Universal Robina Sustains Momentum in H1 2025; Cash Dividend Declared

Universal Robina Corporation (URC) posted sales of P85.9 billion for the first half of 2025 ending June 30. This was 6% higher vs the first half of 2024, as top line growth momentum was sustained across its key business units

Total Branded Consumer Foods (BCF) revenues grew 5% vs. the same period last year. As of the first half of 2025, majority of the Philippine branded portfolio is growing in line or above total category growth. Meanwhile, the Commodities segment grew 16% vs the same period last year.

Total operating income for the period was flat year-on-year at P9.4 billion, with stable operating margin for the total Branded Consumer Foods (BCF) segment. Higher input cost, particularly coffee, weighed on BCF Philippines, but this was mitigated by cost management programs, as well as improving scale at URC International.

Net income from continuing operations for the first half was lower by 11% vs the same period last year at P6.7 billion. This was mainly driven by an impairment charge relating to the discontinuation of part of URC’s Packaging segment. Excluding this one-time charge, core net income grew 3% to P6.9 billion.

URC declared a P2.20/share cash dividend to stockholders on record as of September 5, 2025. This brings the total cash dividend to P4.20/share for 2025, 11% higher than prior year and translating to a payout of almost 80% of prior year’s core net income.

SALES PERFORMANCE PER BUSINESS

Branded Consumer Foods (BCF): Sales for total BCF grew 5% vs the same period last year to P57.8 billion. BCF Philippines sustained its momentum, growing sales by 5% year-on-year to P39.6 billion. Snacks and Ready-to-drink Beverages delivered double-digit growth, while challenges in Coffee and Noodles persist amidst stiff competition. Meanwhile, URC International grew sales by 7% year-on-year to P18.2 billion as the company continued to drive momentum with Munchy’s, widening share leadership in Malaysia and growing rapidly in Indonesia.  

Agro-Industrial and Commodities (AIC): The AIC group recorded P21.7 billion in sales for the first half, higher by 16% against the same period last year. Sugar and Renewables (SURE) saw higher volumes on the back of an extended milling season, while Animal Nutrition and Health (ANH) was weighed by the secondary effects of ASF.

BUILDING ON MOMENTUM

Irwin Lee, URC President and CEO, said, “We are encouraged by our first half 2025 results, notwithstanding various external challenges. The strong volume-driven growth across our branded consumer food business thus far is a testament to the strength of our portfolio. We expect to sustain this momentum for the balance of the year as we continue to provide the best value to our customers and generate healthy returns for our shareholders.”