Focus on “power brands” continues to pay off for Unilever

Unilever expects higher prices in 2027 due to rising costs from the Iran war, aligning with other consumer goods companies. CEO Fernando Fernandez stated they will accelerate pricing while balancing volume. Shares fell 3.4% after slower Q3 sales volume growth, though underlying sales grew 5.2%, beating estimates. Unilever maintains 2026 guidance and plans to spin off its food business.

Unilever reported a 5.2% increase in underlying sales for Q3, driven by demand in India and Latin America. The company raised its full-year outlook, expecting 3% volume growth and 5% sales growth. CEO Fernando Fernandez is focusing on premium beauty products and divesting the food division. Unilever's shares were unchanged year-to-date. The company completed the spinoff of its ice cream unit and is merging its food business with McCormick.

Unilever raised prices in Q3 due to rising commodity costs from the Iran war, reporting 5.2% sales growth. Higher prices contributed 2.3% to growth, with volume growth expected to reach at least 3% by 2026. The company is also restructuring its food business in a £33.8bn deal with McCormick, set to close by mid-2027.

UK shares rose Wednesday after the finance minister's budget included a smaller-than-expected bank tax surcharge. Lloyds, NatWest, and Barclays gained 2.2% to 3.7%. Entain, Evoke, and Playtech also rose due to a smaller gambling tax increase. Standard Chartered gained 3.5% after raising growth targets, while Unilever and GSK fell due to earnings reports.

Unilever (UL) reported Q3 2026 sales growth of 5.2%, with volume growth accelerating to 3.8% YTD. The company upgraded its full-year volume growth target to at least 3%, citing strong performance in Home and Personal Care. However, shares fell 2.17% premarket to $63.64 due to higher commodity inflation and weakness in developed markets. Turnover reached €13.3 billion, up 6.7% YoY, with Power Brands outperforming the broader portfolio.

Unilever raised prices in Q3 due to higher commodity costs, reporting 5.2% underlying sales growth, with 2.3% from price increases. It upgraded its full-year volume growth forecast to at least 3% and expects 5% underlying sales growth in H2. The company is also proceeding with a $43 billion food business joint venture with McCormick, targeting mid-2027 completion.