Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited has reported a strong financial performance for the nine months ended September 30, 2026, with sales rising by 25% and profit after tax increasing by approximately 38% compared with the corresponding period last year. The company has also recommended a third interim cash dividend of Rs. 312 per share, reflecting its continued focus on shareholder returns.

According to the financial results approved by the Board of Directors at its meeting held on October 23, 2026, the company’s sales reached Rs. 37.60 billion during the nine-month period, compared with Rs. 30.08 billion in the same period of 2025.

Profitability Shows Significant Improvement

Unilever Pakistan Foods recorded a substantial improvement in profitability during the period under review. Gross profit increased to Rs. 16.13 billion from Rs. 11.68 billion a year earlier, supported by higher sales and an expansion in gross margin.

The company’s gross profit margin improved to 42.9%, representing an increase of 408 basis points compared with the corresponding period last year.

Operating profit rose to Rs. 9.96 billion from Rs. 7.62 billion, while profit before tax increased to Rs. 9.87 billion against Rs. 7.46 billion in the same period of 2025.

Profit after tax reached Rs. 6.33 billion, compared with Rs. 4.57 billion previously, representing growth of approximately 38.3%. Earnings per share also improved to Rs. 993.21 from Rs. 717.93.

Strong Performance in the Third Quarter

The company’s performance also remained positive during the three months ended September 30, 2026. Quarterly sales increased to Rs. 12.35 billion from Rs. 10.49 billion in the corresponding period last year.

Gross profit rose to Rs. 5.30 billion, compared with Rs. 4.15 billion, while operating profit reached Rs. 3.13 billion against Rs. 2.38 billion in the same quarter of 2025.

Quarterly profit after tax increased to Rs. 1.99 billion from Rs. 1.48 billion. Earnings per share rose to Rs. 312.31 from Rs. 233.08, highlighting the company’s improved financial performance.

Third Interim Dividend Announced

In view of the strong nine-month results, the Board of Directors recommended a third interim cash dividend of Rs. 312 per ordinary share of Rs. 10 each for the period ended September 30, 2026. This compares with Rs. 466 per share declared for the corresponding period in 2025.

The dividend recommendation is an important development for shareholders and reflects the company’s decision to distribute part of its earnings while continuing to focus on business performance and long-term value creation.

The company also announced that its share transfer books would remain closed from November 5 to November 7, 2026, inclusive, to determine shareholders’ entitlement to the third interim dividend. The register would reopen on November 9, 2026, while transfers received by November 4, 2026, would be considered for dividend entitlement, subject to the company’s announced procedures.

Business Outlook and Market Conditions

In its outlook, Unilever Pakistan Foods highlighted Pakistan’s economic resilience, supported by improving foreign exchange reserves, continued fiscal consolidation and a gradual recovery in economic activity.

However, the company also acknowledged ongoing challenges, including elevated global commodity and energy prices, geopolitical uncertainty, particularly in the Middle East, and their potential effects on consumer purchasing power and the broader operating environment.

Against this backdrop, the company said it would continue to leverage its established brands, consumer-relevant innovations and value-led offerings. It also emphasized cost discipline, operational efficiency and sustainable growth across its value chain.

Conclusion

Unilever Pakistan Foods delivered a strong financial performance in the first nine months of 2026, supported by higher sales, improved gross margins and stronger earnings. The company’s profit after tax increased to Rs. 6.33 billion, while earnings per share rose to Rs. 993.21.

With a third interim dividend of Rs. 312 per share recommended, the results highlight the company’s financial progress and continued emphasis on shareholder value, operational efficiency and sustainable business growth amid a challenging economic environment.