Unilever reports solid start to 2017 business year

Unilever has announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2017, during which it generated a turnover total of 13.3 billion euros (11.16 billion pounds).

This represented a year-on-year increase of 6.1 percent, with underlying sales growth of 2.9 percent and a positive currency impact of 2.4 percent pushing this total up compared to the opening months of last year.

Its personal care division was a strong performer, thanks to the introduction of products such as the Signal White Now Care Correction teeth whitening range, Baby Dove lotion and Lifebuoy germ protection offering in key markets.

Continued growth in deodorants was also seen, with the company's hair care range and prestige business also seeing a positive performance.

For the full year, Unilever expects another year of underlying sales growth ahead of its markets, with results within the three to five percent range. It has also raised its dividend by 12 percent, reflecting the confidence it has in this outlook.

Paul Polman, chief executive officer of Unilever, said: "The change programme Connected for Growth, which we started implementing in the autumn last year, is clearly bearing fruit and is making Unilever more agile and closer to the local markets, unlocking both further growth and margin."

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