AI Terminal

MODULE: AI_ANALYST
Interactive Q&A, Risk Assessment, Summarization
MODULE: DATA_EXTRACT
Excel Export, XBRL Parsing, Table Digitization
MODULE: PEER_COMP
Sector Benchmarking, Sentiment Analysis
SYSTEM ACCESS LOCKED
Authenticate / Register Log In

Unilever PLC

Earnings Release Apr 25, 2024

4591_ip_2024-04-25_b70168d6-1dba-45ee-b7c3-26fbf14900fa.pdf

Earnings Release

Open in Viewer

Opens in native device viewer

Unilever

Q1 2024 Trading Statement

Hein Schumacher & Fernando Fernandez 25 April 2024

Safe harbour statement

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, including 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, concerning the financial condition, results of operations and businesses of the Unilever Group (the 'Group'). All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Words and terminology such as 'will', 'aim', 'expects', 'anticipates', 'intends', 'looks', 'believes', 'vision', 'ambition', 'target', 'goal', 'plan', 'potential', 'work towards', 'may', 'milestone', 'objectives', 'outlook', 'probably', 'project', 'risk', 'seek', 'continue', 'projected', 'estimate', 'achieve' or the negative of these terms, and other similar expressions of future performance, results, actions or events, and their negatives, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements also include, but are not limited to, statements and information regarding Unilever's acceleration of its Growth Action Plan, Unilever's portfolio optimisation towards global or scalable brands, the capabilities and potential of such brands, the various aspects of the separation of Ice Cream and its future operational model, strategy, growth potential, performance and returns, Unilever's productivity programme, its impacts and cost savings over the next three years and operation dis-synergies from the separation of Ice Cream, the Group's emissions reduction targets and other climate change related matters (including actions, potential impacts and risks associated therewith). Forward-looking statements can be made in writing but also may be made verbally by directors, officers and employees of the Group (including during management presentations) in connection with this announcement. These forward-looking statements are based upon current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding anticipated developments and other factors affecting the Group. They are not historical facts, nor are they guarantees of future performance or outcomes. All forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Because these forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, a number of which may be beyond the Group's control, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Among other risks and uncertainties, the material or principal factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from the forwardlooking statements expressed in this announcement are: Unilever's ability to successfully separate Ice Cream and realise the anticipated benefits of the separation; Unilever's ability to successfully execute and consummate its productivity programme in line with expected costs to achieve expected savings; Unilever's global brands not meeting consumer preferences; Unilever's ability to innovate and remain competitive; Unilever's investment choices in its portfolio management; the effect of climate change on Unilever's business; Unilever's ability to find sustainable solutions to its plastic packaging; significant changes or deterioration in customer relationships; the recruitment and retention of talented employees; disruptions in Unilever's supply chain and distribution; increases or volatility in the cost of raw materials and commodities; the production of safe and high quality products; secure and reliable IT infrastructure; execution of acquisitions, divestitures and business transformation projects; economic, social and political risks and natural disasters; financial risks; failure to meet high and ethical standards; and managing regulatory, tax and legal matters..

The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any intention, 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. New risks and uncertainties arise over time, and it is not possible for us to predict those events or how they may affect us. In addition, we cannot assess the impact of each factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group's filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including in the Annual Report on Form 20-F 2023 and the Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2023.

Improved volume growth led by Power Brands

Underlying sales growth +4.4%, with balanced volume and price

Power Brands driving growth

Growth across all Business Groups, led by Beauty & Wellbeing

Full year 2024 guidance unchanged

Good progress against Growth Action Plan

Fewer things, done better, with greater impact

Growth Action Plan –
Q1 progress
Productivity programme Ice Cream separation
Accelerated volumes
Step up in productivity to drive
gross margin expansion
Clearer priorities and targets
Faster growth
Performance
Productivity
culture
& simplicity
Around €800m cost savings
c.7,500 roles impacted
Restructuring costs: around 1.2%
of turnover for 2024-26
Creating two, simpler and more
focused companies
Distinct operating models
Demerger most likely separation
route
Work underway with dedicated
project team
Expected timing: by end 2025

Sustainability: Focus on doing fewer things with greater impact

Power Brands driving improved volume growth

Beauty & Wellbeing

Strong first quarter performance with continued volume-led growth

Personal Care

Good performance despite a tough comparator, particularly in North America

Home Care

Good volume growth, partially offset by negative price in Fabric Cleaning

Nutrition

Price-led growth with improving volume trend

Ice Cream

Revitalised plans in place ahead of key season

Turnover up 1.4%, more than offsetting adverse currency and net disposals

2024 outlook

Q&A

Appendix

Other financial guidance for 2024

  • Capex around 3% of turnover
  • Restructuring around 1.2% of turnover
  • Expected currency impact* on full year turnover similar to Q1 at (2.0)%
  • Net finance costs 2.5% to 3% on average net debt
  • Underlying effective tax rate around 25%
  • Net debt around 2x net debt / underlying EBITDA

Talk to a Data Expert

Have a question? We'll get back to you promptly.