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Unilever PLC (LON: ULVR) lifted its full-year 2026 sales outlook after delivering stronger-than-expected second-quarter results, driven by robust consumer demand, higher sales volumes, and continued momentum across its leading brands and emerging markets.
The consumer goods giant, known for brands such as Dove, Hellmann’s, and Vaseline, reported underlying sales growth of 5.8% in the second quarter. Underlying volume increased 5.5%, marking the company's strongest quarterly volume performance in more than 10 years and highlighting resilient consumer demand despite a challenging global environment.
Quarterly turnover rose 3.8% year over year to €13.0 billion. However, unfavorable foreign exchange movements reduced reported revenue by 2.4%, partially offsetting the underlying growth.
Following the solid first-half performance, Unilever upgraded its full-year guidance. The company now expects 2026 underlying sales growth to fall within its long-term target range of 4% to 6%, improving from its previous forecast that projected growth at the lower end of that range. Management also expects underlying volume growth of approximately 3% for the year.
Looking ahead, Unilever forecasts second-half underlying sales growth of 4% to 5%, supported primarily by pricing actions. It also anticipates a modest improvement in its full-year underlying operating margin compared with the 20.0% recorded in 2025.
The company's Power Brands, which generate approximately 78% of total turnover, continued to drive growth, posting 6.0% underlying sales growth during the first half.
Among business segments, Home Care delivered the strongest performance with 9.1% underlying sales growth in the second quarter. Beauty & Wellbeing followed with 8.1% growth, while Personal Care increased 5.9%. Foods remained the weakest division, posting only 0.2% growth as softer demand in developed markets and intensified competition in the U.S. condiments market weighed on performance.
Unilever also reaffirmed that its planned combination of its Foods business with McCormick remains on schedule, with the transaction expected to be completed by mid-2027 at the latest.
