Ambuja Cements, a Holcim group company, has reported four per cent increase in the December quarter net profit at ₹329 crore (₹316 crore) due to better realisation and tax write back of ₹44 crore.
Net sales were up nine per cent at ₹2,379 crore (₹2,189 crore). EPS stood at ₹2.21 against ₹2.04.
The company has declared a final dividend of ₹3.20 a share. Production in the quarter was up two per cent at 5.63 million tonnes (5.54 mt). Average realisation during the quarter under review was up nine per cent at ₹214 per 50 kg bag against ₹197 same period last year.
Ambuja Cements’ power and fuel bill during the quarter was up 10 per cent at ₹553 crore (₹501 crore). Overall expenses were up eight per cent at ₹2,182 crore (₹2,023 crore).
The company follows calendar year for accounting purpose.
On a standalone basis, the company’s net profit for the year ended December 2014 was up 15 per cent at ₹1,496 crore (₹1,294 crore), while sales increased nine per cent to ₹9,911 crore (₹9,079 crore).
During the year, the company commissioned a roller presser of 0.80 million tonnes at it Rabriyawas plant in Rajasthan. On a consolidated basis, net profit was up 16 per cent at ₹1,486 crore against ₹1,279 crore in the same period last year, while net sales were up nine per cent at ₹9,931 crore (₹9,110 crore).
Shares of the company were up two per cent at ₹269 on Wednesday.