Universal Robina Corporation’s (URC) net income grew six percent to P10.9 billion for the first nine months of 2023 from P9.7 billion in the said period last year due to higher foreign exchange gains and finance costs.
In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), URC's sales this year reached P117.6 billion, nine percent higher than P107.8 billion recorded in the nine-month period in 2022.
The firm noted the agro-industrial and commodities business as the main drivers of growth in this year's third quarter, withstanding the unstable macroeconomic landscape and higher inflation.
Branded Consumer Foods (BCF) group's sales increased by three percent to P81.1 billion for the nine-month period.
BCF Philippines' revenues also rose by four percent to P56.2 billion last year, while BCF International also saw a two percent growth to P24.9 billion due to business operations in Vietnam, Myanmar, and Malaysia. However, the growth was deterred by trade inventory corrections done through product reconfigurations in Thailand and Indonesia.
Meanwhile, the Agro-Industrial & Commodities (AIC) division sustained its growth by increasing 27 percent to P35.6 billion in sales in 2023 versus the last year. Higher volumes also drove a double digit growth in the third quarter for the Agro-Industrial Group, Sugar and Renewables, and Flour businesses.
URC's operating income rose by 17 percent to P12.6 billion for the first nine months this year, and 19 percent solely in the third quarter driven by "expanding operating margins through profit recovery initiatives."
The company has a cash balance of P11.3 billion, with a net debt of P13.3 billion and low gearing ratio of 0.22.
“Despite consumers absorbing higher food and fuel prices from elevated inflation, the company maintained its sales momentum, providing products and brands that people love. Our efforts to improve profitability will support our investments in brand building and supply chain strength, to further drive growth and create value for all our stakeholders," said Irwin Lee, URC President and CEO.