Click here to download the report
Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), the country’s leading manufacturer of fast-moving consumer products, marks its 9-decade legacy in India. HUL boasts an extensive distribution network in India, encompassing over 3,500 distributors and registering its presence in more than 9 mn outlets across the country. Hindustan Unilever, which includes 60+ brands across 15+ categories, including personal care and household needs, has a market valuation of ~ $75bn as of April 2023.
Industry Analysis
The global FMCG market is expected to grow from $10.7 tn in 2020 to $13.91 tn by 2025 at a 5.4% CAGR. In comparison, the Indian FMCG market is predicted to grow at a 14.9% CAGR, reaching $220 bn by 2025, up from $110 bn in 2020.
Owing to the growing disposable income and consumer brand awareness coupled with a young population, the Indian FMCG sector became the fourth largest sector expanding at a healthy rate over time. Apart from these changing lifestyles and intense e-commerce penetration are some of the other opportunities in the Indian FMCG business.
In India, household and personal care products account for 50% of FMCG sales, making this a significant sector of the country’s economy. The sector also accounts for ~5% of the total factory employment in the country.
The urban sector in India accounts for 55% of sales, but during the past few years, the rural section has grown faster than the urban segment.
FMCG products are sold in India through a variety of channels, including hypermarkets, supermarkets, convenience stores, and online marketplaces, to name a few.
However, the industry faces several hurdles, including growing ingredient costs, fierce competition, and shifting consumer tastes. The sector is highly competitive, with companies constantly innovating, investing in marketing and advertising, and expanding their product portfolios to meet consumers’ evolving needs and preferences. Being a defensive sector, the products are primarily of daily need.
To survive in such a competitive market, HUL tailors its products to the tastes and preferences of local consumers, including clients from various socioeconomic groupings, and provides value to consumers in terms of price and quality.
Business Model
HUL mainly has three categories:
• Home Care
• Beauty and Personal Care
• Food and Refreshment
Hindustan Unilever has established a pervasive presence throughout India, with over 90% of Indian households utilizing at least one HUL brand. It operates mainly on a B2C model. The conglomerate currently has a portfolio of 63 brands across various categories.
The firm has a significant presence with 21,000 employees, 31 manufacturing units, over 1,150 suppliers, and its products being sold in 8 mn outlets in India and 190+ countries. Some of its brands are a major hit globally, like TRESemmé, Dove, and Ponds.
The revenue contribution by division is shown below.
Porter’s 5 Forces Analysis
Threat of New Entrants
Entry barriers are low in the FMCG sector. The industry relies significantly on brand recognition, which can be established through effective advertisements and marketing strategies. Additionally, the sector’s widespread presence and diverse distribution mechanism further reduce barriers to entry.
Bargaining Power of Suppliers
The bargaining power of suppliers ranges from low to moderate. Companies in the FMCG industry, like HUL, have long-standing relationships with their suppliers, which facilitates pricing negotiations. Also, there are many suppliers, which reduces their ability to negotiate.
Bargaining Power of Buyers
Customers’ negotiating power is increased by the abundance of businesses offering comparable items along with the low switching costs.
Competitive Rivalry
The competitive rivalry is high in the FMCG industry. Quality and advertising hold great importance in this sector. Low switching cost for consumers intensifies competition.
Threat of Substitution
The threat is highly dependent on the product type. For instance, handmade organic dentifrice is more difficult to get than Colgate toothpaste at a neighbourhood store. On the other hand, Sunsilk shampoo’s replacement product is conveniently accessible.
Key Risks
Brand Preference: Constantly developing new products to meet changing consumer preferences and behaviours while maintaining strong brand communication through effective advertising is crucial to survive.
Legal & Regulatory: A critical component of HUL’s business operations is compliance with laws and the instability of regulatory policies, which could negatively affect its expansion and profitability. In 2001, HUL faced litigation related to the disposal of mercury waste from its thermometer factory, which was then settled by compensating the workers and undertaking remedial actions.
Environmental Concern: The use of non-recyclable materials is another concern for the company. They must reduce virgin plastic use, increase recycling, and improve packaging recyclability to address environmental concerns and regulations. However, finding alternative materials can be costly and risky. Non-compliance with regulations may lead to higher costs and reputational damage.
Quality & Safety: The items’ quality and safety are of utmost significance for the company’s reputation. HUL has faced litigations in the past related to consumer complaints, product quality, safety concerns, and product recalls.
Financial Analysis
FY23 witnessed an increase of 15.5% in revenue from operations, reaching ₹60,580 cr. The profit margins Y-o-Y experienced a minor decline in FY23, earning a net profit of 16.6% compared to 16.9% last year.
The rise in the cost of materials, continuous demand disruptions in major segments, as well as continuous product innovations from new-age premium brands affected the company’s financials.
HUL’s cost of materials surged by 21% for the year. As a result, its gross margin was affected. The current ratio and the earnings retention ratio have risen in FY23, which means the company’s liquidity scenario has relatively improved.
101.9% was the Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) for Hindustan Unilever Ltd. in FY23.
143.9 was HUL’s interest coverage ratio for FY23, with a 11.3% Y-o-Y increase. The company can cover the interest payments for its debts easily.
₹42.4 per share is what HUL earned in FY23, representing a Y-o-Y increase of ~ 13% and a 5-year CAGR of 13.6%
Q1 FY24 Update
HUL demonstrated strong growth across segments:
- Total sales stood at ₹15,267 cr, growing by 6% during the quarter
- The EPS for the quarter was ₹10.87
- EBITDA for the quarter stood at ₹3,665 cr, growing by 8%
- Profit after tax witnessed a growth of 7% at ₹2,556 cr. for the quarter
- The Beauty and Personal Care segment contributed to 36.5% of the total revenue
Disclaimer
The report and information contained herein are strictly confidential and meant solely for the selected recipient and may not be altered in any way, transmitted to, copied, or distributed, in part or whole, to any other person or the media or reproduced in any form, without prior written consent. This report and information herein is solely for informational purposes and may not be used or considered as an offer document or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell or subscribe for securities or other financial instruments. Nothing in this report constitutes investment, legal, accounting, and tax advice or a representation that any investment or strategy is suitable or appropriate to your specific circumstances. The securities discussed, and opinions expressed in this report may not be suitable for all investors, who must make their own investment decisions based on their investment objectives, financial positions, and the needs of a specific recipient. This may not be taken in substitution for the exercise of independent judgment by any recipient. Each recipient of this document should make such investigations as it deems necessary to arrive at an independent evaluation of an investment in the securities of companies referred to in this document (including the merits and risks involved) and should consult its advisors to determine the merits and risks of such an investment. The investment discussed or views expressed may not be suitable for all investors. Certain transactions -including those involving futures, options, another derivative products, and non-investment grade securities – involve substantial risk and are not suitable for all investors. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy, completeness, or fairness of the information and opinions contained in this document. The Disclosures of Interest Statement incorporated in this document are provided solely to enhance the transparency and should not be treated as an endorsement of the views expressed in the report. This information is subject to change without any prior notice. The Company reserves the right to make modifications and alternations to this statement as may be required from time to time without any prior approval. Leveraged Growth, its associates, their directors, and the employees may from time to time, effect or have effected an own account transaction in, or deal as principal or agent in or for the securities mentioned in this document. They may perform or seek to perform investment banking or other services for, or solicit investment banking or other business from; any company referred to in this report. Each of these entities functions as a separate, distinct and independent of each other. The recipient should take this into account before interpreting the document. This report has been prepared based on information that is already available in publicly accessible media or developed through an analysis of Leveraged Growth. The views expressed are those of the analyst, and the Company may or may not subscribe to all the opinions expressed therein. This document is being supplied to you solely for your information. It may not be reproduced, redistributed, or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other person or published, copied, or in part, for any purpose. This report is not directed or intended for distribution to, or use by, any person or entity who is a citizen or resident of or located in any locality, state, country, or other jurisdiction, where such distribution, publication, availability, or use would be contrary to law, regulation or which would subject Leveraged Growth to any registration or licensing requirement within such jurisdiction. The securities described herein may or may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors. Persons in whose possession this document may come are required to inform themselves of and to observe such restriction. Neither the Firm nor its directors, employees, agents, or representatives, shall be liable for any damages, whether direct or indirect, incidental, special or consequentially including lost revenue or lost profits that may arise from or in connection with the use of the information. The person accessing this information specifically agrees to exempt Leveraged Growth or any of its affiliates or employees from any and all responsibility/liability arising from such misuse and agrees not to hold Leveraged Growth or any of its affiliates or employees responsible for any such misuse and further agrees to hold Leveraged Growth or any of its affiliates or employees free and harmless from all losses, costs, damages, expenses that may be suffered by the person accessing this information due to any errors and delays.
Contributor: Team Leveraged Growth
