HUL‘s profit after tax (PAT) for the quarter increased primarily due to a one-off exceptional gain of Rs 273 crore, resulting from the resolution of tax matters from prior years between UK and Indian authorities.
The company’s revenue from operations saw a marginal increase of 1.98% to Rs 16,241 crore for the quarter ended 30th September, up from Rs 15,926 crore in the same quarter of the previous fiscal. EBITDA for the quarter stood at Rs 3,729 crore, slightly lower than Rs 3,793 crore reported in Q2FY25. The EBITDA margin declined by 90 basis points to 23.2%, the company said in a regulatory filing on October 23.
The Board of Directors has declared an interim dividend of Rs 19 per equity share, with a face value of Re 1 each, for the financial year ending 31st March 2026. The record date for determining entitlement to the interim dividend has been fixed as 7th November 2025.
“Performance for the quarter reflected the transitory impact of GST changes and prolonged monsoon conditions in parts of the country. EBITDA margin at 23.2% was down 90 bps year-on-year, amid higher investments in the business,” HUL said in its investor presentation.
“The latest GST reforms are a positive step by the Government to drive consumption, expected to increase disposable income and improve consumer sentiment. However, the quarter saw a temporary impact as the market adjusted to these changes. We anticipate normal trading conditions from early November, once prices stabilize, paving the way for a gradual and sustained market recovery. Margins are expected to remain at current levels, excluding ice cream, to support business investment,” said Priya Nair, CEO and Managing Director. The Beauty & Wellbeing business reported 5% sales growth, driven by strong performance in Skin Care and Health & Wellbeing. Hair Care continued to consolidate its market leadership. Overall turnover declined year-on-year due to the temporary impact of GST rate rationalisation. Skin Care, including Colour Cosmetics, grew in high-single digits, supported by continued momentum in the Future Core and Market Makers portfolios, along with well-executed winter loading ahead of the season. Personal Care turnover remained largely flat, impacted by the GST rate transition. Skin Cleansing delivered a competitive performance, driven by double-digit growth in premium soaps, while Bodywash strengthened its market position. Oral Care saw a marginal decline, with Closeup posting low-single-digit growth.
Foods achieved 3% sales growth with low-single-digit volume growth. Beverages, including Tea and Coffee, grew in double digits, with Tea recording high-single-digit growth through a healthy mix of price and volume, and Coffee sustaining strong double-digit momentum. Early green shoots were visible in Lifestyle Nutrition through sustained volume growth. Overall turnover declined due to pricing actions in previous quarters aimed at refining pack-price architecture. Packaged Foods delivered a subdued performance, affected by the GST transition.