Hindustan Unilever Limited reported its strongest performance in 13 quarters for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, driven by a balanced mix of volume and price growth. The company's consolidated turnover reached ₹17,184 crore, representing a 10% underlying sales growth (USG). However, underlying volume growth (UVG) came in at 5%, missing analyst estimates of 6-7%, raising questions about the pace of demand recovery. The Board of Directors, led by Managing Director and CEO Priya Nair, approved the unaudited financial results on July 28, 2026. The company also flagged that short-term inflationary pressures are expected to persist, adding to near-term margin headwinds.

Key Financial Metrics

Profitability metrics showed mixed trends as the company navigated input cost pressures. EBITDA grew year-on-year to ₹39.5B from ₹36.4B, but fell short of the analyst estimate of ₹39.81B. The EBITDA margin came in at 22.76%, declining from 23.10% in the year-ago period and missing the estimate of 23.1%. Consolidated net profit after tax (PAT) declined to ₹26.7B against ₹28B in the year-ago period, also falling short of the analyst estimate of ₹28B. Excluding exceptional items, PAT grew 9% to ₹2,731 crore, reflecting robust operational earnings.

The following table summarizes the key financial performance indicators for the quarter:

Segment Performance

Home Care emerged as the standout performer, delivering a 14% USG—the highest growth in three years—driven by high-single-digit volume growth. Fabric Wash accelerated with double-digit USG, while Household Care also posted double-digit gains. Beauty & Wellbeing recorded 12% USG, fueled by double-digit growth in Premium Skin Care and Hair Care. Minimalist, a key premium brand, delivered double-digit growth with accelerating momentum.

Personal Care reported a modest 4% USG, largely driven by pricing actions as palm oil inflation persisted for the second consecutive year. Skin Cleansing saw mid-single-digit USG, led by competitive double-digit volume-led growth in Premium Bars. Foods delivered 7% USG, with Coffee achieving double-digit volume-led growth. Boost surpassed the ₹1,000 crore annual turnover milestone on a trailing twelve-month basis.

What the Numbers Show

The divergence between operational profitability and bottom-line net profit highlights the impact of non-recurring items on headline figures. While reported PAT declined, the 9% growth in PAT before exceptional items underscores the strength of core operations. The miss on volume growth estimates, with actual UVG at 5% against the 6-7% forecast, signals that consumer demand recovery may be more gradual than anticipated. The EBITDA margin at 22.76% also fell short of both the prior year's 23.10% and the analyst estimate of 23.1%, with the company indicating that short-term inflationary pressures are expected to persist. Palm oil inflation, now in its second consecutive year, remains a key cost headwind for the Personal Care segment.

The statutory auditors, Walker Chandiok & Co LLP, issued an unmodified limited review report on the standalone and consolidated financial results. The Audit Committee reviewed the results on July 27, 2026, before final board approval. Hindustan Unilever continues to focus on market development and portfolio transformation to drive future volume-led revenue growth.

Hindustan Unilever Limited will host an earnings conference call on July 28, 2026, to present its financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2026. The presentation to analysts and investors is scheduled to take place after the board meeting on the same day.

The company has provided the specific timing and dial-in details for the conference call on its official website. Investors can access this information via the dedicated results and presentations section to participate in the discussion regarding the quarterly performance.

Key Details

The intimation follows a previous letter dated July 7, 2026, which initially informed the exchanges about the upcoming presentation of the financial results.