Core Insights - Unilever is undergoing significant strategic transformation amid performance pressures, including layoffs, leadership changes, and divestitures [2][6] Financial Performance - For the first nine months of 2025, Unilever reported a revenue of €44.8 billion, a year-on-year decline of 3.3% [3] - All business segments experienced revenue declines, with the largest drop in home care at 5.3%, followed by ice cream at 4.2%, and beauty & health and food segments both around 3% [3] - In Q3, sales amounted to €14.7 billion, down 3.5% year-on-year, but underlying sales grew by 3.9% [3] - The European market showed a slight revenue increase of 1.9%, while the Americas faced the largest decline at 5.1% [3] Strategic Challenges - Unilever's revenue growth has been sluggish, with a mere 1.9% increase in FY2024 and a net profit decline for two consecutive years [4] - The company faces intense competition from rivals like Procter & Gamble and L'Oréal, alongside changing consumer preferences towards natural and organic products [4] - Rising raw material costs have further pressured profit margins [4] Reform Initiatives - CEO Fernando Fernandez has identified three key reform areas: eliminating inefficient businesses, focusing on high-margin growth sectors, and enhancing digital capabilities [4][6] - The company plans to cut approximately 7,500 jobs globally, representing about 5.9% of its workforce, to save around $800 million [6] Market Dynamics - In China, Unilever's basic sales returned to low single-digit growth in Q3, attributed to targeted marketing strategies and a premium product mix [4][5] - The domestic consumption stimulus policies have revitalized the market, providing a favorable environment for Unilever's products [5] Business Adjustments - Unilever has divested non-core beauty and personal care brands, including Elida Beauty and its ice cream business, to focus on more sustainable and growth-oriented segments [6][7] - The planned spin-off of the ice cream business is expected to be completed by Q4 2025, with anticipated improvements in operating profit margins [7]
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