UK-based firm on Thursday reported that the company’s first half of the year saw a weaker performance from consumer goods giant Unilever

The company maintained its fiscal 2025 outlook; however, it continues to expect underlying sales growth within the range of three per cent to five per cent and an improvement in underlying operating margin, compared to 18.4 per cent in 2024.

The company now expects second-half sales growth to exceed that of the first half, despite subdued market conditions, supported by continued strength in developed markets and improving performance in emerging markets, notably in India, Indonesia, and China.

Furthermore, second-half margins would be at least 18.5 per cent, a significant improvement compared to the second half of 2024.

Regarding the splitting off of its ice cream division, Unilever said it is on track to demerge it by mid-November, with the operational separation now complete and competitive performance improving.

The board has declared a quarterly interim dividend for the second quarter of €0.4528 ($0.52) per Unilever ordinary share, up to three per cent from last year.

In the first half, profit before taxation fell by 8.5 per cent to €5.09 billion from last year’s €5.57 billion.

It stated that earnings per share were €1.42, down 3.7 per cent from €1.47 a year ago.

(dpa/NAN)