Colgate-Palmolive (India) (500830) Q4 99/00 earnings summary

Executive summary

• FY 1999-00 sales rose 12% to Rs 1,121 crore; unit volume grew 11% despite subdued FMCG demand, cyclone disruption in Orissa and a transport strike.

• Net profit rose 23% to Rs 51.79 crore, excluding prior-year one-time income of Rs 3.50 crore; brand and infrastructure investment supported growth.

Financial highlights

• Total revenue was Rs 1,136.37 crore versus Rs 1,011.03 crore; sales, including excise duty, were Rs 1,121.20 crore versus Rs 998.22 crore.

• Profit before tax and exceptional income was Rs 89.90 crore versus Rs 71.88 crore; profit after tax before exceptional income was Rs 51.79 crore versus Rs 42.17 crore.

• Reported profit after tax was Rs 51.79 crore versus Rs 45.67 crore, which included Rs 3.50 crore of exceptional income net of tax.

Outlook and guidance

• The Board expected reasonable sales and profit growth in FY 2000-01, citing product initiatives and anticipated demand growth.

• Continued investment in new-product support, brand equity and market expansion was planned to strengthen oral-care leadership and expand the market.