Unilever raises guidance after reporting 5.8% underlying sales growth in Q2, driven by 5.5% volume expansion, its strongest since 2010.
Unilever reported a 5.8% rise in second-quarter underlying sales, fueled by 5.5% volume growth, marking its strongest quarterly volume performance since 2010. The company now expects pricing to contribute more in the second half, prompting an upgrade to its full-year outlook.
First-half turnover reached €25.6 billion, up 0.5% year-over-year, while underlying operating profit rose 0.9% to €5.2 billion. Underlying earnings per share increased 2.4% to €1.61, and free cash flow grew €500 million to €1.5 billion. Currency movements dragged turnover down by 4.9%.
Power brands, comprising 78% of turnover, grew 6.9% in Q2, with 15 of 30 brands posting double-digit growth. Beauty and Wellbeing segment led with 5.9% underlying sales growth in the first half.