UPFL profit soars 40% to Rs4bn in 1HCY26

Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited (UPFL) posted a 40 per cent rise in net profit for the six months to June 30, 2026, with after-tax earnings reaching Rs4.34bn against Rs3.09bn a year earlier, according to Mettis Global. Earnings per share moved up to Rs680.90 from Rs484.86 in the same period of the previous year. The directors have also recommended a further cash payout of Rs350.00 per share, expressed as 3,500 per cent, for members as of September 7, 2026.

Revenue grew 29 per cent to Rs25.26bn from Rs19.59bn, with higher volumes in every key segment, led by Knorr Noodles, Rafhan and Unilever Food Solutions. Cost of sales increased 20 per cent to Rs14.43bn, which kept gross profit up 44 per cent at Rs10.83bn, compared with Rs7.53bn previously. Gross margin widened to 42.9 per cent, a gain of 442 basis points year on year, which the company linked to tight cost control and a more favourable product mix.

Distribution, administrative and other expenses climbed 50 per cent to Rs4.35bn, while other income fell 41 per cent to Rs365.10m, yet operating profit still rose 30 per cent to Rs6.84bn. Lower finance costs and a 92 per cent drop in final taxes lifted profit before tax 33 per cent to Rs6.79bn. Taxation rose a slower 22 per cent to Rs2.45bn, which magnified the bottom-line gain. The report also said consumer demand remained under pressure from elevated living costs and inflation.