In its unaudited financial report, the company announced a 10-percent year-on-year increase in consolidated revenue to P19.9 billion, driven by strong performance in its branded business. Net income grew 11 percent to P1.9 billion.
The branded segment, which accounts for the bulk of CNPF’s topline, delivered a 13-percent year-on-year growth and improved 7 percent quarter-on-quarter. Key categories—marine, meat, milk and other emerging segments—posted gains, supported by an improving consumer environment amid easing inflation.
Brand-building, innovations
In contrast, CNPF’s OEM tuna and coconut exports business softened slightly, dipping 2 percent year-on-year due to a high base in 2024 and a challenging commodity cycle. However, the segment showed resilience, posting a 10-percent quarter-on-quarter recovery.
“We are pleased to report that we’re off to a good start and are on track thus far,” said CNPF chief finance officer Chad Manapat. “Our multi-cycle business model continues to work in our favor—this time with Branded leading the way, more than offsetting the softness in OEM Exports.”
CNPF’s performance was also supported by ongoing brand-building, new campaigns, product innovations, and expanded production capacity. Notably, Century Tuna launched a new campaign featuring Korean actor Park Seo Joon, marking the brand’s first international endorser.
Stable margins
Margins remained stable for the period. Gross margin slightly improved to 26.2 percent, while operating expenses as a percentage of sales decreased to 14.5 percent amid disciplined spending.
Ebitda (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) margin held at 14 percent, and net profit margin stood at 9.6 percent.
The company recorded P1.7 billion in operating cash flow and began the quarter with P3.2 billion in cash, ending with P 2.9 billion after funding capital expenditures and declaring P0.55 per share in cash dividends—a 30-percent payout from 2024 earnings.
Cautious optimism
“While it’s still early in the year, we aim to continue our growth trajectory in the coming quarters,” Manapat added. “We remain cautiously optimistic, monitoring global market shifts while reaffirming our double-digit growth outlook in both revenue and profit.” — Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
