HUL is focusing on price action, cost savings: CEO

Priya Nair, CEO and Managing Director, Hindustan Unilever Ltd. (HUL), said that the heightened geopolitical tensions had led to commodity and currency volatility and the company was navigating the headwinds through disciplined savings, the resilience of its global and local supply chain and calibrated pricing actions.

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“Financial year 2026 witnessed an improved demand environment driven by supportive macro-economic policies. 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. These initiatives resulted in consistent improvement in performance through the year with 8 per cent revenue growth and 7 per cent underlying sales growth in the March quarter, translating into 5 per cent underlying sales growth for the financial year,” she said.

Underlying sales growth (USG) refers to the increase in turnover for the period, excluding any change in turnover resulting from acquisitions and disposals. Underlying volume growth (UVG) refers to volume growth, including the impact of mix of turnover realisation of products sold, the company said.

In the fourth quarter, HUL’s consolidated revenue grew 8 per cent to Rs 16,207 crore when compared last year.

The FMCG giant posted an underlying sales growth of 7 per cent and underlying volume growth of 6 per cent, marking its highest growth in 12 quarters.

The company’s EBIDTA margin increased sequentially by 40 basis points to 23.7 per cent in fourth quarter. Profit after tax before exceptional items, at Rs. 2,711 crore, grew by 4 per cent year-on-year.

Reported profit after tax (PAT), at Rs. 3,002 crore, grew by 20 per cent year-on-year, including proceeds from the divestment of stake in Nutritionalab Pvt. Ltd.

Home care segment grew 9 per cent, marking its highest growth in 11 quarters.

HUL’s FY 2026 turnover grew 5 per cent to Rs 63,753 crore, driven by 4 per cent UVG growth, while EBITDA margin, at 23.6 per cent, was at the higher end of the company’s guidance. PAT before exceptional items and reported PAT was at Rs. 10,324 crore and Rs. 10,652 crore, respectively.

“Looking ahead, we are well positioned to navigate this volatile operating environment, supported by our strong brands, robust financial position and operational agility. We are focused on strengthening our consumer franchise while delivering sustainable and competitive growth,” she said.

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