Unilever PLC

Latest Results (15.07.2026):

Unilever PLC — First Quarter 2026: Volume‑led underlying sales growth of 3.8% (2.9% volume, 0.9% price) drove momentum across Power Brands and emerging markets, but reported turnover was €12.6bn, down (3.3)% versus Q1 2025 as a c. (7.7)% currency headwind more than offset positive underlying performance. The company reconfirmed its full‑year 2026 outlook and announced progress on its portfolio strategy, capital returns and productivity plans.

Key figures

Group underlying sales growth (USG) +3.8% (UVG +2.9%, UPG +0.9%). Turnover €12.6bn, down (3.3)% YoY due to (7.7)% currency impact. Power Brands: USG +5.0% with volume +4.0%.

Business group performance

Home Care strongest: USG +6.1% (volume +6.2%). Beauty & Wellbeing USG +3.6% (vol +1.9%, price +1.6%) with Dove and Vaseline leading. Personal Care USG +3.7% (vol +1.1%, price +2.5%). Foods USG +2.2% (vol +2.4%, price (0.2)%); Hellmann’s and Unilever Food Solutions improved.

Regional trends

Emerging markets: USG +5.7% (volume +4.2%), led by India (+7%) and recovery in Latin America. Asia Pacific & Africa USG +5.9% (vol +5.0%). Developed markets modest: USG +1.0% (vol +0.9%), Europe down (0.9)%.

Capital allocation & shareholder returns

Quarterly interim dividend Q1 2026: €0.4664 per Unilever PLC share (up 3% vs Q1 2025). A €1.5bn share buyback commences immediately, expected to complete on or before 6 July 2026; management also references capacity for ~€6bn of buybacks 2026–2029 in connection with the Foods combination.

Unilever Foods – McCormick combination

Announced March 2026: proposed combination of Unilever’s Foods business with McCormick (exclusions apply). Targeted run‑rate synergies ~$600m plus $100m incremental synergies to be reinvested. Expected completion by mid‑2027 (subject to approvals); estimated stranded costs €400–500m and one‑off restructuring ~€500m over 2027–29.

Productivity & outlook

Productivity programme on track: €750m of €800m target delivered by end Q1 2026. Full‑year 2026 outlook reconfirmed: underlying sales growth expected at the bottom end of the multi‑year 4–6% range, at least 2% underlying volume growth, and a modest improvement in underlying operating margin versus 20.0% in 2025.

Other items

Turnover was affected materially by foreign exchange (-7.7%). The company continues active portfolio reshaping (sales and small acquisitions noted) and flagged upcoming investor events including the Q2 results on 28 July 2026 and Capital Markets Day on 4 November 2026.