April 27, 2026 (MLN):  Fast Cables Limited (PSX: FCL) reported a solid 11% increase in its net profit for the nine months ended March 31, 2026, recording Rs1.26bn compared to Rs1.13bn in the corresponding period last year.

Reflecting this healthy bottom-line growth, the company's restated basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) expanded to Rs1.95 from Rs1.76 in 9MFY25.

The primary driver of this profit expansion was a steady top-line growth that outpaced the rise in direct costs. FCL’s revenue posted a 9% year-on-year increase, rising to Rs26.31bn from Rs24.20bn.

Concurrently, the cost of revenue grew at a slightly slower pace of 8%, reaching Rs21.55bn. This favorable cost dynamic allowed the gross profit to secure a robust 14% expansion, settling at Rs4.76bn up from Rs4.16bn in the prior year.

On the operational front, the company navigated significant inflationary pressures across its overheads.

Distribution costs rose by 17% to Rs1.11bn, and administrative expenses spiked by 22% to Rs452.02m. Despite these rising operational costs, the strong gross margin expansion pushed the operating profit up by 12% to Rs3.19bn.

Below the operating line, FCL experienced mixed financial dynamics. The company successfully trimmed its heavy debt-servicing burden, with finance costs dropping by 7% to Rs1.21bn.

However, this relief was somewhat offset by a sharp 46% decline in other income, which fell to Rs311.57m from Rs580.36m. Other operating expenses also ticked up by 8% to Rs308.96m.

Boosted by the lower finance costs and robust core margins, the profit before taxation registered an 8% increase, reaching Rs1.99bn.

After accounting for a mildly higher taxation expense of Rs727.70m (up 3% year-on-year), Fast Cables successfully secured its 11% leap in final net profit, closing the nine-month period at Rs1.26bn.

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