Unilever PLC

Looking at the universe of stocks we cover at Dividend Channel, on 8/15/25, HSBC Holdings plc (Symbol: HSBC), Shell plc (Symbol: SHEL), and Unilever plc (Symbol: UL) will all trade ex-dividend for their respective upcoming dividends. HSBC Holdings plc will pay its quarterly dividend of $0.50 on 9/26/25, Shell plc will pay its quarterly dividend of $0.716 on 9/22/25, and Unilever plc will pay its quarterly dividend of $0.5225 on 9/12/25. As a percentage of HSBC's recent stock price of $64.97, this dividend works out to approximately 0.77%, so look for shares of HSBC Holdings plc to trade 0.77% lower — all else being equal — when HSBC shares open for trading on 8/15/25. Similarly, investors should look for SHEL to open 0.99% lower in price and for UL to open 0.86% lower, all else being equal.
Below are dividend history charts for HSBC, SHEL, and UL, showing historical dividends prior to the most recent ones declared.
HSBC Holdings plc (Symbol: HSBC):
Shell plc (Symbol: SHEL):
Unilever plc (Symbol: UL):
In general, dividends are not always predictable, following the ups and downs of company profits over time. Therefore, a good first due diligence step in forming an expectation of annual yield going forward, is looking at the history above, for a sense of stability over time. This can help in judging whether the most recent dividends from these companies are likely to continue. If they do continue, the current estimated yields on annualized basis would be 3.08% for HSBC Holdings plc, 3.96% for Shell plc, and 3.42% for Unilever plc.
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In Wednesday trading, HSBC Holdings plc shares are currently up about 1.2%, Shell plc shares are up about 1.2%, and Unilever plc shares are up about 0.3% on the day.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Ex-Dividend Reminder: HSBC Holdings, Shell and Unilever

An updated edition of the June 2, 2025 article.
The beauty and cosmetics industry has come a long way — from ancient natural remedies to today’s advanced, science-backed skincare and makeup products. Influenced by shifting beauty standards, cultural trends, technological advancements and evolving consumer values, the industry has continually adapted to changing demands. Now a multi-billion-dollarglobal market the beauty sector encompasses a broad range of offerings, including skincare, makeup, fragrances and wellness solutions. As innovation fuels product development and consumer preferences continue to evolve, the beauty industry remains a powerful and ever-changing force in the world of personal care and self-expression.
In recent years, skincare has emerged as a dominant trend in the global beauty industry, with consumers increasingly prioritizing healthy, glowing skin over cosmetic coverage. This growing demand has led to a surge in skincare products featuring natural ingredients, clean beauty formulations and dermatologist-recommended solutions.
Influences from K-beauty and J-beauty — celebrated for their focus on hydration, layered skincare routines and effective sun protection — have further shaped consumer preferences. To stay ahead, beauty brands are investing in advanced, science-backed innovations, such as probiotic skincare, blue light defense creams and skin barrier-strengthening treatments. As skincare continues to drive growth, it remains at the forefront of beauty trends worldwide.
Sustainability is playing an increasingly critical role in shaping the future of the beauty industry. As eco-conscious consumers demand greater accountability, there is a rising focus on ethically sourced ingredients, sustainable packaging and transparent business practices.
Beauty brands that embrace cruelty-free testing, carbon-neutral operations and clean-label formulations are gaining customer trust and loyalty. Leading the charge, Johnson & Johnson JNJ has made notable progress through initiatives, such as reducing plastic usage, improving recyclability, and sourcing ingredients responsibly across its skincare and personal care lines.
Technology is transforming the way consumers use beauty products, ushering in a new era of innovation and personalization. From Artificial Intelligence-powered skincare diagnostics and augmented reality virtual try-ons to biotech-driven formulations, tech is transforming both the shopping experience and product performance.
One rapidly growing category is dermocosmetics, which combines pharmaceutical research with skincare to deliver clinically validated results. Unilever PLC UL is at the forefront of this transformation, integrating advanced technologies into its skincare and personal care brands to enhance product efficacy, tailor solutions to individual needs and elevate the overall user experience.
As digital innovation continues to accelerate, tech-enabled beauty is becoming a key driver of growth and differentiation in the industry. To that end, we have identified three standout stocks from our Beauty & Cosmetics Screen that are well-positioned to capitalize on these transformative trends. These include The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. EL, Coty Inc. COTY and Ulta Beauty, Inc. ULTA.
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3 Beauty and Cosmetics Stocks to Watch
In today’s fast-changing beauty landscape, The Estee Lauder Companies is undergoing a bold transformation under its forward-looking “Beauty Reimagined” initiative. This strategic evolution centers on consumer-centricity, digital agility and cutting-edge innovation. With a clear goal to reclaim its leadership in the global beauty market, EL is aligning its diverse brand portfolio with shifting consumer behaviors, expanding into high-growth markets and enhancing its digital presence to drive long-term, sustainable growth.
A cornerstone of this transformation is its aggressive expansion into digital commerce. The company has launched nine of its prestige beauty brands on Amazon’s U.S. Premium Beauty Store, marking a milestone in reaching consumers through high-demand e-commerce channels. Most recently, the flagship Estee Lauder brand debuted on Amazon.ca, offering premium skincare, makeup, and fragrances to Canadian consumers via one of the country’s most trusted online platforms. These moves reinforce The Estee Lauder Companies’ commitment to omnichannel retail strategy and digital consumer engagement.
EL also uses AI for demand forecasting, inventory optimization, product development and supply-chain planning, resulting in faster time-to-market and improved accuracy. Strategic collaborations are accelerating this digital transformation, such as a partnership with Adobe, integrating Adobe Firefly, a generative AI tool, to enhance creative content and marketing. Furthering its tech leadership, EL has partnered with Microsoft to launch an AI Innovation Lab, leveraging generative AI to fast-track product innovation, identify emerging trends and enrich customer experiences.
Beyond digital innovation, EL is strengthening its R&D capabilities with the launch of a BioTech Hub in Oevel, Belgium. This cutting-edge facility focuses on the fermentation and production of bio-based ingredients for its luxury skincare brands, enhancing the company’s sustainability efforts and reinforcing its leadership in biotechnology-driven beauty solutions. By investing in digital transformation, AI integration and sustainable product innovation, this Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) company is actively shaping its future. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The global beauty industry is undergoing a rapid change, and Coty is emerging as a forward-thinking leader, strategically navigating this transformation. Through a clear focus on innovation, consumer-centric growth and digital acceleration, it is redefining its position in the modern beauty landscape. The company continues to strengthen its core business across prestige fragrances, skincare, and mass-market beauty, while optimizing its product portfolio to align with evolving consumer preferences. By enhancing operational agility — especially in the critical U.S. market — Coty is reinforcing its competitive edge and paving the way for long-term, sustainable growth.
Prestige fragrances remain a core growth engine for Coty, with the company expanding into new consumer segments and markets. By introducing entry-level luxury formats such as body mists and pen sprays, Coty is making premium scents more accessible to younger, multicultural and male demographics — particularly in underpenetrated regions. These offerings are not only boosting volume but also strengthening brand relevance. With a robust Prestige fragrance pipeline planned for fiscal 2026 — hailed as Coty’s strongest in five years — the company is well-positioned to lead the next wave of fragrance innovation and accelerate top-line revenue growth.
Coty’s commitment to digital transformation and e-commerce expansion is central to its growth strategy. Online sales now contribute nearly 20% to total revenues, supported by a longstanding partnership with Amazon and strategic initiatives on emerging platforms like TikTok Shop. The company’s “Agile Beauty” model enables rapid product innovation in response to viral beauty trends, helping brands like CoverGirl stay relevant in the competitive mass cosmetics space. With continued investments in AI, automation and a successful S4HANA migration, the Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company is streamlining operations and building scalable digital infrastructure.
Ulta Beauty continues to dominate the U.S. beauty retail landscape by seamlessly blending brand curation, digital innovation and experiential shopping. At the core of this momentum is the retailer’s transformative strategy, “Ulta Beauty Unleashed,” which is focused on strengthening core operations, accelerating digital capabilities and enhancing the overall customer experience. From exclusive beauty launches to immersive activations like the Ulta Beauty World event, the company is evolving from a traditional retailer into a full-fledged lifestyle and wellness destination, appealing to beauty lovers across all demographics.
Driven by a strong multi-category growth strategy, Ulta Beauty is seeing impressive performance across key segments, including fragrance, skincare and wellness. Fragrance remains the company’s fastest-growing category. The skincare category continues to thrive with the addition of in-demand brands such as Tatcha, Naturium and Anua, while consumer interest in K-beauty and body care is on the rise. Simultaneously, it is scaling its wellness offering with the introduction of new lifestyle-focused brands, including Garden of Life and HATCH Mama, aligning beauty with holistic well-being.
A cornerstone of Ulta Beauty’s success is its powerful loyalty ecosystem and cutting-edge digital infrastructure. With more than 45 million active Ulta Beauty Rewards members, the brand fosters deep customer engagement and long-term loyalty. ULTA continues to advance its omnichannel strategy with mobile-first innovations like GLAMlab 2.0 for virtual try-ons, as well as AI-powered skin and hair analysis tools for hyper-personalized beauty experiences.
The introduction of UB Community further deepens customer interaction, while Adobe-powered segmentation and real-time content delivery fuel its highly targeted marketing campaigns. As competition in the beauty sector intensifies, this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company remains focused on expanding its product assortment, elevating digital experience and delivering seamless, tech-driven beauty solutions tailored to modern consumers.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Top Beauty and Cosmetics Stocks That May Drive Long-Term Growth

In the global consumer goods arena, few rivalries are as iconic or as consequential as the one between The Procter & Gamble Company PG and Unilever PLC UL. As two of the world’s most influential players in the fast-moving consumer goods (“FMCG”) sector, PG and UL have built sprawling empires around everyday essentials, from soaps and shampoos to detergents and deodorants.
Procter & Gamble, the American giant, is known for its brand-heavy strategy, emphasizing high-margin household and personal care products like Tide, Pampers and Gillette. With a sharp focus on North America and premium brand leadership, P&G commands strong pricing power and unmatched dominance in several key categories.
Unilever, headquartered in London and Rotterdam, takes a more globalized and diversified approach. With powerhouse brands like Dove, Knorr and Hellmann’s, UL spans both personal care and food — an edge that gives it broader market coverage, especially in emerging economies. While PG leads with precision and scale, Unilever counters with reach, versatility and deep cultural integration.
As these two FMCG powerhouses continue to jostle for consumer loyalty and market dominance, the question remains: Who truly holds the upper hand in this high-stakes global showdown? This face-off delves into their business models, financial performances and strategic priorities to uncover what sets these consumer goods titans apart and where their paths converge. Let us take a closer look.
The Case for PG
Procter & Gamble stands as a pillar of stability and resilience in the global consumer goods sector. With a presence in more than 180 countries and a portfolio of universally recognized brands like Tide, Pampers, Gillette and Olay, PG has embedded itself into the daily routines of billions. This vast scale, combined with deep distribution networks and decades of brand equity, creates a powerful competitive moat. It allows the company not only to maintain leadership across multiple categories but also to adapt swiftly to changing regional dynamics and consumer behavior.
What sets P&G apart is its unrelenting focus on brand superiority and innovation. The company continues to invest heavily in differentiated products across all price tiers, ensuring it meets consumer needs regardless of economic climate. Whether through the eco-conscious Tide EVO, breakthrough whitening with Crest 3D White, or the latest in Oral-B electric toothbrush technology, PG drives category growth without relying on heavy discounting. Backed by strong media support and a disciplined go-to-market strategy, these innovations not only deepen consumer loyalty but also elevate the entire product category.
While navigating an environment marked by inflation, evolving retail trends, and geopolitical uncertainty, P&G’s long-term playbook remains consistent: invest in superior products, build strong brands and operate with efficiency. Its measured response to macroeconomic pressures — balancing cost management with continued brand investment — reflects a business designed for both endurance and agility.
The company has also acknowledged potential tariff headwinds, projecting related costs to reach $1-$1.5 billion annually. However, PG is proactively managing the tariff impacts through supply-chain localization, strategic sourcing and selective price adjustments. This disciplined response reflects a business designed for both endurance and agility. For investors seeking reliable performance and long-term value creation, Procter & Gamble offers a compelling blend of defensive strength and forward-looking strategy.
The Case for UL
Unilever stands as a global consumer goods titan, leveraging a diversified portfolio and a deeply entrenched international footprint to remain a formidable force in the industry. With operations spanning more than 190 countries, and a focus on both developed and emerging markets, Unilever commands a significant share of the consumer goods sector — particularly in beauty, personal care, food and home hygiene.
UL’s “Power Brands,” including Dove, Vaseline, Magnum and Knorr, account for more than 75% of its turnover and continue to fuel growth across regions and segments. These brands have proven resilient, especially in developed markets like North America and Europe, where Unilever’s transformation efforts have yielded strong volume-driven growth despite macroeconomic headwinds.
What sets Unilever apart is its relentless pursuit of premiumization and demand creation at scale. Under new CEO Fernando Fernandez, the company has adopted a sharper, consumer-obsessed strategy that prioritizes brand desirability, digital-first marketing and executional excellence. Innovations such as Dove’s Whole Body Deodorants, Persil’s Wonder Wash and Liquid I.V.’s wellness hydration products are prime examples of how the company is aligning its portfolio with evolving consumer preferences.
The restructuring of sales forces, enhanced digital selling platforms and direct-to-consumer capabilities further position Unilever to capture demand in high-growth segments and geographies, particularly in emerging markets like India, Indonesia, and China, wherein turnaround plans are now gaining traction.
Despite a complex and uncertain macroeconomic environment, Unilever’s financial posture remains solid and forward-looking. The company delivered underlying sales growth of 3% in first-quarter fiscal 2025, with strong volume contributions in core categories, such as personal care and wellbeing.
Although FX volatility and tariff impacts loom, Unilever’s localized supply chains and strategic capital allocation provide flexibility and resilience. The planned demerger of its Ice Cream business into the standalone “Magnum Ice Cream Company” signals a clear commitment to portfolio focus and value creation.
With a multi-year innovation pipeline, disciplined cost productivity, and a reinvigorated leadership team, Unilever is shaping itself into a faster, leaner and more competitive growth engine, which is well worth watching as a long-term investment play.
How Do Estimates Compare for PG & UL?
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Procter & Gamble’s fiscal 2025 sales and EPS implies year-over-year growth of 0.2% and 3%, respectively. EPS estimates have moved down by a penny in the past 30 days. PG’s annual sales and earnings are slated to increase 2.6% and 3.2% year over year, respectively, in fiscal 2026.
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The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Unilever’s fiscal 2025 sales and EPS suggests year-over-year growth of 4.4% and 2.5%, respectively. EPS estimates have moved down by a penny in the past 30 days. UL’s annual sales and earnings are slated to increase 3.2% and 6.1% year over year, respectively, in fiscal 2026.
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Both Procter & Gamble and Unilever have experienced downward estimate revisions in the past 30 days, reflecting broader market caution. However, UL holds a slight edge, supported by stronger projected year-over-year revenue growth, while expected EPS growth for both companies remains largely on par.
Price Performance & Valuation of Procter & Gamble & Unilever
In the past year, the UL stock had the edge in terms of performance, having recorded a total return of 19.1%. This has noticeably outpaced the benchmark S&P 500’s return of 10.1% and PG’s 3.8% growth.
One-Year Price Performance
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From a valuation perspective, Procter & Gamble trades at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 24.06X, which is above its 5-year median of 23.66X. Moreover, the PG stock trades above Unilever’s forward 12-month P/E multiple of 18.85X and a 5-year median of 18.2X.
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At current levels, UL appears undervalued relative to Procter & Gamble, presenting a compelling long-term opportunity. While its lower valuation reflects past execution concerns and emerging market exposure, PG shows clear signs of improvement under new leadership, with a sharper portfolio focus, stronger brand investment and renewed operational discipline.
In contrast, while PG's premium valuation reflects its reputation for consistency and premium brand pricing power, it leaves less room for upside surprises. Investors paying a higher multiple for PG are essentially buying into its defensive qualities and predictability, whereas Unilever, with its discounted valuation, offers a more balanced mix of resilience and turnaround potential.
Conclusion
In this PG-UL face-off, Unilever emerges as the stronger contender, driven by its impressive recent stock performance that outpaces Procter & Gamble and the broader market. Unilever’s more attractive valuation compared with PG highlights its appeal as a value investment, supported by its diversified global presence and focused growth strategy. UL’s emphasis on premiumization and expanding in emerging markets strengthens its outlook and positions it well for future success.
Investor sentiment around Unilever is also reflected in recent positive revisions to its earnings estimates, signaling confidence in the company’s potential to deliver strong financial results. While Procter & Gamble remains a solid and stable player with a well-established brand portfolio, Unilever’s combination of appealing valuation, robust growth prospects and improving earnings outlook ultimately gives it the edge in this global consumer goods rivalry. For investors seeking growth with value, Unilever stands out as the preferred choice. Unilever currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), while PG has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
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Unilever PLC (UL) : Free Stock Analysis Report
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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Procter & Gamble Vs Unilever: Who Holds the Power in the FMCG Race?

There are dozens of excellent low-cost index funds that pay dividends and could be great choices for long-term investors. However, a few stand out as particularly good combinations of income, long-term total return potential, and truly passive set-it-and-forget-it qualities.
Most of my favorite income ETFs are Vanguard products, and it's easy to see why. Vanguard ETFs have some of the lowest expenses in the industry, and there are dozens of excellent index funds to choose from, in both mutual fund and ETF forms.
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With that in mind, here are three Vanguard ETFs that could help you create a passive income stream for decades to come in your portfolio.
Not the highest-paying ETF, but...
At first glance, the Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (NYSEMKT: VIG), with a 1.8% yield, might not sound like a great choice. But there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, this is an index fund that focuses on stocks that are most likely to grow their dividends over time. So, if you want to create a passive income stream but are still a decade or more from retirement, this ETF is likely to produce a significantly higher amount of income in the future.
Second, because it isn't too focused on the highest-yielding stocks, the portfolio of the Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF is a bit more growth-oriented than your traditional income ETF. In fact, the technology sector is its highest concentration, with top holdings that include Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL).
The proof is in the performance. Over the past decade, this ETF has generated 11.2% annualized total returns, and with a rock-bottom 0.05% expense ratio, you'll get to keep most of the fund's gains.
International exposure at a discount
One of the ETFs I've been buying rather aggressively in my own portfolio is the Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (NASDAQ: VYMI).
As the name suggests, this tracks an index of non-U.S. companies that pay above average dividend yields. As of the latest information, the fund owns 1,560 different stocks and has a 4.2% dividend yield.
Not only can international stock exposure help diversify your portfolio and help offset U.S.-specific risk factors (like the trade tensions), but international stocks in general look cheap right now. For example, the average stock in the Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF trades for just 11.6 times earnings, compared with a P/E of 18.2 for stocks in the U.S. focused counterpart ETF, the Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (NYSEMKT: VYM).
It's also worth noting that although these are international stocks, that doesn't mean its full of companies you've never heard of. In fact, top holdings include household names such as Toyota (NYSE: TM), Shell (NYSE: SHEL), and Unilever (NYSE: UL).
A great ETF for a falling-rate environment
Although there are questions surrounding how soon and how aggressively the Federal Reserve will lower interest rates, the overwhelming consensus is that the direction of interest rates over the next couple of years is going to be downward.
Real estate is perhaps the most rate-sensitive part of the stock market. When rates are lower, real estate investment trusts can borrow money in a more cost-effective way, and commercial property values tend to rise, as yield plays a major role in their valuation.
The Vanguard Real Estate ETF (NYSEMKT: VNQ) has underperformed the market for several years, but this is mainly due to the interest rate environment and not because there is anything fundamentally wrong with the stocks it owns. While there's still tremendous uncertainty about where interest rates are heading in the short term, it could be a smart time for long-term investors to take a closer look at this ETF.
A great combination of income, return potential, and peace of mind
These certainly aren't the only three income ETFs I'm a fan of. There are some that take more active investment approaches on my radar, such as the options-focused JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF (NASDAQ: JEPQ). However, as far as creating a truly passive income stream that you can simply set-and-forget goes, these three Vanguard Income ETFs could be excellent additions to your portfolio.
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Matt Frankel has positions in Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF and Vanguard Real Estate ETF. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple, Microsoft, Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF, Vanguard Real Estate ETF, and Vanguard Whitehall Funds-Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF. The Motley Fool recommends Broadcom and Unilever and recommends the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Building a Passive Income Stream: 3 Top Dividend ETFs for Long-Term Returns

Below is Validea's guru fundamental report for UNILEVER PLC (ADR) (UL). Of the 22 guru strategies we follow, UL rates highest using our Multi-Factor Investor model based on the published strategy of Pim van Vliet. This multi-factor model seeks low volatility stocks that also have strong momentum and high net payout yields.
UNILEVER PLC (ADR) (UL) is a large-cap growth stock in the Personal & Household Prods. industry. The rating using this strategy is 93% based on the firm’s underlying fundamentals and the stock’s valuation. A score of 80% or above typically indicates that the strategy has some interest in the stock and a score above 90% typically indicates strong interest.
The following table summarizes whether the stock meets each of this strategy's tests. Not all criteria in the below table receive equal weighting or are independent, but the table provides a brief overview of the strong and weak points of the security in the context of the strategy's criteria.
MARKET CAP:
PASS
STANDARD DEVIATION:
PASS
TWELVE MINUS ONE MOMENTUM:
NEUTRAL
NET PAYOUT YIELD:
NEUTRAL
FINAL RANK:
PASS
Detailed Analysis of UNILEVER PLC (ADR)
UL Guru Analysis
UL Fundamental Analysis
More Information on Pim van Vliet
Pim van Vliet Portfolio
About Pim van Vliet: In investing, you typically need to take more risk to get more return. There is one major exception to this in the factor investing world, though. Low volatility stocks have been proven to outperform their high volatility counterparts, and do so with less risk. Pim van Vliet is the head of Conservative Equities at Robeco Asset Management. His research into conservative factor investing led to the creation of this strategy and the publication of the book "High Returns From Low Risk: A Remarkable Stock Market Paradox". Van Vliet holds a PhD in Financial and Business Economics from Erasmus University Rotterdam.
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About Validea: Validea is aninvestment researchservice that follows the published strategies of investment legends. Validea offers both stock analysis and model portfolios based on gurus who have outperformed the market over the long-term, including Warren Buffett, Benjamin Graham, Peter Lynch and Martin Zweig. For more information about Validea, click here
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

UL Quantitative Stock Analysis

(RTTNews) - Consumer goods major Unilever Plc. (UL, ULVR.L) reported Thursday that its first-quarter turnover of 14.8 billion euros dropped 0.9 percent from last year, mainly reflecting 2.7 percent drop from net disposals.
Underlying sales, however, grew 3 percent, with volume growth of 1.3 percent and price of 1.7 percent, reflecting the strength of increasingly premium and innovation-led portfolio in developed markets.
Beauty & Wellbeing, Foods and Ice Cream segments reported growth, while sales fell in Personal Care and Home Care segments.
Looking ahead, for fiscal 2025, the company continues to expect 3 percent to 5 percent underlying sales growth and a modest improvement in underlying operating margin versus 18.4 percent in 2024.
Margins in the first and second half will be more balanced than in 2024. The direct impact of tariffs on profitability is expected to be limited and manageable.
Regarding Ice Cream separation, the company said it is on track to complete it in the fourth quarter of 2025. The new business will be called The Magnum Ice Cream Co. and is expected to operate on a standalone basis from July 1.
Ice Cream will be reported as a discontinued operation from the fourth quarter. Ahead of its demerger, The Magnum Ice Cream Company will hold a Capital Markets Day on 9th September.
Further, in its productivity programme, launched in 2024, the company remains ahead of plan in its delivery of 800 million euros of savings and a reduction of 7,500 mainly office-based roles.
The company continues to expect restructuring costs of around 1.4 percent of Group turnover in 2025.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Unilever Q1 Turnover Edges Down, Underlying Sales Rise; Confirms FY25 Outlook

Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) is a famous company with an iconic brand known the world over. Operating in the consumer staples space, consumers tend to keep buying its products right through periods of stock market and economic turmoil. That's how Coca-Cola has managed to support and grow its dividend through the years despite often material headwinds.
While Coca-Cola is an elite company, it is far from the only consumer staples maker that can help you rest easy amid stock market unrest. Here are a few others.
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Why consumer staples companies are a safe haven investment
If the stock market falls into a bear market are you going to stop buying toothpaste, toilet paper, and soda? If the economy succumbs to a recession, will you stop using soap, laundry detergent, and food? That answer, I hope, to those two questions is no. And this is why consumer staples makers are so attractive during troubled times (if not all the time).
Many of the products that companies like Coca-Cola sell aren't actually necessities. In this case you could just drink tap water instead of soda. However, the cost of most consumer staples products is fairly modest while the benefits are material, even if those benefits are really just emotional. Brand loyalty tends to run high in the consumer staples niche. Even better, consumer staples products are bought frequently because they get used regularly.
If you are having trouble sleeping at night amid market uncertainty, you should consider adding some more consumer staples stocks to your portfolio mix.
Some options in the consumer staples arena
Coca-Cola is a solid choice for highly conservative investors. It has an above-market dividend yield of 2.9% backed by a dividend that has been increased annually for more than 50 years, making this beverage giant a Dividend King. The company has a global distribution network, strong R&D skills, and massive marketing heft. The only problem is that the stock looks a little expensive right now, with its price-to-sales and price-to-earnings ratios both above their five-year averages. If you're willing to pay up for safety, you might want to buy Coca-Cola.
But beverage peer PepsiCo (NASDAQ: PEP) has similar business strengths and a more diversified portfolio that includes snacks and packaged foods. It is also a Dividend King. However, the real attraction lies in its valuation, with PepsiCo's P/S and P/E ratios both below their five-year averages. Its dividend yield is an even higher 3.7%. And with PepsiCo investing in growth through bolt-on acquisitions, it is continuing to grow its business with the same playbook that has worked well for more than five decades.
That said, you might want something a little different. Unilever (NYSE: UL) could be just what you are looking for, with its portfolio of consumer products and food. The big story with Unilever is that North America and Europe only make up around 40% of its top line, with the rest coming from Latin America and Asia, where economic growth is expected to be higher over the long term. Add in a 3.1% dividend yield and this is an attractive consumer staples option for those with a more adventurous bent.
Then there are ultra high yielders like Altria (NYSE: MO) and British American Tobacco (NYSE: BTI). Both of these cigarette makers are facing material long-term headwinds as the volume of the cigarettes they sell has been in decline for years. However, smokers tend to be very loyal and often increase their use of cigarettes during uncertain times. During the coronavirus pandemic, both Altria and British American Tobacco put up their strongest volume numbers in years.
While these two tobacco companies come with material long-term risks, the short-term benefit of collecting Altria's 7.2% yield and British American Tobacco's 7.5% yield might be worth it for some investors. Given the nature of cigarettes, those lofty yields are likely to be safe over the near term.
There are plenty of options in the consumer staples space
Although all of the companies listed here are attractive in their own way, the list is hardly exhaustive. There are many more consumer staples stocks that are worth looking at if you are worried about the market and fear a recession. While there is no way to fully avoid the impact of either of these big-picture events, buying companies like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Unilever, Altria, and British American Tobacco can help ease your worries and let you rest a little better thanks to their reliable businesses and dividends.
Should you invest $1,000 in Coca-Cola right now?
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Reuben Gregg Brewer has positions in PepsiCo and Unilever. The Motley Fool recommends British American Tobacco P.l.c. and Unilever and recommends the following options: long January 2026 $40 calls on British American Tobacco and short January 2026 $40 puts on British American Tobacco. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

How Dividend Stocks like Coca-Cola Can Help You Rest Easy Amid Stock Market Unrest

Many stocks declined during the market's rout on Monday, but business software company ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW) lost more than most. On news of yet another acquisition, investors traded out of the specialty tech stock, leaving with a loss of just under 8% on the day. That was a steeper fall than the S&P 500 index's 2.7% decline.
A $2.85 billion buy
ServiceNow announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to purchase Moveworks, a privately held artificial intelligence (AI) solutions developer that targets large enterprises. The acquirer said that it will combine Moveworks' front-end AI assistant and search technology with its native AI technology.
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For its new asset, ServiceNow is to pay $2.85 billion in a combination of cash and stock. The company did not get specific about the mix.
In the press release heralding the deal, ServiceNow wrote that combining the pair "will redefine the value of how to put AI to work, setting a new standard for the future of employee engagement with a powerful universal AI assistant, along with more perceptive AI‑based enterprise search, to find fast answers to requests, automate and complete everyday tasks, and increase productivity."
Moveworks certainly has an impressive client list. On its website, it lists such familiar (and diverse) names as Spotify, Broadcom, and Unilever.
Not all acquisitions are created equal
The investor reaction to the news was in contrast to ServiceNow's announcement at the end of February that it had acquired Quality 360, a manufacturing industry software platform, from Swedish peer Advania. The stock popped on that development.
The sour reaction to this one could have something to do with the price tag -- $2.85 billion is nearly the total non-GAAP (adjusted) net income the company booked for full-year 2024 and isn't far from its less than $3.5 billion free cash flow for the year.
Meanwhile, investors have grown concerned that the heavy spending by some tech companies on AI won't sufficiently pay off in the great AI gold rush we're experiencing now.
Should you invest $1,000 in ServiceNow right now?
Before you buy stock in ServiceNow, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and ServiceNow wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $690,624!*
Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than quadrupled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*. Don’t miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor.
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Eric Volkman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends ServiceNow and Spotify Technology. The Motley Fool recommends Broadcom and Unilever. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Why ServiceNow Stock Tumbled by Almost 8% Today

(RTTNews) - Consumer good major Unilever PLC (UL, ULVR.L) Tuesday announced that Chief Executive Officer and Board Director Hein Schumacher is stepping down from the roles with effect from March 1. Fernando Fernandez, currently Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director, will succeed Schumacher as CEO.
Further, the company reaffirmed 2025 outlook and medium-term guidance.
Following the news, Unilever shares were losing around 3 percent in London.
Regarding the appointment, the company noted that Deputy CFO and Group Controller Srinivas Phatak will serve as acting CFO. The company is starting an internal and external search for a permanent CFO.
CEO Schumacher will leave the company on May 31.
Previously, Fernandez held leadership roles as President of Latin America, CEO of Brazil, and CEO of the Philippines.
The new interm CFO, Phatak, has served in global and local senior finance, strategy, and supply chain roles including as CFO of Hindustan Unilever Limited.
Unilever is currently trading at 4,339.00 pence, 3.2 percent lower on the London Stock Exchange.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Unilever CEO Hein Schumacher To Step Down, Fernando Fernandez To Succeed; Backs Outlook; Stock Down

If you like high-yield investments you've probably had both British American Tobacco (NYSE: BTI) and Kraft Heinz (NASDAQ: KHC) pop up on your stock screens. There are things to like about each one, things to dislike, and one major difference that should lead investors to a clear choice between them.
Here's what you need to know and why the lower-yielding stock is probably the better choice for most investors.
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British American Tobacco bests Kraft Heinz on the dividend front
If you focus exclusively on the dividend, the best choice here is British American Tobacco. That starts with the yield. British American Tobacco is providing investors with an 8.4% dividend yield. Kraft Heinz's dividend yield is a much lower 5.5%. Sure, that's relatively high compared to the S&P 500 index, which is only yielding 1.2%, and the average consumer staples stock, which is yielding 2.8%, but it is clearly nowhere near as attractive on an absolute basis as 8.4%.
There's also a big difference between the dividend track records of Kraft Heinz and British American Tobacco. Kraft Heinz cut its quarterly dividend in 2019 from $0.625 per share to $0.40 per share and the payment hasn't grown since. British American Tobacco's quarterly dividend has been trending steadily higher, in the British company's home currency, since it started paying quarterly dividends in 2018.
If all you care about are dividends, the obvious choice here is British American Tobacco. But dividends alone do not provide the full picture.
Business is rough for Kraft Heinz and British American Tobacco
The lofty dividend yields on offer from these two consumer staples companies exist because they are each dealing with business problems. This is where most investors should be focusing their attention if they intend to hold either of these stocks for the long term.
Kraft Heinz was created via the merger of Kraft and Heinz. The food maker's original goal was to cut costs to improve profits. That isn't a great long-term business approach and pretty quickly a new direction was needed.
Now, after a management overhaul, the company is focusing on growing its most important brands and trying to sell off brands that aren't as meaningful to the top and bottom lines. This is an approach that has worked well for a number of other companies, but it is slow going for Kraft Heinz right now. In fact, the brands the company has been focusing on have been doing worse than the brands it isn't focusing on.
No shock, the stock has been in a funk and the yield is high. But given the success competitors like Procter & Gamble and Unilever have had with the same approach, it seems likely that Kraft Heinz will muddle through this rough patch given enough time.
British American Tobacco's problems run much deeper. The company's primary product is cigarettes. The company's cigarette volumes have been falling for years. To put some numbers on that, in 2018 the company produced roughly 700 billion cigarettes. That number was down to 555 billion in 2023. And while full-year 2024 figures aren't available yet, the number is likely to have fallen again given the continued weakness in volumes in the first half of the year.
British American Tobacco has been offsetting the ongoing volume declines with ongoing price increases. But that can only last so long before price increases exacerbate the volume declines.
In fact, British American Tobacco has even changed the way it accounts for its U.S. cigarette brands. While a bit arcane, it is basically treating the brands as if they will be worthless in roughly 30 years. That's not a great sign for the future and hints at the deep underlying troubles the company is facing, even though the stock has risen more than 15% in the past year.
Neither is great, but one is probably better
The ugly truth is that neither British American Tobacco nor Kraft Heinz is doing particularly well today from a business perspective. Conservative dividend investors will probably want to tread carefully with both companies.
But if you are choosing between them, Kraft Heinz seems like it is the better opportunity. After all, nobody needs to smoke a cigarette, but everyone does need to eat food. Given the strong brands Kraft Heinz controls, it seems more likely that it will get back on track compared to British American Tobacco, where its most important brands could be heading toward obsolescence.
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Reuben Gregg Brewer has positions in Procter & Gamble and Unilever. The Motley Fool recommends British American Tobacco P.l.c., Kraft Heinz, and Unilever and recommends the following options: long January 2026 $40 calls on British American Tobacco and short January 2026 $40 puts on British American Tobacco. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

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