MANILA - Universal Robina Corp (URC) said its net income climbed P5.4 billion in the first half, 9 percent higher compared to the same period in 2018 amid strong sales.

URC said net sales grew 4 percent to P67 billion during the period thanks to its domestic and international-branded consumer foods.

The company noted that international revenues declined 4 percent in peso terms due to "adverse foreign exchange translation" but URC's international operating income still grew 2 percent as margins expanded.