Hindustan Unilever Q4FY18: HUL PAT surpasses estimate with 14% yoy rise; dividend declared

FMCG-giant Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) surpassed analysts estimate in both bottom-line and top-line growth during fourth quarter ended March 2018 (Q4FY18) result. HUL posted standalone net profit of Rs 1,351 crore up by 14.20% compared to income of Rs 1,183 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Q4FY18 net profit saw gradual increase of 1.88% from Rs 1,326 crore of preceding quarter. 

The company recorded net sales excluding excise duty of Rs 9,003 crore in the period, registering rise of 2.62% as against Rs 8,773 crore a year ago same period. Q4FY18 net sales surged by 8.17% from Rs 8,323 crore in the preceding quarter. 

A Bloomberg poll of analysts expected HUL's sales and profit to come at Rs 8900 crore and Rs 1330 crore in Q4FY18 respectively.
EBITDA was at Rs 2048 crores up 24% on yearly basis from Rs 1651 crore similar period of previous year; whereas comparable margin were above 160 bps this quarter. 

Overall volume growth was at 11% this quarter, while domestic consumer growth stood at 16%. 

For FY18 year end period, the company posted net profit of Rs 5,237 crore which was higher by 17% versus Rs 4,490 crore of previous fiscal. However sales surged by just 2% to Rs 34,619 crore compared to Rs 33,895 crore in FY17. EBITDA increased by 20% yoy to Rs 7,276 crore, whereas margins were at 21.02%. 

Cash generation from operations at Rs 8126 crore up 20% yoy in FY18. 

HUL says to focus on volume driven growth and improvement in operating margin. 

In near term, HUL sees gradual improvement in demand. However, it added further inflation in input costs; crude and currency as key watch outs. 

The Board of Directors of the Company at its meeting held on Monday,  has recommended a final dividend of Rs 12 for the financial year ended March 31, 2018 on Equity Shares of Re 1 each.