Unilever underlying sales rise 2.9%

Unilever PLC said Thursday that in the third quarter underlying sales growth grew 2.9%, benefiting from higher volume and price.

The Anglo-Dutch company , whose brands include Dove soap and Magnum ice cream, said turnover was 13.3 billion euros ($14.7 billion) in the third quarter compared with EUR12.5 million the same period in the prior year.

Its beauty and personal-care, as well as its home-care segment rose 7% and 7.7% respectively, while its food-and-refreshment segment grew 3.5% in the quarter.

The board has declared a quarterly dividend of 35.76 pence.

"For the full year, we continue to expect underlying sales growth to be in the lower half of our multi-year 3-5% range, an improvement in underlying operating margin that keeps us on track for the 2020 target and another year of strong free cash flow," Chief Executive Alan Jope said.