Brands
Hindustan Unilever Limited posts 121 per cent profit jump in December Quarter
Earnings rise on demerger gains and steady sales growth
MUMBAI: Hindustan Unilever Limited (Hul) has proved it still has the magic touch to turn soap into gold, scrubbing away the competition with a set of results that are as refreshing as a morning shower. On 12th February 2026, the consumer goods titan unveiled its performance for the quarter ending 31st December 2025, revealing a bottom line that has been buffed to a high shine.
The headline figure was enough to make even the most stoic investor do a double take, with reported Profit After Tax (PAT) skyrocketing by 121 per cent to reach Rs 6,603 crores. However, this massive jump was largely the result of some corporate spring cleaning. The company’s decision to demerge its Ice Cream business provided a one-off positive impact that sent the numbers northwards. When you peel back that particular layer, the underlying performance remained steady but less theatrical, with Profit After Tax before exceptional items (PAT bei) edging up by 1 per cent to Rs 2,562 crores.
Revenue for the quarter climbed 6 per cent, hitting a sturdy Rs 16,235 crores. This was underpinned by a 5 per cent Underlying Sales Growth and a 4 per cent rise in Underlying Volume Growth, suggesting that despite the economic climate, Indian consumers are still happy to fill their baskets with Hul’s household staples.
The company’s various divisions performed with varying degrees of vigour:
Home care: This division generated Rs 5,887 crores in revenue with a 19 per cent segment margin. It achieved 3 per cent Underlying Sales Growth (USG) and recorded mid-single digit Underlying Volume Growth (UVG).
Beauty & wellbeing: The segment’s revenue reached Rs 3,930 crores with a high 26 per cent segment margin. It delivered 6 per cent USG and low-single digit UVG. Notably, the Health & Wellbeing sub-division, including OZiva, saw high double-digit growth.
Personal care: Revenue for this segment stood at Rs 2,370 crores with an 18 per cent segment margin. It achieved 6 per cent USG, although it experienced a low-single digit decline in UVG.
Foods: This division brought in Rs 3,689 crores in revenue with a 21 per cent segment margin. It showed strong performance with 6 per cent USG and high-single digit UVG.
CEO and managing director Priya Nair noted that demand trends are showing “early signs of recovery,” aided by supportive government policies and a fourth repo rate cut in 2025. To stay ahead of the pack, Hul is setting up a dedicated organisation for quick commerce to ensure their products reach customers faster than ever.
The company is also “doubling down” on its most promising bets. It has approved the acquisition of the remaining 49 per cent stake in Health & Wellbeing brand OZiva and is moving forward with the listing process for its demerged ice cream business, Kwality Wall’s.
While Ebitda margins held firm at 23.3 per cent, the company did face some headwinds from currency depreciation and divergent commodity trends. Nevertheless, with a 3 per cent growth in Ebitda to Rs 3,788 crores, Hul remains a formidable force in the Indian market.
As Hul looks towards the future, it is clear that the company is not just resting on its laurels. By focusing on premiumisation, digital agility, and a “Unified India” strategy that streamlines its leadership, the FMCG giant is ensuring that its future remains as bright and spotless as a freshly scrubbed floor.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI: Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
