PT Unilever Indonesia, Tbk. Grew its Business by 19.2% in 2011

Jakarta, 29 May 2012 - PT Unilever Indonesia again achieved satisfactory results in 2011. Turnover reached Rp 23.5 trillion, an increase of 19.2% from 2010. Operating income was Rp 5.5 trillion, with operating margin of 23.2%, while net cash flow increased 50.9% to Rp 5.5. trillion. In the Company’s Annual General Shareholders’ Meeting held in Jakarta (29/5) it was agreed that Company would distribute final dividend for the accounting year end on 31 December 2011 in the amount of Rp 296 per share or in total Rp 2.3 trillion. Therefore, combined with the interim dividend which had been distributed in December 2011, the total dividend which would be received by the shareholders would be amounted to Rp 546 per share or in total Rp 4.2 trillion (100% payout).

President Director Maurits Lalisang said, ”2011 turned out to be a great year for Unilever Indonesia. After the relatively weak consumer market in 2010, we saw a steady improvement in consumer confidence over the course of the year; and in particular resurgence of Indonesia’s rapidly growing middle class. We were, however, confronted by escalating prices of two critical commodities, crude oil and vegetable oil, alongside intensifying and aggressive competition. Thanks to the innate strength at the core of our Company, a rigorous approach to costs and the depth of our portfolio, we pulled through to record a very satisfactory performance across all dimensions.”

Throughout the year the Company continued to execute a strategy that plays to its core strength: driving innovation and accelerating market development. 2011 saw a highly successful innovation-driven re-launches of several major Home & Personal care brands including Clear, Molto and Sunlight, as well as the introduction of a new skin care brand, Fair and Lovely, to cater to the needs of the mass market. The male grooming portfolio was also strengthened through Vaseline for Men brand.

“Unilever‘s strong capability in Research & Development globally provides us with excellent support in product innovations which will bring greater benefits to the consumers and ultimately add greater value to our business.”

Maurits Lalisang further explained that during the year the Company continued to invest heavily. “In 2011 we invested some Rp 1.7 trillion to increase our production capacity and to improve our distribution capability. Our total investment from 2010 to end 2012 will have reached around 350 million Euro, mainly to expand capacity in both manufacturing and distribution facilities.”

Unilever has ambitious plans for the long term growth of the Company. While the Company believe that their growth will generate lasting benefits for the national economy and the local economies that form the links in their supply chain, it has also been long realised that potential adverse impacts of such growth can not be ignored.

Company’s Director and Corporate Secretary Sancoyo Antarikso said, “In 2012, the common thread running through all our strategies will be an intensified focus on our sustainability agenda: Improving health and well-being, reducing the environmental impact of our products and sourcing raw materials sustainably. This agenda, articulated in the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, does not just make good social and environmental sense: it also makes good business sense. We have proved that by integrating sustainability into our brands and business, we are building a secure platform from which to create value going forward.”

To reinstate their belief that doing business sustainably is the only way to grow the business and the economy while protecting the environment and creating better life for the people, the Company will host a sustainability discussion on 4 June in Jakarta, featuring spokespersons representing the business community, the government, the media and independent organisations. The discussion was expected to trigger further talks and ultimately, real actions among the business community to seriously start implementing the principles of sustainability in along their value chain.

Finally, on 2012 outlook, Maurits Lalisang commented, “We look at 2012 with cautious optimism. We are faced with the issues of global economy, weakening Rupiah and consumer confidence which once again is showing a declining trend. However, we do have a strong plan for moving forward and the means to execute it; and we will work hard to bring the best products for our consumers by leveraging our excellence in innovations and optimizing the potential of our markets. We believe that our fundamental strength and the support of great talents within the organisation will continue enabling us to generate greater value for the Company in 2012.”