 "Godrej Consumer net up 25% at Rs 159 cr")
Godrej Consumer Products today reported 25 percent rise in consolidated net profit at Rs 159 crore in the September quarter, driven by robust 35 percent jump in sales at Rs 1,595 crore.
Consolidated Ebitda (earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation, amortisation) rose 18 percent to Rs 249 crore during the reporting period.
On a standalone basis, its net profit rose at 14 percent to Rs 125 crore during the quarter while sales rose 19 percent to Rs 917 crore. “These are very good numbers in challenging times. The numbers were driven by excellent performance all across our business, both in the domestic as well in the overseas markets, from where we get over 40 percent of our revenues.
[caption id=“attachment_513602” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Consolidated Ebitda (earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation, amortisation) rose 18 percent to Rs 249 crore during the reporting period. Reuters[/caption]
The new products launched during the period also helped in getting these numbers,” company chairman Adi Godrej told PTI.
When asked about cost pressure, he said it has been coming down due to the fall in the veg oil prices. As to whether the company is looking at increasing prices to protect margins, Godrej said: “Not immediately.”
“We remain focused on our 3x3 strategy of driving to leadership in our three core categories in emerging markets across Africa, Latin America and Indonesia,” he said. In personal wash category, sales grew 24 percent with a volume growth of 6 percent, while household insecticides grew 20 percent, which is 1.5 times the category growth. Hair care gained momentum with sales growth of 10 percent, he said.
Overall domestic sales grew 19 percent, driven by strong growth across the categories, while international sales grew 32 percent with strong growth across the geographies. During the quarter, the company extended the Cinthol brand into bath and fragrances spaces.
The Megasari brand, which it bought in Indonesia last year, registered strong sales of over 37 percent at Rs 316 crore, led by continuous marketing investments, new product launches and distribution expansion, the company said.
During the quarter, its household insecticide brand HIT became the largest brand in terms of market share. Its Africa business comprises Rapidol, Kinky, Tura and Darling group. Cumulative sales rose to Rs 163 crore.
On the integration of its latest buy Darling Group in Africa, the company said it is progressing well. Its Latin American sales rose to Rs 127 crore. In anticipation of earnings, Godrej Consumer shares were tepid on BSE on Friday with the counter rising about 0.6 percent to Rs 724.05, while the main gauge Sensex rallied over 1 percent.
PTI
 "Israel targets top Hamas leaders in Doha; Qatar, Iran condemn strike as violation of sovereignty")
 "Nepal: Oli to continue until new PM is sworn in, nation on edge as all branches of govt torched")
 "Who is CP Radhakrishnan, India's next vice-president?")
 "Israel informed US ahead of strikes on Hamas leaders in Doha, says White House")
 "Israel targets top Hamas leaders in Doha; Qatar, Iran condemn strike as violation of sovereignty")
 "Nepal: Oli to continue until new PM is sworn in, nation on edge as all branches of govt torched")
 "Who is CP Radhakrishnan, India's next vice-president?")
 "Israel informed US ahead of strikes on Hamas leaders in Doha, says White House")
](https://images.firstpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Consumer_Shopping_Reuters.jpg){kind=link}