Hindustan Unilever Ltd. reported a 14% growth in net profit at ₹ 1,351 crore for the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2018 as compared to ₹ 1,183 crore in the same period last year, following a 11% underlying volume growth during the quarter.
During the quarter, the company reported a total income of ₹ 9,197 crore as against ₹ 8,969 crore in the same period last year.
The home care business reported a double-digit volume growth. Personal care products also grew in double-digit, the company said.
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For the financial year 2017-18, domestic consumer business on a comparable basis grew 12% with 6% underlying growth.
And EBITDA (earnings before interest, depreciation and amortisation) margin on a comparable basis was 155 basis points. Profit after tax before exceptional items grew by 21% to ₹ 5,135 crore.
The company during the year reported 17% growth in net profit at ₹ 5,237 crore as compared to ₹ 4,490 crore in the previous year.
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During the year, the company reported total standalone income of ₹ 35,787 crore as compared to ₹ 35,013 crore in the previous year.
“Our strong track record of cash generation was sustained,” the company said.
The board of directors has proposed a final dividend of ₹12 per share, subject to the approval of shareholders. Together with interim dividend of ₹ 8 per share, the total dividend for the year amounts to ₹ 20 per share.
“Despite a step-up in competitive intensity, we have delivered another strong performance for the quarter and the year,” said Harish Manwani, chairman, HUL.
“Growth and improvement in profitability have been sustained through a combination of winning innovations and relentless focus on operational efficiencies. We are particularly pleased with our track record of sustained margin improvement for the seventh consecutive year,” he said.
“In the near-term, we are seeing a gradual improvement in demand and this augurs well for the sector. We will continue to manage our business dynamically and will remain focused on our strategy of delivering consistent, competitive, profitable and responsible growth,” he added.
HUL shares closed at ₹ 1,504.95, down 0.09% at the BSE on Monday.