Karachi: The Board of Directors of Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited revealed the company’s financial performance for the first quarter of 2026, during a meeting held on April 28, 2026. The unaudited condensed financial results for the three months ending March 31, 2026, showcased a notable sales growth of 26.0%, driven by substantial volumetric gains across its primary product lines.

The figures reported an increase in sales to Rs. 13.19 billion from Rs. 10.47 billion in the same period last year. This surge was accompanied by an improvement in the gross margin, which rose to 41.5% compared to 38.2% in the first quarter of 2025. The earnings per share (EPS) reached Rs. 331, marking an increase of Rs. 68 from the previous year’s first quarter.

According to information available from the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), the company’s profit before income tax was recorded at approximately Rs. 3.46 billion, up from Rs. 2.74 billion in the corresponding period of the previous year. After accounting for taxation, the profit after income tax stood at Rs. 2.11 billion, compared to Rs. 1.67 billion last year.

The Board has recommended a first interim cash dividend of Rs. 331 per ordinary share, translating to a 3,310% payout ratio, which will be distributed to shareholders on May 8, 2026. The share transfer books of the company will be closed from May 11 to May 13, 2026, to finalize entitlements for the interim dividend, with operations resuming on May 14, 2026.

Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited’s future outlook acknowledges the challenges posed by the global economic environment, particularly fluctuating commodity prices and inflation. Despite these hurdles, the company remains committed to leveraging its brand equity and maintaining value-driven propositions to sustain its market position.

The company reported a net cash generation from operating activities amounting to Rs. 3.19 billion, an increase from Rs. 2.07 billion in the same period last year. However, the cash flows used in investing activities saw a shift from a positive Rs. 255.87 million to a negative Rs. 574.56 million, largely due to investments during the period.

As Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited continues to navigate a complex economic landscape, its strategic focus remains on innovation and efficiency improvements within its operations to mitigate external pressures.