CNBC's UK Exchange newsletter: The world’s biggest ice cream maker hopes the future’s sweet

Core Viewpoint - The demerger of The Magnum Ice Cream Company (TMICC) from Unilever allows direct investment in popular ice cream brands, with TMICC valued at €7.8 billion ($9.1 billion) upon its debut on the stock market [2][3]. Company Overview - TMICC includes well-known brands such as Magnum, Cornetto, and Ben & Jerry's, and has been positioned as the world's largest ice cream producer [3]. - The company is not expected to qualify for major indices like the FTSE 100, which may lead to initial selling pressure from tracker funds [5]. Financial Insights - TMICC's valuation is competitive, being worth slightly more than Froneri, which holds an 11% market share in the $87 billion global ice cream market compared to TMICC's 21% [6]. - The absence of dividends in 2026 may deter some investors, impacting short-term share price prospects [5]. Growth Prospects - The CEO targets medium-term organic annual sales growth of 3%-5%, aligning with the long-term average achieved under Unilever [8]. - TMICC may have opportunities to enhance its supply chain investments, which were previously neglected under Unilever's broader portfolio [8]. Management and Governance - The management team, primarily composed of former Unilever employees, is expected to improve operational performance, although challenges remain, particularly with the Ben & Jerry's brand [9]. - Recent governance issues at Ben & Jerry's have raised concerns, with the CEO indicating potential changes in charitable contributions unless corporate governance issues are resolved [12]. Market Reactions - Unilever's stock rose by 3.6% following the debut of TMICC, indicating positive market sentiment towards the spin-off [32]. - The demerger is seen as a significant restructuring for Unilever, potentially leading to a re-rating of the company's market value as it focuses on its core brands [19][20].