Indian consumer firm Hindustan Unilever reported a marginal rise in third-quarter profit on Wednesday, lifted by festive season demand and an ongoing recovery in rural markets.

Hindustan Unilever Ltd.'s third-quarter profit rose 19.2% year-on-year, beating analysts' estimates. The consolidated net profit of India's largest consumer goods maker rose to Rs 2,989 crore in the quarter-ended December, according to an exchange filing. That compares with the Rs 2,659-crore consensus estimate of analysts tracked by Bloomberg.

HUL reported a 19% on-year rise in Q3 net profit to ₹3,001 crore, driven by steady revenue growth of 1% at ₹15,408 crore. Margins remained stable at 23.15%.

(Reuters) -Consumer firm Hindustan Unilever said it will buy a majority stake in the 'Minimalist' skin care brand and reported a marginal rise in third-quarter profit on Wednesday, lifted by festive season demand and an ongoing recovery in rural markets.