Ajanta Pharma’s consolidated net profit improved only by 4.6 per cent during the fourth quarter ended March 2017 to Rs.114 core from Rs.109 crore in the similar period of last year. Its consolidated net sales moved up by 7.5 per cent to Rs.456 crore from Rs.425 crore. EPS for the face value of Rs.2 each share worked out to Rs.12.96 as compared to Rs.12.38. The board of directors recommended second interim dividend of 350 per cent. With the first interim of 300 per cent, total dividend for the year 2016-17 worked out to 650 per cent. (Rs.13 per share).

For the full year ended March 2017, Ajanta Pharma’s consolidated net sales increased by 11.9 per cent to Rs.1,933 crore from Rs.1,727 crore. Its net profit also moved smartly by 21.9 per cent to Rs.507 crore from Rs.416 crore. Its exports sales grew by 12 per cent to Rs.1,319 crore. Africa contributed Rs.712 crore, Asia contributed Rs.417 crore and US contributed Rs.185 crore. The sales in Asia declined by 10 per cent.

R&D expenditure for the year 2016-17 increased to Rs.153 crore from Rs.106 crore in the previous year. It received 9 ANDA final approvals from US FDA and commercialized 7 products. It filed 8 ANDas with US FDA in 2017

Yogesh Agrawal, managing director, said, despite the demonetization impact on the Indian pharma market, our India branded generic sales showed resilient growth. Rupee appreciation impacted the export sales growth and the profitability for the quarter. Overall we posted satisfactory results for the FY 2017 with PAT growth of 22 per cent. We move into next year with renewed vigour, resilience and focus, by crafting the strategies for consistent growth. Our Guwahati facility was implemented in record time and it commenced commercial production during the quarter. Our timely investment in world class manufacturing facilities ensures adequate capacities to meet the sales growth.”