Unilever(UK)(US:UL) 3 6 Ke·2025-12-10 04:48Core Viewpoint - Unilever has officially completed the spin-off of its ice cream business, establishing The Magnum Ice Cream Company, which has been listed in Amsterdam, aiming to streamline operations and focus on core business areas to boost performance growth [1][6]. Group 1: Business Performance and Strategy - The ice cream division of Unilever has seen an average annual sales growth of less than 3% over the past two years, significantly lagging behind the beauty and health division, which has grown by over 7% during the same period [3]. - The ice cream business accounts for approximately 16% of Unilever's total sales, which has been a drag on overall performance, especially as the company has prioritized faster-growing categories like beauty and personal care [3][4]. - The operational model of the ice cream segment, characterized by cold chain logistics, seasonality, and capital intensity, has made it difficult to achieve synergies with Unilever's other core businesses [3][4]. - The spin-off aligns with Unilever's strategic shift towards a "leaner" business model, responding to shareholder demands for simplification and efficiency following a failed acquisition attempt in 2022 [4][5]. Group 2: Spin-off Details and Market Position - The spin-off process has been in the works for some time, with the ice cream division restructured into an independent entity and officially completing the transaction on December 6, 2023, followed by its market debut on December 8, 2023 [6][8]. - The spin-off was executed through a demerger, allowing existing Unilever shareholders to receive shares in the new company without issuing new stock, indicating Unilever's intention not to invest further capital into the ice cream business [8]. - The Magnum Ice Cream Company is positioned as the world's largest pure ice cream enterprise, operating in 80 countries with a significant cold chain asset base, including nearly 3 million freezers [8][9]. - The initial valuation of the new company is estimated to be between €14 billion and €15 billion, with an expected EBITDA margin of around 16% for 2024, reflecting a conservative valuation compared to other leading snack companies [8][9]. Group 3: Market Challenges and Future Outlook - The launch of The Magnum Ice Cream Company coincides with a growing trend towards healthier eating, which poses challenges for the ice cream industry, particularly with the rise of weight-loss drugs that may impact demand for high-calorie snacks [11][13]. - Despite these challenges, there is cautious optimism among investors regarding the new stock, as the spin-off allows the company to focus on its core ice cream business, which is often seen as a value-releasing opportunity [13][14]. - The new company plans to implement cost-cutting measures and innovate product offerings to adapt to changing consumer preferences, including marketing ice cream as a lower-calorie option and expanding into high-protein categories [14].