The Unilever (LSE:ULVR) share price outperformed the index on Thursday (25 July) despite undershooting forecasts in the first half of the year.
Investors found positives within the earnings report, including margin expansion and a continuation of the company’s share buyback programme. Let’s take a closer look.
Unilever’s mixed H1
Unilever’s second-quarter sales growth of 3.9% fell short of the expected 4.2%, as the company struggled to attract inflation-weary consumers despite lowering prices.
The maker of Magnum ice cream and Dove soap increased prices by only 1%. That was below the anticipated 1.6%.
This reflects a broader trend among consumer goods companies, including Nestlé — whose stock slumped on Thursday — which are relying on discounts and promotions to boost sales volumes following the cost-of-living crisis.
The company also noted a fallout from the Gaza conflict, with many Muslims —…
