Unilever stock gains as volume outlook rises after strong Q3

Unilever reported strong third-quarter trading on Wednesday, October 28, as underlying sales growth reached 5.2 percent and volume growth accelerated to 2.9 percent. The company also raised its full-year volume outlook, while confirming that the planned combination of its Foods business with McCormick remains on track. The figures were published in the company trading statement carried by TradingView News.

Volume Growth Supports 2026 Outlook

Turnover rose 6.7 percent year over year to 13.3 billion euros in the third quarter. Underlying sales growth consisted of 2.9 percent volume growth and 2.3 percent price growth, with higher commodity costs contributing to the step-up in pricing.

Home Care was the strongest major business group, delivering 9.1 percent underlying sales growth. Personal Care grew 6.3 percent, while Beauty and Wellbeing advanced 5.7 percent. Power Brands posted 5.8 percent underlying sales growth and 3.3 percent volume growth, supporting management's view that the group's sharper brand focus is gaining traction.

Unilever now expects at least 3 percent underlying volume growth for full-year 2026. The company maintained its broader underlying sales growth outlook of 4 percent to 6 percent and continued to forecast a modest improvement in underlying operating margin from 20.0 percent in 2025. For the second half of the year, management expects underlying sales growth of around 5 percent.

Foods Remains the Weakest Division

Foods remained broadly flat in the quarter, with underlying sales growth of 0.1 percent. Volume declined 1.1 percent, while price increased 1.3 percent. Growth in emerging markets and Unilever Food Solutions was offset by softer developed-market retail demand and increased competition in US condiments.

Unilever said it is using new innovations and corrective pricing actions to improve the US Foods business. The proposed combination of Foods with McCormick is progressing through separation and integration work involving more than 200 employees across 20 cross-functional teams. Regulatory filings have been submitted on schedule, but completion still depends on McCormick shareholder approval, regulatory clearances and other customary conditions. Works council consultation is underway.

The next important corporate appointment is Unilever's investor event in New York on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. The company has scheduled its fourth-quarter and full-year 2026 results for Thursday, February 11, 2027.

Unilever Stock Trades Above Prior Xetra Close

Unilever stock traded at 58.41 euros on Lang & Schwarz at 10:35 CET on Friday, October 30, 2026, 1.96 percent above the Xetra close of Thursday, October 29. Investors can follow the real-time quote of Unilever stock.

For investors, the latest update strengthens the case that volume recovery is becoming a more important driver of Unilever's growth. At the same time, the weak Foods performance and the execution risk around the McCormick transaction remain relevant considerations. The planned separation could create a more focused Home and Personal Care group, but the transition still requires regulatory and shareholder approval.

The FTSE 100 provides the relevant broader market benchmark for Unilever's UK listing.

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