Unilever PLC shares surged 5.57% in overnight trading, reacting to the company's stronger-than-expected first-half results for 2026.

The consumer goods giant reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.88, an 8.05% increase from the prior-year period, on sales of $29.902 billion. Underlying sales growth accelerated to 5.8% in the second quarter, driven by robust volume growth of 5.5%, pushing the first-half underlying growth figure to 4.8%. The results topped analyst expectations and underscored the company's strong operating momentum.

Following the performance, Unilever management raised its full-year 2026 underlying sales growth guidance to the 4%-6% range, with second-half growth of 4%-5% expected to be led by pricing. The earnings beat and upgraded outlook reinforced investor confidence in the company's strategic focus on its health and personal care businesses.