Hindustan Unilever Posts 15% Underlying Sales Growth, Highest in 14 Quarters
Key Facts
Hindustan Unilever posted underlying sales growth of 15% in the September 2026 quarter, its highest in 14 quarters, according to NDTV Profit. Underlying sales volume growth rose to 7%, its highest since the first quarter of fiscal 2022. The two measures put sales and volume growth at strong levels against the reference periods cited in the results. The report said, "Underlying sales growth was the highest in 14 quarters." Volume growth also reached its highest level since the first quarter of fiscal 2022.
Net profit attributable to owners of the parent rose 3.9% year on year to 2,790 crore rupees in the September 2026 quarter, from 2,685 crore rupees in the same quarter a year earlier, according to Business Standard. Profit after tax before exceptional items grew faster, rising 9.5% to 2,795 crore rupees from 2,553 crore rupees. The figures offer two different views of profitability, with profit before exceptional items increasing more than net profit attributable to owners. The newspaper attributed the difference to the distinct bases used to calculate the two profit measures. It said, "Profit after tax before exceptional items rose 9.5%."
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization rose 8% to 4,089 crore rupees from 3,785 crore rupees in the year-earlier period, according to Business Standard. But the margin on this measure contracted 140 basis points to 22.6%, compared with 24% a year earlier. This means operating profit growth coincided with an annual decline in the margin. The newspaper said, "EBITDA margin contracted to 22.6%." The quarterly results highlight the contrast between growth in the absolute value of earnings and a decline in their share of sales.
At the segment level, underlying personal care sales growth was 9%, but underlying sales volume was flat, according to Business Standard. The foods segment also recorded underlying sales growth of 9%, alongside low single-digit sales volume growth. The metrics show a divergence between sales growth and volume growth in personal care, while foods sales growth was accompanied by a limited increase in volume. After the results were announced on 28 October, the stock rose 2.3% to an intraday high of 1,861.20 rupees before reversing course and trading down about 1% at around 1,800 rupees, according to Upstox. EL7 data had recorded ticker ul's close at 65.05 on 27 October, before the announcement.