FMCG behemoth Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) said its consolidated net profit rose 4% year-on-year for the July-September quarter (Q2 FY26) to ₹2,694 crore, while its revenue grew 2% to ₹16,061 crore. The company said one-off gains aided its net profit during the quarter as the company recorded a net positive impact of ₹184 crore, driven by one-off positive impact pursuant to the resolution of prior years’ tax matters between UK and Indian tax authorities. If excluded, the PAT dipped 4% YoY.

HUL’s EBITDA margin stood at 23.2% which was lower by 90 bps year-on-year amid higher investments in the business, the company said. The HUL Board of Directors also declared an interim dividend of ₹19 per share for the year ending March 31, 2026.

Priya Nair, CEO and Managing Director, Hindustan Unilever, said HUL delivered a competitive performance with an Underlying Sales Growth (USG) of 2% and an EBITDA margin of 23.2% in the quarter. She said the latest GST reforms are a positive step by the government to drive consumption, which is expected to increase disposable income and improve consumer sentiment. “The quarter saw a transitory impact as the market adjusted to these changes. We anticipate normal trading conditions starting early November, once prices stabilise, paving the way for a gradual and sustained market recovery.”

Segment-wise, HUL saw sustained competitive, volume-led performance on a strong base. In-home care, delivering mid-single-digit UVG. “Fabric wash grew volumes in mid-single digit driven by strong double-digit volume growth in liquids, underpinned by successful innovations and competitive pricing actions.”

Beauty and wellbeing delivered 5% USG, driven by skin care and health and wellbeing categories. “Hair care continued to strengthen its market leadership in the quarter. However, turnover declined year-on-year due to the transitory impact of GST rate rationalisation.”

In personal care, HUL says its turnover growth was flat, impacted by GST changes, while its competitive position strengthened in the said period. “Skin Cleansing delivered competitive performance underpinned by double-digit growth in premium soaps.”

In foods, HUL saw double-digit growth in beverages, supported overall performance amid softness in ice cream and lifestyle nutrition. Foods delivered 3% USG, with low single-digit UVG. Beverages (tea and coffee) grew in double-digits. 

In its outlook, the HUL CEO says, the company is determined to accelerate its portfolio transformation by “radically” sharpening consumer segmentation. “We believe these key priorities, coupled with a supportive macroeconomic environment, will position us to accelerate volume-led growth in the mid-to-long term.” 

The HUL share is currently trading 1.45% up at ₹2,630.00 on the BSE. With this, the company's m-cap stands at ₹6,17,942.50 crore.