Newscasts - Unilever downbeat on 2026 sales growth amid US and Europe slowdown

Magnum Ice Cream NV

12/02/2026 10:37

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Source: 'Reuters - Business videos'

Description: Unilever warned on Thursday that 2026 sales growth would come in at the bottom end of its forecast range after a slowdown in the U.S. and Europe, even as emerging markets delivered a fourth-quarter sales beat. Francis Maguire reports.

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Video Transcript:

Unilever was gloomy about its sales growth prospects for this year on Thursday. It warned its expansion would be at the bottom end of its 4% to 6% forecast range. The Dove maker blamed a slowdown in the US and Europe. However, Unilever said it expects a modest improvement to the 20% profit margin reported for last year. And it also announced a new $1.8 billion share buyback program. Thursday's update came despite emerging markets driving a fourth-quarter sales beat. Underlying sales for the period hit 4.2%, just ahead of forecasts. Emerging markets, which helped drive the improvement, included China, India, and Indonesia. But there are concerns emerging markets may not give enough support if developed market growth keeps slowing. Sales eased to 2.8% in the fourth quarter in North America, while Europe only edged up 0.1%. Both regions slowed from the previous three-month period. CEO Fernando Fernandez is under pressure to show Unilever's focus on personal care, beauty, and well-being is a winning strategy. That's after the firm spun off The Magnum Ice Cream Company last year. Elsewhere, the firm reported annual underlying operating profit dipped 1.1% to around $12 billion, roughly around expectations. Shares were down around 1% in early European trade.