Universal Robina Corporation (URC) posted sales of Php 45.3 billion for the three months ending March 31, 2025, up 7% vs. the same period last year, and started the fiscal year with strong volume-led growth across most of its divisions.
Total operating income for the period ended at Php 5.5 billion, growing by 1% vs. the same period last year and in line with expectations. The total Branded Consumer Foods business delivered high single-digit operating income growth, on the back of a sterling performance from URC International. This offset expected declines in Agro-Industrial Commodities profits against its higher base early last year.
Net income from continuing operations closed at Php 4.3 billion, slightly behind last year by 2%, due to higher forex gains in the same period in 2024. Core net income, on the other hand, ended at Php4.1 billion, up 4%, with lower finance costs early in the year.
SALES PERFORMANCE PER BUSINESS
Branded Consumer Foods (BCF): Sales for the BCF group ended at Php29.7 billion for the first quarter, up 6% vs. the same period last year. BCF Philippines sales closed at Php20.1 billion, growing 4% against the peak quarterly sales recorded last year, and delivering strong double-digit volume growth in Ready-to-drink (RTD) Beverages, Snacks, and Confectionery. BCF International recorded sales of Php9.6 billion, up 10% vs. the same period last year. Vietnam led the way with strong double-digit growth, while Malaysia and Indonesia showed steady topline improvements. The international business continued to sustain its momentum and deliver above-market growth, despite the weak ASEAN sentiment and tariff uncertainties in export-oriented economies.
Agro-Industrial and Commodities (AIC): The AIC group recorded Php 15.6 billion in sales for the first quarter, growing 8% against the same period last year. Higher sales volumes from the sugar and flour businesses helped offset weaker animal feed sales, which were affected by lower sales volumes as Philippine hog populations declined from the middle of last year.
ACCELERATING MOMENTUM
Irwin Lee, URC President and CEO, said, “We are starting the year on a high note, delivering impressive volume growth across our key branded businesses in the first quarter of 2025. As overall consumer confidence and sentiment improve, we look forward to accelerating our forward momentum and continuously improving URC’s performance. We will continue to create and sell trusted products that people love, with the best innovations at the best prices, while staying true to our mission: to delight our customers and consumers with good food choices.”
This press release may contain forward looking statements with respect to the results of operations and business of Universal Robina Corporation ("URC"). Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual performance of URC to be different from any future performance implied.
