Hindustan Unilever Ltd
Sector: FMCG Industry: Personal Care - Multinational
Market Summary
Balance Sheet
Profit & Loss
Cashflow
Shareholding Summary & Trend
About
It was 1888 when Calcutta harbour received a consignment of crates of ‘Sunlight’, which marked the beginning of India’s largest FMCG company’s journey.
On 17th October, 1933, the Company was incorporated in India and has travelled the past nine decades alongside the country, working towards creating a better future every day, helping people look good, feel good, and get more out of life.
1930s: Lever Brothers India Limited incorporated in India — established its first soap factory in Sewri, Bombay.
1940s: Company acquired own sales force and agencies in Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras.
1950s: Lever Brothers India Limited, Hindustan Vanaspati Manufacturing Company Limited, and United Traders Limited merged in 1956 to form Hindustan Lever Limited (HLL), with 10% Indian equity participation. The issue was oversubscribed nearly six times, and 21,623 Indians came to own a part of the then Hindustan Lever Limited.
1960s: India’s first research centre in FMCG industry opened in Mumbai in 1967.
1990s:
- Tata Oil Mills Limited merged with HLL, in the largest M&A in Indian corporate history at the time in 1994.
- Brooke Bond Lipton India Limited merged with HLL in 1996.
- Lakme Lever Private Limited was formed in 1996.
2000s: The Company’s name was changed to Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL).
2020: GSK Consumer Healthcare merged with HUL marking the largest M&A deal in Indian FMCG industry. Iconic health food drink brands — Horlicks and Boost became part of HUL’s portfolio.
Portfolio Segment
Beauty and Personal Care
- Skin Cleansing: Lifebuoy, Lux, Pears, Dove, Hamam, Rexona, Liril, VWash
- Hair Care: Clinic Plus, Dove, Sunsilk, TRESemme, Indulekha, Love beauty & planet
- Skin Care & Colour Cosmetics: Glow & Lovely, Ponds, Vaseline, Lakme, Novology, Simple, Happy Places, AcneSquad, Elle18
- Oral: Closeup, Pepsodent, Ayush
- Deodorant and Male Toiletries: Dove, Axe, Rexona
- Health and Wellbeing: Oziva, Welbeing Nutrition
Home Care
- Fabric Care: Surf excel, Active Wheel, Rin, Comfort, Sunlight
- Household Care: Vim, Domex
- Water Purifier: Pureit
Foods and Refreshment
- Beverages: 3 Roses, Red Label, Taaza, Taj Mahal, Lipton, Bru
- Health Food Drinks: Horlicks, Boost
- Ice Cream: Magnum, Kwality Walls, Cornetto
- Foods: Kissan, Hellmann's, Knorr
Positive Outlook
- India’s per capita FMCG consumption is still amongst the lowest in the world.
- Unparalleled distribution network.
- HUL continue to make significant investment towards building future-fit capabilities such as ‘Winning in Many Indias’ and digital transformation through ‘Re-Imagine HUL’— creating strong moats around its business.
Negative Outlook
- Covid Impacts: This had a significant impact on FMCG consumption as consumers tried to manage their household budgets by adjusting volumes and prioritising essentials over discretionary categories.
- FMCG market for the categories in which it operates grew c.8% while volumes declined c.4% year on year.
- Inflation: Key drivers that is impacting consumer demand and behaviour this year.
Key Points
- HUL premium Hair Care brand TRESemmé launched its Pro Pure range in the clean beauty space.
- Love Beauty and Planet expanded its portfolio with new offerings in Vegan and Cruelty-free beauty.
- Surf excel’s latest innovation Matic Power Concentrate helps reduce plastic consumption by halving the per-wash laundry dosage.
- Expanding offerings in the positive nutrition space, HUL introduced Millet Chocolate Horlicks and Kissan Hazelnut Choco Peanut spread.
- 8 brands featured in the Kantar BrandZ 2022 India’s Most Valuable Brands list.
