PT Unilever Indonesia Tbk reported a net profit of Rp4.2 trillion for the first nine months of 2026, a 26% increase compared to the same period in 2025. While the company saw growth in its core operations, the financial results were bolstered by divestment gains and operational efficiencies, according to reports from EmitenNews.com.
Unilever Indonesia Performance Through September 2026
Unilever Indonesia’s net sales reached Rp25.8 trillion through the end of September 2026, marking a 7.2% year-on-year increase, as reported by CNBC Indonesia. The company’s performance in the third quarter alone saw sales of Rp8.9 trillion, a 7.4% rise over the same quarter in the previous year, driven by a 6.4% growth in underlying volume. In the third quarter of 2026 specifically, the company recorded a net profit of Rp1.2 trillion, representing a 4% increase year-on-year and a 49% jump quarter-on-quarter.
According to IDNFinancials, approximately 21% of the total profit recorded through September was attributed to the Sariwangi business line, which the company divested in March 2026. Excluding this divestment, the profit from continuing operations rose by 10.6% to Rp3.3 trillion. Financial data indicates that net sales for the nine-month period reached Rp25.75 trillion, up from Rp24.03 trillion previously, while basic earnings per share climbed to Rp87 from Rp79. The company’s gross profit totaled Rp11.62 trillion, a decline from the Rp11.74 trillion recorded in the same period of 2025, as the cost of goods sold swelled to Rp14.12 trillion from Rp12.28 trillion.
Additionally, operating profit climbed to Rp4.08 trillion from Rp3.99 trillion, bolstered by a significant rise in financial income to Rp100.19 billion from Rp6.16 billion.
SASSY Strategy Drives Long-Term Volume Growth
Director Benjie Yap stated that the company achieved volume growth for five consecutive quarters. In a statement reported by Kompas.com, Yap highlighted the "SASSY" strategy—focused on science, aesthetics, sensorial experiences, consumer advocacy, and youth relevance—as a driver for long-term growth. The company is also prioritizing its premium portfolio, which is growing faster than the mainstream segment. More than 70% of the company’s business is currently showing superior performance in its respective markets. Regarding future operations, the company is building new capabilities in demand creation through social media marketing, live streaming, and affiliate partnerships.
Commodity Inflation Persists into 2027
Management noted that non-operating factors, including gains from asset disposals and a lower effective tax rate, contributed to the bottom-line growth. Looking ahead, Benjie Yap indicated that the company expects inflationary pressure on commodities linked to the Middle East to persist into 2027. To manage this, the firm plans to use a combination of disciplined investment, cost efficiency, and precise price adjustments. The company is shifting its digital engagement strategies to strengthen connections with consumers across various online channels.
Net Sales Reach Rp25.8 Trillion
| Metric | 9M 2026 Result | Change (YoY) |
|---|---|---|
| Net Sales | Rp25.8 Trillion | +7.2% |
| Net Profit | Rp4.2 Trillion | +26% |
| Profit (Continuing Ops) | Rp3.3 Trillion | +10.6% |
Data sourced from IDNFinancials and EmitenNews.com.
Sariwangi Divestment Affects Reported Profit Growth
How did the divestment of Sariwangi affect the reported profit?
The Sariwangi business line contributed Rp887.9 billion to the total profit recorded through September 2026. Without this gain, the company’s net profit from continuing operations grew by 10.6% rather than the headline figure of 26%, according to IDNFinancials.
What is the company’s outlook for the remainder of 2026?
Unilever expects continued inflationary pressure on commodities through 2027. The company intends to maintain growth by focusing on volume, digital sales channels, and disciplined cost management, as stated by Benjie Yap in coverage by CNBC Indonesia.
What remains unknown regarding the company’s future plans?
While Unilever has committed to providing more information regarding its "Foods" business segment, the specific details and timing of potential changes to this division have not been finalized, with management promising an update before the end of 2026.