Street cautious on Cipla despite healthy March quarter numbers

Higher competitive intensity, increasing investments, and moderate growth could weigh on returns

Cipla has posted better-than-expected results in the March quarter (Q4), on the back of new product launches in the US market as well as a recovery in its India business. While consolidated revenues grew 19 per cent year-on-year (YoY), margins expanded sharply from the year-ago quarter due to lower costs. 

While the firm is confident of double-digit growth in the US and India, the Street is sceptical about the sustenance of the Q4 performance. The same was reflected in the stock, which closed about 1 per cent down on Wednesday. 

Among the reasons for the strong performance in Q4 was the launch of