Colgate profit up 44

Earnings per share have grown to Rs 1.8 in the first half period against Rs 1.3 in the same period last year. Operating profit has risen 38.2 per cent to Rs 49.5 crore from Rs 35.8 crore in the same period last year. Operating margins have improved from 7.1 to 8.7. Net margins have also shown an improvement from 3.54 per cent to 4.46 per cent during the period.

According to a company press release, the benefits of the company8217;s focussed brand equity building and new product8217;s marketing support programmes are reflected in the strong 13 per cent unit volume growthachieved during the first half of the current fiscal. Interest charges were nil in the first half period as compared to Rs 10 lakh in the previous year. Provision for taxation was higher at Rs 17.8 crore as compared to Rs 10.7 crore last year. Depreciation too was higher at Rs 12.9 crore against Rs 11 crore last year.The company said that higher volumes and continuing cost control have resulted in increasing first half pre-tax profits by 52 per cent.