Merck Q1 net dips 46% at Rs 8.6 cr

 Drug maker Merck today said its net profit fell 46.78 per cent to Rs 8.61 crore in the first quarter ended March 31, 2009, over the corresponding period a year ago. 

The company had a net profit of Rs 16.18 crore in the first quarter last financial year, Merck said in a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange.
 
However, the net sales of the company rose to Rs 98.83 crore in the March quarter from Rs 83.36 crore in Q1 of last year, it added. 

Shares of Merck were trading at Rs 340, down 0.45 per cent in the afternoon trade on the BSE.