Coronavirus can be controlled: Over 68,000 have recovered so far globally

Over 50,000 people have recovered in China’s Hubei province, which is the worst-hit; Iran has seen over 2,900 recoveries

The Coronavirus outbreak has taken the world by a storm, with governments globally scrambling to control the outbreak, which has so far infected over 125,000 people and killed more than 4,500 across 114 countries. Even as the virus forces countries to quarantine citizens, lock down borders and suspend travels, the number of recoveries across the world so far has been 68,000, according to data collated by the Johns Hopkins University & Medicine.

The data show that over 50,000 people have recovered in China’s Hubei province alone. Hubei has been the most affected by the outbreak. Iran, also affected badly and facing difficulties owing to several US sanctions and poor medical facilities, has seen over 2,900 recoveries so far. The country has also reported over 400 deaths, the most after China and Italy.

While over 90 per cent of the cases are confined to four countries – China, South Korea, Italy and Iran – the first two have lately seen a significant drop in new Covid-19 cases. The University data show that in Italy 1,045 of the 12,462 reported cases have recovered, while over 800 have died. The mortality rate among recorded cases in Italy is 6.6 per cent, against 2-2.5 per cent in China. The region around Milan in northern Italy has been the worst hit by the virus.

Indian govt springs into action amid spurt in cases: The situation in India, which has seen a spurt in positive Coronavirus cases since last week, is different. The number of total Coronavirus cases in the country on Thursday rose to 74, with 14 fresh cases being reported. Nine new cases were reported in Maharashtra, and one each in Delhi, Ladakh, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. Even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has suspended all tourist and medical visas until April 15, there have been only four recoveries in the country so far.

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Hindustan Unilever hits new high ahead of Q1 results

Since May 14, 2018, after the Q4FY18 results, HUL has outperformed the market by surging 17.5% as compared to 2.8% rise in the S&P BSE Sensex.

Shares of Hindustan Unilever (HUL) hit a new high of Rs 1,770 per share, up 1.6% on the BSE in intra-day trade so far on Monday, ahead of its results for the June quarter (Q1FY19) later in the day.

Since May 14, 2018, after March quarter (Q4FY18) results, HUL has outperformed the market by surging 17.5% as compared to 2.8% rise in the S&P BSE Sensex. Thus far in the calendar year 2018, the stock of fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) company has rallied 29% against 7.3% gain in the benchmark index.

HUL is the largest FMCG Company in India, operating across a host of categories in home care, personal care and foods.(CLICK HERE : HINDUSTAN UNILEVER LTD SHARE PRICE)

ICICI Securities expect HUL to post 12.9% comparable sales growth in Q1FY19 mainly led by volume growth of 8% as GST rate cut on detergents in November 2017 has led to price cuts by the company during the quarter along with its focus on premiumisation and market share gains.

“Due to higher raw material and advertisement costs, the operating margin is expected to remain flat at 21.7%. We expect net profit to grow 16.5% to Rs 14.95 billion,” the brokerage firm said in Q1FY19 result preview.

Analysts at JP Morgan believe a gradual recovery is under way as rural demand stabilises and benefits from lower GST rates (price reduction/grammage increase) start flowing through. Margin tailwinds remain, given mix improvement, manageable input cost inflation, judicious pricing, GST benefits, rational competitive spends and significant cost control measures.

“We believe HUL’s initiatives in the areas of margin-accretive innovation, cost savings and market share gains should hold the company in good stead over the medium term,” the brokerage firm said in investor meet takeaways.(Source : BS)