Dabur meets expectations with 17.3% jump in net profit

NEW DELHI: Dabur India, maker of Vatika shampoo and Real juices, met analyst expectations with a 17.3% increase in quarterly net profit, and said it could consider a marginal price hike across categories if inflationary pressures continue.

The consumer goods firm reported a net profit of Rs 235.3 crore for the January-March quarter. Sales rose 15.5% to Rs 1,769 crore.

Volume-led growth across categories like health supplements, digestives, shampoos and toothpastes mitigated the impact of macro headwinds, the company said. While digestives grew 23.3% during the past quarter, food sales rose 20%, the company said.

"Our focus will be on pursuing an aggressive and profitable growth strategy, despite intensifying competitive pressures and the challenging market environment," Chief Executive Sunil Duggal said in a statement.

The company's shares ended 1.4% down at Rs 177.70 on the Bombay Stock Exchange where the benchmark Sensex fell 0.7%.