Unilever reports double-digit turnover growth for 2015

Unilever has announced its financial results for the 2015 business year, during which it achieved double-digit annual growth.

The company's turnover increased by ten percent during the year to 53.3 billion euros (40.5 billion pounds), including a positive currency impact of 5.9 percent, with underlying sales growth of 4.1 percent.

Its performance was ahead of the average growth of the markets in which Unilever operates, with the firm's operating margins, cash flow and earnings per share all rising during the period.

This was achieved despite slower global economic growth, intensifying geopolitical instability, and high currency and commodity volatility, with investments in key brands and expansion into new markets such as prestige personal care all having a positive impact.

However, Unilever expects continued challenges to arise from fragile consumer demand and weaknesses in emerging markets, particularly those dependent on oil and other commodity exports, and those where currency devaluation is pushing up the cost of living.

Unilever's chief executive officer Paul Polman said: "We are preparing ourselves for tougher market conditions and high volatility in 2016. Therefore it is vital that we drive agility and cost discipline across our business."