Unilever PLC shares ended Friday's trading session unchanged at 5,250 pence, following a day of moderate activity with approximately 3.2 million shares changing hands. The stock fluctuated between 5,210 and 5,298 pence during the session.
First Results Since Major Restructuring
The consumer goods giant is scheduled to release its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 financial results on February 12. This report marks the company's first earnings announcement since completing the separation of its ice cream business, a move that complicates year-over-year performance comparisons.
Analysts anticipate total sales to decline approximately 11% to around €54.2 billion, primarily reflecting the divestiture. However, market attention will focus on underlying metrics, particularly whether Unilever can demonstrate growth through volume increases rather than price adjustments alone.
Key Metrics Under Scrutiny
In its recent guidance, Unilever projected full-year 2025 underlying sales growth between 3% and 5%. The company also indicated fourth-quarter volume growth should at least match the third quarter's 1.7% rate and forecast second-half underlying operating margins of at least 19.5%.
"The more significant element will be management's outlook for 2026," noted Aarin Chiekrie, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown. He highlighted Unilever's medium-term target for underlying sales growth of 4% to 6% and the importance of continued investment in advertising and brand development.
Investors will also monitor progress on cost-saving initiatives, pricing strategy adjustments, and demand trends across emerging versus developed markets. The company's ability to generate cash returns from its streamlined structure remains another focal point.
Chief Executive Fernando Fernandez is expected to provide further context during a scheduled webcast at 0800 UK time on results day, followed by a presentation at the CAGNY conference on February 17.