KARACHI, Oct 18: Unilever Pakistan posted growth of 6 per cent in profit after tax amounting to Rs1,297 million, for the three quarters ended Sept 30, 2006, from Rs1, 225 million in the corresponding period of the previous year.

Earning per share increased to Rs97.57, from Rs92.18.

Stand alone third quarter (July-Sept) profit after tax grew 15 per cent to Rs409 million, translating into earning per share (eps) at Rs30.82, from Rs1, 225 million or eps at Rs26.71 in the similar quarter of last year.

The board of directors which met on Tuesday to approve the un-audited account for the quarter and period ended Sept 30 did not declare an interim dividend. An Interim at Rs65 per share announced for half year (Jan-June) was already paid to the shareholders.

A statement issued by the company on Tuesday noted that the company had posted a 23 per cent increase in sales in the third quarter to Rs5,574 million, from Rs4,532 million in the same quarter of 2005. Year-to-date sales grew 20 per cent to Rs15,928 million, from Rs13,251 million last year.

All businesses were said to have contributed to growth, notably Home and Personal care 29 per cent and ice cream 27 per cent. Tea sales for the quarter rose by 13 per cent with Lipton continuing to deliver growth, but Brooke Bond Supreme remaining under pressure due to continued stiff competition in the market, particularly from low priced regional brands in the Punjab.

Profits in the tea sector were impacted due to high tea leaf prices on account of drought in Kenya. But the company said it saw encouraging signs suggesting that prices would ease off in 2007, following seasonal rains.