London - Consumer goods maker Unilever reported better-than-expected 2013 results on Tuesday, with an improved performance in emerging markets after currency devaluations earlier last year hurt demand.
The Anglo-Dutch maker of Ben & Jerry's ice cream, Lipton tea and Dove soap - which generates more than half its sales from developing and emerging markets - said core earnings were €1.58 per share, above analysts' average estimate of about €1.53 per share.
Turnover for the full year fell 3%, hit by foreign exchange rates and divestments. But underlying sales rose 4.3%, slightly ahead of analysts' expectations for a 4.2% gain.
In the fourth quarter, underlying sales rose 4.1%, fueled by 8.4% growth in emerging markets.
Chief financial officer Jean-Marc Huet cited contributions from equity stakes in other companies and a favorable tax rate in addition to growth.
No change in strategy
Unilever is not changing its strategy in emerging markets, its chief executive said, despite an economic slowdown last year that crimped consumer demand.
Growth in emerging markets remains well above that in developed markets, CEO Paul Polman said on a conference call.
Polman added that developed markets, which include the United States, have not seen any pick up in consumer demand despite improving economic indicators.