India's largest consumer goods maker, Hindustan Unilever has recorded a higher than expected 15 per cent increase in net profit to Rs. 787 crore during the fourth quarter of the financial year 2012-2013.

The company has said that its sales have risen 10.4 per cent to Rs. 6,367.14 crore during the quarter from January to March, 2013 compared to the same quarter of the previous financial year. The company recorded a growth of 6 per cent in volume compared to an estimated 5.25-5.5 per cent by analysts. The company’s domestic consumer business recorded an increase of 13 per cent.

The company’s home and personal care and foods and beverages segment recorded a double digit growth in the quarter, the company said in a statement. The board of the company has approved a final dividend of Rs. 6 per share for the financial year 2012-2013. The dividend is subject to the approval of the shareholders at the annual general meeting.

“In a challenging environment, we have delivered broad based competitive growth and margin improvement. We have continued to invest in strengthening our brands, stepped up innovation and driven in-market execution and operational efficiencies even harder,” chairman Harish Manwani said in the statement.

The shares of the company rose 4.15 per cent to Rs. 484.45 after the company announced its fourth quarter results.