Unilever Reports Strong Profit Growth In First Half Of 2013

Unilever reported sales grew 5.0 percent in the first half of 2013, with sales in emerging markets rising by 10.3 percent, slightly lower than the 10.4 percent in the previous quarter. Turnover rose 0.4 percent to €25.5 billion, with operating profit rising 14 percent to €3.9 billion. Net profit rose 13 percent to €2.7 billion. Volume growth was at 2.6 percent, with pricing higher by 2.3 percent. The company also reported turnover increased by 0.4 percent at €25.5 billion, with currency at 3.2 percent and disposals at 1.1 percent. Core earnings per share rose 4.0 percent to €0.76, with free cash flow reported at €1.3 billion. Also, during the period, Unilever increased its stake in its India unit Hindustan Unilever to 67 percent.