1328 GMT - Unilever will rely on the second half to deliver an improvement in profitability this year, Jefferies analysts say in a research note. The U.K. consumer-goods group confirmed its expectations of a modest improvement in its underlying operating margin this year relative to the 18.4% it reported last year, and said margins in the first and second half will be more balanced than in 2024. This implies Unilever will experience a bigger margin decline in the first half than the consensus estimate of 19.3%, according to Jefferies. "Arguably, this is just a clearer wording on prior guide, but still leaves more to do later in the year," the analysts say. Shares fall 0.5%. (adria.calatayud@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

April 24, 2025 09:28 ET (13:28 GMT)

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