HUL Share Price in Focus as Company’s Valuation Drops Lower Than Unilever: What’s Going On?

The HUL share price was one of the focus stocks on Friday’s trading session. Hindustan Unilever(HUL), is a key player in India’s FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) market. But it is no longer shining as brightly as it once did. Compared to its UK-based parent, Unilever PLC, the company’s valuation has dropped sharply in recent months.

At 11.55 AM, HUL share price was down 1.10% and was trading at ₹2,299.70.

A Shrinking Premium

As of April 24, 2025, HUL’s market value was US$64 billion—less than 40% of Unilever PLC’s US$161.2 billion. Just a few months ago, HUL was valued at nearly 70% of its parent. This fall is mainly due to two reasons:

  1. Poor stock performance – HUL’s share price has dropped 13% in 2024 and has been flat this year.
  2. Currency impact – The Indian rupee has weakened by 4.4% against the US dollar since 2022, while the euro has gained 18.7%.

HUL Share Price Trends Tell the Story

Unilever’s stock is now just 8% below its 2019 high, while HUL is still 23% below its peak of ₹3,035, which it hit in September 2024. HUL shares even fell by 4% in a single day after disappointing Q4 results—a record drop in 6 months.

Why the Slowdown?

The FMCG sector in India is facing tough times. Inflation and slower urban demand are hurting sales volumes. HUL, once seen as a “safe” stock, is struggling to grow. As a result, its valuation premium over its parent has shrunk from over 200% to 169%.

Currently, HUL trades at a high 48 times its one-year forward earnings, while Unilever trades at just 18 times. Although Indian subsidiaries often command high premiums, HUL’s advantage seems to be fading.

India Still Matters to Unilever

Despite the slowdown, India is still important for Unilever. In 2024, the country made up US$7.4 billion—around 11.2%—of Unilever’s total revenue. Unilever PLC also holds a 47.4% direct stake in HUL.

Conclusion: Can HUL Regain Its Edge?

While HUL remains a strong brand, investors are now cautious. To recover, it must boost volumes, handle inflation, and rebuild market confidence.

Read more on: HUL Q4 FY25 Results: Net Profit Drops 3.7% YoY, Declares ₹53 Total Dividend for FY25

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Alphabet Earnings Report Shows Strong Profits Amid Legal Battles and Market Challenges

Alphabet earnings report indicates that Google’s parent company has posted a strong growth for Q1 of FY2025. The tech giant earned a massive US$34.54 billion in profit, up from US$23.66 billion during the same period last year. Much of this jump was due to gains from investments, not from the company’s daily business operations.

Alphabet Earnings Report Indicates Revenue Growth

Alphabet’s revenue rose to US$90.23 billion; a 12% increase compared to last year. This was slightly better than the street’s expectations. The company also announced a US$70 billion stock buyback and raised its dividend by 5%. However, Google shares only rose slightly after the announcement.

Challenges Ahead: Trade War and AI Competition

Despite the strong results, Google is facing a difficult road ahead. The ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China are hurting ad sales, especially from Chinese companies like Temu and Shein. These companies are buying fewer ads on Google, which could affect future earnings.

Another big challenge is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). New search tools powered by AI from competitors like OpenAI and Perplexity are starting to take some of Google’s market share.

Legal Trouble: Antitrust Losses

Google is also dealing with serious legal challenges. In two separate cases, U.S. judges ruled that Google holds illegal monopolies—one in online search and the other in online advertising technology. Some experts suggest that it might be smarter for Google to break itself up before being forced to by the courts.

Conclusion

Google is still making huge profits and remains a tech leader, but legal battles, rising competition, and economic uncertainty could slow its momentum.

Read more on: Samsung May Shift Manufacturing to India Amid US Tariffs on Vietnam

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

CBDT Bars Tax Deductions for Settlement Expenses Under 4 Different Acts

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has made a clear rule: taxpayers can no longer claim income tax deductions on money spent to settle legal cases or proceedings under 4 specific laws. These include:

  1. The SEBI Act, 1992
  2. The Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956
  3. The Depositories Act, 1996
  4. The Competition Act, 2002

New Rule Under Finance Act 2024

 According to a notification dated April 23, 2025, the CBDT said these expenses will not be considered as business or professional expenses under Section 37(1) of the Income Tax Act. That means no deduction or allowance will be given, even if the settlement was done to avoid long legal battles.

Why This Matters

 Earlier, there were several court cases where companies were allowed to claim settlement expenses such as business costs. For example, in the case of ITO v. Reliance Share & Stock Brokers, the tribunal allowed consent fees paid to SEBI as a business expense, saying it was for “commercial expediency.”

But with the new rule—Explanation 3, Clause (iv) to Section 37(1)—these earlier judgments will no longer apply. The law is now clearer and stricter.

What Should Taxpayers Do Now?

Tax experts say this update is designed to remove confusion from the tax rules. However, there are still some unclear areas under laws like FEMA and RBI rules.

They advise businesses to reassess their tax positions and check if they are exposed to similar issues in ongoing or future cases.

Conclusion

This move by the CBDT aims to stop companies from reducing their tax burden using settlement payments. It brings clarity but also calls for companies to review their compliance and legal strategies.

Read more on: SEBI Plans to Raise Mutual Fund Caps in REITs and InvITs

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Stocks That Hit Circuit Limits On April 24, 2025: Godfrey Phillips, Sahaj Solar, and More

On April 24, 2025, BSE Sensex closed 0.39% lower at 79,801.43, while Nifty50 settled at 24,246.70, down 0.34%. Despite the slight dip in the broader market, several stocks like Godfrey Phillips, Sahaj Solar, and Black Box hit their circuit limits, showing notable price action. Check out the complete list of stocks that hit upper and lower circuits today.

Stocks That Hit Upper Circuit on April 24, 2025

Symbol LTP Change (%) Price Band % Volume(Lakhs) Value(₹ Crores)
GODFRYPHLP 8,144.00 2.81 5 1.71 140.16
SENCO 386 -0.1 5 14.95 58.71
SAHAJSOLAR 304 12.74 20 15.2 46.89
BBOX 422.95 10 10 10.11 41.21
GRWRHITECH 3,407.90 5 5 1.05 35.11

Stocks That Hit Lower Circuit on April 24, 2025

Symbol LTP Change (%) Price Band % Volume(Lakhs) Value(₹ Crores)
TARIL 533.7 -4.72 5 11.81 64.11
EPACK 375.35 -5 5 5.43 20.86
KITEX 245 -3.53 5 5.78 14.14
REFEX 470.7 -2.85 5 2.84 13.36
ESSARSHPNG 31.72 -5 5 9.01 2.89

Overview of Companies Hitting Circuit Limits

  1. Godfrey Phillips India Ltd

Godfrey Phillips India Ltd hit the upper circuit at ₹8,144.00 (+2.81%), with a 5% price band, 1.71 lakh volume, and ₹140.16 Cr in value.

  1. Sahaj Solar Ltd

Sahaj Solar Ltd surged 12.74% to ₹304, reaching the upper circuit with a 20% price band, 15.2 lakh volume, and ₹46.89 Cr traded.

  1. Black Box Ltd

Black Box Ltd locked at upper circuit at ₹422.95 (+10%), with a 10% price band, 10.11 lakh volume, and ₹41.21 Cr in value.

  1. TARSONS Products Ltd

TARSONS Products Ltd fell 4.72% to ₹533.7, hitting the lower circuit with a 5% price band, 11.81 lakh volume, and ₹64.11 Cr in value.

  1. Epack Durable Ltd

Epack Durable Ltd dropped 5% to ₹375.35, reaching the lower circuit with a 5% price band, 5.43 lakh volume, and ₹20.86 Cr traded.

Read more on: Top Gainers and Losers on April 24, 2025: Divi’s Labs Leads, Macrotech Developers Slides

 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks; read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Delhi EV Policy 2.0 Sparks Debate Over Hybrid Vehicle Incentives

The Delhi government has extended its current Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy by 3 months due to the complexity of proposals in the new draft. This decision came after a Cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The draft policy, called Delhi EV Policy 2.0, has been shared with automakers for their feedback. 

Why is the Delhi EV Policy 2.0 Controversial? 

 The biggest concern is the proposal to offer the same incentives to hybrid vehicles as fully electric ones. These incentives include road tax and registration fee waivers, which are currently reserved for electric vehicles only. This move has upset major carmakers like Hyundai, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, MG Motor India, and Kia. 

These companies argue that hybrid vehicles still produce emissions, even if they are lower than regular petrol or diesel vehicles. They feel that incentives should only go to vehicles with zero emissions, especially since they have already made large investments in EV technology. 

If this rule stays, it could benefit brands like Maruti Suzuki, Toyota, and Honda, which already have strong hybrid models. 

Other Big Changes in the Draft 

  • No more CNG autos: From August 15, 2025, registration of new CNG auto-rickshaws will stop, and old permits will not be renewed. 
  • Ban on fuel-based two-wheelers: A total ban on petrol, diesel, and CNG two-wheelers is being considered from August 15, 2026. 
  • Incentives for women: Women buying electric two-wheelers can get up to ₹36,000 in incentives. 
  • Other subsidies: A ₹10,000 per kWh purchase subsidy is planned, capped at ₹30,000. 
  • New jobs and infrastructure: The policy aims to create 20,000 jobs and set up many charging and battery-swapping stations across the city. 

Conclusion 

Delhi EV Policy 2.0 shows the city’s serious push towards clean mobility. However, the inclusion of hybrid vehicles in EV benefits has created tension with leading carmakers. As discussions continue, all eyes are on how the final policy will balance innovation, environment, and industry investments.

Read more on: Delhi EV WhatsApp Chatbot: A Digital Step Towards Green Mobility

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

 

 

Brightcom Group History: From USAGreetings.com to Ybrant Digital to Brightcom; Where Did It Go Wrong?

The story of Brightcom Group began in 1994 when 2two US-based techies, Suresh Reddy and Vijay Kancharla, launched an online greeting card service called USAGreetings.com. Back in the early days of the internet, e-cards were a trend, and the duo made it their full-time venture by 1998. However, as the dot-com bubble burst, they knew it was time for a change.

Rebranding as Ybrant Digital: A New Direction

 In the early 2000s, the company rebranded as Ybrant Technologies and shifted focus to digital advertising. They saw the rise of internet marketing and wanted to be a part of this growing space. Ybrant aimed to help companies advertise their products online, a smart move considering how businesses were embracing the digital world.

Their ambitions grew bigger when they acquired Lycos Internet in 2010, a once-popular search engine. By 2014, Ybrant rebranded itself again, this time to Lycos, and tried expanding into the wearable tech space with fitness bands and smart rings. However, analysts were skeptical, calling the move unfocused and poorly planned. The stock lost 90% of its value over the next 5 years. 

Return as Brightcom Group

In 2018, the company dropped the Lycos brand and adopted a new name: Brightcom Group, citing disputes with Lycos as the reason. Since then, its core focus has returned to digital advertising, a segment that now makes up 65% of global ad revenues.

The company seemed to be back on track in 2021. Revenue jumped from ₹654 crore to ₹2,021 crore in 6 months, and profits rose from ₹106 crore to ₹371 crore. This caught the attention of many retail investors, who increased their holdings from 12% to 18.5% in just a few months.

Controversies and SEBI’s Probe in Brightcom Group

But things took a turn when SEBI launched a forensic audit into the company’s financials from FY15 to FY20. Investors were shocked to learn the notice was received months earlier but not disclosed. There were also concerns about promoter share sales and ownership transfers through indirect entities.

Conclusion

Brightcom Group’s journey—from e-cards to digital advertising—shows vision and adaptability. But frequent rebrands, unclear strategies, and regulatory troubles have raised doubts. While some investors still believe in its future, the company must rebuild trust through transparency and stable leadership.

Read more on: Brightcom Group Schedules EGM for April 30 to Discuss Capital Reduction

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Samsung May Shift Manufacturing to India Amid US Tariffs on Vietnam

Samsung, the South Korean tech giant, is reportedly in talks to shift some of its smartphone and electronics manufacturing from Vietnam to India. This move comes after the US announced a 46% tariff on Vietnamese goods earlier this month, as part of retaliatory trade measures. Indian goods were also hit with a 10% levy, but a 90-day pause was later declared by the US administration, excluding China.

Samsung Begins Talks with Indian Manufacturers

 According to reports from Moneycontrol, Samsung has initiated discussions with Indian electronic manufacturing service (EMS) providers, including its current partners. A source stated, “Not just Samsung, all companies with a base in Vietnam are exploring possibilities to shift some production to India.”

India Stands to Benefit

 If Samsung decides to shift part of its operations to India, it could mean a significant boost to the Indian electronics sector. In FY24 alone, Samsung exported smartphones worth US$52 billion, with Vietnam as a key manufacturing base.

India could benefit due to:

  • Lower tariffs (at least for now)
  • Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes by the Indian government
  • A push by tech firms to diversify their supply chains

Other Tech Giants Eyeing India To Avoid US Tariffs

 Samsung isn’t alone. Other tech firms are also looking to move out of Vietnam and China:

  • Google’s parent Alphabet is in advanced talks to shift Pixel smartphone production to India, with discussions underway with Dixon Technologies and Foxconn.
  • Apple’s manufacturer Foxconn is planning to double iPhone production in India to 25–30 million units this year.
  • Chinese EV maker BYD is planning a US$10 billion investment to build an electric vehicle and battery production unit near Hyderabad.

Conclusion

With rising tariffs and global uncertainty, India is emerging as a preferred manufacturing hub for major tech companies. The next few months could see big announcements as companies shift part of their production lines to India.

Read more on: US Considers Scaling Back Auto Tariffs Amid Industry Concerns: Reports

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Zupee Turns Profitable in FY24, Plans to Expand Into Fantasy and Card Games

Zupee, a real-money gaming platform, has made a big leap in FY24 by reporting a profit of ₹146 crore—its first full-year profit since its launch in 2018. In the previous year (FY23), the company had posted a loss of ₹36 crore.

This major turnaround came as Zupee’s revenue jumped 36.5%, reaching ₹1,123 crore compared to ₹823 crore in FY23.

Impact of New GST Rules on Zupee

In October 2023, a 28% GST on the full face value of bets was implemented across the gaming sector. Zupee’s FY24 numbers show only 6 months of this impact. The full impact will be seen in FY25.

Zupee said it adapted quickly and stayed strong due to its focus on product quality and operational flexibility, especially for its popular game Zupee Ludo.

Zupee Spending More on Users and Employees

 Total expenses rose by 11.7% to ₹1,019 crore in FY24 from ₹911.9 crore in FY23.

  • ₹806 crore was spent on marketing and user incentives, making it the biggest cost.
  • Employee benefits increased to ₹107 crore from ₹96 crore last year.

Kapil Sharma continues to be Zupee’s brand ambassador.

Zupee’s Future Plans

Zupee plans to expand its offerings by adding fantasy sports and card games like poker and rummy. While no launch date was announced, CEO Dilsher Malhi said these new games would help the platform grow further.

Malhi added that the fantasy gaming market in India is worth US$1.2–2 billion, and rummy is around US$1.5–1.8 billion, with poker at US$300 million.

No IPO Plans Yet Due to Regulatory Issues

Despite many startups heading for IPOs, Zupee is holding back. Malhi said there’s too much uncertainty around regulations, especially the 28% GST, which has led to ₹1.12 lakh crore in tax notices. The Supreme Court has temporarily stayed those notices, and a hearing is expected in May.

Conclusion

Zupee has turned profitable and is now aiming to grow its user base with new games. However, unclear rules around GST are slowing IPO dreams for now.

Read more on: Zippee Launches ‘Blaze’ for 60-Minute Deliveries Across India

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Swiggy Allots ₹443 Cr Worth Shares to Employees Under ESOP

Swiggy, the popular food delivery company, has approved a large allotment of equity shares for its employees under its Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP) 2024. The board has given 1.28 crore equity shares at a face value and exercise price of just ₹1 per share. This gives eligible employees a chance to benefit significantly if the stock price rises.

Since the beginning of 2025, Swiggy has already allotted more than 4.4 crore shares to its employees under different ESOP plans.

Government Ties-Up with Swiggy for Gig Workers

 Swiggy recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Labour and Employment. Under this deal, the company will help list gig jobs on the National Career Service (NCS) portal. The government hopes this move will help create 12 lakh gig jobs over the next 2–3 years.

Launch of Pyng – A New Services Platform

Swiggy has also launched Pyng, a professional services marketplace. Pyng connects users with verified experts in health, wellness, finance, astrology, travel, and education.

  • Online services are available across India.
  • Offline services are currently available only in Bengaluru.

Swiggy Financial Performance

Despite its growth, Swiggy reported a net loss of ₹799 crore in Q3 FY25, which is 39.1% higher than the ₹574.4 crore loss in the same period last year.

 However, operating revenue grew by nearly 31%, reaching ₹3,993.1 crore compared to ₹3,048.6 crore in Q3 FY24.

Conclusion

Swiggy is rewarding its employees and expanding into new service areas, even as it continues to face financial challenges. Its efforts to support gig workers and explore new business models show its broader vision beyond food delivery.

At 2:21 PM, Swiggy share price was down 1.75% and was trading at ₹341.95.

Read more on: 10-Minute Delivery: Swiggy Launches Snacc in NCR

 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Nestle India Share Price Falls After Q4FY25 Earnings Declaration

Nestle India share price fell by 0.55% to ₹2,420 at 12.18 PM. The company has announced its FY25 financial results today. The company posted a net profit of ₹885.4 crore, nearly in line with street expectations of ₹892 crore. Its revenue from operations came in at ₹5,503 crore, also close to the expected ₹5,530 crore.

Nestle’s performance was driven by steady demand across its product categories, with strong contributions from both rural and urban markets. The company managed to keep pricing stable even with rising input costs, which helped maintain its customer base.

EBITDA Beats Estimates; Margins Improve

 Nestle India reported an EBITDA of ₹1,389 crore, higher than the market expectation of ₹1,351 crore. The company’s EBITDA margin improved to 25.2%, beating the projected 24.4%. This increase was supported by better cost control and favorable prices of some raw materials, helping the company protect its profitability.

₹10 Final Dividend Declared

To reward its shareholders, Nestle’s board recommended a final dividend of ₹10 per share for the financial year 2025. This comes on top of earlier interim dividends declared during the year, reflecting the company’s consistent profit growth and shareholder-friendly approach.

Nestle India Share Price Performance and Market Sentiment

 Nestle shares opened higher and gained 3.4% after the announcement but later slipped into negative territory. This reaction was similar to peer company HUL, indicating that broader market trends might be affecting investor sentiment, regardless of strong fundamentals.

Conclusion

Nestle India continues to show strength through innovation, deeper rural reach, and premium product strategies. While global commodity prices may impact future margins, efficient operations and brand strength are likely to support the company in FY26.

Read more on: Tata Consumer Shares Fell Over 2%: Revenue Grew 17% in Q4FY25

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.