HUL’s Q4 profit rises 20%, core growth steady amid geopolitical volatility

Heightened geopolitical tensions and the resulting volatility in commodities and currencies are emerging as key near-term risks for Hindustan Unilever Ltd , even as the company posted a steady set of numbers for the March quarter.

The FMCG major reported a 20% year-on-year rise in net profit to ₹3,002 crore for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. This included proceeds from the divestment of its stake in Nutritionalab Pvt Ltd. Stripping out exceptional items, profit after tax stood at ₹2,711 crore, up 4% from a year ago.

“More recently, heightened geopolitical tensions have led to commodity and currency volatility. We are navigating these headwinds through disciplined savings, the resilience of our global and local supply chain and calibrated pricing actions,” CEO and Managing Director Priya Nair said, setting the tone for the company’s outlook.

Revenue growth remained healthy. Turnover for the quarter rose 8% year-on-year to ₹16,207 crore, with underlying sales growth at 7% and volume growth at 6%. The company said this marked its highest growth in 12 quarters, pointing to a gradual demand recovery.

Margins saw a modest improvement. EBITDA margin came in at 23.7%, up 40 basis points sequentially, while absolute EBITDA rose 6% to ₹3,841 crore.

For the full financial year FY26, revenue grew 5% to ₹63,763 crore, driven by 4% volume growth. Profit after tax before exceptional items stood at ₹10,324 crore, while reported profit came in slightly higher at ₹10,652 crore. The company proposed a final dividend of ₹22 per share, taking total dividend payout for the year to ₹9,633 crore.

Growth broad-based, led by Home Care and Hair Care

Performance across segments was mixed but broadly stable. Home Care emerged as the strongest contributor, posting 9% growth, its highest in 11 quarters, driven by double-digit gains in fabric wash and continued traction in liquids.

Beauty and Wellbeing grew 8% on the back of strong double-digit growth in hair care. The company said premium portfolios in skin care and cosmetics performed well, though mass segments remained subdued.

Personal Care delivered 5% growth, led by skin cleansing, while Foods also grew 5%, supported by coffee and lifestyle nutrition brands such as Horlicks and Boost. Tea growth, however, remained muted.

The company also highlighted milestones on the brand front, with Vaseline and Sunsilk crossing ₹1,000 crore in annual turnover, taking its total number of billion-rupee brands to 20.

Nair said the year saw a gradual improvement in demand conditions. “Financial Year 2026 witnessed an improved demand environment driven by supportive macro-economic policies,” she said.

She added that the company undertook multiple strategic actions through the year. “During the year, we took decisive actions to accelerate growth, including sharpening our portfolio, scaling investments to create desire at scale, strengthening frontline demand generation capabilities, and simplifying the organisation to drive speed, focus, and execution.”

Looking ahead, the company struck a cautiously optimistic note despite external uncertainties. “We are well positioned to navigate this volatile operating environment, supported by our strong brands, robust financial position and operational agility. We are focussed on strengthening our consumer franchise while delivering sustainable and competitive growth,” Nair said.