Hindustan Unilever Profit Jumps 41% To Rs 2,143 Crore In March Quarter

The country's leading fast moving consumer goods maker - Hindustan Unilever - on Thursday, April 29, reported net profit of Rs 2,143 crore in quarter ended March 2021, marking an increase of 41 per cent from Rs 1,519 crore in the same quarter last year. Hindustan Unilever's revenue from sale of products rose 34 per cent to Rs 11,947 crore from Rs 8,885 crore in the March quarter of last year. (Track Hindustan Unilever stock price here)

Domestic consumer growth was at 21 per cent with underlying volume growth of 16 per cent, Hindustan Unilever said in a press release.

Overall business grew in double-digits for the third consecutive quarter, while discretionary and out-of-home categories improved sequentially, Hindustan Unilever said.

Home care segment growth came in at 15 per cent and was enabled by a strong recovery in fabric wash. Household Care continued its strong performance delivering double-digit growth. Liquids and fabric sensations continue to outperform benefitting from robust market development initiatives.

Beauty and personal care grew 20 per cent with skin cleansing, hair care and oral care delivering high double-digit growths. Skin cleansing performance was led by 'Lifebuoy' and premium segment. A calibrated approach towards price increase has helped protect our business model even as vegetable oils continue to inflate at record levels, Hindustan Unilever added.

Foods & Refreshment delivered another quarter of strong performance and grew at 36 per cent. All our tea brands continue to grow in high double-digits. Ketchups, soups and ice creams also performed well with double-digit growths. Ice creams recovery in the quarter was aided by multiple product innovations. Nutrition volumes grew in double digits and we launched Rs 2 sachets in Horlicks and Boost. Our goal remains to drive penetration in this category, Hindustan Unilever said.

Operating profit margin or EBITDA margin came in at 25 per cent. We continue to invest behind our brands and portfolio, and in future-fit capabilities. Our focused actions on net revenue management and savings have enabled us to manage inflationary pressures and deliver a healthy bottom-line performance

"Our in-quarter performance was strong on both the top-line and bottom-line. Despite challenging times, in FY'21 our business ecosystem has withstood the disruption and demonstrated agility and resilience across the value chain. We have delivered on our multi stakeholder business model. Our purpose-led brands and capabilities were further strengthened during the year and this positions us well to serve our consumers during this turbulent period. Our focus firmly remains behind delivering volume led competitive growth," Sanjiv Mehta, chairman and managing director said in a statement.

As of 1:49 pm, Hindustan Unilever shares traded 0.57 per cent higher at Rs 2,421, in-line with the Sensex which was up 0.4 per cent.