The Hindu Business Line : Dabur Q4 net up 32%

New Delhi May 8 Dabur India Ltd on Tuesday reported an increase of 32.2 per cent in its net profits for the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2007, to Rs 65.70 crore from Rs 49.71 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

It recorded an increase of 33.7 per cent in its net sales to Rs 444.76 crore (Rs 332.69 crore). The company, however, reported a drop in its operating profit margins to 16.84 per cent (19.36 per cent).

Full year show

The FMCG major's net profit for the year ended March 31, 2007, increased by 33.7 per cent to Rs 252.08 crore (Rs 188.57 crore). The annual net sales also saw a growth of 29.8 per cent to Rs 1,778.02 crore (Rs 1,369.68 crore).

On segment-wise performance, it was the company's consumer care division, which includes products from the hair care, oral care, personal care, home care segments, besides the health supplements, that proved to be the growth driver. The division's overall business reported an increase of 38.11 per cent in sales during the fourth quarter to Rs 393.63 crore (Rs 285.01 crore). In the oral care category, toothpaste sales — led by Babool and Dabur Red — reported a 28 per cent growth year-on-year. Vatika led the growth in the shampoo category, which posted a 31 per cent surge in sales during the year.

The health supplements category continued its strong performance ending the year with a growth of 19.5 per cent.

Strong Growth

The health supplements category continued its strong performance ending the year with a growth of 19.5 per cent. Dabur India's home care portfolio sales also surged 35.1 per cent with Odonil growing by 28.2 per cent and Odomos by 71 per cent.

Dabur India's consumer health division that consists of over-the-counter drugs (Honitus, Pudin Hara) and prescription ayurvedic drugs (Coldone, Amvatari Ras), however, recorded only a marginal increase of 0.28 per cent in its sales to Rs 39.26 crore (Rs 39.15 crore).

"Dabur India has recorded strong growth in key categories like hair and oral care, health supplements, foods and home care. The foods business recorded a strong growth of 28 per cent during the year, while the international business posted a growth of 29.3 per cent, driven by our business in Egypt, Pakistan and the GCC region," the Dabur India Chief Executive Officer, Mr Sunil Duggal, said in a company statement.

Overseas Sales

Dabur's consolidated figures recorded an increase of 23.2 per cent in its fourth quarter net profits to Rs 78.02 crore (Rs 63.31 crore). Net sales rose by 20.1 per cent to Rs 576.49 crore (Rs 479.93 crore). Overseas sales also recorded significant gains, growing by 29.3 per cent in 2006-07 with strong performances across most focus markets. "We have built strong capabilities to tap emerging opportunities. Sales in the GCC region have increased by 29 per cent, while Dabur Egypt reported a 59 per cent growth. Sales in Pakistan touched Rs 20 crore, and exports to new markets in the West Asia and North Africa have commenced," said the Dabur India Group Director, Mr P.D. Narang.

The board of directors has recommended that the interim dividend announced earlier be considered as the final dividend for the year. "We have maintained out pay-out policy in 2006-07 and have disbursed a total dividend of 213 per cent during the year on pre-bonus capital," the Dabur India Chairman, Mr V.C. Burman, said.

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
Murugappa group exploring overseas acquisitions

Bay arm of monsoon nearing home stretch

`Data centres entering consolidation phase in India'

Policy on petrochem investment zones outlined

Ranbaxy concludes Be-Tabs buyout in S. Africa

Dabur Q4 net up 32%

Murugappa Group posts Rs 649-cr net for 2006-07

RBI fiat to NBFCs on loans to directors

LIC Housing floats FD scheme; looks at containing fund costs

Rising rupee: Kamal Nath seeks PM's intervention