SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of event requiring this shell company report
For the transition period from to
Commission file number 001-04546
UNILEVER PLC
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
ENGLAND
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
100 Victoria Embankment, London, England
(Address of principal executive offices)
T. E. Lovell, Group Secretary
Tel: +44(0)2078225252, Fax: +44(0)2078225464
100 Victoria Embankment, London EC4Y 0DY, UK
(Name, telephone number, facsimile number and address of Company Contact)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Name of each exchange on which registered
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: None
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.
The total number of outstanding shares of the issuer’s capital stock at the close of the period covered by the annual report was:1,310,156,361 ordinary shares
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act:
Yes x No ¨
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:
Yes¨ No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes¨ No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated filer x Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer ¨
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
If ‘Other’ has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow. Item 17¨ Item 18 ¨
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act):
Yes ¨ No x
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 2014 and the Annual Report and Accounts 2014. 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.
CONTENTS
References in this Report on Form 20-F are to certain references in the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts 2014 that include pages incorporated therein, including any page references incorporated in the incorporated material, unless specifically noted otherwise.
The Group’s Annual Report and Accounts 2014 was furnished separately on 6 March 2015 under Form 6-K. Pages 1 to 40 of the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts 2014 were furnished as Exhibit 1 and pages 41 to 140 of the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts 2014 were furnished as Exhibit 2 to this report on Form 6-K, respectively.
The following pages and sections of the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts 2014 and specified information referenced therein, regardless of their inclusion in any cross-reference below, are hereby specifically excluded and are not incorporated by reference into this report onForm 20-F:
This report on Form 20-F and the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts 2014 contain certain measures that 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 addition, there are limitations on the usefulness of our reported non-GAAP financial measures.
We report on the following non-GAAP measures:
The information set forth under the heading ‘Non-GAAP measures’ on pages 34 and 35 of the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts 2014 furnished separately on 6 March 2015 under Form 6-K is incorporated by reference. Within these pages further information about the above measures can be found.
THE UNILEVER GROUP
Unilever N.V. (NV) is a public limited company registered in the Netherlands, which 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, which 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 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.
This document contains references to our website. Information on our website or any other website referenced in this document is not incorporated into this document and should not be considered part of this document. We have included any website as an inactive textual reference only.
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
Not applicable.
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION
A. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The schedules below provide the Group’s selected financial data for the five most recent financial years.
Turnover
Operating profit
Net finance costs
Share of net profit/(loss) of joint ventures and associates and other income/(loss) from non-current investments
Profit before taxation
Taxation
Net profit
Attributable to:
Non-controlling interests
Shareholders’ equity
€
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share
(a) For the basis of the calculations of combined earnings per share see Note 7 ‘Combined earnings per share’ on page 102 of the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts 2014 furnished separately on 6 March 2015 under Form 6-K and incorporated here by reference.
Non-current assets
Current assets
Total assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Total equity
Total liabilities and equity
Net cash flow from operating activities
Net cash flow from/(used in) investing activities
Net cash flow from/(used in) financing activities
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Effect of foreign exchange rates
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
Underlying sales growth (%)(b)
Underlying volume growth (%)(b)
Core operating margin (%)(b)
Free cash flow (€ million)(b)
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION CONTINUED
Operating margin (%)
Net profit margin (%)(c)
Net debt (€ million)(b)
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (times)(d)
(b) Non–GAAP measures are defined and described on pages 34 and 35 of the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts 2014 furnished separately on 6 March 2015 under Form 6-K and incorporated here by reference. Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to relevant GAAP measures are detailed below and should be read in conjunction with pages 34 and 35 of the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts 2014.
(c) Net profit margin is expressed as net profit attributable to shareholders’ equity as a percentage of turnover.
(d) In the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings consist of net profit from continuing operations excluding net profit or loss of joint ventures and associates increased by fixed charges, income taxes and dividends received from joint ventures and associates. Fixed charges consist of interest payable on debt and a portion of lease costs determined to be representative of interest. This ratio takes no account of interest receivable although Unilever’s treasury operations involve both borrowing and depositing funds.
Underlying sales growth (%)
Effect of acquisitions (%)
Effect of disposals (%)
Effect of exchange rates (%)
Turnover growth (%)
Underlying volume growth (%)
Effect of price changes (%)
Acquisition and disposal related cost
(Gain)/loss on disposal of group companies
Impairments and other one-off items
Core operating profit
Core operating margin (%)
Share of net profit of joint ventures/associates and other income from non-current investments
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment
Changes in working capital
Pensions and similar obligations less payments
Provisions less payments
Elimination of (profits)/losses on disposals
Non-cash charge for share-based compensation
Other adjustments
Cash flow from operating activities
Income tax paid
Net capital expenditure
Net interest and preference dividends paid
Free cash flow
Net cash flow (used in)/from investing activities
Net cash flow (used in)/from financing activities
Total financial liabilities
Financial liabilities due within one year
Financial liabilities due after one year
Cash and cash equivalents as per balance sheet
Cash and cash equivalents as per cash flow statement
Add bank overdrafts deducted therein
Financial assets
Net debt
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES (TIMES)
For a calculation of our ratio of earnings to fixed charges see Item 19: Exhibits – Calculation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
DIVIDEND RECORD
The following tables show the dividends declared and dividends paid by NV and PLC for the last five years, expressed in terms of the revised share denominations which became effective from 22 May 2006. Differences between the amounts ultimately received by US holders of NV and PLC shares are the result of changes in exchange rates between the equalisation of the dividends and the date of payment.
Following agreement at the 2009 Annual General Meetings (AGMs) and separate meetings of ordinary shareholders, the Equalisation Agreement was modified to facilitate the payment of quarterly dividends from 2010 onwards.
Dividends declared for the year
Dividend per €0.16
Dividend per €0.16 (US Registry)
Dividend per 31/9p
Dividend per 31/9p (US Registry)
Dividends paid during the year
EXCHANGE RATES
Unilever reports its financial results and balance sheet position in euros. Other currencies which may significantly impact our financial statements are sterling and US dollars. Average and year-end exchange rates for these two currencies for the last five years are given below.
Year end
€1 = US $
€1 = £
Average
On 25 February 2015 (the latest practicable date for inclusion in this report) the exchange rates between euros and US dollars and between euros and sterling as published in the Financial Times in London were as follows: €1 = US $1.134 and €1 = £0.734.
Noon Buying Rates in New York for cable transfers in foreign currencies as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York were as follows:
High
Low
High and low exchange rate values for each of the last six months:
2015
(e) Through 25 February 2015.
SHARE CAPITAL
The information set forth under the heading ‘Note 15A Share capital’ on page 110 of the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts 2014 furnished separately on 6 March 2015 under Form 6-K is incorporated by reference.
B. CAPITALISATION AND INDEBTEDNESS
C. REASONS FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF PROCEEDS
D. RISK FACTORS
Our principal risks, as described on pages 36 and 37 of the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts 2014 furnished separately on 6 March 2015 under Form 6-K, excluding the cross-reference to pages 50 to 53, are incorporated by reference. The information set forth under the heading ‘Note 16 Treasury risk management’ on pages 114 to 119, ‘Note 17B Credit risk’ on page 121 and ‘Note 18 Financial instruments fair value risk’ on pages 121 to 123 of the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts 2014 furnished separately on 6 March 2015 under Form 6-K is incorporated by reference.
Our business is subject to risks and uncertainties. The risks that we regard as the most relevant to our business are set out on pages 36 to 37 of the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts 2014 furnished separately on 6 March 2015 under Form 6-K. These are the risks that we see as material to Unilever’s business and performance at this time. There may be other risks that could emerge in the future. We have undertaken certain mitigating actions that we believe help us to manage the risks identified. However, we may not be successful in deploying some or all of these mitigating actions. If the circumstances in these risk factors 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 in this document, or could impact on our ability to meet our targets or be detrimental to our profitability or reputation. The list is not intended to be exhaustive and there may be other risks and uncertainties that are not mentioned that could impact our future performance or our ability to meet published targets. The risks and uncertainties should be read in conjunction with the Group’s consolidated financial statements and related notes and the portions of the Strategic Report and Corporate Governance section that are incorporated by reference from the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts 2014 furnished separately on 6 March 2015 on Form 6-K and other information included in or incorporated by reference in this report on Form 20-F.
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
A. HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY
The information set forth under the following headings of the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts 2014 furnished separately on 6 March 2015 under Form 6-K is incorporated by reference:
In 2014 and 2013, the Group did not receive any public takeover offers by third parties in respect of NV or PLC shares or make any public takeover offers in respect of other companies’ shares.
Please refer also to ‘Financial review 2013’ within Item 5A of this report and ‘The Unilever Group’ on page 1 of this report.
B. BUSINESS OVERVIEW
Please refer also to ‘Financial review 2013’ within Item 5A of this report.
Please also refer to ‘The Unilever Group’ on page 1 of this report.
MARKETING CHANNELS
Unilever’s products are generally sold through our own sales force as well as through independent brokers, agents and distributors to chain, wholesale, co-operative and independent grocery accounts, food service distributors and institutions. Products are physically distributed through a network of distribution centres, satellite warehouses, company-operated and public storage facilities, depots and other facilities.
RAW MATERIALS
Our products use a wide variety of raw and packaging materials which we source internationally, and which may be subject to price volatility. Although we have seen rather more stable conditions in key commodity markets in 2014 we remain watchful for further periods of volatility in 2015.
SEASONALITY
Certain of our businesses, such as ice cream, are subject to significant seasonal fluctuations in sales. However, Unilever operates globally in many different markets and product categories, and no individual element of seasonality is likely to be material to the results of the Group as a whole.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
We have a large portfolio of patents and trademarks, and we conduct some of our operations under licences that are based on patents or trademarks owned or controlled by others. We are not dependent on any one patent or group of patents. We use all appropriate efforts to protect our brands and technology.
COMPETITION
As a fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) company, we are competing with a diverse set of competitors. Some of these operate on an international scale like ourselves, while others have a more regional or local focus. Our business model centres on building brands which consumers know, trust, like and buy in conscious preference to competitors’. Our brands command loyalty and affinity and deliver superior performance.
INFORMATION PRESENTED
Unless otherwise stated, share refers to value share. The market data and competitive set classifications are taken from independent industry sources in the markets in which Unilever operates.
IRAN-RELATED REQUIRED DISCLOSURE
Unilever operates in Iran through a non-US subsidiary. In 2014, sales in Iran were significantly less than one percent of Unilever’s worldwide turnover. This non-US subsidiary had €627,377 in gross revenues and €164,769 in net profits attributable to the sale of home, personal care and food products to superstores controlled by the Government of Iran or affiliated entities in 2014. In addition, we advertised our products on television networks that are owned by the Government of Iran or affiliated entities. Income, payroll and other taxes, duties and fees (including for utilities) were payable to the Government of Iran and affiliated entities in connection with our operations. Our non-US subsidiary maintains bank accounts in Iran with various banks to facilitate our business in the country and make any required payments to the Government of Iran and affiliated entities. One of the financial institutions used by our non-US subsidiary is Bank Melli, an entity identified on the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control in the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The account maintained by our non-US subsidiary with Bank Melli was opened in 2014 in order to comply with a requirement that any value added tax collected from customers within Iran is paid to the Iranian tax authorities through an account maintained within Bank Melli. Our activities in Iran comply in all material respects with applicable laws and regulations, including US and other international trade sanctions, and we plan to continue these activities.
C. ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
The information set forth under the heading ‘Note 27 Principal group companies and non-current investments’ on pages 129 and 130 of the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts 2014 furnished separately on 6 March 2015 under Form 6-K is incorporated by reference.
D. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
We have interests in properties in most of the countries where there are Unilever operations. However, none is material in the context of the Group as a whole. The properties are used predominantly to house production and distribution activities and as offices. There is a mixture of leased and owned property throughout the Group. We are not aware of any environmental issues affecting the properties which would have a material impact upon the Group, and there are no material encumbrances on our properties. Any difference between the market value of properties held by the Group and the amount at which they are included in the balance sheet is not significant. We believe our existing facilities are satisfactory for our current business and we currently have no plans to construct new facilities or expand or improve our current facilities in a manner that is material to the Group.
ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
A. OPERATING RESULTS
Please refer also to ‘Outlook’ within Item 5D of this report.
FINANCIAL REVIEW 2013
BASIS OF REPORTING
The information set forth under the heading ‘Consolidated income statement’ on page 31 of the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts 2014 furnished separately on 6 March 2015 under Form 6-K is incorporated by reference.
GROUP RESULTS AND EARNINGS PER SHARE
The following discussion summarises the results of the Group during the years 2013 and 2012. The figures quoted are in euros, at current rates of exchange, being the average rates applying in each period as applicable, unless otherwise stated. Information about exchange rates between the euro, pound sterling and US dollar is given on page 5 of this report.
In 2013 and 2012, no disposals qualified to be disclosed as discontinued operations for purposes of reporting.
Turnover (€ million)
Operating profit (€million)
Core operating profit (€million)
Profit before tax (€million)
Net profit (€ million)
Diluted earnings per share (€)
Core earnings per share (€)
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.
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.
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.
EXPENSES WHICH MATERIALLY IMPACTED OPERATING PROFIT IN 2013
Turnover declined by €1.5 billion, due mainly to net exchange rate movements (negative €3.2 billion impact). Despite the drop in absolute turnover, there was a 0.4 percentage point improvement in core operating margin, core operating profit was almost flat (negative €34 million), and operating profit was up by €540 million with the impact of profit on disposal of Skippy and Wishbone brands.
Core operating profit improvement in Personal Care (increased by€121 million) was offset by the decline in Foods (down by €151 million). Refreshments and Home Care were broadly flat.
Cost of raw and packaging materials and goods purchased for resale (material costs) decreased by €0.8 billion, driven primarily by the exchange rate depreciation of €1.3 billion, at constant exchange rates it was up by€0.5 billion. At constant rates, the gross total input costs (before savings and including material costs, distribution and supply chain indirects) increase of €1.1 billion was more than offset by price increase of €1.0 billion, and material costs savings of €1.0 billion during the year. Gross margin improved by 1.1 percentage point to 41.6%.
Staff costs were down by€0.1 billion. Salary inflation and higher share based payment costs were more than offset by the currency devaluation in emerging markets.
Brand and marketing investment increased by €0.5 billion at constant exchange rates as we continued to invest behind our brands. The increase at current exchange rates was €0.1 billion.
The impact of input costs and investment in our brands are discussed further in our segmental disclosures, which also provide additional details of the impact of brands, products and subcategories on driving top line growth.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL
REVIEW AND PROSPECTS CONTINUED
IMPACT OF COMMODITY COSTS ON GROSS MARGIN
During 2013, the Unilever Group faced cost inflation of over€1.1 billion. The Unilever Group actively mitigates the impact of cost inflation through a combination of price increases and costs savings to protect its margin. Hence, despite cost increases, the Unilever Group was able to improve its gross margin by 1.1 percentage points during 2013 at constant exchange rates. Specifically gross margin was protected in all four categories. Commodity costs were more stable than recent years increasing
PERSONAL CARE
KEY DEVELOPMENTS
REFRESHMENT
by around 4% in 2013. Our Foods category is impacted by vegetable oil prices and petrochemicals materially affect our Home Care category, where we have protected our margins in both categories. There are no other commodities that have a material impact.
Part of our commodity risk, principally vegetable oils and petrochemicals, is hedged using a combination of physical contracts as well as derivatives (futures and options).
FOODS
HOME CARE
NON-GAAP MEASURES
The information set forth under the heading ‘Non-GAAP measures’ on pages 34 and 35 of the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts 2014 furnished separately on 6 March 2015 under Form 6-K is incorporated by reference.
UNDERLYING SALES GROWTH (USG)
The reconciliation of USG to changes in the GAAP measure turnover is as follows:
TOTAL GROUP
vs 2012
vs 2011
Turnover growth (%)(a)
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 (i) the increase in turnover attributable to the volume of products sold; and (ii) the increase in turnover attributable to the composition of products sold during such period. UVG therefore excludes any impact on USG due to changes in prices.
The relationship between the two measures is set out below:
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. FCF 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.
The reconciliation of FCF to net profit is as follows:
€ million
Net finance cost
CORE OPERATING MARGIN AND CORE OPERATING PROFIT
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:
Acquisition and disposal related costs
Operating margin
Core operating margin
NET DEBT
The reconciliation of net debt to the GAAP measure of total financial liabilities is as follows:
Current financial liabilities
Non-current financial liabilities
Cash and cash equivalents as per cashflow statement
Bank overdrafts deducted therein
Current financial assets
ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS
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 in 2012.
The Group’s capital expenditure is mainly on purchase of property, plant and equipment as well as acquisition of group companies.
B. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
(I) INFORMATION REGARDING THE GROUP’S LIQUIDITY
Please refer also to ‘Contractual obligations at 31 December 2014’ on page 11 within Item 5F of this report
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. 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.
The information set forth under the heading ‘Note 16 Treasury risk management’ on pages 114 to 119 of the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts 2014 furnished separately on 6 March 2015 under Form 6-K is incorporated by reference.
(II) INFORMATION REGARDING THE TYPE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS USED, THE MATURITY PROFILE OF DEBT, CURRENCY AND INTEREST RATE STRUCTURE
Please also refer to ‘Information regarding the Group’s liquidity’ within Item 5B(I) of this report.
(III) INFORMATION REGARDING THE GROUP’S MATERIAL COMMITMENTS FOR CAPITAL EXPENDITURE
C. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, PATENTS AND LICENCES, ETC.
The information set forth under the heading ‘Innovation’ on page 8 and ‘Note 3 Gross profit and operating costs’ on page 92 and ‘Our Value Chain’ on page 9 of the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts 2014 furnished separately on 6 March 2015 under Form 6-K is incorporated by reference.
D. TREND INFORMATION
Please refer also to Item 3D ‘Risk factors’ on page 5 of this report.
OUTLOOK
We expect the economic pressures to continue. Consumer demand in emerging markets is likely to remain subdued for some time to come. There is still little sign of a recovery in Europe and while conditions in North America have improved, any increase in consumer demand is likely to be slow and shoppers will remain focused on value. We are also prepared for managing any continuing volatility on the world’s currency markets and for what could be fluctuations in commodity costs as a result of the reduction in oil prices. At the same time, we expect the levels of competitive activity – both from global competitors and, increasingly, from local players – to remain high in 2015. Despite these pressures, we are confident that with the many positive changes we have already made to Unilever we are well placed to continue delivering our objectives of volume growth ahead of our markets, steady and sustainable improvements in core operating margin and strong cash flow.
E. OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
F. TABULAR DISCLOSURE OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AT 31 DECEMBER 2014
Total
Due
within
1 year
Due in
1-3
years
3-5
over
5 years
Long-term debt
Interest on financial liabilities
Operating lease obligations
Purchase obligations(a)
Finance leases
Other long-term commitments
Unilever’s contractual obligations at the end of 2014 included capital expenditure commitments, borrowings, lease commitments and other commitments. A summary of certain contractual obligations at 31 December 2014 is provided in the preceding table.
G. SAFE HARBOUR
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 could 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 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 2014 and the Annual Report and Accounts 2014. 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.
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
A. DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT
(I) NAME, EXPERIENCE AND FUNCTIONS
(II) ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE THE ISSUING COMPANY
The information set forth under the headings ‘Board of Directors’ and ‘Unilever Leadership Executive (ULE)’ on pages 54 and 55 of the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts 2014 furnished separately on 6 March 2015 under Form 6-K is incorporated by reference.
(III) AGE
(IV) FAMILY RELATIONSHIP
There are no family relationships between any of our Executive Directors, members of the ULE or Non-Executive Directors.
(V) OTHER ARRANGEMENTS
The information set forth under the heading ‘Independence and Conflicts’ (second paragraph) on page 43 of the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts 2014 furnished separately on 6 March 2015 under Form 6-K is incorporated by reference.
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.
B. COMPENSATION
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT
AND EMPLOYEES CONTINUED
C. BOARD PRACTICES
SERVICE CONTRACTS
POLICY IN RELATION TO EXECUTIVE SERVICE CONTRACTS AND PAYMENTS IN THE EVENT OF LOSS OF OFFICE
PROVISION
NOTICE PERIOD
The intention is that the notice period for any new Executive Directors would reflect the above policy.
EXPIRY DATE
The service agreements are available to shareholders to view at the AGMs or on request from the Company Secretary.
TERMINATION PAYMENTS
If applicable, the Executive Director shall be credited with 12 months’ service for the purposes of any pension schemes based on length of service.
OTHER ELEMENTS
LEAVER PROVISIONS IN PLAN RULES
CHANGE OF CONTROL
Such circumstances include (but may not be limited to) a takeover or a merger of the Group.
INVESTMENT SHARES (MCIP)
• Investment shares are transferred in full upon termination (and are transferred to the personal representative of the Executive Director in the event of his or her death).
• Investment shares are transferred in full upon termination.
• Investment shares are transferred in full at the time of the change of control.
• Alternatively, participants may be required to exchange the investment shares for equivalent shares in the acquiring company in the event of a reorganisation of the Group.
MATCHING SHARES (MCIP) AND PERFORMANCE SHARES (GSIP)
• Awards will normally vest following the end of the original performance period, taking into account performance and pro-rated for time in employment (unless the Boards on the proposal of the Committee determine otherwise).
• Alternatively, the Boards may determine that awards shall vest upon termination based on performance at that time and pro-rated for time in employment (unless the Boards on the proposal of the Committee determine otherwise).
• Awards will normally lapse upon termination.
• In accordance with Dutch law, matching shares and performance shares are shares that are obtained as part of the Executive Director’s remuneration. Therefore, their value is frozen in a period for four weeks before an announcement of a public offer and four weeks after the conclusion of a public offer. Any increase in value in this period has to be reclaimed by Unilever from the Executive Director upon retirement or sale of these shares, if at that time the value of the shares is higher than the value four weeks before the announcement of the public offer.
• Awards will vest based on performance at the time of the change of control and the Boards, at the proposal of the Committee, have the discretion to pro-rate for time.
• Alternatively, participants may be required to exchange the awards for equivalent awards over shares in the acquiring company in the event of a reorganisation of the Group.
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 that any performance conditions have been met) and may be pro-rated to reflect the acceleration of vesting at the Committee’s discretion.
REMUNERATION COMMITTEE
The Remuneration Committee reviews the remuneration of the Executive and Non-Executive Directors and the tier of management directly below the Boards. It also has responsibility for the cash and executive and all employee share-based incentive plans and the leadership, development, remuneration policy and performance evaluation of the Unilever Leadership Executive and senior corporate executives.
D. EMPLOYEES
The average number of employees during 2014 included 8,980 seasonal and 25,358 plantation workers. We believe our relationship with our employees and any labour unions of which they may be part is satisfactory in all material respects.
E. SHARE OWNERSHIP
GLOBAL EMPLOYEE SHARE PLANS (SHARES)
In November 2014, Unilever’s new global employee plan ‘SHARES’ was launched in 17 countries. SHARES gives eligible Unilever employees below senior management level the opportunity to invest between EUR 25 and EUR 200 per month from their net salary in Unilever shares. For every three shares our employees buy (Investment Shares), Unilever will give them one free Match Share, which will vest if employees hold their Investment Shares for at least three years. The Matching Shares are not subject to any performance conditions. SHARES will be further rolled out globally in 2015. Executive Directors are not eligible to participate in SHARES. No SHARES awards have been made as of the date of this document.
NORTH AMERICAN SHARE PLANS
Unilever also maintains share plans for its North American employees that are governed by an umbrella plan referred to as the Unilever North America Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan. These plans are the North American equivalents of the GSIP, MCIP and SHARES plans. The rules governing these share plans are materially the same as the rules governing the GSIP, MCIP and SHARES plans, respectively. However, the plans contain non-competition and non-solicitation covenants and they are subject to US and Canadian employment and tax laws. The plans are administered by the North America Compensation Committee of Unilever United States Inc. and they are governed by New York law.
The foregoing description of the Unilever North America Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Unilever North America Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan, including all amendments thereto, filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Form S-8 filed with the SEC on 6 December 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
A. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS
The voting rights of the significant shareholders of NV and PLC are the same as for other holders of the class of share held by such significant shareholder.
The principal trading markets upon which Unilever shares are listed are Euronext Amsterdam for NV ordinary and preference shares and the depositary receipts of these NV ordinary and preference shares, and the London Stock Exchange for PLC ordinary shares. NV ordinary shares mainly trade in the form of depositary receipts for shares.
In the United States, NV New York Registry Shares and PLC American Depositary Receipts are traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (Deutsche Bank) acts for NV and PLC as issuer, transfer agent and, in respect of the PLC American Depositary Receipts, depositary.
There have not been any significant trading suspensions in the past three years.
At 25 February 2015 (the latest practicable date for inclusion in this report), there were 4,998 registered holders of NV New York Registry Shares and 1,007 registered holders of PLC American Depositary Receipts in the United States. We estimate that approximately 12% of NV’s ordinary shares were held in the United States (approximately 12% in 2013), while most holders of PLC ordinary shares are registered in the United Kingdom – approximately 98% in 2014 and in 2013.
NV and PLC are separate companies with separate stock exchange listings and different shareholders. Shareholders cannot convert or exchange the shares of one for shares of the other and the relative share prices on the various markets can, and do, fluctuate. Each NV ordinary share represents the same underlying economic interest in the Unilever Group as each PLC ordinary share (save for exchange rate fluctuations).
If you are a shareholder of NV, you have an interest in a Dutch legal entity, your dividends will be paid in euros (converted into US dollars if you have shares registered in the United States) and you may be subject to tax in the Netherlands. If you are a shareholder of PLC, your interest is in a UK legal entity, your dividends will be paid in sterling (converted into US dollars if you have American Depositary Receipts) and you may be subject to UK tax. Nevertheless, the Equalisation Agreement means that as a shareholder of either company you effectively have an interest in the whole of Unilever. On a going concern basis, you have largely equal rights over our combined net profit and capital reserves as shown in the consolidated accounts.
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS CONTINUED
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 any subsequent date result in a change of control of Unilever.
B. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The information set forth under the heading ‘Note 23 Related party transactions’ on page 127 of the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts 2014 furnished separately on 6 March 2015 under Form 6-K is incorporated by reference.
Transactions with related parties are conducted in accordance with agreed transfer pricing policies and include sales to joint ventures and associates. Other than those disclosed in the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts (and incorporated herein as above), there were no related party transactions that were material to the Group or to the related parties concerned that are required to be reported in 2014.
C. INTEREST OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
A. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Please refer also to Item 18 ‘Financial statements’ on page 22 to 28 of this report.
Also see ‘Dividend record’ on page 4 of this report.
B. SIGNIFICANT CHANGES
The information set forth in ‘Note 26 Events after the balance sheet date’ on page 128 of the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts 2014 furnished separately on 6 March 2015 under Form 6-K is incorporated by reference.
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING
A. OFFER AND LISTING DETAILS
Please refer to information given on page 13 under Item 7A ‘Major shareholders’.
SHARE PRICES AT 31 DECEMBER 2014
The share prices of the ordinary shares at the end of the year were as follows:
NV per €0.16 ordinary share in Amsterdam
NV per€0.16 ordinary share in New York
PLC per 31/9p ordinary share in London
PLC per 31/9p ordinary share in New York
MONTHLY HIGH AND LOW PRICES FOR THE MOST RECENT SIX MONTHS
NV per €0.16 ordinary share in Amsterdam (in €)
NV per €0.16 ordinary share in New York (in US $)
PLC per 31/9p ordinary share in London (in £)
PLC per 31/9p ordinary share in New York (in US $)
(a) Through 25 February 2015.
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTINGCONTINUED
QUARTERLY HIGH AND LOW PRICES FOR 2014 AND 2013
1st
Quarter
2nd
3rd
4th
ANNUAL HIGH AND LOW PRICES
B. PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
C. MARKETS
This information is set forth under the heading ‘The Unilever Group’ on page 1 of this report.
D. SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
E. DILUTION
F. EXPENSES OF THE ISSUE
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A. SHARE CAPITAL
B. ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
CONTINUED
DIRECTORS’ BORROWING POWERS
The borrowing powers of NV Directors on behalf of NV are not limited by NV’s Articles of Association. 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).
ALLOCATION OF PROFITS
Under NV’s Articles of Association, available profits are distributed first to 7% and 6% cumulative preference shareholders by a dividend of 7% and 6%, respectively, calculated on the basis of the original nominal value of one thousand Dutch guilders converted to euros at the official conversion rate. The remaining profits are distributed to ordinary shareholders in proportion to the nominal value of their holdings.
Distributable profits of PLC are paid first at the rate of 5% per year on the paid-up nominal capital of 31/9p of the ordinary shares, in a further such dividend and then at the rate of 6% per year on the paid-up nominal capital of the deferred stock of £100,000. The surplus is paid by way of a dividend on the ordinary shares.
LAPSE OF DISTRIBUTIONS
The right to cash and the proceeds of share distributions by NV lapses five and 20 years, respectively, after the first day the distribution was obtainable. Unclaimed amounts revert to NV. Any PLC dividend unclaimed after 12 years from the date of the declaration of the dividend reverts to PLC.
REDEMPTION PROVISIONS AND CAPITAL CALL
Under Dutch law, NV may only redeem treasury shares (including shares underlying depositary receipts) or shares whose terms permit redemption. Outstanding PLC ordinary shares and deferred shares cannot be redeemed. NV and PLC may make capital calls on money unpaid on shares and not payable on a fixed date. NV and PLC only issue fully paid shares.
MODIFICATION OF RIGHTS
Modifications to NV’s or PLC’s Articles of Association must be approved by a general meeting of shareholders. Any modification that prejudices the rights of 7% or 6% cumulative preference shareholders of NV must be approved by three quarters of votes cast (excluding treasury shares) at a meeting of affected holders. Modifications that prejudicially affect the rights and privileges of a class of PLC shareholders require the written consent of three quarters of the affected holders (excluding treasury shares) or a special resolution passed at a general meeting of the class at which at least two persons holding or representing at least one third of the paid-up capital (excluding treasury shares) must be present. Every shareholder is entitled to one vote per share held on a poll and may demand a poll vote. At any adjourned general meeting, present affected class holders may establish a quorum.
SINKING FUND AND CHANGE IN CONTROL
C. MATERIAL CONTRACTS
The descriptions of the foundation agreements set forth in the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts 2014 do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the Equalisation Agreement between Unilever N.V. and Unilever PLC, the Deed of Mutual Covenants and the Agreement for Mutual
Guarantees of Borrowing, including all amendments thereto, filed as Exhibits 4.1(a), 4.1(b) and 4(c), respectively, to this report, which are incorporated herein by reference.
D. EXCHANGE CONTROLS
Under the Dutch External Financial Relations Act of 25 March 1994, the Minister of Finance is authorised to issue regulations relating to financial transactions concerning the movement of capital to or from other countries with respect to direct investments, establishment, the performing of financial services, the admission of negotiable instruments or goods with respect to which regulations have been issued under the Import and Export Act in the interest of the international legal system or an arrangement relevant thereto. These regulations may contain a prohibition to perform any of the actions indicated in those regulations without a licence. To date, no regulations of this type, have been issued which are applicable to NV.
Other than certain economic sanctions which may be in place from time to time, there are currently no UK laws, decrees or regulations restricting the import or export of capital or affecting the remittance of dividends or other payments to holders of the company’s shares who are non-residents of the UK. Similarly, other than certain economic sanctions which may be in force from time to time, there are no limitations relating only to non-residents of the UK under English law or the company’s Articles of Association on the right to be a holder of, and to vote in respect of, the company’s shares.
E. TAXATION
TAXATION FOR US PERSONS HOLDING SHARES IN NV
The following notes are provided for guidance. US persons should consult their local tax advisers, particularly in connection with potential liability to pay US taxes on disposal, lifetime gift or bequest of their shares. A US person is a US individual citizen or resident, a corporation organised under the laws of the United States, or any other legal person subject to United States Federal Income Tax on its worldwide income.
TAXATION ON DIVIDENDS IN THE NETHERLANDS
As of 1 January 2007, dividends paid by companies in the Netherlands are in principle subject to dividend withholding tax of 15%. Where a shareholder is entitled to the benefits of the current Income Tax Convention (the Convention) concluded on 18 December 1992 between the United States and the Netherlands, when dividends are paid by NV to:
Where a United States person has a permanent establishment in the Netherlands, which has shares in NV forming part of its business property, dividends it receives on those shares are included in that establishment’s profit. They are subject to income tax or corporation tax in the Netherlands, as appropriate, and tax on dividends in the Netherlands will generally be applied at the full rate of 15% with, as appropriate, the possibility to claim a credit for that tax on dividends in the Netherlands against the income tax or corporation tax in the Netherlands. The net tax suffered may be treated as foreign income tax eligible for credit against shareholders’ United States income taxes.
The Convention provides, subject to certain conditions, for a complete exemption from, or refund of, Dutch dividend withholding tax if the beneficial owner is a qualified ‘Exempt Pension Trust’ as defined in Article 35 of the Convention or a qualified ‘Exempt Organisation’ as defined in Article 36 of the Convention. It is noted
that, subject to certain conditions, foreign (non-Dutch) tax exempt entities may also be entitled to a full refund of any Dutch dividend withholding tax suffered based on specific provisions in the Dividend Tax Act in the Netherlands. This tax refund opportunity under Dutch domestic tax law already applied to European Union and European Economic Area entities as of 1 January 2007 and has been extended as of 1 January 2012 to all foreign tax exempt entities including, if appropriate, United States tax exempt entities.
Under the Convention, qualifying United States organisations that are generally exempt from United States taxes and that are constituted and operated exclusively to administer or provide pension, retirement or other employee benefits may be exempt at source from withholding tax on dividends received from a Dutch corporation. A Competent Authority Agreement between the US and Dutch tax authorities on 6 August 2007, published in the US as Announcement 2007-75, 2007-2 Cumulative Bulletin 540, as amended by a Competent Authority Agreement published in the United States as Announcement 2010-26, 2010-1 Cumulative Bulletin 604, describes the eligibility of these US organisations for benefits under the Convention and procedures for claiming these benefits.
Under the Convention, a United States trust, company or organisation that is operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, educational or public purposes is subject to an initial 15% withholding tax rate. Such an exempt organisation may be entitled to reclaim from tax authorities in the Netherlands a refund of the Dutch dividend tax, if and to the extent that it is exempt from United States Federal Income Tax and it would be exempt from tax in the Netherlands if it were organised and carried on all its activities there.
If you are an NV shareholder resident in any country other than the United States or the Netherlands, any exemption from, or reduction or refund of, dividend withholding tax in the Netherlands may be governed by specific provisions in Dutch tax law, the ‘Tax Regulation for the Kingdom of the Netherlands’, or by the tax convention or any other agreement for the avoidance of double taxation, if any, between the Netherlands and your country of residence.
UNITED STATES TAXATION ON DIVIDENDS
If you are a United States person, the dividend (including the withheld amount) up to the amount of NV earnings and profits for United States Federal Income Tax purposes will be ordinary dividend income. Dividends received by an individual will be taxed at a maximum rate of 15% or 20%, depending on the income level of the individual, provided the individual has held the shares for more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date, that NV is a qualified foreign corporation and that certain other conditions are satisfied. NV is a qualified foreign corporation for this purpose. In addition, an additional tax of 3.8% will apply to dividends and other investment income received by individuals with incomes exceeding certain thresholds. The dividends are not eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to corporations.
For US foreign tax credit purposes, the dividend is foreign source income, and withholding tax in the Netherlands is a foreign income tax that is eligible for credit against the shareholder’s United States income taxes. However, the rules governing the US foreign tax credit are complex, and additional limitations on the credit apply to individuals receiving dividends eligible for the maximum tax rate on dividends described above.
Any portion of the dividend that exceeds NV’s United States earnings and profits is subject to different rules. This portion is a tax-free return of capital to the extent of your basis in NV’s shares, and thereafter is treated as a gain on a disposition of the shares.
Under a provision of the Dividend Tax Act in the Netherlands and provided certain conditions are satisfied, NV is entitled to a credit (up to a maximum of 3% of the gross dividend from which dividend tax is withheld) against the amount of dividend tax withheld before remittance to tax authorities in the Netherlands. The United States tax authority may take the position that withholding tax in the Netherlands eligible for credit should be limited accordingly.
DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS FOR US INDIVIDUAL HOLDERS
US individuals that hold certain specified foreign financial assets, including stock in a foreign corporation, with values in excess of certain thresholds are required to file Form 8938 with their United States Federal Income Tax return. Such Form requires disclosure of information concerning such foreign assets, including the value of the assets. Failure to file the form when required is subject to penalties. An exemption from reporting applies to foreign assets held through a US financial institution, generally including a non-US branch or subsidiary of a US institution and a US branch of a non-US institution. Investors are encouraged to consult with their own tax advisors regarding the possible application of this disclosure requirement to their investment in the shares.
TAXATION ON CAPITAL GAINS IN THE NETHERLANDS
Under the Convention, if you are a United States person and you have capital gains on the sale of shares of a Dutch company, these are generally not subject to taxation by the Netherlands. An exception to this rule generally applies if you have a permanent establishment in the Netherlands and the capital gain is derived from the sale of shares which form part of that permanent establishment’s business property.
SUCCESSION DUTY AND GIFT TAXES IN THE NETHERLANDS
Under the Estate and Inheritance Tax Convention between the United States and the Netherlands of 15 July 1969, individual US persons who are not Dutch citizens who have shares will generally not be subject to succession duty in the Netherlands on the individual’s death, unless the shares are part of the business property of a permanent establishment situated in the Netherlands.
A gift of shares of a Dutch company by a person who is not a resident or a deemed resident of the Netherlands is generally not subject to gift tax in the Netherlands. A non-resident Netherlands citizen, however, is still treated as a resident of the Netherlands for gift tax purposes for ten years and any other non-resident person for one year after leaving the Netherlands.
TAXATION FOR US PERSONS HOLDING SHARES OR ADSS IN PLC
The following notes are provided for guidance. US persons should consult their local tax advisers, particularly in connection with potential liability to pay US taxes on disposal, lifetime gift or bequest of their shares or American Depositary Shares (ADSs). A US person is a US individual citizen or resident, a corporation organised under the laws of the United States, or any other legal person subject to United States Federal Income Tax on its worldwide income.
UNITED KINGDOM TAXATION ON DIVIDENDS
Under United Kingdom law, income tax is not withheld from dividends paid by United Kingdom companies. Shareholders, whether resident in the United Kingdom or not, receive the full amount of the dividend actually declared.
If you are a US person, the dividend up to the amount of PLC’s earnings and profits for United States Federal Income Tax purposes will be ordinary dividend income. Dividends received by an individual will be taxed at a maximum rate of 15% or 20%, depending on the income level of the individual, provided the individual has held the shares or ADSs for more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date, that PLC is a qualified foreign corporation and certain other conditions are satisfied. PLC is a qualified foreign corporation for this purpose. In addition, an additional tax of 3.8% will apply to dividends and other investment income received by individuals with incomes exceeding
certain thresholds. The dividend is not eligible for the dividends received deduction allowable to corporations. The dividend is foreign source income for US foreign tax credit purposes. Any portion of the dividend that exceeds PLC’s United States earnings and profits is subject to different rules. This portion is a tax-free return of capital to the extent of your basis in PLC’s shares or ADSs, and thereafter is treated as a gain on a disposition of the shares or ADSs.
US individuals that hold certain specified foreign financial assets, including stock in a foreign corporation, with values in excess of certain thresholds are required to file Form 8938 with their United States Federal Income Tax return. Such Form requires disclosure of information concerning such foreign assets, including the value of the assets. Failure to file the form when required is subject to penalties. An exemption from reporting applies to foreign assets held through a US financial institution, generally including a non-US branch or subsidiary of a US institution and a US branch of a non-US institution. Investors are encouraged to consult with their own tax advisors regarding the possible application of this disclosure requirement to their investment in the shares or ADSs.
UK TAXATION ON CAPITAL GAINS
Under United Kingdom law, when you sell shares you may be liable to pay capital gains tax. However, if you are either:
you will generally not be liable to United Kingdom tax on any capital gains made on disposal of your shares.
Two exceptions are: if the shares are held in connection with a trade or business which is conducted in the United Kingdom through a branch, agency or permanent establishment; and if the shares are held by an individual who becomes resident in the UK having left the UK for a period of non-residence of less than five years and who was resident for at least four of the seven tax years prior to leaving the UK.
UK INHERITANCE TAX
Under the current estate and gift tax convention between the United States and the United Kingdom, ordinary shares held by an individual shareholder who is:
will generally not be subject to United Kingdom inheritance tax:
An exception is if the shares are part of the business property of a permanent establishment of the individual in the United Kingdom or, in the case of a shareholder who performs independent personal services, pertain to a fixed base situated in the United Kingdom.
F. DIVIDENDS AND PAYING AGENTS
G. STATEMENT BY EXPERTS
H. DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY
The information set forth under the headings ‘Contact details’ and ‘Publications’ on page 40 of the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts 2014 furnished separately on 6 March 2015 under Form 6-K is incorporated by reference.
UNILEVER ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 20-F 2014
Filed with the SEC on the SEC’s website. Printed copies are available, free of charge, upon request to Unilever PLC, Investor Relations department, 100 Victoria Embankment, London, EC4Y 0DY, United Kingdom.
DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY IN THE UNITED STATES
Unilever files and furnishes reports and information with the United States SEC. Such reports and information can be inspected and copied at the SEC’s public reference facilities in Washington DC, Chicago and New York. Certain of our reports and other information that we file or furnish to the SEC are also available to the public over the internet on the SEC’s website.
I. SUBSIDIARY INFORMATION
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Please refer also to Item 3D ‘Risk Factors’ of this report.
Please also refer to ‘Outlook’ within Item 5D of this report.
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
Deutsche Bank serves as both the transfer agent and registrar pursuant to the NV New York Registered Share Program and the depositary (Depositary) for PLC’s American Depositary Receipt Program, having replaced Citibank, N.A. (Citibank) on 1 July 2014.
A. DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
B. DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS AND RIGHTS
C. DESCRIPTION OF OTHER SECURITIES
D.1 NAME OF DEPOSITARY AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE
D.2 TITLE OF ADRS AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PROVISIONS
D.3 TRANSFER AGENT FEES AND CHARGES FOR NV
Although Items 12.D.3 and 12.D.4 are not applicable to Unilever N.V. the following fees, charges and transfer agent payments are listed, as any fee arrangement with Deutsche Bank will cover both programs.
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES CONTINUED
Under the terms of the Transfer Agent Agreement for the Unilever N.V. New York Registered Share program, a New York Share (NYS) holder may have to pay the following service fees to the transfer agent:
An NYS holder will also be responsible to pay certain fees and expenses incurred by the transfer agent and certain taxes and governmental charges such as:
Transfer agent fees payable upon the issuance and cancellation of NYSs are typically paid to the transfer agent by the brokers (on behalf of their clients) receiving the newly-issued NYSs from the transfer agent and by the brokers (on behalf of their clients) delivering the NYSs to the transfer agent for cancellation. The brokers in turn charge these transaction fees to their clients.
Note that the fees and charges an investor may be required to pay may vary over time and may be changed by us and by the transfer agent. Notice of any changes will be given to investors.
D.3 DEPOSITARY FEES AND CHARGES FOR PLC
Under the terms of the Deposit Agreement for the Unilever PLC American Depositary Shares (ADSs), an ADS holder may have to pay the following service fees to the depositary bank:
An ADS holder will also be responsible to pay certain fees and expenses incurred by the depositary bank and certain taxes and governmental charges such as:
Depositary fees payable upon the issuance and cancellation of ADSs are typically paid to the depositary bank by the brokers (on behalf of their clients) receiving the newly-issued ADSs from the depositary bank and by the brokers (on behalf of their clients) delivering the ADSs to the depositary bank for cancellation. The brokers in turn charge these transaction fees to their clients.
Note that the fees and charges an investor may be required to pay may vary over time and may be changed by us and by the depositary bank. Notice of any changes will be given to investors.
D.4 TRANSFER AGENT PAYMENTS – FISCAL YEAR 2014 FOR NV
In relation to 2014, NV will receive $612,500.00 from Deutsche Bank, the transfer agent and registrar for our New York Registered Share program since 1 July 2014, including the reimbursement of listing fees (NYSE), reimbursement of settlement infrastructure fees (including DTC feeds), reimbursement of proxy process expenses (printing, postage and distribution), tax reclaim services and program-related expenses (that include expenses incurred from the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002). Deutsche Bank also agreed to reimburse NV for up to $12,500 in legal fees associated with the cost of transition of the New York Registered Share Program.
In 2014, NV received $706,638.58 from Citibank, the transfer agent and registrar for our New York Registered Share Program. In 2014, Citibank further agreed to waive other program related expenses amounting to $75,000 associated with the administration of the program.
D.4 DEPOSITARY PAYMENTS – FISCAL YEAR 2014 FOR PLC
In relation to 2014, PLC will receive $2,025,113.37 from Deutsche Bank, the depositary bank for our American Depositary Receipt Program since 1 July 2014, including processing of cash distributions, reimbursement of listing fees (NYSE), reimbursement of settlement infrastructure fees (including DTC feeds), reimbursement of proxy process expenses (printing, postage and distribution), dividend fees and program related expenses (that include expenses incurred from the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002). Deutsche Bank also agreed to reimburse PLC for up to $12,500 in legal fees associated with the cost of transition of the American Depositary Receipt Program.
In 2014, PLC received $661,132.66 from Citibank, the depositary bank for our American Depositary Receipt Program. In 2014, Citibank further agreed to waive other ADS program related expenses amounting to $75,000 associated with the administration of the program.
ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
A. DEFAULTS
There has been no material default in the payment of principal, interest, a sinking or purchase fund instalment or any other material default relating to indebtedness of the Group.
B. DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
There have been no arrears in payment of dividends on, and material delinquency with respect to, any class of preferred stock of any significant subsidiary of the Group.
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Please refer to Item 12 on pages 18 and 19 of this report.
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
The information set forth under the headings ‘Report of independent registered public accounting firm’ in Item 18 on page 22 of this report, and ‘Our risk appetite and approach to risk management’ on page 49, ‘The United States’ on page 48 and ‘Risk management and internal control arrangements’ on page 57 of the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts 2014 furnished separately on 6 March 2015 under Form 6-K is incorporated by reference.
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
In accordance with the requirements of Section 404 of the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the following report is provided by management in respect of the Group’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in rule 13a–15(f) or rule 15d–15(f) under the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934):
ITEM 16. RESERVED
ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
The information set forth under the heading ‘Report of the Audit Committee’ on pages 56 and 57 of the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts 2014 furnished separately on 6 March 2015 under Form 6-K is incorporated by reference.
ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS
ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information set forth under the heading ‘Report of the Audit Committee’ on pages 56 to 57 of the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts 2014 furnished separately on 6 March 2015 under Form 6-K is incorporated by reference.
Following a competitive tender process KPMG LLP and KPMG Accountants N.V. (together referred to as ‘KPMG’) were appointed as the Group’s auditors for the year ended 31 December 2014 at the Annual General Meeting on 14 May 2014. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers Accountants N.V. (together referred to as ‘PricewaterhouseCoopers’) served as Group auditor for the years ended 31 December 2013 and 2012. Remuneration of the Group’s auditor in respect of 2014 was payable to KPMG while in respect of 2013 and 2012 it was payable to PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Audit fees(a)
Audit-related fees(b)
Tax fees
All other fees
ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
SHARE PURCHASES DURING 2014
The information set forth under the heading ‘Our shares’ on pages 43 and 44 of the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts 2014 furnished separately on 6 March 2015 under Form 6-K is incorporated by reference.
January
February(a)
March(a)
April
May (a)
June (a)
July (a)
August (a)
September (a)
October
November
December
Between 31 December 2014 and 25 February 2015 (the latest practicable date for inclusion in this report) Unilever N.V. purchased 24,212 NV Shares with an average price of euro 37.54 per share to facilitate grants in connection with its employee compensation programs.
ITEM 16F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
In 2013 we conducted a tender process for the Unilever Group’s statutory audit contract. The change in auditors was made in order to remain at the forefront of good governance and in recognition of regulatory changes in Europe and elsewhere. Accordingly, the engagement of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers Accountants N.V. (together, ‘PricewaterhouseCoopers’), was not renewed in 2014. As a result of the audit tender process we announced on 2 December 2013 that following, completion of the audit of the Unilever Group financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 and the audit of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of 31 December 2013, KPMG LLP and KPMG Accountants N.V. (together, ‘KPMG’) would become Unilever’s statutory auditor, following approval by shareholders at the 2014 Annual General Meeting of Unilever PLC and Unilever N.V. The approval for this was delegated by the Board to a Board Committee comprising the Chairman, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chairman of the Audit Committee and the Vice-Chairman/Senior Independent Director.
During the two years prior to 31 December 2014, (i) PricewaterhouseCoopers has not issued any reports on the financial statements of the Unilever Group or on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting that contained an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, nor were the auditors’ reports of PricewaterhouseCoopers qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles, (ii) there has not been any disagreement over any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedures, which disagreements if not resolved to PricewaterhouseCoopers’ satisfaction would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreement in connection with its auditors’ reports, or any ‘reportable event’ as described in Item 16F(a)(1)(v) of Form 20-F.
Further in the two years prior to 31 December 2014 we have not consulted with KPMG regarding either (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered with respect to the consolidated financial statements of the Unilever Group; or (ii) any matter that was the subject of a disagreement as that term is used in Item 16F(a)(1)(iv) of Form 20-F or a ‘reportable event’ as described in Item 16F(a)(1)(v) of Form 20-F.
ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information set forth under the heading ‘Corporate governance’ on pages 41 to 48 of the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts 2014 furnished separately on 6 March 2015 under Form 6-K is incorporated by reference.
ITEM 16H. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Unilever has responded to Item 18 in lieu of this item.
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The information set forth under the heading ‘Financial statements’ on page 78 and pages 84 to 130 of the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts 2014 furnished separately on 6 March 2015 under Form 6-K is incorporated by reference.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRMS
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Unilever Group as of 31 December 2014 and the related consolidated income statement, consolidated statement of comprehensive income, consolidated statement of changes in equity, and consolidated cash flow statement for the year ended 31 December 2014 on pages 84 to 130 of Unilever Group’s Annual Report and Accounts (excluding note 25 on page 128) and the Guarantor financial information included in Item 18 of this Form 20-F (hereafter referred to as Consolidated Financial Statements). We also have audited Unilever Group’s internal control over financial reporting as of 31 December 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Unilever Group’s management is responsible for these Consolidated Financial Statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in Item 15 of this Form 20-F. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these Consolidated Financial Statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the Consolidated Financial Statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the Consolidated Financial Statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the Consolidated Financial Statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorisations of management and Directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorised acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Consolidated Financial Statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Unilever Group as of 31 December 2014, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended 31 December 2014, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and in conformity with IFRS as adopted by the European Union. Also in our opinion, Unilever Group maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of 31 December 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
To the Directors and shareholders
In our opinion, the consolidated income statements and the related consolidated balance sheets, consolidated cash flow statements, consolidated statements of comprehensive income and consolidated statements of changes in equity set forth under the heading ‘Financial Statements’ on pages 84 to 130 (excluding Note 25 on page 128) of Unilever Group’s Annual Report and Accounts 2014 and the Guarantor financial information included in Item 18 of this Form 20-F present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Unilever Group at 31 December 2013, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended 31 December 2013, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and in conformity with IFRS as adopted by the European Union. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
GUARANTOR STATEMENTS (AUDITED)
On 30 September 2014, NV and Unilever Capital Corporation (UCC) filed a US Shelf registration, which is unconditionally and fully guaranteed, jointly and severally, by NV, PLC and Unilever United States, Inc. (UNUS) and that superseded the NV and UCC US Shelf registration filed on 1 November 2011, which was unconditionally and fully guaranteed, jointly and severally, by NV, PLC and UNUS. UCC and UNUS are each indirectly 100% owned by the Unilever parent entities (as defined below). Of the US Shelf registration, US $5.0 billion of Notes were outstanding at 31 December 2014 (2013: US $5.8 billion; 2012: US $5.0 billion) with coupons ranging from 0.45% to 5.9%. These Notes are repayable between 30 July 2015 and 15 November 2032.
Provided below are the income statements, cash flow statements and balance sheets of each of the companies discussed above, together with the income statement, cash flow statement and balance sheet of non-guarantor subsidiaries. These have been prepared under the historical cost convention and, aside from the basis of accounting for investments at net asset value (equity accounting), comply in all material respects with International Financial Reporting Standards. The financial information in respect of NV, PLC and UNUS has been prepared with all subsidiaries accounted for on an equity basis. Information on NV and PLC is shown collectively as Unilever parent entities. The financial information in respect of the non-guarantor subsidiaries has been prepared on a consolidated basis.
We have revised the presentation of certain items within the income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statement with a view to making the information provided easier to understand and more accessible to the users of the guarantor statements. The revisions primarily consist of:
Where appropriate, such as if material events or transactions occur in the period, we will provide additional detail in footnotes to the guarantor statements. We have reflected these revisions retrospectively they are not individually or collectively material to the financial statements taken as a whole.
Income statement
for the year ended 31 December 2014
parententities
Pensions and similar obligations
Other income
Net profit before subsidiaries
Equity earnings of subsidiaries
Total comprehensive income
for the year ended 31 December 2013
States Inc.subsidiaryguarantor
Figures have been changed to conform to the current year presentation. Such revisions are not considered material to the financial statements taken as a whole.
for the year ended 31 December 2012
States Inc.
subsidiaryguarantor
Assets
Goodwill and intangible assets
Deferred tax assets
Other non-current assets
Amounts due from group companies
Net assets of subsidiaries (equity accounted)
Trade and other current receivables
Current tax assets
Other current assets
Liabilities
Financial liabilities
Amounts due to group companies
Trade payables and other current liabilities
Current tax liabilities
Other current liabilities
Pensions and post-retirement healthcare liabilities
Funded schemes in deficit
Unfunded schemes
Other non-current liabilities
Cash flow statement
CapitalCorporationsubsidiary
issuer
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS
Please refer to the exhibit list located immediately following the signature page for this Form 20-F as filed with the SEC.
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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.
Date: 6 March 2015
UNILEVER PLC — 20-F EXHIBIT LIST
Exhibit Number
Description of Exhibit
Certain instruments which define rights of holders of long-term debt of the Company and its subsidiaries are not being filed because the total amount of securities authorized under each such instrument does not exceed 10% of the total consolidated assets of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company and its subsidiaries hereby agree to furnish a copy of each such instrument to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.