Core Viewpoint - Unilever's financial performance in the first half of 2025 shows a decline in overall revenue but indicates a positive trend in strategic transformation and market focus, particularly in the Chinese market [2][4][30]. Financial Performance - Total revenue for the first half of 2025 was €3.01 billion (approximately ¥24.76 billion), a year-on-year decrease of 3.2%, primarily due to currency fluctuations (-4.0%) and business adjustments (-2.5%), while underlying sales grew by 3.4% [2]. - Operating profit was €530 million (approximately ¥4.37 billion), reflecting a significant year-on-year drop of 10.6% [2]. Strategic Focus - CEO Fernando Fernandez emphasized the importance of "focus" and "agility" in driving growth, highlighting the company's strategic correctness in both developed and emerging markets [4]. - Unilever is undergoing a profound transformation, with plans to spin off its ice cream business and leverage influencer marketing as a new growth engine [4][12]. China Market Insights - In China, Unilever's underlying sales saw a slight decline in the first half, but improvements were noted in the second quarter, suggesting that recent adjustments are beginning to yield results [6][26]. - The company is accelerating premiumization and localized innovation, exemplified by the launch of the Vaseline Water Radiance Body Essence series tailored for Chinese consumers [8][27]. Regional Performance - Revenue contributions from developed markets (44%) and emerging markets (56%) showed growth rates of 4.3% and 2.8%, respectively, indicating that the Chinese market is crucial for the group's return to positive growth [10][30]. - The beauty and personal care segments generated €650 million (approximately ¥5.35 billion) in revenue, with underlying sales growth of 3.7% and 4.8% [10]. Business Restructuring - Unilever is actively engaged in mergers and acquisitions, focusing on high-end beauty and personal care brands, while divesting non-core assets to optimize its business portfolio [13][16]. - The company has made several acquisitions, including a 90.5% stake in the high-end beauty brand Minimalist and the purchase of the UK-based eco-friendly personal care brand Wild [16][17]. Marketing Strategy - Unilever is shifting towards a "influencer-first" strategy, planning to increase social media spending from 30% to 50% of its total advertising budget and expand collaborations with influencers [18][19]. - This strategy aims to enhance brand relevance and connection with younger consumers, particularly in the beauty sector [20]. Future Directions - Unilever's three core development directions include enhancing beauty and health, increasing investments in the U.S. and Indian markets, and deepening high-end and digital transformation [22][23][24]. - The company anticipates a rebound in the Chinese market, supported by regional growth and strategic adjustments, with expectations of a sales growth rate between 3% and 5% for the full year [30][29].

Group 1 - The recent leadership change at Unilever (China) Co., Ltd. reflects the company's strategic adjustments in response to challenges in the global and Chinese markets [1][3] - Roland Polaroid Hutabarat has been appointed as the new chairman, succeeding Zhong Zhaomin, indicating Unilever's focus on the beauty and health sectors in China [1][3] - The leadership transition is part of a broader trend of management changes within Unilever globally, aimed at driving business transformation and enhancing profitability [3] Group 2 - Unilever faces significant challenges in the Chinese market, including a high single-digit decline in performance during Q1 2025, with brands like Clear and Lifebuoy experiencing downturns [4] - The rise of local brands poses a strong competitive threat to Unilever, as these brands leverage their understanding of the local market and offer more competitive pricing [4] - Rapid changes in consumer demand are increasing the pressure on Unilever to innovate its product offerings [4] Group 3 - In response to market challenges, Unilever is intensifying its investment in the Chinese market, particularly in the beauty and health sectors, by establishing a high-end beauty matrix with ten major brands [6] - The company is optimizing its brand portfolio by discontinuing underperforming brands, such as Tatcha and REN, to focus resources on stronger brands [6] - Unilever's strategic adjustments aim to enhance market competitiveness and operational efficiency in China [6] Group 4 - The leadership change is seen as a crucial part of Unilever's strategy to address market challenges and signals the company's long-term commitment to the Chinese market [7] - The new chairman's extensive supply chain management experience is expected to improve operational efficiency, particularly in the beauty and health sectors [7] - Unilever's ongoing adjustments and new management are anticipated to bring fresh energy and opportunities in the Chinese market [9]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the first quarter, net sales increased by 4.5% to $2.8 billion, with operating profit at 14.1% of sales and diluted earnings per share at $6.70 [8][25][29] - Comparable sales rose by 2.9%, driven by a 2.3% increase in average ticket and a 0.6% increase in transactions [25] - Gross margin decreased by 10 basis points to 39.1%, primarily due to deleverage of store and supply chain fixed costs [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fragrance was the strongest performing category, delivering double-digit growth, while skincare and wellness saw high single-digit growth [11] - Hair care was roughly flat, with growth in hair color and accessories offset by decreases in hair care tools [12] - Makeup category experienced a slight decrease in comp sales, driven by mass makeup, while prestige makeup remained flat [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumer engagement with beauty remains healthy, with beauty and wellness being a top priority for consumers despite economic pressures [9] - The beauty category is expected to grow in line with historical averages of 2% to 5% over the next few years [61] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing the Ulta Beauty Unleashed plan to accelerate performance and reassert leadership [9][19] - Strategic priorities include scaling new businesses, enhancing digital capabilities, and optimizing cost structures [20][18] - The company plans to open stores in Mexico City, Kuwait City, and Dubai later this year, along with launching an online marketplace [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The operating environment is dynamic, with ongoing consumer wallet pressures and uncertainty in the global trade landscape [31][23] - The company remains cautious in its guidance for fiscal 2025, expecting net sales between $11.5 billion and $11.7 billion [31][32] - Management is optimistic about the long-term growth potential despite current challenges [34][23] Other Important Information - The company launched 19 new brands during the quarter, many of which are exclusive to Ulta Beauty [16] - The active loyalty member base expanded to a record 45 million, up 3% year over year [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on the Ulta Beauty Unleashed plan - Management expressed pride in the team's execution and noted improvements in in-store experience and marketing efforts [38][41] Question: Full year outlook and promotional strategies - Management provided insights on expected comp sales growth and emphasized a rational promotional environment [45][48] Question: Newness and innovation pipeline - Management indicated a balanced pipeline of new products across categories, with a focus on exclusivity [52][53] Question: Demand improvements and competitive intensity - Management acknowledged competitive pressures but highlighted the effectiveness of their initiatives in driving market share [60][61] Question: Impact of increased distribution on business - Management noted that while increased distribution presents challenges, their strong loyalty program and omnichannel strategy set them apart [82][84] Question: Marketing strategy effectiveness - Management emphasized the importance of authentic engagement and personalization in their marketing efforts [90][89] Question: Brand curation and personalization opportunities - Management discussed ongoing investments in brand building and personalization capabilities to enhance guest experiences [96][99]