Charts 1998 - 2008

Figures & trends

The charts give figures and trends for the years 1998 - 2008 expressed in graphical form including segmental information on sales and operating profits, financing ratios, capital and information related to our shares including market capitalisation and distribution of shares.

All graphs and tables in this document are based on the total business and are at average current exchange rates applicable in each year, except where otherwise stated.

From 1 January 2001, Unilever adopted the euro as its principal reporting currency. The sterling information for 2000 to 2008 and the US dollar information for all years is given solely for the convenience of readers and does not form part of the audited accounts of the Unilever Group.

The euro values for earlier years have been derived by converting values previously reported in guilders using the official conversion rate announced on 31 December 1998 of  €1.00 = Fl. 2.20371. In certain cases this resulted in a restatement of numbers previously shown in sterling or derived from sterling accounts.

Our accounting policies are based on International Financial Reporting Standards (lFRS)as adopted by the European Union (EU), and on United Kingdom and Dutch law. They are also in accordance with IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). Certain measures used in our reporting are not defined under IFRS. For further information about these measures, and the reasons why we believe they are important for an understanding of the performance of the business, please refer to our Annual Report and Accounts for 2008.

Charts 1998 - 2008