Strategy and performance

Beating the competition

Our financial figures speak for themselves. Year after year we have consistently delivered the fastest growth in our sector. In 2009, we yet again outperformed expectations in a tough economic climate. Since 2000 we have doubled net revenue and quadrupled market capitalisation. Over the past five years our shareholders have received a return of around 200%, against a market average of 22%.

Targeting growth

This is no accident. It’s the result of a clear, consistent and highly successful strategy. You’ll probably have already noticed that we focus heavily on markets with significant growth potential. For example, we invest heavily in the relatively new Automatic Dishwashing category rather than in the congested Laundry Detergent category. Instead of investing in generic soaps and cleansers we specialise in the fast-growing Young Skin Care category. Why? Because by seeking out fast growing categories where there is real consumer demand we can maximise both our returns and our growth.

Innovation - our winning formulas

Within these fast growing categories we invest disproportionately in our 17 Powerbrands. 14 of these 17 are now No.1 or No.2 worldwide. We top the league for our rate of product innovation - nearly 40% of revenue comes from innovations launched in the last three years. That’s helped us achieve like-for-like revenue growth of around 7% every year - at the top end of the industry. In fact, since 2000 we have consistently outperformed our industry peer group.

Eliminating waste

Even this isn’t enough for us however. We continue to work relentlessly on our margins, always looking for ways to manage costs. It makes a real difference - enabling us to turn an average sales growth of 7% into a 17% growth in profits over the past five years.

Our future success, just like our success so far, will depend on the commercial drive, ingenuity and ambition of our people. If you think you can deliver results as good as these or better, we invite you to join us.