Liquor maker Radico Khaitan has reported a marginal growth in its net profit to Rs 17.4 crore for the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2012, compared to Rs 16.7 crore in the corresponding period a year ago.

The net sales for the quarter stood at Rs 382.5 crore, against sales of Rs 324.4 crore over corresponding quarter in the previous year, registering a 17.9 per cent growth.

For the year ended March 31, 2012, the net sales stood at Rs 1,533.2 crore, against sales of Rs 1281.2 crore over corresponding twelve months in the previous year, posting a 19.7 per cent growth.

The net profit stood at Rs 79.1 crore in twelve months ended March 31, 2012, compared to Rs.71 crore in same period a year back.

Mr Lalit Khaitan, Chairman & Managing Director, Radico Khaitan Ltd said, “Our premium brands, Magic Moments vodka and Morpheus brandy, continued to show robust growth. We also strengthened our presence in South India through the acquisition of two whiskey brands. Recent price increases across territories are expected to result in further strengthening our overall growth and profitability. Management is delighted to recommend a higher dividend as our commitment to enhancing value to our shareholders.”

Commenting on the results, Mr Abhishek Khaitan, Managing Director, said, “Radico Khaitan's continued focus on premiumisation is clearly reflected by the increasing share of premium brands in overall sales volumes. Premium brands sales revenue increased from 28 per cent of total IMFL sales in FY2011 to 31per cent in FY2012.”

The company had a 50:50 joint venture with Diageo called Diageo Radico Distilleries Pvt Ltd . After a mutual agreement between Diageo and Radico, Diageo bought out Radico. Net Profit for the year has been adjusted for a loss of Rs 12.5 crore on sale of this investment.

>bindu.menon@thehindu.co.in