May 13, 2022– Vitarich Corporation (PSE:VITA) achieves highest ever first quarter revenues of P2.6 billion, a 19% increase from a year earlier led by the strong performance of the Foods segment.

“Two years since the pandemic began, supply chains continue to undergo significant restructuring,” said Rocco Sarmiento, President and CEO. “Businesses have increasingly diversified their supply chain risks. They are adding raw material suppliers to improve resilience. We are benefiting from that strategy. The growth in our Foods segment was driven by our hotel, restaurant, institutional (HRI) clients who have adopted enhanced risk management practices. These include finding suitable suppliers and facilitating knowledge and technology transfer to strengthen their partners and in turn, their supply chains.”

Cost of goods increased 30% to P2.4 billion mostly from higher sales volume and prices of raw materials such as wheat, soybean, and corn which rose by an average of 29% compared to the year-ago period.

Gross profit came in at P241.8 million, representing a gross margin of 9%. The rise in raw materials cost was partially offset by a favorable product mix due to higher revenue contribution from the Foods segment, which commands higher margin.

Operating expenses increased 31% resulting in operating income of P74.2 million that reflects higher freight and handling cost due to fuel prices. As a percentage of revenues, operating expenses were maintained at 7%.

Net income was P40.8 million with earnings per share of P0.013, down by 78% year-over-year but significantly higher than the previous quarter.

Chief Financial Officer Melise Arnaldo added, “In a challenging inflationary environment, we continue to monitor developments in commodity prices. Despite these headwinds, our first quarter results demonstrated our adaptability leading to market success in penetrating HRI customers. A robust foundation creates a larger potential for long-term growth, allowing us to explore investments in expansion-related projects.”

Capital expenditures in the first quarter stood at P21.3 million, including P12.0 million spent on the Feeds segment and P6.5 million on Foods. Spending on Feeds was mainly on warehouse construction in Davao and additional machinery and equipment at the feed mill plant. Foods investments were focused on improving the company’s dressing plant facilities in Bulacan.

“We expect 2022 capital expenditures to be approximately P80 million, significantly reduced from prior estimates as we optimize existing resources,” said Arnaldo.