FMCG giant Hindustan Unilever Limited revealed a 30% decrease in consolidated net profit to Rs 2,118 crore for Q3 FY26. Despite a 121% year-on-year surge in profit after tax to Rs 6,603 crore, the company attributed this substantial growth to a one-time positive impact from the Ice Cream demerger.
The Profit After Tax (PAT), excluding exceptional items, saw a mere 1% increase to Rs 2,562 crores, indicating subdued core profitability despite a robust top line. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization rose by 3% to Rs 3,788 crore, although the EBITDA margin shrank by 70 basis points to 23.3% from the previous year.
Hindustan Unilever’s total turnover climbed by 6% to Rs 16,235 crore from Rs 15,353 crore in the corresponding period last year. The company reported an exceptional loss of Rs 576 crore in the quarter, in contrast to an exceptional gain of Rs 538 crore in the same period a year ago.
CEO and Managing Director, Priya Nair, emphasized the company’s focus on brand desirability, market expansion in high-growth sectors, and enhancing capabilities for future growth. The outlook for FY27 foresees improved performance driven by portfolio and channel enhancements. Additionally, the company announced the acquisition of the remaining 49% stake in Zywie Ventures (OZiva) for Rs 824 crore and the planned divestment of its 19.8% stake in Nutritionalab for Rs 307 crore.
