Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) reported a steady operating performance in the December quarter, marked by volume-led growth, market share gains across key categories, and prudent margin management, even as pricing pressures persisted in select segments. The FMCG major posted consolidated revenue growth of 6% to ₹16,235 crore, with underlying sales growth of 5%, driven by 4% volume expansion, reflecting early signs of demand recovery in the domestic market. HUL’s profit after tax surged 121% year-on-year to ₹6,603 crore, primarily due to a one-off positive impact arising from the ice cream demerger. EBITDA rose 3% year-on-year to ₹3,788 crore, while EBITDA margin remained resilient at 23.3%, in line with the company’s guided range.
Commenting on the quarter, HUL MD & CEO Priya Nair noted that demand trends showed early signs of recovery, supported by favourable policy measures. Against this improving backdrop, the company delivered competitive growth while continuing to invest in brand strength, market development and emerging channels, particularly quick commerce. HUL’s strategy during the quarter remained focused on driving volume growth, strengthening leadership positions, and accelerating presence in high-growth demand spaces, while building long-term capabilities for the future.
The Home Care segment strengthened its leadership position, achieving its highest-ever market share during the quarter. Sales grew 3%, supported by mid-single digit volume growth, even as the category continued to face negative price impacts due to pricing actions taken earlier in the year.
Fabric Wash delivered mid-single digit volume growth, with the liquids portfolio accelerating to double-digit growth. Household Care sustained its double-digit volume momentum, led by Vim Liquid. HUL also intensified market development initiatives to drive penetration and premiumisation, notably through sharper focus on the ₹99 Surf Excel Easy Wash pack to encourage upgradation.
The Beauty & Wellbeing segment reported 6% sales growth with low-single digit volume expansion. Hair Care emerged as a key growth driver, delivering volume-led double-digit growth and reinforcing leadership, supported by strong performance from premium brands such as Dove and TRESemmé.
Skin Care and Colour Cosmetics recorded robust growth in light moisturisers and winter-focused portfolios, partially offset by muted demand in non-winter products. The segment continued to deliver strong double-digit growth in Channels of the Future and gained market share
Personal Care posted 6% growth, driven by strong brand performance across categories. Skin Cleansing recorded mid-single digit growth, led by double-digit growth in Pears and Dove. The Bodywash portfolio continued to outperform and strengthened its market leadership.
The Foods business delivered 6% sales growth, led by high-single digit volume expansion. Tea recorded mid-single digit volume growth, though revenues were muted due to price reductions in a deflationary commodity environment. Coffee sustained strong double-digit growth, supported by both volume and pricing.