HUL Q4 Results: Shares surge on better-than-expected volume growth, strong commentary

FMCG giant Hindustan Unilever Ltd. reported volume growth of 2% for the January-March quarter, whereas the CNBC-TV18 poll had projected the growth to be between 0% and 1%. The management reiterated that they will continue to drive volume-led competitive growth.

The stock is up 2.5% in trading after the results announcement.

The Mumbai-based company reported revenue of ₹15,213 crore during the March quarter, which was 2.4% higher compared to the same quarter last year. A CNBC-TV18 poll had projected HUL's revenue to grow by 2% during the quarter to ₹15,161 crore.

HUL's Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) increased by 1% during the March quarter to ₹3,466 crore. The figure is marginally lower with the consensus estimates of analysts, which pegged the figure to be ₹3,505 crore.

The company's EBITDA margin stood at 22.8%, in comparison to 23% last year. The CNBC-TV18 poll had pegged the figure at 23.1%. The management expects margins to be between the 22% to 23% range.

Net profit for the period stood at ₹2,493 crore, which is in-line with the CNBC-TV18 poll of ₹2,475 crore.

Here's how Hindustan Unilever's various segments fared during the quarter:

The company's board has also approved a final dividend of ₹24 per share, taking the full year payout to shareholders to ₹53 per share. The company's has not shared any record date for the said dividend yet.

Shares of Hindustan Unilever are trading 2.5% higher post the results announcement at ₹2,482.9.