Dabur India Ltd reported an increase of 8.5 per cent in its consolidated net profit at Rs 147.01 crore for the quarter ended March 31, 2011, compared to Rs 135.47 crore in the corresponding quarter last year.

Total revenue for the quarter increased by 30.7 per cent at Rs 1,117.22 crore (Rs 855.07 crore), compared to the same period last year.

Cost saving measures coupled with increased demand for products helped Dabur combat the impact of rising input costs, according to a company release.

“While the external environment and inflation in raw material prices continued to play truant, a combination of calibrated price increases and cost management initiatives helped Dabur report a 28 per cent growth in EBITDA during the fourth quarter,” said Mr Sunil Duggal, CEO, Dabur India Ltd.

He said that Dabur continues to register sales growth ahead of the market in several key categories.

The total revenue figure of Rs 1,117.22 crore for the quarter includes income from the recently-acquired Hobi Kozmetik (Turkey) and Namaste Laboratories (US).

Segments

Dabur's hair oils category grew by 15 per cent, toothpaste by 16.8 per cent, home care business by 32.5 per cent and skin care portfolio by 16.8 per cent. The foods business posted a growth of 28.3 per cent, while the health supplements business ended the year with a 23 per cent growth.

The growth in the rural markets outpaced Dabur's urban growth.

The full-year net profit of the FMCG major increased 13 per cent at Rs 568.58 crore (Rs 503.23 crore).

Consolidated gross sales for 2010-11 increased 20.3 per cent at Rs 4,109.85 crore (Rs 3,415.77 crore).

Global business

Dabur's international business in Gulf Cooperation Council, Egypt, Nigeria, Levant and North Africa grew by 46.3 per cent this year, according to Group Director Mr P.D. Narang.

A dividend of Re 0.65 a share, aggregating at Rs 113.15 crore was announced.