The ratings on the Unilever group reflect its superior business profile as one of the world's largest and most diversified group of combined companies in the consumer products sector, and its moderate financial policy. These factors are balanced by the group's exposure to the mature and very competitive European market. U.K.-based Unilever PLC and Netherlands-based Unilever N.V. are the joint parent companies of the Unilever group of companies (Unilever). The group is analyzed on a consolidated basis. In the year to June 2004, Unilever had group sales of €42.2 billion ($51.9 billion). Foods accounted for 56% of the group's turnover and 57% of its operating profit (before restructuring, exceptionals, and amortization), with the group leading global markets in various categories
