The total gross profit for the third quarter ended Sept. 30 amounted to SR871.3 million, an increase of 9.4 percent compared to the same period last year (SR796.5 million).

The operating profit for the third quarter amounted to SR477 million, an increase of 0.5 percent compared to the same period last year (SR474.5 million).

The consolidated net profit for the first nine months amounted to SR1.01 billion, an increase of 1.3 percent compared to the same period last year (SR1.00 billion).

The earnings per share EPS for the nine months was SR4.41 compared to SR4.36 for the prior year. The EPS calculation for Q3, 2010 has been restated to reflect the Bonus Issue of December 2010.

The total gross profit for the first nine months amounted to SR2.27 billion, an increase of 9.9 percent compared to the same period last year (SR2.07 billion).

The operating profit for the first nine months amounted to SR1.17 billion, an increase of 3 percent compared to the same period last year (SR1.14 billion).

Turnover for the third quarter amounted to SR2.11 billion, an increase of 14.8 percent compared to the same period last year (SR1.83 billion).

Turnover for the first nine months ended amounted to SR5.86 billion, an increase of 14.2 percent compared to the same period last year (SR5.13 billion).

Almarai's commitment toward quality and continuous improvement in the provision of services to its consumers has added to the measures taken to diversify its product portfolio and resulted in the achievement of record quarterly sales and profits figures. Almarai, which is globally maintaining its market share, increased sales by 14.8 percent to SR2.11 billion. Net income growth of 1.2 percent compared with the previous year was impacted by raw material price increases, in addition to the investments in production capacities and expansions to meet growing demand, as Almarai capital expenditure reached SR2.2 billion in the first 9 months.

Overall, Almarai says it is satisfied with the growth indicators, the business development and performance in the quarter. "The company is committed to delivering quality in all that we do, as well to providing consumers with high quality and nutritious food and beverages, supported with the trust of the consumer."