Hindustan Unilever Limited reported a strong financial performance for the quarter and year ended March 31, 2026. The company achieved an 8% consolidated revenue growth in the final quarter, supported by a 7% underlying sales growth, marking its highest quarterly growth in 12 quarters. Full-year turnover reached ₹63,763 crores, reflecting a consistent step-up in momentum driven by portfolio premiumization, market development, and enhanced operational agility across all segments.
Quarterly and Annual Financial Highlights
HUL concluded the March 2026 quarter with strong momentum. Profit After Tax before exceptional items stood at ₹2,711 crores, a 4% increase year-on-year, while the EBITDA margin reached 23.7%, landing at the higher end of the company’s guidance. For the full FY26, the company delivered 5% underlying sales growth driven by a 4% underlying volume growth, with a consolidated turnover of ₹63,763 crores.
Strategic Growth Drivers
The company attributed its improved performance to several decisive actions. Key highlights include:
- Market Development: A dedicated focus on volume-led growth across categories, including a 25% increase in shampoo bottle distribution in General Trade.
- Omni-channel Expansion: The E-commerce channel delivered over 25% growth during the financial year, supported by a newly created, dedicated Quick Commerce organization.
- Portfolio Premiumization: Significant investment in premium formats, including a ₹2,000 crore capex commitment toward Home Care and Beauty and Wellbeing.
Segment Performance
Growth was broad-based across all key segments:
- Home Care: The segment achieved 9% underlying sales growth, its strongest performance in 11 quarters. The liquids portfolio surpassed the ₹4,000 crore turnover milestone.
- Beauty & Wellbeing: This segment recorded 8% underlying sales growth. The premium skin beauty portfolio (including Minimalist, Simple, and OZiva) reached an annual revenue run rate of approximately ₹1,400 crores.
- Foods & Refreshments: Lifestyle Nutrition brands Horlicks and Boost reported double-digit growth in the second half of the year, following strategic pack-price architecture adjustments and new format launches.
Future Outlook and Capital Allocation
Looking ahead to FY27, management remains confident in maintaining growth momentum despite geopolitical volatility and commodity price fluctuations. The company continues to prioritize competitive, volume-led growth. Furthermore, the Board has declared a final dividend of ₹22 per share, bringing the total dividend for the year to ₹41 per share, underscoring a balanced approach to capital allocation and shareholder returns.
Source: BSE
