Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) announced results for the December Quarter 2011. During the quarter, Domestic Consumer business grew at 16.5% with strong underlying volume growth of 9.1%. All segments delivered double digit growth.
Soaps and Detergents grew by 21% with growth ahead of the market
Laundry registered a strong performance with double digit growth across all brands. Rin Bar and Surf Excel quickwash were re-launched during the quarter with an improved formulation. The business continued its focus on driving upgradation. Skin Cleansing delivered strong double digit growth across premium, popular and mass segments. Lux benefited from the re-launch in September quarter and Lifebuoy from its strong proposition of germ protection. Dove continues to drive category premiumization.
Personal Products delivered broad based volume led growth of 14% with strong performance in Skin and Hair
In Skin care, Fair and Lovely (FAL), Vaseline and Ponds grew in double digits. FAL core grew strongly while Vaseline and Ponds continue to lead market development and build segments of the future. During the quarter, Dove Body lotion was launched and Lakme portfolio expanded with the introduction of Lakme Absolute - a high performance long wear makeup range.
Hair grew ahead of the market with double digit growth in Dove, Clinic Plus and Clear. Dove growth momentum accelerated and the business doubled during the quarter. Oral Care registered modest growth in a competitive environment. Pepsodent G was re-launched during the quarter in the fast growing advance care segment.
Beverages delivered competitive growth of 11% with both Tea and Coffee growing in double digits
In Tea, growth was led by the premium portfolio. Taj Mahal registered strong growth in Modern Trade and 3 Roses strengthened its proposition of health and taste. Coffee delivered strong growth nationally with innovations leading premiumization of the category. Bru Gold (100% coffee) was successfully launched during the quarter.
Packaged Foods grew by 14% and continued to lead market development
Kissan delivered strong growth benefiting from the relaunch in September quarter. Knorr soups performance was muted on account of slowdown in market while Knorr soupy noodles were in line with plans. Soups range was expanded during the quarter with noodle variants and ‘Cup-a-Soup’. Kwality Walls continued its strong growth momentum with exciting innovations and increased coverage.
Strategy on water business is on track with expansion of Pureit portfolio. The “Go to Market” transformation is expected to be completed by March 2012.
Inflationary pressures during the quarter were primarily on account of currency depreciation. Cost pressures were managed dynamically through aggressive savings programmes coupled with judicious pricing. Cost of Goods Sold was up by 140 bps. Brand investment continued to be competitive with A&P at 11.8% of turnover.
Profit before interest and tax (PBIT) grew by 37% with PBIT margin improving by 230 bps. Profit after tax but before exceptional items, PAT (bei), grew by 30% to Rs. 7.62bn during the quarter. Net Profit at Rs.7.54bn grew by 18%
Harish Manwani, Chairman commented: “We have delivered another strong quarter of competitive growth with improvement in margins. The results, delivered against a backdrop of an uncertain economic environment, are reflective of the strength of our brands, consistency in our strategy and relentless focus on execution. We will continue to manage our business dynamically to deliver competitive, profitable and sustainable growth.”