Unilever Nepal Limited has reported a net profit of Rs 39.08 crore for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2082/83, down 19.54% from Rs 48.57 crore recorded in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.

The decline in profit was mainly driven by lower operating revenue, higher expenses and a drop in other income. The company’s revenue from operations fell 4.03% to Rs 7.91 billion, compared to Rs 8.25 billion a year earlier.

Meanwhile, total expenses increased 2.22% to Rs 6.10 billion, putting further pressure on profitability. Other income also declined 23.66% to Rs 12.26 crore from Rs 16.06 crore in the previous year.

The company’s earnings per share (EPS) fell 19.54% to Rs 424.32, from Rs 527.36 a year earlier. Net worth per share also declined 2.44% to Rs 5,537.13.

Unilever Nepal’s paid-up capital remained unchanged at Rs 9.21 crore, while other equity declined 2.48% to Rs 5.01 billion.

On the balance sheet, investment in fixed deposits declined sharply by 60.03% to Rs 1.00 billion. In contrast, cash and cash equivalents increased 65.63% to Rs 1.44 billion.

Inventories increased significantly by 41.89% to Rs 1.55 billion, while trade receivables declined 2.28% to Rs 1.41 billion. Property, plant and equipment increased 8.73% to Rs 1.69 billion.

At the end of the quarter, Unilever Nepal’s share price stood at Rs 47,200 per share, giving the company a reported P/E ratio of 111.24 times.

Overall, the results show pressure on Unilever Nepal’s profitability as revenue declined while expenses increased. The decline in profit was also reflected in the company’s EPS and net worth per share.