The Hindu Business Line : P&G earns Rs 13-cr net in Q4; 200% dividend proposed

Mumbai, Aug. 25 Procter & Gamble Hygiene and Health Care Ltd has registered a 12 per cent increase in net sales at Rs 126.4 crore for the fourth quarter ended June 2007 compared with Rs 112.9 crore for the corresponding period last year.

The company’s top-line growth is led largely by its performance of feminine hygiene category which grew by 25 per cent to Rs 77.1 crore (Rs 61.7 crore) on the back of its sanitary napkin brand and market leader Whisper.

Profit after tax for the quarter stood at Rs 12.6 crore (Rs 46.6 crore).

While the operating profit has grown in line with the top-line, the PAT also includes the higher tax provision for this year.

Last year’s profit is not comparable as it included higher non-operating income.

Full-year sales

For the full year ended in June, the company has achieved total sales of Rs 540.4 crore up by 14 per cent over the corresponding period last year (Rs 474.4 crore after excluding the sale of divested detergent contract manufacturing business).

This growth is driven by a 24 per cent growth in feminine hygiene category sales and 5 per cent in healthcare. Profit before tax was at Rs 145.5 crore, higher by 14 per cent, and profit after tax stood at Rs 89.8 crore, up by 16 per cent, after adjusting for detergent sale and other one-time items last year.

The board has recommended 200 per cent dividend, i.e. Rs 20 per equity share of the company.