Karachi: Maple Leaf Cement Factory Ltd. (MLCF) has reported a significant rise in its profitability for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2026, attributed to an expansion in gross margins. The company announced consolidated profits of PkR4.3 billion, or PkR4.1 per share, marking an 18% increase from the PkR3.6 billion, or PkR3.5 per share, recorded in the same period last year. This growth slightly exceeded expectations due to lower-than-anticipated costs of goods sold.

According to AKD Securities Limited, MLCF's revenue for the quarter reached PkR28.2 billion, a 63% increase from the previous year. This rise is primarily credited to the inclusion of Pioneer Cement (PIOC) and higher retention prices. The company's gross margins improved to 43.7%, up from 40.5% in the same period last year, which may be attributed to a one-off impact, pending further clarification.

While distribution expenses decreased by 32% year-on-year to PkR664 million, largely due to the absence of export activities, administrative expenses doubled to PkR1.3 billion compared to the previous year. The financial results demonstrate MLCF's strategic adjustments in operational costs and revenue management.