KARACHI: Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited (PSX: UPFL) delivered a strong start to 2026, reporting double-digit growth in both sales and profitability for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, driven by robust volume gains across its product portfolio and improved operating margins.
According to the company’s financial results approved by its Board of Directors on April 28, 2026, net sales increased by 26% to Rs13.19 billion, compared to Rs10.47 billion in the corresponding quarter last year. The company attributed the growth to strong volumetric gains across its major brands.
Gross profit rose to Rs5.48 billion from Rs4.00 billion a year earlier, while the gross profit margin improved significantly to 41.5%, compared with 38.2% in the same period of 2025. Profit after tax climbed to Rs2.11 billion, up from Rs1.67 billion, reflecting a year-on-year increase of around 26%. Earnings per share (EPS) also strengthened to Rs331.01, compared with Rs262.60 in the corresponding quarter last year.
In light of the strong financial performance, the Board recommended a first interim cash dividend of Rs331 per ordinary share (3,310%), substantially higher than the Rs525 per share distributed during the same period last year. Shareholders whose names appear on the register at the close of business on May 8, 2026, will be entitled to receive the dividend. The company’s share transfer books will remain closed from May 11 to May 13, 2026, for dividend entitlement purposes.
Despite the encouraging quarterly results, the company cautioned that Pakistan’s business environment remains challenging due to inflationary pressures, volatile global commodity prices, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical uncertainties. Management said it is responding by leveraging the strength of its brands, introducing relevant innovations, and improving operational efficiency while continuing to offer consumers value-for-money products.
The strong first-quarter performance underscores Unilever Pakistan Foods’ ability to maintain growth momentum despite a difficult macroeconomic environment, positioning the company well for the remainder of the financial year.
