Magnum blow sends Unilever stock lower

A third factor weighing on the stock is a sluggish start to 2026, which analysts say could result in an unexpectedly weak first quarter.

For the full year 2026, Unilever expects underlying sales growth of 4–6 percent and a moderate increase in profit margin.

Unilever - with brands such as Knorr, Slotts, Lipton, GB-ice cream and Ben & Jerry’s in its portfolio - is also announcing a new share buyback program starting in the second quarter of this year, which will return €1.5 billion to shareholders.