Unilever PLC shares surged 6.71% in pre-market trading, reacting to the consumer goods giant's stellar first-half 2026 results that comfortably exceeded analyst expectations.

The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.88, an 8.05% increase from $1.74 in the prior-year period, on sales of $29.902 billion. Underlying sales growth accelerated to 5.8% in the second quarter, driven by a 5.5% surge in volumes — the highest volume growth since the first quarter of 2010. The strong performance was broad-based, with the beauty and wellbeing segment posting 8.1% underlying sales growth and the home care segment jumping 9.1%, both led by volume expansion.

Buoyed by the robust results, Unilever management raised its full-year 2026 outlook, now projecting underlying sales growth within the 4% to 6% range, up from its prior expectation of growth at the bottom end of that range. The company also lifted its volume growth forecast to around 3% for the full year. The earnings beat and upgraded guidance reinforced investor confidence in Unilever's strategic pivot toward health, personal care, and home products, as it prepares to combine its foods business with McCormick in a deal expected to close in 2027.