LONDON – Unilever reported its first-quarter profits increased 31 percent to 1.06 billion euros, or $1.46 billion, on sales that grew 6.7 percent to 10.14 billion euros, or $14.05 billion.
Dollar figures have been converted at average exchange rates for the three-month period ended March 31.
“We show strong momentum across all geographies with continued strengthening of our competitive position in line with our strategy,” stated Paul Polman, chief executive officer of the Anglo-Dutch consumer goods giant. “We will face a tougher environment as the year progresses, and thus it is more important than ever to stay focused on the consumer. Commodity costs will increase in the second half, economies remain sluggish and competitive intensity will remain high.”