The consumer goods group Unilever $ULVR (+0,79 %) was cautiously optimistic for the new year despite a strong final quarter in 2024. In the fourth quarter, Unilever was able to increase sales organically by 4% to EUR 14.2 billion, which was above analysts' expectations 🚀. Adjusted operating profit also increased by 12.6% to EUR 11.2 billion 💰. For 2025, Unilever expects organic sales growth of 3% to 5%, with growth to be accelerated by price increases in the second half of the year 📅📈.
Despite these positive figures, investors reacted with a significant drop in Unilever shares, which fell by 6.7% in early trading 📉. The announcement of a billion-euro share buyback was unable to avert the decline 💸. The company is also focusing on the listing of its ice cream division 🍦, which is to be floated in Amsterdam, London and New York. This is a disappointment for the London Stock Exchange, as it had hoped to list the ice cream business exclusively 😞.
For shareholders, however, the question remains whether the subdued outlook for margins and the subdued market environment can continue to support Unilever's long-term value 🤔.
