The Hindu Business Line : Godrej Consumer Q4 net profit rises 4.6 pc

Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL) has reported a 4.6-per-cent increase in its fourth quarter net profit at Rs 30.16 crore compared with Rs 28.82 crore for the year-ago period.

The total income (net of excise) has increased to Rs 164.78 crore (Rs 143.96 crore).

For the year ended March 31, 2006, the company reported higher net profit of Rs 121.2 crore compared with Rs 89.59 crore for the earlier year. The total income (net of excise) has increased to Rs 665.98 crore (Rs 569.08 crore).

In its consolidated performance, the company posted a net profit of Rs 30.59 crore for March 2006 quarter. The total income (net of excise) is Rs 192.18 crore. The board has declared a fourth interim dividend of Rs 5 per share.

The board has appointed Mr Aman Mehta as an additional director, to hold office till the ensuing annual general meeting. Mr Mehta is a non-executive independent director. Mr Anupam Puri, non-executive independent director, has resigned from the board with effect from July 31, 2006. "Our robust business performance is a result of healthy demand stimulation across our business segments as well as significant enhancement in supply chain efficiencies,'' the company said in a news release quoting Mr Adi Godrej, Chairman and Managing Director, GCPL.

The company said its thrust in toilet soaps would be to expand market share and enhance margins. "In the case of personal care, as disposable incomes improve, grooming will be an increasing priority. The company with its focus on the mainstream population is well positioned to capitalise on this demand especially considering the size and growth expectations from this segment,'' GCPL said. The company plans capital expenditure of about Rs 110 crore over the next two years. This will comprise an investment towards expanding its soap manufacturing and noodle making capacities.