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FORM 6-K
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
REPORT OF FOREIGN ISSUER
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the month of February, 2011
UNILEVER 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 offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F þ      Form 40-F o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):                    
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):                    
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes o     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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SIGNATURES


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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
         
  UNILEVER N.V.
 
 
  /s/ T. E. Lovell    
  T. E. Lovell,  
  Secretary
Date: 4 February, 2011


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(UNILEVER LOGO)
2010 FULL YEAR RESULTS
STRONG YEAR AS TRANSFORMATION PROGRESSES
Full year highlights
  Turnover up 11.1% at €44.3 billion, with 7.3% due to currency.
 
  Underlying volume growth 5.8%. Underlying sales growth 4.1% and underlying price growth (1.6)%.
 
  Underlying operating margin up 20bps with increased investment in advertising and promotions up 30 bps, funded by higher gross margins and lower indirects. Margin underpinned by savings of €1.4 billion.
 
  Healthy free cash flow of €3.4 billion reflecting continuing improvement in working capital.
 
  Fully diluted earnings per share €1.46 up 25%.
Chief Executive Officer
“We are pleased with another year of good results in which we delivered against all our key priorities and further progressed the transformation of Unilever. We delivered strong volume growth, particularly in emerging markets which continued to be the engine of growth. We gained volume share in all regions driven by stronger innovations, significant increases in marketing investment and the extension of our brands into new territories. At the same time we delivered margin improvement through a strong savings programme, lower indirects and volume efficiencies. This, coupled with excellent working capital management, enabled us to deliver robust cash flow.
The Unilever of today is more agile and confident, now fully fit to compete. We remain focused on serving our consumers and customers and building the long term health of our brands. Despite the intense competition and the return of commodity cost volatility, our objectives remain: profitable volume growth ahead of our markets, steady and sustainable underlying operating margin improvement and strong cash flow.”
                         
                 
  Key Financials (unaudited)     Full Year 2010    
  Current rates        
                 
  Turnover     €44,262m       +11.1%  
  Underlying sales growth*       4.1%            
  Operating profit     €6,339m       +26%  
  Net profit     €4,598m       +26%  
  Diluted earnings per share     €1.46       +25%  
                 
                 
  Quarterly Dividend payable in March 2011 €0.208 per share          
                 
(*) Underlying sales growth is a non-GAAP measure, see note 2 on page 10 for further explanation of non-GAAP measures used.

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OPERATIONAL REVIEW: REGIONS
                                                       
           
        Full Year 2010  
                                                Change in  
  (unaudited)     Turnover     USG     Volume     Price     Underlying  
                                                Op Margin  
                                   
 
 
    €m         %         %         %       bps  
                                   
  Unilever
Total
      44,262         4.1         5.8         (1.6 )       20    
                                   
  Asia Africa
CEE
      17,685         7.7         10.2         (2.2 )       (50 )  
  Americas       14,562         4.0         4.8         (0.7 )       (10 )  
  Western
Europe
      12,015         (0.4 )       1.4         (1.8 )       170    
                                   
2010 results were strong despite intense competition, weak consumer confidence in many markets and the impact of rising commodities costs in the second half. Whilst markets showed little or no growth in the developed economies, emerging market growth remained healthy. We grew our volumes ahead of the market in all regions and finished the year strongly despite a strong prior year comparator. Savings programmes delivered strongly across both supply chain and indirects. We invested in our product quality and significantly increased the investment behind our brands whilst improving advertising quality.
The acquisition of Sara Lee’s personal care business and the disposal of the Italian frozen foods business were completed during the year. The proposed acquisition of Alberto Culver has received shareholder approval and now awaits approval of the relevant regulatory authorities. The previously announced disposal of the Brazilian tomato business is expected to be finalised early in 2011.
Asia Africa CEE
In 2010 we grew ahead of the market and continued to gain volume share. Asia Pacific delivered double digit volume growth in the year. There were particularly strong performances in Vietnam, the Philippines, Pakistan and China. In India we delivered consistent double digit volume growth and we are encouraged by our progress in this highly competitive market. The business in North Africa, Middle East and Central Africa performed well throughout the year. Whilst market conditions in Central and Eastern Europe were weaker, volume growth was still comfortably positive.
Underlying operating margin was down for the year reflecting stable gross margins and increased investment in advertising and promotions. The rollout of the regional IT platform progressed well, with successful rollout in 2010 to a number of countries including China, Australia, Vietnam and North Africa.
Americas
We gained volume share in 2010 and saw higher underlying sales growth driven by consistent growth in Latin America and good performance in North America.
Whilst the US economy remains difficult and increasingly competitive, our business continued to benefit from our strong innovation programme. The Brazilian market continues to grow strongly but remains highly competitive; in this context our business delivered good results. Mexico had a particularly good year, gaining share in a number of key categories and the Southern Cone had another excellent year with a strong recovery in Chile after the devastating earthquake. Underlying operating margin was down slightly in the year.
Western Europe
Despite difficult markets we delivered volume growth and improved volume share in the year. Underlying price continued to improve but was still negative year-on-year reflecting the high levels of promotional intensity in many of our markets. Conditions in Southern Europe remain particularly challenging. Northern Europe is more robust and we saw strong performances in the UK and France.
Underlying operating margin was up in the year, reflecting the benefits of the cost saving programmes and lower advertising and promotions.

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OPERATIONAL REVIEW: CATEGORIES
                                           
               
        Full Year 2010
  (unaudited)     Turnover     USG     Volume     Price  
                             
 
 
      m         %         %         %    
                   
 
Unilever Total
      44,262         4.1         5.8         (1.6 )  
                   
 
Savoury, Dressings & Spreads
      14,164         1.4         2.5         (1.0 )  
 
Ice Cream & Beverages
      8,605         6.1         5.9         0.1    
 
Personal Care
      13,767         6.4         7.9         (1.4 )  
 
Home Care
      7,726         3.0         8.2         (4.8 )  
                   
All categories grew volume and generated positive underlying sales growth in 2010, ending the year on a strong note. Almost all of our major brands grew volume on the back of bigger, better innovations rolled out more quickly across more markets. Magnum Gold?! was launched in 29 countries, Dove Men+Care is now in more than 30 markets and Dove Damage Therapy hair care products have reached 22 markets. In addition we have accelerated the rates at which we are extending our brands into new markets, with more than 100 new launches in the year.
Savoury, Dressings and Spreads
Savoury delivered strong volumes and impactful innovations. Knorr jelly bouillon helped to drive growth across many markets in Europe and Latin America whilst a new gourmet soups range drove strong share growth in France. Knorr soupy noodles continue to grow in India and soups have been launched in Bangladesh. The Knorr Season and Shake baking bags have now been launched in more than 20 markets with good initial results. PF Chang’s restaurant quality frozen meals have been a great success, exceeding €50m turnover in the launch year.
Dressings grew volume driven by a successful campaign to increase the consumption occasions of mayonnaise in Latin America and the launch of a range of flavoured mayonnaises in Europe. Spreads grew volume in the year by investing in improved product quality and communicating the new taste benefits; a strong performance given the weak markets. Pro.Activ spreads again delivered strong growth by emphasising its core heart health benefits and Pro.Activ Buttery was launched successfully in Europe.
Ice Cream and Beverages
Ice cream delivered another good year of growth with a strong contribution from Western Europe, Asia and Russia. Magnum was launched in Indonesia and Klondike continued to grow in the US driven by improved product quality and a strong TV and digital marketing campaign which increased consumer interaction with the brand.
Tea delivered strong volume and solid price growth. Tea grew particularly well in India, UK, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and China driven by the strength of the Lipton brand equity, up-trading to new formats such as green tea in pyramid bags, the development of milk teas in China and the conversion from loose tea to tea-bags across emerging markets. Ades soy-based drinks continued to make progress in Latin America with impactful new packaging and advertising.
Personal Care
Deodorants had another excellent year driven by Dove Men+Care, the continued strengthening of the Rexona brand and by the launch towards the end of the year of the latest Axe variant, Excite. Hair continued to make good progress with strong growth in North America, China, South East Asia and India as a result of the rollout of Dove Damage Therapy, the continued rollout of Clear in Latin America and the relaunch of Clear in Asia. TiGi continued to perform well ahead of the professional market growth.
Skin delivered a solid year driven by continued momentum on Dove Nutrium moisture, Dove Men+Care, the latest Axe shower variant Rise, which contributed to record Axe shower market shares in the United States, and the rollout of Lifebuoy and Vaseline into new countries. Our Oral business delivered a solid year despite a heightened level of competitive activity. Signal Sensitive Expert was launched in France and White Now continues to do well across many markets including Vietnam and the Philippines.
Home Care
In highly competitive markets Laundry delivered strong underlying volume growth and underlying sales growth improved progressively through the year. Volume growth was particularly strong in India on the back of the re-launches of Rin and Wheel laundry detergents. In China we continued to close the share gap versus the market leader and the launch of Omo liquids is driving strong double digit growth. Comfort, recently launched in India, continues to make good progress in developing the market for fabric conditioners.
Household care continued to deliver volume-driven sales growth behind the market rollouts of Cif into Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. Sun Turbo All-in-1 concentrated gel is doing well in France and the Netherlands.

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ADDITIONAL COMMENTARY ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – FULL YEAR
Finance costs and tax
The cost of financing net borrowings in the year was €414 million, as the adverse impact of currency was more than offset by lower average net debt. The interest rate on borrowings was 4.4% and on cash deposits was 1.7%. The charge for pensions financing was a credit of €20 million compared with a net charge of €164 million in the prior year.
The effective tax rate was 25.5% compared with 26.2% in 2009 reflecting the geographical mix of profits and the impact of the Frozen Foods disposal. The underlying tax rate excluding the effect of restructuring, disposals and impairments was 27.1%. Our longer-term expectation for the tax rate remains around 26%.
Joint ventures, associates and other income from non-current investments
Net profit from joint ventures and associates, together with other income from non-current investments contributed €187 million compared to €489 million in the prior year which benefited from the €327 million gain on disposal of the majority of the equity interest in JohnsonDiversey.
Earnings per share
Fully diluted earnings per share for the full year were €1.46, up 25%. This was driven by improved underlying operating profit, lower restructuring charges, lower pension costs, the favourable impact of foreign exchange and higher profit on business disposals partially offset by the provision in respect of the European Commission investigation into consumer detergents (see page 5). Business disposals include the disposal of the Italian Frozen Foods business in 2010.
Restructuring
Restructuring in the year was €589 million. This reflects action being taken to make the business fit to compete in the current environment.
Cash Flow and Net Debt
Free cash flow was €3.4 billion. Cash flow from operating activities was €6.8 billion reflecting higher operating profit and lower pensions payments. Further progress was made on reducing working capital, building on the strong performance in the prior year. Working capital reduced as a percentage of turnover and has now been negative for five consecutive quarters. Tax payments increased to €1.3 billion. Net capital expenditure increased €443 million to €1.7 billion, representing 3.8% of turnover. This primarily reflects investment in new capacity required to support the strong volume growth of the business in emerging markets.
Closing net debt at €6.7 billion was up from €6.4 billion as at 31st December 2009. The outflow from dividends, acquisitions and the negative impact of foreign exchange rates on net debt exceeded the inflow from free cash flow and business disposals.
Pensions
The net pensions deficit was €2.1 billion at the end of December 2010 down from €2.6 billion at the end of 2009. This is due to cash contributions made and good asset returns over the year offset by the impact of lower corporate bond rates on the calculation of the pension liabilities.

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COMPETITION INVESTIGATIONS
As previously reported, in June 2008 the European Commission initiated an investigation into potential competition law infringements in the European Union in relation to consumer detergents. While the investigation is ongoing, Unilever has concluded that it is now appropriate to take a provision of €110 million.
In addition and as previously reported, Unilever is involved in a number of other ongoing investigations by national competition authorities in a number of European countries including Greece, France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. These investigations are at various stages and concern a variety of product markets. Provisions have been made to the extent appropriate.
It is Unilever’s policy to co-operate fully with the competition authorities in the context of all ongoing investigations. In addition, Unilever reinforces and enhances its internal competition law compliance procedures on an ongoing basis.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT
This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, including ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as ‘expects’, ‘anticipates’, ‘intends’, ‘believes’ or the negative of these terms and other similar expressions of future performance or results, and their negatives, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and assumptions regarding anticipated developments and other factors affecting the Group. They are not historical facts, nor are they guarantees of future performance.
Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including, among others, competitive pricing and activities, economic slowdown, industry consolidation, access to credit markets, recruitment levels, reputational risks, commodity prices, continued availability of raw materials, prioritisation of projects, consumption levels, costs, the ability to maintain and manage key customer relationships and supply chain sources, consumer demands, currency values, interest rates, the ability to integrate acquisitions and complete planned divestitures, the ability to complete planned restructuring activities, physical risks, environmental risks, the ability to manage regulatory, tax and legal matters and resolve pending matters within current estimates, legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments, political, economic and social conditions in the geographic markets where the Group operates and new or changed priorities of the Boards. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group’s filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the 20-F Report and the Annual Report and Accounts 2009. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this document. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
ENQUIRIES
     
Media: Media Relations Team
  Investors: Investor Relations Team
UK +44 20 7822 6010 trevor.gorin@unilever.com
  +44 20 7822 6830 investor.relations@unilever.com
or +44 20 7822 5354 lucila.zambrano@unilever.com
   
NL +31 10 217 4844 flip.dotsch@unilever.com
   
There will be a web cast of the results presentation available at:
www.unilever.com/ourcompany/investorcentre/results/quarterlyresults/default.asp

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INCOME STATEMENT
(unaudited)
                                             
                             
  € million Full Year
  2010 2009 Increase/    
  (Decrease)
  Current
rates
Constant
rates
   
                             
 
 
                                         
 
Continuing operations:
                                         
 
 
                                         
                             
 
Turnover
      44,262         39,823         11.1 %       3.6 %  
 
 
                                         
 
Operating profit
      6,339         5,020         26 %       19 %  
 
 
                                         
 
Restructuring, business disposals and
other (RDIs) (see note 3)
      (281 )       (868 )                      
 
 
                                         
 
Underlying operating profit
      6,620         5,888         12 %       6 %  
 
 
                                         
 
Net finance costs
      (394 )       (593 )                      
 
Finance income
      77         75                        
 
Finance costs
      (491 )       (504 )                      
 
Pensions and similar obligations
      20         (164 )                      
 
 
                                         
 
Share in net profit/(loss) of joint ventures
      120         111                        
 
Share in net profit/(loss) of associates
      (9 )       4                      
 
Other income from non-current investments
      76         374                        
 
 
                                         
 
Profit before taxation
      6,132         4,916         25 %       18 %  
 
 
                                         
 
Taxation
      (1,534 )       (1,257 )                      
 
 
                                         
 
Net profit
      4,598         3,659         26 %       18 %  
 
 
                                         
 
Attributable to:
                                         
                             
 
Non-controlling interests
      354         289                        
 
Shareholders’ equity
      4,244         3,370         26 %       18 %  
                             
 
 
                                         
                             
 
Combined earnings per share
                                         
                             
 
Total operations – basic (Euros)
      1.51         1.21         25 %       17 %  
 
Total operations – diluted (Euros)
      1.46         1.17         25 %       17 %  
                             

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STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(unaudited)
                         
  € million  
Full Year
        2010 2009  
                 
 
Net profit
      4,598         3,659    
 
 
                     
 
Other comprehensive income
                     
 
Fair value gains/(losses) on financial instruments net of tax
      43         105    
 
Actuarial gains/(losses) on pension schemes net of tax
      105         18    
 
Currency retranslation gains/(losses) net of tax
      460         396    
 
 
                     
 
Total comprehensive income
      5,206         4,178    
 
 
                     
                 
 
Attributable to:
                     
 
Non-controlling interests
      412         301    
 
Shareholders’ equity
      4,794         3,877    
                 
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(unaudited)
                         
  € million  
Full Year
        2010 2009  
                 
 
Equity at 1 January
      12,536         10,372    
 
Total comprehensive income for the period
      5,206         4,178    
 
Dividends on ordinary capital
      (2,309 )       (2,115 )  
 
Movement in treasury stock
      (126 )       129    
 
Share-based payment credit
      144         195    
 
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
      (289 )       (244 )  
 
Currency retranslation gains/(losses) net of tax
      2         3    
 
Other movements in equity
      (86 )       18    
                 
 
Equity at the end of the period
      15,078         12,536    
                 

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

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

9


Table of Contents

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
1   ACCOUNTING INFORMATION AND POLICIES
The condensed preliminary financial statements are based on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the EU and IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. With effect from 1 January 2010 the Group has adopted IFRS 3 ‘Business Combinations (Revised)’, all other accounting policies and methods of computation are consistent with the year ended 31 December 2009.
The condensed financial statements are shown at current exchange rates, while percentage year-on-year changes are shown at both current and constant exchange rates to facilitate comparison.
The income statement on page 6, the statements of comprehensive income and changes in equity on page 7, the cash flow statement on page 8, and the analysis of free cash flow on page 13 are translated at rates current in each period.
The balance sheet on page 9 and the analysis of net debt on page 14 are translated at period-end rates of exchange.
The financial statements attached do not constitute the full financial statements within the meaning of Section 434 of the UK Companies Act 2006. Full accounts for Unilever for the year ended 31 December 2009 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditors’ report on these accounts was unqualified and did not contain a statement under Section 498 (2) or Section 498 (3) of the UK Companies Act 2006.
Recent accounting developments
The Group is currently assessing the impact of the following revised standards and interpretations or amendments that are not yet effective. These changes are not expected to have a material impact on the Group’s results of operations, financial position or disclosures:
    IAS 24 ‘Related Party Disclosures (Revised)’ will be effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2011. The changes primarily relate to government-related entities and the definition of a related party.
 
    IAS 32 (Amendments) ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosure’ will be effective for periods beginning on or after 1 February 2010. The changes primarily relate to the classification of rights, options and warrants.
 
    IFRIC 19 ‘Extinguishing Financial Liabilities with Equity Instruments’ is effective for periods beginning on or after 1 July 2010.
 
    IFRIC 14 ‘Minimum Funding Requirement (Amendment)’ is effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2011.
 
    IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ is effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013 amends the classification and measurement for financial assets.
 
    ‘Improvements to IFRS’ (issued May 2010) is effective for periods beginning on or after 1 July 2010.
2   NON-GAAP MEASURES
In our financial reporting we use certain measures that are not recognised under IFRS or other generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). We do this because we believe that these measures are useful to investors and other users of our financial statements in helping them to understand underlying business performance. Wherever we use such measures, we make clear that these are not intended as a substitute for recognised GAAP measures. Wherever appropriate and practical, we provide reconciliations to relevant GAAP measures. Unilever uses ‘constant rate’ and ‘underlying’ measures primarily for internal performance analysis and targeting purposes.
The principal non-GAAP measure which we apply in our reporting is underlying sales growth, which we reconcile to changes in the GAAP measure turnover in notes 4 and 5. Underlying sales growth (abbreviated to ‘USG’ or ‘growth’) reports turnover growth at constant exchange rates, excluding the effects of acquisitions and disposals. Turnover includes the impact of exchange rates, acquisitions and disposals.
We also comment on underlying trends in operating margin before the impact of restructuring, disposals and other one-off items, which we collectively term RDIs, on the grounds that the incidence of these items is uneven between reporting periods. Further detail on RDIs can be found in note 3. We also discuss free cash flow, which we reconcile in note 8 to the amounts in the cash flow statement, and net debt, which we reconcile in note 9 to the amounts reported in our balance sheet and cash flow statement.

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Table of Contents

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
3   SIGNIFICANT ITEMS WITHIN THE INCOME STATEMENT
In our income statement reporting we recognise restructuring costs, profits and losses on business disposals and certain other one-off items, which we collectively term RDIs. We disclose on the face of our income statement the total value of such items that arise within operating profit.
                         
                 
  € million     Full Year    
        2010       2009    
                 
 
RDIs within operating profit:
                     
 
Restructuring
      (589 )       (897 )  
 
Business disposals
      468         4    
 
Impairments and other one-off items
      (160       25    
 
Total RDIs within operating profit
      (281 )       (868 )  
                 
The 2010 Impairments and other one-off items cost includes the provision related to potential competition law infringements in the European Union (see page 5) and one off costs related to acquisitions.
4   SEGMENT INFORMATION
                                             
                             
  Continuing operations – Full Year     Asia Africa     Americas     Western Europe     Total  
  € million     CEE              
                             
 
 
                                         
 
Turnover
                                         
 
2009
      14,897       12,850       12,076       39,823  
 
2010
      17,685       14,562       12,015       44,262  
 
Change
      18.7%       13.3%       (0.5)%       11.1%  
 
Impact of:
                                         
 
Exchange rates
      10.1%       9.0%       1.4%       7.3%  
 
Acquisitions
      0.2%       0.3%       0.5%       0.3%  
 
Disposals
      (0.1)%       (0.4)%       (2.0)%       (0.8)%  
 
 
                                         
 
Underlying sales growth
      7.7%       4.0%       (0.4)%       4.1%  
                             
 
Price
      (2.2)%       (0.7)%       (1.8)%       (1.6)%  
 
Volume
      10.2%       4.8%       1.4%       5.8%  
                             
 
 
                                         
 
Operating profit
                                         
 
2009
      1,927       1,843       1,250       5,020  
 
2010
      2,253       2,169       1,917       6,339  
 
 
                                         
 
Underlying operating profit
                                         
 
2009
      2,074       2,074       1,740       5,888  
 
2010
      2,361       2,328       1,931       6,620  
 
 
                                         
 
Operating margin
                                         
 
2009
      12.9%       14.3%       10.4%       12.6%  
 
2010
      12.7%       14.9%       16.0%       14.3%  
 
 
                                         
 
Underlying operating margin
                                         
 
2009
      13.9%       16.1%       14.4%       14.8%  
 
2010
      13.4%       16.0%       16.1%       15.0%  
                             

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Table of Contents

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
5   ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BY CATEGORY
                                                                                                  
                                   
        Savoury     Ice Cream
and Beverages
    Personal
Care
          Total  
  Continuing operations – Full Year     Dressings and             Home Care      
  € million     Spreads                    
                                   
 
 
                                                   
 
Turnover
                                                   
 
2009
      13,256       7,753       11,846       6,968       39,823  
 
2010
      14,164       8,605       13,767       7,726       44,262  
 
Change
      6.8%       11.0%       16.2%       10.9%       11.1%  
 
Impact of:
                                                   
 
Exchange rates
      5.8%       6.8%       8.5%       8.3%       7.3%  
 
Acquisitions
      0.2%       0.0%       0.6%       0.1%       0.3%  
 
Disposals
      (0.7)%       (2.0)%       0.0%       (0.7)%       (0.7)%  
 
Underlying sales growth
      1.4%       6.1%       6.4%       3.0%       4.1%  
                                   
 
Price
      (1.0)%       0.1%       (1.4)%       (4.8)%       (1.6)%  
 
Volume
      2.5%       5.9%       7.9%       8.2%       5.8%  
                                   
 
 
                                                   
 
Operating profit
                                                   
 
2009
      1,840       731       1,834       615       5,020  
 
2010
      2,846       724       2,296       473       6,339  
 
 
                                                   
 
Operating margin
                                                   
 
2009
      13.9%       9.4%       15.5%       8.8%       12.6%  
 
2010
      20.1%       8.4%       16.7%       6.1%       14.3%  
 
 
                                                   
                                   
 6   TAXATION
The effective tax rate for was 25.5% compared with 26.2% for 2009. The tax rate is calculated by dividing the tax charge by pre-tax profit excluding the contribution of joint ventures and associates.
Tax effects of components of other comprehensive income were as follows:
                                                                 
       
€ million     Full Year 2010 Full Year 2009  
     
Before
tax
Tax
(charge)/
credit
After
tax

Before
tax
Tax
(charge)/
credit
After
tax
 
                                         
 
 
                                                             
 
Fair value gains/(losses) on financial instruments
      41       2         43       163         (58 )       105    
 
Actuarial gains/(losses) on pension schemes
      158       (53       105       38       (20       18  
 
Currency retranslation gains/(losses)
      460                 460         396                 396    
 
 
                                                             
                                         
 
Other comprehensive income
      659         (51 )       608         597       (78 )       519  
                                         

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Table of Contents

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
 7   RECONCILIATION OF NET PROFIT TO CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                         
       
€ million   Full Year  
    2010 2009  
                 
 
 
                     
 
Net profit
      4,598         3,659    
 
Taxation
      1,534         1,257    
 
Share of net profit of joint ventures/associates and other income
                     
 
from non-current investments
      (187 )       (489 )  
 
Net finance costs
      394         593    
 
 
                     
 
Operating profit
      6,339         5,020    
 
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment
      993         1,032    
 
Changes in working capital
      169       1,701  
 
Pensions and similar provisions less payments
      (472 )       (1,028 )  
 
Restructuring and other provisions less payments
      72       (258 )  
 
Elimination of (profits)/losses on disposals
      (476 )       13  
 
Non-cash charge for share-based compensation
      144         195    
 
Other adjustments
      49       58    
                 
 
Cash flow from operating activities
      6,818         6,733    
                 
 8   FREE CASH FLOW
                         
       
€ million   Full Year  
    2010 2009  
                 
 
 
                     
 
Cash flow from operating activities
      6,818         6,733    
 
Income tax paid
      (1,328 )       (959 )  
 
Net capital expenditure
      (1,701 )       (1,258 )  
 
Net interest and preference dividends paid
      (424 )       (444 )  
                 
 
Free cash flow
      3,365         4,072    
                 
 9   NET DEBT
                         
       
  € million   As at 31 As at 31  
      December December  
      2010 2009  
                         
 
 
                     
 
Total financial liabilities
      (9,534 )       (9,971 )  
 
Financial liabilities due within one year
      (2,276 )       (2,279 )  
 
Financial liabilities due after one year
      (7,258 )       (7,692 )  
 
Cash and cash equivalents as per balance sheet
      2,316         2,642    
 
Cash and cash equivalents as per cash flow statement
      1,966         2,397    
 
Add bank overdrafts deducted therein
      350         245    
 
Other financial assets
      550         972    
                         
 
Net debt
      (6,668 )       (6,357 )  
                         

13


Table of Contents

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
 10  COMBINED EARNINGS PER SHARE
The combined earnings per share calculations are based on the average number of share units representing the combined ordinary shares of NV and PLC in issue during the period, less the average number of shares held as treasury stock.
In calculating diluted earnings per share, a number of adjustments are made to the number of shares, principally the following: (i) conversion into PLC ordinary shares in the year 2038 of shares in a group company under the arrangements for the variation of the Leverhulme Trust and (ii) the exercise of share options by employees.
Earnings per share for total operations for the twelve months were calculated as follows:
       
       
      2010 2009  
                 
 
Combined EPS – Basic
                     
                 
 
Average number of combined share units (Millions of units)
      2,812.3         2,796.3    
 
 
                     
 
Net profit attributable to shareholders’ equity
      4,244         3,370    
 
 
                     
 
Combined EPS – basic
      1.51         1.21    
                 
 
 
                     
                 
 
Combined EPS – Diluted
                     
                 
 
Adjusted average number of combined share units (Millions of units)
      2,905.1         2,890.0    
 
 
                     
 
Combined EPS – diluted
      1.46         1.17    
                 
The numbers of shares included in the calculation of earnings per share is an average for the period. During the period the following movements in shares have taken place:
             
        Millions    
           
 
Number of shares at 31 December 2009 (net of treasury stock)
      2,804.2    
 
Net movements in shares under incentive schemes
      5.6    
           
 
Number of shares at 31 December  2010
      2,809.8    
           

14


Table of Contents

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
  11  DIVIDENDS
As agreed at the 2009 Annual General Meetings, Unilever moved to the payment of quarterly dividends with effect from 1 January 2010.
The Boards have declared quarterly dividends at the following rates which are equivalent in value at the rate of exchange applied under the terms of the Equalisation Agreement between the two companies:
                             
                             
       
    Q1 2010 Q2 2010 Q3 2010 Q4 2010  
                             
 
Per Unilever N.V. ordinary share:
    €0.2080     €0.2080     €0.2080     €0.2080  
 
Per Unilever PLC ordinary share:
    £0.1803     £0.1726     £0.1820     £0.1775  
 
Per Unilever N.V. New York share:
    US$0.2764     US$0.2750     US$0.2916     US$0.2861  
 
Per Unilever PLC American Depositary Receipt:
    US$0.2764     US$0.2750     US$0.2916     US$0.2861  
                             
The quarterly dividend calendar will be as follows:
                             
       
      Announcement Date Ex-Dividend Date Record Date Payment Date  
                             
 
Calendar Year 2011
                         
 
Quarterly dividend announced with Q4 2010 results
    3 February 2011     9 February 2011     11 February 2011     16 March 2011  
 
Quarterly dividend announced with Q1 2011 results
    28 April 2011     11 May 2011     13 May 2011     15 June 2011  
 
Quarterly dividend announced with Q2 2011 results
    4 August 2011     10 August 2011     12 August 2011     14 September 2011  
 
Quarterly dividend announced with Q3 2011 results
    3 November 2011     9 November 2011     11 November 2011     14 December 2011  
                             
  12  ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS
On 18 January 2010 we announced a definitive agreement with Hormel Foods Corporation to sell our Shedd’s Country Crock branded side dish business in the US. The transaction was completed in February 2010. Under the terms of the agreement, Hormel will market and sell Shedd’s Country Crock chilled side-dish products, such as homestyle mashed potatoes, under a licence agreement.
On 26 April 2010 we announced the agreement with Strauss Holdings Ltd to increase the Unilever shareholding in Glidat Strauss Israel from 51% to 90% for an undisclosed sum. The transaction was completed on 7 October 2010.
On 1 June 2010 we completed the disposal of the Brunch brand in Germany to Bongrain.
On 9 August 2010 we announced an asset purchase agreement with the Norwegian dairy group TINE, to acquire the Ice Cream operations of Diplom-Is in Denmark, as of 30th September 2010. The value of the transaction is undisclosed.
On 24 September 2010 we announced a definitive agreement to sell our consumer tomato products business in Brazil to Cargill for approximately R$600 million. The assets and liabilities related to this business are reported as held for sale.
On 27 September 2010 we announced a definitive agreement to acquire Alberto Culver Company for US$3.7 billion in cash. The acquisition has received shareholder approval but is subject to regulatory approval.
On 28 September 2010 we announced an agreement to buy EVGA’s ice cream brands and distribution network in Greece for an undisclosed sum. The transaction was completed on 27 January 2011.
The disposal of our frozen foods business in Italy for €805m to Birds Eye Iglo was completed on 1 October 2010.
The acquisition of Sara Lee’s personal care business was completed on 6 December 2010.
 13  EVENTS AFTER THE BALANCE SHEET DATE
There were no material post balance sheet events other than those mentioned elsewhere in this report.

15