London, 08:36 GMT, January 30, 2026 — Regular session
- Unilever shares dipped roughly 0.3% in early trading, pulling back some of Thursday’s advance
- Company has struck a deal to offload its Home Care business in Colombia and Ecuador to Alicorp
- After reshaping, investors look to Feb. 12 results for clues on growth and cash returns
Unilever’s shares dipped 0.3% to roughly 4,852 pence by 0835 GMT on Friday, following a 1.1% gain the previous day that took the price to 4,867.5 pence. (MarketScreener)
The subdued shift remains significant for a stock seen as a test of Unilever’s ability to streamline its operations without sacrificing growth. Investors are looking for stronger evidence that portfolio adjustments lead to more consistent volumes and higher margins, rather than just a tidier narrative.
Unilever announced this week it will sell its Home Care business in Colombia and Ecuador to Alicorp. The deal includes local brands such as Fab, 3D, Aromatel, and Deja. Closure depends on regulatory approvals and other conditions. Financial details remain undisclosed. “It aligns with our ambition to sharpen our portfolio and focus on the categories where we can lead, innovate and grow sustainably,” said Reginaldo Ecclissato, president of Unilever Markets. (Unilever)
The sale comes as Unilever sharpens its focus on a leaner lineup of core brands and categories—a point management has hammered home to investors and customers alike. Traders, though, are already probing what might be next on the chopping block and how the company plans to use the cash it raises.
Unilever finalized the demerger of its Magnum ice cream division last month, with the brand now trading independently. This move has intensified scrutiny on the performance of the remaining business. (Reuters)
Stocks in Europe held firm or edged up, buoyed by a wave of corporate earnings that bolstered risk appetite despite ongoing geopolitical and trade concerns. The pan-European STOXX 600 rose 0.1% by 0804 GMT. (Reuters)
Unilever now faces a near-term puzzle: is this latest deal just a one-off tidy-up, or the start of a faster push to exit? The company hasn’t disclosed a price for its Colombia and Ecuador units, leaving the market guessing about both the sale’s value and its rationale.
But plenty can trip up the deal. Regulatory approval might stall, undisclosed terms complicate assessing value, and investors could fret that cutting smaller markets risks growth unless the main brands compensate.
Traders are closely monitoring if a more stable cost environment translates into stronger demand. Consumer staples firms have relied heavily on price hikes lately, but volume shifts become crucial once buyers start getting choosy.
Unilever’s full-year results drop on Feb. 12. Investors will be keenly watching for updates on portfolio changes, cash returns, and the outlook through 2026. (Unilever)
