Should I Buy Unilever Stock in 2025? UAE Market Analysis

What is Unilever?

How much is the Unilever stock?

The price of Unilever stock is rising this week. As of today, Unilever (UL, NYSE) trades at $63.78 per share, up 0.9% over the past 24 hours and gaining 4.9% over the week. The company holds a market capitalization of $158 billion, with an average 3-month volume of 1.81 million shares. Unilever’s P/E ratio stands at 24.4, complemented by a steady dividend yield of 3.2% and a low beta of 0.3. With its stable performance and modest volatility, Unilever presents a balanced option for investors in the UAE seeking defensive exposure with reliable income.

Our full analysis on the Unilever stock

Having thoroughly reviewed Unilever’s latest quarterly and annual results, as well as its equity performance over the past three years, we have synthesized financial data, technical indicators, and sector intelligence—layered through proprietary analytical models. This holistic, data-driven approach aims to offer well-substantiated insights while helping investors gauge the timing and merit of Unilever stock in the current climate. So, why might Unilever stock once again become a strategic entry point into the global consumer goods sector in 2025?

Recent Performance and Market Context

Unilever’s share price currently stands at $63.78 (NYSE: UL), reflecting a robust +11.86% gain year-to-date and a strong rebound from its May 2024 lows. This recovery, underpinned by a +4.9% rally since a technical buy signal emerged in mid-May 2025, has outperformed most large-cap consumer staples peers, demonstrating resilience amid recent macro volatility.

The macro backdrop has notably improved for global consumer goods names as inflationary pressures have subsided, restoring consumer demand and relieving margin stress. For the UAE financial community, Unilever’s global reach and significant exposure to emerging markets—especially across Asia, Africa, and LATAM—are particularly relevant as these regions align strongly with regional consumer trends and investment portfolios. Recent leadership changes have further invigorated expectations for a faster strategic turnaround and enhanced shareholder returns.

• Appointment of Fernando Fernandez as CEO in March 2025 to accelerate core business focus.
• Robust Q1 and full-year 2024 results, beating expectations on margin and profit.
• Advancements with portfolio optimization, notably the announcement of the planned spinoff of the ice cream business and disposal of non-core foods brands.
• Renewed upward guidance for underlying sales growth in the 3–5% range for 2025.

The cumulative effect: Unilever sits at a critical inflection, combining operational momentum with renewed strategic direction.

Technical Analysis

Unilever’s technical structure tilts strongly bullish over the medium to long term, supporting the view that the stock may be entering a new upward phase. Key technical indicators include:

• Relative Strength Index (RSI): The 14-day RSI ranges between 61.2 and 62.3—squarely in neutral/positive territory, signaling neither overbought nor oversold conditions but rather a stable uptrend with room for further appreciation.
• MACD: A positive MACD of 0.52 confirms building upward momentum, having generated a bullish crossover in May.
• Moving Averages: The stock trades above its 20-, 50-, and 200-day moving averages, reflecting supportive institutional flows and strong trend adherence.
• Support and Resistance: Recent price action has solidified support at the high-volume price range, limiting downside risk. The next resistance level at £21.07 (LSE) must be breached for acceleration, but current structure suggests bullish pressure is mounting.
• Volume Dynamics: Positive price movement has coincided with surges in volume—typically an early signal of institutional accumulation, rather than speculative rotation.

In the aggregate, these technical elements suggest strong short-to-medium-term price momentum, with the prospect for further upside should macro or company-specific catalysts emerge.

Fundamental Analysis

Unilever’s most recent financials reveal a business in the midst of operational reinvigoration:

• Revenue Growth: 2024 full-year revenues reached €60.8 billion (+1.9% YoY), driven by a marked recovery in volumes (+2.9%) as price increases stabilized.
• Profitability: Underlying operating profit rose 12.6% to €11.2 billion, with underlying EPS up by 14.7% to €2.98, vastly outpacing top-line growth and highlighting improving margin quality.
• Valuation: Despite its rebound, Unilever trades at a forward P/E of 17.6x—well below its trailing multiple (24.3x)—implying the market may be underestimating the sustainability of earnings acceleration as portfolio optimization takes effect. The price-to-sales ratio sits at a reasonable 2.29x, while EPS growth is forecast at 8.8% p.a. over the next three years.
• Dividends: A solid, growing dividend yield of 3.0–3.3%—supported by a long track record of annual increases—cements Unilever’s appeal to income-focused portfolios, particularly in regions like the UAE where stable cash flows are highly prized.

Among global peers, Unilever stands out for its defensive qualities (beta: 0.22–0.42), vast emerging markets exposure, and exceptional portfolio breadth (Dove, Knorr, Ben & Jerry’s, Hellmann’s, and more). Its innovation pipeline continues to prove resilient, with new launches addressing both premiumisation and sustainability—two key drivers in current consumer goods trends.

Volume and Liquidity

Unilever maintains consistently high trading liquidity, with a 10-day average daily volume of 1.81 million shares (NYSE). This depth signals strong institutional interest and enables dynamic valuation adjustment, providing a favorable environment for various investment strategies. The float also supports efficient execution and low bid-offer spreads, mitigating risk even during episodes of market stress.

Such volume dynamics are frequently a precursor to sustainable price appreciation, reflecting confidence among both long-term investors and active participants.

Catalysts and Positive Outlook

Several near- and medium-term catalysts are poised to reinforce Unilever’s positive momentum:

• Portfolio Restructuring: The planned spin-off of the ice cream division will allow for a sharper focus on higher-margin core categories, unlocking hidden value and potentially driving multiple expansion as the market re-rates the standalone consumer/food business.
• Leadership Transition: With Fernando Fernandez’s elevation to CEO—following his term as CFO and with a mandate to accelerate Unilever’s transformation—analysts expect increased speed in delivering operational targets and portfolio optimization.
• Margin Expansion: Aggressive cost management and premiumisation efforts have driven gross margin expansion beyond initial market expectations, offering further room for profitability enhancement.
• Emerging Market Growth: Unilever’s muscular footprint in rapidly growing economies provides exposure to favorable demographic trends—particularly attractive in the context of AE investors’ international diversification objectives.
• ESG & Sustainability: Ongoing leadership in sustainability and ESG aligns perfectly with evolving regulatory requirements and growing consumer preferences, potentially attracting incremental capital inflows from dedicated ESG funds.
• Analyst Upgrades: Consensus price targets continue to trend upwards—current ADR target at $70.00 indicates a further 9.75% upside, while the bull case sketches upside potential of up to 30% in coming cycles.

These catalysts, underpinned by operational excellence and favorable macro trends, seem to create an increasingly fertile environment for the stock’s next revaluation phase.

Investment Strategies

Unilever’s current setup is attractive across multiple investment horizons:

• Short-term: Technical momentum and structural support—plus proximity to catalysts like the upcoming ice cream spinoff—could enable swift upside for tactical traders seeking exposure ahead of news flow.
• Medium-term: Ongoing operational improvements (margin, volume gains) and recent top-line stabilization support a medium-term holding case, as strategic gains are compounded and the market digests the full value of the transformation.
• Long-term: Shareholders benefit from Unilever’s structural strengths: wide moat brands, robust emerging market growth, regular dividend increases, and favorable risk/return dynamics (low beta). For UAE-based portfolios seeking core global consumer staples exposure as a hedge against local or regional volatility, Unilever’s profile is especially compelling.

The present price, situated above strengthened support levels but below consensus highs, offers what appears to be an optimal positioning window—combining attractive entry with a clear line-of-sight to multiple potential catalysts.

Is It the Right Time to Buy Unilever?

A synthesis of technical, fundamental, and strategic factors points squarely toward a favorable risk/reward proposition for Unilever at present levels. The company’s recent return to volume-driven growth, effective cost management, and dividend consistency underpin a resilient foundation. Leadership transition—typically a risk—here represents an opportunity, with a new CEO focused on delivering sharper execution and unlocking latent value.

Add to this a well-capitalized balance sheet, broad international presence, steady dividend stream, and a suite of bold structural initiatives; Unilever seems well-positioned to benefit from both macro tailwinds and self-help catalysts. For investors in the AE market seeking both steady income and longer-term capital appreciation, the stock may be entering a new bullish phase, with current valuations that invite renewed interest.

Unilever’s combination of strategic vision, operational discipline, and global consumer franchise appears to represent an excellent opportunity for those looking to align their portfolios with a leader in resilient, sustainable, and growth-oriented consumer goods. As the group accelerates its transformation under new leadership and unleashes value from its core brands and portfolio moves, the setup for future upside becomes increasingly compelling—marking this as a moment for serious consideration by discerning investors seeking both stability and growth in a fast-shifting global landscape.

How to buy Unilever stock in the UAE?

Buying Unilever stock online has become both simple and secure for investors in the UAE, thanks to the availability of regulated online brokers. Whether you're looking to own shares directly (spot buying) or benefit from price movements via Contracts for Difference (CFDs), you can begin trading or investing in just a few clicks on a trusted platform. Spot buying lets you hold actual shares and receive dividends, while CFDs allow for leveraged trading on price fluctuations, both up and down. For help choosing the right broker for your needs, a detailed comparison is available further down this page.

Spot Buying

What is it?
Spot, or cash buying, involves the direct purchase of Unilever shares—meaning you become a shareholder and may receive dividends declared by the company. This method is ideal for long-term investors seeking stable value and income.

Typical Fees:
Most regulated brokers in the UAE charge a fixed commission per order, usually ranging from AED 15 to AED 40 (approximately $4–$11 USD), plus possible currency conversion fees if buying in international markets.

Example

Suppose the Unilever (ADR) share price is $63.78, and you wish to invest $1,000. After paying a typical $5 brokerage fee:
- Number of shares you can buy ≈ ( $1,000 - $5 ) / $63.78 = 15.6 shares (rounded down to 15 shares).

✔️ Gain scenario:
If the share price rises by 10%, your holdings are now worth $1,100.
Result: +$100 gross gain, which is a +10% return on your investment, excluding possible dividends.

Trading via CFD

What is it?
CFD (Contract for Difference) trading lets you speculate on Unilever’s share price without owning the underlying shares. CFDs offer the advantage of trading with leverage—allowing you to control a larger position with a smaller outlay. This is suited for active traders seeking short-term opportunities, both up and down.

Typical Fees:
CFD trading involves a “spread” (the difference between buy/sell prices), and overnight financing fees if you hold positions beyond a day. Spreads on Unilever typically range from $0.10 to $0.25 per share, with daily financing around 0.005–0.02% of position value.

Example

You open a CFD on Unilever with a $1,000 margin, using 5x leverage.
- Market exposure: $5,000 (5 × $1,000)

✔️ Gain scenario:
If Unilever’s share price rises by 8%, your position increases by 8% × 5 (leverage) = 40%.
Result: You realize a $400 gain on your $1,000 stake (excluding fees).

Final Advice

Before investing, carefully compare brokers’ fees, trading conditions, and account features to ensure they fit your needs. Your choice between direct shareholding and CFD trading should reflect your financial goals, risk appetite, and investment horizon. There is no one-size-fits-all solution: review the broker comparison further down the page to make an informed and confident decision.

Our 7 tips for buying Unilever stock

The latest news about Unilever

Unilever’s stock has gained 11.86% year-to-date, supported by robust long-term bullish technical indicators.
Recently, Unilever shares have demonstrated renewed momentum, rising 4.9% since mid-May, as signaled by a technical buy indicator. The stock is currently trading above key moving averages with a Relative Strength Index in neutral territory, and the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) remains positive, all reflecting ongoing investor confidence. This technical strength is particularly relevant for investors in the UAE (AE), where local institutional portfolios often seek global blue-chip stability, especially in defensive consumer staples which are resilient in variable macroeconomic environments.

Unilever reported strong financial results for 2024, marked by a 12.6% year-on-year rise in operating profit and 4.2% underlying sales growth.
For the full year 2024, revenues rose to €60.8 billion, driven by 2.9% volume growth and well-managed pricing strategies, while underlying EPS climbed 14.7% to €2.98. Gross margin expansion in Q4 outpaced analyst expectations, underpinning an improving operational profile. This strong performance enhances Unilever’s reputation among key markets, including the UAE, where it is a preferred supplier in modern trade, and strengthens its standing for government and private sector partnerships across the region.

Unilever’s dividend track record remains attractive, with a 3.02–3.29% yield and consistent annual growth over the past decade.
The dividend’s reliability is further evidenced by increases every year in the last 10 years, offering a steady income stream for equity investors and institutional allocators in the UAE, many of whom prize dividend stability alongside capital appreciation. The ADR structure also facilitates access for GCC investors despite UK withholding tax complexities, making Unilever a well-followed dividend play in the region.

Strategic restructuring, including the planned ice cream spin-off and disposals of select food brands, positions Unilever for higher-margin growth.
During 2025, the company is moving forward with an Amsterdam listing for its ice cream business and is optimizing its foods portfolio, having announced divestitures such as Unox and Conimex. This focus on core, profitable segments bolsters Unilever’s growth prospects and supports its 3–5% underlying sales growth outlook for 2025. These corporate actions reflect strategic agility that aligns well with market preferences in the UAE, where diversified consumer portfolios and innovation are closely monitored by both asset managers and regulators.

Unilever’s emerging markets strength and sustained brand leadership enhance its relevance in the UAE’s consumer goods landscape.
With a robust portfolio featuring globally recognized brands like Dove, Knorr, and Ben & Jerry’s, and innovation capabilities driving volume recovery after prior pricing-led cycles, Unilever remains a key partner for UAE distributors and retailers. Its leadership in sustainability and ESG compliance aligns with rising regulatory standards in the Emirates while supporting consumer trust. The company’s constructive fundamentals and proactive adaptation to market trends signal a favorable environment for continued growth and partnership in the AE region.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.