You've probably been there. You're sitting on the couch with a pint of Half Baked, looking at the price of groceries, and thinking: "Man, I should really own a piece of this company." It makes sense. Everyone knows the brand. The flavors are legendary. But if you pull up your E-Trade or Robinhood account and type in Ben and Jerry's stock, you're going to hit a wall.
Nothing comes up.
There is no "BENJ" ticker. No "CHUNKY" symbol. Honestly, the reality of how you "own" this brand is way more complicated than just hitting a buy button on an app. It involves massive global conglomerates, a brand-new spinoff company, and a legal battle that feels more like a divorce proceeding than a corporate merger.
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The Big Split: Why Everything Changed in 2025
For over 20 years, Ben & Jerry’s was tucked away inside the massive portfolio of Unilever (NYSE: UL). They shared a roof with Dove soap and Hellmann’s mayonnaise. But in early 2024, Unilever’s leadership decided that ice cream was basically a headache they didn't want anymore.
Why? Because ice cream is weird.
It’s seasonal. It requires "cold chain" logistics—aka massive, expensive freezers that have to stay running 24/7. Soap doesn't melt if the truck breaks down. Ice cream does. So, Unilever spent most of 2024 and 2025 preparing to kick their entire ice cream division out the door.
This brings us to The Magnum Ice Cream Company (TMICC).
If you want to track Ben and Jerry's stock today, you’re actually looking for Magnum. As of late 2025 and early 2026, this new entity is the parent company that holds Ben & Jerry’s, Magnum (obviously), Cornetto, and Breyers.
The spinoff didn't go smoothly, though. A U.S. government shutdown in late 2025 actually delayed the listing because the SEC couldn't process the paperwork. Eventually, they got it across the finish line in December 2025. Now, the brand is part of this new, standalone ice cream giant traded in London, Amsterdam, and New York.
Wait, Can I Actually Buy It?
Technically, yes, but you aren't just buying the Vermont hippy vibes. You're buying a massive global machine.
When you invest in the new parent company, you’re betting on the fact that people will keep buying expensive pints even when inflation is biting. But there's a catch that most casual investors miss. Ben and Jerry themselves—Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield—are currently in a massive fight with the new owners.
The Independent Board Drama
When Unilever bought the brand in 2000, they signed a unique deal. Ben & Jerry’s got to keep an "Independent Board of Directors" that controls the "social mission."
Magnum (the new owner) and the Ben & Jerry’s board are currently at each other's throats. The board wants to take stances on global conflicts and social justice issues. Magnum wants to sell ice cream without the political baggage. Just this month (January 2026), the board alleged that Magnum blocked the appointment of a new director.
This matters for the stock. If the brand's identity is "activism in a pint," and the parent company tries to "silence" that activism, does the brand lose its value? Some investors think the controversy hurts sales. Others think the activism is the only reason people pay $7 for a pint in the first place. It’s a messy, fascinating tension that you won’t find with a boring stock like Proctor & Gamble.
The Financial Reality of the Ice Cream Business
If you’re looking at Ben and Jerry's stock—or rather, the Magnum parent company—as a serious investment, you have to look at the numbers. In 2024, the ice cream division brought in about €7.9 billion in revenue. That's a lot of Cherry Garcia.
But the profit margins are thinner than they used to be.
- Commodity Costs: Milk, sugar, and cocoa prices have been wild lately.
- Competition: Private label (store brand) ice cream is getting better and cheaper.
- Consumer Habits: People are pivoting toward high-protein or dairy-free options, forcing the brand to constantly innovate.
Unilever still owns about 19.9% of the new ice cream company, but they plan to sell that off over the next few years. It’s a "slow-motion exit."
Is It a Good Buy Right Now?
Investors are split. Some see the new Magnum company as a "pure play" on the global frozen treats market. Without the soap and mayo business distracting them, the management can focus 100% on winning the freezer aisle.
On the flip side, the legal drama is a huge "red flag" for some. Ben Cohen recently said the brand's values will "die" under the current ownership. That’s a heavy statement from a founder. If the "Free Ben & Jerry's" campaign gains steam, it could lead to boycotts or more expensive lawsuits.
How to Get Involved (Actionable Steps)
If you've read this far, you're probably serious about the business side of your favorite dessert. Here is how you actually move forward:
- Check the Ticker: Look for the new listings under The Magnum Ice Cream Company. If your broker doesn't show it yet, it might be under the temporary "Unilever Ice Cream" descriptors or the European tickers (UNA in Amsterdam or ULVR in London).
- Watch the Courtroom: Follow the news regarding the Ben & Jerry's Independent Board. If they lose their power, expect a significant shift in the brand's marketing and public persona.
- Evaluate the "Moat": Ask yourself if you’d still buy a pint if it stopped supporting the causes you care about. If the answer is no, the stock might be riskier than it looks.
- Diversify: Don't put your whole portfolio into ice cream. It's a "cyclical" business—it does great in summer and fluctuates with the price of milk.
Investing in a brand with this much personality is never just about the P/E ratio. It's about whether you believe the "magic" of the Vermont brand can survive a corporate divorce and a new life on the stock exchange.