HUL Q3 results: Revenue and net profit likely to remain muted; check key technical levels

Hindustan Unilever (HUL) will announce its December quarter results (Q3FY26) on Thursday, February 12, 2026. The FMCG major is most likely to report mixed quarterly earnings, with a low single-digit rise in revenue, and net profit is likely to fall.

As per experts, HUL could report a 3% to 4% YoY rise in standalone revenue to ₹15,950 to ₹16,050 crore. The company reported standalone revenue of ₹15,408 crore in the December quarter last year and ₹15,585 crore in Q2FY26. Meanwhile, net profit could decline by 1% to 3% between ₹2,565 and ₹2,590 crore compared to net profit of ₹2,617 crore in the same quarter last year and ₹2,551 in the previous quarter.

Meanwhile, HUL is expected to report volume growth of 1 to 3% YoY, while its EBITDA margin is expected to improve by 20 to 40 bps to 23.5% to 23.7%

During the quarterly earnings, investors will keenly watch management commentary on the overall demand outlook, especially after the GST 2.0 reforms. Price inflation in key raw materials, as well as the impact on margins and profitability following the ice cream business demerger.

Ahead of the Q3 result announcement, HUL shares closed 0.1% higher at ₹2,457. So far in 2026, the company has given over 6% return to investors.

Technical outlook

Over the past few months, Hindustan Unilever has been trading within a broad descending trendline, forming a clear lower high structure. While the recent price action shows a gradual recovery from the ₹2,250 support zone, the stock continues to face resistance from the falling trendline, capping rallies on rebounds.

As far as trend is concerned , the stock remains above the crucial support of 200-day moving average (EMA). Unless the stock slips below 200-day EMA, the stock may sustain strength and pave the way for a move higher. Conversely, if it fails to hold above this level, the broader downtrend may remain intact.

Options outlook

The open interest data for the 24 February expiry indicates that Hindustan Unilever’s at-the-money (ATM) strike of ₹2,460 is implying a potential price move of around ±4% ahead of the expiry.

To get a clear perspective on price behavior, let's look at how Hindustan Unilever’ share price has performed over the ten quarters around its earnings announcements.

Options strategies for HUL

With the options market pricing in a potential move of ±4%, traders can use volatility-based strategies, such as long or short straddles, to align with their market outlook.

A long straddle involves buying an at-the-money (ATM) call and put option with the same strike price and expiry date. This strategy can benefit from a sharp price movement, beyond the expected range of ±4% in either direction.

Conversely, a short straddle involves selling both an ATM call and put option with the same strike price and expiry date. This strategy aims to profit from time decay if the stock price remains within the expected range of ±4%.

Those expecting a directional breakout or continuation may consider bull put spreads to capture further upside momentum, or bear call spreads if a breakdown from the current consolidation occurs.

Disclaimer:

Derivatives trading must be done only by traders who fully understand the risks associated with them and strictly apply risk mechanisms like stop-losses. The information is only for educational purposes. We do not recommend any particular stock, securities and strategies for trading. The stock names mentioned in this article are purely for showing how to do analysis. Take your own decision before investing.