India, Feb 12 : Hindustan Unilever Ltd. (HUL) on Thursday reported a 30% year on year decline in consolidated net profit from continuing operations at ₹2,118 crore for the third quarter of FY26, compared with ₹3,027 crore in the corresponding period last year.
However, total profit surged 121% to ₹6,603 crore, largely due to one-time gains linked to portfolio transformation initiatives, the company said in a regulatory filing.
Revenue from continuing operations rose 5.6% to ₹16,441 crore, while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased 3% to ₹3,788 crore. The EBITDA margin slipped 70 basis points year-on-year to 23.3%.
Underlying sales growth (USG) for the quarter stood at 5%, supported by a 4% rise in underlying volume growth (UVG), signalling gradual demand recovery.
Segment performance
The Home Care business expanded its market leadership with 3% USG, though pricing actions continued to weigh on the category. Beauty & Wellbeing posted 6% growth, driven by strong traction in Hair Care and Health & Wellbeing, with premium brands such as Dove and TRESemmé recording robust demand.
Personal Care also grew 6%, aided by double digit expansion in premium Skin Cleansing and Oral Care. Brands including Pears and Dove performed well, while the bodywash portfolio strengthened its market position.
The Foods segment registered 6% USG on the back of high single digit volume growth. Tea volumes improved but revenue remained muted due to price cuts amid commodity deflation, whereas coffee maintained double digit momentum.
Outlook and management commentary
CEO and Managing Director Priya Nair noted early signs of consumption recovery supported by favourable policy measures. She added that the company continues to focus on premiumisation, expanding high growth categories, and scaling future-ready channels such as quick commerce.
HUL expects FY27 to outperform FY26, aided by ongoing portfolio optimisation and distribution transformation efforts.
Following the announcement, the company’s shares declined about 3% to trade near ₹2,396 apiece.