HUL Sets Q2 Results Date, Expects Subdued Performance Amid GST Changes
Hindustan Unilever Ltd. (HUL) will release its Q2 results on October 23, covering the period ending September 30. Analysts expect subdued performance with 1% sales growth and a 5% profit decline due to GST rate cuts affecting 40% of HUL's portfolio. Challenges include extended monsoon, weak demand, and channel destocking. The Board will review financial results and consider an interim dividend. An earnings call is scheduled for 4:00 PM on the same day.

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Hindustan Unilever Ltd. (HUL), a leading FMCG company in India, has announced its plans to release its second quarter results on October 23. The company's Board of Directors is scheduled to meet on this date to review and approve the financial performance for the period ending September 30.
Key Points
- Results Announcement: October 23
- Period Covered: Quarter ending September 30
- Board Meeting Agenda:
- Review of unaudited standalone and consolidated financial results
- Consideration of interim dividend proposal
Expected Financial Performance
Analysts anticipate subdued quarterly results for HUL:
- Sales are expected to rise by just 1% year-on-year
- Profit may decline by 5%
These projections reflect challenges stemming from recent GST rate cuts, which have affected nearly 40% of HUL's product portfolio, including soaps, shampoos, detergents, toothpaste, and packaged foods. The GST transition has led to channel de-stocking and inventory realignment issues.
Factors Impacting Performance
- Extended monsoon disrupting sales momentum, particularly affecting skin care and seasonal products
- Weak underlying demand and channel destocking weighing on volumes
- Margin pressure with EBITDA margin expected to fall by 140 basis points to around 22.10%
- Lower prices passed to consumers and increased promotional spending to clear older inventory
Raw Material Costs
- Mixed trends observed
- Palm oil and crude-based inputs remain volatile
- Tea prices have softened
- Coffee prices stay near 52-week highs
Analyst Outlook
Despite the anticipated weak quarterly performance, analysts view the challenges as largely temporary. They expect recovery in coming quarters once the GST impact normalizes. Brokerages remain positive on HUL's medium-term prospects, citing:
- Structural demand recovery
- Softer input costs
- GST-driven price rationalization that could boost affordability
Financial Results Review
The Board meeting will focus on examining the unaudited financial statements, both on a standalone and consolidated basis. This comprehensive review will provide insights into HUL's performance across its various business segments and subsidiaries.
Dividend Consideration
The Board will also evaluate a proposal for an interim dividend payment. This consideration underscores HUL's commitment to delivering value to its shareholders, although the final decision will depend on the company's financial performance and future outlook.
Earnings Call
HUL has scheduled an earnings call for 4:00 PM on the same day, providing an opportunity for investors and analysts to gain deeper insights into the company's performance and future strategies.
Trading Window Closure
In compliance with regulatory requirements, HUL has implemented a trading window closure for designated persons:
- Closure Start Date: September 15
- Expected Reopening: October 27
This measure ensures fair trading practices and prevents insider trading during the sensitive period leading up to the results announcement.
Recent Stock Performance
HUL's stock has shown mixed performance across different time frames:
Time Period | Performance |
---|---|
Past 5 trading sessions | +2.78% |
Year-to-date | +11.45% |
Past year | -3.49% |
The stock closed at Rs 2,588.00 on Tuesday, trading within its 52-week range of Rs 2,136.00 to Rs 2,750.00.
Investors and market watchers will be keenly awaiting HUL's Q2 results, which are expected to provide valuable insights into the company's performance amidst evolving market conditions, GST-related challenges, and consumer trends in the FMCG sector.
Historical Stock Returns for Hindustan Unilever
1 Day | 5 Days | 1 Month | 6 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
+0.38% | +1.57% | +3.15% | +7.34% | -2.17% | +21.35% |