Hindustan Unilever reported more than expected profitable earnings for the last quarter ended in March 2021 on 29 April 2021. Their Consolidated profit spiked 44.8 percent year-on-year (YoY) to Rs.2,190 Cr because of strong growth across segments.
With Domestic consumer growth and increase in demand, the Consolidated revenue from operations jumped 35 percent YoY to Rs.12,433 crore in Q4 FY21. It excludes the impact of merger of GSK Consumer Healthcare and acquisition of ‘VWash’.
In the Report the key highlights were:
Operating profit rose 43% to Rs.2,957 crore, against a forecast of Rs.2,835 crore. Revenue spiked 35% to Rs.12,132 against the estimated revenue of Rs.11,733.4 crore. On the other hand, Margin inflated to 24.4% from 22.9%, against the forecast of 24.2%.
Sanjiv Mehta, who is the Chairman and Manager of HUL issued a comment: “Our in-quarter performance was strong on both the top-line and bottom-line. Despite challenging times, in FY’21 our business ecosystem has withstood the disruption and demonstrated agility and resilience across the value chain. We have delivered on our multi stakeholder business model. Our purpose-led brands and capabilities were further strengthened during the year and this positions us well to serve our consumers during this turbulent period.”
He further stated, “Our focus firmly remains behind delivering volume led competitive growth. The recent surge in COVID cases is of serious concern and ensuring safety and wellbeing of people remains our top priority. We will continue to work closely with governments, health authorities and our partners to support the needs of the society and the Nation to overcome this adversity. “
HUL told, “Health, hygiene and nutrition forming 80% of business grew in double-digits for the third consecutive quarter, while discretionary and out-of-home categories improved sequentially.”
HUL issued the statement, “We continue to invest behind brands and portfolio, and in future-fit capabilities. Our focused actions on net revenue management and savings have enabled us to manage inflationary pressures and deliver a healthy bottom-line performance:.
HUL further stated, “Skin cleansing, hair care and oral care delivered high double-digit growth.”
A stunning 96.4% Y-O-Y growth was registered in their Food & refreshments segment. It stood at Rs.3,511 crore in Q4 and during its March quarter its EBIT increased 2.5-fold. Beauty & personal care business also saw a healthy rise of 19.7 percent year-on-year growth at Rs.4,549 crore with EBIT increasing to Rs.1,252 crore in Q4FY21, an increase od 32%.
HUL in its BSE filings stated, “All our tea brands continue to grow in high double-digits. Ketchups, soups and ice creams also performed well with double-digit growths. Ice Creams recovery in the quarter was aided by multiple product innovations. Nutrition volumes grew in double digits and we launched Rs.2 sachets in Horlicks and Boost”.