Universal Robina Corporation (URC) posted ₱41.4 billion in sales for the third quarter of 2026, rising 7 percent from the same period last year and picking up pace from the first half of the year. This brought the company’s total revenue for the first nine months to ₱130.7 billion, a 5 percent year-on-year increase. Its branded businesses held steady in sales volume even amid tighter consumer spending, backed by steady demand, consistent brand building, careful pricing strategies, wide market reach, and strong store-level operations. URC’s international operations also helped cushion challenges in individual markets, while favorable exchange rate movements further boosted its reported figures.
Operating income grew even faster than sales, climbing 14 percent year-on-year. Higher earnings came from expanding profit margins in its international business, improved results from its coffee division, bigger contributions from its flour segment, and better performance from its sugar and renewables businesses driven by lower production costs and a more balanced product lineup. These gains made up for increased oil-related costs linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Net income from continuing operations rose 10 percent to ₱2.6 billion, while core net income attributable to the parent company went up 21 percent to ₱2.4 billion, supported by stronger core earnings, tight cost controls, and reduced borrowing costs from careful financial management.
Breaking down its business segments, URC’s Branded Consumer Foods division recorded third-quarter sales of ₱30.0 billion, up 7 percent year-on-year with growth seen both domestically and overseas. Philippine sales for this segment grew 3 percent to ₱20.0 billion, supported by steady demand for both budget-friendly and premium offerings, disciplined pricing, and reliable operations. International branded foods sales rose 8 percent in constant currency terms or 16 percent in peso value to hit ₱10.0 billion, fueled by ongoing market recovery in Vietnam following last year’s tax reforms and continued growth in Malaysia led by the Munchy’s brand. Meanwhile, its Agro-Industrial & Commodities division posted ₱11.4 billion in third-quarter sales, a 6 percent year-on-year rise driven by strong performance in animal nutrition and flour. Animal nutrition benefited from rising industry demand as hog farming recovers alongside steady growth in its pet food business. Commodity sales reached ₱7.0 billion, down 3 percent year-on-year, though a 12 percent jump in flour sales—boosted by the full operation of its Sariaya plant—partly offset lower sugar volumes and softer market prices.
Irwin Lee, URC President and CEO, noted the third-quarter results reflect both the company’s ability to deliver on its goals and the strength of its overall business model. He explained that its brands serve consumers across different budget levels, its wide distribution network keeps products within easy reach, and its presence across Southeast Asia opens up multiple growth opportunities. While market challenges may persist into the coming year, Lee said URC will keep investing in its brands, distribution reach, and operational efficiency while staying prudent with pricing, costs, and capital spending. This approach, he added, puts the company in a strong position to maintain profitable growth, generate steady cash flow, and deliver reliable returns to its shareholders.
