Karachi: Lucky Core Industries Limited (LCI) conducted an analyst briefing to discuss its financial performance for the first half of the fiscal year 2026. The company reported a 28% year-over-year decline in profitability, recording a profit of PKR 4.6 billion, equivalent to an earnings per share (EPS) of PKR 10.0, compared to PKR 6.4 billion (EPS: PKR 13.8) during the same period last year. This decline was primarily attributed to weaker performances in the Polyester and Soda Ash segments.

According to AKD Securities Limited, Soda Ash revenue fell by 8% year-over-year to PKR 18.5 billion, driven by a 6% reduction in volumes to 215,000 tons. The volume contraction was significantly influenced by a 63% decline in exports due to reduced pricing as a result of increased international competition, notably from China and Türkiye. The company’s management noted a rise in the import market share for Soda Ash to 10%, up from the historical range of 2-3%, which further exerted pressure on prices during the first half of FY26. The average gross selling price for the period was approximately PKR 88,000 per ton, leading to a 21% decrease in operating profit.