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HINDUNILVR Consumer 20 Oct 2023

Hindunilvr Ltd — Q2 FY24

HUL crossed INR 15,000 crore quarterly turnover for the first time, with underlying sales growth of 4% and UVG of 2.5%.

neutral medium
Compare with...
Revenue ₹15,623 Cr +4%
EBITDA
PAT ₹2,657 Cr +4%
EBITDA Margin 24% +130bps
Duration 90 min
Read Time 1 min read

✓ Verified against BSE filing

2-Minute Summary

✦ AI-Generated from Full Transcript

HUL crossed INR 15,000 crore quarterly turnover for the first time, with underlying sales growth of 4% and UVG of 2.5%. EBITDA margin improved 130 bps to 24.6%, driven by gross margin recovery to pre-inflation levels of 52%. However, PAT growth was muted at 4% due to higher A&P spend (up 420 bps YoY) and adverse tax comparables. Rural demand remains subdued, with two-year volumes still negative, though gradual recovery is expected. Competitive intensity from regional players persists in tea and detergent bars. Management remains cautiously optimistic, guiding for marginally negative price growth if commodities stay stable, and expects volume recovery to be gradual. Key risk: uneven monsoon and volatile global commodity prices could delay rural recovery.

Promises0 met · 3 missedRisks4 trackedTranscriptfull text
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Promises 3 promises

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0 delivered, 0 close, 3 missed.

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Risk Intelligence

Uneven monsoon impact on rural demand

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Quarter Snapshot

Underlying Volume Growth (UVG) 2.5%
+2.5pp YoY

UVG improved from negative territory last year, driven by Home Care and BPC mid-single-digit growth.

A&P Spend as % of Sales 11.4%
+420bps YoY

A&P increased sharply to protect competitive position amid heightened media intensity.

Gross Margin 52%
+700bps YoY

Gross margin returned to pre-inflation levels due to lower input costs and pricing actions.

Rural Volume Growth (2Y CAGR) -1%
+3pp QoQ

Rural volumes improved from -4% in Q1 to -1% on a two-year basis, indicating gradual recovery.

What Changed vs Last Quarter

Comparing Q2 FY24 vs Q1 FY24
2 new guidance2 dropped3 new risk3 risk resolved
NEW
EBITDA margin to be maintained in a healthy range

Management aims to keep EBITDA margin in a healthy range while investing in brands and capabilities.

NEW
Volume recovery expected to be gradual

Management expects volume recovery to continue gradually, supported by moderating inflation and festive season.

UPDATED
Price growth to be marginally negative if commodities stay

Management expects price growth to turn marginally negative in the near term if current commodity prices hold.

DROPPED
Volume growth momentum to be sustained

Management expects to sustain volume growth momentum despite transition, supported by price reductions and A&P investments.

DROPPED
Gross margin to be rebuilt and invested in A&P

Focus on rebuilding gross margins and investing competitively behind A&P; EBITDA margin will be an outcome.

NEW RISK
Uneven monsoon impact on rural demand

Uneven monsoon with 6% deficit and lower reservoir levels could affect kharif harvest and rural incomes.

NEW RISK
Sustained inflation in HFD and coffee inputs

High milk and coffee prices continue to pressure volumes in HFD and coffee, with no near-term relief expected.

NEW RISK
Global commodity price volatility

Crude oil above $90 and geopolitical tensions could reverse input cost deflation, impacting margins.

RISK GONE
Weather uncertainty and El Niño impact

El Niño has set in early, potentially impacting the latter part of the monsoon, which could affect rural demand and agri output.

RISK GONE
Delayed volume recovery due to trade destocking

Trade destocking of high-priced inventory and consumer pantry adjustments may delay volume recovery by 2-3 quarters.

RISK GONE
Sustained inflation in certain commodities

Coffee, cereals, and cleaning powder continue to see high inflation, impacting margins in the Foods & Refreshment segment.

Fast read

Guidance and risk preview

Top guidance Price growth to be marginally negative if commodities stay

Management expects price growth to turn marginally negative in the near term if current commodity prices hold.

Top risk Uneven monsoon impact on rural demand

Uneven monsoon with 6% deficit and lower reservoir levels could affect kharif harvest and rural incomes.

View Risks →