Unilever Project

Contents Section 1 Introduction 3 1.1 Introduction to the topic 3 1.2 Introduction to UNILEVER 4 1.3 Project objectives 5 1.4 Research Questions 5 1.5 Research approach 6 Section 2 Information Gathering 7 2.1 Sources used and reasons 7 2.2 Description of method used to collect information 8 2.3 Limitation of gathering information 9 2.4 Ethical Issues 9 2.5 Ratio Analysis 10 2.5(a) Limitation of ratio analysis 11 2.6 SWOT analysis 13 2.6(a) Limitations of SWOT analysis 13 2.7 PEST analysis 13 2.7(a) Limitations of PEST analysis 13 Section 3 Business Performance Analysis 15 Polyester 15 Soda Ash 16 3.1 Major Developments 19 3.2 Competitive Position of UNILEVER. 20 3.3 Future Outlook 20 Section 4 Financial Performance Analysis 22 4.1 Sale Revenue Growth 22 4.2 Comparison of Sale to Cost of Sale 23 4.3 Profitability Ratios 23 4.3(a) Gross Profit Margin: 24 4.3(b) Net Profit margin 24 4.3(c) Operating Profit Margin: 24 4.3(d) Return on Capital Employed & Return on Equity 25 4.4 Efficiency Ratios: 26 4.4(a) Account Payables Days: 26 4.4(b) Account Receivable Days: 26 4.5 Liquidity Ratios 28 4.5(a) Current Ratio: 28 4.5(b) Quick Ratio: 29 4.6 Gearing Ratios: 30 4.6(a) Capital Gearing Ratio: 30 4.6(b) Dividend per share vs. Earning per share 31 4.6(c) Dividend Cover Ratio :( In Times) 32 4.7 SWOT Analysis 33 Strengths 33 Weaknesses 33 Opportunities 33 Threats 34 4.8 PEST Analysis 35 Political and legal analysis 35 Economic analysis 35 Societal Analysis 36 Technological Analysis 36 Section 5 - Conclusion and Recommendations 37 5.1 Recommended Strategies 37 Backward Integration 37 Acquisition 37 5.1(a) Implementation Plan 38 Section 6 - Appendices 39
Appendix 6.1 - Ratios Findings 39

Section 1- Introduction Phase 1.1 Introduction to my research topic
After being eligible for BSC honours programme, my first step towards the research and analysis