Unilever core earnings per share increased 14%
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This is including a positive currency impact of 5.9% underlying sales growth 4.1%, ahead of markets, with volume up 2.1% and price up 1.9%. Core operating margin was 14.8%, up 30bps. Free cash flow was €4.8 billion, up €1.7 billion, including €0.8 billion of tax on disposal profits in 2014.
Core earnings per share increased 14% at current exchange rates, up 11% at constant exchange rates.
CEO Paul Polman said: "These results further demonstrate the progress we have made in transforming Unilever into a more resilient company, capable of consistently delivering competitive underlying sales growth, margin expansion and strong cash flow.
"This consistency of performance shows that our focus to build our company for the long term is paying off. We are starting to see the results from sharpened category strategies that guide increased investment in our brands, our infrastructure and our people as well as extensions into attractive new markets like Prestige Personal Care.
"We are preparing ourselves for tougher market conditions and high volatility in 2016. Therefore it is vital that we drive agility and cost discipline across our business." ■