ulvr201102036k.htm
 
FORM 6-K

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
REPORT OF FOREIGN ISSUER
 
 
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
 
For the month of February 2011




UNILEVER PLC
(Translation of registrant's name into English)
 
UNILEVER HOUSE, BLACKFRIARS, LONDON, ENGLAND
(Address of principal executive offices)

 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports
under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

Form 20-F..X.. Form 40-F.....

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper
as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):_____



Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper
as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):_____



Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information
contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the
Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 
Yes ..... No .X..

 
If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant
in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82- _______


 
 
 
Exhibit 99 attached hereto is incorporated herein by reference.


 
Signatures
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


UNILEVER PLC
 
/S/ T.E. LOVELL
By T.E. LOVELL
SECRETARY
 
 

 
 
Date: 3 February 2011





 
 
                                         EXHIBIT INDEX
                                         -------------

 
EXHIBIT NUMBER        EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION
99                                    Notice to London Stock Exchange dated 3 February 2011
                                       2010 Full Year and Fourth Quarter Results





 
 
Exhibit 99
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
2010 FULL YEAR AND FOURTH QUARTER RESULTS
STRONG YEAR AS TRANSFORMATION PROGRESSES
 
Full year highlights
 
·
Turnover up 11.1% at €44.3 billion, with 7.3% due to currency.
 
·
Underlying volume growth 5.8%. Underlying sales growth 4.1% and underlying price growth (1.6)%; in-quarter pricing flat for first nine months, positive in the fourth quarter.
 
·
Underlying operating margin up 20bps with increased investment in advertising and promotions up 30 bps, funded by higher gross margins and lower indirects. Margin underpinned by savings of €1.4 billion.
 
·
Healthy free cash flow of €3.4 billion reflecting continuing improvement in working capital.
 
·
Fully diluted earnings per share €1.46 up 25%.
 
 
Fourth Quarter highlights
 
·
Underlying volume growth 5.1%. Underlying sales growth 5.1% with underlying price growth flat; positive in-quarter pricing.
 
·
 Underlying operating margin down 20bps. Lower gross margin, primarily due to increased commodity costs. Reduced advertising and promotions spend, indirects higher due to phasing across the quarters.
 
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
"We are pleased with another year of good results in which we delivered against all our key priorities and further progressed the transformation of Unilever. We delivered strong volume growth, particularly in emerging markets which continued to be the engine of growth. We gained volume share in all regions driven by stronger innovations, significant increases in marketing investment and the extension of our brands into new territories. At the same time we delivered margin improvement through a strong savings programme, lower indirects and volume efficiencies. This, coupled with excellent working capital management, enabled us to deliver robust cash flow.
 
The Unilever of today is more agile and confident, now fully fit to compete. We remain focused on serving our consumers and customers and building the long term health of our brands. Despite the intense competition and the return of commodity cost volatility, our objectives remain: profitable volume growth ahead of our markets, steady and sustainable underlying operating margin improvement and strong cash flow."
 
 
Fourth Quarter 2010
Key Financials (unaudited)
Current rates
Full Year 2010
         
€10,819m
+12.0%
Turnover
€44,262m
+11.1%
         
5.1%
  
Underlying sales growth*
4.1%
  
         
€1,461m
+50%
Operating profit
€6,339m
+26%
         
€1,042m
+15%
Net profit
€4,598m
+26%
         
€0.33
+14%
Diluted earnings per share
€1.46
+25%
         
Quarterly Dividend payable in March 2011         €0.208 per share
 
(*) Underlying sales growth is a non-GAAP measure, see note 2 on page 10 for further explanation of non-GAAP measures used.
 
3 February 2011
 
 
OPERATIONAL REVIEW: REGIONS
 
 
 
Fourth Quarter 2010
Full Year 2010
(unaudited)
Turnover
USG
Volume
Price
Change in Underlying Op Margin
Turnover
USG
Volume
Price
Change in Underlying Op Margin
 
€m
%
%
%
bps
€m
%
%
%
bps
Unilever Total
10,819
5.1
5.1
0.0
(20)
 44,262
4.1
5.8
(1.6)
20
Asia Africa CEE
 4,419
8.5
 8.8
(0.3)
(210)
17,685
7.7
10.2
(2.2)
(50)
Americas
 3,589
4.6
3.7
0.9
(50)
14,562
4.0
4.8
(0.7)
(10)
Western Europe
 2,811
1.1
1.6
(0.6)
250
12,015
(0.4)
1.4
(1.8)
170
 
2010 results were strong despite intense competition, weak consumer confidence in many markets and the impact of rising commodities costs in the second half. Whilst markets showed little or no growth in the developed economies, emerging market growth remained healthy. We grew our volumes ahead of the market in all regions and finished the year strongly despite a strong prior year comparator. Whilst in-quarter pricing was flat throughout much of the year, it became positive in the fourth quarter as we responded to increasing commodity costs. Savings programmes delivered strongly across both supply chain and indirects. We invested in our product quality and significantly increased the investment behind our brands whilst improving advertising quality. In the fourth quarter, advertising and promotions was lower by 170bps reflecting the phasing of activities and some re-balancing between above and below the line support in developed markets.
 
The acquisition of Sara Lee's personal care business and the disposal of the Italian frozen foods business were completed during the fourth quarter. The proposed acquisition of Alberto Culver has received shareholder approval and now awaits approval of the relevant regulatory authorities. The previously announced disposal of the Brazilian tomato business is expected to be finalised early in 2011.
 
Asia Africa CEE
In 2010 we grew ahead of the market and continued to gain volume share. Asia Pacific delivered double digit volume growth in the year with a strong fourth quarter. There were particularly strong performances in Vietnam, the Philippines, Pakistan and China. In India we delivered consistent double digit volume growth and we are encouraged by our progress in this highly competitive market. The business in North Africa, Middle East and Central Africa performed well throughout the year. Whilst market conditions in Central and Eastern Europe were weaker, volume growth was still comfortably positive. In-quarter pricing for the region was positive in the fourth quarter.
 
Underlying operating margin was down for the year reflecting stable gross margins and increased investment in advertising and promotions. The rollout of the regional IT platform progressed well, with successful rollout in 2010 to a number of countries including China, Australia, Vietnam and North Africa.
 
Americas 
We gained volume share in 2010 and saw higher underlying sales growth driven by consistent growth in Latin America and good performance in North America. In the fourth quarter, North America accelerated volume growth to around 3% whilst Latin America balanced volume growth of over 4% with increased price.
 
Whilst the US economy remains difficult and increasingly competitive, our business continued to benefit from our strong innovation programme. The Brazilian market continues to grow strongly but remains highly competitive; in this context our business delivered good results. Mexico had a particularly good year, gaining share in a number of key categories and the Southern Cone had another excellent year with a strong recovery in Chile after the devastating earthquake. Underlying operating margin was down slightly in the year.
 
Western Europe
Despite difficult markets we delivered volume growth and improved volume share in the year, with positive volume growth in the fourth quarter. Underlying price continued to improve but was still negative year-on-year reflecting the high levels of promotional intensity in many of our markets. Conditions in Southern Europe remain particularly challenging. Northern Europe is more robust and we saw strong performances in the UK and France.
 
Underlying operating margin was up in the year and quarter, reflecting the benefits of the cost saving programmes and lower advertising and promotions.
 
 
OPERATIONAL REVIEW: CATEGORIES
 
 
 
Fourth Quarter 2010
Full Year 2010
 (unaudited)
Turnover
USG
Volume
Price
Turnover
USG
Volume
Price
 
€m
%
%
%
€m
%
%
%
Unilever Total
 10,819
5.1
5.1
0.0
 44,262
4.1
5.8
(1.6)
Savoury, Dressings & Spreads
 3,690
3.3
3.0
0.3
14,164
1.4
2.5
(1.0)
Ice Cream & Beverages
1,654
8.9
8.4
0.4
 8,605
6.1
5.9
0.1
Personal Care
 3,521
5.6
5.9
(0.2)
13,767
6.4
7.9
(1.4)
Home Care
 1,954
4.6
5.2
(0.5)
 7,726
3.0
8.2
(4.8)
 
 
All categories grew volume and generated positive underlying sales growth in 2010, ending the year on a strong note. Almost all of our major brands grew volume on the back of bigger, better innovations rolled out more quickly across more markets. Magnum Gold?! was launched in 29 countries, Dove Men+Care is now in more than 30 markets and Dove Damage Therapy hair care products have reached 22 markets. In addition we have accelerated the rates at which we are extending our brands into new markets, with more than 100 new launches in the year.
 
Savoury, Dressings and Spreads
Savoury growth accelerated in the quarter, with strong volumes, positive price and impactful innovations. Knorr jelly bouillon helped to drive growth across many markets in Europe and Latin America whilst a new gourmet soups range drove strong share growth in France. Knorr soupy noodles continue to grow in India and soups have been launched in Bangladesh. The Knorr Season and Shake baking bags have now been launched in more than 20 markets with good initial results. PF Chang's restaurant quality frozen meals have been a great success, exceeding €50m turnover in the launch year.
 
Dressings grew both volume and price in the quarter driven by a successful campaign to increase the consumption occasions of mayonnaise in Latin America and the launch of a range of flavoured mayonnaises in Europe. Spreads grew both volume and price in the quarter by investing in improved product quality and communicating the new taste benefits; a strong performance given the weak markets. Pro.Activ spreads again delivered strong growth by emphasising its core heart health benefits and Pro.Activ Buttery was launched successfully in Europe.
 
Ice Cream and Beverages
Ice cream delivered another good quarter of growth with a strong contribution from Western Europe, Asia and Russia. Magnum was launched in Indonesia and Klondike continued to grow in the US driven by improved product quality and a strong TV and digital marketing campaign which increased consumer interaction with the brand.
 
Tea continued the momentum in the quarter delivering strong volume and solid price growth to achieve high single digit sales growth. Tea grew particularly well in India, UK, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and China driven by the strength of the Lipton brand equity, up-trading to new formats such as green tea in pyramid bags, the development of milk teas in China and the conversion from loose tea to tea-bags across emerging markets. Ades soy-based drinks continued to make progress in Latin America with impactful new packaging and advertising.
 
Personal Care
Deodorants capped another excellent year with a strong quarter driven by Dove Men+Care, the continued strengthening of the Rexona brand and by the launch towards the end of the year of the latest Axe variant, Excite. Hair continued to make good progress with strong growth in North America, China, South East Asia and India as a result of the rollout of Dove Damage Therapy, the continued rollout of Clear in Latin America and the relaunch of Clear in Asia. TiGi continued to perform well ahead of the professional market growth.
 
Skin delivered a solid quarter driven by continued momentum on Dove Nutrium moisture, Dove Men+Care, the latest Axe shower variant Rise, which contributed to record Axe shower market shares in the United States, and the rollout of Lifebuoy and Vaseline into new countries. Our Oral business delivered a solid year despite a heightened level of competitive activity. Signal Sensitive Expert was launched in France and White Now continues to do well across many markets including Vietnam and the Philippines.
 
Home Care
In highly competitive markets Laundry delivered strong underlying volume growth and underlying sales growth improved progressively through the year. Volume growth was particularly strong in India on the back of the re-launches of Rin and Wheel laundry detergents. In China we continued to close the share gap versus the market leader and the launch of Omo liquids is driving strong double digit growth. Comfort, recently launched in India, continues to make good progress in developing the market for fabric conditioners.
 
Household care continued to deliver volume-driven sales growth behind the market rollouts of Cif into Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. Sun Turbo All-in-1 concentrated gel is doing well in France and the Netherlands.
 
ADDITIONAL COMMENTARY ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - FULL YEAR
 
 
 
Finance costs and tax      
 
The cost of financing net borrowings in the year was €414 million, as the adverse impact of currency was more than offset by lower average net debt. The interest rate on borrowings was 4.4% and on cash deposits was 1.7%. The charge for pensions financing was a credit of €20 million compared with a net charge of €164 million in the prior year.
 
The effective tax rate was 25.5% compared with 26.2% in 2009 reflecting the geographical mix of profits and the impact of the Frozen Foods disposal. The underlying tax rate excluding the effect of restructuring, disposals and impairments was 27.1%. Our longer-term expectation for the tax rate remains around 26%.
 
Joint ventures, associates and other income from non-current investments
 
Net profit from joint ventures and associates, together with other income from non-current investments contributed €187 million compared to €489 million in the prior year which benefited from the €327 million gain on disposal of the majority of the equity interest in JohnsonDiversey.
 
Earnings per share 
 
Fully diluted earnings per share for the full year were €1.46, up 25%. This was driven by improved underlying operating profit, lower restructuring charges, lower pension costs, the favourable impact of foreign exchange and higher profit on business disposals partially offset by the provision in respect of the European Commission investigation into consumer detergents (see page 5). Business disposals include the disposal of the Italian Frozen Foods business in 2010.
 
Restructuring
 
Restructuring in the year was €589 million. This reflects action being taken to make the business fit to compete in the current environment.
 
Cash Flow and Net Debt
 
Free cash flow was €3.4 billion. Cash flow from operating activities was €6.8 billion reflecting higher operating profit and lower pensions payments. Further progress was made on reducing working capital, building on the strong performance in the prior year. Working capital reduced as a percentage of turnover and has now been negative for five consecutive quarters. Tax payments increased to €1.3 billion. Net capital expenditure increased €443 million to €1.7 billion, representing 3.8% of turnover.  This primarily reflects investment in new capacity required to support the strong volume growth of the business in emerging markets.
 
Closing net debt at €6.7 billion was up from €6.4 billion as at 31st December 2009. The outflow from dividends, acquisitions and the negative impact of foreign exchange rates on net debt exceeded the inflow from free cash flow and business disposals.
 
Pensions
 
The net pensions deficit was €2.1 billion at the end of December 2010 down from €2.6 billion at the end of 2009. This is due to cash contributions made and good asset returns over the year offset by the impact of lower corporate bond rates on the calculation of the pension liabilities.
 
 
COMPETITION INVESTIGATIONS

 
As previously reported, in June 2008 the European Commission initiated an investigation into potential competition law infringements in the European Union in relation to consumer detergents.  While the investigation is ongoing, Unilever has concluded that it is now appropriate to take a provision of €110 million.
 
In addition and as previously reported, Unilever is involved in a number of other ongoing investigations by national competition authorities in a number of European countries including Greece, France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.  These investigations are at various stages and concern a variety of product markets.  Provisions have been made to the extent appropriate.
 
It is Unilever's policy to co-operate fully with the competition authorities in the context of all ongoing investigations.  In addition, Unilever reinforces and enhances its internal competition law compliance procedures on an ongoing basis.
 
 
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 'expects', 'anticipates', 'intends', 'believes' 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 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, including, among others, competitive pricing and activities, economic slowdown, industry consolidation, access to credit markets, recruitment levels, reputational risks, commodity prices, continued availability of raw materials, prioritisation of projects, consumption levels, costs, the ability to maintain and manage key customer relationships and supply chain sources, consumer demands, currency values, interest rates, the ability to integrate acquisitions and complete planned divestitures, the ability to complete planned restructuring activities, physical risks, environmental risks, the ability to manage regulatory, tax and legal matters and resolve pending matters within current estimates, legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments, political, economic and social conditions in the geographic markets where the Group operates and new or changed priorities of the Boards. 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 the 20-F Report and the Annual Report and Accounts 2009. 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.
 
 
 
ENQUIRIES

 
Media: Media Relations Team
UK +44 20 7822 6010 trevor.gorin@unilever.com
or +44 207 822 5354 lucila.zambrano@unilever.com
NL +31 10 217 4844 flip.dotsch@unilever.com
 
Investors: Investor Relations Team
+44 20 7822 6830 investor.relations@unilever.com
 
 
 
There will be a web cast of the results presentation available at:
www.unilever.com/ourcompany/investorcentre/results/quarterlyresults/default.asp
 
 
INCOME STATEMENT
 
(unaudited)
 
Fourth Quarter
€ million
Full Year
 
 
2010
 
 
2009
Increase/
(Decrease)
2010
2009
Increase/
(Decrease)
Current rates
Constant rates
Current rates
Constant rates
                 
       
Continuing operations:
        
                 
10,819
9,659
12.0%
3.7%
Turnover
44,262
39,823
11.1%
3.6%
                 
1,461
972
50%
39%
Operating profit
6,339
5,020
26%
19%
                 
 
72
 
(286)
    
 Restructuring, business disposals and
 other (RDIs) (see note 3)
(281)
(868)
    
 
1,389
 
1,258
 
10%
 
2%
 Underlying operating profit
6,620
5,888
12%
6%
                 
(85)
(137)
    
Net finance costs
(394)
(593)
    
22
15
    
   Finance income
77
75
    
(115)
(119)
    
   Finance costs
(491)
(504)
    
8
(33)
    
   Pensions and similar obligations
20
(164)
    
                 
16
12
    
Share in net profit/(loss) of joint ventures
120
111
    
(4)
12
    
Share in net profit/(loss) of associates
(9)
4
    
15
346
    
Other income from non-current investments
76
374
    
                 
1,403
1,205
16%
9%
Profit before taxation
6,132
4,916
25%
18%
                 
(361)
(299)
    
Taxation
(1,534)
(1,257)
    
                 
1,042
906
15%
6%
Net profit
4,598
3,659
26%
18%
                 
       
Attributable to:
        
87
75
    
     Non-controlling interests
354
289
    
955
831
15%
6%
     Shareholders' equity
4,244
3,370
26%
18%
                 
       
Combined earnings per share
        
0.34
0.30
14%
5%
     Total operations - basic (Euros)
1.51
1.21
25%
17%
0.33
0.29
14%
5%
     Total operations - diluted (Euros)
1.46
1.17
25%
17%
 
 
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(unaudited)
 
€ million
Full Year
 
2010
2009
Net profit
4,598
3,659
     
Other comprehensive income
    
Fair value gains/(losses) on financial instruments net of tax
43
105
Actuarial gains/(losses) on pension schemes net of tax
105
18
Currency retranslation gains/(losses) net of tax
460
396
     
Total comprehensive income
5,206
4,178
     
Attributable to:
    
     Non-controlling interests
412
301
     Shareholders' equity
4,794
3,877
 
 
 
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

(unaudited)
 
€ million
Full Year
 
2010
2009
Equity at 1 January
12,536
10,372
Total comprehensive income for the period
5,206
4,178
Dividends on ordinary capital
(2,309)
(2,115)
Movement in treasury stock
(126)
129
Share-based payment credit
144
195
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
(289)
(244)
Currency retranslation gains/(losses) net of tax
2
3
Other movements in equity
(86)
18
Equity at the end of the period
15,078
12,536
 
 
CASH FLOW STATEMENT

(unaudited)
 
€ million
Full Year
 
2010
2009
     
Cash flow from operating activities
6,818
6,733
     
Income tax paid
(1,328)
(959)
     
Net cash flow from operating activities
5,490
5,774
     
     
Interest received
70
73
Net capital expenditure
(1,701)
(1,258)
Acquisitions and disposals
(361)
(139)
Other investing activities
828
61
     
Net cash flow from/(used in) investing activities
(1,164)
(1,263)
     
     
Dividends paid on ordinary share capital
(2,323)
(2,106)
Interest and preference dividends paid
(494)
(517)
Change in financial liabilities
(1,373)
(1,567)
Other movements on treasury stock
(124)
103
Other financing activities
(295)
(214)
     
Net cash flow from/(used in) financing activities
(4,609)
(4,301)
     
     
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(283)
210
     
     
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period
2,397
2,360
     
     
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
(148)
(173)
     
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period
1,966
2,397
 
 
 
BALANCE SHEET

(unaudited)
 
€ million
As at
31 December 2010
As at
31 December 2009
     
     
Goodwill
13,178
12,464
Intangible assets
5,100
4,583
Property, plant and equipment
7,854
6,644
Pension asset for funded schemes in surplus
910
759
Deferred tax assets
607
738
Other non-current assets
1,034
1,017
Total non-current assets
28,683
26,205
     
     
Inventories
4,309
3,578
Trade and other current receivables
4,135
3,429
Current tax assets
298
173
Cash and cash equivalents
2,316
2,642
Other financial assets
550
972
Non-current assets held for sale
876
17
Total current assets
12,484
10,811
     
     
Financial liabilities
(2,276)
(2,279)
Trade payables and other current liabilities
(10,226)
(8,413)
Current tax liabilities
(639)
(487)
Provisions
(408)
(420)
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale
(57)
-
Total current liabilities
(13,606)
(11,599)
Net current assets/(liabilities)
(1,122)
(788)
     
Total assets less current liabilities
27,561
25,417
     
     
Financial liabilities due after one year
7,258
7,692
Non-current tax liabilities
184
107
Pensions and post-retirement healthcare liabilities:
    
      Funded schemes in deficit
1,081
1,519
      Unfunded schemes
1,899
1,822
Provisions
886
729
Deferred tax liabilities
880
764
Other non-current liabilities
295
248
Total non-current liabilities
12,483
12,881
     
     
Shareholders' equity
14,485
12,065
Non-controlling interests
593
471
Total equity
15,078
12,536
     
Total capital employed
27,561
25,417
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)
 
    
1    ACCOUNTING INFORMATION AND POLICIES
 
The condensed preliminary financial statements are based on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the EU and IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.   With effect from 1 January 2010 the Group has adopted IFRS 3 'Business Combinations (Revised)', all other accounting policies and methods of computation are consistent with the year ended 31 December 2009.
 
The condensed 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 income statement on page 6, the statements of comprehensive income and changes in equity on page 7, the cash flow statement on page 8, and the analysis of free cash flow on page 13 are translated at rates current in each period. 
 
The balance sheet on page 9 and the analysis of net debt on page 14 are translated at period-end rates of exchange.
 
The financial statements attached do not constitute the full financial statements within the meaning of Section 434 of the UK Companies Act 2006.  Full accounts for Unilever for the year ended 31 December 2009 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies.  The auditors' report on these accounts was unqualified and did not contain a statement under Section 498 (2) or Section 498 (3) of the UK Companies Act 2006.
 
2     NON-GAAP MEASURES
 
In our financial reporting we use certain measures that are not recognised under IFRS or other generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).  We do this because we believe that these measures are useful to investors and other users of our financial statements in helping them to understand underlying business performance.  Wherever we use such measures, we make clear that these are not intended as a substitute for recognised GAAP measures.  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. 
 
The principal non-GAAP measure which we apply in our quarterly reporting is underlying sales growth, which we reconcile to changes in the GAAP measure turnover in notes 4 and 5. Underlying sales growth (abbreviated to 'USG' or 'growth') reports turnover growth at constant exchange rates, excluding the effects of acquisitions and disposals.  Turnover includes the impact of exchange rates, acquisitions and disposals.
 
We also comment on underlying trends in operating margin before the impact of restructuring, disposals and other one-off items, which we collectively term RDIs, on the grounds that the incidence of these items is uneven between reporting periods. Further detail on RDIs can be found in note 3.  We also discuss free cash flow, which we reconcile in note 8 to the amounts in the cash flow statement, and net debt, which we reconcile in note 9 to the amounts reported in our balance sheet and cash flow statement.
 
3     SIGNIFICANT ITEMS WITHIN THE INCOME STATEMENT

 
In our income statement reporting we recognise restructuring costs, profits and losses on business disposals and certain other one-off items, which we collectively term RDIs.  We disclose on the face of our income statement the total value of such items that arise within operating profit. 
 
Fourth Quarter
€ million
Full Year
2010
2009
2010
2009
   
     RDIs within operating profit:
    
(186)
(287)
          Restructuring
(589)
(897)
418
1
          Business disposals
468
4
(160)
-
          Impairments and other one-off items
(160)
25
72 
(286)
     Total RDIs within operating profit
(281)
(868)
 
The 2010 Impairments and other one-off items cost includes the provision related to potential competition law infringements in the European Union (see page 5) and one off costs related to acquisitions
 
4     SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
Continuing operations - Fourth Quarter
€ million
Asia Africa
CEE
Americas
Western Europe
Total
         
Turnover
        
     2009                      
3,659
3,141
2,859
9,659
     2010
4,419
3,589
2,811
10,819
Change
20.8 %
14.2 %
(1.7)%
12.0 %
Impact of:
        
     Exchange rates
11.1 %
9.6 %
1.9 %
8.0 %
     Acquisitions
0.2 %
0.0 %
1.4 %
0.4 %
     Disposals
0.0 %
(0.3)%
(5.8)%
(1.8)%
         
Underlying sales growth
8.5 %
4.6 %
1.1 %
5.1 %
     Price
(0.3)%
0.9 %
(0.6)%
0.0 %
     Volume
8.8 %
3.7 %
1.6 %
5.1 %
         
Operating profit
        
     2009                      
432
462
78
972
     2010
446
583
432
1,461
         
Underlying operating profit
        
     2009                      
472
550
236
1,258
     2010
476
611
302
1,389
         
Operating margin
        
     2009                      
11.8 %
14.7 %
2.7 %
10.1 %
     2010
10.1 %
16.2 %
15.4 %
13.5 %
         
Underlying operating margin
        
     2009                      
12.9 %
17.5 %
8.2 %
13.0 %
     2010
10.8 %
17.0 %
10.7 %
12.8 %
 
 
Continuing operations - Full Year
€ million
Asia Africa
CEE
Americas
Western Europe
Total
         
Turnover
        
     2009                      
14,897
12,850
12,076
39,823
     2010
17,685
14,562
12,015
44,262
Change
18.7 %
13.3 %
(0.5)%
11.1 %
Impact of:
        
     Exchange rates
10.1 %
9.0 %
1.4 %
7.3 %
     Acquisitions
0.2 %
0.3 %
0.5 %
0.3 %
     Disposals
(0.1)%
(0.4)%
(2.0)%
(0.8)%
         
Underlying sales growth
7.7 %
4.0 %
(0.4)%
4.1 %
     Price
(2.2)%
(0.7)%
(1.8)%
(1.6)%
     Volume
10.2 %
4.8 %
1.4 %
5.8 %
         
Operating profit
        
     2009                      
1,927
1,843
1,250
5,020
     2010
2,253
2,169
1,917
6,339
         
Underlying operating profit
        
     2009                      
2,074
2,074
1,740
5,888
     2010
2,361
2,328
1,931
6,620
         
Operating margin
        
     2009                      
12.9 %
14.3 %
10.4 %
12.6 %
     2010
12.7 %
14.9 %
16.0 %
14.3 %
         
Underlying operating margin
        
     2009                      
13.9 %
16.1 %
14.4 %
14.8 %
     2010
13.4 %
16.0 %
16.1 %
15.0 %
 
 
 
5     ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BY CATEGORY 
 
Continuing operations - Fourth Quarter 
€ million
Savoury Dressings  and Spreads
Ice Cream
and Beverages
Personal
Care
Home Care
Total
             
Turnover
            
     2009
  
3,473
1,439
3,014
1,733
9,659
     2010
  
3,690
1,654
3,521
1,954
10,819
Change
  
6.3 %
14.9 %
16.8 %
12.7 %
12.0 %
Impact of:
            
     Exchange rates
  
6.4 %
8.3 %
9.4 %
8.6 %
8.0 %
     Acquisitions
  
0.0 %
0.1 %
1.2 %
0.2 %
0.4 %
     Disposals
  
(3.4)%
(2.6)%
(0.1)%
(1.0)%
(1.8)%
             
Underlying sales growth
  
3.3 %
8.9 %
5.6 %
4.6 %
5.1 %
     Price
  
0.3 %
0.4 %
(0.2)%
(0.5)%
0.0 %
     Volume
  
3.0 %
8.4 %
5.9 %
5.2 %
5.1 %
             
Operating profit
            
     2009                      
  
464
(79)
478
109
972
     2010
  
1,023
(134)
577
(5)
1,461
             
Operating margin
            
     2009
  
13.4 %
(5.5)%
15.9 %
6.3 %
10.1 %
     2010
  
27.7 %
(8.1)%
16.4 %
(0.2)%
13.5 %
             
 
 
Continuing operations - Full Year
€ million
Savoury Dressings  and Spreads
Ice Cream
and Beverages
Personal
Care
Home Care
Total
             
Turnover
            
     2009
  
13,256
7,753
11,846
6,968
39,823
     2010
  
14,164
8,605
13,767
7,726
44,262
Change
  
6.8 %
11.0 %
16.2 %
10.9 %
11.1 %
Impact of:
            
     Exchange rates
  
5.8 %
6.8 %
8.5 %
8.3 %
7.3 %
     Acquisitions
  
0.2 %
0.0 %
0.6 %
0.1 %
0.3 %
     Disposals
  
(0.7)%
(2.0)%
0.0 %
(0.7)%
(0.7)%
             
Underlying sales growth
  
1.4 %
6.1 %
6.4 %
3.0 %
4.1 %
     Price
  
(1.0)%
0.1 %
(1.4)%
(4.8)%
(1.6)%
     Volume
  
2.5 %
5.9 %
7.9 %
8.2 %
5.8 %
             
Operating profit
            
     2009
  
1,840
731
1,834
615
5,020
     2010
  
2,846
724
2,296
473
6,339
             
Operating margin
            
     2009
  
13.9 %
9.4 %
15.5 %
8.8 %
12.6 %
     2010
  
20.1 %
8.4 %
16.7 %
6.1 %
14.3 %
             
 
 
6     TAXATION
 
The effective tax rate for was 25.5% compared with 26.2% for 2009.  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
Full Year 2010
Full Year 2009
 
 
Before
tax
Tax
(charge)/
credit
After
tax
 
Before
tax
Tax
(charge)/
credit
After
tax
 
 
             
Fair value gains/(losses) on financial instruments
41
2
43
163
(58)
105
Actuarial gains/(losses) on pension schemes
158
(53)
105
38
(20)
18
Currency retranslation gains/(losses)
460
-
460
396
-
396
             
Other comprehensive income
659
(51)
608
597
(78)
519
 
 
7     RECONCILIATION OF NET PROFIT TO CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
€ million
Full Year
 
2010
2009
     
Net profit
4,598
3,659
Taxation
1,534
1,257
Share of net profit of joint ventures/associates and other income
    
    from non-current investments
(187)
(489)
Net finance costs
394
     593 
Operating profit
6,339
5,020
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment
993
1,032
Changes in working capital
169
1,701
Pensions and similar provisions less payments
(472)
(1,028)
Restructuring and other provisions less payments
72
(258)
Elimination of (profits)/losses on disposals
(476)
13
Non-cash charge for share-based compensation
144
195
Other adjustments
49
58
Cash flow from operating activities
6,818
6,733
 
 
8     FREE CASH FLOW

 
€ million
Full Year
 
2010
2009
     
Cash flow from operating activities
6,818
6,733
Income tax paid
(1,328)
(959)
Net capital expenditure
(1,701)
(1,258)
Net interest and preference dividends paid
(424)
(444)
Free cash flow
3,365
4,072
 
9     NET DEBT
 
€ million
As at 31
December
2010
As at 31
December
2009
     
Total financial liabilities
(9,534)
(9,971)
Financial liabilities due within one year
(2,276)
(2,279)
Financial liabilities due after one year
(7,258)
(7,692)
Cash and cash equivalents as per balance sheet
2,316
2,642
Cash and cash equivalents as per cash flow statement
1,966
2,397
Add bank overdrafts deducted therein
350
245
Other financial assets
550
972
Net debt
(6,668)
(6,357)
 
 
10     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 stock.
 
In calculating diluted earnings per share, a number of adjustments are made to the number of shares, principally the following:
(i) conversion into PLC ordinary shares in the year 2038 of shares in a group company under the arrangements for the variation of the Leverhulme Trust and (ii) the exercise of share options by employees.
 
Earnings per share for total operations for the twelve months were calculated as follows:
 
 
2010
2009
 
Combined EPS - Basic
  
Average number of combined share units (Millions of units)
2,812.3
2,796.3
     
Net profit attributable to shareholders' equity 
4,244
3,370
     
Combined EPS - basic
1.51
1.21
     
Combined EPS - Diluted
  
Adjusted average number of combined share units  (Millions of units)
2,905.1
2,890.0
     
Combined EPS - diluted
1.46
1.17
 
 
The numbers of shares included in the calculation of earnings per share is an average for the period.  During the period the following movements in shares have taken place:

 
   
Millions
Number of shares at 31 December 2009 (net of treasury stock)
  
2,804.2
Net movements in shares under incentive schemes
  
5.6
Number of shares at 31 December 2010
  
2,809.8
 
 
11     DIVIDENDS
 
 
As agreed at the 2009 Annual General Meetings, Unilever moved to the payment of quarterly dividends with effect from
1 January 2010. 
 
The Boards have declared a quarterly interim dividend for payment in March 2011 at the following rates which are equivalent in value at the rate of exchange applied under the terms of the Equalisation Agreement between the two companies:
 
Per Unilever N.V. ordinary share:
€ 0.2080
Per Unilever PLC ordinary share:
£ 0.1775
Per Unilever N.V. New York share:
US$ 0.2861
Per Unilever PLC American Depositary Receipt:
US$ 0.2861
 
The quarterly dividends have been determined in euros and converted into equivalent sterling and US dollar amounts using exchange rates issued by the European Central Bank on 1 February 2011.
 
The quarterly dividends will be payable as from 16 March 2011, to shareholders registered at close of business on 11 February 2011.  The shares will go ex-dividend on 9 February 2011.
 
US dollar checks for the quarterly dividend will be mailed on 15 March 2011, to holders of record at the close of business on 11 February 2011.  In the case of the NV New York shares, Netherlands withholding tax will be deducted.
 
The quarterly dividend calendar will be as follows:
 
 
Announcement date
Ex-dividend date
Record date
Payment date
 
Quarterly dividend announced with the Q4 2010 results
 
3 February 2011
 
9 February 2011
 
11 February 2011
 
16 March 2011
Quarterly dividend announced with the Q1 2011 results
28 April 2011
11 May 2011
13 May 2011
15 June 2011
Quarterly dividend announced with the Q2 2011 results
4 August 2011
10 August 2011
12 August 2011
14 September 2011
Quarterly dividend announced with the Q3 2011 results
3 November 2011
9 November 2011
11 November 2011
14 December 2011
 
 
12     ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS

 
On 18 January 2010 we announced a definitive agreement with Hormel Foods Corporation to sell our Shedd's Country Crock branded side dish business in the US. The transaction was completed in February 2010. Under the terms of the agreement, Hormel will market and sell Shedd's Country Crock chilled side-dish products, such as homestyle mashed potatoes, under a licence agreement.
 
On 26 April 2010 we announced the agreement with Strauss Holdings Ltd to increase the Unilever shareholding in Glidat Strauss Israel from 51% to 90% for an undisclosed sum. The transaction was completed on 7 October 2010.
 
On 1 June 2010 we completed the disposal of the Brunch brand in Germany to Bongrain.
 
On 9 August 2010 we announced an asset purchase agreement with the Norwegian dairy group TINE, to acquire the Ice Cream operations of Diplom-Is in Denmark, as of 30th September 2010. The value of the transaction is undisclosed.
 
On 24 September 2010 we announced a definitive agreement to sell our consumer tomato products business in Brazil to Cargill for approximately R$600 million. The assets and liabilities related to this business are reported as held for sale.
 
On 27 September 2010 we announced a definitive agreement to acquire Alberto Culver Company for US$3.7 billion in cash. The acquisition has received shareholder approval but is subject to regulatory approval.
 
On 28 September 2010 we announced an agreement to buy EVGA's ice cream brands and distribution network in Greece for an undisclosed sum. The transaction was completed on 27 January 2011.
 
The disposal of our frozen foods business in Italy for €805m to Birds Eye Iglo was completed on 1 October 2010.
 
The acquisition of Sara Lee's personal care business was completed on 6 December 2010.
 
 
13     EVENTS AFTER THE BALANCE SHEET DATE
 
There were no material post balance sheet events other than those mentioned elsewhere in this report.