FMCG major Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) closed the March quarter of FY26 on a strong note, reporting a consolidated profit after tax (PAT) of ₹3,002 crore, up 20% year-on-year. The reported profit includes proceeds from the divestment of its stake in Nutritionalab, lending an additional boost to the bottom line. Consolidated revenue for the quarter rose 8% year-on-year to ₹16,207 crore, underpinned by a 7% underlying sales growth (USG) and 6% underlying volume growth (UVG), the company’s highest growth in 12 quarters.
Operating performance remained resilient, with EBITDA margin improving sequentially by 40 basis points to 23.7%. Absolute EBITDA stood at ₹3,841 crore, reflecting a 6% year-on-year increase, signalling steady cost management alongside growth.
Full-year performance highlights
For the full financial year FY26, HUL reported turnover of ₹63,763 crore, marking a 5% growth driven by 4% UVG. EBITDA margin came in at 23.6%, at the higher end of the company’s guidance band. Profitability remained robust, with PAT (before exceptional items) at ₹10,324 crore and reported PAT at ₹10,652 crore.
The Board has proposed a final dividend of ₹22 per share, subject to shareholder approval. Combined with the interim dividend of ₹19 per share declared earlier in October 2025, total dividend payout for the year stands at ₹9,633 crore, reinforcing HUL’s strong cash generation and shareholder return profile.
Home care drives growth momentum
The Home Care segment emerged as a standout performer, delivering 9% growth led by high-single digit volume expansion. Fabric Wash recorded double-digit growth, while Household Care maintained a strong high-single digit trajectory. The liquids portfolio continued its robust double-digit growth, complemented by improved performance in powders and bars.
Strategic brand building remained a key lever, with Surf excel leveraging high-impact platforms such as the Indian Premier League (IPL) through partnerships with popular franchises, enhancing consumer engagement and brand equity.
Beauty and wellbeing sees premium push
The Beauty & Wellbeing segment reported 8% USG, driven by strong performance in Hair Care, which delivered double-digit growth. While premium portfolios in Skin Care and Colour Cosmetics performed well, mass skin care remained subdued.
HUL continued to strengthen its innovation pipeline, expanding its sunscreen portfolio with launches such as Lakmē Sun Gel ₹10 access packs and Vaseline Cloud Soft with SPF 50. Notably, Vaseline and Sunsilk crossed the ₹1,000 crore annual turnover milestone, taking the company’s portfolio of “billion-rupee brands” to 20.
Personal care and foods maintain steady pace
Personal Care posted 5% growth, led by Skin Cleansing, where brands like Dove and Lux outperformed. Premium soaps and bodywash categories continued to gain traction, while new launches such as Lifebuoy Ice Bath and Pepsodent Sensitive Care strengthened HUL’s presence in emerging consumer segments.
The Foods business delivered 5% USG, supported by strong growth in coffee and lifestyle nutrition. Horlicks and Boost drove double-digit growth in nutrition, while Horlicks Protein Ready-to-Drink marked the company’s entry into the fast-growing protein segment. Premiumisation efforts in tea were accelerated through the relaunch of Lipton Green Tea.
Outlook amid evolving macro environment
HUL CEO and Managing Director Priya Nair highlighted that FY26 saw an improved demand environment supported by macroeconomic tailwinds and strategic interventions by the company. She noted that HUL sharpened its portfolio, scaled investments, and simplified operations to drive consistent performance improvement through the year.
However, she cautioned that rising geopolitical tensions have introduced commodity and currency volatility. The company is addressing these challenges through disciplined cost management, resilient supply chains, and calibrated pricing actions.
Looking ahead, HUL remains focused on strengthening its consumer franchise while delivering sustainable and competitive growth, backed by strong brands, financial resilience, and operational agility.