Ponds Turnover Up 25%

Ponds India turnover for 1996 has risen 25 per cent and net profit by 24 per cent. Against Rs 317 crore for 1995, the company made Rs 395 crore for 1996. Net profit has risen from Rs 37 crore to Rs 47 crore, while gross profits jumped to Rs 68 crore against Rs 57 crore for 1995.The company has not announced any interim dividend.

Interest costs dipped from Rs 0.5 crore to Rs 0.2 crore, while depreciation climbed from Rs 2.6 crore to Rs 3.4 crore this year. Earnings per share rose from Rs 27 to Rs 33.6.

The company is one of the countrys largest skincare and personal products firm and part of the Unilever India group. It produces cold cream, skincare lotions and creams, and talcum powder. It is also a major exporter of shoes, leather products and thermometers.

 

Exports in 1996 crossed the Rs 100-crore mark, climbing to Rs 107 crore, a growth of 16 per cent.

The other Unilever company, Hindustan Lever, makes soaps, detergents, dental care products, food and beverages and frozen desserts.