Lupin (500257) Q4 96/97 earnings summary

Executive summary

• FY ended 31 Jul 1997: sales/income from operations rose to Rs 9,208.16 lakh from Rs 6,852.67 lakh; net profit increased 81% to Rs 686.54 lakh.

• Higher productivity and cost-reduction measures supported growth; the current year was expected to perform better following recent productivity improvements.

Financial highlights

• Operating profit before interest, depreciation and tax increased 45% to Rs 2,336.04 lakh from Rs 1,615.53 lakh.

• Interest expense rose to Rs 1,187.89 lakh from Rs 817.93 lakh; depreciation increased to Rs 461.61 lakh from Rs 418.41 lakh.

• Profit for the year was Rs 686.54 lakh, compared with Rs 379.19 lakh; other income was Rs 37.65 lakh versus Rs 49.54 lakh.

Outlook and guidance

• Current-year performance was expected to improve further, citing recent productivity gains.

• A technology improvement plan was underway to address global competition; opportunities to broaden the product portfolio were being evaluated to support sustainable profitability.