Date:28/04/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/04/28/stories/2005042802700200.htm

Back Marico posts higher Q4 PAT at Rs 23.64 cr

Our Bureau

Mumbai , April 27

HEALTHY volume growth and focus on high margin products helped Marico Ltd turn in a higher profit after tax of Rs 23.64 crore for the fourth quarter of 2004-05 against Rs 16.33 crore in the year-ago quarter.

The total revenue was Rs 234.48 crore (Rs 216.11 crore).

In its consolidated operations, Marico crossed the Rs 1,000-crore turnover mark for 2004-05 at Rs 1,013 crore. Profit after tax rose 19 per cent to Rs 70.1 crore.

Parachute coconut oil, the flagship brand of Marico, grew by 8 per cent in volume terms. Saffola franchise recorded growth of 18 per cent in volumes.

High-margin portfolio grew by 18 per cent in volumes and now constitutes 71 per cent of Marico's total turnover.

International business, including the FMCG business, Kaya in the UAE and Sundari in the US, now stands at Rs 103 crore. The board has recommended a fourth interim dividend of Rs 1.75 per share.

Mr Kishore V. Mariwala, Director of the company, has stepped down upon completing 70 years of age. The board has appointed Mr Rajendra K. Mariwala as a Director.

The company has changed its name from Marico Industries Ltd to Marico Ltd.