Meanwhile, the BSE Sensex was down 353.94 points, or 2.50%, 13,816.51.

On BSE, 1.62 shares were traded in the counter. The stock had an average daily volume of 4.74 shares in the past one quarter.

The stock hit a high of Rs 277 and a low of Rs 270.05 so far during the day. The stock hit a 52-week high of Rs 282.80 on 6 July 2009 and a 52-week low of Rs 185 on 27 October 2008.

India's biggest fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) firm by revenue outperformed the market over the past one month till 7 July 2009, rising 8.91% as compared to the Sensex's 3.38% fall. It had underperformed the market in the past one quarter, rising 13.66% as compared to the Sensex's return of 31.91%.

The company's current equity is Rs 221.08 crore. Face value per share is Rs 1.

The current price of Rs 271 discounts the company's quarter ended March 2009 annualized EPS of Rs 7.25, by a PE multiple of 37.38.

In the Union Budget 2009-2010 announced on Monday, 6 July 2009, the government has provided a thrust to the rural sector which may boost rural consumption. FMCG firms are likely to benefit from an increase in rural demand. The FMCG sector derives a substantial revenue from the rural sector

Aiming on higher disposable income in rural India and inclusive growth, the government increased the allocation towards National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme by 144% at Rs 39,100 crore in the Union Budget 2009-2010.

Hindustan Unilever (HUL)'s net profit rose 3.7% to Rs 394.99 crore on 6% rise in net sales to Rs 3,988.33 crore in the quarter ended March 2009 over the quarter ended March 2008.

Hindustan Unilever manufactures branded and packaged consumer products including soaps, detergent, personal care products and processed food. The company also manufactures ice creams, cooking oils, fertilizers and hybrid seeds.