(Reuters) -Unilever's ( UL ) third-quarter underlying sales growth topped market expectations on Thursday, driven by strength in its beauty products across North America and emerging markets.

The consumer goods company, which also owns brands such as Vaseline and Liquid I.V., reported third-quarter underlying sales growth of 3.9%, beating analysts' expectations of 3.7% from a company-compiled poll, while keeping its 2025 outlook unchanged.

Earlier this week, it said the spin-off of its ice cream business, originally scheduled for November 10, has been delayed due to the U.S. government shutdown.

Unilever ( UL ) on Thursday projected the spin-off to be completed in the fourth quarter, but provided no further details on the revised timetable.