Meanwhile, the BSE Sensex was up 35.40 points, or 0.20%, to 17,742.71.
On BSE, 4.36 lakh shares were traded in the counter as against an average daily volume of 3.09 lakh shares in the past one quarter.
The stock hit a high of Rs 389.50 and a low of Rs 378.35 so far during the day. The stock had hit a record high of Rs 420 on 26 December 2011. The stock had hit a 52-week low of Rs 264.50 on 21 March 2011.
The stock had underperformed the market over the past one month until 6 February 2012, sliding 2.59% compared with the Sensex's 11.59% rise. The scrip had, however, outperformed the market in past one quarter, gaining 2.07% as against 0.82% rise in the Sensex.
The large-cap FMCG major has an equity capital of Rs 221.41 crore. Face value per share is Re 1.
Hindustan Unilever's (HUL) net profit rose 18.24% to Rs 753.81 crore on 16.43% increase in net sales to Rs 5852.73 crore in Q3 December 2011 over Q3 December 2010.
The result was announced during trading hours on Monday, 6 February 2012. Shares of HUL had fallen 3.49% to Rs 386.70 on Monday. The stock is down 5.38% in two consecutive sessions from Rs 400.70 on Friday, 3 February 2012.
HUL's operating profit margin (OPM) increased by 221 basis points to 16.3% due to fall in advertisement sales and promotion (ASP) cost by 280 basis points to 11.6% and other expenditure by 120 basis points to 15.3% of adjusted net sales. However there was rise in raw material and packaging material cost by 310 basis points to 39.6% of adjusted net sales. The operating profit increased by 34% to Rs 970.49 crore.
Other income has increased by 4% to Rs 80.08 crore, which includes interest income, dividend income and net gain on sale of other non-trade investments. Interest expenses increased by 650% to Rs 0.45 crore. Depreciation saw a rise of 1% to Rs 56.82 crore. Profit before tax before exceptional item increased by 33% to Rs 993.3 crore.
There was an exceptional expense of Rs 12.38 crore, which includes restructuring costs. As a result, the profit before tax after exceptional items has increased by 21% to Rs 980.92 crore. Tax outgo rose by 32% to Rs 227.11 crore.
HUL said during the quarter, its domestic consumer business grew at 16.5% with strong underlying volume growth of 9.1%. All segments delivered double digit growth.
Soaps and detergents segment grew by 21%. Personal products segment delivered broad-based volume led growth of 14% with strong performance in skin and hair segment.
Beverages segment delivered competitive growth of 11% with both tea and coffee segment growing in double digits. Packaged foods segment grew by 14% and continued to lead market development.
The company said its strategy on water business is on track with expansion of Pureit portfolio.
HUL said 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 basis points. Brand investment continued to be competitive with advertising and promotional charges at 11.8% of turnover.
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.