Good Q2 show to support HUL's stock; net profit rises 20%, revenue up 12%

Hindustan Unilever’s (HUL’s) September quarter (Q2) revenues are largely in line with Street expectations, but the good show on volume and profitability fronts along with optimistic outlook are positives and would help support its premium stock valuation.

In Q2, HUL clocked 11.5 per cent year-on-year growth in net sales to Rs 91.4 billion, led by 10 per cent growth in volume. Although it comes on a low base, given that year-ago quarter saw volume growth of 4 per cent, Q2 of 2018-19 (FY19) is the fourth consecutive quarter of double-digit volume expansion. Volume growth was also at the upper band of