Form 6-K
Table of Contents

Form 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR

15d-16

UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the month of March, 2014.

Commission File Number 001-04547

UNILEVER N.V.

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

WEENA 455, 3013 AL, P.O. BOX 760, 3000 DK, ROTTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS

(Address of principal executive office)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of

Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

Form 20-F þ 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): ¨

Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1) only permits the submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submitted

solely to provide an attached annual report to security holders.

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): ¨

Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7) only permits the submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submitted to furnish a report or other document that the registrant foreign private issuer must furnish and make public under the laws of the jurisdiction in which the registrant is incorporated, domiciled or legally organized (the registrant’s “home country”), or under the rules of the home country exchange on which the registrant’s securities are traded, as long as the report or other document is not a press release, is not required to be and has not been distributed to the registrant’s security holders, and, if discussing a material event, has already been the subject of a Form 6-K submission or other Commission filing on EDGAR.

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  þ

If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with

Rule 12g3-2(b): 82-                     .


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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

This document 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 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 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; inability to find sustainable solutions to support long-term growth; customer relationships; the recruitment and retention of talented employees; disruptions in our supply chain; the cost of raw materials and commodities; the production of safe and high quality products; secure and reliable IT infrastructure; successful execution of acquisitions, divestitures and business transformation projects; economic and political risks and natural disasters; financial risks; failure to meet high and ethical standards; and managing regulatory, tax and legal matters. 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 Group’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2013 and the Annual Report and Accounts 2013. 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.


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CONTENTS

 

     
   Strategic report
       2    Unilever at a glance
       4    Chairman’s statement
       6    Chief Executive Officer’s review
       8    Our business model
     10    Our brands
     14    Our people
     18    Our operations
     22    Unilever Sustainable Living Plan
     26    Financial review 2013
     34    Risks
     
   Governance
     40    Biographies
     42    Corporate governance
     53    Report of the Audit Committee
     56    Report of the Corporate
Responsibility Committee
     58    Report of the Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee
     60    Directors’ Remuneration Report
     
   Financial statements
     85    Statement of Directors’
responsibilities
     86    Independent auditors’ reports
     90    Consolidated income statement
     90    Consolidated statement of
comprehensive income
     91    Consolidated statement of changes
in equity
     92    Consolidated balance sheet
     93    Consolidated cash flow statement
     94    Notes to the consolidated financial
statements
   136    Company accounts
     
   Shareholder information
   146    Financial calendar
   146    Contact details
   147    Website
   147    Share registration
   147    Publications
   148    Index
     

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UNILEVER

AT A GLANCE

 

WHO WE ARE

Unilever is one of the world’s leading fast-moving consumer goods companies. Our products are sold in over 190 countries and, on any given day, 2 billion consumers worldwide use them. We own some of the best known and best loved brands, from long-established names like Dove, Sunlight, Knorr and Lipton to new innovations such as Pureit, our unique in-home water purifier. We are passionate about them and proud of the way they help people get more out of life.

WHAT WE DO

We build our brands and develop our products through extensive consumer insight, relentless innovation, and crystal-clear design and marketing. This is a powerful blend that helps us excite and inspire customers and consumers in established and emerging markets in every corner of the globe. We are committed to making sustainable living commonplace and work to develop new ways of doing business that will reduce our environmental footprint and increase our positive social impact.

OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

In 2013 we again demonstrated the progress we are making in transforming Unilever into a sustainable growth company. Turnover was 49.8 billion, down 3.0% with a negative impact from foreign exchange of 5.9% and net acquisitions and disposals of 1.1%. Underlying sales grew 4.3%. Gross margin rose 1.1 percentage points driven by better mix, margin accretive innovations and savings. Despite higher spend on advertising and promotions, core operating margin rose by 0.4 percentage points.

 

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  Underlying sales growth of 4.3% was well balanced with volume 2.5% and price 1.8%.
  Emerging markets, now 57% of our business, grew underlying sales by 8.7% but were flat in current currency.
  Developed markets reported negative underlying sales growth for the year of 1.3%, with Europe down 1.1% and North America 1.5%.

 

 

 

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OUR KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

We report our performance against the four key financial and six key non-financial performance indicators below. Our financial KPIs are described in the Financial review starting on page 26 and our non-financial KPIs are on pages 14, 16 and 20. Total recordable accident frequency rate and the three manufacturing KPIs were reported in 2012, while the two people-related KPIs

covering diversity and employee engagement are being reported for the first time. In 2012, we also reported against four other key non-financial indicators which are no longer reported as KPIs but are incorporated into the reporting against our Unilever Sustainable Living Plan (USLP) commitments on pages 22 and 23. They will continue to be included in our online Unilever Sustainable Living Report for 2013 to be published in April 2014.

 

 

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CHAIRMAN’S

STATEMENT

 

Over the last five years we have seen the steady transformation of Unilever into a sustainable growth company, underpinned by an energising and purpose-driven business model. 2013 was another year of progress in that journey and the Boards remain confident that Unilever’s strategy will continue to generate sustainable returns for shareholders.

Although the economic environment remains challenging, Unilever’s financial highlights point towards a business that is delivering long-term financial performance. Strong dependable cash flow has led to steadily increasing dividends year on year. The full-year dividend paid in 2013 rose to 1.05, a 10% increase from 2012.

FIVE YEARS OF PROGRESS

Five years ago, under a new Chief Executive Officer, the Group set out a new direction, captured in the Compass strategy. The emphasis was on restoring confidence in Unilever’s ability to deliver consistent top and bottom line growth. Every aspect of the business was reviewed and wide-ranging changes followed.

The progress since has been significant. Growth has been strong and well ahead of Unilever’s own markets, with a majority of the business winning share despite the tough environment. Moreover, there has been a marked step-up in the quality of the performance. Significant investments have been made, for example, behind the

long-term drivers of growth, including R&D, brand support and people development. Today, as a result, Unilever’s organisational structure is stronger, its portfolio of brands is more competitive and Unilever is benefiting from a much sharper focus on performance and delivery. Around 10 billion in turnover has been added to the top line and shareholders have undoubtedly benefited from the changes at Unilever – with a 98% cumulative Total Shareholder Return (TSR) over the last five years.

At the same time, the Group has been energised around its commitment to sustainable and equitable growth, as set out in the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan (USLP). By focusing Unilever’s business strategy around the need to develop solutions to some of the world’s most deep-seated social and environmental challenges, the USLP is motivating employees and inspiring a growing number of customers and suppliers to partner with us.

Five years on, the Boards believe that the Compass and the USLP provide the right framework for Unilever and that they will become increasingly relevant in helping to address tomorrow’s challenges and ensuring long-term success for the Group.

MAINTAINING GOOD GOVERNANCE

The Boards believe that a business built on the principles of good governance is more likely to succeed over the long term. We responded constructively to an increased number of government and regulatory consultation exercises in 2013. Helping to shape an environment conducive to good governance is an important investment for the Group. On remuneration, we remain committed to linking pay to the longer-term objectives of Unilever and, in turn, the longer-term interests of shareholders. We believe our current remuneration framework, set out later in the Directors’ Remuneration Report, reflects this.

BOARD FOCUS

In 2013 the Boards continued to visit a range of Unilever operations with meetings held at Unilever’s international management centre at Four Acres, UK; in New York, US; and in Barcelona, Spain in addition to London and Rotterdam. Unilever US remains our largest operation in terms of turnover so it was a fitting location for 2013’s corporate strategy review which included increased interaction between the Directors and members of the Unilever Leadership Executive. In Spain the Boards saw the robustness of Unilever’s business model in a challenging market. Visits such as these allow the Non-Executive Directors to gain a deeper understanding of the business, to gain more exposure to Unilever’s talent pipeline and to participate in Unilever events, sharing their experience and meeting senior managers. Given the volatile environment, the Boards have during the year paid particular attention to sharpening our focus on key risk areas.

EFFECTIVENESS

2013 was the third year in our three-year Board evaluation cycle. The interviews with Directors coupled with the evaluation questionnaires completed by Directors provided the Boards with important insights and enabled us to assess individual contributions and areas for improvement. The process confirmed that no major modifications were required and that the Boards continue to operate in an effective manner.

You, our shareholders, have the opportunity to vote on both the Group’s and Boards’ effectiveness at the Annual General Meetings in May. Although we always strive to improve, we were pleased, at our AGMs in May 2013, to receive votes in favour on all resolutions between 93.53% and 99.98% for NV and between 88.50% and 99.95% for PLC.

 

 

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STRENGTHENING ALREADY DIVERSE BOARDS

A key role for the Boards is to provide adequately for their succession, and I was very pleased that you voted to elect Laura Cha, Mary Ma and John Rishton as Directors at the AGMs in May 2013. They all bring knowledge and an understanding of emerging markets, a prime driver of Unilever’s growth, and further strengthen the financial expertise of the Boards.

I am pleased that over 40% of our Non-Executive Directors are women. We understand the importance of diversity within our workforce, not least because of the wide range of consumers we serve. This goes right through our organisation, starting with the Boards. We are committed to gender diversity at Board level and are tracking the major efforts being made by Unilever management to increase the number of women in our workforce.

SHAREHOLDER AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Unilever values open, constructive and effective communication with our shareholders. I continue to meet with a number of investors and industry representatives to answer their questions and to gain a better understanding of their policies on governance and voting. We expect and welcome further engagement with our institutional investors.

Reflecting therefore on a successful 2013, let me express my thanks and appreciation to my fellow Directors on the Boards, our Chief Executive Officer, Unilever’s senior executives and to all the other 174,000 employees around the world. Looking forward, I am confident that we have the strategy, people and resources to continue to deliver sustainable and equitable growth in the years ahead.

 

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Michael Treschow

Chairman

BOARD OF

DIRECTORS

 

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1   Michael Treschow   
 

Chairman

 

  
2   Kees Storm   
  Vice-Chairman & Senior   
 

Independent Director

 

  
3   Paul Polman   
 

Chief Executive Officer

 

  
4   Jean-Marc Huët   
 

Chief Financial Officer

 

  
5   Laura Cha   
 

Non-Executive Director

 

  
6  

Louise Fresco

Non-Executive Director

 

  

THE UNILEVER GROUP

Unilever N.V. (NV) is a public limited company registered in the Netherlands. It has listings of shares and depositary receipts for shares on Euronext Amsterdam and of New York Registry Shares on the New York Stock Exchange. Unilever PLC (PLC) is a public limited company registered in England and Wales. It has shares listed on the London Stock Exchange and, as American Depositary Receipts, on the New York Stock Exchange.

 

The two parent companies, NV and PLC, together with their group companies, operate as a single economic entity (the Unilever Group, also referred to as Unilever or the Group). NV and PLC and their group companies, regardless of legal ownership, constitute a single reporting entity for the purposes of presenting consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, the accounts of the Unilever Group are presented by both NV and PLC as their respective consolidated financial statements. The same people sit on the Boards of NV and PLC and other officers are officers of both companies. Any references to the Board in this document mean the Boards of NV and PLC.

 

Names are listed in alphabetical order with the exception of the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

    
7   Ann Fudge   
 

Non-Executive Director

 

  
8   Charles Golden   
 

Non-Executive Director

 

  
9   Byron Grote   
 

Non-Executive Director

 

  
10   Mary Ma   
 

Non-Executive Director

 

  
11   Hixonia Nyasulu   
 

Non-Executive Director

 

  
12   Sir Malcolm Rifkind   
 

Non-Executive Director

 

  
13   John Rishton   
 

Non-Executive Director

 

  
14   Paul Walsh   
  Non-Executive Director   

 

For Directors’ biographies,

please see page 40.

  

 

 

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CHIEF EXECUTIVE

OFFICER’S REVIEW

 

TRANSFORMATION TO A CONSISTENT, COMPETITIVE, PROFITABLE AND RESPONSIBLE GROWTH COMPANY

2013 was another year of turbulence in many parts of the world. Widespread citizen protests in countries as far apart as Brazil, Turkey and Egypt, the devastating typhoon in the Philippines, and the significant weakening of many emerging market currencies were all reminders of today’s increasingly ‘VUCA’ world – volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous. While emerging markets slowed, there were only limited signs of recovery in Europe and the US, with little improvement in either consumer confidence or unemployment.

While today’s VUCA world is certainly more difficult to navigate, it does present opportunities if managed well. This is the thinking behind the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan (USLP) and our vision to double the size of the business while reducing our environmental footprint and increasing our positive social impact. This Annual Report seeks to highlight the integral link between our long-term business purpose of making sustainable living commonplace and Unilever’s overall results.

2013 RESULTS

2013 was another year of top and bottom line growth. Underlying sales growth was once again ahead of the market, at 4.3%, and our core operating margin was up 0.4 percentage points, to a record 14.1%, though weaker currencies impacted on our reported turnover and earnings. The quality of results was equally good, with 55% of our business winning share. Growth was driven by Personal Care and Home Care, which continue to outperform the markets and our competitive set. Most of the growth came from emerging markets, which now account for 57% of our business.

CATEGORY PERFORMANCE

In 2013, Personal Care, our largest category, showed strong broad-based momentum. The acquisitions of Alberto Culver, Sara Lee, Kalina and Toni & Guy have helped to transform the portfolio. Dove had a particularly impressive year. Home Care also delivered strong underlying growth. The implementation of low-cost business models and higher margin innovations, including concentrated detergents, helped to drive better gross margins in laundry, and household cleaners benefited from growth in new territories – Domestos toilet cleaner was our fastest growing global brand.

Foods has been a major cash contributor for Unilever, allowing us to finance faster

expansions in Home Care and Personal Care. Although we saw solid performances in savoury and dressings, with both Knorr and Hellmann’s building share, sales declined in spreads due to falling markets in Europe and North America. While we are encouraged by the early signs of recovery in our spreads business, we haven’t yet seen the broader improvements we were expecting and it remains an important focus for us. As part of our strategy of making Foods fit for growth, we sharpened the portfolio further in 2013 with the divestment of a number of less strategic, underperforming brands, like Wish-Bone, Skippy and Unipro.

It was a mixed year for Refreshment, with solid growth in tea but a contrasting performance from ice cream where two of our biggest markets – the US and Italy – struggled. We continued to expand into the profitable out-of-home ice cream sector with brands like Cornetto, Ben & Jerry’s, Magnum and Fruttare. Additionally, we expanded our low-cost business models and further sharpened our choices in capital expenditure. In tea, we have renewed our focus on driving the core business through our Lipton brand and we were pleased to welcome the premium T2 business to our portfolio.

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

Over the last five years, we have established a simple framework for driving long-term success – to grow ahead of our markets, expand our margin and deliver strong cash flow. We achieved this again in 2013, despite further investments in advertising and promotion to strengthen the business. Gross margin expansion of 1.1 percentage points was the best for ten years, while free cash flow of 3.9 billion reflected improved margins as well as tight capital management.

We used the strong balance sheet position to increase our holdings in Hindustan Unilever in 2013, from 52% to 67%, and we bought out the remaining holding in Unilever Pakistan. Our pension fund deficit decreased from 3.3 billion at the end of 2012 to 2.0 billion at the end of 2013, reflecting mainly strong investment returns.

A STRONGER ORGANISATION

A VUCA world requires continued investment in our long-term pillars of growth: brands, people, and operations. We increased investment further in manufacturing, with the construction of five plants currently under way, as well as continuing to upgrade our IT systems. Employee engagement scores rose again

and our commitment to building world- class leaders was re-affirmed with the opening of our state-of-the-art management development centre in Singapore.

We made changes to strengthen the organisation in 2013, integrating R&D into our category structure, sharpening and streamlining our marketing organisation. We also embarked on a major simplification exercise, Project Half for growth, which aims to rework our most complex processes and systems to free up time and resource to put behind our principal growth opportunities.

LOOKING FORWARD

2014 will be as challenging as 2013, with continuing volatility in the external environment. We will position Unilever accordingly and drive out complexity and cost to fund growth opportunities. The good news is that we have no shortage of opportunities: increasing our presence in places like Africa, returning our Foods business to competitive growth and extending our categories into more premium spaces. We are making good progress in driving bigger innovations faster across the world but we need to continue to set the bar higher.

Once again, we will remain focused on delivering profitable volume growth ahead of our markets, steady and sustainable core operating margin improvement and strong cash flow.

A BETTER WORLD, A BETTER BUSINESS – THE USLP AS A DRIVER OF GROWTH

Every year, the USLP becomes more firmly embedded in all aspects of the business. As this Annual Report highlights, the USLP is driving waste and inefficiencies out of the system and helping us transform the supply chain. Suppliers and customers are increasingly keen to work with us under the USLP and, by helping to grow our business in a responsible and equitable way, the USLP is benefiting all our stakeholders, including our shareholders.

It is in stimulating the growth of our brands that the USLP really comes to life. By developing strong social missions our brands are showing that they can make a real difference to people’s lives while at the same time growing our business. There were many inspiring examples in 2013,

 

 

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some of them featured in this report. Lifebuoy, for instance, with its handwashing campaign to reduce diarrhoea and pneumonia; Pureit, helping to bring safe drinking water into the home; Dove, promoting self-esteem among young girls and women; Knorr, helping smallholder farmers to produce sustainably; and Domestos, bringing better sanitation to communities in desperate need of it.

However, the scale of the challenges we are trying to tackle through the USLP – whether food security, climate change, sanitation, job creation or the many others – is just too great for one organisation to address alone, which is why we are so pleased that our approach is gaining support from a growing number of external organisations, many of which we are fortunate to partner with. It was particularly satisfying in 2013 to see the launch of the Tropical Forest Alliance (TFA), a public-private partnership committed to reducing deforestation, which Unilever did so much to help get off the ground.

We will continue to bring our scale and our expertise to bear wherever we can to help solve the world’s challenges. Last year, for example, we took this commitment to another level, with the launch of Project Sunlight, a corporate campaign based on making sustainable living desirable and achievable by inspiring people to help build a world where everyone lives well and within the natural limits of the planet. Already 70 million people have been on to the website to make a pledge.

As the Project Sunlight campaign proclaims, we believe that there has never been a better time to create a better world for all, including for those yet to come. My own work as part of the UN Secretary-General’s High Level Panel on the post-2015 Development Agenda has strongly reinforced that view. In fact, I am more than ever convinced that this generation has it within its reach to eradicate poverty irreversibly and, yes, in a more sustainable and equitable way.

At Unilever we don’t just want to be a part of this, we want to lead actively in the areas related to our business. That is what the USLP is all about and I want to thank all of our employees, business partners and others for the remarkable contribution they made again in 2013 towards this goal.

Warm regards

 

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Paul Polman

Chief Executive Officer

UNILEVER LEADERSHIP

EXECUTIVE (ULE)

 

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1    Paul PolmanD

 

 

10

 

 

Harish Manwani

 

 

      Chief Executive Officer

 

    Chief Operating Officer
  2    Doug Baillie   11   Nitin Paranjpe
 

      Chief Human Resources Officer

 

    Home Care
  3    Geneviève Berger   12   Antoine de Saint-Affrique
 

      Chief Science Officer

 

    Foods
  4    David Blanchard   13   Pier Luigi Sigismondi
        Chief Category Research     Chief Supply Chain Officer
 

      & Development Officer

 

 

 

14

 

 

Ritva Sotamaa

 

Chief Legal Officer

  5    Kevin Havelock    
 

      Refreshment

 

 

 

15

 

 

Keith Weed

 

Chief Marketing and

Communication Officer

  6    Jean-Marc HuëtD    
 

      Chief Financial Officer

 

   
  7    Alan Jope   16   Jan Zijderveld
 

      Russia, Africa and Middle East

 

    Europe
  8    Kees Kruythoff    
 

      North America

 

  D Board member
  9    Dave Lewis   For ULE biographies,
        Personal Care   please see page 41.
 

 

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A VIRTUOUS CIRCLE OF GROWTH

 

 

 

PROFITABLE VOLUME

GROWTH

Profitable volume growth is the basis of the virtuous circle of growth. The drivers of our volume growth are innovation and investment behind our brands. Consistently strong volume growth builds brand equity as we reach more consumers, more often.

COST LEVERAGE +

EFFICIENCY

Profitable volume growth allows us to optimise the utilisation of our infrastructure and spread fixed costs over a larger number of units produced, reducing the average cost per unit. It improves our profitability and allows us to invest in the business.

INNOVATION +

MARKETING INVESTMENT

Lower costs and improved efficiency enable us to strengthen our business further. New and improved products are the result of investment in R&D and, together with effective marketing, strengthen our brand equity. This results in profitable volume growth, self-perpetuating the virtuous circle of growth.

 

 

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OUR BRANDS

Our brands make a difference. They succeed when we create high-quality products which make a connection with people’s lives and needs, bringing a promise to the consumer and driving sustainable, profitable growth. A stream of innovations is helping us create ‘brands with purpose’. We aim to grow our business and improve our margins by building on our brands’ strength – especially our 14 1 billion brands, where our impact can be greatest.

LOGO BUILDING BRAND EQUITIES

Behind every brand should be a unique insight into the purpose it will serve in the life of the person who buys it. We build brand equity by ensuring not only that our brands have a purpose, but also that it is clearly understood, and valued, by our consumers.

BRANDS WITH PURPOSE

Whether it is Lifebuoy or Domestos helping to prevent the spread of diarrhoea and other serious diseases; Becel improving heart health; reminding parents that ‘dirt is good’ for their child’s development and giving them the best laundry detergents like Omo to clean up afterwards; giving people the confidence to get more out of life through our Personal Care brands; or providing delicious food and refreshments made with more and more sustainably-sourced ingredients – our brands make a difference.

 

 

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PRODUCTS THAT DELIVER MORE

By combining human insight with technological innovation we find new ways to connect with consumers. In February 2013, for example, we launched a radical new compressed aerosol deodorant for women from Dove, Sure and Vaseline in the UK. The new cans are half the size and use half the propellant of their predecessors, while lasting just as long and delivering the same excellent protection. Not only does this reduction in packaging and material deliver environmental benefits – including an overall carbon footprint reduction of an average of 25% per can – but the format was an immediate success. More than 9 million cans have been sold since launch, representing a 9.6% share of the female antiperspirant aerosol market.

Another Personal Care innovation, Vaseline Spray & Go moisturiser, features a continuous-spray system which delivers a targeted application easily and evenly across the body. In developing a formulation which was thin enough to be sprayed but contained the right balance of moisturising ingredients, we were working on the insight that people wanted moisturisers which could be applied rapidly and did not need to be rubbed in. Since its launch, in North America alone Vaseline Spray & Go has added more than 25 million turnover to the Vaseline brand.

INNOVATING TO FIND NEW CHANNELS

Innovation can also build the equity of brands by bringing established products to consumers through novel channels. For example, Lipton introduced new hot and iced-tea varieties for the Keurig K-Cup brewing system – by sales value, the leading single cup coffee and tea dispenser in the US. The innovation, combined with a campaign that includes reaching 2.5 million consumers through Twitter, has seen Lipton gain over 10% of the tea capsules market

 

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since launch. The roll-out of Magnum Pleasure Stores and Wall’s Happiness Station ice cream parlours in shopping malls and at events has connected with people across the world.

 

BUILDING ON OUR HERITAGE

Our portfolio contains many brands which are embedded in people’s lives and with which consumers feel a long-standing connection. We want to reward that loyalty by ensuring that they continue to serve existing consumers while exciting new ones. In 2013, for instance, we celebrated the 100th anniversary of Hellmann’s mayonnaise. With strong leadership, Hellmann’s is number one globally in mayonnaise and continues to inspire consumers – through its industry-leading commitment to using cage-free eggs and high-quality ingredients such as sustainably-sourced oils and tomatoes, and by offering new recipes and tips on how mayonnaise, ketchup and other dressings products can enhance their food. Hellmann’s reaches around 450 million consumers in over 50 countries and in 2013 delivered 4.9% underlying sales growth in comparison with the prior year.

 

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Our portfolio of 14 1 billion brands makes up more than 54% of our business and it is where our largest competitive advantage lies. We aim to meet our ambitions for volume growth and margin improvement by growing the presence of these core brands in new and existing markets, and by focusing on bigger, but fewer, innovations.

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OUR BRANDS

CONTINUED

FEWER, BIGGER INNOVATIONS

Innovations that give competitive advantage to our biggest brands are the most likely to have a positive impact on our business as a whole. We have focused our R&D efforts on innovations that can be deployed with scale. For example, our Dirt is Good laundry brand has been improved by a combination of a new formulation which delivers better whitening and stain removal technology, and new packaging designed for single-handed opening and containing an integrated pour spout, freshness seal and dosing ball. The new concentrated Small & Mighty, launched in the UK, Ireland, Portugal, the Netherlands and France, has gained significant market share, up by 1.4 percentage points in the UK and by two percentage points in Portugal.

Similarly, our patented TESS technology, which uses the natural essence pressed from freshly picked tea leaves, has enabled the global re-launch of Lipton Yellow Label, the world’s best-selling tea brand. The re-launch has introduced this innovation to 44 countries in two years, resulting in an underlying growth of 5.6% in global turnover for Lipton Yellow Label.

HARNESSING SCIENCE STRATEGICALLY

In 2013 we launched the Strategic Science Group, designed to forecast evolving science trends, identify opportunities, and deliver growth through innovation. The Strategic Science Group is the third pillar in our New Ways to Innovate strategy, alongside Open Innovation and the New Business Unit. Together, they aim to harness rapidly-evolving science and leverage the work of external academia, small and medium sized enterprises, and start-ups, to develop new science and breakthrough technologies.

ACHIEVING MARKETING ‘CUT- THROUGH’ IN A DIGITAL WORLD

Marketing campaigns that are focused on global brands have the potential to achieve greater impact, by engaging people through multiple media – achieving what we call ‘cut-through’. In January 2013, Axe marked the launch of its range of Apollo deodorants, shampoos and shower gels with a multichannel campaign in more than 60 countries that included a competition to win a place on a space flight – resulting in more than a million people registering to participate, and more than 10 million votes on the AxeApollo.com website.

Similarly, Dove’s Sketches film, part of Dove’s ongoing Real Beauty campaign, became the most watched video advertisement of all time following its launch in April 2013 and achieved more than 175 million views in 2013. These campaigns recognise the importance of truly engaging consumers in a digital age – if they are engaged with our brand, they are more likely to be talking about it to others.

WINNING MARKET SHARE

IN EMERGING MARKETS

Emerging markets now account for 57% of our business and have the potential to provide far greater growth in the future. Brands which identify and respond to the local needs of people within those markets can have a great impact. This is exemplified by our Foods category: in Africa, for example, our Rama and Blue Band margarines are now fortified with seven vitamins including vitamin A, strengthening their proposition in a region which contains 33% of the world’s vitamin A-deficient children. Knorr, which celebrated its 175th anniversary in 2013, continues to innovate through relevant products such as the Baking Bag. This has gained share in all of our key markets in Latin America. In Brazil, one of the largest markets, Knorr’s Baking Bag has achieved more than two percentage points in market share. Laundry brands like Surf, launched in Morocco, and Omo, launched in the Philippines, have also gained market share.

 

LOGO WIN CONSUMER PREFERENCE

Brands with real purpose mean more to consumers – but to increase sales and margins, we also need to ensure that this sense of purpose is aligned with a product that delivers superiority in quality or functionality. Winning consumer preference is essential to our ambition to grow faster than our markets and, by allowing us to grow our premium offerings, helps us increase margins, making our business more profitable.

BRANDS THAT PEOPLE CHOOSE

We want all our brands to be preferred in their markets. In 2013, our global product benchmarking programme showed that 97.19% of products in scope are considered equal to, or better than, our key competitors’ products.

 

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When the promise of one of our brands is clearly understood by consumers, and they are persuaded of its benefits, we create the conditions for rapid growth. For example, in 2013 we launched Cif and Vim (sold as Domestos in other countries) in Brazil.

While the slow-down in the Brazilian economy in particular has made this market more challenging for some of our brands in 2013, the combination of Cif’s and Vim’s improved formulae with a fast roll-out and local activation has led to a market share gain of 7.6 percentage points.

ALWAYS SEEKING IMPROVEMENT

During the year, all our categories have been profitable, despite signs that the global economic slow-down is having an effect in emerging markets. But we are under no illusions about the need to keep improving and strengthening our brands if we are to achieve growth. In Foods, for example, we are investing in ways to strengthen our margarines, through product renovation – our foods taste good because they are made from simple recognisable ingredients, a growing number of which are sustainably sourced – as well as launching new, innovative products such as mélanges, a blend of butter and margarine. Supported by better quality advertising, the mélanges started very successfully in Europe. In Refreshment, we are looking at ways to improve and premiumise our ice creams which, due to factors including a poor start to the summer particularly in Europe and

the US as well as intense competitive activity in key markets, did not grow as expected in 2013. Our Personal Care category continued to grow significantly and accounted for 36% of Group turnover in 2013, but could improve its share of the more premium segments of the market. Our Home Care category saw good underlying growth, with household care approaching the 2 billion mark and fabric conditioners 1 billion, but we would like to improve our profitability and roll out innovations even faster. Overall, as a business, we intend to simplify our offering further – reducing the total number of stock-keeping units (SKUs) that we sell, in order to focus on those which will best drive our growth and margins.

PREMIUM PRODUCTS, HIGHER MARGINS

Products which consumers prefer can command higher prices than their competitors – and we are increasingly focusing on the premium segments of our markets, which offer the potential for better margins and higher profits.

This segmentation is taking place across most of our categories and is fuelled by innovation, collaboration with partners, and selective acquisition. We have, for example, acquired T2, a fast-growing premium tea brand in Australia generating sales of around 37 million a year; and IOMA, a premium skin care brand, which uses state-of-the-art diagnostic technology to study an individual’s skin and tailor

a bespoke skin care regime. IOMA is a strategic acquisition that gives us access to the premium skin care market and channels where we are under-represented. Innovation is creating products such as Magnum 5 Kisses, a premium Rainforest Alliance Certified ice cream inspired by French patisserie, which was launched in 13 markets in 2013. Meanwhile our gourmet Maille brand, founded in 1747, opened its first store outside France, La Maison Maille in London’s Piccadilly, providing premium mustards, vinegars, gifts and accessories.

 

 

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choice among students in 26 countries and number five in the Hay Group’s Best Companies for Leaders, moving up from tenth in 2011/2012. We also scored top spot in both Europe and Latin America, and came third in Asia. And our Made By You campaign, which has sustainable living at its heart, is making us a more attractive employer to graduates.

 

This external recognition is encouraging and has a clear business benefit in helping us grow our talent.

 

CHAMPIONING TALENT

We believe that nurturing talent will be the determining factor in our ability to double the size of our business. Our leadership and development programmes are helping all our people to be the best they can be, irrespective of level or role, from growing functional skills linked to our business strategy and priorities, to leadership skills for now and the future. For example, more than 600 people from our Personal Care category have been trained in five key capabilities essential to excellence in Personal Care marketing. In our manufacturing operations we intend to train 90,000 employees in technical capabilities and in different functions so they can work across the factory. And our leaders are playing a primary role in championing talent.

 

The Four Acres Learning and Leadership Centre in Singapore opened in 2013 with a global leadership programme. We know that the role and requirements of leadership must adapt as the world changes, so we tasked a global steering board to discuss what attributes a leader will need in 2020. Teams of young Unilever leaders took part and agreed six leadership principles – purpose at the centre, encircled by authenticity, adaptability, resilience, systemic thinking and results orientation.

We believe that talent will determine our ability to become an 80 billion business. Every day, our people are working hard to make us more competitive and to achieve our Vision of doubling the size of our business while reducing our environmental footprint and increasing our positive social impact. We are determined that everything we do has openness, diversity and inclusion at its heart. It is only by helping all our people to be the best they can be that we can reach our own objectives.

  

LOGO CAPABILITY AND LEADERSHIP

To achieve our Vision, we need to continue to build a talented workforce. We believe that the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan (USLP) is one of the reasons why our attractiveness as a potential employer is at an all-time high – as well as helping to energise our own people.

 

In 2013, we were rated the third most in-demand employer by business social network LinkedIn, behind only Google and Apple. And on Facebook, our global careers page continues to spiral with over 500,000 ‘likes’, up from 110,000 in 2012. We were named fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) employer of

  

 

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Investment in our people stretches beyond careers to their well-being, which is just as important for our success as a business. For example, our mental health and resilience initiative in the UK and Ireland trains managers to spot symptoms and support employees who are struggling, offers a confidential web and telephone support service, and encourages team workshops to manage workloads and pressure.

 

SHAPING LEADERS OF THE FUTURE

During 2013 in Singapore, we launched the Future Leaders League, our first global employer brand-building competition, to motivate young leaders about our business, brands, the USLP and our views on future leadership. Finalists representing ten countries across our markets created a holistic campaign for Lifebuoy that was designed to touch millions of people in 2013. And, at the One Young World summit in Johannesburg in October 2013, our Chief Executive Officer urged 1,200 delegates from 190 countries to become a force for good.

 

As well as generating a positive buzz around our employer brand, our aim with initiatives like these is to create a generation of advocates for sustainable growth.

 

LOGO AGILE, FLEXIBLE AND DIVERSE ORGANISATION

Inclusion is at the heart of being an agile, flexible and diverse organisation. It means having a representative workforce, empowering our people with policies and infrastructure to help them work quickly and effectively, and creating flexible ways of working to suit their circumstances. The smarter we work, the more effective and efficient we will be at meeting the needs of our consumers in a rapidly changing world.

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OUR PEOPLE

CONTINUED

FROM DIVERSITY TO INCLUSION

Women are Unilever’s core consumers, controlling nearly two thirds of consumer spending, so it’s important that we represent them in our workforce. As at 31 December 2013, 119,139 (68%) of our global workforce of 174,381 employees were male and 55,242 (32%) female. Of these, 115 are considered senior leadership executives (96 male, 19 female). If you include employees who are statutory directors of the corporate entities whose financial information is included in the Group’s 2013 consolidated accounts in this Annual Report, the number increases to 681 males and 181 females. 35% (five out of 14) of the Board are female. Our ambition is for 50% of our managers to be women (2013: 42% were female and 58% male).

We know there is still much to do and we are working hard to put programmes in place to improve our representation and retention of women. Our Winning Balance campaign, for example, encouraged employees to give their views on gender balance. We used over 1,750 responses to make real changes. These included a programme to retain female staff during and after maternity leave, as well as training leaders to be more inclusive.

Our efforts are showing signs of success and we’re encouraged by external recognition including two golds for ‘Winning Balance’ at the tenth Stevie Awards for Women in Business, as well as a Catalyst Award for Creating a Gender-Balanced Workforce in Different Cultures. We were included in The Times Top 50 Employers for Women in the UK, The Working Mother 100 Best Companies in North America and the Corporate Empowerment for Women Award from Cosmetics Executive Women, North America.

SIMPLIFYING THE WAY WE WORK

Simplifying working practices and cutting out unnecessary bureaucracy has a twofold benefit: it helps us respond swiftly to changes in the market place and allows our people to focus on what inspires them – building and growing our brands.

One way of doing this is to bring people together: we have opened a European Marketing and Innovation Hub in Rotterdam, relocating approximately 270 employees from nine different countries, which will speed up both decision-making and the sharing of best practice. We’re also pleased that 58% of people based there are women and they represent 28 different nationalities.

We are also looking at working practices across the company. For example, we are rolling out Agile Working and now have 30 Agile Workplaces. This new way of working measures performance on results, not time and attendance, and reinforces diversity by helping people – particularly women –balance their personal and professional lives.

And during the year we set ourselves a challenge: to rework our major processes and systems – those that are the most complex, time consuming and frustrating – to halve the time they take to use. In the spirit of this ambition, we coined the initiative Project Half for growth, and identified a radical simplification of ten processes and systems that would reduce the time we spend on doing things that don’t add value and concentrate on things that do. Each initiative is championed by a ULE member.

Similarly, Project Sunset, an IT tool that speeds up decisions, has been rolled out across 103 countries and is already available in seven languages. The new approach, pioneered by Hindustan Unilever in 2012, escalates business problem solving to the highest levels of leadership within three weeks. Using Sunset in India to deal swiftly with customer management issues has led to better retention of salesmen and lower costs of hiring.

Meanwhile, building on the findings from our Winning Balance campaign, more than 87,000 people viewed our Winning Together programme which is helping teams make changes to everyday working practices. This includes meetings and email etiquette, so as to spend time more effectively on making the biggest difference to the business. For example, teams are creating their own manifestos and sharing best practice, with promises including more video conferencing to reduce travel, keeping meetings to time and an end to cc-ing emails unnecessarily.

But there is still much to do. In 2014, we intend to focus on helping leaders promote a culture of inclusivity.

LOGO VALUES AND PERFORMANCE CULTURE

In a turbulent world, people are looking for meaning at work, and contributing to making sustainable living commonplace, as we do at Unilever, is highly motivating. Our values of integrity, responsibility, and respect, and our pioneering spirit guide our people in the judgements, actions and decisions they make each day. They are especially important as we expand into new markets, recruit new people and face new challenges.

ENGAGEMENT

Each year, our Global People Survey measures employee engagement, alternating between polling all employees and managers only. In 2013, we surveyed our managers and 89% participated, with the overall engagement score increasing five percentage points to 78% (compared with managers’ results in 2012). However, our bias for action scores rose only slightly to 50% – we hope to see this change as our programmes to simplify our working practices start to take effect.

 

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HUMAN RIGHTS

In line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP), we base our human rights commitment and policy on the International Bill of Human Rights (the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights) and the principles concerning fundamental rights set out in the International Labour Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. We seek to uphold these rights in our operations, in our relationships with our suppliers and other business partners, and by working through external initiatives, such as the United Nations Global Compact. In 2013 we appointed a Global Vice President for Social Impact to lead the implementation of the UNGP and the development of the Enhancing Livelihoods pillar of the USLP, including the advancement of women’s rights and economic inclusion. We will report in more detail on this next year.

MOTIVATION

To reach our ambition of sustainable growth, we need people with a winning

mindset, a passion for consumers and an appetite to drive personal performance. To do this, we are building a winning culture in which every employee is encouraged to grow to his or her full potential. Our performance-based reward structure recognises those who have delivered results and have the right values for our business.

While recognition reinforces our values and the positive behaviours that drive our business performance, recognition can be delivered in many ways. This year, we honoured five people nominated by their colleagues as Unilever heroes. Our 2013 heroes include Habiba Haroon (pictured on page 15) who helped more than 1,000 women in rural Pakistan to earn a sustainable income, and Hasan Monsoor, from our Customer Development team in Bangladesh, who devised a way of protecting our teams and delivering our products safely during politically-charged protests that often escalate into violence.

A number of initiatives beyond our brands enable our people to contribute to social issues as Unilever grows. For example, the Unilever Foundation Challenge, now in its

second year, names five employees as global ambassadors for the Unilever

Foundation, which partners with Oxfam, Population Services International, Save the Children, UNICEF and the World Food Programme to improve people’s quality of life.

And our Big Moments campaign is driving greater awareness of our mission to be more sustainable by educating our people and encouraging them to talk to their communities about sustainability. Indeed, 79% of all employees had spoken to friends and family about our sustainability plans, up from 63% in 2012.

 

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REACHING WIDE

We aim to be ‘first and fast’, not only in new markets, but also in new channels. So 2013 saw a continued expansion into white spaces, with 32 of our global brands launched in new markets, including eight brands launched throughout Africa, where we continued to see growth opportunities even as other emerging markets showed some dampening effects from the global economic downturn. We are further expanding programmes such as our Shakti rural selling operation in India, which now involves over 65,000 women entrepreneurs covering more than 167,000 villages. We have also increased our presence in e-commerce, where our sales grew by more than 40% in 2013.

 

REACHING UP, REACHING DOWN

Because the aspirations and budgets of consumers are different, we aim to meet them through a segmented market strategy – which requires a segmented product portfolio and a segmented supply chain to deliver it. By ‘reaching up’, we are creating products for consumers who want premium quality: for example, our Dove hair premium portfolio has grown almost two times faster than the premium hair market; or the faster growth of liquid detergents over powder in brands like Omo and Surf. This process of premiumisation delivers growth and drives higher margins – but we have a continuing commitment to offer affordable brands, which can also drive growth. Lifebuoy, for example, which serves a vital purpose in basic hygiene, has had an average underlying sales growth of 18% per annum in the last three years.

 

GREAT BRANDS – WHERE CONSUMERS CAN FIND THEM

By working with our customers, we’re increasing the on-shelf availability (OSA) of our products – in other words, ensuring that consumers are able to find and buy them. 93.4% of the time, shoppers can

 

The transformation of our global supply chain and go-to-market strategy is enabling us to deliver sustainable, profitable growth. We are reaching more consumers in more markets, using partnerships throughout our value chain to help us achieve our sustainability and innovation objectives while improving margins, and delivering outstanding operational performance – the ‘brilliant basics’ of quality, service, execution and cash generation. And there is potential to create even more value for our business, so we are continuing to simplify our operations, always aiming for greater speed and agility.

  

LOGO REACHING MORE CONSUMERS

Globally, populations are growing and becoming more affluent. We aim to identify the varying needs of consumers and meet them: through growth in new markets, through innovating new products, or through differentiating our brands to meet price expectations. We call this ‘reaching up, reaching down, and reaching wide’; its success depends on us continuously improving our extended supply chain and marketing and sales operations so that they are agile and adaptable, ensuring that the products consumers demand are always available, properly displayed, and at the right price.

  

 

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OUR OPERATIONS

CONTINUED

 

We cannot be complacent – Unilever Brazil experienced its first public product recall in 85 years, when a malfunction lasting 80 seconds at our AdeS soy juice drink plant contaminated 96 units, resulting in 60 million of lost sales. But we have learnt from this experience, improving our quality processes with revised maintenance and verification procedures, new practices for manufacturing and maintenance staff, and improved links with customer care lines.

 

SETTING NEW STANDARDS FOR SERVICE

While we have more to do, our efforts so far are being recognised as leading the industry: in 2013 we were voted the number one fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) supply chain in the Gartner Top 25 SC ranking, and number one overall for companies based in Europe.

 

 

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INVESTING IN MANUFACTURING

To meet our growth targets, we have invested in additional manufacturing capacity. In 2013, we invested 1.6 billion, including in six new factories, with five additional factories planned in 2014. These factories include eco-efficiency technologies such as building orientation and design to minimise energy use, heat recovery, low-energy lighting, energy-efficient motors and rainwater harvesting and re-use for factories in water-stressed locations.

 

By the end of 2013, three quarters of our factory network had achieved zero non-hazardous waste disposal to landfill.

 

A new 42 million Home Care factory in Tianjin, China, was the first Unilever greenfield site to be awarded Gold LEED certification for sustainable design including the use of renewable energy and energy and water efficiencies amongst other design criteria.

 

We are also extending our ‘World Class Manufacturing’ (WCM) programme, which sets a global benchmark for the reduction of waste and cost. By 2014, almost half our total production costs will be from sites in the WCM programme.

 

SIMPLIFYING FOR SPEED AND AGILITY

During 2013 we managed a series of rapid product expansions – for example, further rolling out TRESemmé into ten new markets making TRESemmé available in a total of more than 40 countries. We also rolled out our Dove Hair Expert Repair range to more than 50 countries since its launch in February 2013 and Axe Apollo to 60 countries within three months.

 

  

However, we recognise that we need still more speed in our processes, decision-making, and execution. We have therefore begun Project Half for growth, designed to simplify our processes, increase our agility, and create savings – half the time, half the spend, half the hassle. One of the ten key areas we will simplify is our number of stock-keeping units (SKUs).

 

We have started a programme selectively to remove SKUs with low turnover. We believe that this simplification will significantly reduce the number of formulations, materials and non-strategic suppliers that we use, driving costs down. We intend to create space to deliver growth from innovation and enhance our ability to act quickly. We will also use the efficiency savings to invest in our brands.

 

LOGO LEVERAGING ENTIRE

VALUE CHAIN

We have more than 100,000 suppliers and we deliver to more than 8 million stores. By working with these and other partners we can reach more consumers, develop new products, build new capacity, increase margins, and nurture sustainability. We’re also continuously improving our own operations to get the benefits of our unique scale and reach.

 

PARTNERING TO WIN

We have now signed 90 joint business development plans with our strategic suppliers. In June 2013, more than 350 representatives from our strategic suppliers attended our Partner To Win supplier summit in Singapore. The summit highlighted the advantages of partnerships in innovation, sustainability, and capacity building.

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Partnerships are crucial to meeting our Unilever Sustainable Living Plan (USLP) ambitions to source 100% of our raw materials sustainably; this year, 48% of our agricultural raw materials were sustainably sourced, compared to 36% in 2012. In November 2013 we announced our commitment to buy all our palm oil from known traceable sources by the end of 2014, an important step towards our commitment to securing 100% sustainably from certified, traceable sources by 2020.

INNOVATING TOGETHER

Partnerships are also essential to developing outstanding innovations: many of our great ideas are developed with our suppliers. We are also finding new ways of innovating with other external partners – for example, through ‘innovation eco-systems’, which bring together our R&D experts with academics, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), and start-up companies. We have established a ‘science grid’ of the world’s leading academic institutions, and we are establishing a presence in a select number of ‘hotspots’ of science technology and enterprise where we previously had no R&D infrastructure.

GROWING SUSTAINABLY WITH CUSTOMERS

We work closely with our retail customers, who are long-standing partners in our effort to ensure that consumers get the best choice, quality and service. This year we added five locations to our existing network of collaboration centres, where we develop joint integrated strategies for merchandising without having to run in-store pilots. We run joint sustainability programmes with key customers including Walmart, with whom we run the health- and environment-focused Living Project, and Tesco, through ‘A better future begins at home’. In markets where reaching consumers is still about the local small shop, we use analytics to help us pinpoint where we will expand our coverage and GPS technology to track the stores that we add. In India, for example, we have added more than 2 million outlets in the last four years.

The entire value chain from suppliers to our customers are all important allies in the ‘war on waste’. In our supply chain alone, we have avoided cumulative costs of 200 million for raw and packaging materials and disposed waste combined, and more than 150 million in energy costs since 2008.

HARNESSING THE BENEFITS OF SCALE

Through supply chain efficiencies we created savings of 1.5 billion and released 0.2 billion of working capital in 2013.

We manage our factory network globally, which allows us to export around the world with consistent quality and competitive costs. For example, our Knorr factory in Sanguinetto, Italy, produces 72% of global jelly bouillon and is currently the cost benchmark for all our plants.

Hunting for efficiencies also makes our business more sustainable. For example, despite underlying volume growth of 2.5% in 2013, our logistics operation reduced total vehicle kilometres by 47 million, compared to 2012. This was achieved by implementing smarter distribution networks and driving up vehicle load fill. This led to an overall reduction of CO2 by more than 70,000 tonnes.

RESPONDING TO LOCAL CONTEXTS

We combine our global scale with the agility to respond to local needs. Our low-cost business models (LCBMs) deploy teams to local markets to identify opportunities to enhance margins. LCBMs have so far helped realise more than 200 million in cost savings from our Refreshment and Home Care categories and we are now expanding the LCBM programme to Foods and Personal Care.

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We are making good progress on the targets within our direct control. Those outside our control are proving more challenging, especially when it comes to helping consumers reduce energy and water associated with washing and showering at home. Just as important, however, is the learning we have gained over three years of driving the implementation of the USLP.

IMPROVING HEALTH AND

WELL-BEING

By the end of 2013, we had helped 303 million people improve their health and hygiene habits. This is more than a quarter of the way towards our ambitious 2020 target. Brands such as Lifebuoy and Dove gained market share and along with Signal extended their reach and achieved increases in sales. Across Foods and Refreshment, we assessed that 31% of the total portfolio met product-focused, highest nutritional standards that are based on globally recognised dietary guidelines. Our focus on improving products, coupled with partnerships and branded campaigns, is contributing to better diets for many millions of people.

MANAGING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

In 2013, big reductions in the energy used for manufacturing mean that our own CO2 emissions from energy are now 32% below 2008 levels measured per tonne of

production. Water abstraction is also down 29% per tonne of production, despite the growth in production. Similarly, total waste sent for disposal has reduced by 66% per tonne of production and we are on target for all our sites to achieve zero non-hazardous waste to landfill by 2015.

While we have made excellent progress in our own manufacturing operations, the total environmental footprint of our products including consumer use has increased for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the value chain (+5% since 2010) and domestic water (+15%). While we are making improvements in our underlying business, for example, laundry concentrates and compressed deodorants, other parts of our portfolio are evolving in ways which are increasing our footprint: our Personal Care business has expanded in shower and hair products via the Alberto Culver acquisition (which accounts for three percentage points of the GHG increase) and our laundry business has experienced high levels of growth from bars in India which, while very affordable for people on low incomes, are also associated with a more water-intensive washing habit. We are continuing to look for ways to reduce the impact of these products. The total footprint from packaging waste to landfill has reduced

(-11%) as a result of efficient pack designs and the disposal of sauce brands with large waste footprints.

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LOGO   ¯    PwC assured. For details and the basis of preparation see: www.unilever.com/ara2013/ downloads.
     Measured 1 October 2012 to 30 September 2013. The criteria underlying highest nutrition standards have been adapted in 2013 to be product-focused, rather than generic, and to align with our category-specific programmes; the criteria continue to be based on international dietary guidelines. The corresponding 2012 compliance to the revised approach was 31%.
  ^    The environmental results under our Products are expressed on a per consumer use’ basis, using a lifecycle approach. This means a single use, portion or serving of a product.
  *    Our Manufacturing progress is measured per tonne of production.
 

 

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In 2013 we adjusted our reporting period from 1 January – 31 December to 1 October – 30 September. The comparative 2008 period remains from 1 January – 31 December.

  ¥    The current year reported figure has been measured from 1 July 2012 – 30 June 2013 compared to the baseline of 1 January 2010 – 31 December 2010.
  #    PwC assured: % palm oil and tea sustainably sourced and % soy oil and soy beans covered by Round Table on Responsible Soy (RTRS) certificates and direct sourcing from RTRS suppliers. For details and the basis of preparation see: www.unilever.com/ara2013/downloads.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

 

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reduce raw and packaging materials and disposed waste have avoided cumulative supply chain costs totalling 200 million since 2008.

 

The USLP is also helping to motivate employees to take action. For example, our 15 million ‘Small Actions Big Difference’ fund encourages staff to develop sustainable business ideas. In 2013 we invested in 50 of the best projects suggested by them to reduce water abstraction by manufacturing sites around the world. These yield an average payback time of less than two years and have helped us achieve our reductions in water abstracted.

 

LOGO COLLABORATIVE

PARTNERSHIPS

During 2013 we developed a co-investment partnership with the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) to reduce the mortality of children under five through implementing Lifebuoy’s handwashing programme in Bihar, India. The five- year programme will reach 9 million schoolchildren directly and have an impact on 50 million people through children acting as change agents for their families. Lifebuoy provides co-investment, staff resource and expertise to run the direct contact programme, as well as investment in mass media to raise awareness of the importance of handwashing with soap. CIFF is providing significant co-investment alongside staff resource and expertise to optimise programme effectiveness.

 

FUTURE CHALLENGES

Three years on from launching the USLP, we have more evidence that our ambition to make sustainable living commonplace is helping to drive business growth. We have also learnt a great deal from our progress and the challenges of implementing the USLP. Looking forward, we are reviewing our strategy and approach to focus even more attention on those areas that matter most to the business and where our contribution can achieve the greatest transformational impact on society.

 

One area is our work towards eliminating deforestation with others in our industry through the Consumer Goods Forum. We have led the process of building the Tropical Forest Alliance, a public-private partnership to combat deforestation associated with sourcing commodities such as palm oil. Unilever is one of the largest buyers of palm oil in the world and we have committed to securing 100% of our own supplies sustainably from certified, traceable sources by 2020.

 

We can also use our scale to make a difference to basic hygiene. In too many countries around the world, billions of people still lack safe drinking water and effective sanitation. Thanks to our portfolio of brands such as Lifebuoy, Pureit and Domestos, Unilever is uniquely placed to help with solutions, working alongside

By the end of 2013, 48% of our agricultural raw materials were sourced sustainably. This is helping to reduce risk in our supply chain and contributing to our goal of eliminating deforestation (and associated GHG impacts) that could result from the sourcing of our raw materials.

 

ENHANCING LIVELIHOODS

We are also improving the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of smallholder farmers with whom we work and we have increased sales through our rural distribution networks via our 65,000 Shakti entrepreneurs in India. During 2014 we will broaden our commitments on Enhancing Livelihoods to reflect the emphasis we place on human rights in our own operations and extended supply chain, and to encompass more ambition to build inclusive business models where a win-win approach can deliver sustainable growth for all.

 

DRIVING BUSINESS SUCCESS

Our focus on making sustainable living commonplace for our consumers is helping to drive profitable growth. In the three years since the USLP became operational, we have found the benefits are accelerating. By looking at product development, sourcing and manufacturing through a sustainability lens, opportunities for innovation open up. By reducing waste and material use, we create efficiencies and cut costs, which helps to improve our margins. By collaborating with partners including not-for-profit organisations, we gain valuable new market insights and extend channels to engage with consumers.

 

LOGO SUSTAINABLE BRAND GROWTH

Knorr, Unilever’s largest brand, celebrated its 175th birthday in 2013 with the introduction of a Knorr Sustainability Partnership on-pack logo to help consumers clearly identify products featuring sustainably sourced ingredients. Our consumer research across 11 countries found that three quarters of consumers would be more likely to purchase a product if they knew it was made from sustainably sourced ingredients. Knorr has made great progress on its commitment to source 100% of its agricultural ingredients sustainably. These efforts have led to substantial improvement in Knorr’s brand equity in Germany, one of its key markets, compared to 2012.

  

Our Home Care category in Latin America partnered with leading retailers such as Carrefour in a new initiative ‘Sumate al EcoLavado’ (Join us at Ecowash) to promote good laundry habits. Brands including Surf and Skip worked together in Argentina, Uruguay and Chile to encourage washing at lower temperatures, saving energy through shorter wash cycles, and switching to concentrated detergents. Carrefour stores that participated in Argentina have experienced sales growth three times higher than others while consumers were encouraged to make lasting changes to their behaviour.

 

LOGO SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION

An example of how our commitments in the USLP help drive business growth was the introduction to more markets in Asia and Africa of the new Lifebuoy Colour Changing handwash. This makes handwashing fun for kids and reassures parents that their children are protected from germs. The colour of the foam changes from white to green in ten seconds, the time it takes for the Lifebuoy special formulation to deliver 99.9% germ protection. The growth of this premium offering has helped towards Lifebuoy’s aim to change the handwashing behaviour of 1 billion people.

 

The launch in 2013 of compressed deodorant aerosol sprays by three brands (Sure, Dove and Vaseline) in the UK was a further example of sustainable innovation. These new product sizes use half the propellant gas and an average of 25% less aluminium. Supply and distribution savings have led to 35% less road usage too. Consumers gain the convenience of a smaller easy-to-carry pack size with the added satisfaction of knowing the environmental impact is reduced. As a result market share is up and conversion rates from conventional packs have exceeded our expectations.

 

LOGO LESS WASTE

Measures to promote efficiency in manufacturing are achieving significant cost benefits. Between 2008 and 2013 we avoided cumulative energy costs of over 150 million. Likewise our actions to

  

 

24                Strategic report   Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2013


Table of Contents

 

LOGO

 


Table of Contents

 

LOGO

FINANCIAL

REVIEW 2013

Another year of good, consistent,

profitable and competitive top and

bottom line underlying growth

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW 2013

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

Turnover at 49.8 billion decreased 3.0%, including a negative impact from both foreign exchange, of 5.9%, and acquisitions net of disposals of 1.1%. Underlying sales growth was 4.3% (2012: 6.9%), balanced between volume growth of 2.5% (2012: 3.4%) and pricing of 1.8% (2012: 3.3%). Emerging markets, now 57% of total turnover, were flat at reported exchange rates, with underlying sales growth of 8.7% versus 11.4% in the prior year. The Group saw a weakening in the market growth of many emerging countries, in particular during the third quarter, exacerbated by significant currency devaluation.

Core operating margin was up 0.4 percentage points to 14.1%. Gross margin improved by 1.1 percentage points to 41.2% at constant exchange rates. All categories and all regions improved gross margin. This was a result of a higher margin business mix, driven in part by margin accretive innovations, and active cost management. Commodity costs have been more stable than recent years, increasing by around 4% in 2013.

Investment in advertising and promotions increased by 0.5 percentage points or 460 million, at constant exchange rates. Overheads increased by 0.2 percentage points as a result of favourable one-off items in 2012.

Operating profit was 7.5 billion, compared with 7.0 billion in 2012, up 8%. The increase was mainly driven by non-core items which were a net credit of 0.5 billion (2012: net debit 0.1 billion); core operating profit was flat at 7.0 billion. The total gain on business disposals, recognised in non-core items, was 0.7 billion.

Highlights for the year ended 31 December

 

     2013     

2012   

(Restated)(1)

    

%

change

 

Turnover ( million)

    49,797         51,324            (3.0%)   

Operating profit ( million)

    7,517         6,977            8%    

Core operating profit* ( million)

    7,016         7,050            –    

Profit before tax ( million)

    7,114         6,533            9%    

Net profit ( million)

    5,263         4,836            9%    

Diluted earnings per share ()

    1.66         1.50            11%    

Core earnings per share* ()

    1.58         1.53            3%    

(1) Refer to page 31.

The cost of financing net borrowings was 397 million (2012: 390 million). The average level of net debt increased following the acquisition of additional shares in Hindustan Unilever Limited while interest rate movements were favourable. The average interest rate was 3.3% on debt and 2.9% on cash deposits. The pensions financing cost was a charge of 133 million, compared to 145 million in 2012, both restated for the impact of the revision to the accounting standard IAS 19.

The effective tax rate remained consistent with 2012 at 26%. Our longer term expectation for the tax rate remains around 26%.

Net profit from joint ventures and associates, together with other income from non-current investments, contributed 127 million in 2013, compared to 91 million in the prior year. The movement is mainly due to the low prior year comparator which included an impairment of warrants associated with the disposals of the US laundry business.

Fully diluted earnings per share were 1.66, up 11% from 1.50 in the prior year, driven by higher operating profit. Core earnings per share were 1.58, up 3% from 1.53 in 2012 after a 7% headwind from currency movements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Certain measures used in our reporting are not defined under IFRS. For further information about these measures, please refer to the commentary on non-GAAP measures on pages 32 and 33.

 

26                Strategic report   Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2013


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LOGO

 

 

PERSONAL CARE

 

      2013     

2012

(Restated)

    

%

Change

 

Turnover ( million)

     18,056         18,097         (0.2

Operating profit ( million)

     3,078         2,925         5.2   

Core operating profit ( million)

     3,206         3,085         3.9   

Core operating margin (%)

     17.8         17.0         0.8   

Underlying sales growth (%)

     7.3         10.0      

Underlying volume growth (%)

     5.5         6.5      

Effect of price changes (%)

     1.7         3.3            

FOODS

 

      2013    

2012

(Restated)

   

%

Change

 

Turnover ( million)

     13,426        14,444        (7.0

Operating profit ( million)

     3,064        2,601        17.8   

Core operating profit ( million)

     2,377        2,528        (6.0

Core operating margin (%)

     17.7        17.5        0.2   

Underlying sales growth (%)

     0.3        1.8     

Underlying volume growth (%)

     (0.6     (0.9  

Effect of price changes (%)

     0.9        2.7           
 

 

KEY DEVELOPMENTS

  Personal Care delivered another year of strong underlying growth, although exchange rate movements (6.8%) led to turnover being almost unchanged on last year. Underlying sales growth of 7.3% was broad-based across all sub-categories; hair care, skin cleansing and skin care, deodorants and oral care growing more than 5%. Underlying volume increased by 5.5%, while the price growth, at 1.7%, was lower than the previous year which had included more commodity cost driven increases. Growth was supported by innovations like Dove Repair Expertise in more than 50 markets, Vaseline Spray & Go moisturisers and the Axe Apollo campaign across more than 70 countries.
  Core operating profit at 3.2 billion improved by 121 million over the prior year despite an 291 million reduction from exchange rate movements. Underlying sales growth contributed 224 million and higher core operating margin, driven by improved mix and savings, added 188 million.

REFRESHMENT

 

      2013    

2012

(Restated)

    

%

Change

 

Turnover ( million)

     9,369        9,726         (3.7

Operating profit ( million)

     851        908         (6.3

Core operating profit ( million)

     856        908         (5.7

Core operating margin (%)

     9.1        9.3         (0.2

Underlying sales growth (%)

     1.1        6.3      

Underlying volume growth (%)

     (1.8     2.4      

Effect of price changes (%)

     2.9        3.9            

KEY DEVELOPMENTS

  Refreshment turnover declined by 3.7%, due to exchange rate movements (4.7%). Underlying sales grew 1.1%, with price contributing strongly at 2.9%. Underlying volumes were down by 1.8% due to declines in our US ice cream business where we withdrew from some low margin products and in Italy where the weak economy affected ice cream sales. Tea grew well, driven by improved tasting Lipton Yellow Label tea-bags with tea essence. Sales of AdeS soy drinks were lower following a product recall in the first half of the year.
  Core operating profit at 0.9 billion was 52 million lower than the prior year, as a result of a 45 million adverse impact of exchange rates. Underlying sales growth added 10 million. Core operating margin was lower by 0.2 percentage points as a result of higher advertising and promotions (up by 0.3 percentage points) and the impact of the AdeS recall.

KEY DEVELOPMENTS

  Foods turnover declined, by 7.0%, entirely due to exchange rate movements (3.8%) and business disposals of (3.7%). Underlying sales grew 0.3%, including a positive contribution from price of 0.9%. Underlying volumes were 0.6% lower because of market weakness in spreads. Spreads performance improved in the second half with positive responses to the relaunch of Flora in the UK and new variants in Europe and the US. Our biggest Foods brands, Knorr and Hellmann’s, both grew well, particularly in emerging markets. Knorr jelly bouillons and baking bags continue to grow rapidly with the addition of new variants. Sales of soups and sauces in the developed markets declined.
  Core operating profit at 2.4 billion was 151 million lower than the prior year after an 107 million adverse impact from exchange rates and a reduction of 83 million from disposals. Core operating margin was up by 0.2 percentage points, adding 31 million to core operating profit. The increase from improved mix and savings was offset by higher advertising and promotions. Operating profit increased due to business disposals.

HOME CARE

 

      2013     

2012

(Restated)

    

%

Change

 

Turnover ( million)

     8,946         9,057         (1.2

Operating profit ( million)

     524         543         (3.5

Core operating profit ( million)

     577         529         9.1   

Core operating margin (%)

     6.4         5.8         0.6   

Underlying sales growth (%)

     8.0         10.3      

Underlying volume growth (%)

     5.7         6.2      

Effect of price changes (%)

     2.1         3.9            

KEY DEVELOPMENTS

  Home Care again showed strong underlying growth, but this was offset by exchange rate movements (8.6%) to leave turnover down 1.2%. Underlying sales grew 8.0%, with volumes up 5.7%. Price growth of 2.1% was lower than last year which had included more commodity cost driven increases. Laundry growth has been driven by innovations such as a new formulation for Omo with wash boosters, and a new Small & Mighty concentrated liquid detergent in Europe. Comfort fabric conditioners grew rapidly, supported by the success of an Aromatherapy range in South East Asia. Household Care also grew well, helped by the launch of Cif and Domestos in Brazil.
  Core operating profit at 0.6 billion was broadly unchanged on last year after an adverse 59 million from exchange rates. Underlying sales growth added 42 million. Core operating margin increased by 0.6 percentage points, adding 65 million, with higher gross margins, including the benefit of the low cost business model programme partly offset by increased advertising and promotions.
 

 

Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2013   Strategic report                27


Table of Contents

FINANCIAL REVIEW 2013

CONTINUED

 

 

 

LOGO

UNILEVER GROUP

 

      Turnover
million
2013
       USG
%
2013
     UVG
%
2013
     Turnover
million
2012
       USG
%
2012
       UVG
%
2012
       Turnover
million
2011
       USG
%
2011
       UVG
%
2011
 

Unilever Total

     49,797           4.3         2.5         51,324           6.9           3.4           46,467           6.5           1.6   

Emerging markets

     28,257           8.7         4.8         28,331           11.4           5.7           24,997           11.5           4.4   

Developed markets

     21,540           (1.3      (0.5      22,993           1.6           0.8           21,470           0.8           (1.6

Growth of our markets has slowed in emerging markets as a result of economic uncertainty and currency depreciation on consumer demand. Developed markets remained weak with little sign of any overall improvement.

 

ASIA/AMET/RUB

 

      2013     

2012

(Restated)

    

%

Change

 

Turnover ( million)

     20,085         20,357         (1.3

Operating profit ( million)

     2,765         2,637         4.9   

Core operating profit ( million)

     2,680         2,667         0.5   

Core operating margin (%)

     13.3         13.1         0.2   

Underlying sales growth (%)

     7.8         10.6      

Underlying volume growth (%)

     5.0         5.7      

Effect of price changes (%)

     2.6         4.6            

KEY DEVELOPMENTS

  Underlying sales grew 7.8%, mainly from higher volumes. Innovation and the roll-out of our brands into new markets supported the growth momentum which included another year of double-digit growth in our three biggest markets in the region: India, Indonesia and China. There was strong growth in Vietnam, but growth in Thailand slowed and sales declined slightly in Japan.
  Core operating margin was up 0.2 percentage points driven by a significant improvement in gross margin partly offset by higher advertising and promotions. Overheads movement was negatively impacted by the one-off benefit from property sales in 2012.

THE AMERICAS

 

      2013     

2012

(Restated)

    

%

Change

 

Turnover ( million)

     16,206         17,088         (5.2

Operating profit ( million)

     2,859         2,432         17.6   

Core operating profit ( million)

     2,317         2,419         (4.2

Core operating margin (%)

     14.3         14.2         0.1   

Underlying sales growth (%)

     4.6         7.9      

Underlying volume growth (%)

     1.0         3.1      

Effect of price changes (%)

     3.5         4.8            

KEY DEVELOPMENTS

  Underlying sales grew 4.6%, with pricing contributing 3.5% and volumes up 1%. Latin America grew 10.7%, including strong performances in Brazil and Argentina. North America declined 1.5% in weak markets with lower volumes in spreads and ice cream more than offsetting growth in Personal Care.
  Core operating margin was up 0.1 percentage points with increased gross margins partly offset by higher advertising and promotions and overheads.

EUROPE

 

      2013    

2012

(Restated)

   

%

Change

 

Turnover ( million)

     13,506        13,879        (2.7

Operating profit ( million)

     1,893        1,908        (0.8

Core operating profit ( million)

     2,019        1,964        2.8   

Core operating margin (%)

     14.9        14.2        0.7   

Underlying sales growth (%)

     (1.1     0.8     

Underlying volume growth (%)

     0.4        0.9     

Effect of price changes (%)

     (1.5     (0.1        

KEY DEVELOPMENTS

  Underlying sales declined by 1.1%, with price down by 1.5% and volumes up by 0.4%. Sales grew modestly in the UK for the sixth year in a row, and were stable in France. Southern European markets such as Italy, Spain and Greece continued to suffer from depressed economies and weak consumer demand.
  Core operating margin was up 0.7 percentage points driven by higher gross margin and lower overheads which mainly reflect the results of restructuring activities.
 

 

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CASH FLOW

 

LOGO

 

 

 

•   Free cash flow of 3.9 billion was down by 0.4 billion, driven by higher operating profit offset by lower inflow from working capital.

•   Consistent management focus has resulted in negative working capital for 13 consecutive quarters.

Net cash flow from operating activities was 6.3 billion, a reduction of 0.5 billion over the previous year. The chief contributors were an increase in operating profit of 0.5 billion offset by a lower inflow from working capital, which is measured against a strong performance in 2012, and currency headwinds. Unilever has consistently enjoyed a negative working capital position as a result of tight management attention across the supply chain – indicative of careful attention to maintaining a strong financial and liquidity position. Better forecasting and planning processes led to lower inventories of 0.5 billion, while receivables increased by 0.4 billion and mutually beneficial terms negotiated with strategic vendors resulted in higher payables of 0.1 billion.

 

       million
2013
   

 million

2012

     million
2011
 

Net cash flow from operating activities

     6,294        6,836        5,452   

Net cash flow from/(used in) investing activities

     (1,161     (755     (4,467

Net cash flow from/(used in) financing activities

     (5,390     (6,622     411   

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (257     (541     1,396   

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January

     2,217        2,978        1,966   

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes

     84        (220     (384

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December

     2,044        2,217        2,978   

The net outflow from investing activities was 0.4 billion higher than the previous year. Whilst net capital expenditure and interest were broadly unchanged, the net inflow of acquisitions, disposals and other investing activities was 0.8 billion compared to 1.2 billion in 2012. Our net capital expenditure of 2.0 billion, or 4.1% of turnover, reflects the investment in capacity to support our growing business.

Net cash outflow from financing activities was 1.2 billion lower than the prior year. Of the 5.4 billion outflow, 2.9 billion was used for the acquisition of non-controlling interests in 2013 partly financed by a 1.3 billion net inflow from movements in financial liabilities and short-term borrowings. In comparison, we used our cash to reduce net financial liabilities and short-term borrowings by 3.0 billion in 2012.

Cash and cash equivalents held at the year end were 0.2 billion lower at 2.0 billion.

 

 

 

LOGO

 

Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2013   Strategic report                29


Table of Contents

FINANCIAL REVIEW 2013

CONTINUED

 

 

BALANCE SHEET

Unilever N.V.‘s and Unilever PLC’s combined market capitalisation rose from 81.9 billion at the end of 2012 to 83.8 billion at 31 December 2013. The full year dividend for 2013 rose 10% to 1.05. A final dividend of 0.2690 per NV ordinary share and £0.2222 per PLC ordinary share was declared on 21 January 2014. Information on dividends is set out in note 8 on page 109.

 

      

 

 million

2013

  

  

    

 

 

million

2012

(Restated)

  

  

(1) 

Goodwill and intangible assets

     20,904         21,718   

Other non-current assets

     12,487         12,324   

Current assets

     12,122         12,147   

Total assets

     45,513         46,189   

Current liabilities

     17,382         15,815   

Non-current liabilities

     13,316         14,425   

Total liabilities

     30,698         30,240   

Shareholders’ equity

     14,344         15,392   

Non-controlling interest

     471         557   

Total equity

     14,815         15,949   

Total liabilities and equity

     45,513         46,189   

(1) Refer to page 31.

Goodwill and intangible assets reduced by 0.8 billion mainly due to business disposals and currency movements. All material goodwill and indefinite-life intangible assets have been tested for impairment. No impairments were identified.

During 2013 the Group sold its global Skippy business to Hormel Foods for a total cash consideration of approximately US $700 million. It also sold its Wish-Bone and Western dressings brands to Pinnacle Foods Inc. for approximately US $580 million.

In July 2013 Unilever paid INR 192 billion (2,515 million) for 319,563,398 shares in Hindustan Unilever Limited (representing 14.78% of the total shareholding), increasing the Group ownership to 67%. Accordingly, 104 million previously shown as attributable to non-controlling interests within equity is now attributable to shareholders and the resulting loss on the acquisition recorded in retained earnings is 2,411 million.

Current assets were flat versus 2012, with good progress in reducing inventory levels being offset by higher trade and other receivables.

During 2013 Unilever recognised provisions of 120 million in relation to investigations by national competition authorities. Current liabilities were 1.6 billion higher mainly driven by the impact of a 2.5 billion cash outflow to increase the Group’s interest in Hindustan Unilever Limited. Non-current liabilities (excluding pensions) were broadly in line with the previous year. The net movements in assets and liabilities for all pension arrangements during the year was as follows:

        million
2013
 

1 January

     (3,342

Current service cost

     (301

Employee contributions

     18   

Special termination benefits

     (18

Past service costs

     53   

Settlements/curtailments

     36   

Actual return on plan assets (excluding amounts in interest)

     934   

Net interest cost

     (133

Actuarial gain/(loss)

     8   

Employer contributions

     593   

Reclassification of benefits

     –     

Currency retranslation

     175   

31 December

     (1,977

The overall net liability for all pension arrangements was 2.0 billion at the end of 2013, down from 3.3 billion at the end of 2012. 1.0 billion of this relates to funded schemes in surplus (2012: 0.8 billion). The decrease in the net obligation reflects the impact of investment returns, in excess of the interest cost on liabilities, and cash contributions. Cash expenditure on pensions was 0.7 billion, the same as in the prior year and as forecast for 2014.

FINANCE AND LIQUIDITY

The Group’s financial strategy provides the financial flexibility to meet strategic and day-to-day needs. Our current long-term credit rating is A+/A1 and our current short-term credit rating is A1/P1. We aim to maintain a competitive balance sheet which we consider to be the equivalent of a credit rating of A+/A1. We believe this provides us with:

  appropriate access to equity and debt markets;
  sufficient flexibility for acquisitions;
  sufficient resilience against economic and financial uncertainty ensuring ample liquidity; and
  optimal weighted average cost of capital, given the above constraints.

Unilever aims to concentrate cash in the parent and central finance companies in order to ensure maximum flexibility in meeting changing business needs. Operating subsidiaries are financed through the mixture of retained earnings, third-party borrowings and loans from parent and central finance companies. Unilever maintains access to global debt markets through an infrastructure of short-term debt programmes (principally US domestic and euro commercial paper programmes) and long-term debt programmes (principally a US Shelf Registration programme and a European markets Debt Issuance Programme). Debt in the international markets is, in general, issued in the name of NV, PLC, Unilever Finance International BV or Unilever Capital Corporation. NV, PLC and Unilever United States Inc. will normally guarantee such debt where they are not the issuer.

Approximately 1.3 billion (or 59%) of the Unilever Group’s cash and cash equivalents balances are held in foreign subsidiaries. We generally repatriate distributable reserves from our subsidiaries on a regular basis. In the majority of countries we are able to repatriate funds to Unilever N.V. and Unilever PLC through dividends free of tax. In a few countries we face cross-border foreign exchange controls and/or other legal restrictions that prevent balances being available in any means for general use by the parent companies or subsidiaries. In each of the last three years the amount of cash held in these countries was less than 250 million.

 

 

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We closely monitored all our exposures and counter-party limits.

Unilever has committed credit facilities in place for general corporate purposes. The undrawn bilateral committed credit facilities in place on 31 December 2013 were US $6,400 million. Further details are given in note 16A on page 120.

On 11 February 2013 we redeemed a US $450 million four-year bond which was issued in 2009 at 3.125%. On 21 May 2013 we redeemed a 750 million five-year bond which was issued in 2008 at 4.875%. On 5 August 2013 we issued a seven-year 750 million bond at 1.75%. On 6 September 2013 we issued US $750 million 2.20% fixed rate notes due March 2019.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AT 31 DECEMBER 2013

 

      million      million      million      million      million  
      Total    

Due

within

1 year

   

Due in

1-3 years

   

Due in

3-5 years

   

Due in

over

5 years

 

Long-term debt

     10,790        3,545        2,018        1,263        3,964   

Interest on financial liabilities

     2,578        307        466        371        1,434   

Operating lease obligations

     1,787        335        513        400        539   

Purchase obligations(a)

     187        163        19        5          

Finance leases

     312        25        67        40        180   

Other long-term commitments

     1,522        743        610        144        25   

Total

     17,176        5,118        3,693        2,223        6,142   

(a) For raw and packaging materials and finished goods.

Unilever’s contractual obligations at the end of 2013 included capital expenditure commitments, borrowings, lease commitments and other commitments. A summary of certain contractual obligations at 31 December 2013 is provided in the preceding table. Further details are set out in the following notes to the consolidated financial statements: note 10 on pages 111 and 112, note 15C on pages 118 and 119, and note 20 on pages 129 to 131.

Unilever is satisfied that its financing arrangements are adequate to meet its working capital needs for the foreseeable future. In relation to the facilities available to the Group, borrowing requirements do not fluctuate materially during the year and are not seasonal.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK

The key financial instruments used by Unilever are short-term and long-term borrowings, cash and cash equivalents, and certain plain vanilla derivative instruments, principally comprising interest rate swaps and foreign exchange contracts. The accounting for derivative instruments is discussed in note 16 on page 120 and on pages 124 and 125. The use of leveraged instruments is not permitted.

Treasury processes are governed by standards approved by the Unilever Leadership Executive. Unilever manages a variety of market risks, including the effects of changes in foreign exchange rates, interest rates, commodity costs and liquidity. Further details of the management of these risks are given in note 16 on pages 120 to 125.

BASIS OF REPORTING AND CRITICAL

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS. The accounting policies that are most significant in connection with our financial reporting are set out in note 1 on pages 94 and 95 and other than as noted below are consistent with those applied in 2012.

In the year the Group adopted IAS 19 (Revised) ‘Employee benefits’ which changes disclosure requirements and restricts the accounting options available for defined benefit pension plans. The changes resulted in an increase in finance costs of 193 million for the year ended 31 December 2013 (138 million for the year ended 31 December 2012) and a reduction in net defined benefit liability of 198 million in the restated comparative opening balance sheet as at 1 January 2012, with a corresponding increase in actuarial gains or losses on pension schemes before tax when restated under the new standard.

AUDIT FEES AND OPINION

Included within operating profit is 21 million (2012: 21 million) paid to the external auditor, of which 16 million (2012: 18 million) related to statutory audit services.

The audit opinions issued, by PricewaterhouseCoopers Accountants N.V. and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, on the consolidated results of the Group, as set out on pages 86 to 89, were unqualified and contained no exceptions or emphasis of matter.

 

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FINANCIAL REVIEW 2013

CONTINUED

 

 

NON-GAAP MEASURES

Certain discussions and analyses set out in this Annual Report and Accounts 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. Non-GAAP financial measures as reported by us may not be comparable with similarly titled amounts reported by other companies.

In the following sections we set out our definitions of the following non-GAAP measures and provide reconciliations to relevant GAAP measures:

  underlying sales growth;
  underlying volume growth;
  core operating profit and core operating margin;
  core earnings per share (core EPS);
  free cash flow; and
  net debt.

UNDERLYING SALES GROWTH (USG)

Underlying Sales Growth or “USG” refers to the increase in turnover for the period, excluding any change in turnover resulting from acquisitions, disposals and changes in currency. Acquisitions and disposals are 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 USG to changes in the GAAP measure turnover is as follows:

TOTAL GROUP

     

2013

vs 2012

   

2012

vs 2011

 

Underlying sales growth (%)

     4.3        6.9   

Effect of acquisitions (%)

            1.8   

Effect of disposals (%)

     (1.1     (0.7

Effect of exchange rates (%)

     (5.9     2.2   

Turnover growth (%)(a)

     (3.0     10.5   

PERSONAL CARE

     

2013

vs 2012

   

2012

vs 2011

 

Underlying sales growth (%)

     7.3        10.0   

Effect of acquisitions (%)

            4.4   

Effect of disposals (%)

     (0.2     (0.5

Effect of exchange rates (%)

     (6.8     2.3   

Turnover growth (%)(a)

     (0.2     17.0   

FOODS

     

2013

vs 2012

   

2012

vs 2011

 

Underlying sales growth (%)

     0.3        1.8   

Effect of acquisitions (%)

              

Effect of disposals (%)

     (3.7     (1.5

Effect of exchange rates (%)

     (3.8     3.0   

Turnover growth (%)(a)

     (7.0     3.3   

REFRESHMENT

     

2013

vs 2012

   

2012

vs 2011

 

Underlying sales growth (%)

     1.1        6.3   

Effect of acquisitions (%)

     0.1        0.8   

Effect of disposals (%)

            0.7   

Effect of exchange rates (%)

     (4.7     2.4   

Turnover growth (%)(a)

     (3.7     10.5   

HOME CARE

     

2013

vs 2012

   

2012

vs 2011

 

Underlying sales growth (%)

     8.0        10.3   

Effect of acquisitions (%)

     0.1        0.6   

Effect of disposals (%)

            (1.1

Effect of exchange rates (%)

     (8.6     0.6   

Turnover growth (%)(a)

     (1.2     10.4   

 

(a)  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 VOLUME GROWTH (UVG)

Underlying Volume Growth or “UVG” is part of USG and means, for the applicable period, the increase in turnover in such period calculated as the sum of (1) the increase in turnover attributable to the volume of products sold; and (2) the increase in turnover attributable to the composition of products sold during such period. UVG therefore excludes any impact to USG due to changes in prices.

The relationship between the two measures is set out below:

 

     

2013

vs 2012

    

2012

vs 2011

 

Underlying volume growth (%)

     2.5         3.4   

Effect of price changes (%)

     1.8         3.3   

Underlying sales growth (%)

     4.3         6.9   

The UVG and price effect for category and geographical area are shown in the tables on pages 27 and 28.

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 expenditures and net interest payments and preference dividends paid. 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. Free cash flow 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.

 

 

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The reconciliation of FCF to net profit is as follows:

 

       million
2013
   

million   

2012   

(Restated)   

Net profit

     5,263      4,836   

Taxation

     1,851      1,697   

Share of net profit of joint ventures/associates and other income from non-current investments

     (127   (91)  

Net finance costs

     530      535   

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment

     1,151      1,199   

Changes in working capital

     200      822   

Pensions and similar provisions less payments

     (383   (369)  

Provisions less payments

     126      (43)  

Elimination of (profits)/losses on disposals

     (725   (236)  

Non-cash charge for share-based compensation

     228      153   

Other adjustments

     (15   13   

Cash flow from operating activities

     8,099      8,516   

Income tax paid

     (1,805   (1,680)  

Net capital expenditure

     (2,027   (2,143)  

Net interest and preference dividends paid

     (411   (360)  

Free cash flow

       3,856        4,333   

Net cash flow (used in)/from investing activities

     (1,161   (755)  

Net cash flow (used in)/from financing activities

     (5,390   (6,622)  

CORE OPERATING PROFIT AND CORE OPERATING MARGIN

Core operating profit and core operating margin mean operating profit and operating margin, respectively, before the impact of business disposals, acquisition and disposal related costs, impairments and other one-off items, which we collectively term non-core items, on the grounds that the incidence of these items is uneven between reporting periods.

 

The reconciliation of core operating profit to operating profit is as follows:

 

     

 million

2013

   

million     

2012     

(Restated)     

Operating profit

     7,517      6,977     

Acquisition and disposal related cost

     112      190     

(Gain)/loss on disposal of group companies

     (733   (117)    

Impairments and other one-off items

     120      –     

Core operating profit

     7,016      7,050     

Turnover

     49,797      51,324     

Operating margin

     15.1   13.6%  

Core operating margin

     14.1   13.7%  

Further details of non-core items can be found in note 3 on

page 98.

CORE EARNINGS PER SHARE

The Group also refers to core earnings per share (core EPS). In calculating core earnings, net profit attributable to shareholders’ equity is adjusted to eliminate the post tax impact of non-core items. Refer to note 7 on page 108 for reconciliation of core earnings to net profit attributable to shareholders’ equity.

NET DEBT

Net debt is defined as the excess of total financial liabilities, excluding trade and other payables, over cash, cash equivalents and current financial assets, excluding trade and other receivables. It 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.

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

 

       million
2013
   

 million

2012

 

Total financial liabilities

     (11,501     (10,221

Current financial liabilities

     (4,010     (2,656

Non-current financial liabilities

     (7,491     (7,565

Cash and cash equivalents as per balance sheet

     2,285        2,465   

Cash and cash equivalents as per cash flow statement

     2,044        2,217   

Add bank overdrafts deducted therein

     241        248   

Current financial assets

     760        401   

Net debt

     (8,456     (7,355

 

 

 

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RISKS

 

The following discussion of the risk outlook and our principal risk management activities includes ‘forward-looking’ statements that reflect Unilever’s view of the operating risk environment. The actual results could differ materially from those projected. See the ‘Cautionary statement’ on the inside back cover.

OUTLOOK

Market conditions for our business were again challenging in 2013 and we do not anticipate this changing significantly in 2014.

Economic pressures are expected to continue. Consumer demand in emerging markets has slowed and is expected to remain subdued in 2014. In developed market economies, there are signs of gradual recovery, but any improvement in consumer demand is likely to be slow and muted and shoppers will remain focused on value. While the greatest pressures in the Eurozone have reduced, they have not been permanently resolved and economic and political risks remain.

Currency markets remain volatile and uncertain. Commodities markets have been relatively stable during 2013 but we remain watchful of potential volatility in 2014. Terrorist activity and political unrest may also result in business interruptions and a decreased demand for our products.

The competitive environment for our business is likely to remain intense in 2014. Our competitors, both global and local, will continue to shift resources into emerging markets. We expect continued high levels of competitive challenge to our many category leadership positions. Some of this may be price based, but we also expect strong innovation based competition. With the improvements we have been making, and continue to make, to our business we are well prepared for these challenges.

Our plans give us confidence that Unilever can continue to deliver against the objectives we have set out: volume growth ahead of our markets, steady and sustainable improvement in core operating margin and strong cash flow.

OUR RISK APPETITE AND APPROACH TO RISK MANAGEMENT

Risk management is integral to Unilever’s strategy and to the achievement of Unilever’s long-term goals. Our success as an organisation depends on our ability to identify and exploit the opportunities generated by our business and the markets we are in. In doing this we take an embedded approach to risk management which puts risk and opportunity assessment at the core of the leadership team agenda, which is where we believe it should be.

 

Unilever adopts a risk profile that is aligned to our vision to double the size of our business while reducing our environmental footprint and increasing our positive social impact. Our available capital and other resources are applied to underpin our priorities. We aim to maintain a strong single A credit rating on a long-term basis.

Our approach to risk management is designed to provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance that our assets are safeguarded, the risks facing the business are being assessed and mitigated and all information that may be required to be disclosed is reported to Unilever’s senior management including, where appropriate, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

ORGANISATION

The Unilever Boards assume overall accountability for the management of risk and for reviewing the effectiveness of Unilever’s risk management and internal control systems.

The Boards have established a clear organisational structure with well defined accountabilities for the principal risks that Unilever faces in the short, medium and long term. This organisational structure and distribution of accountabilities and responsibilities ensures that every country in which we operate has specific resources and processes for risk review and risk mitigation. This is supported by the Unilever Leadership Executive, which takes an active responsibility for focusing on the principal areas of risk to Unilever. The Boards regularly review these risk areas, including consideration of environmental, social and governance matters, and retain responsibility for determining the nature and extent of the significant risks that Unilever is prepared to take to achieve its strategic objectives.

FOUNDATION AND PRINCIPLES

Unilever’s approach to doing business is framed by our Corporate Purpose. Our Code of Business Principles sets out the standards of behaviour that we expect all employees to adhere to. Day-to- day responsibility for ensuring these principles are applied throughout Unilever rests with senior management across categories, geographies and functions. A network of Code Officers and Committees supports the activities necessary to communicate the Code, deliver training, maintain processes and procedures (including ‘hotlines’) to report and respond to alleged breaches, and to capture and communicate learnings.

We have a framework of Code Policies that underpin the Code of Business Principles and set out the non-negotiable standards of behaviour expected from all our employees.

For each of our principal risks we have a risk management framework detailing the controls we have in place and who is responsible for both managing the overall risk and the individual controls mitigating that risk.

 

 

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Unilever’s functional standards define mandatory requirements across a range of specialist areas such as health and safety, accounting and reporting and financial risk management.

PROCESSES

Unilever operates a wide range of processes and activities across all its operations covering strategy, planning, execution and performance management. Risk management is integrated into every stage of this business cycle. These procedures are formalised and documented and are increasingly being centralised and automated into transactional and other information technology systems.

ASSURANCE AND RE-ASSURANCE

Assurance on compliance with the Code of Business Principles and all of our Code Policies is obtained annually from Unilever management via a formal Code declaration. In addition, there are specialist compliance programmes which run during the year and vary depending on the business priorities. These specialist compliance programmes supplement the Code declaration. Our Corporate Audit function plays a vital role in providing to both management and the Boards an objective and independent review of the effectiveness of risk management and internal control systems throughout Unilever.

BOARDS’ ASSESSMENT OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE RISK MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORKS

The Boards, advised by the Committees where appropriate, regularly review the significant risks and decisions that could have a material impact on Unilever. These reviews consider the level of risk that Unilever is prepared to take in pursuit of the business strategy and the effectiveness of the management controls in place to mitigate the risk exposure.

The Boards, through the Audit Committee, have reviewed the assessment of risks, internal controls and disclosure controls and procedures in operation within Unilever. They have also considered the effectiveness of any remedial actions taken for the year covered by this report and up to the date of its approval by the Boards.

Details of the activities of the Audit Committee in relation to this can be found in the Report of the Audit Committee on pages 53 to 55.

Further statements on compliance with the specific risk management and control requirements in the Dutch Corporate Governance Code, the UK Corporate Governance Code, the US Securities Exchange Act (1934) and the Sarbanes-Oxley (2002) Act can be found on pages 47, 48 and 50.

PRINCIPAL RISK FACTORS

Our business is subject to risks and uncertainties. On the following pages we have identified the risks that we regard as the most relevant to our business. There may be other risks which are unknown to Unilever or which are currently believed to be immaterial. We have also commented below on certain mitigating actions that we believe help us to manage these risks. However, we may not be successful in deploying some or all of these mitigating actions. If the circumstances in these risks occur or are not successfully mitigated, our cash flow, operating results, financial position, business and reputation could be materially adversely affected. In addition risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to vary from those described, which may include forward-looking statements, or could impact on our ability to meet our targets or be detrimental to our profitability or reputation.

 

 

 

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RISKS CONTINUED

 

 

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RISKS CONTINUED

 

 

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This Strategic Report has been approved by the Boards and

signed on their behalf by Tonia Lovell – Group Secretary

 

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BIOGRAPHIES

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MICHAEL TRESCHOW   KEES STORM   PAUL POLMAN   JEAN-MARC HUËT
Chairman  

Vice-Chairman and Senior

Independent Director

 

Chief Executive Officer

Executive Director

 

Chief Financial Officer

Executive Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nationality Swedish Age 70

Appointed Chairman May 2007

Committee membership: Nominating & Corporate Governance, Compensation & Management Resources

Key areas of prior experience:
Consumer, science & technology

Current external appointments:
Non-executive director, ABB Group. Member of the European Advisory Board, Eli Lilly and Company

Previous relevant experience:

Chairman, Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson; AB Electrolux, Confederation of Swedish Enterprise; Dometic Group. Chief executive officer, AB Electrolux, Atlas Copco AB

 

Nationality Dutch Age 71
Appointed May 2006
Committee membership:

Nominating & Corporate Governance [Chairman], Compensation & Management Resources

Key areas of prior experience: Finance Current external appointments:

Chairman, supervisory board, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines N.V. Member, supervisory board, AEGON N.V. Chairman, Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A. Board member, Baxter International, Inc. Vice-chairman, supervisory board, Pon Holdings B.V.

Previous relevant experience:
Chairman, executive board, AEGON N.V.

 

Nationality Dutch Age 57
Appointed CEO January 2009
Appointed Director October 2008
Key areas of prior experience:

Finance, consumer, sales & marketing

Current external appointments:

Director, The Consumer Goods Forum. UK Business Ambassador. Non-executive director, The Dow Chemical Company. Chairman, World Business Council for Sustainable Development

Previous relevant experience:

Procter & Gamble Co., group president Europe and officer, Procter & Gamble Co.. Chief financial officer, Nestlé S.A.. Director, Alcon Inc

 

Nationality Dutch Age 44
Appointed CFO February 2010
Appointed Director May 2010
Key areas of prior experience:

Finance, consumer

Current external appointments:

Non-executive director, Delta
Topco Limited

Previous relevant experience:

Executive vice-president and chief financial officer, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. Non-executive director, Mead Johnson Nutrition. Chief financial officer, Royal Numico NV. Investment Banking, Goldman Sachs International. Clement Trading

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LAURA CHA   PROFESSOR LOUISE FRESCO   ANN FUDGE   CHARLES GOLDEN
Non-Executive Director   Non-Executive Director   Non-Executive Director   Non-Executive Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nationality Chinese Age 64
Appointed May 2013
Committee membership: Corporate Responsibility

Key areas of prior experience:

Finance, government, legal & regulatory affairs

Current external appointments:

Independent non-executive director, HSBC Holdings plc and China Telecom Corporation Limited. Non-executive deputy chairman, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation. Senior international advisor, Foundation Asset Management AB

Previous relevant experience:

Securities and Futures Commission, Hong Kong. China Securities Regulatory Commission

 

Nationality Dutch Age 62
Appointed May 2009
Committee membership:

Corporate Responsibility [Chairman]

Key areas of prior experience:

Science & technology, academia

Current external appointments:

Professor of international development and sustainability, University of Amsterdam. Supervisory director, RABO Bank. Member, Social and Economic Council of the Netherlands

Previous relevant experience: Assistant director-general for agriculture, Agriculture Department of the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation

 

Nationality American Age 62
Appointed May 2009
Committee membership: Compensation
& Management Resources

Key areas of prior experience:

Consumer, sales & marketing

Current external appointments:

Non-executive director, Infosys;

Novartis AG; General Electric Co. Chairman, US Programs Advisory Panel of Gates Foundation. Member, Foreign Affairs Policy Board, US State Department

Previous relevant experience:

Non-executive director, Buzzient Inc. Chairman and chief executive officer, Young & Rubicam

 

Nationality American Age 67
Appointed May 2006
Committee membership: Corporate Responsibility

Key areas of prior experience: Finance
Current external appointments:

Non-executive director, Indiana University Health; Hill-Rom Holdings; Eaton Corporation and the Lilly Endowment. Member of finance committee, Indianapolis Museum of Art

Previous relevant experience:

Executive vice-president, chief financial officer and director,

Eli Lilly and Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DR BYRON GROTE   MARY MA   HIXONIA NYASULU   SIR MALCOLM RIFKIND
Non-Executive Director   Non-Executive Director   Non-Executive Director   Non-Executive Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nationality American/British Age 65
Appointed May 2006
Committee membership:

Audit (Chairman)

Key areas of prior experience: Finance
Current external appointments:

Non-executive director, Anglo American plc

Previous relevant experience: Chief
financial officer, BP plc. Member, UK Business, Government Forum on Tax and Globalisation. Vice-chairman, UK Government’s Public Services Productivity Panel

 

Nationality Chinese Age 61
Appointed May 2013
Committee membership: Audit
Key areas of prior experience:

Finance, consumer, science & technology

Current external appointments:

Chairman, Boyu Capital. Independent non-executive director, Lenovo Group Limited. Non-executive director, Wumart Stores; Securities and Futures Commission in Hong Kong; Stelux Holdings International Limited

Previous relevant experience:

Non-executive director, Standard Chartered Bank [Hong Kong] Limited. Partner, TPG Capital. Co-chairman, TPG China

 

Nationality South African Age 59
Appointed May 2007

Committee membership: Audit
Key areas of prior experience:

Marketing, strategy, emerging markets

Current external appointments:

Beneficiary, Sequel Property Investments

Previous relevant experience:

Chairman, Sasol Ltd. Director, Sasol Oil [PTY] Ltd. Deputy chairman, Nedbank Limited. Non-executive director, AVI Ltd; Anglo Platinum Member; JP Morgan Advisory Board

 

Nationality British Age 67
Appointed May 2010
Committee membership: Nominating & Corporate Governance

Key areas of prior experience:

Government, legal and
regulatory affairs

Current external appointments:

Non-executive director, Adam Smith International

Previous relevant experience:

Queen’s Counsel. Served in Cabinets of Margaret Thatcher and John Major, last position being that of Foreign Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JOHN RISHTON   PAUL WALSH    
Non-Executive Director   Non-Executive Director    

 

 

 

   

Nationality British Age 55
Appointed May 2013
Committee membership: Audit
Key areas of prior experience:

Finance, sales & marketing

Current external appointments:

Chief executive officer, Rolls-Royce Holdings plc

Previous relevant experience:

Chief executive officer, president and chief financial officer, Royal Ahold N.V. Non-executive director, ICA AB and Allied Domecq plc. Chief financial officer, British Airways plc

 

Nationality British Age 58
Appointed May 2009
Committee membership: Compensation

& Management Resources [Chairman]
Key areas of prior experience: Finance, consumer, sales & marketing
Current external appointments:

Advisor, Diageo plc. Chairman, Compass Group plc. Non-executive director, FedEx Corporation Inc.; Avanti Communications Group plc. Adviser, Department of Energy and Climate Change

Previous relevant experience:

Chief executive officer, Diageo plc. Non-executive director, Centrica plc

   

 

 

 

   

 

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UNILEVER LEADERSHIP EXECUTIVE (ULE)

FOR PAUL POLMAN AND JEAN-MARC HUËT SEE PAGE 40

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DOUG BAILLIE

Chief HR Officer

 

PROFESSOR GENEVIÈVE BERGER

Chief Science Officer

 

DAVID BLANCHARD

Chief Category R&D Officer

 

KEVIN HAVELOCK

Refreshment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nationality British Age 58
Appointed Chief HR Officer in

February 2011

Appointed to ULE as President
of Western Europe in May 2008.

Joined Unilever 1978
Previous Unilever posts include:

Chief executive officer Hindustan Unilever Limited; Group Vice-President South Asia 2006; Group Vice-President, Africa, Middle East & Turkey 2005

Current external appointments:

Board member, Synergos

 

Nationality French Age 59
Appointed to ULE July 2008
Previous posts include: Non-executive director, Smith & Nephew plc 2010-2012. Chairman of the Health Advisory Board for the European Commission. Professor at the University of Paris and La Pitié-Salpêtrière Teaching Hospital. Director general of the French Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique

Current external appointments:

Non-executive director,

AstraZeneca PLC

 

Nationality British Age 49
Appointed to ULE February 2013.
Joined Unilever 1986

Previous Unilever posts include:

Senior Vice-President for Unilever Research & Development. Chairman of Unilever Canada Inc. SVP Marketing Operations Foods America. VP R&D for Global Dressings. Director of Product Development for Margarine and Spreads

 

Nationality British Age 56
Appointed to ULE November 2011.
Joined Unilever 1985

Previous Unilever posts include:

Chairman, Unilever Arabia and President Unilever USA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALAN JOPE

Russia, Africa and Middle East

 

KEES KRUYTHOFF

North America

 

DAVE LEWIS

Personal Care

 

HARISH MANWANI

Chief Operating Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nationality British Age 49
Appointed to ULE November 2011.
Joined Unilever 1985

Previous Unilever posts include:

Chairman of Unilever Greater China. Global Category Leader for SCC and Dressings. Chief Operating Officer and subsequently President of Unilever’s combined Home and Personal Care business in North America

 

Nationality Dutch Age 45
Appointed to ULE November 2011.
Joined Unilever 1993

Previous Unilever posts include:

Executive Vice-President Brazil 2008. Chairman of Unilever Foods South Africa 2004. Member of the board of Unilever Bestfoods Asia 2002

Current external appointments:

Member of the Worldwide board of directors, Enactus. Board member, USA Grocery Manufacturing Association. Board member of the Jackie Robinson Foundation

 

Nationality British Age 48
Appointed to ULE May 2010.

Joined Unilever 1987

Previous Unilever posts include:

President, Americas. Chairman, Unilever UK and Ireland. Managing Director, UK home and personal care business. Senior Vice-President for Home and Personal Care, Central and Eastern Europe;

Current external appointments:
Non-executive director, British Sky Broadcasting Group PLC

 

Nationality Indian Age 60
Appointed Chief Operating Officer in

September 2011

Appointed to ULE April 2005 as President Asia Africa. Joined Unilever 1976.

Previous Unilever posts include:

President Asia, Africa, Central & Eastern Europe 2008. Group President, Home and Personal Care, North America 2004

Current external appointments:
Non-executive director, Whirlpool Corporation; Pearson plc and Singapore Economic Development Board

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NITIN PARANJPE

Home Care

 

ANTOINE DE SAINT-AFFRIQUE

Foods

 

PIER LUIGI SIGISMONDI

Chief Supply Chain Officer

 

RITVA SOTAMAA

Chief Legal Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nationality Indian Age 50
Appointed to ULE October 2013. Joined Unilever 1987

Previous Unilever posts include:

Chief Executive Officer, Hindustan Unilever Limited and Executive Vice-President, South Asia. Executive Director, Home & Personal Care, India. Vice-President, Home Care. Category Head (Fabric Wash) and Regional Brand Director, Laundry and Household Cleaning, Asia

 

Nationality French Age 49
Appointed to ULE November 2011.

First joined Unilever 1989 until 1997;
re-joined Unilever 2000

Previous Unilever posts include:

Executive Vice-President Skin category. Executive Vice-President Unilever Central & Eastern Europe

Current external appointments:

Conseiller du Commerce Extérieur de la France. Non-executive director, Essilor International

 

Nationality Italian Age 48
Appointed to ULE September 2009
Previous posts include: Vice-President of Operations and R&D, Nestlé Mexico. Nestlé S.A. 2002 - 2005. Vice-President of Operations for A T Kearney

Current external appointments:

Independent supervisory board member, Rexel

  Nationality Finnish Age 50
Appointed to ULE February 2013
Previous posts include: General Counsel for Siemens AG, Siemens Healthcare. Various posts at General Electric Company, GE Healthcare (the most recent being General Counsel, GE Healthcare Systems). General Counsel, Instrumentarium Corporation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KEITH WEED

Chief Marketing and

Communication Officer

 

JAN ZIJDERVELD

Europe

   

 

 

 

   

Nationality British Age 52
Appointed to ULE April 2010.

Joined Unilever 1983

Previous Unilever posts include:

Executive Vice-President for Global Home Care & Hygiene; Chairman of Lever Fabergé; SVP Hair and Oral Care

Current external appointments:
Non-executive director, Sun Products Corporation. Board member, Business in the Community International Board, World Economic Forum Consumer Industry Board

 

Nationality Dutch Age 49

Appointed to ULE February 2011.

Joined Unilever 1988

Previous Unilever posts include:

Executive Vice-President South East Asia and Australasia. Chairman of Unilever Middle East North Africa. Chairman of Nordic ice cream business

Current external appointments:

Board member, AIM, FoodDrinkEurope, Pepsi/Unilever Lipton JV. Board member and co-chair, ECR Europe (Efficient Consumer Response)

   

 

 

 

   

 

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CORPORATE

GOVERNANCE

 

ABOUT UNILEVER

Since 1930 when the Unilever Group was formed, Unilever N.V. (NV) and Unilever PLC (PLC), together with their group companies, have operated as nearly as practicable as a single economic entity. This is achieved by a series of agreements between NV and PLC (the Foundation Agreements, further described on page 47), together with special provisions in the Articles of Association of NV and PLC.

Each NV ordinary share represents the same underlying economic interest in the Unilever Group as each PLC ordinary share. However, NV and PLC remain separate legal entities with different shareholder constituencies and separate stock exchange listings. Shareholders cannot convert or exchange the shares of one for the shares of the other. Shares in Unilever group companies may ultimately be held wholly by either NV or PLC or by the two companies in varying proportions.

NV and PLC have the same Directors, adopt the same accounting principles and pay dividends to their respective shareholders on an equalised basis. NV and PLC and their group companies constitute a single reporting entity for the purposes of presenting consolidated accounts. Accordingly, the accounts of the Unilever Group are presented by both NV and PLC as their respective consolidated accounts.

Unilever is subject to various corporate governance requirements and best practice codes, the most relevant being those in the Netherlands, the UK and the US. We conduct our operations in accordance with internationally accepted principles of good governance and best practice, whilst ensuring compliance with the corporate governance requirements applicable in the countries in which we operate.

NV and PLC are holding and service companies and the business activity of Unilever is carried out by their subsidiaries around the world.

THE BOARDS

It has always been a requirement of Unilever that the same people be on the Boards of the two parent companies. This guarantees that all matters are considered by the Boards as a single intellect, reaching the same conclusions on the same set of facts save where specific local factors apply. It is essential that in reaching the same decisions the NV and PLC Boards identify and resolve any potential conflicts of interest between NV and PLC.

The Boards are one-tier boards, comprising Executive Directors and, in a majority, Non-Executive Directors. The Boards have ultimate responsibility for the management, general affairs, direction, performance and long-term success of our business as a whole. The responsibility of the Directors is collective, taking into account their respective roles as Executive Directors and Non-Executive Directors.

The Boards have, with the exception of certain matters which are reserved for them, delegated the operational running of the Group to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The CEO is responsible to the Boards and is able to delegate any of his powers and discretions. Matters reserved for the Boards include structural and constitutional matters, corporate governance, approval of dividends, approval of overall strategy for the Group and approval of significant transactions or arrangements in relation to mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and disposals, capital expenditure, contracts, litigation, financing and pensions.

Further details of how our Boards effectively operate as one Board, govern themselves and delegate their authorities are set out in the document entitled ‘The Governance of Unilever’, which can be found at

www.unilever.com/investorrelations/corp_governance.

A list of our current Directors and the dates of their appointment is set out on page 40.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Non-Executive Directors share responsibility, together with the Executive Directors, for the execution of the Boards’ duties.

CHAIRMAN

Unilever has a Non-Executive Chairman and a CEO. There is a clear division of responsibilities between their roles.

The Chairman is primarily responsible for leadership of the Boards and ensuring their effectiveness. The Chairman sets the Boards’ agenda, ensures the Directors receive accurate, timely and clear information, promotes effective relationships and open communication between the Executive and Non-Executive Directors and maintains effective communication with major shareholders. With the Group Secretary, the Chairman will take the lead in providing a properly constructed induction programme for new Directors that is comprehensive, formal and tailored.

VICE-CHAIRMAN/SENIOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

The Vice Chairman/Senior Independent Director serves as an intermediary for the other Directors when necessary. He is also a point of contact for shareholders if they have concerns which cannot be resolved through the Chairman or the Executive Directors.

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

The role of Non-Executive Directors is essentially supervisory and their key responsibilities are:

  supervision of, and advice to, the CEO;
  developing strategy with the CEO;
  scrutiny of performance of the business and the CEO;
  oversight of risks and controls;
  reporting of performance;
  remuneration of and succession planning for Executive Directors; and
  governance and compliance.

CEO

The CEO has the authority to determine which duties regarding the operational management of NV and PLC and their business enterprises will be carried out under his responsibility, by one or more Executive Directors or by one or more other persons. This provides a basis for the Unilever Leadership Executive (ULE) that is chaired by and reports to the CEO. For ULE members’ biographies see page 41.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

During 2013, Unilever continued to have two Executive Directors, the CEO and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), who are also members of the ULE and are full-time employees of Unilever.

GROUP SECRETARY

The Group Secretary is available to advise all Directors on matters relating to the governance of the Group and ensures compliance with Board procedures. The Group Secretary is Tonia Lovell.

 

 

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APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTORS

In seeking to ensure that NV and PLC have the same Directors, the Articles of Association of NV and PLC contain provisions which are designed to ensure that both NV and PLC shareholders are presented with the same candidates for election as Directors. Anyone being elected as a Director of NV must also be elected as a Director of PLC and vice versa. Therefore, if an individual fails to be elected to both companies he or she will be unable to take his or her place on either Board. These provisions of the Articles cannot be changed without the permission, in the case of NV, of the holders of the special ordinary shares numbered 1 to 2,400 inclusive and, in the case of PLC, of the holders of PLC’s deferred stock. The NV special ordinary shares may only be transferred to one or more other holders of such shares. The joint holders of both the NV special ordinary shares and the PLC deferred stock are N.V. Elma and United Holdings Limited, which are joint subsidiaries of NV and PLC. The Boards of N.V. Elma and United Holdings Limited comprise the members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (NCGC).

The Non-Executive Directors are chosen individually for their broad and relevant experience and international outlook, as well as for their independence. The profile set by the Boards for the Non-Executive Directors (which can be found in ‘The Governance of Unilever’) provides guiding principles for the composition of the Boards in line with the recommendations of applicable governance regulations and best practice, and takes into account the balance of skills, diversity, knowledge and experience on the Boards. The schedule used for orderly succession planning can be found on our website at www.unilever.com/investorrelations/corp_governance.

In consultation with the NCGC, the Boards review both the adequacy of succession planning processes and succession planning itself at both Board and ULE level. Details of the current Non-Executive Directors’ various appointments can be found in their biographies on page 40.

CHANGES TO THE BOARD

During 2013 the NCGC engaged the services of an executive search agency to assist with the recruitment of new Non-Executive Directors. Russell Reynolds Associates, who also assist in the recruitment of senior executives as appropriate, employed a rigorous search process, by firstly gaining a thorough understanding of the strategic goals of Unilever, the specific leadership roles and competencies needed to meet those goals, and the culture of our organisation, in which to identify potential candidates. As a result of this, Laura Cha, Mary Ma and John Rishton were appointed to the Boards as Non-Executive Directors at the 2013 AGMs. Sunil B Mittal retired as a Non-Executive Director at the 2013 AGMs.

TENURE

Non-Executive Directors normally serve for a maximum of nine years. Executive Directors stop holding executive office on ceasing to be Directors.

All existing Executive and Non-Executive Directors, unless they are retiring, submit themselves for evaluation by the NCGC every year. Based on the evaluation of the Boards, its Committees and the continued good performance of individual Directors, the NCGC recommends to each Board a list of candidates for nomination/ re-election at the AGMs of both NV and PLC. In addition, shareholders are able to nominate Directors. To do so they must put a resolution to both AGMs in line with local requirements. Directors are appointed by shareholders by a simple majority vote at the AGMs.

BOARD INDUCTION, TRAINING AND SUPPORT

Upon election, Directors receive a comprehensive Directors’ Information Pack and are briefed thoroughly on their responsibilities and the business with a tailored induction programme. The Chairman ensures that ongoing training is provided for Directors by way of site visits, presentations and circulated updates at Board and Board Committee meetings on, among other things, Unilever’s business, environmental, social and corporate governance, regulatory developments and investor relations matters. In 2013 the Board knowledge sessions were on building and protecting Unilever’s brands, talent and leadership development initiatives and our Treasury function.

A procedure is in place to enable Directors, if they so wish, to seek independent advice at Unilever’s expense.

BOARD MEETINGS

A minimum of five face-to-face meetings are planned throughout the calendar year to consider, for example, the half-year and full-year results announcements of the Group and the Annual Report and Accounts. Other Board meetings and telephone conferences are held to discuss matters that arise as well as Group strategic issues.

During the year the Boards will consider important corporate events and actions, such as:

  developing and approval of the overall strategy;
  oversight of the performance of the business;
  review of risks and controls;
  authorisation of major transactions;
  declaration of dividends;
  convening of shareholders’ meetings;
  nominations for Board appointments;
  approval of Directors’ remuneration policy;
  review of the functioning of the Boards and their Committees; and
  review of corporate responsibility and sustainability, in particular the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan.

Our risk management approach and associated systems of internal control are of utmost importance to the Boards and are described further on pages 34 to 39.

Meetings of the Boards may be held either in London or Rotterdam or such other locations as the Boards think fit, with one or two off-site Board meetings a year. In 2013, off-site Board meetings were held in Unilever’s international management centre in Four Acres, UK; New York, US; and Barcelona, Spain.

In these locations the Boards learnt more about the talent and leadership development initiatives within the Group, Unilever’s innovation process, risk management and the competitive environment. Visits such as these allow the Non-Executive Directors to meet senior managers around Unilever’s global business and in turn allow them to gain a deeper understanding of the business.

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MEETINGS

The Non-Executive Directors meet as a group, without the Executive Directors present, to consider specific agenda items set by them, usually four or five times a year. In 2013 they met five times. The Chairman, or in his absence the Vice-Chairman/Senior Independent Director, presides over such meetings.

 

 

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CONTINUED

 

 

ATTENDANCE

The following table shows the attendance of Directors at Board meetings for the year ended 31 December 2013. If Directors are unable to attend a Board meeting they have the opportunity beforehand to discuss any agenda items with the Chairman. Attendance is expressed as the number of meetings attended out of the number eligible to be attended.

 

Main Board  

Michael Treschow(a)

     7 / 7   

Kees Storm(b)

     7 / 7   

Paul Polman(c)

     7 / 7   

Jean-Marc Huët(c)

     7 / 7   

Laura Cha(d)

     4 / 4   

Louise Fresco

     7 / 7   

Ann Fudge

     6 / 7   

Charles Golden

     6 / 7   

Byron Grote

     7 / 7   

Mary Ma(d)

     4 / 4   

Sunil B Mittal(e)

     2 / 3   

Hixonia Nyasulu

     6 / 7   

Sir Malcolm Rifkind

     7 / 7   

John Rishton(d)

     3 / 4   

Paul Walsh

     7 / 7   

(a) Chairman

(b) Vice-Chairman/Senior Independent Director

(c) Executive Director

(d) Appointed to the Boards on 15 May 2013

(e) Retired from the Boards on 15 May 2013

BOARD EVALUATION

Unilever’s Chairman leads the process whereby the Boards formally assess their own performance with the aim of helping to improve the effectiveness of the Boards and their Committees.

The evaluation process consists of an internal exercise performed annually with an independent third-party evaluation carried out at least once every three years.

In 2012 we engaged an independent governance specialist to advise on our internal evaluation process and help create three full and confidential online evaluation questionnaires on our Boards, CEO and Chairman for all Directors to complete. The detailed Board questionnaire invites comments on a number of key areas including Board responsibility, operations, effectiveness, training and knowledge. The online questionnaires were used again in 2013.

In addition, each year the Chairman conducts a process of evaluating the performance and contribution of each Director which includes a one-to-one performance and feedback discussion with each Director. The evaluation of the performance of the Chairman is led by the Vice-Chairman/Senior Independent Director and the Chairman leads the evaluation of the CEO, both using bespoke questionnaires. Committees of the Boards evaluate themselves annually under supervision of their respective chairmen taking into account the views of respective Committee members and the Boards.

ONGOING EVALUATION

In the table below we report on the key actions agreed by the Boards in the last three evaluations, in order to provide a meaningful assessment of the challenges the Boards face as they evolve.

 

 

LOGO

 

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INDEPENDENCE AND CONFLICTS

As the Non-Executive Directors make up the Committees of the Boards, it is important that they can be considered to be independent.

The Boards have conducted a thorough review of the Non-Executive Directors’, and their related or connected persons’, relevant relationships referencing the criteria set out in ‘The Governance of Unilever’ which is derived from the relevant best practice guidelines in the Netherlands, UK and US. The Boards currently consider all our Non-Executive Directors to be independent of Unilever.

None of our Non-Executive Directors, Executive Directors or other key management personnel are elected or appointed under any arrangement or understanding with any major shareholder, customer, supplier or otherwise. There are no family relationships between any of our Executive Directors, members of the ULE or Non-Executive Directors.

We attach special importance to avoiding conflicts of interest between NV and PLC and their Directors. The Boards are responsible for ensuring that there are rules in place to avoid conflicts of interest by Board members. Conflicts of interest are understood not to include transactions and other activities between companies in the Unilever Group.

Authorisation of situational conflicts is given by the Boards to the relevant Director. The authorisation includes conditions relating to keeping Unilever information confidential and to the Director’s exclusion from receiving and discussing relevant information at Board meetings. Situational conflicts are reviewed annually by the Boards as part of the determination of Director independence. In between those reviews Directors have a duty to inform the Boards of any relevant changes to the situation. A Director may not vote on, or be counted in a quorum in relation to, any resolution of the Boards in respect of any situation in which he or she has a conflict of interest. The procedures that Unilever has put in place to deal with conflicts of interest have operated effectively.

OUTSIDE APPOINTMENTS

Unilever recognises the benefit to the individual and to the Group of involvement by Unilever senior executives acting as directors of other companies outside the Unilever Group, broadening their experience and knowledge. For our Executive Directors, the number of outside directorships of listed companies is generally limited to one per individual and, in the case of publicly listed companies approval, is required from the Chairman. Outside directorships must not involve an excessive commitment or conflict of interest. Fees paid in connection with an outside directorship may be retained by the individual, reflecting that any outside directorship is the responsibility of the individual and that Unilever takes no responsibility in this regard.

INDEMNIFICATION

The terms of NV Directors’ indemnification are provided for in NV’s Articles of Association. The power to indemnify PLC Directors is provided for in PLC’s Articles of Association and deeds of indemnity have been issued to all PLC Directors. Appropriate qualifying third-party Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance was in place for all Unilever Directors throughout 2013 and is currently in force.

In addition, PLC provides indemnities (including, where applicable, a qualifying pension scheme indemnity provision) to the Directors of three subsidiaries which each act as trustee of a Unilever UK pension fund. Appropriate trustee liability insurance is also in place.

BORROWING POWERS

The borrowing powers of NV Directors on behalf of NV are not limited by the Articles of Association of NV. PLC Directors have the power to borrow on behalf of PLC up to three times the PLC proportion of the adjusted capital and reserves of the Unilever Group, as defined in PLC’s Articles of Association, without the approval of shareholders (by way of an ordinary resolution).

BOARD COMMITTEES

The Boards have established four Board Committees: the Audit Committee, the Compensation and Management Resources Committee, the Corporate Responsibility Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, all formally set up by Board resolutions with defined terms of reference which are contained within ‘The Governance of Unilever’ which is available at

www.unilever.com/investorrelations/corp_governance.

The Committees are solely made up of Non-Executive Directors, report regularly to the Boards and their actions are regularly monitored by the Boards. All Committees are provided with sufficient resources to undertake their duties.

The reports of each Committee can be found on pages 53 to 83. Attendance tables can be found within each Committee Report. If Directors are unable to attend a Committee meeting, they have the opportunity beforehand to discuss any agenda items with the chairman of the meeting.

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE – DISCLOSURE COMMITTEE

The Boards have set up, through the CEO, a Disclosure Committee which is responsible for helping the Boards ensure that financial and other information required to be disclosed publicly is disclosed in a timely manner and that the information disclosed is complete and accurate in all material aspects.

The Committee comprises the Controller (Chairman), the Chief Legal Officer, the Group Secretary, the Group Treasurer and the NV and PLC Deputy Secretaries.

OUR SHAREHOLDERS

SHAREHOLDER MATTERS

SHAREHOLDER AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Unilever values open, constructive and effective communication with our shareholders. The CFO has lead responsibility for investor relations, with the active involvement of the CEO. They are supported by our Investor Relations department which organises presentations for analysts and investors. Such presentations are generally made available on our website. Briefings on quarterly results are given via teleconference and are accessible by telephone or via our website. For further information visit our website at www.unilever.com/investorrelations.

The Boards are briefed on reactions to the announcement of the Group’s quarterly results. They, or the relevant Board Committee, are briefed on any issues raised by shareholders that are relevant to their responsibilities. Our shareholders can raise issues directly with the Chairman and, if appropriate, the Vice-Chairman/Senior Independent Director. In 2013 the Chairman continued with his practice and met with a number of investors and industry representatives to answer their questions and to gain a better understanding of their policies on governance and voting.

 

 

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CONTINUED

 

 

Both NV and PLC communicate with their respective shareholders at the AGMs as well as responding to their questions and enquiries during the course of the year. We take the views of our shareholders into account and, in accordance with all applicable legislation and regulations, may consult them in an appropriate way before putting proposals to our AGMs.

GENERAL MEETINGS

At the AGMs, a review is given of the progress of the business over the last year and there is a discussion of current issues. Shareholders are encouraged to attend the meetings and ask questions, and the question and answer sessions form an important part of the meetings. The business generally conducted includes approval/adoption of the Annual Report and Accounts, appointment of Directors, appointment of external auditors, and authorisation for the Boards to allot and repurchase shares.

General Meetings of NV and PLC are held at times and places decided by our Boards. NV meetings are normally held in Rotterdam and PLC meetings are normally held in London. As in 2012, the 2013 AGMs of NV and PLC were held on the same day. The CEO and Chairman attended both meetings in person, with half the Board members present attending in person in Rotterdam and the other half in person in London and a satellite link between the two venues to facilitate Directors’ attendance at both meetings. The same format will be followed for the 2014 AGMs.

The external auditors are welcomed to the AGMs and they are entitled to address the meetings.

VOTING RIGHTS

NV shareholders can cast one vote for each 0.16 nominal capital that they hold. This means that they can cast one vote for each NV ordinary share or NV New York Registry Share. Shareholders can vote in person or by proxy. Similar arrangements apply to holders of depositary receipts issued for NV shares and the holders of NV preference shares. PLC shareholders can cast one vote for each 31/9p nominal capital that they hold. This means shareholders can cast one vote for each PLC ordinary share or PLC American Depositary Receipt of shares.

The Trustees of the PLC employee share trusts may vote or abstain in any way they think fit and in doing so may take into account both financial and non-financial interests of the beneficiaries of the employee share trusts or their dependants. Historically the Trustees tend not to exercise this right.

More information on the exercise of voting rights can be found in NV’s and PLC’s Articles of Association and in the respective Notices of Meetings which can be found on our website at www.unilever.com/agm.

SHAREHOLDER PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS

Shareholders of NV may propose resolutions if they individually or together hold at least 1% of NV’s issued capital in the form of shares or depositary receipts for shares. Shareholders who together represent at least 10% of the issued capital of NV can also requisition Extraordinary General Meetings to deal with specific resolutions.

Shareholders of PLC who together hold shares representing at least 5% of the total voting rights of PLC, or 100 shareholders who hold on average £100 each in nominal value of PLC share capital, can require PLC to propose a resolution at a General Meeting. PLC shareholders holding in aggregate 5% of the issued PLC ordinary shares are able to convene a General Meeting of PLC.

REQUIRED MAJORITIES

Resolutions are usually adopted at NV and PLC shareholder meetings by an absolute majority of votes cast, unless there are other requirements under the applicable laws or NV’s or PLC’s Articles of Association. For example, there are special requirements for resolutions relating to the alteration of the Articles of Association, the liquidation of NV or PLC and the alteration of the Equalisation Agreement.

A proposal to alter the Articles of Association of NV can only be made by the Board of NV. A proposal to alter the Articles of Association of PLC can be made either by the Board of PLC or by approval of shareholders by special resolution in accordance with the UK Companies Act 2006. Unless expressly specified to the contrary in the Articles of Association of PLC, PLC’s Articles of Association may be amended by a special resolution. Proposals to alter the provisions in the Articles of Association of NV and PLC respectively relating to the unity of management require the prior approval of meetings of the holders of the NV special ordinary shares and the PLC deferred stock. The Articles of Association of both NV and PLC can be found on our website at www.unilever.com/investorrelations/corp_governance.

RIGHT TO HOLD SHARES

Unilever’s constitutional documents place no limitations on the right to hold NV and PLC shares. There are no limitations on the right to hold or exercise voting rights on the ordinary shares of NV and PLC imposed by Dutch or English law.

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION

Shareholders of NV and PLC can electronically appoint a proxy to vote on their behalf at the respective AGM. Shareholders of PLC can also choose to receive electronic notification that the Annual Report and Accounts and Notice of AGMs have been published on our website, instead of receiving printed copies.

SHARE CAPITAL MATTERS

MARGARINE UNION (1930) LIMITED: CONVERSION RIGHTS

The first Viscount Leverhulme was the founder of the company which became PLC. When he died in 1925, he left in his will a large number of PLC shares in various trusts.

When the will trusts were varied in 1983, the interests of the beneficiaries of his will were also preserved. Four classes of special shares were created in Margarine Union (1930) Limited, a subsidiary of PLC. One of these classes can be converted at the end of the year 2038 into 70,875,000 PLC ordinary shares of 31/9p each. As at 3 March 2014 this represents 5.4% of PLC’s issued ordinary capital. This class of the special shares only has a right to dividends in specified circumstances, and no dividends have yet been paid.

FOUNDATION UNILEVER N.V. TRUST OFFICE

The Foundation Unilever N.V. Trust Office (Stichting Administratiekantoor Unilever N.V.) is a trust office with a board independent of Unilever. As part of its corporate objects, the Foundation issues depositary receipts in exchange for the NV ordinary shares and NV 7% preference shares. These depositary receipts are listed on Euronext Amsterdam, as are the NV ordinary and 7% preference shares themselves.

Holders of depositary receipts can under all circumstances exchange their depositary receipts for the underlying shares (and vice versa) and are entitled to dividends and all economic benefits on the underlying shares held by the Foundation. There are no limitations on their voting rights, they can attend all General Meetings of NV, either personally or by proxy, and have the right to speak. The Foundation only votes shares that are not

 

 

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represented at a General Meeting. The Foundation votes in such a way as it deems to be in the interests of the holders of the depositary receipts. This voting policy is laid down in the Conditions of Administration that apply to the depositary receipts.

The Foundation’s shareholding fluctuates daily. Its holdings on 3 March 2014 were 1,336,559,664 NV ordinary shares 77.94% and 9,776 NV 7% cumulative preference shares (33.71%).

The members of the board at the Foundation are Mr J H Schraven (chairman), Mr P P de Koning, Prof Emeritus Dr L Koopmans and Mr A A Olijslager. The Foundation reports periodically on its activities. Further information on the Foundation, including its Articles of Association and Conditions of Administration, can be found on its website at www.administratiekantoor-unilever.nl.

Unilever considers the arrangements of the Foundation appropriate and in the interests of NV and its shareholders given the size of the voting rights attached to the financing preference shares and the relatively low attendance of holders of ordinary shares at the General Meetings of NV.

Further information on the share capital of NV and PLC is given on pages 51 and 52.

OUR FOUNDATION AGREEMENTS

FOUNDATION AGREEMENTS

The Unilever Group is created and maintained by a series of agreements between the parent companies, NV and PLC, together with special provisions in their respective Articles of Association, which are together known as the Foundation Agreements. These agreements enable Unilever to achieve unity of management, operations, shareholders’ rights, purpose and mission. Further information on these agreements is provided below and in the document entitled ‘The Governance of Unilever’. This document, together with NV’s and PLC’s current Articles of Association, and the other Foundation Agreements can be found on our website at www.unilever.com/investorrelations/corp_governance.

NV’s Articles of Association contain, among other things, the objects clause, which sets out the scope of activities that NV is authorised to undertake. They are drafted to give a wide scope and provide that the primary objectives are: to carry on business as a holding company; to manage any companies in which it has an interest; and to operate and carry into effect the Equalisation Agreement. At the 2010 PLC AGM, the shareholders agreed that the objects clause be removed from PLC’s Articles of Association so that there are no restrictions on its objects.

EQUALISATION AGREEMENT

The Equalisation Agreement makes the economic position of the shareholders of NV and PLC, as far as possible, the same as if they held shares in a single company. The Equalisation Agreement regulates the mutual rights of the shareholders of NV and PLC. Under the Equalisation Agreement, NV and PLC must adopt the same financial periods and accounting policies.

THE DEED OF MUTUAL COVENANTS

The Deed of Mutual Covenants provides that NV and PLC and their respective subsidiary companies shall co-operate in every way for the purpose of maintaining a common operating policy. They shall exchange all relevant information about their respective businesses – the intention being to create and maintain a common operating platform for the Unilever Group throughout the world. The Deed also contains provisions for the allocation of assets between NV and PLC.

THE AGREEMENT FOR MUTUAL GUARANTEES OF BORROWING

Under the Agreement for Mutual Guarantees of Borrowing between NV and PLC, each company will, if asked by the other, guarantee the borrowings of the other. The two companies also jointly guarantee the borrowings of their subsidiaries. These arrangements are used, as a matter of financial policy, for certain significant public borrowings. They enable lenders to rely on our combined financial strength.

REQUIREMENTS AND COMPLIANCE

REQUIREMENTS AND COMPLIANCE – GENERAL

Unilever is subject to corporate governance requirements (legislation, codes and/or standards) in the Netherlands, the UK and the US and in this section we report on our compliance against these.

Under the European Takeover Directive as implemented in the Netherlands and the UK, the UK Companies Act 2006 and rules of the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Unilever is required to provide information on contracts and other arrangements essential or material to the business of the Group. Other than the Foundation Agreements discussed above, we believe we do not have any such contracts or arrangements.

Our governance arrangements are designed and structured to promote and further the interests of our companies and our shareholders. The Boards, however, reserve the right, in cases where they decide such to be in the interests of the companies or our shareholders, to depart from that which is set out in the present and previous sections in relation to our corporate governance. Any such changes will be reported in future Annual Report and Accounts and, when necessary, through changes to the relevant documents published on our website. As appropriate, proposals for change will be put to our shareholders for approval.

REQUIREMENTS – THE NETHERLANDS

NV complies with almost all of the principles and best practice provisions of the Dutch Corporate Governance Code (Dutch Code), a copy of which is available at www.commissiecorporategovernance.nl.

Unilever places a great deal of importance on corporate responsibility and sustainability as is evidenced by our vision to double the size of the Group while reducing our environmental footprint and increasing our positive social impact. Unilever is keen to ensure focus on key financial performance measures which we believe to be the drivers of shareholder value creation and relative total shareholder return. Unilever therefore believes that the interests of the business and shareholders are best served by linking our long-term share plans to the measures as described in the Directors’ Remuneration Report and has not included a non-financial performance indicator (Principle II.2 and bpp II.2.3).

RISK MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL

With regard to financial reporting risks, as advised by the Audit Committee (as described in its report on pages 53 to 55), the Boards believe that the risk management and control systems provide reasonable assurance that the financial statements do not contain any errors of material importance and the risk management and control systems have worked properly in 2013 (bpp II.1.5).

 

 

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CONTINUED

 

 

The statements in the paragraph above are not statements in accordance with the requirements of Section 404 of the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

RETENTION PERIOD OF SHARES

The Dutch Code recommends that shares granted to Executive Directors must be retained for a period of at least five years (bpp II.2.5). Our remuneration policy requires Executive Directors to build and retain a personal shareholding in Unilever. In addition, the Compensation and Management Resources Committee approved that with effect from 1 January 2014 Executive Directors will be required to hold 100% of the shares needed to maintain their minimum shareholding requirement until 12 months after they leave Unilever and 50% of these shares for 24 months after they leave Unilever. The Boards believe that this is in line with the spirit of the Dutch Code.

SEVERANCE PAY

It is our policy to set the level of severance payments for Directors at no more than one year’s salary, unless the Boards, on the recommendation of the Compensation and Management Resources Committee, find this manifestly unreasonable given circumstances or unless otherwise dictated by applicable law (bpp II.2.8).

FINANCING PREFERENCE SHARES

NV issued 6% and 7% cumulative preference shares between 1927 and 1964. Their voting rights are based on their nominal value, as prescribed by Dutch law. The Dutch Code recommends that the voting rights of any newly issued preference shares should be based on their economic value rather than on their nominal value (bpp IV.1.2). NV agrees with this principle but cannot unilaterally reduce voting rights of its outstanding preference shares.

ANTI-TAKEOVER CONSTRUCTIONS AND CONTROL OVER THE COMPANY

NV confirms that it has no anti-takeover constructions, in the sense of constructions that are intended solely, or primarily, to block future hostile public offers for its shares (bpp IV.3.11). Nor does NV have any constructions whose specific purpose is to prevent a bidder, after acquiring 75% of the capital, from appointing or dismissing members of the Board and subsequently altering the Articles of Association. The acquisition through a public offer of a majority of the shares in a company does not, under Dutch law, preclude the continued right of the board of the company to exercise its powers.

MEETINGS OF ANALYSTS AND PRESENTATIONS TO INVESTORS

We have extensive procedures for handling relations and communicating with shareholders, investors, analysts and the media (see also pages 45 and 46). The important presentations and meetings are conducted as far as practicable in accordance with the Dutch Code (bpp IV.3.1). Due to their large number and overlap in information, some of the less important ones are not announced in advance, made accessible to everyone or put on our website.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

NV is required to make a statement concerning corporate governance as referred to in article 2a of the decree on additional requirements for annual reports (Vaststellingsbesluit nadere voorschriften inhoud jaarverslag) with effect from 1 January 2010 (the ‘Decree’). The information required to be included in this corporate governance statement as described in articles 3, 3a and 3b of the Decree can be found in the following sections of this Annual Report and Accounts:

  the information concerning compliance with the Dutch Code, as required by article 3 of the Decree, can be found under ‘Corporate Governance’ within the section ‘Requirements – the Netherlands’;
  the information concerning Unilever’s risk management and control frameworks relating to the financial reporting process, as required by article 3a(a) of the Decree, can be found under ‘Risks’ on pages 34 to 39 and within the relevant sections under ‘Corporate Governance’;
  the information regarding the functioning of NV’s General Meeting, and the authority and rights of NV’s shareholders, as required by article 3a(b) of the Decree, can be found within the relevant sections under ‘Corporate Governance’;
  the information regarding the composition and functioning of NV’s Board and its Committees, as required by article 3a(c) of the Decree, can be found within the relevant sections under ‘Corporate Governance’; and
  the information concerning the inclusion of the information required by the decree Article 10 European Takeover Directive, as required by article 3b of the Decree, can be found within the relevant sections under ‘Corporate Governance’.

REQUIREMENTS – THE UNITED KINGDOM

PLC, being a company that is incorporated in the UK and listed on the London Stock Exchange, is required to state how it has applied the main principles and how far it has complied with the provisions set out in the 2012 UK Corporate Governance Code (UK Code), a copy of which is available at www.frc.org.uk. In 2013, PLC complied with all UK Code provisions.

RISK MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL

Our approach to risk management and systems of internal control is in line with the recommendations in the report on ‘Internal Control – Revised Guidance for Directors on the UK Combined Code’ (‘The Turnbull guidance’). It is Unilever’s practice to bring acquired companies within the Group’s governance procedures as soon as is practicable and in any event by the end of the first full year of operation.

DIRECTORS’ REPORT OF PLC

For the purposes of the UK Companies Act 2006, the Directors’ Report of Unilever PLC for the year ended 31 December 2013 comprises this paragraph to the end of the first column on page 50 and the information contained on pages 40 (directors), 51 and 52 (share capital), 45 (director indemnities), 42 to 52 (corporate governance), 109 (dividends), 141 and 145 (post-balance sheet events) and 120 to 125 (treasury risk management). The information required to be given pursuant to Section 992 of the UK Companies Act 2006 is covered elsewhere in this Annual Report and Accounts.

The Directors’ Report has been drawn up and presented in accordance with and in reliance upon English company law and liabilities of the Directors in connection with that report shall be subject to the limitations and restrictions provided by such law.

Under the UK Companies Act 2006, a safe harbour limits the liability of Directors in respect of statements in and omissions from the Directors’ Report. Under English Law the Directors would be liable to Unilever (but not to any third-party) if the Directors’ Report contained errors as a result of recklessness or knowing misstatement or dishonest concealment of a material fact, but would not otherwise be liable.

 

 

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STRATEGIC REPORT

As it is entitled to do by the Companies Act 2006, the PLC Board has chosen to set out those matters required to be disclosed in the Directors’ Report which it considers to be of strategic importance to PLC in the Strategic Report (from the inside front cover to page 39), rather than here. These matters are: likely future developments in the business of PLC, PLC’s position on environmental and sustainability matters, corporate responsibility and diversity, together with a description of its research and development activities and its risk management policies and objectives.

GREENHOUSE GAS (GHG) EMISSIONS

REDUCING OUR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

Reducing the impacts of our own manufacturing operations – eco-efficiency – is a long-standing element of our strategy to build a sustainable business. We first reported on our eco-efficiency in 1996 and have a clear track record of improvement. As part of our Unilever Sustainable Living Plan (USLP), we have set ambitious eco-efficiency targets which include carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from energy used in manufacturing as well as water and waste and targets for the new factories we are building. See page 20 and our online Unilever Sustainable Living Report (to be published at the end of April 2014) for further detail.

In line with the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors’ Report) Regulations 2013 our greenhouse gas performance is set out below. We have used the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard to calculate emissions of carbon dioxide from the combustion of fuels (Scope 1) and from purchased electricity, heat, steam and cooling (Scope 2). Carbon emission factors are used to convert energy used in manufacturing to emissions of CO2. Carbon emission factors for fuels are provided by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Carbon emission factors for electricity reflect the country or sub-region where each manufacturing site is located and are provided by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and local regulatory authorities, for example the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). We have selected an intensity ratio based on production; this aligns our long-standing reporting of manufacturing performance.

The GHG data relates to emissions during the 12 month period 1 October 2012 to 30 September 2013. This period is different to that for which the remainder of the Directors’ Report is prepared (which is the calendar year 2013). As a result of adjusting our reporting period, we are able to deliver the complete data earlier, thereby allowing time for external assurance of the data.

EMISSIONS OF CO2 FROM MANUFACTURING (TONNES),

1 OCTOBER 2012 TO 30 SEPTEMBER 2013

 

 

Scope 1

 

 

1,013,690 tonnes CO2

Scope 2   939,457 tonnes CO2
Total Scope 1 & 2   1,953,147 tonnes CO2+
Intensity ratio   98.85 kg CO2 per tonne of production+

Emissions from biogenic fuels

 

 

257,941 tonnes CO2

 

Emissions data includes material sources of Scope 1 and 2 emissions that have been subject to external assurance, ie emissions of CO2 from energy used in manufacturing. Emissions from the combustion of biogenic fuels (biomass, fuel crops etc) at our manufacturing sites are reported separately to other Scope 1 and 2 emissions, as recommended by the GHG Protocol, and excluded from our intensity ratio calculation.

Our GHG data does not include minor emissions sources that are beyond our boundary of financial control or that are not material. For example, emissions of CO2 from energy used in our offices and warehouses are excluded, although we continue to drive improvements in these areas through our USLP targets. The data also excludes Scope 3 emissions (including consumer use of our products) which we report as part of our USLP (see below).

One of the big goals of the USLP is to halve the environmental footprint of the making and use of our products as we grow our business by 2020 (see page 22). This is expressed on a per consumer use basis – ie a single use, portion or serving of a product, and measures the GHG emissions associated with the lifecycle of a product from raw materials to manufacturing to consumer use and disposal. To calculate this we consider emissions spanning Scopes 1, 2 and 3. See page 22 and our online Unilever Sustainable Living Report (to be published at the end of April 2014) for further detail.

PROGRESS DURING THE YEAR

Total Scope 1 and 2 emissions during the reporting period have demonstrated significant reduction compared to the previous reporting period. They have also decreased significantly compared to the 2008 baseline year of the target to reduce GHG in manufacturing in the USLP.

Absolute emissions reduced by 3.0% compared to the previous 12 months (a reduction of 5.2% per tonne of production) and by over 830,000 tonnes+ (32% per tonne of production+) compared to the USLP baseline year (2008).

The following are some of the biggest contributors to our reductions in CO2 emissions from energy used in manufacturing during the reporting year:

  energy savings through adoption of a wide range of behaviours and technologies. Energy use reduced by 3.0% per tonne of production during the reporting period compared to the previous 12 months; and
  investment in cost effective renewable energy technologies. At the end of the calendar year, the number of manufacturing sites that use either renewable fuels or other renewable energy generated on site increased to 48 out of our total of 247.

EMPLOYEE INVOLVEMENT AND COMMUNICATION

Unilever’s UK companies maintain formal processes to inform, consult and involve employees and their representatives.

A National Consultative Forum comprising employees and management representatives meets regularly to provide a forum for discussing issues relating to all Unilever sites in the United Kingdom. We recognise collective bargaining on a number of sites and engage with employees via the Sourcing Unit Forum, which includes national officer representation from the three recognised trade unions. Our manufacturing sites use tools such as Total Productive Maintenance which rely heavily on employee involvement, contribution and commitment.

 

 
+  PwC assured. In 2013 we adjusted our reporting period from 1 January - 31 December to 1 October - 30 September. We have recalculated the prior 12 months to enable a like-for-like comparison (this has not been assured by PwC in 2013). For details and the basis of preparation see: www.unilever.com/ara2013/downloads.

 

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CONTINUED

 

 

A European Works Council, embracing employee and management representatives from countries within Europe, has been in existence for several years and provides a forum for discussing issues that extend across national boundaries.

The Group carries out regular and wide-ranging opinion surveys providing valuable insight into employee views, attitudes and levels of engagement.

The Directors’ Reports of the United Kingdom operating companies contain more details about how they have communicated with their employees during 2013.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES AND DIVERSITY

In accordance with our Code of Business Principles, Unilever aims to ensure that applications for employment from everyone are given full and fair consideration and that everyone is given access to training, development and career opportunities. Every effort is also made to retrain and support employees who become disabled while working within the Group.

Unilever continuously reviews ways in which greater diversity can be achieved across our teams in the UK. We have put in place policies which promote the achievement of diversity in our business and we review these regularly. For example, Unilever UK provides policies on home working, flexible working, maternity and paternity leave, child care provision and career breaks, which help us to meet the objective of greater employee diversity.

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS AND DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TO AUDITORS

A resolution will be proposed at the AGM on 14 May 2014 for the appointment of KPMG LLP as auditors of PLC. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP’s present appointment will end at the conclusion of the AGM.

To the best of each of the Directors’ knowledge and belief, and having made appropriate enquiries of other officers of the Unilever Group, all information relevant to enabling the auditors to provide their opinions on PLC’s consolidated and parent company accounts has been provided. Each of the Directors has taken all reasonable steps to ensure their awareness of any relevant audit information and to establish that Unilever PLC’s auditors are aware of any such information.

This Directors’ Report of Unilever PLC has been approved by the Board and signed on their behalf by Tonia Lovell – Group Secretary.

REQUIREMENTS – THE UNITED STATES

Both NV and PLC are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). As such, both companies must comply with the requirements of US legislation, such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, regulations enacted under US securities laws and the Listing Standards of the NYSE, that are applicable to foreign private issuers, copies of which are available at www.sec.gov and www.nyse.com.

We are compliant with the Listing Standards of the NYSE applicable to foreign private issuers.

We are also required to disclose any significant ways in which our corporate governance practices differ from those typically followed by US companies listed on the NYSE. Our corporate governance practices do not significantly differ from those required of US companies listed on the NYSE. Attention is drawn to the Report of the Audit Committee on pages 53 to 55. In addition, further details about our corporate governance are provided in the document entitled ‘The Governance of Unilever’, which can be found on our website at www.unilever.com/investorrelations/corp_governance.

All senior executives and senior financial officers have declared their understanding of and compliance with Unilever’s Code of Business Principles and the related Code Policies. No waiver from any provision of the Code of Business Principles or Code Policies was granted in 2013 to any of the persons falling within the scope of the SEC requirements. The Code Policies include mandatory requirements covering, but not limited to, the following areas: accurate records, reporting and accounting; anti-bribery; avoiding conflicts of interest; gifts and entertainment; preventing insider trading; political activities and political donations; contact with government, regulators and non-governmental organisations; respect, dignity and fair treatment; and external communications (the media, investors and analysts). Our Code of Business Principles can be found on our website at www.unilever.com/investorrelations/corp_governance.

RISK MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL

Following a review by the Disclosure Committee, Audit Committee and Boards, the CEO and the CFO concluded that the design and operation of the Group’s disclosure controls and procedures, including those defined in United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934 – Rule 13a – 15(e), as at 31 December 2013 were effective, and that subsequently until the date of the approval of the Annual Report and Accounts by the Boards, there have been no significant changes in the Group’s internal controls, or in other factors that could significantly affect those controls.

Unilever is required by Section 404 of the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 to report on the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting. This requirement will be reported on separately and will form part of Unilever’s Annual Report on Form 20-F.

 

 

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SHARE CAPITAL

NV’s issued share capital on 31 December 2013 was made up of:

  274,356,432 split into 1,714,727,700 ordinary shares of 0.16 each;
  1,028,568 split into 2,400 ordinary shares numbered 1 to 2,400 known as special shares; and
  81,454,014 split into two classes (6% and 7%) of cumulative preference shares (‘financing preference shares’).

The voting rights attached to NV’s outstanding shares are split as follows:

 

      Total number of votes     % of issued capital  

1,714,727,700 ordinary shares

     1,714,727,700 (a)      76.89   

2,400 special shares

     6,428,550        0.29   

161,060 6% cumulative preference shares

     431,409,276 (b)      19.34   

29,000 7% cumulative preference shares

     77,678,313 (c)      3.48   

 

(a)  Of which 141,560,629 shares were held in treasury and 11,466,837 shares were held to satisfy obligations under share-based incentive schemes as at 31 December 2013. These shares are not voted on.
(b)  Of which 37,679 6% cumulative preference shares were held in treasury as at 31 December 2013. These shares are not voted on.
(c)  Of which 7,562 7% cumulative preference shares were held in treasury as at 31 December 2013. These shares are not voted on.

NV may issue shares not yet issued and grant rights to subscribe for shares only pursuant to a resolution of the General Meeting or of another corporate body designated for such purpose by a resolution of the General Meeting. At the NV AGM held on 15 May 2013 the Board was designated, in accordance with Articles 96 and 96a of Book 2 of the Netherlands Civil Code, as the corporate body authorised to resolve on the issue of, or on the granting of rights to subscribe for, shares not yet issued and to restrict or exclude the statutory pre-emption rights that accrue to shareholders upon issue of shares, on the understanding that this authority is limited to 10% of the issued share capital of NV, plus an additional 10% of the issued share capital of NV in connection with or on the occasion of mergers and acquisitions.

At the 2013 NV AGM the Board of NV was authorised, in accordance with Article 98 of Book 2 of the Netherlands Civil Code to cause NV to buy back its own shares and depositary receipts thereof, with a maximum of 10% of issued share capital, either through purchase on a stock exchange or otherwise, at a price, excluding expenses, not lower than the nominal value of the shares and not higher than 10% above the average of the closing price of the shares on Eurolist by Euronext Amsterdam for the five business days before the day on which the purchase is made.

The above mentioned authorities expire on the earlier of the six-month anniversary after the 2013 year end or the conclusion of the 2014 NV AGM. Such authorities (which are renewed annually) will therefore be sought at the 2014 AGM of NV.

PLC’s issued share capital on 31 December 2013 was made up of:

  £40,760,420 split into 1,310,156,361 ordinary shares of 31/9p each; and
  £100,000 of deferred stock.

 

The total number of voting rights attached to PLC’s outstanding shares is as follows:

 

      Total number of votes     % of issued capital  

1,310,156,361 ordinary shares

     1,310,156,361 (a)      99.76   

£100,000 deferred stock

     3,214,285        0.24   

 

(a)  Of which 26,696,994 shares were held by PLC in treasury and 5,148,859 shares were held by NV group companies or by share trusts as at 31 December 2013. These shares are not voted on.

The Board of PLC may, under sections 551, 570 and 571 of the UK Companies Act 2006 and subject to the passing of the appropriate resolutions at a meeting of shareholders, issue shares within the limits prescribed within the resolutions. At the 2013 PLC AGM held on 15 May 2013 the PLC Directors were authorised to issue new shares pursuant to section 551 of the UK Companies Act 2006, limited to a maximum of £13,300,000 nominal value, which at the time represented approximately 33% of PLC’s issued ordinary share capital and, pursuant to section 570 of the UK Companies Act, to disapply pre-emption rights up to approximately 5% of PLC’s issued ordinary share capital. These authorities are renewed annually.

At the 2013 PLC AGM the Board of PLC was also authorised by a resolution of PLC to make market purchases of its ordinary shares, to a maximum of 128,345,000 shares representing just under 10% of PLC’s issued capital and within the limits prescribed within the resolution until the earlier of the six-month anniversary after the 2013 year end or the conclusion of the 2014 PLC AGM. A similar authority will be sought at the 2014 AGM of PLC pursuant to the UK Companies Act 2006.

Details of shares purchased by an employee share trust and Unilever Group companies to satisfy options granted under PLC’s employee share schemes are given on page 52 and in note 4 to the consolidated accounts on pages 104 and 105.

ANALYSIS OF SHAREHOLDING

SIGNIFICANT SHAREHOLDERS OF NV

As from 1 July 2013, investors have the duty to notify the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) of their share holdings if they hold more than 3% in the NV share capital. As far as Unilever is aware, the only holders of more than 3% in the NV share capital (apart from the Foundation Unilever N.V. Trust Office, see pages 46 and 47, and shares held in treasury by NV, see page 51) on 3 March 2014, are ING Groep N.V. (‘ING’) and ASR Nederland N.V. (‘ASR’). The voting rights of such shareholders are the same as for other holders of the class of share indicated.

 

     Class of shares   Total number
of shares
    % of relevant
class
    Nominal value
of shares
 

ING

  Ordinary shares     6,078,455        0.35     972,553   
 

7% cumulative

  preference shares

    20,665        71.26        8,856,399   
 

6% cumulative

  preference shares

    74,088        46.0        31,751,894   

ASR

  Ordinary shares     3,273,839        0.19        523,814   
   

6% cumulative

  preference shares

    46,000        28.56        19,714,220   
 

 

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CONTINUED

 

 

Between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2013, ING and ASR have held more than 3% in the share capital of NV. Between 1 July 2013 and 31 December 2013 BlackRock, Inc., Deutsche Bank AG, Bank of America Corporation and UBS AG have held more than 3% in the share capital of NV. During this period, and as notified, these holdings reduced to below the 3% reporting threshold.

SIGNIFICANT SHAREHOLDERS OF PLC

The following table gives notified details of shareholders who held more than 3% of, or 3% of voting rights attributable to, PLC’s shares or deferred stock (excluding treasury shares) on 3 March 2014. The voting rights of such shareholders are the same as for other holders of the class of share indicated.

 

Title of
class
   Name of holder   Number of
shares held
    Approximate
% held
 

Deferred Stock

   Naamlooze Vennootschap Elma     50,000        50   
   United Holdings Limited     50,000        50   

Ordinary shares

   BlackRock, Inc.     74,570,243        5   
    

Trustees of the Leverhulme  Trust and the Leverhulme

 Trade Charities Trust

    70,566,764        5   

Between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2013, Legal & General Group plc and BlackRock, Inc. have held more than 3% of, or 3% of voting rights attributable to, PLC’s ordinary shares. During this period, and as notified, these holdings reduced to below the 3% reporting threshold.

CONTROLLING SECURITY HOLDERS

To our knowledge, the Unilever Group is not owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by another corporation, any foreign government or by any other legal or natural person. We are not aware of any arrangements the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change of control of Unilever.

PURCHASES OF SHARES DURING 2013

During 2013 Unilever Group companies purchased 34,077 NV New York Registry Shares, each representing one NV ordinary share with a nominal value of 0.16 for 1.06 million. This represents 0.002% of the called-up share capital of NV.

No NV 6% cumulative preference shares nor NV 7% cumulative preference shares were purchased by Unilever Group companies during 2013.

During 2013 Unilever Group companies purchased 330,000 PLC American Depositary Receipt of shares, each representing one PLC ordinary share with a nominal value of 31/9p for 10.04 million. This represents 0.025% of the called-up share capital of PLC.

 

 

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REPORT OF THE

AUDIT COMMITTEE

 

LOGO

  

MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMITTEE

The Audit Committee is comprised only of independent Non-Executive Directors with a minimum requirement of three such members. It is chaired by Byron Grote. The composition of the Committee changed after the AGMs in May 2013 when both Charles Golden and Kees Storm rotated on to other committees and Mary Ma, Hixonia Nyasulu and John Rishton joined. For the purposes of the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Byron Grote is the Audit Committee’s financial expert. There was full attendance at all the meetings except for John Rishton who attended three of the four meetings he was eligible to attend. The Boards have satisfied themselves that the current members of the Audit Committee are competent in financial matters and have recent and relevant experience. Other attendees at Committee meetings (or part thereof) were the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Auditor, Group Controller, Chief Legal Officer, Group Secretary and the external auditor. Throughout the year the Committee members periodically met without others present and also held separate private sessions with the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Auditor and the external auditor, allowing the Committee to discuss any issues of emerging concern in more detail directly.

 

ROLE OF THE COMMITTEE

The role and responsibilities of the Audit Committee are set out in written terms of reference which are reviewed annually by the Committee taking into account relevant legislation and recommended good practice. The terms of reference are contained within ‘The Governance of Unilever’ which is available on our website at www.unilever.com/investorrelations/corp_governance. The Committee’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following matters with a view to bringing any relevant issues to the attention of the Boards:

•    Oversight of the integrity of Unilever’s financial statements;

•    Review of Unilever’s quarterly and annual financial statements (including clarity and completeness of disclosure), approval and publishing of the quarterly trading statements for quarter 1 and quarter 3;

•    Oversight of risk management and internal control arrangements;

•    Oversight of compliance with legal and regulatory requirements;

•    Oversight of the external auditors’ performance, qualifications and independence, the approval process of non-audit services, together with the recommendation to the Boards of their nomination for shareholder approval;

•    The performance of the internal audit function; and

•    Approval of ULE expense policy and review of Executive Director expenses.

 

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REPORT OF THE

AUDIT COMMITTEE CONTINUED

 

 

HOW THE COMMITTEE HAS DISCHARGED ITS RESPONSIBILITIES

During the year, the Committee’s principal activities were as follows:

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Committee reviewed the quarterly financial press releases together with the associated quarterly reports from the Chief Financial Officer and the Disclosure Committee, and with respect to the half-year and full-year results the external auditors’ reports, prior to their publication. They also reviewed the Annual Report and Accounts and Annual Report on Form 20-F. These reviews incorporated the accounting policies and significant judgements and estimates underpinning the financial statements as disclosed within note 1 on pages 94 and 95. Particular attention was paid to the following significant issues in relation to the financial statements:

  goodwill and intangible assets – impairment testing refer to note 9;
  pensions – obligations and assumptions, refer to note 4;
  provisions and contingencies, including direct and indirect tax provisions, refer to notes 6 and 19;

The external auditors have agreed the list of significant issues reported.

For each of the above areas a paper outlining the key facts and judgements, prepared by management, was circulated to the Committee prior to the meeting at which it was discussed. Members of management attended the section of the meeting of the Committee where their paper was discussed to answer any questions or challenges posed by the Committee. The issues were also discussed with the external auditor. The Committee was satisfied that these significant issues have been appropriately addressed by management.

At the request of the Board the Committee considered whether the 2013 Annual Report and Accounts was fair, balanced and understandable and whether it provided the necessary information for shareholders to assess the Group’s performance, business model and strategy. The Committee were satisfied that, taken as a whole, the 2013 Annual Report and Accounts is fair, balanced and understandable.

RISK MANAGEMENT AND INTERNAL CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS

The Committee reviewed Unilever’s overall approach to risk management and control, and its processes, outcomes and disclosure. It reviewed:

  the Controller’s Quarterly Risk and Control Status Report, including Code of Business Principles cases relating to frauds and financial crimes and significant complaints received through the Unilever Code Support Line;
  the 2013 corporate risks for which the Audit Committee had oversight and the proposed 2014 corporate risks identified by the Unilever Leadership Executive;
  management’s improvements to reporting and internal financial control arrangements;
  processes over cyber security, information management and privacy;
  tax planning, insurance arrangements and related risk management;
  treasury policies, including debt issuance and hedging;
  commodity risk management, governance and derivatives hedging; and
  litigation and regulatory investigations.

The Committee reviewed the application of the requirements under Section 404 of the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 with respect to internal controls over financial reporting. In addition, the Committee reviewed the annual financial plan and Unilever’s dividend policy and dividend proposals.

During 2013 the responsibility for overseeing the independent assurance work that is performed on a number of our Unilever Sustainable Living Plan (USLP) metrics (selected on the basis of their materiality to the USLP) was transitioned from the Corporate Responsibility Committee to the Audit Committee.

In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities in relation to risk management, internal control and the financial statements, the Committee met regularly with senior members of management and is fully satisfied with the key judgements taken.

INTERNAL AUDIT FUNCTION

The Committee reviewed Corporate Audit’s audit plan for the year and agreed its budget and resource requirements. It reviewed interim and year-end summary reports and management’s response. The Committee carried out its own evaluation of the performance of the internal audit function together with engaging an independent third party to perform an external benchmarking study and was satisfied with the effectiveness of the function. The Committee met independently with the Chief Auditor during the year and discussed the results of the audits performed during the year.

AUDIT OF THE ANNUAL ACCOUNTS

PricewaterhouseCoopers, Unilever’s external auditors and independent registered public accounting firm, reported in depth to the Committee on the scope and outcome of the annual audit, including their audit of internal controls over financial reporting as required by Section 404 of the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Their reports included accounting matters, governance and control, and accounting developments.

The Committee held independent meetings with the external auditors during the year and reviewed, agreed, discussed and challenged their audit plan, including their assessment of the financial reporting risk profile of the Group. The Committee discussed the views and conclusions of PricewaterhouseCoopers regarding management’s treatment of significant transactions and areas of judgement during the year and PricewaterhouseCoopers confirmed they were satisfied that these had been treated appropriately in the financial statements.

EXTERNAL AUDITORS

The Committee is responsible for monitoring the performance, objectivity and independence of the external auditor, recommends the appointment of the external auditor to the Boards and approves their fees. Each year, the Committee assesses the effectiveness of the external audit process which includes gaining feedback from key stakeholders at all levels across Unilever.

PricewaterhouseCoopers has been Unilever’s sole auditor since 1987. During 2013 Unilever decided to change its auditors in order to remain at the forefront of good governance and in recognition of regulatory changes in Europe and elsewhere. A number of firms were approached to tender for the audit in July 2013 and the Audit Committee reviewed each of the audit firms’ proposals and recommended to the Boards that KPMG be proposed for appointment. As a result of the tender, PricewaterhouseCoopers’ appointment will expire at the completion of the 2014 AGMs, following which KPMG will become Unilever’s statutory auditor, subject to approval by shareholders at the 2014 AGMs (see pages 50 and 141).

 

 

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Both Unilever and PricewaterhouseCoopers have for many years had safeguards in place to avoid the possibility that the auditors’ objectivity and independence could be compromised, such as audit partner rotation and the restriction on non-audit services that the external auditors can perform as described below. The Committee reviewed the report from PricewaterhouseCoopers on the actions they take to comply with the professional and regulatory requirements and best practice designed to ensure their independence from Unilever. Through the tender process we have also worked with KPMG to ensure that they would be independent from the beginning of the 2014 financial year.

The Committee also reviewed the statutory audit, audit related and non-audit related services provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers and compliance with Unilever’s documented approach, which prescribes in detail the types of engagements, listed below, for which the external auditors can be used:

  statutory audit services, including audit of subsidiaries;
  audit related engagements – services that involve attestation, assurance or certification of factual information that may be required by external parties;
  non-audit related services – work that our auditors are best placed to undertake, which may include:
  tax services – all significant tax work is put to tender;
  acquisition and disposal services, including related due diligence, audits and accountants’ reports; and
  internal control reviews.

Several types of engagements are prohibited, including:

  bookkeeping or similar services;
  systems design and implementation related to financial information or risk management;
  valuation services;
  actuarial services;
  internal audit; and
  staff secondments to a management function.

All audit related engagements over 250,000 and non-audit related engagements over 100,000 required specific advance approval by the Audit Committee Chairman. The Committee further approved all engagements below these levels which have been authorised by the Group Controller. These authorities are reviewed regularly and, where necessary, updated in the light of internal developments, external developments and best practice.

EVALUATION OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

The Boards evaluated the performance of the Committee and the Committee carried out a self-assessment of its performance, and each has concluded that the Committee is performing effectively.

Byron Grote

Chairman of the Audit Committee

Mary Ma

Hixonia Nyasulu

John Rishton

 

 

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REPORT OF THE CORPORATE

RESPONSIBILITY COMMITTEE

 

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TERMS OF REFERENCE

The Corporate Responsibility Committee oversees Unilever’s conduct as a responsible multinational business. The Committee is also charged with ensuring that Unilever’s reputation is protected and enhanced. A key element of the Committee’s role is the need to identify any external developments which are likely to have an influence upon Unilever’s standing in society and to bring these to the attention of the Boards.

 

The Committee comprises three Non-Executive Directors. In May 2013 Sir Malcolm Rifkind and Hixonia Nyasulu rotated off the Committee. Louise Fresco succeeded Sir Malcolm as Chair of the Committee and was joined by two further Non-Executive Directors: Charles Golden, who transferred to the Committee from his previous role on the Audit Committee; and Laura Cha, who was appointed as a Non-Executive Director of Unilever at the 2013 AGMs. The Chief Marketing & Communication Officer attends the Committee’s meetings.

 

The Committee’s discussions are informed by the perspectives of the Group’s two sustainability leadership groups, both of which are chaired by the Chief Marketing & Communication Officer. The first is the Unilever Sustainable Development Group (USDG) – a group of experts from outside the Group who advise Unilever’s senior leadership on its sustainability strategy. The second is the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan Steering Team – the group of Unilever’s senior executives who are accountable for driving sustainable growth. The insights from these groups help to keep the Boards informed of current and emerging trends and any potential risks arising from sustainability issues.

 

During 2013 the Boards reviewed the terms of reference of the Committee with the result that minor changes were incorporated into its terms of reference.

 

The Committee’s terms of reference and details of the Unilever Sustainable Development Group are available on our website at www.unilever.com/investorrelations/corp_governance and www.unilever.com/sustainable-living/ourapproach/Governance respectively.

 

MEETINGS

Meetings are held quarterly and ad hoc as required. The Committee Chairman reports the conclusions to the Boards. Four meetings were held in 2013. In addition, a further information session was arranged to brief the new and existing members of the Corporate Responsibility Committee and the Audit Committee on the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan (see below).

 

The Committee’s agenda comprises a number of standing items. These include the Code of Business Principles (the Code) and litigation as well as occupational safety and product safety and quality. The Committee reviews priority topics, such as the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan (USLP), the corporate risks which fall within its remit and a range of strategic and current issues. In July, the new Chair of the Committee formulated a new structure for Committee discussions, enabling members to focus in detail on these responsibilities.

 

CODE OF BUSINESS PRINCIPLES

The Committee is responsible for the oversight of the Code and associated Code Policies which set out the standards of conduct we expect of our employees.

 

The Committee ensures that the Code and Code Policies remain fit for purpose and are appropriately applied. The Audit Committee also considers the Code as part of its remit to review risk management.

 

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The Committee maintains close scrutiny of the mechanisms for compliance with the Code and Code Policies as ongoing compliance is essential to promote and protect Unilever’s values and standards, and hence the good reputation of the Group.

At each meeting the Committee reviews the completion of investigations into non-compliance with the Code and Code Policies and progress on training programmes as well as any trends which may emerge from reports of Code non-compliance. Following a benchmarking exercise on codes of conduct, the Committee was pleased to note that while Unilever compares well with others, it seeks continuous improvement and work is ongoing to enhance compliance with Code processes.

In July, suppliers’ and distributors’ compliance with Code policies was also studied by the Committee. The Committee noted that third parties’ compliance is essential for the protection of the reputation of Unilever and its brands and has set this as a priority for 2014.

LITIGATION REVIEW

The Chief Legal Officer reports to the Committee on litigation and regulatory matters which may have a reputational impact including environmental issues, bribery and corruption compliance and competition law compliance. For further information on ‘legal proceedings’ please see note 20 on page 131.

SAFETY

The Committee receives an analysis of occupational safety and product safety and quality at each meeting. Occupational safety continues to be a top priority for Unilever, particularly road safety where Unilever is sharing best practices and learning from a number of FTSE 100 companies. The Committee also discussed Unilever’s policies and processes for product safety, including incident management, and noted that Unilever adopts a systematic approach that focuses on prevention.

UNILEVER SUSTAINABLE LIVING PLAN

The USLP is at the heart of Unilever’s vision to double the size of its business while reducing its environmental footprint and increasing its positive social impact. By making sustainability integral to how Unilever does business, the USLP provides the differentiator in Unilever’s business model. Given its strategic importance, the Committee monitors progress on the USLP and reviews any potential risks that could affect Unilever’s reputation.

During the year the Committee transitioned its responsibility for overseeing the independent assurance work that is performed on a number of our USLP metrics (selected on the basis of their materiality to the USLP) to the Audit Committee. This allows the Committee to place more focus on the USLP’s wider social, economic and environmental impacts. In September, the two Committees came together for a detailed briefing on the USLP’s targets and metrics as well as the priority issues Unilever was addressing in 2013.

One of the Committee’s priorities in 2014 is to ensure that delivery of the USLP is maintained through appropriate business strategies. In the three years since its launch at the end of 2010, much has been learned in driving the implementation of the USLP across the organisation and externally through its value chain from suppliers to consumers. Unilever is reviewing its strategy and approach to focus its attention on the areas that matter most to the business and where its contribution can achieve the greatest impact in society. This includes the extension of the Enhancing Livelihoods pillar of the USLP1, where Unilever has gained insights into the impacts of its extended value chain from working with NGO partners such as Oxfam. The Committee reviewed the findings from Oxfam’s study of Unilever in Vietnam2 and welcomed the policies and processes being developed by Unilever.

FURTHER ITEMS

A number of other priority topics were considered during the year. These included topics such as obesity, progress on alternatives to animal testing, consumer confidence in the use of chemicals and responsible minerals procurement, as well as the processes in place for managing issues such as these.

EVALUATION OF THE CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY COMMITTEE

The Boards evaluated the performance of the Committee and the Committee carried out a self-assessment of its performance, and each has concluded that the Committee is performing effectively.

Louise Fresco

Chairman of the Corporate Responsibility Committee

Charles Golden

Laura Cha

 

1  Further details can be found in Unilever’s online Sustainable Living Report 2013, published in April 2014.
2  See Labour Rights in Unilever’s Supply Chain: from Compliance towards Good Practice at http://www.unilever.com/sustainable-living/news/news/February-2013-Unilever-puts-spotlight-on-human-and-labour-rights.aspx
 

 

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REPORT OF THE NOMINATING AND

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

 

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MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMITTEE

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee comprises two Non-Executive Directors and the Chairman.

It is chaired by Kees Storm. The composition of the Committee changed after the AGMs in May 2013 when both Paul Walsh and Ann Fudge left the Committee. At that time, Kees Storm took over the Chairmanship of the Committee from Paul Walsh. The other members are Sir Malcolm Rifkind and Michael Treschow. The Group Secretary acts as secretary to the Committee. The Committee met four times in 2013. All Committee members attended the meetings they were eligible to attend. Other attendees at Committee meetings (or part thereof) were the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief HR Officer and the Group Secretary.

 

ROLE OF THE COMMITTEE

The Committee is responsible for evaluating the balance of skills, experience, independence and knowledge on the Board and drawing up selection criteria, ongoing succession planning and appointment procedures. Executive and Non-Executive Directors offer themselves for election each year at the Annual General Meetings. The Committee is responsible for recommending candidates for nomination as Executive Directors (including the Chief Executive Officer) and Non-Executive Directors each year, based on the process of evaluations referred to below. After Directors have been appointed by shareholders, the Committee recommends to the Boards candidates for election as Chairman and Vice-Chairman/Senior Independent Director. During the year, the Committee also consulted with the Chief Executive Officer on the selection criteria and appointment procedures for senior management. It also keeps oversight of all matters relating to corporate governance, bringing any issues to the attention of the Boards. The Committee’s terms of reference are contained in ‘The Governance of Unilever’ and are also available on our website at www.unilever.com/investorrelations/corp_governance.

 

PROCESS FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTORS

Unilever has formal procedures for the evaluation of the Boards, the Board Committees and the individual Directors. The Chairman, in conjunction with the Vice-Chairman/Senior Independent Director, leads the process whereby the Boards assess their own performance. Each of the Directors also has an interview with the Chairman to discuss individual performance. The outcomes of the Board and individual evaluations are provided to the Committee when it discusses the nominations for re-election of Directors.

 

Where a vacancy arises on the Boards, the Committee may seek the services of specialist recruitment firms and other external experts to assist in finding individuals with the appropriate skills and expertise. The Committee reviews candidates presented by the recruitment firm, or recommended by Directors and members of the Unilever Leadership Executive, and all members of the Committee are involved in the interview process before making their recommendations to the full Boards for approval.

 

In nominating Directors, the Committee follows the agreed profile of Unilever’s Boards of Directors, which takes into account the roles of Non-Executive Directors set out in the Dutch and UK Corporate Governance Codes. The agreed Board profile, contained in ‘The Governance of Unilever’, which can be found on our website at www.unilever.com/investorrelations/corp_governance, includes that the Boards should comprise a majority of Non-Executive Directors who should be independent of Unilever and free from any conflicts of interest. With respect to composition and qualities of the Boards, they should be in keeping with the size of Unilever, its portfolio, culture and geographical spread and its status as a listed company. The objective pursued by the Boards is to have a variety of age, gender, expertise, social background and nationality and, wherever possible, the Boards

 

 

 

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should reflect Unilever’s consumer base and take into account the footprint and strategy of the Group. The desired experience and expertise set out in the Board profile can be found opposite.

The Boards recognise the benefits of diversity throughout the Group, including gender balance. The Committee reviewed and considered relevant recommendations on diversity and is pleased that over 40% of our Non-Executive Directors are women. However, Unilever feels that gender is only one part of diversity, and Unilever Directors will continue to be selected on the basis of their wide-ranging experience, backgrounds, skills, knowledge and insight.

It is recognised that Executive Directors may be invited to become a Non-Executive Director of another company and that such an appointment, subject to the approval of the Chairman and where relevant the Chief Executive Officer, may broaden the knowledge and experience to the benefit of the Group (see page 40 for details in the Directors’ biographies).

ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE DURING THE YEAR

The Committee proposed the nomination of all Directors offering themselves for re-election at the 2013 AGMs in May 2013 and, as three of the Non-Executive Directors were due to complete nine years of service in 2015, proposed the nominations of Laura Cha, Mary Ma and John Rishton as new Non-Executive Directors at the 2013 AGMs. The Committee then continued during the year to consider succession planning for the Boards.

The Committee undertook a review of Committee memberships and recommended to the Boards changes to the membership of all Committees. The Boards approved these recommendations and the new Committees were effective from the 2013 AGMs.

Revised standard terms of appointment for Non-Executive Directors containing provisions to promote the success of the company in accordance with the latest requirements of UK and Dutch company law and best practice guidelines and updated language on tenure of appointment, termination and fees were signed by all Non-Executive Directors in May 2013.

For our internal Board evaluation this year, Unilever again used Thinking Board, the web-based governance self-assessment service from Independent Audit. This provided an added external perspective when considering our approach and Independent Audit challenged us on the questions used and helped us to analyse the results. Further information on this evaluation can be found on page 44. The results of this year’s evaluation were discussed at the November 2013 Board meetings. In 2014, an externally facilitated evaluation will be carried out.

During the year, the Committee undertook a review of the Committee’s terms of reference to ensure they remained in line with relevant guidelines. The amended terms became effective on 1 January 2014.

The Boards evaluated the performance of the Committee and the Committee carried out a self-assessment of its performance, and each has concluded that the Committee is performing effectively.

Kees Storm

Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate

Governance Committee

Sir Malcolm Rifkind

Michael Treschow

 

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DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

REPORT

 

 

LOGO

 

CHAIRMAN’S LETTER

DEAR SHAREHOLDERS,

Last year the Compensation and Management Resources Committee (the Committee) made significant changes to the structure of the Directors’ Remuneration Report in preparation for the new remuneration reporting regulations in the UK which came into effect from 1 October 2013. We were pleased with the feedback we received on the clarity and level of our disclosure. For the 2013 Directors’ Remuneration Report we have made some further changes to reflect the final regulations. We have aimed to keep our reporting clear and transparent and we hope shareholders find this useful and easy to follow.

Our remuneration policy remains fundamentally unchanged from 2013 and, in line with legal requirements, will be submitted to shareholders for a binding vote at the PLC and NV AGMs on 14 May 2014. Again, pursuant to legal requirements, the remainder of the Report will be subject to an advisory vote at the PLC AGM. The Committee looks forward to receiving your support on these resolutions. In addition, the implementation of our remuneration policy in 2013 will be discussed with shareholders at the NV AGM.

2013 has been another year of solid progress for Unilever. We delivered underlying sales growth of 4.3%, which was again ahead of our competitors, volume growth of 2.5% and our core operating margin improved 0.4 percentage points to 14.1%, demonstrating the consistent delivery of both top- and bottom-line growth. There has also been significant progress in embedding sustainable living, the centre of our business model, throughout Unilever. The year, however, has not been without its challenges with economic, competitive and political conditions continuing to be tough.

 

 

REMUNERATION PRINCIPLES

SUPPORTING THE DELIVERY OF OUR STRATEGY THROUGH REMUNERATION ARRANGEMENTS

Our business vision is to double the size of Unilever while reducing our environmental footprint and increasing our positive social impact through a focus on our brands, our operations and our people and the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan (USLP). Remuneration is one of the key tools that we have as a business to help us to motivate our people to achieve our goals.

Our remuneration arrangements are designed to support our business vision and the implementation of our strategy. The key elements of our remuneration package for Executive Directors are summarised below:

 

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In this context, the Committee decided to pay a bonus of 157% of salary to the CEO Paul Polman and a bonus of 105% of salary to the CFO Jean-Marc Huët. The Committee feels that this outcome fairly reflects the performance delivered in the context of challenging markets.

Over the longer term Unilever has consistently performed strongly against a range of measures enabling us to deliver over 40% in total shareholder return (TSR) over the past three years. In the same period, underlying sales growth has been 5.9% per annum which the Boards consider to be exceptional performance in the context of the recent economic climate. We have also consistently improved margin performance converting our top-line growth into profitable returns for our shareholders. Cash flow performance has also been strong funding future investment in growth. On the basis of this performance, the Committee determined that GSIP awards granted to Executive Directors in 2011 will vest at 128% of initial award levels (out of a maximum of 200% – i.e. 64% of maximum awards).

The Committee believes it is important that Executive Directors act and think as shareholders. The CEO currently holds around 14 times salary in Unilever shares with the CFO holding around six times salary. In addition, at Unilever we believe it is important that all employees, not just senior management, are shareholders in our business. During the year, therefore, the Committee approved the introduction of a new global employee share plan for those employees who do not currently participate in equity incentive arrangements. We will start the process of implementing this scheme across all the countries where we employ people from 2014.

Other key activities of the Committee during the year were:

  annual review of the remuneration framework;
  annual review of Unilever’s remuneration practice to ensure that the overall remuneration structure continues to promote Unilever’s business strategy;
  determination of the remuneration packages for the Executive Directors, other members of the Unilever Leadership Executive (ULE) and the fee structure of the Non-Executive Directors, including the setting of the performance targets for the bonus, GSIP and MCIP awards;
  determination of the extent to which the performance measures for the bonus, GSIP and MCIP awards were achieved;
  determination of selection criteria for the hiring of advisers by the Committee and the assessment of performance of the Committee’s independent adviser, Deloitte LLP; and
  refinement of the Executive Directors’ minimum shareholding requirements.

The Committee remains committed to linking remuneration to the achievement of Unilever’s strategic objective.

Paul Walsh

Chairman of the Compensation and Management Resources Committee

 

 

 

 

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DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

REPORT CONTINUED

 

 

POLICY REPORT

POLICY TABLE

The following sets out our Directors’ Remuneration Policy (the Policy). This Policy will be put forward for shareholder approval at the 2014 AGMs. This Policy will apply to payments made from 14 May 2014, the date of the 2014 AGMs.

 

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* The current peer group includes: Anglo American, AstraZeneca, BASF, Bayer, BHP Billiton, BMW, BP, British American Tobacco, BT, Carrefour, Centrica, Daimler, Danone, GlaxoSmithKline, Imperial Tobacco, L’Oréal, Metro, National Grid, Nestlé, Novartis, Reckitt Benckiser Group, Rio Tinto, Roche, Royal Dutch Shell, Sanofi, Siemens, Tesco, Total, Vodafone, Volkswagen. The peer group used for benchmarking purposes is reviewed regularly and companies are added and/or removed at the Committee’s discretion to ensure that it remains appropriate.

 

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DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

REPORT CONTINUED

 

 

 

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DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

REPORT CONTINUED

 

 

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1  Claw-back: The Committee has discretion to reclaim or claw-back some or all of the value of awards of performance-related payments to Executive Directors in the event of a significant downward restatement of the financial results of Unilever. This includes the annual bonus together with any awards that have been made and/or vested shares under the Share Matching Plan, the GSIP and the MCIP. This claw-back may be effected by reducing outstanding awards or requiring the return of the net value of vested awards to Unilever.
2  Form of Awards: Awards may take the form of conditional awards, nil-cost options and forfeitable shares under the GSIP and the MCIP. Awards may be settled in cash.
3  Dividends: Notional dividends accrue on awards under the GSIP and MCIP matching shares between grant and vesting of awards, delivered as shares or cash at the discretion of the Committee, but will only be paid out to the extent that the underlying shares vest. The Committee shall have discretion to determine how notional dividend awards shall be calculated, which may include the deemed reinvestment of these dividends in Unilever’s shares on a cumulative basis.
4  Ultimate Remedy: Grants under the GSIP and MCIP are subject to ultimate remedy. Upon vesting of an award, the Committee shall have the discretionary power to adjust the value of the award if the award, in the Committee’s opinion taking all circumstances into account, produces an unfair result. In exercising this discretion, the Committee may take into account Unilever’s performance against non-financial measures. The Committee will only adjust the value of a vesting award upwards after obtaining shareholder consent.

 

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REMUNERATION SCENARIOS – OUR EMPHASIS ON PERFORMANCE-RELATED PAY

It is Unilever’s policy that the total remuneration package for Executive Directors should be competitive with other global companies and that a significant proportion should be performance-related.

The Committee typically reviews, on at least an annual basis, the impact of (different performance scenarios on the potential reward opportunity and payouts to be received by Executive Directors and the alignment of these with the returns that might be received by shareholders. The Committee believes that the level of remuneration that can be delivered in the various scenarios is appropriate for the level of performance delivered and the value that would be delivered to shareholders.

The charts below show hypothetical values of the remuneration package for Executive Directors under three assumed performance scenarios:

 

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DETAILS OF FIXED ELEMENT OF REMUNERATION FOR CEO AND CFO AND ASSUMPTIONS FOR SCENARIO CHARTS

 

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DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

REPORT CONTINUED

 

 

REMUNERATION POLICY – SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

CLAW-BACK, DISCRETION AND FLEXIBILITY

On 1 January 2014 claw-back and ultimate remedy were enacted in Dutch law. Variable remuneration may be reclaimed if it has been paid on the basis of incorrect information regarding the achievements or the circumstances on which the remuneration depends. The Boards, acting on the proposal of the Committee, are authorised to adjust the value of variable remuneration (upwards and downwards) if payment of such remuneration would be unacceptable in accordance with the principles of reasonableness and fairness.

For awards under the MCIP, the Committee may change the terms of a performance measure or target in accordance with its terms or if anything happens which causes the Committee reasonably to consider it appropriate to do so. For awards under the GSIP, the Committee, with the consent of the Boards, may change the terms of a performance measure or target during the performance period to take into account any structural changes relating to the shares or the Group (e.g. rights issues) in accordance with established market practice.

The Committee reserves the right to make any remuneration payments and payments for loss of office (including exercising any relevant discretions) notwithstanding that they are not in line with the Policy where the terms of the payment were agreed (i) before the Policy came into effect or (ii) at a time when the relevant individual was not a Director of Unilever N.V. or PLC and, in the opinion of the Committee, the payment was not in consideration for the individual becoming a Director of Unilever N.V. or PLC. For these purposes, ‘payments’ includes the Committee satisfying awards of variable remuneration and, in relation to an award over shares, the terms of the payment are ‘agreed’ at the time the award is granted.

LEGACY PLAN – SHARE MATCHING PLAN

Prior to their participation in the MCIP, Executive Directors were required to invest 25% of their bonus into shares and hold them for a minimum period of three years under the Share Matching Plan. The Executive Directors would then receive a corresponding matching award in the form of NV and PLC shares. The matching shares would normally vest after three years, provided the underlying shares have been retained during this period and the Executive Director has not resigned or been dismissed. The last award under the Share Matching Plan was made in 2011, relating to the annual bonus earned for 2010, and will vest in March 2014 (see page 77 for details).

PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND THE LINK TO STRATEGY

Performance measures are selected to align with Unilever’s clearly stated growth ambition and our long-term business strategy. Unilever’s primary business objective is to generate a sustainable improvement in business performance through increasing the underlying value and volume of sales while steadily improving core operating margins and cash flow.

The measures chosen for the annual and long-term incentives support the delivery of this objective. Performance measures focus management on the delivery of a combination of top-line revenue growth and bottom-line profit growth that Unilever believes will build shareholder value over the longer term. Total shareholder return measures Unilever’s success relative to peers. The following sets out the performance measures for short- and long-term executive incentive plans to be awarded in 2014 as well as the business performance and the behaviours that they drive.

 

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APPROACH TO TARGET SETTING

The Committee sets performance targets for incentive plans, taking into account internal budgets, business priorities and external forecasts so that the targets are sufficiently stretching. Good performance results in target payout while maximum payout is only achieved for delivering exceptional performance.

The Committee retains the discretion to amend the performance targets in exceptional circumstances. If discretion is exercised in this way, the Committee will consult with major shareholders as appropriate.

INCENTIVE AWARDS GRANTED TO EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS THAT ARE NOT SUBJECT TO PERFORMANCE MEASURES

No incentive awards were made without performance measures in 2013.

SUMMARY OF ANY CHANGES TO THE REMUNERATION POLICY

There have been no changes to the remuneration policy during 2013.

DIFFERENCES IN PAY POLICY FOR DIRECTORS AND OTHER EMPLOYEES GENERALLY

Remuneration arrangements are determined throughout the Group based on the same principle – that reward should support our business strategy and should be sufficient to attract and retain high-performing individuals without paying more than is necessary. Unilever is a global organisation with employees at a number of different levels of seniority and in a number of different countries and, while this principle underpins all reward arrangements, the way it is implemented varies by geography and level.

In principle, all our managers participate in the same Unilever annual bonus scheme with the same performance measures based on Unilever’s overall performance. All middle and senior management are invited to participate in the MCIP and receive awards under the GSIP. All other employees will have the opportunity to participate in the global employee share plan following its implementation.

CONSIDERATION OF CONDITIONS ELSEWHERE IN THE GROUP

When determining the pay of Executive Directors the Committee considers the pay arrangements for other employees in the Group, including considering the average global pay review budget for the management population, to ensure that remuneration arrangements for Executive Directors remain reasonable.

Unilever employs over 170,000 people in 98 countries and, given this geographic spread and other factors, the Committee did not consider that it was appropriate to consult employees on the remuneration policy for Executive Directors during the year. However, Unilever takes the views of its employees seriously and on an ongoing basis we operate the ‘Rate-My-Reward’ survey to gauge the views of employees on the different parts of their reward package.

CONSIDERATION OF SHAREHOLDER VIEWS

The Committee takes the views of shareholders very seriously. These views have been influential in shaping our policy and practice over the last few years. We maintain an open and regular dialogue with our shareholders on remuneration matters, including consulting with our largest shareholders in the UK and the Netherlands, when we are considering making material changes to our remuneration policy.

REMUNERATION POLICY FOR NEW HIRES

In the event of hiring a new Executive Director, the Committee will align the remuneration package with the above Policy. In addition, the Committee retains the discretion to make awards to the new Executive Director to buy out on a like-for-like basis remuneration terms forfeited on leaving a previous employer (buy out awards). We will inform shareholders of any such buy out awards when announcing the appointment.

For an internal appointment, any variable remuneration element awarded in respect of a prior role may be paid out according to its original terms. In addition, any other ongoing remuneration obligations existing prior to appointment to the Boards may continue to be honoured.

MINIMUM SHAREHOLDING REQUIREMENT

The remuneration arrangements applicable to our Executive Directors require them to build and retain a personal shareholding in Unilever (by the later of 2015 or five years from the date of appointment) to align their interests with those of Unilever’s long-term shareholders.

 

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DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

REPORT CONTINUED

 

 

SERVICE CONTRACTS

POLICY IN RELATION TO EXECUTIVE SERVICE CONTRACTS AND PAYMENTS IN THE EVENT OF LOSS OF OFFICE

 

LOGO

LEAVER PROVISIONS IN PLAN RULES

 

LOGO

 

* An Executive Director will usually be treated as a good leaver if he or she leaves due to death, ill-health, injury or disability, retirement with Unilever’s agreement or redundancy. The Boards may decide to treat an Executive Director who leaves in other circumstances as a good leaver. An Executive Director will not be treated as a good leaver if he chooses to leave for another job elsewhere, if he is summarily dismissed or leaves because of concerns about performance. In deciding whether or not to treat an Executive Director as a good leaver, the Boards will have regard to his or her performance in the role.

 

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If Unilever is affected by a demerger, special distribution or other transaction which may affect the value of awards, the Committee may allow matching shares under the MCIP and performance shares under the GSIP to vest early over such number of shares as it shall determine (to the extent any performance conditions have been met) and may be pro-rated to reflect the acceleration of vesting at the Committee’s discretion.

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

KEY ASPECTS OF UNILEVER’S 2014 FEE POLICY FOR NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

 

LOGO

 

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DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

REPORT CONTINUED

 

 

REMUNERATION POLICY FOR NEW NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR HIRES

In the event of hiring a new Non-Executive Director, the Committee will align the remuneration package with the Policy detailed in this Report.

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ LETTERS OF APPOINTMENT

The terms of engagement of Non-Executive Directors are set out in letters of appointment which each Non-Executive Director signed with effect from the 2013 AGMs. Non-Executive Directors are currently appointed for a one-year term, subject to satisfactory performance, re-nomination at the discretion of the Boards on the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and re-election at forthcoming annual shareholder meetings. It is Unilever’s expectation that Non-Executive Directors serve for a minimum of three years. The letters of appointment allow for Unilever to terminate a Non-Executive Director’s appointment in cases of gross misconduct, bankruptcy or where the Non-Executive Director is prevented from occupying such a position by law. The letters do not contain provision for notice periods or compensation if their appointments are terminated by Unilever. Non-Executive Directors may terminate their engagement upon three months’ notice. Except in exceptional circumstances, the Boards will not propose Non-Executive Directors for re-nomination when nine years have elapsed since the date of their appointment. Letters of appointment are available for inspection on request from the Company Secretary.

In considering appointments to the Boards, the Directors and Unilever give due consideration to the time commitment required to fulfil the role appropriately.

All Non-Executive Directors were reappointed to the Boards at the 2013 AGMs, with the exception of Sunil Bharti Mittal who chose not to put himself forward for re-election.

 

Non-Executive Director    
 
Date first appointed to
the Board
  
  
    

 

Effective date of current

letter of appointment

  

*   

Michael Treschow

    16 May 2007         15 May 2013   

Laura Cha

    15 May 2013         15 May 2013   

Louise Fresco

    14 May 2009         15 May 2013   

Ann Fudge

    14 May 2009         15 May 2013   

Charles Golden

    09 May 2006         15 May 2013   

Byron Grote

    09 May 2006         15 May 2013   

Mary Ma

    15 May 2013         15 May 2013   

Sunil Bharti Mittal

    12 May 2011         n/a   

Hixonia Nyasulu

    16 May 2007         15 May 2013   

Sir Malcolm Rifkind

    12 May 2010         15 May 2013   

John Rishton

    15 May 2013         15 May 2013   

Kees Storm

    09 May 2006         15 May 2013   

Paul Walsh

    14 May 2009         15 May 2013   

 

* The unexpired term for all Non-Executive Directors’ letters of appointment is the period up to the 2014 AGMs, as they all, unless they are retiring, submit themselves for annual re-election.

 

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ANNUAL REMUNERATION REPORT

The following sets out how Unilever’s remuneration policy was implemented in 2013 and how it will be implemented in 2014.

SINGLE FIGURE OF REMUNERATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REMUNERATION POLICY IN 2013 FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

The table below shows a single figure of remuneration for each of our Executive Directors, for the years 2012 (restated) and 2013. (AUDITED)

 

                                                                                   
    

Paul Polman

CEO (UK)

(’000s)

    

Jean-Marc Huët

CFO (UK)

(’000s)

 
      2013     

2012

(Restated)

     2013     

2012

(Restated)

 

Base salary (a)

     1,189         1,169         841         860   

Fixed allowances and other benefits (b)

     700         640         594         465   

Annual bonus (c)

     1,864         2,406         879         1,295   

GSIP performance shares – (required by UK law) (d)

     3,849         3,503         2,665         2,453   

Conditional supplemental pension (e)

     138         134         n/a         n/a   

Total remuneration paid (EUR) – (required by UK law) (a+b+c+d+e)

     7,740         7,852         4,979         5,073   

Share awards (required by Dutch law) (f)

     4,069         3,290         2,652         2,699   

Total remuneration paid (EUR) – (required by Dutch law) (a+b+c+e+f)

     7,960         7,639         4,966         5,319   

Where relevant amounts for 2013 have been translated into using the average exchange rate over 2013: 1 = £0.8492. Amounts for 2012 have been translated into using the average exchange rate over 2012: 1 = £0.8107.

We do not grant our Executive Directors any personal loans or guarantees.

ELEMENTS OF SINGLE FIGURE REMUNERATION 2013

(a) BASE SALARY (AUDITED)

Salary set in sterling and paid in 2013:

  CEO – £1,010,000
  CFO – £714,000

(b) FIXED ALLOWANCE AND OTHER BENEFITS (AUDITED)

For 2013 this comprises:

 

     Paul Polman
CEO (UK)
(£’000s)
    Jean-Marc Huët
CFO (UK)
(£’000s)
 
      2013     2013  

Fixed allowance

     250,000        300,000   

Medical insurance cover and actual tax return preparation costs

     64,383        34,193   

Provision of death-in-service benefits and administration

     17,675        12,495   

Payment to protect against difference between employee social security obligations in country of
residence versus UK

     262,075          

Sum agreed on recruitment as reimbursement for the loss and costs on the sale of his house in the US

            158,247   

Total

     594,133     504,935

 

* The numbers in this table are quoted in sterling and have been translated into euros for the Single figure of remuneration table above using the average exchange rate over 2013 of 1 = £0.8492.

This does not include the Dutch crisis tax charge, to which Dutch-based companies like Unilever N.V. are subject, of 16% on the portion of employees’ 2013 salaries exceeding 150,000 from current employment that is taxable in the Netherlands. The tax charge for Unilever N.V. with respect to the CEO is 176,125 (2012: 112,394) .

 

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DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

REPORT CONTINUED

 

 

(c) ANNUAL BONUS (AUDITED)

Annual bonus 2013 actual outcomes

  CEO – £1,583,175 (which is 78% of maximum, 157% of base salary)
  CFO – £746,130 (which is 70% of maximum, 105% of base salary)

This includes cash and shares invested under the MCIP. See below for details.

Performance against targets:

 

LOGO

2013 has been a year of solid performance, especially given the tough economic and competitive environment Unilever has faced. At the start of the year, the Committee set very challenging targets and we are pleased with progress against these goals. Underlying sales growth was 4.3%, which though slightly below target performance represents strong performance in challenging markets and intensifying competition. Underlying volume growth was 2.5% resulting in target payout. Improvement in core operating margin compared with 2012 was 0.4 percentage points, which was ahead of target.

2013 was not, however, without its challenges and, in order to recognise this and in particular a tough third quarter, the Committee exercised its judgement to reduce the overall Group bonus score from 103% of target to 95% of target.

In determining bonus outcomes for the CEO, the Committee also considered his personal performance and leadership, including progress against the delivery of USLP goals and his overall contribution to making sustainable living commonplace. As a consequence of that review the CEO was awarded a personal performance multiplier of 137.5%. This resulted in the CEO receiving a bonus of 157% of his base salary. This is calculated as follows:

 

LOGO

In determining bonus outcomes for the CFO, the Committee also considered his personal performance and leadership, including corporate social responsibility and progress against the delivery of USLP goals. As a consequence of that review the CFO was awarded a personal performance multiplier of 110%. This resulted in the CFO receiving a bonus of 105% of his base salary. This is calculated as follows:

 

LOGO

2014 MCIP AWARDS (BASED ON 2013 ANNUAL BONUS OUTCOMES)

On 14 February 2014, the CEO invested 60% (£949,905) and the CFO invested 25% (£186,533) of their 2013 bonus in MCIP investment shares. The CEO elected to invest fully in NV shares. The CFO elected to receive a 50%/50% mix of PLC / NV shares.

They each received a corresponding award of performance-related MCIP matching shares (awarded in the same form as the investment shares). MCIP matching awards are subject to the same performance measures as GSIP awards. Further information on matching awards is set out on page 80.

No matching awards under the MCIP vested based on performance in the year ended 31 December 2013.

 

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(d) GSIP – UK LAW REQUIREMENT (AUDITED)

2013 OUTCOMES

This includes GSIP awards vesting based on performance in the three-year period to 31 December 2013.

The values included in the single figure table for 2013 are calculated by multiplying the number of shares granted on 14 March 2011 (including additional shares in respect of accrued dividends through to 31 December 2013) by the level of vesting (128% of target awards) and the three-month average share price to 31 December 2013 (PLC £24.47 and NV 28.58).

The award was equally based on the performance measures outlined in the table below.

Performance against targets:

 

LOGO

Over the past three years, the business has delivered a very strong performance and has consistently been ahead of our competitors. Underlying sales growth during the period was 5.9% per annum which the Committee considered to be exceptional performance in the context of the global economic climate during this period and the strong base we were building from. We have also consistently improved margin performance converting our top-line growth into profitable returns for our shareholders with underlying operating margin improving 0.19 percentage points. Cash flow performance has also been strong, funding future investment in growth. On the basis of this performance, the Committee determined that GSIP awards granted to Executive Directors in 2011 will vest at 128% of initial award levels (out of a maximum of 200% – i.e. 64% of maximum awards).

During 2013, the CFO also received the third and final tranche of restricted stock award made to him on recruitment under the GSIP. The value of this award has not been included in the above GSIP figures as it is not required by the regulations.

The 2012 GSIP performance shares figure has been restated to reflect the actual number of shares and the market value of the shares that vested and have been translated into using the average exchange rate over 2012: 1 = £0.8107. The figure included in the 2012 Directors’ Remuneration Report was estimated as the vesting date was post the publication of the 2012 Annual Report and Accounts. The actual values at the vesting date were: Paul Polman 3,503,000 (estimated as 3,089,000) and Jean-Marc Huët 2,453,000 (estimated as 2,164,000).

(e) CONDITIONAL SUPPLEMENTAL PENSION (AUDITED)

CEO: Paul Polman

Conditional supplemental pension provision agreed with the CEO on hiring, which is conditional on his remaining in employment with Unilever to age 60 and subsequently retiring from active service or his death or total disability prior to retirement. This was £117,123 based on 12% of a capped salary of £976,028 for 2013.

CFO: Jean-Marc Huët

The CFO does not receive a conditional supplemental pension.

(f) SHARE INCENTIVES – DUTCH LAW REQUIREMENT (AUDITED)

As per the Dutch requirements, these costs are non-cash costs and relate to the expenses recognised for the period following IFRS 2. This is based on share prices on grant dates, a 98% adjustment factor for GSIP shares and MCIP matching shares awarded in 2013 and 2012 and GSIP shares awarded in 2011 and 2010, and an 89% adjustment factor for GSIP shares awarded in 2009 to take account of the external performance condition TSR.

 

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DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

REPORT CONTINUED

 

 

OTHER IMPLEMENTATION INFORMATION FOR 2013

SCHEME INTERESTS AWARDED IN THE YEAR (AUDITED)

 

LOGO

The values included in this table are calculated by multiplying the number of shares granted on 18 February 2013 by the grant price of PLC £25.64 and N.V. 29.28 respectively, assuming maximum performance and therefore maximum vesting of 200% for GSIP and 150% for MCIP and then translating into using an average exchange rate over 2013 of 1 = £0.8492.

The actual targets for the three business focused performance measures for the 2013 MCIP and GSIP awards have not been disclosed up front as the Boards deem this to be commercially sensitive information as targets could reveal information about Unilever’s business plan and budgeting process to competitors, which could be damaging to Unilever’s business interests and therefore to shareholders. Targets will be disclosed in the Directors’ Remuneration Report following the end of the relevant performance period.

 

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MINIMUM SHAREHOLDING REQUIREMENT AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SHARE INTERESTS (UNAUDITED)

The table below shows the Executive Directors’ share ownership against the minimum shareholding requirements as at 31 December 2013 and the interest in NV and PLC ordinary shares of Executive Directors and their connected persons as at 31 December 2013.

When calculating an Executive Director’s personal shareholding the following methodology is used:

  Base salary at the date of measurement.
  Shares in either Unilever PLC or Unilever N.V. (or a combination of both) will qualify provided they are personally owned by the Executive Director or by a member of his/her (immediate) family (‘connected person’).
  Shares purchased from the Annual Bonus under the MCIP will qualify as from the moment of purchase as these are held in the individual’s name and are not subject to further restrictions.
  Shares acquired under a restricted stock arrangement will qualify on a net of tax basis.
  Shares awarded on a conditional basis by way of the GSIP, or the MCIP, will not qualify until the moment of vesting (i.e. once the precise number of shares is fixed after the three-year vesting period has elapsed).
  The value of the shares to be taken into account will be the higher of the open market value at the date of acquisition or the open market value at the date of measurement. The euro/sterling/US $ exchange rate to be applied will be the prevailing rate on the chosen date.

With effect from 1 January 2014 Executive Directors will be required to hold shares to the value of 100% of their shareholding requirement for 12 months post cessation of employment at Unilever, and 50% of these shares for 24 months post cessation of employment with Unilever.

The other members of the ULE are required to build a shareholding of 300% of base salary. This requirement is 150% of base salary for the “top 100” management layer below ULE.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS IN SHARES AND SHARE OWNERSHIP (AUDITED)

 

     Share ownership           
 
Actual share
ownership
  
  
   

 

Shares held as at   

1 January 2013(b)

  

  

    
 
Shares held as at   
31 December 2013(c)
  
  
      

 

guideline as % of

base salary

  

  

    

 

Have guidelines

been met?

  

  

    

 

(as a % of

base salary)

  

(a) 

    NV         PLC            NV         PLC      

CEO: Paul Polman

     400         Yes         1379        234,291         192,371            306,928         266,546      

CFO: Jean-Marc Huët

     300         Yes         591        52,921         52,921            86,620         86,853      

(a) Calculated based on the minimum shareholding requirements and methodology set out above.

(b) NV shares are ordinary 0.16 shares and PLC shares are ordinary 31/9p shares.

(C) Numbers exclude awards and options over shares which are subject to performance.

On 14 February 2014, Paul Polman and Jean-Marc Huët invested 60% and 25% respectively of their annual bonus earned in 2013 and paid in 2014 in the MCIP. This resulted in 41,775 NV investment shares for Paul Polman and 4,036 NV and 4,036 PLC investment shares for Jean-Marc Huët. They each received a corresponding award of performance-related NV and PLC shares under the terms of the MCIP.

The voting rights of the Directors who hold interests in the share capital of NV and PLC are the same as for other holders of the class of shares indicated. None of the Directors’ (Executive and Non-Executive) or other executive officers’ shareholdings amounts to more than 1% of the issued shares in that class of share. Except as stated above, all shareholdings are beneficial.

INFORMATION IN RELATION TO OUTSTANDING SHARE INCENTIVE AWARDS

As at 31 December 2013, Paul Polman held awards over a total of 355,452 shares which are subject to performance conditions and awards over 20,906 shares which are not. Jean-Marc Huët held awards over a total of 205,775 shares which are subject to performance conditions and awards over 10,094 shares which are not. There are no awards in the form of options.

SHARE MATCHING PLAN (AUDITED)

 

             
 
 
Balance of
conditional shares
at 1 January 2013
  
  
  
   
 
 
Conditional
shares vested
in 2013
  
  
(a) 
            
 
 
Balance of
conditional shares at
31 December 2013
  
  
  
      Share type      No. of shares     No. of shares     Price at award      No. of shares  

Paul Polman

     NV         19,416 (b)      9,484        22.53         9,932   
       PLC         19,416 (b)      9,484        £19.44         9,932   

Jean-Marc Huët

     NV         5,047 (c)                     5,047   
       PLC         5,047 (c)                     5,047   

 

(a)  Each award of matching shares is conditional and vests three years after the date of the award subject to continued employment and maintenance of the underlying bonus shares. These awards were not subject to further performance conditions.
(b)  9,484 PLC and NV shares awarded on 18 March 2010 and vested on 18 March 2013 and 9,932 PLC and NV shares awarded on 14 March 2011 and due to vest on 14 March 2014.
(c)  Awarded on 14 March 2011 and due to vest on 14 March 2014.

 

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DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

REPORT CONTINUED

 

 

MANAGEMENT CO-INVESTMENT PLAN (AUDITED)

 

       
 
 
Balance of
conditional shares
at 1 January 2013
  
  
  
   
 
Conditional shares
awarded in 2013
  
(a) 
                    
 
 
Balance of
conditional shares
at 31 December 2013
  
  
  
      

 

Share

type

  

  

     Original award       
 
 
Performance period
1 January 2013 to
31 December 2015
  
  
  
   
 
Price at
award
  
  
    
 
 
Dividend shares
accrued during
the year
  
  
(d) 
       

Paul Polman

     NV         18,413 (b)      22,999        29.28         1,307        42,719   
       PLC         18,478 (b)      22,999        £25.64         1,435        42,912   

Jean-Marc Huët

     NV         3,781 (c)      5,157        29.28         280        9,218   
       PLC         3,794 (c)      5,157        £25.64         308        9,259   

 

(a)  Each award of conditional matching shares vests three years after the date of the award (further details can be found on page 80). Awards are all subject to continued employment and maintenance of the underlying investment shares. On 18 February 2013, Paul Polman and Jean-Marc Huët invested in the MCIP 60% and 25% respectively of their annual bonus earned during 2012 and paid in 2013 and received a corresponding award of marching shares which will vest, subject to performance, on 18 February 2016.
(b)  This includes 17,772 NV and PLC shares granted on 17 February 2012 and 641 NV shares and 706 PLC shares from reinvested dividend accrued in 2012. These shares will vest, subject to performance, on 17 February 2015.
(c)  This includes 3,649 NV and PLC shares granted on 17 February 2012 and 132 NV shares and 145 PLC shares from reinvested dividend accrued in 2012. These shares will vest, subject to performance, on 17 February 2015.
(d)  Reflects reinvested dividend equivalents accrued during 2013 and subject to the same performance conditions as the underlying matching shares.

GLOBAL SHARE INCENTIVE PLAN (AUDITED)

The following conditional shares were granted during 2013 and were outstanding at 31 December 2013 under the Global Share Incentive Plan:

 

       
 
 
Balance of
conditional shares
at 1 January 2013
  
  
  
   
 
Conditional shares
awarded in 2013
  
(a) 
                                              
 
 
Balance of
conditional shares
at 31 December 2013
  
  
  
      

 

Share

type

  

  

     Original award       
 
 
Performance period
1 January 2013 to
31 December 2015
  
  
  
   
 
Price at
award
  
  
    
 

 

Dividend shares
accrued during

the year

  
  

(d) 

   

 

 

Vested

in

2013

  

  

(e) 

   
 
 
 
Additional
shares
earned in
2013
  
  
  
  
    
 
Price at
vesting
  
  
     No. of shares   

Paul Polman

     NV         139,226 (b)      39,698        29.28         4,754        53,665        4,431         31.10         134,444   
       PLC         140,349 (b)      39,698        £25.64         5,203        54,360        4,488         £27.35         135,378   

Jean-Marc Huët

     NV         99,912 (c)      24,556        29.28         3,325        37,580        3,106         31.10         93,319   
       PLC         100,706 (c)      24,556        £25.64         3,639        38,066        3,144         £27.35         93,979   

 

(a)  Each award of conditional shares vests three years after the date of the award, subject to performance conditions (further details can be found on page 80). The 2013 award was made on 18 February 2013 (vesting 18 February 2016).
(b)  This includes a grant of 44,137 of each of NV and PLC shares made on 18 March 2010 (vested 18 March 2013), a grant of 47,173 of each of NV and PLC shares made on 14 March 2011 (vesting 14 March 2014), a grant of 38,676 of each of NV and PLC shares made on 17 February 2012 (vesting 17 February 2015) and 9,240 NV shares and 10,363 PLC shares from reinvested dividend accrued in prior years in respect of awards.
(c)  This includes a grant of 30,906 of each of NV and PLC shares made on 18 March 2010 (vested 18 March 2013), a grant of 32,665 of each of NV and PLC shares made on 14 March 2011 (vesting 14 March 2014), a grant of 29,798 of each of NV and PLC shares made on 17 February 2012 (vesting 17 February 2015) and 6,543 NV shares and 7,337 PLC shares from reinvested dividend accrued in prior years in respect of awards.
(d)  Reflects reinvested dividend equivalents accrued during 2013 and subject to the same performance conditions as the underlying GSIP shares.
(e)  The 18 March 2010 grant vested on 18 March 2013 at 109%.

On 14 February 2014, Paul Polman received an award of 43,700 NV and 43,700 PLC performance-related shares and Jean-Marc Huët received an award of 27,031 NV and 27,031 PLC performance-related shares under the GSIP.

RESTRICTED STOCK (AUDITED)

Jean-Marc Huët received a one-off restricted stock award on joining Unilever under the GSIP. Details of balances and vesting during 2013 are shown below.

 

            Balance of
shares at
1 January 2013
                 Vesting in 2013         

Balance of

shares at
31 December 2013

 
      Share type      No. of shares          No. of shares      Price at vesting          No. of shares  

Jean-Marc Huët(a)

     NV         21,884           21,884         31.10           0   
       PLC         21,884           21,884         £27.35           0   

 

(a)  Vesting on 18 March 2013 of one-third of original award (made 18 March 2010 at 22.53 and £19.44).

 

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SHARE SAVE PLAN (AUDITED)

The Unilever PLC 2005 Share Save Plan is an HMRC-approved, all-employee, savings-related share option scheme under which employees can save up to a limit of £250 per month with an option to buy PLC shares at the end of a five-year vesting period (subject to continued employment).

 

       Share type        
 
 
Balance of
options at
1 January 2013
  
  
(a) 
   
 
Granted
in 2013
  
  
    
 
 
Balance of
options at
31 December 2013
  
  
  
    

 

First

exercisable date

  

  

    

 

Final

expiry date

  

  

Paul Polman

     PLC         1,042                1,042         01/10/2014         01/04/2015   

 

(a)  Option price at grant was £14.92.

PAYMENTS TO FORMER DIRECTORS (AUDITED)

There have been no payments to former Directors during the year.

PAYMENTS FOR LOSS OF OFFICE (AUDITED)

There were no payments for loss of office.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REMUNERATION POLICY IN 2014 FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

ELEMENTS OF REMUNERATION

LOGO

 

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DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

REPORT CONTINUED

 

 

PERFORMANCE ELEMENTS OF REMUNERATION:

The actual targets for the annual bonus and the three business-focused performance measures for the MCIP and GSIP awards to be made in 2014 have not been disclosed up-front as the Boards deem this to be commercially sensitive information as targets could reveal information about Unilever’s business plan and budgeting process to competitors, which could be damaging to Unilever’s business interests and therefore to shareholders. Where appropriate, targets will be disclosed in the Directors’ Remuneration Report following the end of the respective performance period.

 

LOGO

 

(a)  For the three business-focused measures, 25% of target awards vest for achieving threshold performance. 200% of target awards vest (capped at 150% under the MCIP) for maximum performance.

 

(b)  For the relative TSR measure, Unilever’s TSR is measured against a comparator group of other consumer goods companies. TSR measures the return received by a shareholder, capturing both the increase in share price and the value of dividend income (assuming dividends are reinvested). The TSR results are measured on a common currency basis to better reflect the shareholder experience.

The current TSR peer group is as follows:

 

Avon    Colgate-Palmolive    Henkel    L’Oréal    Reckitt Benckiser
Beiersdorf    Danone    Kao    Nestlé    Shiseido
Campbell Soup    General Mills    Kellogg’s    PepsiCo   
Coca-Cola    Estée Lauder    Kimberly-Clark    Procter & Gamble   

Following the sale of Heinz in February 2013, the TSR comparator group for all outstanding awards was adjusted with effect from 1 January 2014 to discontinue its participation. The TSR comparator group will therefore consist of 18 companies (19 including Unilever) with effect from 1 January 2014. No shares in the portion of the award subject to TSR vest if Unilever is ranked below position 10 in the peer group at the end of the three-year period, 50% vests if Unilever is ranked 10th, 100% vests if Unilever is ranked 7th and 200% (150% under the MCIP) vests if Unilever is ranked 3rd or above. Straight-line vesting occurs between these points.

 

80                Governance   Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2013


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SINGLE FIGURE OF REMUNERATION IN 2013 FOR NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS (AUDITED)

The table below shows a single figure of remuneration for each of our Non-Executive Directors, for the years 2012 and 2013.

 

            2013                    2012         
Non-Executive Director     

 

Fees

’000

(a) 

  

   

 

Benefits

’000

(b) 

  

   
 
 
Total
remuneration
’000
  
  
  
    

 

Fees

’000

(a) 

  

   

 

Benefits

’000

(b) 

  

   
 
 
Total
remuneration
’000
  
  
  

Michael Treschow(c)

     637 (d)      1        638         659               659   

Laura Cha

     62               62                         

Louise Fresco(e)

     106               106         108               108   

Ann Fudge

     103        17        120         139        22        161   

Charles Golden

     101        14        115         133        11        144   

Byron Grote(f)

     127        2        129         128               128   

Mary Ma

     66               66                         

Sunil Bharti Mittal(g)

     32               32         96               96   

Hixonia Nyasulu

     102        12        114         127               127   

Sir Malcolm Rifkind

     103               103         119               119   

John Rishton

     66               66                         

Kees Storm(h)

     191               191         203        1        204   

Paul Walsh(i)

     119               119         143               143   

Total

             1,815        46        1,861         1,855        34        1,889   

 

(a)  This includes fees received from both NV in euros and PLC in sterling for both 2012 and 2013 respectively. Includes basic Non-Executive Director fee and Committee chairmanship and/or membership.
(b)  The only benefit received relates to travel by spouses or partners where they are invited by Unilever.
(c)  Chairman.
(d)  This does not include the Dutch crisis tax charge, to which Dutch-based companies like Unilever N.V. are subject, of 16% on the portion of Directors’ 2013 fees exceeding 150,000 from current appointment that is taxable in the Netherlands. The tax charge for Unilever N.V. with respect to the Chairman is 26,171 (2012 was 26,751).
(e)  Chair, Corporate Responsibility Committee.
(f)  Chair, Audit Committee.
(g)  Chose not to put himself forward for re-election at the May 2013 AGMs.
(h)  Vice-Chairman and Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
(i)  Chair, Compensation and Management Resources Committee.

We do not grant our Non-Executive Directors any personal loans or guarantees, nor are they entitled to any severance payments.

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS IN SHARES (AUDITED)

Non-Executive Directors are encouraged to build up a personal shareholding of at least one times their annual fees over the five years from 1 January 2012 (or appointment if later).

The table shows the interests in NV and PLC ordinary shares of Non-Executive Directors and their connected persons as at 31 December 2013. There has been no change in these interests between 31 December 2013 and 3 March 2014 other than Byron Grote who purchased 200 NV NY shares and 200 PLC ADRs on 10 February 2014 at a share price of US $37.91 and US $39.22 respectively.

 

      
 
Share
type
  
  
    
 
 
 
Shares
held at
1 January
2013
  
  
  
  
    

 
 
 

Shares

held at
31 December
2013

  

  
  
  

Michael Treschow

     NV         15,158         15,158   
       PLC         15,000         15,000   

Laura Cha(a)

     NV         n/a           
       PLC         n/a         200   

Louise Fresco

     NV         1,800         1,800   
       PLC                   

Ann Fudge

     NV NY                   
       PLC ADRs         2,600         3,950   

Charles Golden

     NV NY         1,000         1,000   
       PLC ADRs                   

Byron Grote

     NV NY         6,000         6,500   
       PLC ADRs         5,000         5,500   

Mary Ma(a)

     NV         n/a           
       PLC         n/a           
      
 
Share
type
  
  
    
 
 
 
Shares
held at
1 January
2013
  
  
  
  
   

 
 
 

Shares

held at
31 December
2013

  

  
  
  

Sunil Bharti Mittal(b)

     NV                  
       PLC         2,100          

Hixonia Nyasulu

     NV         200        600   
       PLC         350        750   

Malcolm Rifkind

     NV                  
       PLC         1,500        2,700   

John Rishton(a)

     NV         n/a        1,700   
       PLC         n/a          

Kees Storm

     NV         7,500        7,500   
       PLC                  

Paul Walsh

     NV                  
       PLC         1,000        2,000   

 

(a)  Appointed at May 2013 AGMs.
(b)  Chose not to put himself forward for re-election at May 2013 AGMs.
 

 

Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2013   Governance                81


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DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

REPORT CONTINUED

 

 

OTHER DISCLOSURES RELATED TO DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

SERVING AS A NON-EXECUTIVE ON THE BOARD OF ANOTHER COMPANY

Executive Directors serving as non-executive directors on the boards of other companies are permitted to retain all remuneration and fees earned from outside directorships subject to a maximum of one outside listed directorship (see Outside Appointments on page 45 for further details).

Paul Polman is a non-executive director of The Dow Chemical Company and received an annual fee of 86,773 (US $115,000 based on the average exchange rate over the year 1 = US $1.3253). In addition, he received a restricted award of 3,920 ordinary shares with a nominal value of US $2.50 per share in the capital of The Dow Chemical Company. The shares include the rights to vote and to receive dividends thereon. The shares cannot be sold or transferred until Paul Polman leaves the board of directors of The Dow Chemical Company, and in any case not earlier than 10 May 2015. Paul Polman elected to defer his 2013 annual fee into a deferral programme of The Dow Chemical Company. This programme allows non-executive directors at the end of the year to defer the annual fees for the following year. At the time of enrolment, the non-executive director decides when he wants to receive the fees (upon leaving or a specified year in the future). The funds are hypothetically invested according to the non-executive director’s investment elections.

Jean-Marc Huët is a non-executive director of Delta Topco Limited and received an annual fee of 181,091 (US $240,000, including fees of 45,273 (US $60,000) each for membership of the Audit & Ethics Committee and the Nomination Committee).

FIVE-YEAR HISTORICAL TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURN (TSR) PERFORMANCE

The table below includes:

  growth in the value of a hypothetical £100 holding over five years’ FTSE 100 comparison based on 30-trading-day average values; and
  growth in the value of a hypothetical 100 investment over five years’ AEX comparison based on 30-trading-day average values.

The Committee has decided to show Unilever’s performance against the FTSE 100 Index, London and also the Euronext 100 index (AEX), Amsterdam as these are the most relevant indices in the UK and the Netherlands where we have our principal listings. Unilever is a constituent of both these indices.

 

LOGO

CEO SINGLE FIGURE FIVE-YEAR HISTORY

The table below shows the five-year history of the CEO single figure of total remuneration:

 

     2009     2010     2011     2012     2013  

CEO

Single figure of total remuneration ( ‘000)

    3,859        6,292        6,010        7,852        7,740   
Annual bonus award rates against maximum opportunity     82     80     68     100     78
GSIP performance shares vesting rates against maximum opportunity     n/a        47     44     55     64
Share Matching Plan vesting rates against maximum opportunity*     100     100     n/a        n/a        n/a   

 

* Shown in year of award.

PERCENTAGE CHANGE IN REMUNERATION OF DIRECTOR UNDERTAKING THE ROLE OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

The table below shows the percentage change from 2012 to 2013 for base salary, bonus and benefits (excluding pension) for both the CEO and all UK and Dutch management in Unilever. The subset of UK and Dutch management has been used as a fair representation of our dual listing status.

 

% change from 2012 to 2013    Salary     Bonus(b)     

Benefits

(not

including

pension)

 

CEO(a)

     1.7     -22.5%         9.4

UK and Dutch management

     2.7     -26.8%         5.0

 

(a)  Calculated using the data from the Executive Directors single figure table on page 73.
(b)  The change in level of bonus from 2012 to 2013 for both the CEO and our UK and Dutch management subset is due to exceptional results in 2012 uplifting the bonus compared with a solid year in 2013.

RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF SPEND ON PAY

The chart below shows the relative spend on pay compared with dividends paid to Unilever shareholders and core earnings. Core earnings represent the net profit attributable to Unilever shareholders, adjusted for non-core items. Over time, core earnings and core earnings growth provide a good reference point to compare spend on pay.

 

LOGO

 

 

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THE COMPENSATION AND MANAGEMENT RESOURCES COMMITTEE

During 2013, the Committee comprised four Non-Executive Directors: Paul Walsh (Committee Chairman), Michael Treschow, Ann Fudge and Kees Storm.

The Committee reviewed its terms of reference during the year. The Committee is concerned with:

  the remuneration policy for the ULE and senior corporate executives;
  the remuneration and benefits of the Directors and other members of the ULE;
  the design and terms of all long-term incentive plans;
  leadership development, especially of the ULE and senior corporate executives; and
  performance evaluation of the members of the ULE.

The Committee’s revised terms of reference are contained within ‘The Governance of Unilever’, and are also set out on our website at www.unilever.com/investorrelations/corp_governance.

During the year, the Committee reviewed its own effectiveness and concluded that it was broadly operating effectively. Where appropriate, the Committee agreed steps to enhance its effectiveness.

ADVISERS

While it is the Committee’s responsibility to exercise independent judgement, the Committee does request advice from management and professional advisers, as appropriate, to ensure that its decisions are fully informed given the internal and external environment.

The Committee appointed Deloitte LLP to provide independent advice on various matters it considered. Deloitte was appointed in 2011 following an interview process by the Committee. During the year, Deloitte also provided other services to Unilever primarily in relation to the Directors’ Remuneration Report. The wider Deloitte firm has also provided tax and consultancy services including tax compliance, transfer pricing, financial transformation, IT restructuring and sourcing strategies advice to Unilever. Deloitte is a member of the Remuneration Consultants Group and, as such, voluntarily operates under the code of conduct in relation to executive remuneration consulting in the UK. Further details can be found at www.remunerationconsultantsgroup.com.

The Committee is satisfied that the Deloitte LLP engagement partner and team, which provide remuneration advice to the Committee, do not have connections with Unilever N.V. or Unilever PLC that might impair their independence. The Committee reviewed the potential for conflicts of interest and judged that there were appropriate safeguards against such conflicts.

The fees paid to Deloitte LLP in relation to advice provided to the Committee in the year up to 31 December 2013 were £47,000. This figure is calculated based on time spent and expenses incurred for the majority of advice provided, but on occasion for specific projects a fixed fee may be agreed.

During the year, the Committee also sought input from the Chief Executive Officer (Paul Polman), the Chief Human Resources Officer (Doug Baillie) and the SVP Global Head of Reward (Peter Newhouse) on various subjects including the remuneration of senior management. No individual was present when his or her own remuneration was being discussed to ensure a conflict of interest did not arise. The Committee also received legal and governance advice from the Group Secretary (Tonia Lovell).

SHAREHOLDER VOTING

Unilever remains committed to ongoing shareholder dialogue and takes an active interest in voting outcomes. In the event of a substantial vote against a resolution in relation to Directors’ remuneration, Unilever would seek to understand the reasons for any such vote and would set out in the following Annual Report and Accounts any actions in response to it.

The following table sets out actual voting in respect of our previous report:

 

Voting outcome (% of votes)          For     Against  

2012 Directors’ Remuneration Report (2013 AGM)

    PLC        95.39     4.61

32,520,664 votes were withheld (c. 2.5% of share capital).

The Directors’ Remuneration Report is not subject to a shareholder vote in the Netherlands. With effect from 1 January 2014, the implementation of the Remuneration Policy will be a discussion item prior to the adoption of the Annual Accounts.

The Directors’ Remuneration Report has been approved by the Boards and signed on their behalf by Tonia Lovell, Group Secretary.

 

 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

CONTENTS

 

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities

     85   

Independent auditors’ reports

     86   

Consolidated income statement

     90   

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

     90   

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

     91   

Consolidated balance sheet

     92   

Consolidated cash flow statement

     93   

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

     94   

1

  Accounting information and policies      94   

2

  Segment information      96   

3

  Gross profit and operating costs      98   

4

  Employees      99   
  4A Staff and management costs      99   
  4B Pensions and similar obligations      99   
  4C Share-based compensation plans      104   

5

  Net finance costs      105   

6

  Taxation      106   
  6A Income tax      106   
  6B Deferred tax      106   
  6C Tax on other comprehensive income      108   

7

  Combined earnings per share      108   

8

  Dividends on ordinary capital      109   

9

  Goodwill and intangible assets      109   

10

  Property, plant and equipment      111   

11

  Other non-current assets      112   

12

  Inventories      113   

13

  Trade and other current receivables      113   

14

  Trade payables and other liabilities      114   

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

  

15

  Capital and funding      115   
  15A Share capital      116   
  15B Equity      117   
  15C Financial liabilities      118   

16

  Treasury risk management      120   
  16A Management of liquidity risk      120   
  16B Management of market risk      122   
  16C Derivatives and hedging      124   

17

  Investment and return      125   
  17A Financial assets      126   
  17B Credit risk      127   

18

  Financial instruments fair value risk      127   

19

  Provisions      129   

20

  Commitments and contingent liabilities      129   

21

  Acquisitions and disposals      131   

22

  Assets and liabilities held for sale      132   

23

  Related party transactions      133   

24

  Remuneration of auditors      133   

25

  Events after the balance sheet date      133   

26

  Principal group companies and non-current investments      134   

Independent auditor’s report – Unilever N.V.

     136   

Company accounts – Unilever N.V.

     137   

Notes to the Company accounts – Unilever N.V.

     138   

Further statutory and other information – Unilever N.V.

     141   

Independent auditor’s report – Unilever PLC

     142   

Company accounts – Unilever PLC

     143   

Notes to the Company accounts – Unilever PLC

     144   

Shareholder information

     146   
 

 

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STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’

RESPONSIBILITIES

  

 

ANNUAL ACCOUNTS

The Directors are required by Part 9 of Book 2 of the Civil Code in the Netherlands and the UK Companies Act 2006 to prepare accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Unilever Group, and the NV and PLC entities, as at the end of the financial year and of the profit or loss and cash flows for that year.

The Directors consider that, in preparing the accounts, the Group and the NV and PLC entities have used the most appropriate accounting policies, consistently applied and supported by reasonable and prudent judgements and estimates, and that all International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU and as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (in the case of the consolidated financial statements), UK accounting standards (in the case of the parent company accounts) and Dutch law (in the case of the NV parent company accounts) which they consider to be applicable have been followed.

The Directors have responsibility for ensuring that NV and PLC keep accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy their financial position and which enable the Directors to ensure that the accounts comply with the relevant legislation. They also have a general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the Group, and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.

This statement, which should be read in conjunction with the Independent Auditors’ reports, is made with a view to distinguishing for shareholders the respective responsibilities of the Directors and of the auditors in relation to the accounts.

A copy of the financial statements of the Unilever Group is placed on our website at www.unilever.com/investorrelations. The maintenance and integrity of the website are the responsibility of the Directors, and the work carried out by the auditors does not involve consideration of these matters. Accordingly, the auditors accept no responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the financial statements since they were initially placed on the website. Legislation in the UK and the Netherlands governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

UK law sets out additional responsibilities for the Directors of PLC regarding disclosure of information to auditors. Disclosure in respect of these responsibilities is made on page 50.

 

DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

Each of the Directors confirms that, to the best of his or her knowledge:

  The Annual Report and Accounts, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable, and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s performance, business model and strategy;
  The financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU and as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (in the case of the consolidated financial statements) and UK accounting standards (in the case of the PLC parent company accounts) and UK accounting standards and Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code (in the case of the NV parent company accounts), give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Group and the NV and PLC entities taken as a whole; and
  The Strategic Report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Group and the NV and PLC entities taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties they face.

The Directors and their roles are listed on pages 40 and 42.

GOING CONCERN

The activities of the Group, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance, the financial position of the Group, its cash flows, liquidity position and borrowing facilities are described in the Strategic Report on pages 2 to 33. In addition, we describe in notes 15 to 18 on pages 115 to 129 the Group’s objectives, policies and processes for managing its capital; its financial risk management objectives; details of its financial instruments and hedging activities and its exposures to credit and liquidity risk.

The Group has considerable financial resources together with established business relationships with many customers and suppliers in countries throughout the world. As a consequence, the Directors believe that the Group is well placed to manage its business risks successfully despite the current uncertain outlook.

After making enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing this Annual Report and Accounts.

INTERNAL AND DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Please refer to pages 34 to 39 for a discussion of Unilever’s principal risk factors and to pages 36 to 39 for commentary on the Group’s approach to risk management and control.

 

 

Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2013   Financial statements                85


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INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

NETHERLANDS

  

 

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

TO: THE GENERAL MEETING OF UNILEVER N.V.

REPORT ON THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements 2013 as set out on pages 90 to 135 which are part of the Annual Report and Accounts 2013 of the Unilever Group for the year ended 31 December 2013, which comprise the consolidated income statement, consolidated statement of comprehensive income, consolidated statement of changes in equity, consolidated balance sheet, consolidated cash flow statement and the notes to the consolidated financial statements, comprising a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.

DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITY

The Directors are responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union and as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and with Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code, and for the preparation of the Report of the Directors in accordance with Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code. Furthermore, the Directors are responsible for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

AUDITOR’S RESPONSIBILITY

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with Dutch law, including the Dutch Standards on Auditing. This requires that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the company’s preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the company’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the Directors, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

OPINION WITH RESPECT TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view of the financial position of Unilever Group as at 31 December 2013, and of its result and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union and as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and with Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code.

SEPARATE REPORT ON COMPANY ACCOUNTS

We have reported separately on the company accounts of Unilever N.V. for the year ended 31 December 2013.

OVERVIEW OF OUR AUDIT APPROACH

For an overview of our joint audit approach, which includes certain thresholds set for materiality, an overview of the scope of our audit and areas of particular audit focus, we refer to the paragraph ‘Overview of our audit approach’ in the Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Unilever PLC as set out on page 87.

REPORT ON OTHER LEGAL AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

Pursuant to the legal requirement under Section 2: 393 sub 5 at e and f of the Dutch Civil Code, we have no deficiencies to report as a result of our examination whether the Report of the Directors (comprising the sections Strategic Report and Governance), to the extent we can assess, has been prepared in accordance with Part 9 of Book 2 of this Code, and whether the information as required under Section 2: 392 sub 1 at b-h has been annexed. Further we report that the Report of the Directors, to the extent we can assess, is consistent with the consolidated financial statements as required by Section 2: 391 sub 4 of the Dutch Civil Code.

Amsterdam, 4 March 2014

PricewaterhouseCoopers Accountants N.V.

Original has been signed by P J van Mierlo RA

 

 

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INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

UNITED KINGDOM

  

 

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

TO THE MEMBERS OF UNILEVER PLC

REPORT ON THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OUR OPINION

In our opinion the consolidated financial statements:

  give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s affairs as at 31 December 2013 and of the consolidated profit and cash flows for the year then ended;
  have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union; and
  have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

This opinion is to be read in the context of what we say in the remainder of the report.

SEPARATE OPINION IN RELATION TO IFRS AS ISSUED BY THE IASB

As explained in note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Group, in addition to applying IFRS as adopted by the European Union, has also applied IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).

In our opinion the consolidated financial statements comply with IFRS as issued by the IASB.

WHAT WE HAVE AUDITED

The consolidated financial statements, which are prepared by Unilever PLC, comprise:

  the consolidated balance sheet as at 31 December 2013;
  the consolidated income statement and consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year then ended;
  the consolidated statement of changes in equity and consolidated cash flow statement for the year then ended; and
  the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation comprises applicable law and IFRS as adopted by the European Union.

WHAT AN AUDIT OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS INVOLVES

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) (ISAs (UK & Ireland)).

An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This includes an assessment of:

  whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Group’s circumstances and have been consistently applied and adequately disclosed;
  the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the Directors; and
  the overall presentation of the financial statements.

In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information in the Annual Report and Accounts (the Annual Report) to identify material inconsistencies with the audited consolidated financial statements and to identify any information that is apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, the knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing the audit. If we become aware of any apparent material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report.

OVERVIEW OF OUR AUDIT APPROACH

MATERIALITY

We set certain thresholds for materiality. These helped us to determine the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures and to evaluate the effect of misstatements, both individually and on the financial statements as a whole.

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the consolidated financial statements as a whole to be 330 million. This represents approximately 5% of profit before tax.

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them misstatements identified during our audit above 25 million as well as misstatements below that amount that, in our view, warranted reporting for qualitative reasons.

OVERVIEW OF THE SCOPE OF OUR AUDIT

The Group is primarily structured and monitored across four key categories being Personal Care, Foods, Refreshment and Home Care. The consolidated financial statements are a consolidation of the Group’s reporting units which include operating businesses, centralised functions and supply chain entities.

In establishing the overall approach to the Group audit, we determined the type of work that needed to be performed at reporting units. We also determined the level of involvement we needed to have in the audit work at those reporting units to be able to conclude whether sufficient appropriate audit evidence had been obtained as a basis for our opinion on the consolidated financial statements as a whole.

Accordingly, we identified 11 operating businesses which, in our view, required an audit of their complete financial information, either due to their size or their risk characteristics. We also performed specific audit procedures on inventory at the Group’s three supply chain entities and specific risk based procedures on other financial statement line items in a further four operating businesses and three corporate centre entities.

This, together with additional procedures performed on centralised functions and at the Group level, gave us the evidence we needed for our opinion on the consolidated financial statements as a whole.

AREAS OF PARTICULAR AUDIT FOCUS

In preparing the financial statements, the Directors made a number of subjective judgements, for example in respect of significant accounting estimates that involved making assumptions and considering future events that are inherently uncertain. We primarily focused our work in these areas by assessing the Directors’ judgements against available evidence, forming our own judgements, and evaluating the disclosures in the financial statements.

In our audit, we tested and examined information, using sampling and other auditing techniques, to the extent we considered necessary to provide a reasonable basis for us to draw conclusions. We obtained audit evidence through testing the effectiveness of controls, substantive procedures or a combination of both.

We considered the following areas to be those that required particular focus in the current year. This is not a complete list of all risks or areas of focus identified by our audit. We discussed these areas of focus with the Audit Committee. Their report on those matters that they considered to be significant issues in relation to the financial statements is set out on page 53.

 

 

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INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

UNITED KINGDOM CONTINUED

  

 

 

LOGO

 

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GOING CONCERN

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the Directors’ statement, set out on page 85, in relation to going concern. We have nothing to report having performed our review.

As noted in the Directors’ statement, the Directors have concluded that it is appropriate to prepare the consolidated financial statements using the going concern basis of accounting. The going concern basis presumes that the Group has adequate resources to remain in operation, and that the Directors intend it to do so, for at least one year from the date the financial statements were signed. As part of our audit we have concluded that the Directors’ use of the going concern basis is appropriate.

However, because not all future events or conditions can be predicted, these statements are not a guarantee as to the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern.

OPINION ON MATTERS PRESCRIBED BY THE COMPANIES ACT 2006

In our opinion the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the consolidated financial statements are prepared is consistent with the consolidated financial statements.

OTHER MATTERS ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT BY EXCEPTION

ADEQUACY OF INFORMATION AND EXPLANATIONS RECEIVED

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion, certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law have not been made, and under the Listing Rules we are required to review certain elements of the report to shareholders by the Board on Directors’ remuneration. We have no exceptions to report arising from these responsibilities.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the part of the Corporate Governance Statement relating to the Parent Company’s compliance with nine provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code (the Code). We have nothing to report having performed our review.

On page 85 of the Annual Report, as required by the Code Provision C.1.1, the Directors state that they consider the Annual Report taken as a whole to be fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information necessary for members to assess the Group’s performance, business model and strategy. On page 54, as required by C.3.8 of the Code, the Audit Committee has set out the significant issues that it considered in relation to the financial statements, and how they were addressed. Under ISAs (UK & Ireland), we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:

  the statement given by the Directors is materially inconsistent with our knowledge of the Group acquired in the course of performing our audit; or
  the section of the Annual Report describing the work of the Audit Committee does not appropriately address matters communicated by us to the Audit Committee.

We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.

OTHER INFORMATION IN THE ANNUAL REPORT

Under ISAs (UK & Ireland), we are required to report to you if, in our opinion, information in the Annual Report is:

  materially inconsistent with the information in the audited consolidated financial statements; or
  apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, our knowledge of the Group acquired in the course of performing our audit; or
  is otherwise misleading.

We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.

RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND THE AUDIT

OUR RESPONSIBILITIES AND THOSE OF THE DIRECTORS

As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement set out on page 85, the Directors are responsible for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view.

Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements in accordance with applicable law and ISAs (UK & Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.

This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only for the Company’s members as a body in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving these opinions, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.

OTHER MATTER

We have reported separately on the parent company financial statements of Unilever PLC for the year ended 31 December 2013 and on the information in the Directors’ Remuneration Report that is described as having been audited.

John Baker

(Senior Statutory Auditor)

for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors

London

4 March 2014

 

 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UNILEVER GROUP

  

 

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

for the year ended 31 December

       Notes             

 

 million

2013

  

  

   

 

 

million

2012

(Restated)

  

  

(a) 

   

 

 

million

2011

(Restated)

  

  

(a) 

Turnover

       2            49,797        51,324        46,467   

Operating profit

       2            7,517        6,977        6,420   

After (charging)/crediting non-core items

       3            501        (73     144   

Net finance costs

       5            (530     (535     (543

Finance income

           103        136        92   

Finance costs

           (500     (526     (540

Pensions and similar obligations

           (133     (145     (95

Share of net profit/(loss) of joint ventures and associates

     11            113        105        113   

Other income/(loss) from non-current investments

           14        (14     76   

Profit before taxation

           7,114        6,533        6,066   

Taxation

     6A            (1,851     (1,697     (1,575

Net profit

           5,263        4,836        4,491   

Attributable to:

            

Non-controlling interests

           421        468        371   

Shareholders’ equity

                   4,842        4,368        4,120   

Combined earnings per share

       7             

Basic earnings per share ()

           1.71        1.54        1.46   

Diluted earnings per share ()

                   1.66        1.50        1.42   

(a)  Refer to note 1.

 

References in the consolidated income statement, consolidated statement of comprehensive income, consolidated statement of changes in equity, consolidated balance sheet and consolidated cash flow statement relate to notes on pages 94 to 135, which form an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

     

    

  

for the year ended 31 December    Notes            million
2013
    million
2012
(Restated)
    million
2011
(Restated)
 

Net profit

           5,263        4,836        4,491   

Other comprehensive income

            

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:

     6C             

Actuarial gains/(losses) on pension schemes net of tax

     15B            697        (497     (1,097

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:

            

Currency retranslation gains/(losses) net of tax(a)

     15B            (999     (316     (703

Fair value gains/(losses) on financial instruments net of tax

     15B            106        (125     (168

Total comprehensive income

           5,067        3,898        2,523   

Attributable to:

            

Non-controlling interests

           339        444        314   

Shareholders’ equity

                   4,728        3,454        2,209   

 

(a)  Includes fair value gains/(losses) on net investment hedges of 275 million (2012: (160) million; 2011: 45 million).

 

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

 

      million       million      million      million      million      million      million  
Consolidated statement of changes in equity    Called up
share
capital
     Share
premium
account
   

Other

reserves

   

Retained

profit

    Total    

Non-

controlling
interests

   

Total

equity

 

1 January 2011 (as reported)

     484         134        (5,406     19,273        14,485        593        15,078   

Restatement (note 1)

                           184        184               184   

1 January 2011 (Restated)

     484         134        (5,406     19,457        14,669        593        15,262   

Profit or loss for the period

                           4,120        4,120        371        4,491   

Other comprehensive income net of tax

               

Fair value gains/(losses) on financial instruments

                    (168            (168            (168

Actuarial gains/(losses) on pension schemes (Restated)

                           (1,097     (1,097            (1,097

Currency retranslation gains/(losses)

                    (569     (77     (646     (57     (703

Total comprehensive income

                    (737     2,946        2,209        314        2,523   

Dividends on ordinary capital

                           (2,487     (2,487            (2,487

Movements in treasury stock(a)

                    138        (90     48               48   

Share-based payment credit(b)

                           105        105               105   

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

                                         (288     (288

Currency retranslation gains/(losses) net of tax

             3                      3        (4     (1

Other movements in equity

                    1        (57     (56     13        (43

31 December 2011

     484         137        (6,004     19,874        14,491        628        15,119   

Profit or loss for the period

                           4,368        4,368        468        4,836   

Other comprehensive income net of tax

               

Fair value gains/(losses) on financial instruments

                    (125            (125            (125

Actuarial gains/(losses) on pension schemes (Restated)

                           (497     (497            (497

Currency retranslation gains/(losses)

                    (249     (43     (292     (24     (316

Total comprehensive income

                    (374     3,828        3,454        444        3,898   

Dividends on ordinary capital

                           (2,696     (2,696            (2,696

Movements in treasury stock(a)

                    182        (130     52               52   

Share-based payment credit(b)

                           153        153               153   

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

                                         (464     (464

Currency retranslation gains/(losses) net of tax

             3        (1            2        (4     (2

Other movements in equity

                    1        (65     (64     (47     (111

31 December 2012

     484         140        (6,196     20,964        15,392        557        15,949   

Profit or loss for the period

                           4,842        4,842        421        5,263   

Other comprehensive income net of tax

               

Fair value gains/(losses) on financial instruments

                    106               106               106   

Actuarial gains/(losses) on pension schemes

                           697        697               697   

Currency retranslation gains/(losses)

                    (788     (129     (917     (82     (999

Total comprehensive income

                    (682     5,410        4,728        339        5,067   

Dividends on ordinary capital

                           (2,981     (2,981            (2,981

Movements in treasury stock(a)

                    112        (83     29               29   

Share-based payment credit(b)

                           242        242               242   

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

                                         (307     (307

Currency retranslation gains/(losses) net of tax

             (5                   (5     (5     (10

Other movements in equity(c)

             3        20        (3,084     (3,061     (113     (3,174

31 December 2013

     484         138        (6,746     20,468        14,344        471        14,815   
(a)  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.
(b)  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.
(c)  Includes the impact of acquisition of non-controlling interest.

 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UNILEVER GROUP CONTINUED

  

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

as at 31 December

 

              Notes            million
2013
    million
2012
(Restated)
 

Assets

      

Non-current assets

      

Goodwill

   9     13,917        14,619   

Intangible assets

   9     6,987        7,099   

Property, plant and equipment

   10     9,344        9,445   

Pension asset for funded schemes in surplus

   4B     991        758   

Deferred tax assets

   6B     1,084        1,050   

Financial assets

   17A     505        535   

Other non-current assets

   11     563        536   
       33,391        34,042   

Current assets

      

Inventories

   12     3,937        4,436   

Trade and other current receivables

   13     4,831        4,436   

Current tax assets

       217        217   

Cash and cash equivalents

   17A     2,285        2,465   

Other financial assets

   17A     760        401   

Non-current assets held for sale

   22     92        192   
       12,122        12,147   

Total assets

         45,513        46,189   

Liabilities

      

Current liabilities

      

Financial liabilities

   15C     4,010        2,656   

Trade payables and other current liabilities

   14     11,735        11,668   

Current tax liabilities

       1,254        1,129   

Provisions

   19     379        361   

Liabilities associated with assets held for sale

   22     4        1   
       17,382        15,815   

Non-current liabilities

      

Financial liabilities

   15C     7,491        7,565   

Non-current tax liabilities

       145        100   

Pensions and post-retirement healthcare liabilities:

      

Funded schemes in deficit

   4B     1,405        2,060   

Unfunded schemes

   4B     1,563        2,040   

Provisions

   19     892        846   

Deferred tax liabilities

   6B     1,524        1,414   

Other non-current liabilities

   14     296        400   
       13,316        14,425   

Total liabilities

       30,698        30,240   

Equity

      

Shareholders’ equity

      

Called up share capital

   15A     484        484   

Share premium account

       138        140   

Other reserves

   15B     (6,746     (6,196

Retained profit

       20,468        20,964   

Shareholders’ equity

       14,344        15,392   

Non-controlling interests

   15B     471        557   

Total equity

       14,815        15,949   

Total liabilities and equity

         45,513        46,189   

These financial statements have been approved by the Directors.

The Board of Directors

4 March 2014

 

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CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

for the year ended 31 December

 

      Notes         million
2013
    million
2012
(Restated)
    million
2011
(Restated)
 

Net profit

        5,263        4,836        4,491   

Taxation

        1,851        1,697        1,575   

Share of net profit of joint ventures/associates and other income/(loss) from non-current investments

        (127     (91     (189

Net finance costs

   5          530        535        543   

Operating profit

        7,517        6,977        6,420   

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment

        1,151        1,199        1,029   

Changes in working capital:

        200        822        (177

 

         
                             

Inventories

        168        (9     (219

Trade and other receivables

        (917     1        (399

Trade payables and other liabilities

        949        830        441   

Pensions and similar obligations less payments

        (383     (369     (540

Provisions less payments

        126        (43     9   

Elimination of (profits)/losses on disposals

        (725     (236     (215

Non-cash charge for share-based compensation

        228        153        105   

Other adjustments

        (15     13        8   

Cash flow from operating activities

        8,099        8,516        6,639   

Income tax paid

        (1,805     (1,680     (1,187

Net cash flow from operating activities

        6,294        6,836        5,452   

Interest received

        100        146        93   

Purchase of intangible assets

        (377     (405     (264

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

        (1,791     (1,975     (1,835

Disposal of property, plant and equipment

        141        237        125   

Acquisition of group companies, joint ventures and associates

        (142     (133     (3,098

Disposal of group companies, joint ventures and associates

        1,053        246        1,378   

Acquisition of other non-current investments

        (273     (91     (88

Disposal of other non-current investments

        302        88        178   

Dividends from joint ventures, associates and other non-current investments

        136        128        116   

(Purchase)/sale of financial assets

        (310     1,004        (1,072

Net cash flow (used in)/from investing activities

        (1,161     (755     (4,467

Dividends paid on ordinary share capital

        (2,993     (2,699     (2,485

Interest and preference dividends paid

        (511     (506     (496

Acquisition of non-controlling interests

        (2,901              

Net change in short-term borrowings

        350        (870     1,261   

Additional financial liabilities

        4,219        1,441        3,419   

Repayment of financial liabilities

        (3,294     (3,565     (907

Capital element of finance lease rental payments

        (11     (15     (16

Other movements on treasury stock

        24        48        30   

Other financing activities

        (273     (456     (395

Net cash flow (used in)/from financing activities

        (5,390     (6,622     411   

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

        (257     (541     1,396   

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

        2,217        2,978        1,966   

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes

        84        (220     (384

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

   17A      2,044        2,217        2,978   

The cash flows of pension funds (other than contributions and other direct payments made by the Group in respect of pensions and similar obligations) are not included in the group cash flow statement.

Acquisition of non-controlling interests includes various transactions to acquire non-controlling interests, primarily an outflow of 2,515 million to increase the Group’s ownership of Hindustan Unilever Limited from 52% to 67%. Refer to note 15B.

 

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UNILEVER GROUP

  

 

1. ACCOUNTING INFORMATION AND POLICIES

The accounting policies adopted are the same as those which were applied for the previous financial year, except as set out below under the heading ‘Recent accounting developments’.

UNILEVER

The two parent companies, NV and PLC, together with their group companies, operate as a single economic entity (the Unilever Group, also referred to as Unilever or the Group). NV and PLC have the same Directors and are linked by a series of agreements, including an Equalisation Agreement, which are designed so that the positions of the shareholders of both companies are as closely as possible the same as if they held shares in a single company.

The Equalisation Agreement provides that both companies adopt the same accounting principles. It also requires that dividends and other rights and benefits attaching to each ordinary share of NV, be equal in value to those rights and benefits attaching to each ordinary share of PLC, as if each such unit of capital formed part of the ordinary share capital of one and the same company.

BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION

Due to the operational and contractual arrangements referred to above, NV and PLC form a single reporting entity for the purposes of presenting consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, the financial statements of Unilever are presented by both NV and PLC as their respective consolidated financial statements. Group companies included in the consolidation are those companies controlled by NV or PLC. Control exists when the Group has the power to direct the activities of an entity so as to affect the return on investment.

The net assets and results of acquired businesses are included in the consolidated financial statements from their respective dates of acquisition, being the date on which the Group obtains control. The results of disposed businesses are included in the consolidated financial statements up to their date of disposal, being the date control ceases.

Intra-group transactions and balances are eliminated.

The company income statement for NV is included in the consolidated financial statements. An abbreviated income statement has been disclosed in the NV company accounts on page 137 in accordance with Section 402, Book 2, of the Netherlands Civil Code.

COMPANIES LEGISLATION AND ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union (EU), IFRIC Interpretations and in accordance with Part 9 of Book 2 of the Civil Code in the Netherlands and the UK Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. They are also in compliance with IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).

These financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention unless otherwise indicated.

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Accounting policies are included in the relevant notes to the consolidated financial statements. These are presented as text highlighted in grey on pages 96 to 133. The accounting policies below are applied throughout the financial statements.

FOREIGN CURRENCIES

The consolidated financial statements are presented in euros. The functional currencies of NV and PLC are euros and sterling respectively. Items included in the financial statements of individual group companies are recorded in their respective functional currency which is the currency of the primary economic environment in which each entity operates.

Foreign currency transactions in individual group companies are translated into functional currency using exchange rates at the date of the transaction. Foreign exchange gains and losses from settlement of these transactions, and from translation of monetary assets and liabilities at year-end exchange rates, are recognised in the income statement except when deferred in equity as qualifying hedges.

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, the balances in individual group companies are translated from their functional currency into euros. The income statement, the cash flow statement and all other movements in assets and liabilities are translated at average rates of exchange as a proxy for the transaction rate, or at the transaction rate itself if more appropriate. Assets and liabilities are translated at year-end exchange rates.

The ordinary share capital of NV and PLC is translated in accordance with the Equalisation Agreement. The difference between the value for PLC and the value by applying the year-end rate of exchange is taken to other reserves (see note 15B on page 117).

The effect of exchange rate changes during the year on net assets of foreign operations is recorded in equity. For this purpose net assets include loans between group companies and any related foreign exchange contracts where settlement is neither planned nor likely to occur in the foreseeable future.

The Group applies hedge accounting to certain exchange differences arising between the functional currencies of a foreign operation and NV or PLC as appropriate, regardless of whether the net investment is held directly or through an intermediate parent. Differences arising on retranslation of a financial liability designated as a foreign currency net investment hedge are recorded in equity to the extent that the hedge is effective. These differences are reported within profit or loss to the extent that the hedge is ineffective.

Cumulative exchange differences arising since the date of transition to IFRS of 1 January 2004 are reported as a separate component of other reserves. In the event of disposal or part disposal of an interest in a group company either through sale or as a result of a repayment of capital, the cumulative exchange difference is recognised in the income statement as part of the profit or loss on disposal of group companies.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions in the application of accounting policies that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Estimates and judgements are continuously evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised and in any future period affected.

 

 

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1. ACCOUNTING INFORMATION AND POLICIES CONTINUED

Information about critical judgements in applying accounting policies, as well as estimates and assumptions that have the most significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year, are included in the following notes:

  separate presentation of items in the income statement – note 3;
  measurement of defined benefit obligations – note 4B;
  key assumptions used in discounted cash flow projections – note 9;
  utilisation of tax losses and recognition of other deferred tax assets – note 6B;
  likelihood of occurrence of provisions and contingencies, including tax investigations and audits – notes 19 and 20; and
  measurement of consideration and assets and liabilities acquired as part of business combinations – note 21.

RECENT ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS

ADOPTED BY THE GROUP

The following new and amended standards are relevant to the Group and have been adopted for the first time in these financial statements, with no material impact:

  IAS 19 ‘Employee benefits (Revised)’ changes a number of disclosure requirements and restricts the accounting options available for defined benefit pension plans. The return on pension plan assets and finance charge have been replaced by a net interest expense, calculated by applying the liability discount rate to the net defined benefit asset or liability. Administration costs by pension funds will now be recognised as an expense when the administrative services are performed.

The revised standard requires retrospective application, and amounts relating to the year ended 31 December 2012 and 2011 have been restated and labelled as such in these financial statements. The changes resulted in an increase in operating expense of 14 million for the year ended 31 December 2013 (12 million for the year ended 31 December 2012; 13 million for the year ended 31 December 2011) and an increase in finance cost of 193 million for the year ended 31 December 2013 (138 million for the year ended 31 December 2012; 166 million for the year ended 31 December 2011) and a reduction in the net defined benefit liability of 198 million in the restated comparative opening balance sheet as at 1 January 2012 (31 December 2012: 233 million), with a corresponding increase in actuarial gains or losses on pension schemes before tax.

  Amendments to IFRS 7 ‘Financial instruments: Disclosures’ introduces new disclosures of information about the significance of financial instruments to an entity.
  IFRS 10 ‘Consolidated financial statements’ replaces previous guidance on control and consolidation.
  IFRS 11 ‘Joint arrangements’ requires joint arrangements to be accounted for as a joint operation or as a joint venture. Equity accounting for joint ventures, previously used by Unilever, has become mandatory.
  IFRS 12 ‘Disclosure of interests in other entities’ requires enhanced disclosures of the nature, risks and financial effects associated with the Group’s interests in subsidiaries, associates, joint arrangements and unconsolidated structured entities.
  IFRS 13 ‘Fair value measurement’ explains how to measure fair value and enhances fair value disclosures. The standard does not significantly change the measurement of fair value but codifies it in one place.
  Amendments to IAS 1 ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’ requires items of Other Comprehensive Income that may be reclassified to profit or loss being presented separately from items that will never be reclassified.
  Amendments to IAS 16 ‘Property, plant and equipment’ explains that servicing equipment is not classified as inventory when used for more than one year.

Amendments to IAS 36 ‘Impairment of Assets’ clarifies the disclosures required in relation to the impairment testing of goodwill. The Group has adopted this standard from 1 January 2013, which is a year earlier than required, as the changes clarify the lASB’s original intention; the impact of the standard on the Group is not material.

NOT ADOPTED BY THE GROUP

The Group is currently assessing the impact of the following new standards, amendments and interpretations that are not yet effective.

The Group does not currently believe adoption of these would have a material impact on the consolidated results or financial position of the Group. All of the following new standards, amendments and interpretations are effective from 1 January 2014 unless otherwise stated. Standards have not yet been endorsed by the EU unless otherwise stated.

  IFRS 9 ‘Financial instruments’, replaces the current classification and measurement models for financial assets with two classification categories: amortised cost and fair value. Classification is driven by the business model for managing the assets and the contractual cash flow characteristics. Financial liabilities are not affected by the changes. Effective date not set.
  Amendments to IAS 32 ‘Financial instruments: Presentation’ provides additional guidance on when financial assets and liabilities may be offset. These amendments have been endorsed by the EU.
  Amendments to IAS 39 ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’ removes the requirement to discontinue hedge accounting when a hedge derivative is novated, providing certain criteria are met. These amendments have been endorsed by the EU.
  Amendments to IAS 19’ Employee Benefits’ simplifies the accounting for contributions that are independent of the number of years of employee service. Effective 1 January 2015.
  IFRIC interpretation 21 ‘Levies’ provides guidance on when to recognise a liability for a levy imposed by a government.
 

 

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Table of Contents

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UNILEVER GROUP CONTINUED

  

 

2. SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

LOGO

 

               million       million      million      million      million  
      Notes         

Personal

Care

     Foods    

Refresh-

ment

    Home Care     Total  

2013

                 

Turnover

           18,056         13,426        9,369        8,946        49,797   

Operating profit

           3,078         3,064        851        524        7,517   

Non-core items

   3         128         (687     5        53        (501

Core operating profit

           3,206         2,377        856        577        7,016   

Share of net profit/(loss) of joint ventures and associates

           5         9        96        3        113   

Depreciation and amortisation

           327         293        330        201        1,151   

Impairment and other non-cash charges(a)

               267         139        97        179        682   

2012 (Restated)

                 

Turnover

           18,097         14,444        9,726        9,057        51,324   

Operating profit

           2,925         2,601        908        543        6,977   

Non-core items

   3         160         (73            (14     73   

Core operating profit

           3,085         2,528        908        529        7,050   

Share of net profit/(loss) of joint ventures and associates

           1         5        99               105   

Depreciation and amortisation

           336         311        340        212        1,199   

Impairment and other non-cash charges(a)

               189         141        106        128        564   

2011 (Restated)

                 

Turnover

           15,471         13,986        8,804        8,206        46,467   

Operating profit

           2,533         2,688        720        479        6,420   

Non-core items

   3         187         (244     (47     (40     (144

Core operating profit

           2,720         2,444        673        439        6,276   

Share of net profit/(loss) of joint ventures and associates

           5         7        98        3        113   

Depreciation and amortisation

           272         286        281        190        1,029   

Impairment and other non-cash charges(a)

               138         183        154        136        611   
(a)  Other non-cash charges include charges to the income statement during the year in respect of the share-based compensation and provisions.

Transactions between the Unilever Group’s reportable segments are immaterial and are carried out on an arm‘s length basis.

The Unilever Group is not reliant on revenues from transactions with any single external customer and does not receive 10% or more of its revenues from transactions with any single external customer.

 

96                Financial statements   Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2013


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2. SEGMENT INFORMATION CONTINUED

 

Segment assets and liabilities are not provided because they are not received or reviewed by our chief operating decision-maker.

The home countries of the Unilever Group are the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Turnover and non-current assets for these two countries combined, US (being the largest country outside the home countries) and all other countries are:

 

    million      million     million      million  
2013  

Netherlands/

United

Kingdom

     USA     Others     Total  

Turnover

    3,872         7,084        38,841        49,797   

Non-current assets(b)

    3,390         7,626        19,794        30,810   

2012

                                

Turnover

    3,980         7,834        39,510        51,324   

Non-current assets(b)

    3,353         8,670        19,676        31,699   

2011

                                

Turnover

    3,693         6,889        35,885        46,467   

Non-current assets(b)

    2,915         9,286        19,118        31,319   

(b)  Non-current assets excluding financial assets, deferred tax assets and pension assets for funded schemes in surplus.

 

No other country had turnover or non-current assets (as shown above) greater than 10% of the Group total.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BY GEOGRAPHIES

Although the Group’s operations are managed by product area, we provide additional information based on geographies. The analysis of turnover by geographical area is stated on the basis of origin. Sales between geographical areas are carried out at arm’s length and were not material.

 

     

  

  

    

     million         million      million     million  
    

Asia/   

AMET/RUB(c)

    

The

Americas

    Europe     Total  

2013

        

Turnover

    20,085            16,206        13,506        49,797   

Operating profit

    2,765            2,859        1,893        7,517   

Non-core items

    (85)           (542     126        (501

Core operating profit

    2,680            2,317        2,019        7,016   

Share of net profit/(loss) of joint ventures and associates

    (1)           63        51        113   

2012 (Restated)

        

Turnover

    20,357            17,088        13,879        51,324   

Operating profit

    2,637            2,432        1,908        6,977   

Non-core items

    30            (13     56        73   

Core operating profit

    2,667            2,419        1,964        7,050   

Share of net profit/(loss) of joint ventures and associates

    (2)           68        39        105   

2011 (Restated)

        

Turnover

    17,723            15,251        13,493        46,467   

Operating profit

    2,109            2,249        2,062        6,420   

Non-core items

    19            (127     (36     (144

Core operating profit

    2,128            2,122        2,026        6,276   

Share of net profit/(loss) of joint ventures and associates

    (1)           67        47        113   
(c)  Refers to Asia, Africa, Middle East, Turkey, Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.

 

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UNILEVER GROUP CONTINUED

  

 

3. GROSS PROFIT AND OPERATING COSTS

 

LOGO

 

               million     million     million  
                  2013    

2012

(Restated)

   

2011

(Restated)

 

Turnover

           49,797        51,324        46,467   

Cost of sales

           (29,245     (30,703     (27,930

Gross profit

           20,552        20,621        18,537   

Selling and administrative expenses

           (13,035     (13,644     (12,117

Operating profit

               7,517        6,977        6,420   

 

NON-CORE ITEMS

Non-core items are disclosed on the face of the income statement to provide additional information to users to help them better understand underlying business performance.

 

  

   

               million     million     million  
                  2013     2012     2011  

Acquisition and disposal related costs

           (112     (190     (234

Gain/(loss) on disposal of group companies

           733        117        221   

Impairments and other one-off items(a)

           (120            157   

Non-core items before tax

           501        (73     144   

Tax impact of non-core items

           (266     (14     (6

Non-core items after tax

           235        (87     138   

Attributable to:

            

Non-controlling interests

                           

Shareholders’ equity

               235        (87     138   

(a)  Included in the 2013 charge is a charge for legal cases pertaining to a number of ongoing investigations by local competition regulators and included in the 2011 balance is a past service credit for the UK pension plan amounting to 153 million.

 

OTHER

Other items within operating costs include:

 

   

  

  

                million     million     million  
               2013     2012     2011  
      Notes                 (Restated)     (Restated)  

Staff costs

   4         (6,194     (6,303     (5,358

Distribution costs

           (3,139     (3,264     (3,080

Raw and packaging materials and goods purchased for resale

           (20,149     (20,998     (19,253

Amortisation of finite-life intangible assets and software

   9         (167     (213     (191

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

   10         (984     (986     (838

Advertising and promotions

           (6,832     (6,763     (6,069

Research and development

           (1,040     (1,003     (1,009

Exchange gains/(losses):

           (35     (118     (9
              
                                

On underlying transactions

           (48     (96     (45

On covering forward contracts

           13        (22     36   

Lease rentals:

           (489     (558     (452
              
                                

Minimum operating lease payments

           (523     (558     (456

Contingent operating lease payments

           (5     (8     (3

Less: Sub-lease income relating to operating lease agreements

           39        8        7   

 

 

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Table of Contents
  

 

4. EMPLOYEES

4A. STAFF AND MANAGEMENT COSTS

 

Staff costs   

 million

2013

   

million

2012

(Restated)

   

million

2011

(Restated)

 

Wages and salaries

     (5,002     (5,133     (4,596

Social security costs

     (631     (659     (627

Other pension costs

     (333     (358     (30

Share-based compensation costs

     (228     (153     (105
       (6,194     (6,303     (5,358
Average number of employees during the year    ‘000
2013
   

‘000

2012

   

‘000

2011

 

Asia/AMET/RUB

     97        94        92   

The Americas

     43        43        42   

Europe

     34        35        35   
       174        172        169   
Key management compensation   

million

2013

   

million

2012

   

million

2011

 

Salaries and short-term employee benefits

     (30     (28     (15

Non-Executive Directors’ fees

     (2     (2     (2

Post-employment benefits

     (1     (2     (2

Share-based benefits

     (17     (10     (11
     (50     (42     (30

Of which:

      

Executive Directors

     (15     (12     (10

Non-Executive Directors

     (2     (2     (2

Other

     (33     (28     (18
       (50     (42     (30

Key management personnel are defined as the members of the Unilever Leadership Executive (ULE) and the Non-Executive Directors.

Details of the remuneration of Directors are given in the parts noted as audited in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 60 to 83.

4B. PENSIONS AND SIMILAR OBLIGATIONS

 

LOGO

 

Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2013   Financial statements                99


Table of Contents

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UNILEVER GROUP CONTINUED

  

 

4B. PENSIONS AND SIMILAR OBLIGATIONS CONTINUED

 

DESCRIPTION OF PLANS

In many countries the Group operates defined benefit pension plans based on employee pensionable remuneration and length of service. The majority of plans are either final salary, career average or hybrid plans and are externally funded. Benefits are determined by the plan rules and are linked to inflation in some countries. The Group also provides other post-employment benefits, mainly post-employment healthcare plans in the United States. These plans are predominantly unfunded. The Group increasingly also operates a number of defined contribution plans, the assets of which are held in external funds.

GOVERNANCE

The majority of the Group’s externally funded plans are established as trusts, foundations or similar entities. The operation of these entities is governed by local regulations and practice in each country, as is the nature of the relationship between the Group and the Trustees (or equivalent) and their composition. Where Trustees (or equivalent) are in place to operate plans, they are generally required to act on behalf of the plan’s stakeholders. They are tasked with periodic reviews of the solvency of the fund in accordance with local legislation and play a role in the long-term investment and funding strategy. The Group also has an internal body, the Pensions and Equity Committee, that is responsible for setting the company’s policies and decision making on plan matters, including but not limited to design, funding, investments, risk management and governance.

INVESTMENT STRATEGY

The Group’s investment strategy in respect of its funded plans is implemented within the framework of the various statutory requirements of the territories where the plans are based. The Group has developed policy guidelines for the allocation of assets to different classes with the objective of controlling risk and maintaining the right balance between risk and long-term returns in order to limit the cost to the Group of the benefits provided. To achieve this, investments are well diversified, such that the failure of any single investment would not have a material impact on the overall level of assets. The plans continue to invest a good proportion of the assets in equities, which the Group believes offer the best returns over the long term commensurate with an acceptable level of risk. The plans expose the Group to a number of actuarial risks such as investment risk, interest rate risk, longevity risk and, in certain markets, inflation risk. There are no unusual entity or plan specific risks to the Group. For risk control, the pension funds also have significant investments in liability matching assets (bonds) as well as in property and other alternative assets; additionally, the Group uses derivatives to further mitigate the impact of the risks outlined above. The majority of assets are managed by a number of external fund managers with a small proportion managed in-house. Unilever has a pooled investment vehicle (Univest) which it believes offers its pension plans around the world a simplified externally managed investment vehicle to implement their strategic asset allocation models, currently for bonds, equities and alternative assets. The aim is to provide high quality, well diversified, cost-effective, risk-controlled vehicles. The pension plans’ investments are overseen by Unilever’s internal investment company, the Univest Company.

ASSUMPTIONS

With the objective of presenting the assets and liabilities of the pensions and other post-employment benefit plans at their fair value on the balance sheet, assumptions under IAS 19 are set by reference to market conditions at the valuation date. The actuarial assumptions used to calculate the benefit liabilities vary according to the country in which the plan is situated. The following table shows the assumptions, weighted by liabilities, used to value the principal defined benefit plans (which cover approximately 97% of total pension liabilities) and the plans providing other post-employment benefits.

 

     31 December 2013      31 December 2012   
 

 

Principal   

    defined benefit   
pension plans   

 

Other   

post-employment   

benefit plans   

 

Principal   

defined benefit   

pension plans   

 

Other   

post-employment   

 benefit plans   

Discount rate

  4.2%   5.2%   3.9%   4.0%

Inflation

  2.6%   n/a      2.3%   n/a   

Rate of increase in salaries

  3.1%   3.1%   3.2%   3.6%

Rate of increase for pensions in payment (where provided)

  2.5%   n/a      2.1%   n/a   

Rate of increase for pensions in deferment (where provided)

  2.8%   n/a      2.3%   n/a   

Long-term medical cost inflation

  n/a      5.4%   n/a      5.0%

The valuations of other post-employment benefit plans generally assume a higher initial level of medical cost inflation, which falls from 8% to the long-term rate within the next five years. Assumed healthcare cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for healthcare plans.

 

100                Financial statements   Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2013


Table of Contents
  

 

4B. PENSIONS AND SIMILAR OBLIGATIONS CONTINUED

 

For the most important pension plans, representing approximately 83% of all defined benefit plans liabilities, the assumptions used at 31 December 2013 and 2012 were:

 

     United Kingdom     Netherlands     United States     Germany  
     

 

2013

            2012             2013         2012           2013             2012     2013     2012  

Discount rate

     4.5     4.3     3.5     3.1     4.7     3.8     3.5     3.1

Inflation

     3.3     2.6     1.8     1.7     2.3     2.3     1.8     1.7

Rate of increase in salaries

     3.6     3.6     2.3     2.2     3.0     3.5     2.8     2.8

Rate of increase for pensions in payment (where provided)

     3.1     2.5     1.8     1.7                   1.8     1.7

Rate of increase for pensions in deferment (where provided)

     3.2     2.6     1.8     1.7                            

Number of years a current pensioner is expected to live beyond age 65:

                

  Men

     22.3        21.7        22.0        22.0        20.5        19.5        19.4        19.4   

  Women

     24.4        23.6        23.6        23.5        22.8        21.5        23.0        23.0   

Number of years a future pensioner currently aged 45 is expected to live beyond age 65:

                

  Men

     23.6        23.5        23.6        23.7        22.6        20.7        19.4        19.4   

  Women

     26.1        25.2        24.6        24.5        24.8        22.7        23.0        23.0   

Demographic assumptions, such as mortality rates, are set having regard to the latest trends in life expectancy (including expectations of future improvements), plan experience and other relevant data. These assumptions are reviewed and updated as necessary as part of the periodic actuarial valuation of the pension plans. The years of life expectancy for 2013 above have been translated from the following tables:

  UK: the year of use S1 series all pensioners (‘S1PA’) tables have been adopted, which are based on the experience of UK pension schemes over the period 2000-2006. Scaling factors are applied reflecting the experience of our pension funds appropriate to the member’s gender and status. Future improvements in longevity have been allowed for in line with the 2012 CMI Core projections and a 1% pa long-term improvement rate.
  The Netherlands: the Dutch Actuarial Society’s AG Prognosetafel 2012-2062 table is used with correction factors to allow for the typically longer life expectancy for fund members relative to the general population. This table has an in-built allowance for future improvements in longevity.
  United States: the table RP-2000 with generational mortality improvement using scale BB. This table has an in-built allowance for future improvements in longevity.
  Germany: fund specific tables are used which broadly equate to the Heubeck 2005 generational table projected to 2030.

Assumptions for the remaining defined benefit plans vary considerably, depending on the economic conditions of the countries where they are situated.

INCOME STATEMENT

The charge to the income statement comprises:

 

      Notes         

 million

2013

   

 million

2012
(Restated)

   

 million

2011

(Restated)

 

Charged to operating profit:

            

Defined benefit pension and other benefit plans:

            

Current service cost

           (301     (290     (265

Employee contributions

           18        18        15   

Special termination benefits

           (18     (17     (31

Past service cost including (losses)/gains on curtailments

           89        47        338   

Settlements

                         3   

Defined contribution plans

           (121     (116     (90

Total operating cost

   4A         (333     (358     (30

Finance income/(cost)

   5         (133     (145     (95

Net impact on the income statement (before tax)

               (466     (503     (125

SIGNIFICANT ITEMS ON THE FACE OF THE INCOME STATEMENT

Included in the 2011 balance are a past service credit of 153 million, as Unilever implemented amendments to certain constructive obligations in the UK that the company had the discretion to amend, and curtailment credits of 146 million relating to benefit changes mainly in the UK, the USA and Canada.

 

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Table of Contents

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UNILEVER GROUP CONTINUED

  

 

4B. PENSIONS AND SIMILAR OBLIGATIONS CONTINUED

 

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Amounts recognised in the statement of comprehensive income on the remeasurement of the net defined benefit liability.

 

       million
2013
   

million

2012

(Restated)

   

million

2011

(Restated)

 

Return on plan assets excluding amounts included in net finance income/(cost)

     934        1,371        (261

Actuarial gains/(losses) arising from changes in demographic assumptions

     (158     (148     9   

Actuarial gains/(losses) arising from changes in financial assumptions

     235        (1,678     (1,186

Experience gains/(losses) arising on pension plan and other benefit plan liabilities

     (69     (156     (56

Total of defined benefit costs recognised in other comprehensive income

     942        (611     (1,494

BALANCE SHEET

The assets, liabilities and surplus/(deficit) position of the pension and other post-employment benefit plans at the balance sheet date were:

 

    

million

2013

   

million

2012 (Restated)

 
     

Pension

plans

   

Other post-

employment

benefit plans

   

Pension

plans

   

Other post-

employment

benefit plans

 

Fair value of assets

     18,313        6        17,665        8   

Present value of liabilities

     (19,758     (538     (20,355     (660
          

Net liabilities

     (1,445     (532     (2,690     (652

Pension liability net of assets

     (1,445     (532     (2,690     (652

Of which in respect of:

        

Funded plans in surplus:

        

Liabilities

     (6,068            (4,967     (1

Assets

     7,056        3        5,722        4   

Aggregate surplus

     988        3        755        3   

Pension asset net of liabilities

     988        3        755        3   

Funded plans in deficit:

        

Liabilities

     (12,649     (16     (13,985     (22

Assets

     11,257        3        11,943        4   

Pension liability net of assets

     (1,392     (13     (2,042     (18

Unfunded plans:

        

Pension liability

     (1,041     (522     (1,403     (637

RECONCILIATION OF CHANGE IN ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Movements in assets and liabilities during the year:

 

     

 million

Assets

2013

   

million

Assets

2012

(Restated)

   

million

Liabilities

2013

   

million

Liabilities

2012

(Restated)

   

 million

Total

2013

   

million

Total

2012

(Restated)

 

1 January

     17,673        16,044        (21,015     (18,984     (3,342     (2,940

Current service cost

                   (301     (290     (301     (290

Employee contributions

     18        18                      18        18   

Special termination benefits

                   (18     (17     (18     (17

Past service costs including losses/(gains) on curtailments

                   89        47        89        47   

Settlements

            (6            6                 

Actual return on plan assets (excluding amounts in net finance income/charge)

     934        1,371                      934        1,371   

Interest cost

                   (793     (892     (793     (892

Interest income

     660        747                      660        747   

Actuarial gain/(loss) arising from changes in demographic assumptions

                   (158     (148     (158     (148

Actuarial gain/(loss) arising from changes in financial assumptions

                   235        (1,678     235        (1,678

Actuarial gain/(loss) arising from experience adjustments

                   (69     (156     (69     (156

Employer contributions

     593        605                      593        605   

Benefit payments

     (1,196     (1,227     1,196        1,227                 

Reclassification of benefits(b)

     23        17        (23     (23            (6

Currency retranslation

     (386     104        561        (107     175        (3

31 December

     18,319        17,673        (20,296     (21,015     (1,977     (3,342

 

(b)  Certain liabilities have been reclassified as employee benefit liabilities.

 

102                Financial statements   Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2013


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4B. PENSIONS AND SIMILAR OBLIGATIONS CONTINUED

 

The actual return on plan assets during 2013 was 1,594 million, being the sum of 934 million and 660 million from the table above (2012: 2,118 million).

The duration of the principal defined benefit liabilities at 31 December 2013 is between 9 and 17 years (2012: 10 and 17 years).

The liabilities are split between different categories of plan participants as follows:

  active members 19.1% (2012: 21.3%)
  deferred members 21% (2012: 19.4%)
  retired members 59.9% (2012: 59.3%)

ASSETS

The fair value of plan assets at the end of the reporting period for our major and principal plans for each category are as follows:

 

    

million

31 December 2013

    

million

31 December 2012

(Restated)

 
     

Pension

plans

    

Other post-

employment

benefit

plans

    

Pension

plans

    

Other post-

employment

benefit

plans

 

Total Assets

     18,313         6         17,665         8   

Equities Total

     7,383                 7,491         1   

– Europe

     2,904                 3,016           

– North America

     2,433                 2,375           

– Other

     2,046                 2,100         1   

Fixed Income Total

     7,075         5         6,070         6   

– Government bonds

     3,541         2         3,081           

– Investment grade Corporate bonds

     2,336                 2,201           

– Other Fixed Income

     1,198         3         788         6   

Derivatives

     18                 430           

Private Equity

     706                 686           

Property and Real Estate

     1,230                 1,132           

Hedge Funds

     936                 852           

Other

     693         1         574         1   

Other plans

     272                 430           

The fair values of the above equity and fixed income instruments are determined based on quoted market prices in active markets. The fair value of private equity, properties, derivatives and hedge funds are not based on quoted market prices in active markets. The Group uses swaps to hedge some of its exposure to inflation and interest rate risk. Foreign currency exposures in part are also hedged by the use of forward foreign exchange contracts. Assets included in the Other category are commodities, cash and insurance contracts which are also unquoted assets.

Equity securities include Unilever securities amounting to 67 million (0.4% of total plan assets) and 32 million (0.2% of total plan assets) at 31 December 2013 and 2012 respectively. Property includes property occupied by Unilever amounting to 15 million and 16 million at 31 December 2013 and 2012 respectively.

The pension assets above exclude the assets in a Special Benefits Trust amounting to 84 million (2012: 98 million) to fund pension and similar liabilities in the US (see also note 17A on page 126).

SENSITIVITIES

The sensitivity of the overall pension liabilities to changes in the weighted key assumptions are:

 

                  Change in assumption                           Change in liabilities   

Discount rate

Inflation rate

Life expectancy

Long-term medical cost inflation

  

Increase by 0.5%

Increase by 0.5%

Increase by 1 year   

Increase by 1.0%

  

-7%

+5%

+3%

+1%

An equivalent decrease in each assumption would have an equal and opposite impact on liabilities.

The sensitivity analyses above have been determined based on reasonably possible changes of the respective assumptions occurring at the end of the reporting period and may not be representative of the actual change. It is based on a change in the key assumption while holding all other assumptions constant. When calculating the sensitivity to the assumption, the same method used to calculate the liability recognised in the balance sheet has been applied. The methods and types of assumptions used in preparing the sensitivity analysis did not change compared with the previous period.

 

Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2013   Financial statements                103


Table of Contents

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UNILEVER GROUP CONTINUED

  

 

4B. PENSIONS AND SIMILAR OBLIGATIONS CONTINUED

 

CASH FLOW

Group cash flow in respect of pensions and similar post-employment benefits comprises company contributions paid to funded plans and benefits paid by the company in respect of unfunded plans, as set out in the following table (including the current estimate of contributions for 2014):

 

     

million

2014

Estimate

      million
2013
    

 million

2012

    

 million

2011

 

Company contributions to funded plans:

           

Defined benefit

     470         453         435         297   

Defined contributions

     130         121         116         90   

Benefits paid by the company in respect of unfunded plans:

           

Defined benefit

     150         141         170         166   

Group cash flow in respect of pensions and similar benefits

     750         715         721         553   

The Group’s funding policy is to periodically review the contributions made to the plans while taking account of local legislation.

4C. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

 

LOGO

As at 31 December 2013, the Group had share-based compensation plans in the form of performance shares, share options and other share awards.

The numbers in this note include those for Executive Directors shown in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 60 to 83 and those for key management personnel shown in note 4A on page 99. Non-Executive Directors do not participate in any of the share-based compensation plans.

The charge in each of the last three years is shown below, and relates to equity settled plans:

 

Income statement charge   

 million

2013

   

 million

2012

   

 million

2011

 

Performance share plans

     (221     (147     (93

Other plans

     (7     (6     (12
       (228     (153     (105

PERFORMANCE SHARE PLANS

Performance share awards are made under the Management Co-Investment Plan (MCIP) and the Global Share Incentive Plan (GSIP). The MCIP allows Unilever’s managers to invest up to 60% of their annual bonus in shares in Unilever and to receive a corresponding award of performance-related shares. Under GSIP Unilever’s managers receive annual awards of NV and PLC shares. The awards of both plans will vest after three years between 0% and 200% of grant level, depending on the satisfaction of performance metrics.

The performance metrics of both MCIP and GSIP are underlying sales growth, operating cash flow and core operating margin improvement. There is an additional target based on relative total shareholder return (TSR) for senior executives.

A summary of the status of the Performance Share Plans as at 31 December 2013, 2012 and 2011 and changes during the years ended on these dates is presented below:

 

     

2013

Number of

shares

   

2012

Number of

shares

   

2011

Number of

shares

 

Outstanding at 1 January

         18,031,101        18,642,656        17,240,376   

Awarded

     7,780,730        7,036,147        9,587,934   

Vested

     (5,823,102     (6,277,057     (6,688,229

Forfeited

     (1,079,525     (1,370,645     (1,497,425

Outstanding at 31 December

     18,909,204        18,031,101        18,642,656   

 

104                Financial statements   Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2013


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4C. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS CONTINUED

 

              2013              2012              2011  

Share award value information

        

Fair value per share award during the year

     28.91         25.02         22.91   

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

At 31 December 2013, shares and options in NV or PLC totalling 14,505,562 (2012: 16,823,830) were held in respect of share-based compensation plans of NV and its subsidiaries, including North American plans, and 8,820,685 (2012: 9,418,749) were held in respect of share-based compensation plans of PLC and its subsidiaries.

To satisfy the options granted, certain NV group companies hold 16,615,696 (2012: 23,630,318) ordinary shares of NV or PLC, and trusts in Jersey and the United Kingdom hold nil (2012: 1,205,856) PLC shares. Shares acquired during 2013 represent 0.012% of the Group’s called up share capital. The balance of shares held in connection with share plans at 31 December 2013 represented 0.5% (2012: 0.8%) of the Group’s called up share capital.

The book value of 507 million (2012: 619 million) of all shares held in respect of share-based compensation plans for both NV and PLC is eliminated on consolidation by deduction from other reserves. Their market value at 31 December 2013 was 489 million (2012: 717 million).

At 31 December 2013, the exercise price of 192,447 PLC options (NV: nil) were above the market price of the shares. At 31 December 2012, there were no options for which the exercise price was above market price.

Shares held to satisfy options and related trusts are accounted for in accordance with IAS 32 ‘Financial Instruments: Presentation’ and SIC 12 ‘Consolidation of Special Purpose Entities’. All differences between the purchase price of the shares held to satisfy options granted and the proceeds received for the shares, whether on exercise or lapse, are charged to reserves. The basis of the charge to operating profit for the economic value of options granted is discussed on page 104.

Between 31 December 2013 and 3 March 2014, 5,934,225 shares were granted and 86,207 shares were forfeited related to the Performance Share Plans.

5. NET FINANCE COSTS

 

LOGO

 

Net finance costs   

 million

2013

   

million

2012

(Restated)

   

million

2011

(Restated)

 

Finance costs

     (500     (526     (540

Bank loans and overdrafts

     (36     (69     (59

Bonds and other loans

     (457     (451     (472

Dividends paid on preference shares

     (4     (4     (5

Net gain/(loss) on derivatives for which hedge accounting is not applied(a)

     (3     (2     (4
        

On foreign exchange derivatives

     368        (19     (379

Exchange difference on underlying items

     (371     17        375   

Finance income

     103        136        92   

Pensions and similar obligations(b)

     (133     (145     (95
       (530     (535     (543

(a) For further details of derivatives for which hedge accounting is not applied, please refer to note 16C on page 125.

(b)  Net finance costs in respect of pensions and similar obligations are analysed in note 4B on page 101.

 

Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2013   Financial statements                105


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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UNILEVER GROUP CONTINUED

  

 

6. TAXATION

6A. INCOME TAX

 

LOGO

 

Tax charge in income statement   

 million

2013

   

million

2012

(Restated)

   

million

2011

(Restated)

 

Current tax

      

Current year

     (2,320     (1,859     (1,524

Over/(under) provided in prior years

     232        (135     93   
     (2,088     (1,994     (1,431

Deferred tax

      

Origination and reversal of temporary differences

     177        164        (179

Changes in tax rates

     7        81        1   

Recognition of previously unrecognised losses brought forward

     53        52        34   
     237        297        (144
       (1,851     (1,697     (1,575

The reconciliation between the computed weighted average rate of income tax expense, which is generally applicable to Unilever companies, and the actual rate of taxation charged is as follows:

 

   

Reconciliation of effective tax rate   

%

2013

   

%

2012

   

%

2011

 

Computed rate of tax(a)

     28        26        27   

Differences due to:

      

Incentive tax credits

     (4     (5     (5

Withholding tax on dividends

     2        2        2   

Adjustments to previous years

     (4            (1

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes

     2        2        1   

Other

     2        1        2   

Effective tax rate

     26        26        26   

 

(a)  The computed tax rate used is the average of the standard rate of tax applicable in the countries in which Unilever operates, weighted by the amount of profit before taxation generated in each of those countries. For this reason the rate may vary from year to year according to the mix of profit and related tax rates.

6B. DEFERRED TAX

 

LOGO

 

106                Financial statements   Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2013


Table of Contents
  

 

6B. DEFERRED TAX CONTINUED

 

 

     million     million      million     million     million     million     million     million  
    

As at

1 January

2013

   

Income

statement

    Other    

As at

31 December

2013

   

As at

1 January

2012

   

Income

statement

    Other    

As at

31 December
2012

 
Movements in 2013 and 2012                                (Restated)            (Restated)     (Restated)  

Pensions and similar obligations

     750        5        (315     440        686        (39     103        750   

Provisions

     619        96        (43     672        661        105        (147     619   

Goodwill and intangible assets

     (1,436     221        52        (1,163     (1,721     92        193        (1,436

Accelerated tax depreciation

     (623     (66     (8     (697     (668     (45     90        (623

Tax losses

     134        12        1        147        100        43        (9     134   

Fair value gains

     (21     (3     7        (17     (20     6        (7     (21

Fair value losses

     12        (17            (5     31        5        (24     12   

Share-based payments

     172        (8     9        173        118        64        (10     172   

Other

     29        (3     (16     10        47        66        (84     29   
       (364     237        (313     (440     (766     297        105        (364

At the balance sheet date, the Group has unused tax losses of 2,066 million (2012: 1,582 million) and tax credits amounting to 390 million (2012: 120 million) available for offset against future taxable profits. Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of unused tax losses of 1,641 million (2012: 1,234 million) and tax credits of 390 million (2012: 120 million), as it is not probable that there will be future taxable profits within the entities against which the losses can be utilised. The majority of these tax losses and credits arise in tax jurisdictions where they do not expire with the exception of 181 million (2012: 516 million) of state and federal tax losses in the US which expire between now and 2031.

Other deductible temporary differences of 72 million (2012: 39 million) have not been recognised as a deferred tax asset. There is no expiry date for these differences.

At the balance sheet date, the aggregate amount of temporary differences associated with undistributed earnings of subsidiaries for which deferred tax liabilities have not been recognised was 1,306 million (2012: 1,449 million). No liability has been recognised in respect of these differences because the Group is in a position to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences, and it is probable that such differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when the deferred income taxes relate to the same fiscal authority. The following amounts, determined after appropriate offsetting, are shown in the consolidated balance sheet:

 

      million      million      million      million      million      million  
     Assets
2013
   

Assets

2012

   

Liabilities

2013

   

Liabilities

2012

   

Total

2013

   

Total

2012

 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities           (Restated)            (Restated)            (Restated)  

Pensions and similar obligations

     368        551        72        199        440        750   

Provisions

     532        561        140        58        672        619   

Goodwill and intangible assets

     58        (111     (1,221     (1,325     (1,163     (1,436

Accelerated tax depreciation

     (176     (175     (521     (448     (697     (623

Tax losses

     142        133        5        1        147        134   

Fair value gains

     10        7        (28     (28     (18     (21

Fair value losses

     (11     1        7        11        (4     12   

Share-based payments

     96        51        77        121        173        172   

Other

     65        32        (55     (3     10        29   
     1,084        1,050        (1,524     (1,414     (440     (364

Of which deferred tax to be recovered/(settled) after more than 12 months

     896        725        (1,563     (1,378     (667     (653

 

Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2013   Financial statements                107


Table of Contents

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UNILEVER GROUP CONTINUED

  

 

6C. TAX ON OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

LOGO

Tax effects of the components of other comprehensive income were as follows:

 

      million      million      million     million     million     million  
    

Before

tax

2013

   

Tax

charge/

credit

2013

   

After

tax

2013

   

Before

tax

2012

   

Tax

charge/

credit

2012

   

After

tax

2012

 
                           (Restated)     (Restated)     (Restated)  

Fair value gains/(losses) on financial instruments

     121        (15     106        (130     5        (125

Actuarial gains/(losses) on pension schemes

     942        (245     697        (611     114        (497

Currency retranslation gains/(losses)

     (980     (19     (999     (307     (9     (316
       83        (279     (196     (1,048     110        (938

7. COMBINED EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

LOGO

 

                        
Combined earnings per share                2013    

2012

(Restated)

   

2011

(Restated)

 

Basic earnings per share

           1.71        1.54        1.46   

Diluted earnings per share

           1.66        1.50        1.42   

Core EPS

               1.58        1.53        1.37   
                      Millions of share units  
Calculation of average number of share units                2013     2012     2011  

Average number of shares: NV

           1,714.7        1,714.7        1,714.7   

                                             PLC

           1,310.2        1,310.2        1,310.2   

Less shares held by employee share trusts and companies

           (186.8     (196.1     (209.0

Combined average number of share units

           2,838.1        2,828.8        2,815.9   

Add shares issuable in 2038

           70.9        70.9        70.9   

Add dilutive effect of share-based compensation plans

           15.0        16.2        21.3   

Diluted combined average number of share units

               2,924.0        2,915.9        2,908.1   
               million     million     million  
               2013     2012     2011  
Calculation of earnings                       (Restated)     (Restated)  

Net profit

           5,263        4,836        4,491   

Non-controlling interests

           (421     (468     (371

Net profit attributable to shareholders’ equity

               4,842        4,368        4,120   
                million     million     million  
Calculation of core earnings    Notes          2013     2012     2011  

Net profit attributable to shareholders’ equity

           4,842        4,368        4,120   

Post-tax impact of non-core items

   3         (235     87        (138

Core profit attributable to shareholders’ equity

               4,607        4,455        3,982   

 

108                Financial statements   Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2013


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8. DIVIDENDS ON ORDINARY CAPITAL

 

LOGO

Dividends are recognised on the date that the shareholder’s right to receive payment is established. This is generally the date when the dividend is declared.

 

 

Dividends on ordinary capital during the year   

 million

2013

   

 million

2012

   

 million

2011

 

NV dividends

     (1,638     (1,482     (1,368

PLC dividends

     (1,343     (1,214     (1,119
       (2,981     (2,696     (2,487

Four quarterly interim dividends were declared and paid during 2013 totalling 1.05 (2012: 0.95) per NV ordinary share and £0.89 (2012: £0.77) per PLC ordinary share.

Quarterly dividends of 0.27 per NV ordinary share and £0.22 per PLC ordinary share were declared on 21 January 2014, to be payable in March 2014. See note 25 ‘Events after the balance sheet date’ on page 133. Total dividends declared in relation to 2013 were 1.08 (2012: 0.97) per NV ordinary share and £0.91 (2012: £0.79) per PLC ordinary share.

9. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

LOGO

 

Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2013   Financial statements                109


Table of Contents

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UNILEVER GROUP CONTINUED

  

 

9. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS CONTINUED

 

     million     million     million     million      million  
           Indefinite-life
intangible
    Finite-life
intangible
             
Movements during 2013    Goodwill     assets     assets     Software     Total  

Cost

          

1 January 2013

     15,635        6,536        670        1,480        24,321   

Acquisitions of group companies

     62        45        5               112   

Disposals of group companies

     (62     (13                   (75

Reclassed to held for disposal

     (3                          (3

Additions

            2               375        377   

Disposals

            (5     (10     (54     (69

Currency retranslation

     (742     (299     (24     (86     (1,151

31 December 2013

     14,890        6,266        641        1,715        23,512   

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

          

1 January 2013

     (1,016     (238     (641     (708     (2,603

Amortisation for the year

                   (4     (163     (167

Disposals

                   9        26        35   

Currency retranslation

     43        11        23        50        127   

31 December 2013

     (973     (227     (613     (795     (2,608

Net book value 31 December 2013

     13,917        6,039        28        920        20,904   

 

Movements during 2012

 

                                        

Cost

          

1 January 2012

     15,929        6,609        663        1,152        24,353   

Acquisitions of group companies

     10        9                      19   

Disposals of group companies

     (22     (7                   (29

Reclassed to held for disposal

     (44     (70                   (114

Additions

            29        10        396        435   

Disposals

            (10     (1     (45     (56

Currency retranslation

     (238     (24     (2     (23     (287

31 December 2012

     15,635        6,536        670        1,480        24,321   

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

          

1 January 2012

     (1,033     (245     (601     (561     (2,440

Amortisation for the year

                   (43     (170     (213

Disposals

                          11        11   

Currency retranslation

     17        7        3        12        39   

31 December 2012

     (1,016     (238     (641     (708     (2,603

Net book value 31 December 2012

     14,619        6,298        29        772        21,718   

There are no significant carrying amounts of goodwill and intangible assets that are allocated across multiple cash generating units.

IMPAIRMENT CHARGES

We have tested all material goodwill and indefinite-life intangible assets for impairment. No impairments were identified.

SIGNIFICANT CGUS

The goodwill and indefinite-life intangible assets held in the three CGUs relating to Foods across the geographical areas are considered significant within the total carrying amounts of goodwill and indefinite-life intangible assets at 31 December 2013 in terms of size, headroom and sensitivity to assumptions used. No other CGUs are considered significant in this respect.

The goodwill and indefinite-life intangible assets held in the significant CGUs are:

 

     billion      billion      billion      billion  
     2013      2013      2012      2012  
      Goodwill     

Indefinite-

life

intangibles

     Goodwill     

Indefinite-

life

intangibles

 

Foods Europe

     5.8         1.6         5.8         1.6   

Foods The Americas

     3.6         1.3         3.9         1.4   

Foods Asia/AMET/RUB

     1.4         0.4         1.4         0.4   

Value in use has been calculated as the present value of projected future cash flows. A pre-tax discount rate of 7.4% was used.

For the significant CGUs, the following key assumptions were used in the discounted cash flow projections:

 

110                Financial statements   Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2013


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9. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS CONTINUED

 

     Foods     Foods     Foods  
      Europe    

The

Americas

   

Asia/

AMET/RUB

 

Longer-term sustainable growth rates

     0.3     1.6     3.5

Average near-term nominal growth rates

     0.9     5.8     10.3

Average operating margins

     22-24     19-21     15-17

The growth rates and margins used to estimate future performance are based on past performance and our experience of growth rates and margins achievable in our key markets.

The projections covered a period of five years, as we believe this to be the most appropriate timescale over which to review and consider annual performances before applying a fixed terminal value multiple to the final year cash flows.

The growth rates used are consistent with our annual planning and strategic planning processes.

We have performed sensitivity analyses around the base assumptions and have concluded that no reasonable possible changes in key assumptions would cause the recoverable amount of the significant CGUs to be less than the carrying value.

10. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

LOGO

 

     million     million      million  
Movements during 2013    Land and
buildings
    Plant and
equipment
    Total  

Cost

      

1 January 2013

     4,006        13,503        17,509   

Acquisitions

     14        36        50   

Disposals of group companies

     (4     (24     (28

Additions

     281        1,583        1,864   

Disposals

     (89     (545     (634

Currency retranslation

     (286     (1,014     (1,300

Reclassification as held for sale

     (75     (156     (231

Other adjustments

            (1     (1

31 December 2013

     3,847        13,382        17,229   

Accumulated depreciation

      

1 January 2013

     (1,286     (6,778     (8,064

Disposals of group companies

     3        17        20   

Depreciation charge for the year

     (110     (874     (984

Disposals

     66        454        520   

Currency retranslation

     63        436        499   

Reclassification as held for sale

     14        117        131   

Other adjustments

     (4     (3     (7

31 December 2013

     (1,254     (6,631     (7,885

Net book value 31 December 2013

     2,593        6,751        9,344 (a) 

Includes payments on account and assets in course of construction

     191        1,315        1,506   
(a)  Includes 235 million (2012: 243 million) of freehold land.

The Group has commitment to capital expenditure of 669 million (2012: 364 million), see note 20.

 

Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2013   Financial statements                111


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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UNILEVER GROUP CONTINUED

  

 

10. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT CONTINUED

 

 

     million     million      million  
Movements during 2012    Land and
buildings
    Plant and
equipment
    Total  

Cost

      

1 January 2012

     3,875        12,592        16,467   

Acquisitions

            1        1   

Disposals of group companies

            (52     (52

Additions

     293        1,694        1,987   

Disposals

     (65     (516     (581

Currency retranslation

     (52     (181     (233

Reclassification as held for sale

     (50     (77     (127

Other adjustments

     5        42        47   

31 December 2012

     4,006        13,503        17,509   

Accumulated depreciation

      

1 January 2012

     (1,237     (6,456     (7,693

Disposals of group companies

            9        9   

Depreciation charge for the year

     (121     (865     (986

Disposals

     40        448        488   

Currency retranslation

     13        71        84   

Reclassification as held for sale

     22        64        86   

Other adjustments

     (3     (49     (52

31 December 2012

     (1,286     (6,778     (8,064

Net book value 31 December 2012

     2,720        6,725        9,445 (a) 

Includes payments on account and assets in course of construction

     188        1,343        1,531   

11. OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS

 

LOGO

 

      million       million  
      2013      2012  

Interest in net assets of joint ventures

     57         32   

Interest in net assets of associates

     38         51   

Long-term trade and other receivables

     207         172   

Fair value of biological assets

     34         29   

Other non-financial assets(a)

     227         252   
       563         536   
(a)  Other non-financial assets mainly relate to tax deposits paid.

 

112                Financial statements   Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2013


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11. OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS CONTINUED

 

Movements during 2013 and 2012     million
2013
     million
2012
 

Joint ventures(a)

    

1 January

     32        48   

Additions

     25          

Dividends received/reductions

     (100     (131

Share of net profit

     105        107   

Currency retranslation

     (5     8   

31 December

     57        32   

Associates(b)

    

1 January

     51        45   

Additions

     18        7   

Dividends received/reductions

     (42       

Share of net profit

     8        (2

Currency retranslation

     3        1   

31 December

     38        51   
(a)  Our principal joint ventures are Unilever Jerónimo Martins in Portugal, Pepsi Lipton International and the Pepsi/Lipton Partnership in the US. We also acquired 51% share in the newly formed Iluminage Beauty Ltd.
(b)  Associates as at 31 December 2013 primarily comprise our investments in Langholm Capital Partners. During the year we partially disposed of our investment in Langholm Capital Partners and formed a new relationship with Capvent Asia Consumer Fund Ltd. Other Unilever Ventures assets are included under ‘Other non-current non-financial assets’.

The joint ventures and associates have no significant contingent liabilities to which the Group is exposed, and the Group has no significant contingent liabilities in relation to its interest in the joint ventures and associates.

The Group has no outstanding capital commitments to joint ventures.

Outstanding balances with joint ventures and associates are shown in note 23 on page 133.

12. INVENTORIES

 

LOGO

 

Inventories   

 million

2013

    

 million

2012

 

Raw materials and consumables

     1,286         1,517   

Finished goods and goods for resale

     2,651         2,919   
       3,937         4,436   

Inventories with a value of 204 million (2012: 143 million) are carried at net realisable value, this being lower than cost. During 2013, 198 million (2012: 131 million) was charged to the income statement for damaged, obsolete and lost inventories. In 2013, 155 million (2012: 71 million) was utilised or released to the income statement from inventory provisions taken in earlier years.

13. TRADE AND OTHER CURRENT RECEIVABLES

 

LOGO

Trade and other receivables are initially recognised at fair value plus any directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequently these assets are held at amortised cost, using the effective interest method and net of any impairment losses.

 

We do not consider the fair values of trade and other receivables to be significantly different from their carrying values. Credit terms for customers are determined in individual territories. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are limited, due to the Group’s customer base being large and diverse. Our historical experience of collecting receivables, supported by the level of default, is that credit risk is low across territories and so trade receivables are considered to be a single class of financial assets. Balances are considered for impairment on an individual basis rather than by reference to the extent that they become overdue.

 

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UNILEVER GROUP CONTINUED

  

 

13. TRADE AND OTHER CURRENT RECEIVABLES CONTINUED

 

Trade and other current receivables    million
2013
    million
2012
 

Due within one year

    

Trade receivables

     2,852        2,793   

Prepayments and accrued income

     516        549   

Other receivables

     1,463        1,094   
       4,831        4,436   

 

Other receivables comprise financial assets of 588 million (2012: 502 million), including supplier and customer deposits, employee advances and certain derivatives, and non-financial assets of 875 million (2012: 592 million), including tax deposits and reclaimable sales tax.

 

   

Ageing of trade receivables    million
2013
    million
2012
 

Total trade receivables

     2,989        2,916   

Less impairment provision for trade receivables

     (137     (123
     2,852        2,793   

Of which:

    

Not overdue

     2,194        2,473   

Past due less than three months

     539        236   

Past due more than three months but less than six months

     105        80   

Past due more than six months but less than one year

     59        48   

Past due more than one year

     92        79   

Impairment provision for trade receivables

     (137     (123
       2,852        2,793   
Impairment provision for trade and other receivables – current and non-current impairments     million
2013
     million
2012
 

1 January

     151        145   

Charged to income statement

     38        33   

Reductions/releases

     (30     (23

Currency retranslation

     (10     (4

31 December

     149        151   

 

14. TRADE PAYABLES AND OTHER LIABILITIES

 

LOGO

 

    

We do not consider the fair values of trade and other payables to be significantly different from their carrying values.

    
Trade payables and other liabilities    million
2013
    million
2012
 

Due within one year

    

Trade payables

     6,995        7,084   

Accruals

     3,269        3,459   

Social security and sundry taxes

     631        419   

Others

     840        706   
     11,735        11,668   

Due after more than one year

    

Accruals

     59        57   

Others

     237        343   
     296        400   

Total trade payables and other liabilities

     12,031        12,068   

Included in others are third party royalties, certain derivatives and dividends to non-controlling interest.

 

114                Financial statements   Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2013


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15. CAPITAL AND FUNDING

 

LOGO

The Group’s Treasury activities are designed to:

  maintain a competitive balance sheet in line with A+/A1 rating (see below);
  secure funding at lowest costs for the Group’s operations, M&A activity and external dividend payments (see below);
  protect the Group’s financial results and position from financial risks (see note 16);
  maintain market risks within acceptable parameters, while optimising returns (see note 16); and
  protect the Group’s financial investments, while maximising returns (see note 17).

The treasury department provides central deposit taking, funding and foreign exchange management services for the Group’s operations. The department is governed by standards and processes which are approved by Unilever Leadership Executive (ULE). In addition to guidelines and exposure limits, a system of authorities and extensive independent reporting covers all major areas of activity. Performance is monitored closely by senior management. Reviews are undertaken periodically by internal audit.

Key instruments used by the department are:

  short-term and long-term borrowings;
  cash and cash equivalents; and
  plain vanilla derivatives, including interest rate swaps and FX contracts.

The treasury department maintains a list of approved financial instruments. The use of any new instrument must be approved by the Chief Financial Officer. The use of leveraged instruments is not permitted.

 

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UNILEVER GROUP CONTINUED

  

 

15. CAPITAL AND FUNDING CONTINUED

Unilever considers the following components of its balance sheet to be managed capital:

  total equity – retained profit, other reserves, share capital, share premium, non-controlling interests (note 15A and 15B);
  short-term debt – current financial liabilities (note 15C); and
  long-term debt – non-current bank loans, bonds and other loans (note 15C).

The Group manages its capital so as to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern and to optimise returns to our shareholders through an appropriate balance of debt and equity. The capital structure of the Group is based on management’s judgement of the appropriate balance of key elements in order to meet its strategic and day-to-day needs. We consider the amount of capital in proportion to risk and manage the capital structure in light of changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of the underlying assets.

Our current long-term credit rating is A+/A1 and our short-term credit rating is A1/P1. We aim to maintain a competitive balance sheet which we consider to be the equivalent of a credit rating of A+/A1 in the long term. This provides us with:

  appropriate access to the debt and equity markets;
  sufficient flexibility for acquisitions;
  sufficient resilience against economic and financial uncertainty while ensuring ample liquidity; and
  optimal weighted average cost of capital, given the above constraints.

Unilever monitors the qualitative and quantitative factors utilised by the rating agencies. This information is publicly available and is updated by the credit rating agencies on a regular basis.

Unilever will take appropriate steps in order to maintain, or if necessary adjust, its capital structure. Unilever is not subject to financial covenants in any of its significant financing agreements.

15A. SHARE CAPITAL

 

     

 

Authorised

2013

(a) 

  

   

 

 

 
 

Issued,

called up

and

fully paid
2013

  

  

  

(b) 
  

   

 

Authorised

2012

(a) 

  

   

 

 

 

 

Issued,

called up

and

fully paid

2012

  

  

  

(b) 

  

Unilever N.V.

     million         million         million         million   

NV ordinary shares of 0.16 each

    480        274        480        274   

NV ordinary shares of 428.57 each (shares numbered 1 to 2,400 – ‘Special Shares’)

    1        1        1        1   

Internal holdings eliminated on consolidation (428.57 shares)

           (1            (1
      481        274        481        274   

Unilever PLC

      £ million          £ million   

PLC ordinary shares of 31/9p each

      40.8          40.8   

PLC deferred stock of £1 each

      0.1          0.1   

Internal holding eliminated on consolidation (£1 stock)

      (0.1       (0.1
      40.8          40.8   
      million          million   

Euro equivalent in millions (at £1.00 = 5.143)

            210                210   

Unilever Group

      million          million   

Ordinary share capital of NV

      274          274   

Ordinary share capital of PLC

      210          210   
              484                484   
(a)  At 31 December 2013, Unilever N.V. had 3,000,000,000 (2012: 3,000,000,000) authorised ordinary shares. The requirement for a UK company to have an authorised share capital was abolished by the UK Companies Act 2006. In May 2010 Unilever PLC shareholders approved new Articles of Association which reflect this.
(b)  At 31 December 2013, the following quantities of shares were in issue: 1,714,727,700 of NV ordinary shares; 2,400 of NV Special Shares; 1,310,156,361 of PLC ordinary shares and 100,000 of PLC deferred stock. The same quantities were in issue at 31 December 2012.

For information on the rights of shareholders of NV and PLC and the operation of the Equalisation Agreement, see the Corporate Governance report on page 42.

A nominal dividend of 6% is paid on the deferred stock of PLC, which is not redeemable.

 

116                Financial statements   Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2013


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15B. EQUITY

BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION

Unilever is the majority shareholder of all material subsidiaries and has control in all cases. Information in relation to all of the group’s significant investments is provided on page 134 to 135.

SUBSIDIARIES WITH SIGNIFICANT NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS

Unilever has one subsidiary company which has a material non-controlling interest, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL). Summary financial information in relation to HUL is shown below.

 

HUL Balance sheet as at 31 December 2013    million
2013
      

Non-current assets

    432     

Current assets

    1,002     

Current liabilities

    (797  

Non-current liabilities

    (101    
HUL Comprehensive income for the year ended 31 December 2013            

Turnover

    3,341     

Profit after tax

    429     

Total comprehensive income

    384       
HUL Cash flow for the year ended 31 December 2013            

Net increase /(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    (106    
HUL Non-controlling interest            

1 January 2013

    (291  

Share of (profit)/loss for the year ended 31 December 2013

    (172  

Other comprehensive income

    (3  

Dividends paid to the non-controlling interest

    92     

Other changes in equity

    108     

Currency retranslation

    45       

31 December 2013

    (221    

UNILEVER’S INCREASED INTEREST IN HINDUSTAN UNILEVER LIMITED

On 18 July 2013, the Group acquired 14.78% of Hindustan Unilever Limited for a consideration of INR 192 billion (2,515 million), increasing the Group’s interest in Hindustan Unilever Limited from 52.48% to 67.26%. Accordingly 104 million previously shown as attributable to non-controlling interests within equity is now attributable to shareholders and the resulting loss on the acquisition recorded in retained earnings is 2,411 million.

ANALYSIS OF RESERVES FOR THE GROUP

 

Other reserves as at 31 December     million
Total
2013
     million
Total
2012
     million
Total
2011
 

Fair value reserves

     (113     (219     (94
        

Cash flow hedges

     (162     (241     (100

Available-for-sale financial assets

     49        22        6   

Currency retranslation of group companies

     (2,611     (1,843     (1,594

Adjustment on translation of PLC’s ordinary capital at 31/9p = 0.16

     (164     (164     (164

Capital redemption reserve

     32        32        32   

Book value of treasury stock

     (3,890     (4,002     (4,184
       (6,746     (6,196     (6,004

Unilever acquired 364,077 NV ordinary shares through purchases on the stock exchanges during the year. These shares are held as treasury stock as a separate component of other reserves. No PLC ordinary shares were purchased during the year. The total number held at 31 December 2013 was 153,027,466 (2012: 158,350,450) NV shares and 31,84 5,8 5 3 (2012: 34,743,347) PLC shares. Of these, 11,466,837 NV shares and 5,148,859 PLC shares were held in connection with share-based compensation plans (see note 4C on pages 104 and 105).

 

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Table of Contents

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UNILEVER GROUP CONTINUED

  

 

15B. EQUITY CONTINUED

 

 

Treasury stock – movements during the year     million
2013
     million
2012
      

1 January

     (4,002     (4,184  

Purchases and other utilisations

     112        182       

31 December

     (3,890     (4,002    
Currency retranslation reserve – movements during the year    million
2013
    million
2012
      

1 January

     (1,843     (1,594  

Currency retranslation during the year

     (496     (87  

Movement in net investment hedges

     (275     (160  

Recycled to income statement

     3        (2    

31 December

     (2,611     (1,843    
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME RECONCILIATION       
Fair value gains/(losses) on financial instruments – movement during the year    million
2013
    million
2012
      

1 January

     (219     (94  

Movement during the year

     106        (125    

31 December

     (113     (219    
Refer to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income on page 90, the consolidated statement of changes in equity on page 91 and note 6C on page 108.     
Actuarial gains/(losses) on pension schemes – movement during the year    million
2013
   

million
2012

(Restated)

      

1 January

     (1,804     (1,307  

Movement during the year

     697        (497    

31 December

     (1,107     (1,804    
Refer to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income on page 90, the consolidated statement of changes in equity on page 91, note 4B from page 99 to 104 and note 6C on page 108.      
Currency retranslation gains/(losses) – movement during the year    million
2013
    million
2012
      

1 January

     (2,007     (1,691  

Currency retranslation during the year:

      

Other reserves

     (788     (249  

Retained profit

     (129     (43  

Non-controlling interest

     (82     (24    

31 December

     (3,006     (2,007    

15C. FINANCIAL LIABILITIES

 

Financial liabilities(a)(b)    Notes         

 million

Current

2013

    

 million

Non-current
2013

      million
Total
2013
      million
Current
2012
       million
Non-current
2012
      million
Total
2012
 

Preference shares

                   68         68                 68         68   

Bank loans and overdrafts

           491         576         1,067         581         765         1,346   

Bonds and other loans

           3,037         6,557         9,594         1,968         6,511         8,479   
                         
                                                             

At amortised cost

           3,037         5,780         8,817         1,205         5,718         6,923   

Subject to fair value hedge accounting

                   777         777         763         793         1,556   

Finance lease creditors

   20         14         190         204         15         187         202   

Derivatives

           199         100         299         92         34         126   

Other financial liabilities

           269                 269                           
                 4,010         7,491         11,501         2,656         7,565         10,221   
(a)  For the purposes of notes 15C and 17A, financial assets and liabilities exclude trade and other current receivables and trade payables and other liabilities which are covered in notes 13 and 14 respectively.
(b)  Financial liabilities include 6 million (2012: 1 million) of secured liabilities.

 

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15C. FINANCIAL LIABILITIES CONTINUED

 

ANALYSIS OF BONDS AND OTHER LOANS

 

     million      million       million      million      million       million  
     

Amortised

cost

2013

    

Fair value

hedge

adjustment

2013

    

Total

2013

    

Amortised

cost

2012

    

Fair value

hedge

adjustment
2012

    

Total

2012

 

Unilever N.V.

                 

Commercial paper

     1,008                 1,008         137                 137   

3.375% Bonds 2015 ()

     749         28         777         749         44         793   

1.750% Bonds 2020 ()

     746                 746                           

3.500% Notes 2015 (Swiss francs)

     285                 285         290                 290   

1.150% Notes 2014 (Renminbi)

     36                 36         36                 36   

4.875% Bonds 2013 ()

                             749         14         763   

3.125% Bonds 2013 (US $)

                             341                 341   

Other

                             24                 24   

Total NV

     2,824         28         2,852         2,326         58         2,384   

Unilever PLC

                 

Commercial Paper

     670                 670                           

4.750% Bonds 2017 (£)

     478                 478         488                 488   

4.000% Bonds 2014 (£)

     419                 419         427                 427   

Total PLC

     1,567                 1,567         915                 915   

Other group companies

                 

Switzerland

                 

Other

     5                 5         6                 6   

United States

                 

4.250% Notes 2021 (US $)

     722                 722         754                 754   

5.900% Bonds 2032 (US $)

     716                 716         749                 749   

3.650% Notes 2014 (US $)

     544                 544         568                 568   

4.800% Notes 2019 (US $)

     543                 543         567                 567   

2.200% Notes 2019 (US $)

     537                 537                           

0.850% Notes 2017 (US $)

     395                 395         412                 412   

2.750% Notes 2016 (US $)

     362                 362         378                 378   

Commercial paper (US $)

     341                 341         691                 691   

0.450% Notes 2015 (US $)

     326                 326         340                 340   

7.250% Bonds 2026 (US $)

     209                 209         218                 218   

6.625% Bonds 2028 (US $)

     161                 161         169                 169   

5.150% Notes 2020 (US $)

     117                 117         124                 124   

7.000% Bonds 2017 (US $)

     107                 107         111                 111   

5.600% Bonds 2097 (US $)

     66                 66         69                 69   

Other

     16                 16         14                 14   

Other countries

     8                 8         10                 10   

Total other group companies

     5,175                 5,175         5,180                 5,180   

Total bonds and other loans

     9,566         28         9,594         8,421         58         8,479   

Information in relation to the derivatives used to hedge bonds and other loans within a fair value hedge relationship is shown in note 16.

 

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Table of Contents

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UNILEVER GROUP CONTINUED

  

 

16. TREASURY RISK MANAGEMENT

 

LOGO

The Group is exposed to the following risks that arise from its use of financial instruments, the management of which is described in the following sections:

  liquidity risk (see note 16A);
  market risk (see note 16B); and
  credit risk (see note 17B).

16A. MANAGEMENT OF LIQUIDITY RISK

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will face in meeting its obligations associated with its financial liabilities. The Group’s approach to managing liquidity is to ensure that it will have sufficient funds to meet its liabilities when due without incurring unacceptable losses. In doing this, management considers both normal and stressed conditions. A material and sustained shortfall in our cash flow could undermine the Group’s credit rating, impair investor confidence and also restrict the Group’s ability to raise funds.

The Group maintained a cautious funding strategy, with a positive cash balance throughout 2013. This was the result of cash delivery from the business, coupled with the proceeds from bond issuances in 2013. This cash has been invested conservatively with low risk counter-parties at maturities of less than six months.

Cash flow from operating activities provides the funds to service the financing of financial liabilities on a day-to-day basis. The Group seeks to manage its liquidity requirements by maintaining access to global debt markets through short-term and long-term debt programmes. In addition, Unilever has committed credit facilities for general corporate use.

On 31 December 2013 Unilever had undrawn revolving 364-day bilateral credit facilities in aggregate of US $6,400 million (2012: US $6,140 million) with a 364-day term out. On 31 December 2013 Unilever had no 364-day bilateral money market commitments (2012: US $110 million). As part of the regular annual process these facilities will again be renewed in 2014.

 

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16A. MANAGEMENT OF LIQUIDITY RISK CONTINUED

 

The following table shows Unilever’s contractually agreed undiscounted cash flows, including expected interest payments, which are payable under financial liabilities at the balance sheet date:

 

           million      million      million      million      million      million      million      million  
Undiscounted cash flows   

Notes

  

Due

within

1 year

   

Due

between

1 and

2 years

   

Due

between

2 and

3 years

   

Due

between

3 and

4 years

   

Due

between

4 and

5 years

   

Due

after

5 years

    Total    

Net

carrying

amount as

shown in

balance

sheet

 

2013

                   

Non-derivative financial liabilities:

                   

Preference shares

        (4     (4     (4     (4     (4     (72     (92     (68

Bank loans and overdrafts

        (515     (42     (256     (274     (1            (1,088     (1,067

Bonds and other loans

                   

At amortised cost

        (3,308     (832     (571     (1,186     (165     (5,326     (11,388     (8,817

Subject to fair value hedge accounting

        (25     (775                                 (800     (777

Finance lease creditors

   20      (25     (24     (43     (22     (18     (180     (312     (204

Other financial liabilities

        (269                                        (269     (269

Trade payables

   14      (11,104     (296                                 (11,400     (11,400

Issued financial guarantees

        (12                                        (12       
        (15,262     (1,973     (874     (1,486     (188     (5,578     (25,361     (22,602

Derivative financial liabilities:

                   

Interest rate derivatives:

                   

Derivative contracts – receipts

        275        194        167        1                      637     

Derivative contracts – payments

        (312     (256     (207     (1                   (776  

Foreign exchange derivatives:

                   

Derivative contracts – receipts

        18,186                                           18,186     

Derivative contracts – payments

        (18,415                                        (18,415  

Commodity derivatives:

                   

Derivative contracts – receipts

        86                                           86     

Derivative contracts – payments

        (89                                        (89        
        (269     (62     (40                          (371     (395

Total

          (15,531     (2,035     (914     (1,486     (188     (5,578     (25,732     (22,997

2012

                   

Non-derivative financial liabilities:

                   

Preference shares

        (4     (4     (4     (4     (4     (72     (92     (68

Bank loans and overdrafts

        (603     (53     (50     (328     (349     (1     (1,384     (1,346

Bonds and other loans

                   

At amortised cost

        (1,461     (1,291     (833     (570     (1,201     (4,314     (9,670     (6,923

Subject to fair value hedge accounting

        (812     (25     (776                          (1,613     (1,556

Finance lease creditors

   20      (28     (27     (46     (24     (22     (203     (350     (202

Other financial liabilities

                                                           

Trade payables

   14      (11,249     (400                                 (11,649     (11,649

Issued financial guarantees

        (35                                        (35       
        (14,192     (1,800     (1,709     (926     (1,576     (4,590     (24,793     (21,744

Derivative financial liabilities:

                   

Interest rate derivatives:

                   

Derivative contracts – receipts

        383        248        348                             979     

Derivative contracts – payments

        (430     (369     (395                          (1,194  

Foreign exchange derivatives:

                   

Derivative contracts – receipts

        6,477                                           6,477     

Derivative contracts – payments

        (6,579                                        (6,579  

Commodity derivatives:

                   

Derivative contracts – receipts

        365                                           365     

Derivative contracts – payments

        (387                                        (387        
        (171     (121     (47                          (339     (328

Total

          (14,363     (1,921     (1,756     (926     (1,576     (4,590     (25,132     (22,072

 

Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2013   Financial statements                121


Table of Contents

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UNILEVER GROUP CONTINUED

  

 

16A. MANAGEMENT OF LIQUIDITY RISK CONTINUED

 

The following table shows cash flows for which cash flow hedge accounting is applied. The derivatives in the cash flow hedge relationships are expected to have an impact on profit and loss in the same periods as the cash flows occur.

 

      million      million      million      million      million       million       million     million  
      

 

 

Due

within

1 year

  

  

  

   

 

 

 

Due

between

1 and 2

years

  

  

  

  

   

 

 

 

Due

between

2 and 3

years

  

  

  

  

   

 

 

 

Due

between

3 and 4

years

  

  

  

  

   

 

 

 

Due

between

4 and 5

years

  

  

  

  

    

 

 

Due

after

5 years

  

  

  

     Total       

 

 

 

 

Net

carrying

amount of

related

derivatives

  

  

  

  

(a) 

2013

                  

Foreign exchange cash inflows

     1,088                                             1,088     

Foreign exchange cash outflows

     (509                                          (509     1   

Interest rate cash flows

     (2     (111     (2     (1                     (116     (41

Commodity contracts cash flows

     (313                                          (313     14   

2012

                  

Foreign exchange cash inflows

     877                                             877     

Foreign exchange cash outflows

     (473                                          (473     (4

Interest rate cash flows

            (173     (109                            (282     (146

Commodity contracts cash flows

     (498                                          (498     (19

(a) See note 16C on page 124.

16B. MANAGEMENT OF MARKET RISK

Unilever’s size and operations result in it being exposed to the following market risks that arise from its use of financial instruments:

  commodity price risk;
  currency risk; and
  interest rate risk.

The above risks may affect the Group’s income and expenses, or the value of its financial instruments. The objective of the Group’s management of market risk is to maintain this risk within acceptable parameters, while optimising returns. Generally, the Group applies hedge accounting to manage the volatility in profit and loss arising from market risk.

The Group’s exposure to, and management of, these risks is explained below. It often includes derivative financial instruments, the uses of which are described in note 16C.

 

LOGO

 

122                Financial statements   Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2013


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16B. MANAGEMENT OF MARKET RISK CONTINUED

 

LOGO

(a) See the split in fixed and floating-rate interest in the following table.

 

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UNILEVER GROUP CONTINUED

  

 

16B. MANAGEMENT OF MARKET RISK CONTINUED

 

The following table shows the split in fixed and floating rate interest exposures, taking into account the impact of interest rate swaps and cross-currency swaps:

 

     

 million

2013

   

 million

2012

 

Cash and cash equivalents

     2,285        2,465   

Current other financial assets

     760        401   

Current financial liabilities

     (4,010     (2,656

Non-current financial liabilities

     (7,491     (7,565

Net debt

     (8,456     (7,355

Of which:

    

Fixed rate (weighted average amount of fixing for the following year)

     (7,764     (7,053

Floating rate

     (692     (302
       (8,456     (7,355

16C. DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING

The Group does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. The uses of derivatives and the related values of derivatives are summarised in the following table:

 

     million      million     million     million     million      million  
     

Trade

and other

receivables

    

Other

current

financial

assets

   

Trade

payables

and other
liabilities

   

Current

financial

liabilities

   

Non-

current

financial

liabilities

    Total  

31 December 2013

             

Foreign exchange derivatives

             

Fair value hedges

     2                (6                   (4

Cash flow hedges

     16                (15                   1   

Hedges of net investments in foreign operations

             4               (69            (65

Hedge accounting not applied

     48         116        (32     (98            34   

Cross-currency swaps

             

Hedge accounting not applied

             174               (32     (100     42   

Interest rate swaps

             

Fair value hedges

                                           

Cash flow hedges

                    (41                   (41

Hedge accounting not applied

                                           

Commodity contracts

             

Cash flow hedges

     16                (2                   14   

Hedge accounting not applied

                                           
     82         294        (96     (199     (100     (19
       Total assets         376                Total liabilities        (395     (19

31 December 2012

             

Foreign exchange derivatives

             

Fair value hedges

     1                (5                   (4

Cash flow hedges

     9                (13                   (4

Hedges of net investments in foreign operations

             (126 )(a)             (5            (131

Hedge accounting not applied

     10         222 (a)      (16     (57            159   

Cross-currency swaps

             

Hedge accounting not applied

             38               (30     (34     (26

Interest rate swaps

             

Fair value hedges

             36                             36   

Cash flow hedges

                    (146                   (146

Hedge accounting not applied

                                           

Commodity contracts

             

Cash flow hedges

     3                (22                   (19

Hedge accounting not applied

                                           
     23         170        (202     (92     (34     (135
       Total assets         193                Total liabilities        (328     (135

 

(a)  Swaps that hedge the currency risk on intra-group loans and offset (126) million within ‘Hedges of net investments in foreign operations’ are included within ‘Hedge accounting not applied’.

 

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16C. DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING CONTINUED

 

MASTER NETTING OR SIMILAR AGREEMENTS

A number of legal entities within our Group enter into derivative transactions under International Swap and Derivatives Association (ISDA) master netting agreements. In general, under such agreements the amounts owed by each counter-party on a single day in respect of all transactions outstanding in the same currency are aggregated into a single net amount that is payable by one party to the other. In certain circumstances such as when a credit event such as a default occurs, all outstanding transactions under the agreement are terminated, the termination value is assessed and only a single net amount is payable in settlement of all transactions.

The ISDA agreements do not meet the criteria for offsetting the positive and negative values in the consolidated balance sheet. This is because the Group does not have any currently legally enforceable right to offset recognised amounts, between various Group and bank affiliates, because the right to offset is enforceable only on the occurrence of future credit events such as a default.

The column ‘Related amounts not set off in the balance sheet-Financial instruments’ shows the netting impact of our ISDA agreements, assuming the agreements are respected in the relevant jurisdiction.

(A) FINANCIAL ASSETS

The following financial assets are subject to offsetting, enforceable master netting arrangements and similar agreements.

 

                        

Related amounts not set off

in the balance sheet

       
     million      million     million      million     million      million  
As at 31 December 2013   

Gross amounts of

recognised

financial assets

    

Gross amounts of

recognised

financial liabilities

set off in the

balance sheet

   

Net amounts of

financial assets

presented in the

balance sheet

    

Financial

instruments

    Cash collateral
received
    Net amount  

Derivative financial assets

     376                376         (82     (5     289   

As at 31 December 2012

                                                  

Derivative financial assets

     319         (126     193         (88     (6     99   

(B) FINANCIAL LIABILITIES

The following financial liabilities are subject to offsetting, enforceable master netting arrangements and similar agreements.

 

  

  

                        

Related amounts not set off

in the balance sheet

       
     million      million     million      million     million      million  
As at 31 December 2013   

Gross amounts of

recognised

financial assets

    

Gross amounts of

recognised

financial liabilities

set off in the

balance sheet

   

Net amounts of

financial assets

presented in the

balance sheet

    

Financial

instruments

    Cash collateral
received
    Net amount  

Derivative financial liabilities

     395                395         (82            313   

As at 31 December 2012

                                                  

Derivative financial liabilities

     454         (126     328         (88            240   

17. INVESTMENT AND RETURN

 

LOGO

 

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Table of Contents

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UNILEVER GROUP CONTINUED

  

 

17. INVESTMENT AND RETURN CONTINUED

 

LOGO

17A. FINANCIAL ASSETS

The Group’s treasury function aims to protect the Group’s financial investments, while maximising returns. The Group’s cash resources and other financial assets are shown below.

 

      million       million       million       million       million       million  
Financial assets(a)   

Current

2013

    

Non-

current

2013

    

Total

2013

    

Current

2012

    

Non-

current

2012

    

Total

2012

 

Cash and cash equivalents

                 

Cash at bank and in hand

     834                 834         831                 831   

Short-term deposits with maturity of less than three months

     1,360                 1,360         1,495                 1,495   

Other cash equivalents

     91                 91         139                 139   
     2,285                 2,285         2,465                 2,465   

Other financial assets

                 

Held-to-maturity investments

     72         3         75         26         3         29   

Loans and receivables(b)

     100         4         104         2         1         3   

Available-for-sale financial assets(c)

     274         486         760         183         504         687   

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss:

                 

Derivatives

     294                 294         170                 170   

Other

     20         12         32         20         27         47   
     760         505         1,265         401         535         936   
                                                     

Total

     3,045         505         3,550         2,866         535         3,401   

 

(a)  For the purposes of notes 15C and 17A, financial, assets and liabilities exclude trade and other current receivables and trade payables and other liabilities which are covered in notes 13 and 14 respectively.
(b)  Current loans and receivables include short-term deposits with banks with maturities of longer than three months.
(c)  Current available-for-sale financial assets include government securities and A- or higher rated money and capital market instruments. Non-current available-for-sale financial assets predominantly consist of investments in a number of companies and financial institutions in Europe, India and the US, including 84 million (2012: 98 million) of assets in a trust to fund benefit obligations in the US (see also note 4B on page 103).

 

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17A. FINANCIAL ASSETS CONTINUED

 

Cash and cash equivalents reconciliation to the cash flow statement     million
2013
     million
2012
 

Cash and cash equivalents per balance sheet

     2,285        2,465   

Less: bank overdrafts

     (241     (248

Cash and cash equivalents per cash flow statement

     2,044        2,217   

17B. CREDIT RISK

Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or counter-party fails to meet its contractual obligations. Additional information in relation to credit risk on trade receivables is given in note 13. These risks are generally managed by local controllers. Credit risk related to the use of treasury instruments is managed on a Group basis. This risk arises from transactions with financial institutions involving cash and cash equivalents, deposits and derivative financial instruments. To reduce this risk, Unilever has concentrated its main activities with a limited number of counter-parties which have secure credit ratings. Individual risk limits are set for each counter-party based on financial position, credit rating and past experience. Credit limits and concentration of exposures are actively monitored by the Group’s treasury department. Netting agreements are also put in place with Unilever’s principal counter-parties. In the case of a default, these arrangements would allow Unilever to net assets and liabilities across transactions with that counter-party. To further reduce the Group’s credit exposures on derivative financial instruments, Unilever has collateral agreements with Unilever’s principal counter-parties in relation to derivative financial instruments. Under these arrangements, counter-parties are required to deposit securities and/or cash as a collateral for their obligations in respect of derivative financial instruments. At 31 December 2013 the collateral held by Unilever under such arrangements amounted to 9 million (2012: 6 million), of which 5 million (2012: 6 million) was in cash, and 4 million (2012: nil) was in the form of bond securities. The non-cash collateral has not been recognised as an asset in the Group’s balance sheet.

Further details in relation to the Group’s exposure to credit risk are shown in note 13 and note 16A.

18. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS FAIR VALUE RISK

The Group is exposed to the risks of changes in fair value of its financial assets and liabilities. The following table summarises the fair values and carrying amounts of financial instruments.

 

Fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities     million
Fair
value
2013
     million
Fair
value
2012
    million
Carrying
amount
2013
    million
Carrying
amount
2012
 

Financial assets

        

Cash and cash equivalents

     2,285        2,465        2,285        2,465   

Held-to-maturity investments

     75        29        75        29   

Loans and receivables

     104        3        104        3   

Available-for-sale financial assets

     760        687        760        687   

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss:

        

Derivatives

     294        170        294        170   

Other

     32        47        32        47   
     3,550        3,401        3,550        3,401   

Financial liabilities

        

Preference shares

     (114     (112     (68     (68

Bank loans and overdrafts

     (1,067     (1,347     (1,067     (1,346

Bonds and other loans

     (10,162     (9,458     (9,594     (8,479

Finance lease creditors

     (217     (233     (204     (202

Derivatives

     (299     (126     (299     (126

Other financial liabilities

     (269            (269       
       (12,128     (11,276     (11,501     (10,221

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.

FAIR VALUE HIERARCHY

The fair values shown above have been classified into three categories depending on the inputs used in the valuation technique.

The categories used are as follows:

  Level 1: quoted prices for identical instruments;
  Level 2: directly or indirectly observable market inputs, other than Level 1 inputs; and
  Level 3: inputs which are not based on observable market data.

 

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Table of Contents

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UNILEVER GROUP CONTINUED

  

 

18. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS FAIR VALUE RISK CONTINUED

 

For assets and liabilities which are carried at fair value, the classification of fair value calculations by category is summarised below:

 

           million       million       million      million      million       million      million     million  
      Notes    Level 1
2013
     Level 1
2012
     Level 2
2013
    Level 2
2012
    Level 3
2013
     Level 3
2012
     Total fair
value
2013
    Total fair
value
2012
 

Assets at fair value

                       

Other cash equivalents

   17A                      91        139                        91        139   

Available-for-sale financial assets

   17A      8         16         276        185        476         486         760        687   

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss:

                       

Derivatives

   16C                      376        193                        376        193   

Other

   17A      25         27                       7         20         32        47   

Liabilities at fair value

                       

Bonds and other loans

   15C                      (777     (1,556                     (777     (1,556

Derivatives

   16C                      (395     (328                     (395     (328

There were no transfers from Level 1 to Level 3 (2012: 275 million), neither from Level 2 to Level 3 (2012: 197 million). The Group’s policy is to recognise transfers into and transfers out of fair value hierarchy levels as at the beginning of the period.

Reconciliation of Level 3 fair value measurements of financial assets is given below:

 

Reconciliation of movements in Level 3 valuations     million
2013
     million
2012
 

1 January

     506        2   

Gains and losses recognised in profit and loss

     2        (35

Gains and losses recognised in other comprehensive income

     (5     67   

Purchases and new issues

     29          

Sales and settlements

     (49       

Transfers into Level 3

            472   

Transfers out of Level 3

              

31 December

     483        506   

SIGNIFICANT UNOBSERVABLE INPUTS USED IN LEVEL 3 FAIR VALUES

The only individually material asset valued using Level 3 techniques is a particular unlisted investment with a carrying value at year end of 190 million (2012: 197 million). A change in one or more of the inputs to reasonably possible alternative assumptions would not change fair value significantly.

CALCULATION OF FAIR VALUES

The fair values of the financial assets and liabilities are defined as being the amounts at which the instruments could be exchanged or liability settled in an arm’s length transaction between knowledgeable, willing parties. The following methods and assumptions have been used to estimate the fair values:

ASSETS AND LIABILITIES CARRIED AT FAIR VALUE

  The fair values of quoted investments falling into Level 1 are based on current bid prices.
  The fair values of unquoted available-for-sale financial assets are based on recent trades in liquid markets, observable market rates, discounted cash flow analysis and statistical modelling techniques such as Monte Carlo simulation. If all significant inputs required to fair value an instrument are observable, the instrument is included in Level 2. If one or more of the significant inputs is not based on observable market data, the instrument is included in Level 3.
  Derivatives are valued using valuation techniques with market observable inputs. The models incorporate various inputs including the credit quality of counter-parties, foreign exchange spot and forward rates, interest rate curves and forward rate curves of the underlying commodities.
  For listed securities where the market is not liquid, and for unlisted securities, valuation techniques are used. These include the use of recent arm’s length transactions, reference to other instruments that are substantially the same and discounted cash flow calculations.

OTHER FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (FAIR VALUES FOR DISCLOSURE PURPOSES ONLY)

  Cash and cash equivalents, trade and other current receivables, bank loans and overdrafts, trade payables and other current liabilities have fair values that approximate to their carrying amounts due to their short-term nature.
  The fair values of preference shares and listed bonds are based on their market value.
  Non-listed bonds, other loans, bank loans and non-current receivables and payables are based on the net present value of the anticipated future cash flows associated with these instruments using rates currently available for debt on similar terms, credit risk and remaining maturities.
  Fair values for finance lease creditors have been assessed by reference to current market rates for comparable leasing arrangements.

 

128                Financial statements   Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2013


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18. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS FAIR VALUE RISK CONTINUED

 

POLICIES AND PROCESSES USED IN RELATION TO THE CALCULATION OF LEVEL 3 FAIR VALUES

Assets valued using Level 3 valuation techniques are primarily made up of long-term cash receivables and unlisted investments. Valuation techniques used are specific to the circumstances involved. Unlisted investments include 132 million (2012: 130 million) of investments within Unilever Ventures Limited. These investments are governed and administered by a dedicated management team. The remaining assets in this category are held across several locations and valuations are managed locally, with oversight from corporate management.

19. PROVISIONS

 

LOGO

 

Provisions                         million
2013
    million
2012
 

Due within one year

           379        361   

Due after one year

           892        846   

Total provisions

                             1,271        1,207   
     million      million     million      million      million  
Movements during 2013    Restructuring     Legal     Disputed
indirect taxes
    Other     Total  

1 January 2013

     290        61        648        208        1,207   

Income statement:

          

Charges

     191        133        224        45        593   

Releases

     (89     (7     (24     (21     (141

Utilisation

     (150     (15     (45     (44     (254

Currency translation

     (6     (5     (117     (6     (134

31 December 2013

     236        167        686        182        1,271   

The provision for legal includes provisions related to competition cases (see also note 20).

The provision for disputed indirect taxes is comprised of a number of small disputed items. The largest elements relate to disputes with Brazilian authorities. Due to the nature of the disputes, the timing of provision utilisation and any cash outflows is uncertain. The majority of disputed items attract an interest charge.

No individual items within the remaining provisions are significant. Unilever expects that the issues relating to these restructuring, legal and other provisions will be substantively resolved within five years.

20. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

 

LOGO

 

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UNILEVER GROUP CONTINUED

  

 

20. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES CONTINUED

 

     million           million           million           million          million          million  
Long-term finance lease commitments   

Future

minimum

lease

payments

2013

    

Finance

cost

2013

    

Present

value

2013

    

Future

minimum

lease

payments

2012

   

Finance

cost

2012

   

Present

value

2012

 

Buildings(a)

     290         103         187         324        142        182   

Plant and machinery

     22         5         17         26        6        20   
     312         108         204         350        148        202   

The commitments fall due as follows:

               

Within 1 year

     25         10         15         28        13        15   

Later than 1 year but not later than 5 years

     107         36         71         119        63        56   

Later than 5 years

     180         62         118         203        72        131   
       312         108         204         350        148        202   

 

(a)  All leased land is classified as operating leases.

 

The table below shows the net book value of property, plant and equipment under a number of finance lease agreements.

 

     

  

                          million     million      million  
Net book value                            Buildings     Plant and
equipment
    Total  

Cost

              211        141        352   

Accumulated depreciation

              (57     (119     (176

31 December 2013

                                154        22        176   

Cost

              198        155        353   

Accumulated depreciation

              (52     (126     (178

31 December 2012

                                146        29        175   

 

The Group has sublet part of the leased properties under finance leases. Future minimum sublease payments of 30 million (2012: 33 million) are expected to be received.

 

   

                                million     million  
Long-term operating lease commitments                                   2013     2012  

Land and buildings

                1,328        1,400   

Plant and machinery

                459        547   
                                          1,787        1,947   
                   million           million          million          million  
Operating lease and other commitments fall due as follows:                    Operating
leases
2013
     Operating
leases
2012
    Other
commit-
ments
2013
    Other
commit-
ments
2012
 

Within 1 year

           335         383        906        1,159   

Later than 1 year but not later than 5 years

           913         1,015        778        1,009   

Later than 5 years

           539         549        25        75   
                         1,787         1,947        1,709        2,243   

The Group has sublet part of the leased properties under operating leases. Future minimum sublease payments of 12 million (2012: 50 million) are expected to be received.

Other commitments principally comprise commitments under contracts to purchase materials and services. They do not include commitments for capital expenditure, which are reported in note 10 on page 111.

Contingent liabilities arise in respect of litigation against group companies, investigations by competition, regulatory and fiscal authorities and obligations arising under environmental legislation. The estimated total of such contingent liabilities at 31 December 2013 was 719 million (2012: 236 million). The Group does not believe that any of these contingent liabilities will result in a material loss.

 

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20. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES CONTINUED

 

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Group is involved from time to time in legal and arbitration proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business.

As previously disclosed, along with other consumer products companies and retail customers, Unilever is involved in a number of ongoing investigations by national competition authorities. These proceedings and investigations are at various stages and concern a variety of product markets. In the second half of 2013 Unilever recognised provisions of 120 million related to these cases.

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 our internal competition law compliance programme on an ongoing basis. As disclosed above, where specific issues arise provisions are made and contingent liabilities disclosed to the extent appropriate.

During 2004 in Brazil, and in common with many other businesses operating in that country, one of our Brazilian subsidiaries received a notice of infringement from the Federal Revenue Service. The notice alleges that a 2001 reorganisation of our local corporate structure was undertaken without valid business purpose. The 2001 reorganisation was comparable with restructurings done by many companies in Brazil. The original dispute has now been resolved in the courts in the Group’s favour but a new assessment was raised during the course of the year in respect of a similar matter. The Group believes that the likelihood of a successful challenge by the tax authorities is low, however, there can be no guarantee of success in court.

In many markets, there is a high degree of complexity involved in the local tax regimes. In common with other businesses operating in this environment, the Unilever Group is required to exercise judgement in the assessment of any potential exposures in these areas. Where appropriate, the Unilever Group will make provisions or disclose contingencies in accordance with the relevant accounting principles.

21. ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS

 

LOGO

2013

On 3 January 2013 the Group announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell its global Skippy business to Hormel Foods for a total cash consideration of approximately US $700 million. The transaction completed on 31 January 2013, excluding the portion operated out of China, which completed on 26 November 2013.

On 8 April 2013 Unilever signed an agreement to acquire the SAVO and other consumer brands from Bochemie. This completed on 1 July 2013.

On 26 July 2013 Unilever signed an agreement to sell its Unipro bakery & industrial oils business to AAK for an undisclosed sum. This completed on 2 September 2013.

On 6 September 2013 Unilever announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire T2, a premium Australian tea business, for an undisclosed amount. This completed on 3 October 2013.

On 1 October 2013 the Group completed the sale of its Wish-Bone and Western dressings brands to Pinnacle Foods Inc. for a total cash consideration of approximately US $580 million.

On 19 November 2013 Unilever signed an agreement for the sale of its Soft & Beautiful, TCB and Pro-Line Comb-Thru brands to Strength of Nature for an undisclosed amount. The sale excludes TCB’s business in Africa.

 

Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2013   Financial statements                131


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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UNILEVER GROUP CONTINUED

  

 

21. ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS CONTINUED

 

2012

On 30 July 2012, the Group announced a definitive agreement to sell its North American frozen meals business to ConAgra Foods, Inc. for a total cash consideration of US $265 million. The deal was completed on 19 August 2012.

Further to the acquisition in December 2011, the Group acquired the remaining 18% of the outstanding share capital in Concern Kalina.

The table below shows the impact of disposals on the Group during the year. The results of disposed businesses are included in the consolidated financial statements up to their date of disposal.

 

Disposals     million
2013
     million
2012
     million
2011
 

Goodwill and intangible assets

     189        29        1,058   

Other non-current assets

     43        35        81   

Current assets

     59        38        145   

Trade creditors and other payables

     (8     (2     (57

Provisions for liabilities and charges

                   (12

Net assets sold

     283        100        1,215   

(Gain)/loss on recycling of currency retranslation on disposal

                   (61

Profit on sale attributable to Unilever

     733        117        221   

Consideration

     1,016        217        1,375   
        
                          

Cash

     1,030        229        1,404   

Cash balances of businesses sold

                   (2

Financial assets, cash deposits and financial liabilities of businesses sold

            (9     (6

Non-cash items and deferred consideration

     (14     (3     (21
   

The following table sets out the effect of acquisitions in 2013, 2012 and 2011 on the consolidated balance sheet. The fair values currently established for all acquisitions made in 2013 are provisional. The goodwill arising on these transactions has been capitalised and is subject to an annual review for impairment (or more frequently if necessary) in accordance with our accounting policies as set out in note 9 on page 109. Any impairment is charged to the income statement as it arises. Detailed information relating to goodwill is given in note 9 on pages 109 to 111.

 

     

Acquisitions     million
2013
         million
2012
         million
2011
 

Net assets acquired

     55        10        1,733   

Goodwill arising in subsidiaries

     62        10        1,677   

Consideration

     117        20        3,410   

22. ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE

 

LOGO

 

      million
2013
          million   
2012   
 

Groups of assets held for sale

    

Goodwill and intangibles

    3         114      

Property, plant and equipment

    24         28      

Inventories

    1         26      

Trade and other receivables

    1         11      

Other

    3         –      
    32         179      

 

Non-current assets held for sale

                

Property, plant and equipment

    60         13      

Liabilities held for sale

                

Liabilities associated with assets held for sale

    4         1      

 

132                Financial statements   Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2013


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23. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

LOGO

The following related party balances existed with associate or joint venture businesses at 31 December:

 

Related party balances                     million
2013
      million
2012
 

Trading and other balances due from joint ventures

        130         116   

Trading and other balances due from/(to) associates

                    

JOINT VENTURES

Sales by Unilever group companies to Unilever Jerónimo Martins and Pepsi/Lipton Partnership were 92 million and 14 million in 2013 (2012: 78 million and 13 million) respectively. Sales from Unilever Jerónimo Martins to Unilever group companies were 43 million in 2013 (2012: 49 million). Balances owed by/(to) Unilever Jerónimo Martins and Pepsi/Lipton Partnership at 31 December 2013 were 117 million and 0.2 million (2012: 116 million and 0.4 million) respectively.

ASSOCIATES

Langholm Capital Partners invests in private European companies with above-average longer-term growth prospects. Langholm Fund I was launched in 2002 and terminated in accordance with its fund constitution on 16 December 2013. Unilever invested 84 million over the life of the fund, and received a total of 163 million in cash proceeds.

Langholm Capital II was launched in 2009. Unilever has invested 33 million in Langholm II, with an outstanding commitment at the end of 2013 of 42 million (2012: 44 million).

24. REMUNERATION OF AUDITORS

 

LOGO

During the year the Group (including its subsidiaries) obtained the following services from the Group auditor and its associates:

 

       million
2013
      million
2012
      million
2011
 

Fees payable to PricewaterhouseCoopers for the audit of the consolidated and parent
company accounts of Unilever N.V. and Unilever PLC(a)

     6         7         7   

Fees payable to PricewaterhouseCoopers for the audit of accounts of subsidiaries of
Unilever N.V. and Unilever PLC pursuant to legislation(b)

     10         11         11   

 

Total statutory audit fees(c)

     16         18         18   

Audit-related assurance services

     3         2         2   

Other taxation advisory services

     1         1         1   

Services relating to corporate finance transactions

                       

Other assurance services

                       

All other non-audit services

     1                 1   

 

(a)    Of which:
   1 million was paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers Accountants N.V. (2012: 1 million; 2011: 1 million); and
   5 million was paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (2012: 6 million; 2011: 6 million).
(b) Comprises fees paid to the network of separate and independent member firms of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited for audit work on statutory financial statements and Group reporting returns of subsidiary companies.
(c)  In addition, 1 million of statutory audit fees were payable to PricewaterhouseCoopers in respect of services supplied to associated pension schemes (2012: 1 million; 2011: 1 million).

25. EVENTS AFTER THE BALANCE SHEET DATE

 

LOGO

 

Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2013   Financial statements                133


Table of Contents

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UNILEVER GROUP CONTINUED

  

 

25. EVENTS AFTER THE BALANCE SHEET DATE CONTINUED

On 21 January 2014 Unilever announced a quarterly dividend with the 2013 fourth quarter results of 0.2690 per NV ordinary share and £0.2222 per PLC ordinary share.

On 21 February 2014 Unilever announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Bifi and Peperami brands and related assets to Jack Link’s for an undisclosed amount.

26. PRINCIPAL GROUP COMPANIES

AND NON-CURRENT INVESTMENTS

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2013

The companies listed below and on page 135 are those which, in the opinion of the Directors, principally affect the amount of profit and assets shown in the Unilever Group financial statements. The Directors consider that those companies not listed are not significant in relation to Unilever as a whole.

Full information as required by Articles 379 and 414 of Book 2 of the Civil Code in the Netherlands has been filed by Unilever N.V. with the Commercial Registry in Rotterdam. In this filing a list of Dutch companies has been included for which NV has issued a declaration of assumption of liability in accordance with section 403, Book 2, Dutch Civil Code.

Particulars of PLC group companies and other significant holdings as required by the UK Companies Act 2006 will be annexed to the next Annual Return of Unilever PLC.

Unless otherwise indicated, the companies are incorporated and principally operate in the countries under which they are shown.

The aggregate percentage of equity capital directly or indirectly held by NV or PLC is shown in the margin, except where it is 100%. All these percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number.

The percentages of Unilever’s shareholdings held either directly or indirectly by NV and PLC are identified in the tables according to the following code:

 

NV 100%

     a   

PLC 100%

     b   

NV 55%; PLC 45%

     c   

NV 65%; PLC 35%

     d   

NV 3%; PLC 97%

     e   

NV 15%; PLC 85%

     f   

NV 12%; PLC 88%

     g   

NV 64%; PLC 36%

     h   

NV 66%; PLC 34%

     i   

NV 9%; PLC 91%

     j   

Due to the inclusion of certain partnerships in the consolidated group financial statements of Unilever, para 264(b) of the German trade law grants an exemption from the duty to prepare individual statutory financial statements and management reports in accordance with the requirements for limited liability companies and to have these audited and published.

GROUP COMPANIES

 

%   Ownership    
  Argentina  
    Unilever de Argentina S.A.     d     
  Australia  
    Unilever Australia Ltd.     b     
  Belgium  
    Unilever Belgium NV/SA     a     
  Brazil  
    Unilever Brasil Ltda.     d     
  Canada  
    Unilever Canada Inc.     d     
  Chile  
    Unilever Chile SA     d     
  China  
    Unilever Services (He Fei) Co Limited     a     
  France  

99

  Unilever France     d     
  Germany  
 

Maizena Grundstücksverwaltung
GmbH & Co. OHG

    h     
 

Pfanni GmbH & Co. OHG Stavenhagen

    d     
 

Unilever Deutschland GmbH

    d     
 

Unilever Deutschland Holding GmbH

    d     
 

Unilever Deutschland Immobilien Leasing GmbH & Co. OHG

    i     
 

Unilever Deutschland Produktions
GmbH & Co. OHG

    d     
   

Unilever Deutschland IPR GmbH & Co. OHG

    d     
  Greece  
    Elais Unilever Hellas SA     a     
  India  

67

  Hindustan Unilever Ltd.     b     
  Indonesia  

85

  P.T. Unilever Indonesia Tbk     d     
  Italy  
    Unilever Italy Holdings Srl     d     
  Japan  
    Unilever Japan K.K.     a     
  Mexico  
    Unilever de México S. de R.L. de C.V.     d     
  The Netherlands  
  Mixhold B.V.     d     
  Unilever Finance International B.V.     a     
  Unilever N.V.(a)  
  Unilever Nederland B.V.     a     
    UNUS Holding B.V.     c     
  Poland  
    Unilever Polska S.A.     b     
  Russia  
    OOO Unilever Rus     g     
  Singapore  
    Unilever Asia Private Limited     a     
  South Africa  

74

  Unilever South Africa (Pty) Limited     f     
  Spain  
    Unilever España S.A.     a     
  Sweden  
    Unilever Sverige AB     a     
 

 

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26. PRINCIPAL GROUP COMPANIES

AND NON-CURRENT INVESTMENTS CONTINUED

 

%   Ownership    
  Switzerland  
  Unilever Americas Supply Chain Company AG     a     
 

Unilever Finance International AG

    a     
 

Unilever Supply Chain Company AG

    a     
    Unilever Schweiz GmbH     a     
  Thailand  
    Unilever Thai Trading Ltd.     d     

 

(a) See ‘Basis of consolidation’ in note 1 on page 94.

  

%        Ownership    
  Turkey  
    Unilever Sanayi ve Ticaret Türk A.S,.     d     
  United Kingdom  
 

Unilever UK Ltd.

    j     
 

Unilever PLC(a)

 
 

Unilever U.K. Holdings Ltd.

    b     
    Unilever UK & CN Holdings Ltd.     e     
  United States of America  
 

Alberto – Culver USA, Inc.

    c     
 

Conopco, Inc.

    c     
 

Unilever Capital Corporation

    c     
    Unilever United States, Inc.     c     

 

(a) See ‘Basis of consolidation’ in note 1 on page 94.

  

Joint ventures  
%        Ownership    

55

 

Portugal

Unilever Jerónimo Martins, Lda

    b     

50

 

United States of America

Pepsi/Lipton Partnership

    c     

In addition, we have revenues either from our own operations or otherwise in the following locations: Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, French Guiana, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mauritania, Mauritius, Micronesia (federated States Of), Moldova (Republic of), Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Korea, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

 

 

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COMPANY ACCOUNTS

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT – UNILEVER N.V.

  

 

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

TO: THE GENERAL MEETING OF

UNILEVER N.V.

REPORT ON THE COMPANY ACCOUNTS

We have audited the accompanying company accounts 2013 as set out on pages 137 to 140 of the Annual Report and Accounts 2013 of Unilever N.V., Rotterdam, which comprise the balance sheet as at 31 December 2013, the profit and loss account for the year then ended and the notes, comprising a summary of accounting policies and other explanatory information.

DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITY

The Directors are responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these company accounts in accordance with United Kingdom accounting standards and with Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code and for the preparation of the Report of the Directors in accordance with Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code. Furthermore, the Directors are responsible for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the company accounts that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

AUDITOR’S RESPONSIBILITY

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these company accounts based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with Dutch law, including the Dutch Standards on Auditing. This requires that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the company accounts are free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the company accounts. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the company accounts, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the company’s preparation and fair presentation of the company accounts in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the company’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the Directors, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the company accounts.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

OPINION WITH RESPECT TO THE COMPANY ACCOUNTS

In our opinion, the company accounts give a true and fair view of the financial position of Unilever N.V. as at 31 December 2013, and of its result for the year then ended in accordance with United Kingdom accounting standards and with Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code.

SEPARATE REPORT ON CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

We have reported separately on the consolidated financial statements of Unilever Group for the year ended 31 December 2013.

REPORT ON OTHER LEGAL AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

Pursuant to the legal requirement under Section 2: 393 sub 5 at e and f of the Dutch Civil Code, we have no deficiencies to report as a result of our examination whether the Report of the Directors, (comprising the sections Strategic Report and Governance), to the extent we can assess, has been prepared in accordance with Part 9 of Book 2 of this Code, and whether the information as required under Section 2: 392 sub 1 at b-h has been annexed. Further we report that the Report of the Directors, to the extent we can assess, is consistent with the company accounts as required by Section 2: 391 sub 4 of the Dutch Civil Code.

Amsterdam, 4 March 2014

PricewaterhouseCoopers Accountants N.V.

Original has been signed by P J van Mierlo RA

 

 

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COMPANY ACCOUNTS

UNILEVER N.V.

  

 

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER

(after proposed appropriation of profit)

 

       million
2013
     million
2012
 

Fixed assets

    

Intangible assets

     1,311        1,010   

Investments in subsidiaries

     28,381        28,400   

Total non-current assets

     29,692        29,410   

Debtors due within one year

     4,960        4,798   

Deferred taxation

     19        20   

Cash at bank and in hand

     3        3   

Total current assets

     4,982        4,821   

Liabilities due within one year

     (24,561     (25,044

Net current assets/(liabilities)

     (19,579     (20,223

Total assets less current liabilities

     10,113        9,187   

 

Liabilities due after more than one year

  

 

 

 

1,865

 

  

    1,148   

Provisions for liabilities and charges (excluding pensions and similar obligations)

     97        74   

Net pension liability

     100        112   

Capital and reserves

     8,051        7,853   
      

Called up share capital

     275        275   

Share premium account

     20        20   

Legal reserves

     16        16   

Other reserves

     (3,237     (3,330

Profit retained

     10,977        10,872   

Total capital employed

     10,113        9,187   

 

PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER

 

  

  

     

 million

2013

   

 million

2012

 

Income from fixed investments after taxation

     1,558        1,508   

Other income and expenses

     124        (22

Profit for the year

     1,682        1,486   

For the information required by Article 392 of Book 2 of the Civil Code in the Netherlands, refer to pages 136 and 141. Pages 138 to 140 are part of the notes to the Unilever N.V. company accounts.

The company accounts of Unilever N.V. are included in the consolidated accounts of the Unilever Group. Therefore, and in accordance with Article 402 of Book 2 of the Civil Code in the Netherlands, the profit and loss account only reflects the income from fixed investments after taxation and other income and expenses after taxes. Under the terms of Financial Reporting Standard 1 (revised 1996) ‘Cash Flow Statements’ (FRS 1) a cash flow statement is not included, as the cash flows are included in the consolidated cash flow statement of Unilever Group.

 

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NOTES TO THE COMPANY ACCOUNTS

UNILEVER N.V.

  

 

ACCOUNTING INFORMATION AND POLICIES

BASIS OF PREPARATION

The company accounts of Unilever N.V. comply in all material respects with legislation in the Netherlands. As allowed by Article 362.1 of Book 2 of the Civil Code in the Netherlands, the company accounts are prepared in accordance with United Kingdom accounting standards, unless such standards conflict with the Civil Code in the Netherlands which would in such case prevail.

The accounts are prepared under the historical cost convention unless otherwise indicated, in accordance with the accounting policies set out below which have been consistently applied.

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The principal accounting policies are as follows:

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangible assets are amortised in the profit and loss account over their expected useful lives of up to a maximum of 20 years. These assets are held at cost less accumulated amortisation. They are subject to review for impairment in accordance with United Kingdom Financial Reporting Standard 11 ‘Impairment of Fixed Assets and Goodwill’ (FRS 11). Any impairment is charged to the profit and loss account as it arises.

INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES

Shares in group companies are stated at cost less any amounts written off to reflect a permanent impairment. Any impairment is charged to the profit and loss account as it arises. In accordance with Article 385.5 of Book 2 of the Civil Code in the Netherlands, Unilever N.V. shares held by Unilever N.V. subsidiaries are deducted from the carrying value of those subsidiaries. This differs from the accounting treatment under UK GAAP, which would require these amounts to be included within investments in subsidiaries.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

NV accounting policies under United Kingdom generally accepted accounting principles (UK GAAP) namely FRS 25 ‘Financial Instruments: Presentation’, FRS 26 ‘Financial Instruments: Measurement’ and FRS 29 ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’ are the same as the Unilever Group’s accounting policies under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) namely IAS 32 ‘Financial Instruments: Presentation’, IAS 39 ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’ and IFRS 7 ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’. The policies are set out under the heading ‘Capital and funding’ in note 15 to the consolidated accounts on pages 115 to 119. NV is taking the exemption for not providing all the financial instruments disclosures, because IFRS 7 disclosures are given in note 15 to note 18 to the consolidated accounts on pages 115 to 129.

DEFERRED TAXATION

Full provision is made for deferred taxation on all significant timing differences arising from the recognition of items for taxation purposes in different periods from those in which they are included in NV accounts. Full provision is made at the rates of tax prevailing at the year end unless future rates have been enacted or substantively enacted. Deferred tax assets and liabilities have not been discounted.

 

OWN SHARES HELD

Own shares held by NV are accounted for in accordance with Dutch law and UK GAAP, namely FRS 25 ‘Financial Instruments: Presentation’. All differences between the purchase price of the shares held to satisfy options granted and the proceeds received for the shares, whether on exercise or lapse, are charged to other reserves. In respect to option plans, disclosures are given in note 4C to the consolidated accounts on pages 104 and 105.

RETIREMENT BENEFITS

Unilever N.V. has accounted for pensions and similar benefits under the United Kingdom Financial Reporting Standard 17 ‘Retirement benefits’ (FRS 17). The operating and financing costs of defined benefit plans are recognised separately in the profit and loss account; service costs are systematically spread over the service lives of employees, and financing costs are recognised in the periods in which they arise. Variations from expected costs, arising from the experience of the plans or changes in actuarial assumptions, are recognised immediately in equity. The costs of individual events such as past service benefit enhancements, settlements and curtailments are recognised immediately in the profit and loss account. The liabilities and, where applicable, the assets of defined benefit plans are recognised at fair value in the balance sheet. The charges to the profit and loss account for defined contribution plans are NV contributions payable and the assets of such plans are not included in NV’s balance sheet.

DIVIDENDS

Under Financial Reporting Standard 21 ‘Events after the Balance Sheet Date’ (FRS 21), proposed dividends do not meet the definition of a liability until such time as they have been approved by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting. Therefore, we do not recognise a liability in any period for dividends that have been proposed but will not be approved until after the balance sheet date. This holds for external dividends as well as intra-group dividends paid to the parent company.

TAXATION

Unilever N.V., together with certain of its subsidiaries, is part of a tax grouping for Dutch corporate income tax purposes, Unilever N.V. is the head of the fiscal unity. The members of the fiscal entity are jointly and severally liable for any taxes payable by the Dutch tax grouping.

PROVISIONS

Provisions are recognised where a legal or constructive obligation exists at the balance sheet date, as a result of a past event, where the amount of the obligation can be reliably estimated and where the outflow of economic benefit is probable. Provisions are measured on the basis of the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligations at the balance sheet date. Unless indicated otherwise, provisions are stated at the face value of the expenditure expected to be required to settle the obligations.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

     

 million

2013

   

 million

2012

 

1 January

     1,010          

Additions(a)

     398        1,048   

Amortisation

     (97     (38

31 December

     1,311        1,010   

 

(a)  The increase in intangible assets relates to an internal transfer of the economic ownership of trademark rights.
 

 

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INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES

 

       million
2013
     million
2012
 

1 January

     28,400        28,426   

Additions(b)

     10          

Decreases(b)

     (29     (26

31 December

     28,381        28,400   

 

(b)  The increase relates to the investment of shares in a group company.
  The decrease relates to the divestment of shares in a group company.
  In respect to the list of group companies, disclosures are given in note 26 to the consolidated accounts on pages 134 to 135.

DEBTORS

 

       million
2013
      million
2012
 

Loans to group companies(c)

     3,120         2,894   

Other amounts owed by group companies(c)

     1,754         1,830   

Other

     86         74   
       4,960         4,798   

 

(c)  Amounts owed by group companies include balances with several group companies which are interest bearing at market interest rates and are unsecured and repayable on demand if this is the case.

CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND

There was no cash at bank and in hand for which payment notice was required at either 31 December 2013 or 31 December 2012.

LIABILITIES

 

       million
2013
      million
2012
 

Due within one year:

     

Other amounts owed to group companies(d)

     21,593         21,709   

Loans from group companies(d)

     1,753         1,904   

Bonds and other loans

     1,044         1,250   

Taxation and social security

     15         21   

Other

     156         160   
     24,561         25,044   

Due after more than one year:

     

Bonds and other loans

     1,780         1,075   

Accruals and deferred income

     17         5   

Preference shares

     68         68   
       1,865         1,148   

 

(d)  Amounts owed to group companies include balances with several group companies which are interest bearing at market interest rates and are unsecured and repayable on demand if this is the case.

Creditors due after five years amount to 68 million (2012: 68 million) (Article 375.2 of Book 2 of the Civil Code in the Netherlands).

CAPITAL AND RESERVES

 

       million
2013
      million
2012
 

Company accounts Unilever N.V.

     8,051         7,853   

Unilever Group: shareholders’ equity

     14,344         15,392   

The equity of Unilever Group 14,344 million (2012: 15,392 million) includes the equity of the parent Unilever N.V. 8,051 million (2012: 7,853 million), the equity of parent Unilever PLC £2,065 million (2012: £1,996 million). The remaining difference arises from recognising investments in subsidiaries in the NV accounts at cost less any amounts written off to reflect a permanent impairment, not eliminating intra-group balances and transactions and not performing other consolidation procedures which are performed for the Unilever Group financial statements.

ORDINARY SHARE CAPITAL

The called up share capital amounting to 275 million consists of 1,714,727,700 NV ordinary shares and 2,400 NV ordinary special shares. These special shares numbered 1 to 2,400 are held by a subsidiary of NV and a subsidiary of PLC, each holding 50%. Further details are given in note 15 to the consolidated accounts on page 115. 152,979,295 (2012: 158,302,834) of the ordinary shares are held by Unilever N.V. (see disclosure ‘Other reserves’) and 48,171 (2012: 47,616) ordinary shares are held by other group companies.

SHARE PREMIUM ACCOUNT

The share premium shown in the balance sheet is not available for the issue of bonus shares or for repayment without incurring withholding tax payable by NV. This is despite the change in tax law in the Netherlands, as a result of which dividends received from 2001 onwards by individual shareholders who are resident in the Netherlands are no longer taxed.

LEGAL RESERVE

In 2006 the NV ordinary shares were split in the ratio 3 to 1 and at the same time the share capital, previously denominated in Dutch guilders, was converted into euros. Due to rounding the new nominal value per share differs from the value expressed in Dutch guilders. As a result, the reported share capital issued at 31 December 2006 was 16 million lower than in 2005.

OTHER RESERVES

 

       million
2013
     million
2012
 

1 January

     (3,330     (3,450

Change during the year

     93        120   

31 December

     (3,237     (3,330

The own ordinary shares held by NV amount to 152,979,295 (2012: 158,302,834) and are included in the other reserves.

 

 

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NOTES TO THE COMPANY ACCOUNTS

UNILEVER N.V. CONTINUED

  

 

PROFIT RETAINED

 

       million
2013
     million
2012
 

1 January

     10,872        10,851   

Profit for the year

     1,682        1,486   

Dividends

     (1,638     (1,482

Realised profit/(loss) on shares/certificates held to meet employee share options

     50        43   

Other charges

     11        (26

31 December

     10,977        10,872   

 

PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES AND CHARGES (EXCLUDING PENSIONS AND SIMILAR OBLIGATIONS)

 

   

       million
2013
     million
2012
 

Deferred taxation

     84        55   

Other provisions

     13        19   
     97        74   

Of which due within one year

     9        8   

At the balance sheet date, Unilever N.V. has unused tax credits amounting to 267 million (2012: 90 million) available for offset against future tax profits. Deferred tax assets have not been recognised for an amount of 267 million (2012: 90 million) as it is not probable that there will be future taxable profits against which the credits will be utilised.

NET PENSION LIABILITY

 

       million
2013
         million
2012
 

Funded retirement (benefit)/liability

     (1     2   

Unfunded retirement liability

     101        110   
       100        112   

In respect of the key assumptions for the Netherlands, disclosures are given in note 4B to the consolidated accounts on pages 99 to 104.

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

NV has issued joint and several liability undertakings, as defined in Article 403 of Book 2 of the Civil Code in the Netherlands, for almost all Dutch group companies. These written undertakings have been filed with the office of the Company Registry in whose area of jurisdiction the group company concerned has its registered office.

Contingent liabilities are not expected to give rise to any material loss. They include guarantees given for group companies and the fair value of such guarantees was not significant in either 2013 or 2012. The guarantees issued to other companies were immaterial.

REMUNERATION OF THE AUDITORS

For details of the remuneration of the auditors please refer to note 24 on page 133.

PROFIT FOR THE YEAR

 

       million
2013
      million
2012
 

Company accounts Unilever N.V.

     1,682         1,486   

Unilever Group excluding non-controlling interest

     4,842         4,368   

The net profit of Unilever Group of 4,842 million (2012: 4,368 million) includes the net profit of parent Unilever N.V. 1,682 million (2012: 1,486 million) and the net profit of parent Unilever PLC £1,183 million (2012: £1,028 million). The remaining difference arises from the recognition in NV accounts of investments in subsidiaries at cost less any amounts written off to reflect a permanent impairment, intra-group balances and transactions are not eliminated and other consolidated procedures are not performed.

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

Information about the remuneration of Directors is given in the tables noted as audited in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 60 to 83, incorporated and repeated here by reference.

Information on key management compensation is provided in note 4A to the consolidated group financial statements on page 99.

EMPLOYEE INFORMATION

During 2013 15 employees were employed by NV, of whom 14 worked abroad.

The Board of Directors

4 March 2014

 

 

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FURTHER STATUTORY AND OTHER INFORMATION

UNILEVER N.V.

  

 

THE RULES FOR PROFIT APPROPRIATION IN THE

ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION (SUMMARY OF ARTICLE 38)

The profit for the year is applied firstly to the reserves required by law or by the Equalisation Agreement, secondly to cover losses of previous years, if any, and thirdly to the reserves deemed necessary by the Board of Directors. Dividends due to the holders of the Cumulative Preference Shares, including any arrears in such dividends, are then paid; if the profit is insufficient for this purpose, the amount available is distributed to them in proportion to the dividend percentages of their shares. Any profit remaining thereafter shall be distributed to the holders of ordinary shares in proportion to the nominal value of their respective holdings of ordinary shares. The General Meeting can only decide to make distributions from reserves on the basis of a proposal by the Board and in compliance with the law and the Equalisation Agreement.

PROPOSED PROFIT APPROPRIATION

 

       million
2013
     million
2012
 

Profit for the year (available for distribution)

     1,682        1,486   

Dividend

     (1,260     (1,134

To profit retained

     422        352   

CORPORATE CENTRE

Unilever N.V.

Weena 455

PO Box 760

3000 DK Rotterdam

The Netherlands

POST BALANCE SHEET EVENT

On 21 January 2014 the Directors announced a dividend of 0.2690 per Unilever N.V. ordinary share. The dividend is payable from 12 March 2014 to shareholders registered at close of business on 7 February 2014.

SPECIAL CONTROLLING RIGHTS UNDER THE

ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

See note 15 to the consolidated accounts on pages 115 to 119.

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

A resolution will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting on 14 May 2014 for the appointment of KPMG N.V. as auditors of Unilever N.V. The present appointment will end at the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting.

 

 

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COMPANY ACCOUNTS

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT – UNILEVER PLC

  

 

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF UNILEVER PLC

REPORT ON THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OUR OPINION

In our opinion the Parent Company financial statements:

  give a true and fair view of the state of the Parent Company’s affairs as at 31 December 2013;
  have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
  have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

This opinion is to be read in the context of what we say below.

WHAT WE HAVE AUDITED

The Parent Company financial statements, which are prepared by Unilever PLC, comprise:

  the Parent Company balance sheet as at 31 December 2013; and
  the notes to the Parent Company financial statements, which include a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation comprises applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In applying the financial reporting framework, the Directors have made a number of subjective judgments, for example in respect of significant accounting estimates. In making such estimates, they have made assumptions and considered future events.

WHAT AN AUDIT OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS INVOLVES

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland)(ISAs (UK & Ireland)).

An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This includes an assessment of:

  whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Parent Company’s circumstances and have been consistently applied and adequately disclosed;
  the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the Directors; and
  the overall presentation of the financial statements.

In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information in the Annual Report and Accounts (the Annual Report) to identify material inconsistencies with the audited Parent Company financial statements and to identify any information that is apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, the knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing the audit. If we become aware of any apparent material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report.

OPINIONS ON MATTERS PRESCRIBED BY THE COMPANIES ACT 2006

In our opinion:

  The information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the Parent Company financial statements are prepared is consistent with the Parent Company financial statements.
  The part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006.

 

OTHER MATTERS ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT BY EXCEPTION

ADEQUACY OF ACCOUNTING RECORDS AND INFORMATION AND EXPLANATIONS RECEIVED

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:

  we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or
  adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Parent Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
  the Parent Company financial statements and the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns.

We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report if, in our opinion, certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law have not been made. We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.

OTHER INFORMATION IN THE ANNUAL REPORT

Under ISAs (UK and Ireland), we are required to report to you if, in our opinion, information in the Annual Report is:

  materially inconsistent with the information in the audited Parent Company financial statements; or
  apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, our knowledge of the Parent Company acquired in the course of performing our audit; or
  is otherwise misleading.

We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.

RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND THE AUDIT

OUR RESPONSIBILITIES AND THOSE OF THE DIRECTORS

As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement set out on page 85, the Directors are responsible for the preparation of the Parent Company financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view.

Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the Parent Company financial statements in accordance with applicable law and ISAs (UK & Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.

This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only for the Company’s members as a body in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving these opinions, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.

OTHER MATTER

We have reported separately on the Group financial statements of Unilever PLC for the year ended 31 December 2013.

John Baker

(Senior Statutory Auditor)

for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors

London, United Kingdom

4 March 2014

 

 

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COMPANY ACCOUNTS

UNILEVER PLC

  

 

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER

 

      £ million
2013
    £ million
2012
 
Fixed assets     

Intangible assets

     189        166   

Investments in subsidiaries

     8,115        5,979   
     8,304        6,145   
Current assets     
Debtors due within one year      248        256   
Liabilities due within one year      (6,081     (3,651
      
Net current assets/(liabilities)      (5,833     (3,395
Total assets less current liabilities      2,471        2,750   
Liabilities due after more than one year      398        746   
Provision for liabilities and charges (excluding pensions and similar obligations)      8        8   
Capital and reserves      2,065        1,996   
      

Called up share capital

     41        41   

Share premium account

     94        94   

Capital redemption reserve

     11        11   

Other reserves

     (367     (381

Profit retained

     2,286        2,231   
Total capital employed      2,471        2,750   

The financial statements on pages 143 to 145 were approved by the Board of Directors on 4 March 2014 and signed on its behalf by M Treschow and P Polman.

As permitted by Section 408 of the United Kingdom Companies Act 2006, an entity profit and loss account is not included as part of the published company accounts for PLC. Under the terms of Financial Reporting Standard 1 (revised 1996) ‘Cash Flow Statements’ (FRS 1), a cash flow statement is not included, as the cash flows are included in the consolidated cash flow statement of the Unilever Group.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

M Treschow

Chairman

P Polman

Chief Executive Officer

4 March 2014

 

Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2013   Financial statements                143


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NOTES TO THE COMPANY ACCOUNTS

UNILEVER PLC

  

 

ACCOUNTING INFORMATION AND POLICIES

BASIS OF PREPARATION

The accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis and in accordance with applicable United Kingdom accounting standards and the UK Companies Act 2006.

The accounts are prepared under the historical cost convention except for the revaluation of financial assets classified as ‘available-for-sale investments’ or ‘fair value through profit or loss’, and ‘derivative financial instruments’ in accordance with the accounting policies set out below which have been consistently applied.

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The principal accounting policies are as follows:

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangible assets comprise trademarks purchased after 1 January 1998 and are amortised in the profit and loss account over their expected useful lives of up to a maximum of 20 years. These assets are held at cost less accumulated amortisation. They are subject to review for impairment in accordance with United Kingdom Financial Reporting Standard 11 ‘Impairment of Fixed Assets and Goodwill’ (FRS 11). Any impairment is charged to the profit and loss account as it arises.

INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES

Shares in group companies are stated at cost less any amounts written off to reflect a permanent impairment. Any impairment is charged to the profit and loss account as it arises.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The company’s accounting policies under United Kingdom generally accepted accounting principles (UK GAAP), namely FRS 25 ‘Financial Instruments: Presentation’, FRS 26 ‘Financial Instruments: Measurement’ and FRS 29 ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’, are the same as the Unilever Group’s accounting policies under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) namely IAS 32 ‘Financial Instruments: Presentation’, IAS 39 ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’ and IFRS 7 ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’. The policies are set out under the heading ‘Capital and funding’ in note 15 to the consolidated accounts on pages 115 and 119. PLC is taking the exemption for financial instruments disclosures, because IFRS 7 disclosures are given in notes 15 to 18 to the consolidated accounts on pages 115 to 129.

SHARES HELD BY EMPLOYEE SHARE TRUSTS

Shares held to satisfy options are accounted for in accordance with UK GAAP, namely FRS 25 ‘Financial Instruments: Presentation’, FRS 20 ‘Share Based Payments’ and Urgent Issues Task Force abstract 38 ‘Accounting for ESOP Trusts’ (UITF 38). All differences between the purchase price of the shares held to satisfy options granted and the proceeds received for the shares, whether on exercise or lapse, are charged to other reserves.

DIVIDENDS

Under FRS 21 ‘Events after the Balance Sheet Date’, proposed dividends do not meet the definition of a liability until such time as they have been approved by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting. Therefore, we do not recognise a liability in any period for dividends that have been proposed but will not be approved until after the balance sheet date. This holds for external dividends as well as intra-group dividends paid to the parent company.

PROVISIONS

Provisions are recognised where a legal or constructive obligation exists at the balance sheet date, as a result of a past event, where the amount of the obligation can be reliably estimated and where the outflow of economic benefit is probable.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

     £ million
2013
    £ million
2012
 

1 January

    166        59   

Additions(a)

    44        118   

Amortisation

    (21     (11

31 December

    189        166   

 

(a)  The increase in the intangible assets mainly relates to an internal transfer of trademarks rights amounting to £39 million (after deduction of 2013 amortisation of £0.5 million).

INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES

 

     £ million
2013
     £ million
2012
 

Shares in group companies(b)

    8,115         5,979   

 

(b)  Investments in subsidiaries include equity shares in Hindustan Unilever Limited, a subsidiary of the Group, with a cost of £2,196 million (2012: £60 million). The Group increased its investment in the subsidiary by £2,136 million in the year (note 15B of the consolidated accounts).
   The shares are listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and had a market value of £6,222 million (2012: £4,721 million) at 31 December 2013. The carrying value of the investments is supported by their underlying net assets.

DEBTORS

 

     £ million
2013
     £ million
2012
 

Due within one year:

Amounts due from group companies(c)

    198         240   

Taxation and social security

    45         15   

Other

    5         1   
      248         256   

 

(c)  Amounts due from group companies include balances with several group companies which are interest bearing at market interest rates and are unsecured and repayable on demand if this is the case.
 

 

144                Financial statements   Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2013


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LIABILITIES

 

      £ million
2013
     £ million
2012
 

Due within one year:

     

Amounts due to group companies(d)

     5,162         3,638   

Bonds and other loans(e)

     907           

Accruals and deferred income

     11         11   

Other

     1         2   
     6,081         3,651   

Due after more than one year:

     

Bonds and other loans(f)

     398         746   

 

(d)  Amounts due to group companies include balances with several group companies which are interest bearing at market interest rates and are unsecured and repayable on demand if this is the case.
(e)  This includes £350 million note at 4.0% issued in 2009 maturing December 2014 and commercial paper.
(f)  This includes £400 million note at 4.75% issued in 2009 maturing June 2017 (year-end value amortised cost £398 million).

PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES AND CHARGES

(EXCLUDING PENSIONS AND SIMILAR OBLIGATIONS)

 

      £ million
2013
     £ million
2012
 

Deferred taxation

     7         7   

Other provisions

     1         1   
     8         8   

Of which due within one year

     1         1   

ORDINARY SHARE CAPITAL

The called up share capital amounting to £41 million

(2012: £41 million) consists of 1,310,156,361 (2012: 1,310,156,361) PLC ordinary shares and 100,000 (2012: 100,000) PLC deferred stock. The deferred stock of PLC are held as to one half of each class by N.V. Elma – a subsidiary of NV – and one half by United Holdings Limited – a subsidiary of PLC. Further details are given in note 15 to the consolidated accounts on pages 115 to 119.

OTHER RESERVES

The own ordinary shares held by PLC amount to 26,696,994 (2012: 27,902,850) and are included in Other reserves.

 

          £ million
2013
    £ million
2012
 

1 January

     (381     (405

Movements in shares

     14        24   

31 December

     (367     (381

PROFIT RETAINED

 

      £ million
2013
    £ million
2012
 

1 January

     2,231        2,193   

Profit for the year

     1,183        1,028   

Other movements

     17          

Dividends paid(g)

     (1,145     (990

31 December

     2,286        2,231   

 

(g)  Further details are given in note 8 to the consolidated accounts on page 109.

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Contingent liabilities are not expected to give rise to any material loss. They include guarantees given for group companies and the fair value of such guarantees was not significant in either 2013 or 2012. The guarantees issued to other companies were immaterial.

REMUNERATION OF AUDITORS

The parent company accounts of Unilever PLC are required to comply with The Companies (Disclosure of Auditor Remuneration) Regulations 2005. Auditor’s remuneration in respect of Unilever PLC is included within the disclosures in note 24 on page 133.

PROFIT APPROPRIATION

 

      £ million
2013
    £ million
2012
 

Profit for the year (available for distribution)

     1,183        1,028   

Dividends(h)

     (883     (749

To profit retained

     300        279   

 

(h)  The dividend to be paid in March 2014 (see post balance sheet event) is not included in the 2013 dividend amount.

POST BALANCE SHEET EVENT

On 21 January 2014 the Directors announced a dividend of £0.2222 per Unilever PLC ordinary share. The dividend is payable from 12 March 2014 to shareholders registered at close of business on 7 February 2014.

 

 

Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2013   Financial statements                145


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SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

  

 

FINANCIAL CALENDAR

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS

 

      Date   

Voting Record

date

  

Voting &    

Registration date    

NV    9.30am 14 May 2014    16 April 2014    5.30pm   7 May 2014    
PLC    3.00pm 14 May 2014       3.00pm 12 May 2014    
Announcements of results               
First Quarter    24 April 2014    Third Quarter    23 October 2014    
Second Quarter    24 July 2014    Fourth Quarter    20 January 2015    

QUARTERLY DIVIDENDS

Dates listed below are applicable to all four Unilever listings (NV ordinary shares, PLC ordinary shares, NV New York shares, and PLC ADRs).

 

      Announced    Ex-dividend date      Record date    Payment date    

Quarterly dividend announced with the Q4 2013 results

   21 January 2014      5 February 2014       7 February 2014    12 March 2014    

Quarterly dividend announced with the Q1 2014 results

   24 April 2014      7 May 2014       9 May 2014    11 June 2014    

Quarterly dividend announced with the Q2 2014 results

   24 July 2014      6 August 2014       8 August 2014    10 September 2014    

Quarterly dividend announced with the Q3 2014 results

   23 October 2014      6 November 2014    7 November 2014    10 December 2014    

 

* For the Q3 2014 dividend, the Ex-dividend date for the NV New York shares and PLC ADRs will be 5 November 2014

PREFERENTIAL DIVIDENDS – NV

 

      Announced    Ex-dividend date    Record date    Payment date      

6% and 7%

   24 July 2014    6 August 2014    8 August 2014    10 September 2014    

CONTACT DETAILS

Unilever N.V. and Unilever PLC

Investor Relations Department

Unilever House

100 Victoria Embankment

London EC4Y 0DY

United Kingdom

Telephone  +44 (0)20 7822 6830

Any queries can also be sent to us electronically via www.unilever.com/resource/contactus.aspx.

 

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WEBSITE

Shareholders are encouraged to visit our website www.unilever.com which has a wealth of information about Unilever. Any information on or linked from the website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report and Accounts.

There is a section designed specifically for investors at www.unilever.com/investorrelations. It includes detailed coverage of the Unilever share price, our quarterly and annual results, performance charts, financial news and investor relations speeches and presentations. It also includes conference and investor/analyst presentations.

You can also view this year’s Annual Report and Accounts, and prior years’ Annual Review and Annual Report and Accounts documents at www.unilever.com/investorrelations.

PLC shareholders can elect to receive their shareholder communications such as the Annual Report and Accounts and other shareholder documents electronically by registering at www.unilever.com/shareholderservices.

Shareholders are also able to view documents on our website.

SHARE REGISTRATION

THE NETHERLANDS

SGG Netherlands N.V.

Claude Debussylaan 24

1082 MD Amsterdam

 

Telephone

Telefax

Website

Email

  

+31 (0)20 522 25 55

+31 (0)20 522 25 00

www.sgggroup.com

registers@sgggroup.com

UK

Computershare Investor Services PLC

The Pavilions

Bridgwater Road

Bristol BS99 6ZZ

 

Telephone

Telefax

Website

Email

  

+44 (0)870 600 3977

+44 (0)870 703 6119

www.investorcentre.co.uk/contactus

web.queries@computershare.co.uk

US

Citibank Shareholder Services

PO Box 43077

Providence, RI 02940-3077

 

Toll free phone (inside US)

Toll phone (outside US)

Website

Email

  

888 502 6356

+1 781 575 4555

www.citi.com/dr

citibank@shareholders-online.com

PUBLICATIONS

Copies of the following publications can be accessed directly or ordered through www.unilever.com/investorrelations or www.unilever.nl/onsbedrijf/beleggers.

UNILEVER ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2013

Available in English with figures in euros. It forms the basis for the Form 20-F that is filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, which is also available free of charge at www.sec.gov.

QUARTERLY RESULTS ANNOUNCEMENTS

Available in English with figures in euros.

 

 

Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2013   Shareholder information                147


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INDEX

 

Accounting policies   

3, 94-95

Acquisitions   

26, 32, 131-132

Advertising and promotion   

2, 96

Americas, The   

18, 28, 96, 98, 110

Annual General Meetings   

58, 146

Asia/AMET/RUB   

19, 28, 96, 98, 110

Associates   

90, 93, 96-97, 112-113, 133, 135

Audit Committee   

45, 53-55

Auditors   

54-55, 86-89, 133, 136, 141-142, 145

Balance sheet   

30, 92, 137, 143

Biographies   

40-41

Board committees   

45

Board remuneration   

60-83

Boards   

5, 42-45

Brands   

2, 10-13

Capital expenditure   

111-112

Cash   

125-127

Cash flow   

29, 93

Categories   

27, 96

Cautionary statement    Inside back cover
Chairman   

4, 40, 42, 44

Chief Executive Officer   

6, 40, 42

Commitments   

31, 129-130

Company accounts, statutory and other information

  

136-145

Compensation and Management Resources Committee

  

48, 60-83

Comprehensive income   

90, 108

Contingent liabilities   

129-130, 140,145

Core earnings per share   

26, 32, 108

Core operating margin   

3, 26-31, 33

Core operating profit   

26, 33, 96

Corporate governance   

42-50

Corporate responsibility   

56-59

Corporate Responsibility Committee

  

45, 56-59

Deferred tax   

106-107, 138

Depreciation   

98, 111-112

Directors’ responsibilities   

85

Disposals   

131-132

Diversity   

15, 43, 50

Dividends   

108-109, 138, 144, 146

Earnings per share   

26, 90, 108

Employees    3, 14-17, 49-50, 99
Equalisation Agreement   

47

Equity   

91

Europe    19, 28, 97, 99, 111
Exchange rates   

94

Executive Directors    40, 42-44, 62-67, 77-80
Finance and liquidity    30-31, 120-122
Finance costs and income   

105

Financial assets   

125-127

Financial calendar   

146

Financial instruments   

120-129

Financial liabilities   

115, 118-119

Financial review   

26-33

Foods    11, 27, 32, 96
Free cash flow    3, 29, 32-33
Geographies    18-19, 28, 97, 99, 110
Goodwill    109-111
Gross profit  

98

Group structure  

5, 94

Home Care   11, 27, 32, 96
Impairment   96, 98, 110-111
Income statement  

26, 90

Innovation   2, 6, 8-13
Intangible assets   109-111, 138, 144

International Financial Reporting Standards

 

3, 94

Inventories  

113

Joint ventures   90, 96-97, 112-113, 133, 135
Key management  

99

Key performance indicators   3, 26-28, 32-33
Leases  

31, 129-131

Legal proceedings  

131

Market capitalisation  

30

Net debt  

33

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

 

43, 58-59

Non-core items  

96-98

Non-Executive Directors   5, 42-45, 53, 56, 58-59, 70-72, 81
Non-GAAP measures  

32-33

Off-balance sheet arrangements

 

n/a

Operating costs  

98

Operating profit  

26, 96-98

Outlook  

34

Payables  

114

Pensions and similar obligations

 

99-104

Personal Care  

10, 27, 96

Post balance sheet events  

133, 141, 145

Preference shares and dividends

 

105, 146

Principal group companies  

134-135

Property, plant and equipment  

111-112

Provisions  

129

Receivables  

113-114

Refreshment  

11, 27, 96

Related-party transactions  

133

Research and development   10-13, 98, 106
Reserves  

117, 139, 145

Restructuring  

129

Revenue recognition  

96

Risk management and control   36-39, 47-48, 54-55
Risks – principal risks  

34-39

Segment information   27-28, 96-97
Share-based payments  

104-105

Share capital   46-47, 51-52, 116, 139, 145
Shareholders   45-46, 51-52
Share registration  

147

Staff costs  

99

Strategy  

8

Taxation   106-108, 138, 144-145
Total shareholder return  

82

Treasury   31, 115-129
Turnover  

96-97

Underlying volume growth   3, 27-28, 32,
Underlying sales growth   3, 27-28, 32
Unilever Leadership Executive  

7, 41

Voting  

46

Website  

146

 

 

148   Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2013


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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

This document 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 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 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; inability to find sustainable solutions to support long-term growth; customer relationships; the recruitment and retention of talented employees; disruptions in our supply chain; the cost of raw materials and commodities; the production of safe and high quality products; secure and reliable IT infrastructure; successful execution of acquisitions, divestitures and business transformation projects; economic and political risks and natural disasters; financial risks; failure to meet high and ethical standards; and managing regulatory, tax and legal matters. 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 Group’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2013 and the Annual Report and Accounts 2013. 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.

This document is not prepared in accordance with US GAAP and should not therefore be relied upon by readers as such. The Group’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2013 is separately filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission and is available on our corporate website www.unilever.com. Any information on or linked from our or third-party websites is not incorporated by reference into this document or the Annual Report on Form 20-F. In addition, a printed copy of the Annual Report on Form 20-F is available, free of charge, upon request to Unilever, Investor Relations Department, 100 Victoria Embankment, London EC4Y 0DY, United Kingdom.

 

 

Designed and produced by Unilever Communications in conjunction with Addison Group at www.addison-group.net.

Photography by Samuel Olusegun Ajayi, Oliver Edwards, Igor Emmerich, Philip Gatward, Joseph Marcantonio, Chris Moyse, Gandhi Prabowo, Elise Romany, Rian Ardi Wakito, Jessie Watford, Yan Zhen, Na Lata (Brazil), The Edge Picture Company, The Pack Shot Company and from the Unilever image library and content hub.

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This document forms part of the Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2013 suite of documents and is printed on Amadeus 100% Recycled Silk and Offset. These papers have been exclusively supplied by Denmaur Independent Papers which has offset the carbon produced by the production and delivery of them to the printer.

These papers are 100% recycled and manufactured using de-inked post-consumer waste. All of the pulp is bleached using an elemental chlorine free process (ECF). Printed in the UK by Pureprint using its alcofree® and pureprint® environmental printing technology. Vegetable inks were used throughout. Pureprint is a CarbonNeutral® company. Both the manufacturing mill and the printer are registered to the Environmental Management System ISO 14001 and are Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) chain-of-custody certified.

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LOGO

 

 

  

 

  
  

PROJECT SUNLIGHT:

HELPING TO CREATE

A BRIGHTER FUTURE

  
  
  
We believe there has never been a better time to create a better future for our children. A world where no child goes to bed hungry, where every home has clean drinking water and where preventable diseases become a thing of the past. Project Sunlight brings together the work of our brands to help as many people as possible take small sustainable steps that add up to building a world where everyone lives well and within the natural limits of the planet.   

Get involved at:

www.projectsunlight.com

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SIGNATURES

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorised the undersigned to sign this Annual Report on its behalf.

 

Unilever N.V.

(Registrant)

/s/ T. E. Lovell

T. E. LOVELL,

Group Secretary

Date: 7 March, 2014