By Ben Otto

Universal Robina Corp. said second-quarter profit rose 76% from a year earlier on higher sales for some of its convenience foods, cost controls and foreign-exchange gains.

The Philippine consumer foods maker said Monday that profit for the second quarter was PHP3.8 billion ($77.4 million).

Net sales rose marginally from a year earlier to PHP34 billion as strong growth in snack foods, noodles, powdered drinks and other categories offset lower consumption of candies and ready-to-drink beverages, the company said.

"The current uncertainty driven by Covid-19 is still evolving but we are motivated by the fact that business results in the first half turned out better than our severe lockdown forecasts," said Irwin Lee, the company's president and chief executive.

Universal Robina said its financial position remained strong, with net debt down significantly compared with a year earlier. 



  Write to Ben Otto at ben.otto@wsj.com