Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) reported Q3 FY26 results with consolidated revenue up ~5–6% YoY to ₹16,235–16,580 crore, driven by 4% underlying volume growth (UVG); reported net profit surged 121% to ₹6,603 crore largely due to ₹4,611 crore ice cream demerger gain, while core profit (continuing ops) was ~₹2,118–2,652 crore (flat to +1% YoY).

HUL Q3 FY26 results – Headline Numbers

• Revenue from operations:

  • ₹16,235–16,580 crore, up 5–6% YoY from ~₹15,322–15,788 crore.
• Net profit (reported):
  • ₹6,603 crore, up 121% YoY (₹2,989 crore in Q3 FY25), boosted by ₹4,611 Cr ice cream demerger gain.
• Net profit (continuing operations/core):
  • ₹2,118–2,652 crore, flat to +1% YoY.
• EBITDA:
  • ₹3,788 crore, up ~3% YoY; EBITDA margin ~23.2–23.3% (down 50–90 bps YoY).
• Underlying growth:
  • UVG 4%, USG 5–6%.

Segment performance: Beauty & Wellbeing leads

Other highlights:

• Labour code impact: ~₹576 Cr exceptional loss (vs ₹538 Cr gain prior year).
• Strategic moves: 100% OZiva acquisition approved; exit from Nutritionalab JV.

Strengths / positives of HUL Q3 FY26

• Volume‑led recovery: 4% UVG signals demand revival in core FMCG after pricing moderation and de‑stocking.

• Beauty & Wellbeing outperformance: +11% growth driven by premiumisation, haircare, and prestige beauty launches.
• Portfolio optimisation: Ice cream demerger unlocks value; OZiva full acquisition strengthens health/nutrition play.
• Stable margins: EBITDA margin holds ~23.3% despite input costs and labour code hit, showing resilience.
• Future moats building: Investments in quick commerce, modern trade, and high‑growth spaces position for sustained growth.

Risks / things to watch

• Core profit stagnation: Flat YoY growth (~₹2,100–2,650 Cr) despite revenue rise; highlights profitability pressure.
• Margin compression: EBITDA margin down 50–90 bps to 23.2–23.3% on input costs, labour codes, investments.
• Slow rural recovery: UVG 4% modest; rural demand weakness persists amid uneven monsoon/inflation.
• Competitive intensity: Quick commerce, D2C brands erode share in high‑growth channels.
• Input cost volatility: Commodities, palm oil, packaging pressures could squeeze margins further.

FAQs

1. What drove HUL’s reported profit surge in Q3 FY26?
Reported net profit jumped 121% to ₹6,603 crore mainly from ₹4,611 Cr ice cream business demerger gain; core profit from continuing operations remained largely flat at ~₹2,100–2,650 Cr.

2. How was revenue growth and UVG?
Revenue rose 5–6% YoY to ₹16,235–16,580 Cr, with underlying volume growth (UVG) at 4% and underlying sales growth (USG) at 5–6%.

3. Which segment performed best?
Beauty & Wellbeing led with ~11% revenue growth, followed by Foods (+6%) and Home Care (+3%); Personal Care grew modestly at +1%.

4. What was EBITDA and margin trend?
EBITDA around ₹3,788 Cr (+3% YoY), but margin dipped 50–90 bps to 23.2–23.3% due to labour code costs and investments.

5. Any major corporate actions?
Board approved 100% acquisition of OZiva and exit from Nutritionalab JV; ice cream demerger completed.

6. Stock reaction to HUL Q3 results?
Shares fell ~4% despite headline profit beat, as investors focused on core profit flatness and margin dip amid high expectations.