Guillaume Gerard Delmas's questions to Unilever PLC (UL) leadership • FY 2024
Question
Guillaume Gerard Delmas from UBS sought clarification on the 'slower start' guidance, asking if it implied a sequential slowdown from Q4 and if H1 margins would be down. He also asked about the drivers and sustainability of strong North American volume growth.
Answer
CEO Hein M. Schumacher confirmed the guidance implies a sequential growth slowdown in Q1 from Q4's 4%, with an expected ramp-up through the year. He did not provide quarterly margin guidance but noted the productivity program is ahead of schedule. CFO Fernando Fernandez attributed the strong North American performance to a fundamental portfolio transformation, driven by high-growth Wellbeing and Prestige businesses and an improving Personal Care segment.