income	7	3	412	5	3	362	5	4	295
Financial assets at fair value
through profit or loss:
Derivatives(a)	-	187	-	-	158	-	-	268	-
Other	323	-	366	300	-	328	260	-	283
Liabilities at fair value
Derivatives(b)	-	(311)	-	-	(418)	-	-	(187)	-
Contingent Consideration	-	-	(159)	-	-	(140)	-	-	(155)

^(a) Includes €115 million (31 December 2020: €78 million, 30 June 2020: €103 million) derivatives, reported within trade receivables, that hedge trading activities.

^(b) Includes €(87) million (31 December 2020: € (103) million, 30 June 2020: €(111) 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 2020. There were also no significant movements between the fair value hierarchy classifications since 31 December 2020.

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.

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 2020.

8 SHARE BUYBACK PROGRAMME

On 29 April 2021 Unilever announced a share buyback programme of up to €3 billion, to be completed in 2021. The first tranche of the share buyback programme commenced on 6 May 2021 and will end on or before 27 August 2021 for an aggregate market value of €1.5 billion. At 30 June 2021 Unilever had repurchased 17,973,091 PLC ordinary shares. Cash paid for the repurchase of PLC ordinary shares was €845 million and €52 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 ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS

Total consideration for acquisitions completed in the first half of 2021 was €284 million, of which cash was €269 million (acquisitions completed in the first half of 2020: €5,526 million). We have finalised the opening balance sheets of the Horlicks acquisitions and Vwash with no changes to the provisional numbers reported at 31 December 2020.

In the first half of 2021 the Group completed the following business acquisitions:

Deal completion date	Acquired business
29 January 2021	Acquired 51% of Welly Health, which adds to our health and wellbeing portfolio.
28 May 2021	Acquired Onnit Lab Inc, a holistic wellness and lifestyle company based in the US. Onnit complements our growing portfolio of innovative wellness and supplement brands.

In addition to the completed transactions above, on 14 June 2021 the Group announced it had signed an agreement to acquire Paula's Choice, a digital-led premium skin care business from TA Associates. The transaction is expected to be completed in Q3 2021.

10 ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE

Included within assets and liabilities held for sale as at 30 June 2021 are those relating to a number of small Beauty & Personal Care and Foods & Refreshment brands. Whilst no disposal has been agreed, we have received non-binding offers for these brands.

€ million	30 June 2021 Total	31 December 2020 Total(a)
Property, plant and equipment held for sale	2	17
Disposal groups held for sale
Non-current assets	710	5
Current assets	116	6
Assets held for sale	828	28
Current liabilities	50	1
Non-current liabilities	108	-
Liabilities held for sale	158	1

Non-current assets held for sale are mainly goodwill and brand trademarks. Non-current liabilities are mainly deferred tax associated with these brand trademarks.

On disposal of an asset or disposal group the associated currency translation difference, including amounts previously reported within equity, is reclassified to the income statement as part of the gain or loss on disposal. This is estimated to be a €55 million gain.

11 DIVIDENDS

The Board has declared a quarterly interim dividend for Q2 2021 of £0.3693 per Unilever PLC ordinary share or €0.4268 per Unilever PLC ordinary share at the applicable exchange rate issued by WM/Reuters on 20 July 2021.

Per Unilever PLC ordinary share (traded on the London Stock Exchange):	£ 0.3693
Per Unilever PLC ordinary share (traded on Euronext in Amsterdam):	€ 0.4268
Per Unilever PLC American Depositary Receipt:	US$ 0.5031

The euro and US dollar amounts above have been determined using the applicable exchange rates issued by WM/Reuters on
20 July 2021.

US dollar cheques for the quarterly interim dividend will be mailed on 8 September 2021 to holders of record at the close of business on 6 August 2021.

The quarterly dividend calendar for the remainder of 2021 will be as follows:

	Announcement Date	Ex-Dividend Date	Record Date	Payment Date
Q2 2021 Dividend	22 July 2021	5 August 2021	6 August 2021	8 September 2021
Q3 2021 Dividend	21 October 2021	4 November 2021	5 November 2021	1 December 2021

12 EVENTS AFTER THE BALANCE SHEET DATE

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

DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

The Directors declare that, to the best of their knowledge:
 

· this condensed set of interim financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting', as issued by the International Accounting Standard Board and endorsed and adopted by the UK and the EU gives a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of Unilever; and

· the interim management report gives a fair review of the information required pursuant to regulations 4.2.7 and 4.2.8 of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules (DTR) issued by the UK Financial Conduct Authority and section 5:25d (8)/(9) of the Dutch Act on Financial Supervision (Wet op het financieel toezicht).

Unilever's Directors are listed in the Annual Report and Accounts for 2020.

Details of all current Directors are available on our website at www.unilever.com

By order of the Board

Alan Jope  Graeme Pitkethly

Chief Executive Officer  Chief Financial Officer

22 July 2021

 

END

 

 

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