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HUL Q3 profit jumps 136% to ₹7,075 cr

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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HUL gets ₹1,560 cr tax demand

Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL), the Indian arm of global FMCG major Unilever, has received a tax demand of ₹1,560 crore (around $174 million) from Indian income tax authorities.

The order relates to the assessment year 2021–22 and includes issues linked to transfer pricing and certain tax disallowances.

In a regulatory filing, HUL said it disagrees with the assessment and will challenge the order through legal channels. The company added that the demand is not expected to have any significant impact on its financial position or ongoing operations. No penalties have been imposed at this stage.

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Corporate

HUL’s record date for demerger Dec 5, shares drop 7%

Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) has set 5 December 2025 as the record date for the demerger of its ice‑cream business into a separate entity, Kwality Wall’s (India) Limited (KWIL). The move is part of HUL’s strategic plan to unlock value by separating its ice‑cream operations from its broader FMCG portfolio.

Under the approved demerger scheme, which came into effect on 1 December 2025, existing HUL shareholders as of the record date will receive one KWIL share for every HUL share held. This will give shareholders direct access to HUL’s ice‑cream business, which includes well-known brands like Cornetto, Magnum, Feast, and Creamy Delight. The newly formed KWIL is expected to be listed by February 2026, allowing investors to participate in the growth of the ice‑cream segment independently.

The announcement and record date triggered volatility in HUL shares. On the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), HUL’s stock fell sharply to an intraday low of ₹2,289, a drop of around 7%, before recovering to close the day down roughly 3.5%. Analysts attribute the initial decline to market adjustments as investors await the spin-off and recalibrate valuations for both HUL and the new ice-cream entity.

HUL’s management has emphasized that the demerger is intended to enhance operational focus and unlock shareholder value. By creating a pure-play ice‑cream company, the company aims to provide better visibility into the performance of its high-growth frozen dessert segment, separate from HUL’s core FMCG operations, which include personal care and household products.

The demerger follows a broader trend among large FMCG companies to unlock value through strategic spin-offs of high-potential business units. Analysts expect the move to strengthen both HUL and KWIL, with KWIL benefiting from dedicated management focus and increased investor interest, while HUL can concentrate on its core product categories.

For investors, the key takeaway is the opportunity to hold shares in both HUL and the newly listed KWIL, enabling participation in the growth trajectory of HUL’s ice‑cream business while retaining exposure to its established FMCG portfolio.

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