FMCG major Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) reported a net profit of Rs 1,525 crore, up 20 percent, for the second quarter ended June 30, 2018.

The company said its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) for the given quarter stood at Rs 2,019 crore, up 20 percent.

EBITDA margins saw an improvement of 160 basis points, HUL said. The company said, "Our well-established savings programme and leverage in other expenses has enabled us to mitigate material inflation and drive margin improvement."

Hindustan Unilever said its board declared an interim dividend of Rs 9 per share for the year ending March 31, 2019.

Sanjiv Mehta, chairman and managing director said, “We have delivered another strong performance in the quarter and also for the half year. Our focus on strengthening the core, leading market development and driving excellence in execution has enabled us to deliver competitive and profitable growth."

On demand outlook, he said, "In the near term, we expect demand to be stable. Our strength of agility and responsiveness gives us confidence to navigate the headwinds arising from crude inflation and currency depreciation."

Hindustan Unilever Limited said its board has appointed Leo Puri as an independent director on its board effective with immediate effect.

Puri, until recently, was the managing director of UTI Asset Management Company. He has also previously served as an independent director in companies including Max New York Life Insurance Company, Infosys, Bennett Coleman & Co.

First Published:Oct 12, 2018 3:54 PM IST