Phillip Securities initiates HUL at Neutral rating, needs domestic volume growth to re-rate

Published 14/01/2025, 13:50
© Reuters.

On Tuesday, Phillip Securities initiated coverage on Hindustan Unilever (NS:HLL) Ltd (HUVR:IN), assigning a Neutral rating to the stock.

The firm's analysis acknowledged the challenges faced by HUL, citing gaps in its product portfolio and intense competition as factors that have dampened the company's growth trajectory in recent years.

Hindustan Unilever, which is seen as a gauge for consumer sentiment in India, has experienced a lackluster performance, particularly in the Beauty and Personal Care (BPC) segment, and its venture into the nutritional drink market with Horlicks has yet to yield significant growth.

Despite these hurdles, Phillip Securities has noted recent positive developments, including HUL's focus on premium products and an impressive array of new offerings in the BPC category.

The report by Phillip Securities points to the necessity of a revival in HUL's nutritional drink offerings and sustained improvement in domestic volume growth for a potential re-rating of the stock.

The price target of INR2,630 reflects a valuation of the company at a two-year forward Price-to-Earnings (PE) ratio of 50 times, which is approximately 5% higher than its five-year average.

HUL's strategy of doubling down on premiumization and innovation, particularly in the BPC sector, is seen as a step in the right direction, though the firm emphasizes that these efforts must translate into tangible results to positively impact the stock's valuation.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers
© 2007-2025 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.