Financial position & performance
Unilever ($ULVR (+0,18%) )achieved solid underlying sales growth in the first quarter of 2025 of 3 %driven by both volume growth (+1.3%) as well as price increases (+1.7 %).
- Total sales14.8 billion € (-0.9% YoY)
- Underlying sales: +3 %
- Developed markets: +4.5 % growth
- Power brands: +3 % growth
Causes & challenges
- Strong demand in developed markets compensated for weaknesses in emerging markets
- Headwinds from high interest rates in Brazil and Market weaknesses in China and Indonesia
Strategic focus
- Target: Normalization of the gross margin to 45
- Focus on strategic shift of resources to high-growth areas
- Further development of the power brands and strengthening of operational efficiency
Outlook 2025
- Target for underlying sales growth: 3-5 %
- Expected contribution from emerging markets especially in the second half of the year
- Expected: slight margin improvements and EPS growth in hard currency
Management commentary
CEO Hein Schumacher emphasized: "Sales growth with a strong volume contribution remains our top priority." He also clarified: "We are resolutely shifting resources to our best growth opportunities."
Key risks
- Interest rate environment in Brazil curbs demand
- Economic uncertainties in China
- Restructuring in Indonesia with potential short-term effects
- Currency risks and supply chain disruptions could weigh on the figures
