Shares of Hindustan Unilever rose just under 1% to ₹1,823 after a 0.1% dip to ₹1,815.8 at the close, signaling fresh investor appetite for the Q2 results.
The company posted a 7% volume climb and 15% sales growth YoY, beating Street estimates of 5% and 11% respectively. Operating margin held at 22.4%, slightly below the 23% consensus, while gross profit margin compression proved steeper than expected.
Jefferies, a long‑term holder, kept a buy rating with a ₹2,350 target, citing the strongest Q2 growth in several quarters. The bank noted inflationary headwinds but praised the brand’s pricing calibration, which shielded volumes.
Nomura also maintained a buy stance, setting a ₹2,100 target (15.7% upside). It described the quarter as “just another brick in the wall,” highlighting that volume performance on a flat base was solid and that sharp price lifts could squeeze volumes.
Out of 42 analysts covering HUL, 30 recommend buy, nine hold and three sell. The stock has slipped 2.6% in the last month and 21.8% year‑to‑date, yet the fresh bullish call may spur a short‑term rally.
Looking ahead, analysts warn that inflationary pressures could linger, yet management remains positive on demand. Margin compression might tighten, but the company’s operational leverage and pricing strategy could keep earnings in line with forecasts.