National Foods Limited (PSX: NATF) has reported a profit after tax of Rs1.61 billion for the half-year ended December 31, 2024, marking a 7.32% increase compared to Rs1.50 billion during the same period last year.
The company announced an interim cash dividend of Rs2 per share (40%) as part of its performance report.
National Foods saw a strong revenue growth of 17.76%, reaching Rs47.26 billion, up from Rs40.13 billion in the same period last year, driven by solid sales performance across its product lines.
However, the company experienced an 18.49% increase in the cost of sales, leading to a 15.84% growth in gross profit, which stood at Rs12.79 billion.
The company also faced rising operational costs, with selling and distribution expenses climbing by 15.26%, administrative expenses up 27.36%, and finance costs soaring by 29.76% due to higher interest rates.
On the tax front, total taxes increased by 35.24%, amounting to Rs93.42 million, compared to Rs69.08 million in the corresponding period last year.
The company’s earnings per share (EPS) stood at Rs4.67, reflecting a 7.11% increase from Rs4.36 last year.
Despite strong operational performance, the company’s total comprehensive income declined by 5.30% mainly due to foreign exchange translation losses of Rs270.85 million.
