Unilever reported third-quarter underlying sales growth of 5.2%. Analysts had expected 4.8%. Beauty, personal care and home care drove the performance, offsetting weaker results in food. The company raised its full-year volume growth forecast to at least 3%.
Unilever cited challenging conditions in developed markets. It said it may raise prices further next year to offset cost pressures from geopolitical events. Some analysts viewed the company’s ability to pass on higher costs without significantly affecting sales volumes positively.
Under CEO Fernando Fernandez, Unilever is streamlining its portfolio and focusing on higher-growth areas outside food. The company maintained its overall 2026 sales and profit margin guidance. Its shares fell 3.4% in early London trading.