HLL Q4 net zooms 56%, to pay Rs 2.50/shr

Hindustan Lever (HLL) today reported a 56% increase in net profit at Rs 520.86 crore for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2005 when compared with Rs 333.67 crore in Q4FY04.

According to a release issued by the company to the BSE today, total income increased 13% to Rs 3,038.53 crore for the quarter ended December 31, 2005 as against Rs 2,692.38 crore in Q4FY04.

The company reported a 18% increase in net profit at Rs 1,408.10 crore for the year ended December 31, 2005 when compared with Rs 1,197.36 crore in FY04. Total income moved up to Rs 11,365.33 crore in FY05 from Rs 10,245.79 crore in FY04.

The group posted a net profit of Rs 1,355.92 crore for the year ended December 31, 2005 as against Rs 1,208.40 crore in FY04. Total income increased to Rs 11,879.21 crore in FY05 from Rs 10,901.81 crore in FY04.

The board has recommended a final dividend of Rs 2.50 per equity share of Re 1 each for the year 2005. "Together with an interim dividend of Rs 2.50 per share, the total dividend for the year works out to Rs 5 per share," the release added.

The register of members & share transfer books of the company would remain closed from May 3 to May 16, 2006 (both days inclusive) for the purpose of payment of final dividend. The AGM will be held on May 26, 2006, the release added.

The stock zoomed to a high of Rs 225, and was up 6.6% (Rs 14) at Rs 223 on the BSE at 1315hrs.