GSK standalone net up 9% in July-Sept quarter

Net sales up 10.56 per cent to Rs 1,074.66 crore

GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Ltd, on Wednesday, reported a 9.09 per cent rise in standalone net profit at Rs 160.29 crore for the second quarter ended September 30, 2014. Its net profit stood at Rs 146.93 crore in the corresponding quarter previous year.

Net sales went up by 10.56 per cent to Rs 1,074.66 crore in July-September quarter as compared with Rs 971.94 crore in the corresponding quarter last year, the company said.

Overall expenses during the quarter stood at Rs 930.02 crore, up 11.56 per cent, as against Rs 833.63 crore in the corresponding period previous year.

"Consumer sentiments are showing early signs of recovery and our brands are well poised to help consumers do more, feel better and live longer. Our relentless focus on science, innovation and customer, remains our key differentiator and helps us to stay ahead in the category," Zubair Ahmed, Managing Director, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Limited said in a statement.

The company will continue to improve its product portfolio with new products like the re-launched Horlicks with proven health benefits, 'instantization' and new positioning, highlighting its daily nutritional relevance," said Ahmed. "We also remain focused on our access strategy to ensure that our products are within the easy reach of our large consumer base," he added.

At September end, its health drink portfolio had a 57.6 per cent market share in value terms, and 65.5 per cent in volume terms, the company said.