Overview
- Unilever, which reported results Thursday, posted underlying sales growth of 3.8% on 2.9% higher volumes, beating analyst forecasts.
- Power Brands such as Dove and Vaseline led gains, and emerging markets rose 5.7% with strong growth in India and a rebound in Latin America.
- Management kept its 2026 outlook at the low end of 4% to 6% sales growth with at least 2% volume growth and a modest margin improvement.
- Finance chief Srinivas Phatak warned of up to about €500 million in extra costs linked to the Iran war, lifting expected 2026 cost inflation to roughly €750 million to €900 million.
- In response, the company plans small, frequent price increases focused on crude‑oil‑exposed home‑care items in Asia, Africa and Latin America in the second half, which could raise household detergent and cleaning costs in those regions.