Merck's Q4 net falls 7%

Merck has reported a 7% fall in net profit to Rs 18.25 crore for the quarter ended December 31, 2004 as compared to Rs 19.65 crore for the quarter ended December 31, 2003.

According to a release issued to the BSE, the total income (net of excise) has increased 3% to Rs 99.27 crore for the quarter ended December 31, 2004 from Rs 96.07 crore in Q4-03.

The company has posted a 79% jump in net profit to Rs 70.99 crore for the year ended December 31, 2004 as compared to Rs 39.63 crore in the same period last fiscal.

The total income (net of excise) has increased 4% to Rs 390.41 crore for the year ended December 31, 2004 from Rs 374.83 crore in FY-03.