Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) shares gained nearly 3 percent on Thursday after the company reported a better-than-expected performance for the September quarter, aided by a one-off tax gain.


The FMCG major posted a 4 percent year-on-year increase in consolidated net profit for the July-September quarter (Q2 FY26) at Rs 2,694 crore. Revenue from operations rose 2 percent to Rs 16,061 crore, the company said in a regulatory filing.

Underlying sales growth stood at 2 percent, while underlying volume growth was flat. The company said its quarterly performance reflected the temporary impact of GST rate changes and extended monsoon conditions in several regions.

HUL’s Board of Directors declared an interim dividend of Rs 19 per share for the financial year ending March 31, 2026.

Priya Nair, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, said the company delivered a “competitive performance” despite short-term disruptions. She termed the recent GST reforms a “positive step” likely to support consumption once market conditions stabilise.

The homecare segment, which includes brands such as Sunlight, Comfort, Rin, and Surf, saw consolidated sales at Rs 5,664 crore down 1.1 per cent from Rs 5,731 crore in Q2 FY 25.

Following the earnings announcement, HUL shares rose to an intraday high of Rs 2,667.2 per share on the NSE, rising 2.91 percent. The Nifty FMCG index gained over 1 percent, with stocks such as Varun Beverages, Colgate-Palmolive (India) and Marico also advancing up to 2 percent.