Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) reported a sharp 136 percent rise in net profit for the third quarter of FY26, helped mainly by a one-time exceptional gain. The company posted a standalone net profit of ₹7,075 crore for the October–December quarter, compared to ₹3,001 crore in the same period last year.
A major part of this increase came from a one-time gain of ₹4,516 crore related to the demerger of its ice-cream business. This accounting adjustment significantly boosted the bottom line. Excluding this exceptional item, the company’s underlying profit growth was much more moderate.
Revenue from operations during the quarter rose 4 percent year-on-year to ₹15,805 crore, up from ₹15,146 crore in the corresponding quarter last year. The company’s EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) increased 2 percent to ₹3,640 crore. However, EBITDA margin declined by 50 basis points to 23.3 percent, reflecting input cost pressures and competitive market conditions.
HUL said demand trends showed early signs of gradual recovery, with modest underlying volume growth during the quarter. The company continues to focus on driving growth through innovation, premiumisation, and strengthening its core brands.
On the strategic front, HUL’s board approved the acquisition of the remaining 49 percent stake in Zywie Ventures for ₹824 crore. Zywie owns the health and wellness brand OZiva. With this move, Zywie and its subsidiary will become wholly owned subsidiaries of HUL. The acquisition aligns with HUL’s strategy to expand its presence in the fast-growing health and wellbeing segment.
At the same time, the company approved the sale of its entire 19.8 percent stake in Nutritionalab Private Limited, which operates the Wellbeing Nutrition brand, as part of portfolio realignment.
Following the announcement of results, HUL shares fell around 2 percent, as investors assessed the impact of the one-time gain versus core operating performance.
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