Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) reported 6 per cent rise in sales for the fourth quarter ended 31 March 2009.

Sales stood at Rs 3988 crore as compared to Rs 3763 crore for the same period last year. For the full financial year, the company posted 15.5 per cent rise in sales to Rs 16476.75 crore.

Company's net profit stood at Rs 395 crore compared to Rs 381 crore in the fourth quarter of 2008. However, its net profit from operations for the full year stood at Rs 2396.06 crore.

Its household business reported growth of 11 per cent. However, personal product category grew by only 2 per cent, mainly due to decline in oral care sales.

Products such as Lux and Dove managed to fetch significant market share. Recently launched Dove shampoos and Vaseline Healthy White also did good business. Food business reported growth rate of 13 per cent while processed food led by jams, and ice cream grew by 7 per cent during the fourth quarter.

Harish Manwani, Chairman, HUL, said, ''We have focused on sustaining growth in a challenging economic environment by significantly improving consumer value across our portfolio. Simultaneously, continued focus on costs and improved operating leverage has helped deliver strong profit growth. "

Shares of company surged 1 per cent and closed at Rs 233.05 on May 8 on the Bombay Stock Exchange.