A sample of 164 companies reported revenue growth of 17.5 percent and net profit growth of 14.5 percent in the first quarter. The figures mark the fastest revenue expansion in at least nine quarters and the second straight quarter of double-digit profit gains.
The results reflect a sharp improvement from the same period a year earlier, when revenue rose 4.7 percent and profit increased 11.5 percent.
Banks played a central role in driving the overall expansion, according to the data compiled across the sample.
The stronger performance comes after a period of subdued growth and points to improving business conditions for many listed firms.
