Anglo-Dutch consumer products group Unilever today increased its top-brands sales forecast for 2002 and said it saw core earnings per share rising some 20 per cent.
Unilever, which makes Lipton teas and Dove soap, said it expected underlying sales of its leading brands to have grown 5.4 per cent in 2002, beating earlier guidance of 4.5-5 per cent growth.
The consumer goods giant said sales of its leading brands - along with savings, restructuring, lower interest and tax - would help its core earnings per share rise 20 per cent.
Unilever had previously predicted 2002 growth in the "high teens" in earnings before exceptional items and amortisation.
Unilever announced a sweeping reorganisation plan in 2000 to cut its brand portfolio to 400 leading products from 1,600 and to boost sales growth to 5.8 per cent and margins to 16-17 per cent by 2004.
Shares in Unilever, which will post 2002 earnings on February 13th, were up 1.6 per cent in Amsterdam and 1.12 per cent in London this morning.