Page 14 - Hul

Multiple margin levers ahead for Hindustan Unilever

Improvement in operating profit margin was the surprise element in Hindustan Unilever's (HUL's) March quarter (Q4) results. Most analysts had muted expectations, given the rise in prices of key inputs such as palm fatty acids and elevated advertising spending, leading to benign margin estimates. In contrast, HUL's margin inched up 98 basis points (bps) over a year to 20.4 per cent. Like its peers, HUL toned down its ad spends in Q4 but this is unlikely to sustain, believe analysts. Continued high competitive intensity will mean the company will have to invest in advertising and promotional activities to protect and grow its market share and volumes. However, the company does have a host of margin levers at its disposal. With parent Unilever's renewed focus on improving of margins, HUL is expected to follow. The management noted input cost inflation had moderated from earlier levels, which should help margins. Though the company is likely to pass on any benefits arising from lower ...

HUL goes back to the core to focus on goal; may cut jobs too

Set to overhaul business, rationalise costs in a bid to reach parent Unilever's new profit targets

FMCG cold war: HUL takes on Amul

Two giant brands get into a slugfest over the goodness of icecreams and frozen desserts

Good rains should help improve rural demand: Sanjiv Mehta

Hindustan Unilever reported a decline in volume growth for the September quarter after seven years

After babycare, HUL eyes razor segment with Dollar Shave Club razor brand

A razor brand was a key missing link and will pit HUL directly against Procter & Gamble's Gillette

HUL profit up 12%

A decline of 1% in volume growth was the lowest in seven years

HUL net profit at Rs 1,095 cr, up 12% y-o-y

Net sales increased 1.5% year on-year, touching Rs 8,335.12 crore for the quarter under review

HUL, ITC may not surprise Street in Q2

Analysts do not expect major surprises coming from the two firms given that the Rs 3.2-lakh crore fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) market is seeing a slowdown

HUL Q2 preview: Volume growth likely to be in line

A fortnight ago, HUL's parent Unilever had indicated that market conditions had softened in India and that the second-quarter results would mirror that possibility

HUL on recovery mode, ITC battles slowdown

First quarter results show former's home care arm has beaten expectation & latter's FMCG business posted growth

Surf Excel rides the premium wave

HUL's detergent brand, launched in 1959 as Surf, is today the largest in its portfolio with sales in excess of Rs 3,000 crore

HUL gains across the board, Q1 grows 9.79% to Rs 1,174 cr

Expenses in the period went up 2.78% to Rs 6,585.58 crore as against Rs 6,407.39 crore a year ago

HUL volumes disappoint, rural demand crucial

Weakness in personal products limit volumes; low commodity prices aid margins, help meet profit estimates

Hindustan Unilever completes acquistion of Indulekha brand for Rs 330 crore

HUL will now sell hair oil, shampoo, skin care oil, face pack, cream, jasmin, sandal soap products under the brand Indulekha, Vayodha

The HUL Kodaikanal factory saga

Today's agreement between the former employees and the FCMG giant is a culmination of a long standing matter