Dabur Q1 net up 13% at Rs 210.81 crore

Company had reported net profit of Rs 186.01 crore in the April-June quarter of the 2013-14 fiscal

Dabur India Ltd, on Monday, reported a 13.3% jump in net profit to Rs 210 crore during April-June 2014 quarter backed by price hikes and better cost management. The company reported net profit at Rs 186 crore in the corresponding quarter previous year.

Net sales increased 13.2% to Rs 1,863.9 crore for the April-June quarter, from Rs 1,647 crore reported in the year-ago period.

Despite a sharp fall in growth rates in most consumer products segments, Dabur continued to report strong volume-led growth across categories. Health supplements grew 22% during the quarter and foods business increased by 21%.

"We have managed our business dynamically through a combination of calibrated price increases and greater focus on cost efficiencies, maintaining our growth momentum and registering sales growth ahead of the market in several key categories. We are investing behind our brands and have taken necessary steps to improve our competitiveness in the market place and deliver profitable growth," Dabur India CEO Sunil Duggal said in a statement.

Dabur's home care business rose 15% during the quarter, while the digestives category reported a more than 11% growth. The shampoo business had a growth of 15% and toothpaste category grew 11%.

The company's international business (including acquisitions) recorded a growth of 18%, led by Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Egypt, Turkey and Levant markets. "Despite disruptions in some overseas geographies, we are managing our business dynamically to ensure that we remain competitive and cost efficient. Our Turkey business grew by 32%, while sales in Egypt grew by 28%, Levant by 27% and GCC markets by 21%," Dabur India Group Director P. D. Narang said.

Shares of Dabur India last traded 0.65% down to Rs 198.05 on Monday on Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).