New Delhi, July 31 -- Consumption engines are coming to life in India's urban and rural markets, powering sales at Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) after several dismal quarters. India's largest packaged consumer goods maker scored growth across all its verticals, beating Street estimates on sales and profit as it looked ahead to sunny days.

Sales volumes at the maker of Lux soaps and Knorr soups grew 3% after three quarters of slowing growth, as the consumption-focused company gained from tax rebates for the middle class, lower interest rates, the start of rains, and its own entry into new segments. Net profit rose 8% to Rs.2,732 crore on a 4% sales jump to Rs.15,747 crore. Investors cheered the earnings, lifting HUL shares by 3.48% to Rs.2...