Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited reported a profit after tax of Rs4.34 billion for the first half of calendar year 2026 (1HCY26), compared with Rs3.09 billion in the corresponding period of the previous year.

According to the financial statement submitted to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), the company’s earnings per share (EPS) rose to Rs680.90 from Rs484.86 a year earlier.

The board of directors approved the unaudited condensed interim financial information for the six months ended June 30, 2026, at a meeting held in Karachi on August 27, 2026.

Sales grow 28.9%

During the period, Unilever Pakistan Foods recorded sales growth of 28.9%, supported by volume expansion across its key product segments, particularly Knorr Noodles, Rafhan and Unilever Food Solutions.

The company said its gross margin improved to 42.9%, an increase of 442 basis points compared with the same period last year.

The stronger gross margin, combined with higher sales volumes, contributed to the significant increase in profitability during the period.

As a result, EPS increased to Rs680.90 during the six-month period from Rs484.86 a year earlier.

Unilever Pakistan announces Rs350 interim dividend

In view of the financial results, the company’s directors recommended a second interim cash dividend of Rs350 per ordinary share of Rs10 each.

The dividend is lower than the Rs444 per share distributed for the six months ended June 30, 2025.

The dividend will be payable to shareholders holding ordinary shares at the close of business on September 7, 2026.

Economic conditions remain challenging

Unilever Pakistan Foods said Pakistan’s economic environment remained on a gradual path towards stabilisation during the period, supported by continued fiscal consolidation, strengthening foreign exchange reserves and a more disciplined macroeconomic policy framework.

However, elevated living costs, inflationary pressures, higher commodity prices and geopolitical uncertainties continued to weigh on consumer demand and presented challenges for the wider business environment.

The company said these factors continued to affect consumer spending and operating costs.

Despite the challenging environment, Unilever Pakistan Foods said it remained well positioned to navigate changing market conditions through its strong brand equity, consumer-relevant innovations, disciplined cost management and value-led propositions.

The company said these initiatives would support sustainable growth and long-term value creation for shareholders.