Summary: Hindustan Unilever reported September-quarter turnover of ₹18,071 crore, up 15% on an underlying basis, with 7% volume growth. EBITDA increased 8% to ₹4,089 crore, although the margin narrowed 140 basis points to 22.6%. Reported profit from continuing operations was nearly flat at ₹2,796 crore, while profit before exceptional items rose 9%. The board declared a ₹19 interim dividend.
Hindustan Unilever’s latest quarter showed its strongest underlying sales growth in 14 quarters, supported by broad gains in home care and beauty products. However, faster costs and a high year-ago tax benefit made the profit picture less straightforward than the headline sales increase.
What Happened
HUL said turnover reached ₹18,071 crore in the quarter ended September 30, 2026. Underlying sales growth was 15% and underlying volume growth was 7%. Revenue from operations, which includes other operating revenue, rose 14.5% to ₹18,226 crore, according to Business Standard.
EBITDA grew 8% to ₹4,089 crore, but the margin contracted to 22.6% from 24%. Profit after tax before exceptional items increased 9% to ₹2,795 crore. Reported profit from continuing operations was nearly unchanged at ₹2,796 crore because the previous-year quarter included a ₹273 crore tax-related gain.
The board declared an interim dividend of ₹19 per share. November 12 is the record date and payment is scheduled for November 25.
Why It Matters
HUL’s mix of soaps, detergents, beauty products and packaged foods makes its results a useful indicator of household consumption. Volume growth of 7% suggests that the sales increase was not driven only by price changes, while the margin contraction shows that input and operating costs still need monitoring.
Home Care delivered 22% underlying sales growth and Beauty & Wellbeing grew 16%. Personal Care and Foods each recorded 9% underlying growth, but Personal Care segment profit declined 8.7%, highlighting uneven profitability across the portfolio.
Market Impact
HUL shares were volatile after the results. The stock initially rose 2.3% to an intraday high of ₹1,861, then fell to ₹1,765.50. At 12:10 pm it traded 0.8% lower at ₹1,803 while the Nifty 50 was down 0.4%, according to Business Standard. These are intraday prices, not a closing market assessment.
Industry Context
Consumer companies are balancing improving volumes against commodity and distribution costs. HUL maintained its FY27 consolidated EBITDA-margin guidance of 22%–24% and said it expects the year to be better than FY26, while also anticipating near-term commodity inflation.
For another view of demand and margins in packaged consumer products, read BusinessNews1’s report on Tata Consumer’s Q2 performance.
What To Watch Next
- Whether 7% underlying volume growth continues through the second half.
- Commodity inflation and HUL’s pricing response.
- Personal Care profitability after the quarterly decline.
- Whether EBITDA margin remains within the 22%–24% guidance range.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did HUL’s Q2 profit grow?
Consolidated profit attributable to owners increased about 3.9% to ₹2,790 crore. Profit from continuing operations, including non-controlling interests, was nearly flat at ₹2,796 crore. The difference reflects a discontinued-operations loss in the prior-year comparison and a ₹273 crore tax-related benefit in last year’s continuing operations.
What drove HUL’s sales growth?
Underlying sales rose 15%, supported by 7% underlying volume growth. Home Care led with 22% underlying sales growth, while Beauty & Wellbeing grew 16%. Personal Care and Foods each grew 9%. This indicates broad demand, although pricing and product mix also contributed to turnover growth.
What are the HUL dividend dates?
HUL declared an interim dividend of ₹19 for each equity share of ₹1 face value. The record date is November 12, 2026, which determines eligible shareholders. The company has scheduled payment for November 25. Market purchases must settle in time for the buyer to appear as an eligible holder.
Why did HUL’s EBITDA margin fall?
EBITDA grew 8%, slower than turnover, causing the margin to decline 140 basis points to 22.6%. The published results point to stronger sales but also higher costs. HUL expects commodity inflation in the short term, making pricing, product mix and operating discipline important for future margins.
