Emami Ltd Q4 net up by 24.5 per cent at Rs 138 crore

KOLKATA: Emami, maker of Navratna oil and BoroPlus antiseptic cream, has posted a 24.5 per cent year-on-year growth in its net profit for the quarter ended March at 138 crore on the back of a similar growth in sales and increased market share. The firm's sales increased 24.2 per cent at Rs 554 crore during the quarter, it reported on Wednesday.

Emami director Mohan Goenka said the company grew sales better than the industry average despite a challenging environment such as a short-lived winter. “Consumer sentiment and demand for our products continued to be strong both in modern and general trade,“ he said.

For the full year ended March, Emami's sales grew 21.8 per cent at Rs 2,217 crore while its net profit went rose 20.7 per cent at Rs 486 crore. Its power brands such as Navratna, BoroPlus, pain relievers Zandu Balm and Mentho Plus balm, Fair & Handsome skincare brand and Navratna Cool Talc all reported buoyant sales growth during the year.

Emami increased its market share in categories like cooling hair oil and balm, and held on to its share in antiseptic and fairness creams. The company's international business grew 48 per cent during the quarter, while for the full year it went up by 43.5 per cent.Its domestic sales grew 20.5 per cent in the fourth quarter despite unseasonal rains.

Harsha V Agarwal, director at Emami, said the demand in the rural market remained strong.