09/02/2006 : Unilever today announced its results for the fourth quarter and the provisional annual results for 2005.
KEY FEATURES OF THE YEAR
• Underlying sales up 3.1%, improving trend throughout the year and a strong fourth quarter.
• Market shares stable overall.
• Earnings per share up 37%, with 22% from continuing operations, benefiting from lower restructuring,
disposal and impairment charges.
• Increased investment behind growth priorities, including additional €500 million advertising and
promotions.
• Operating margin at 13.4%. Productivity improvements and better mix more than offset higher input
costs.
• Share buy-back programme of €500 million completed. Proposed final dividend of €1.32 per NV ordinary
share and 13.54p per PLC ordinary share, raising the total dividend per share by 5% for NV and by 6% for
PLC.
FROZEN FOODS• Previously announced review completed. Majority of European frozen foods to be sold.