Mumbai, Oct 23 : State-run power utility NTPC, formerly National Thermal Power Corp, Friday reported a marginal 1.96 percent increase in net profits to Rs. 2,151.95 crore for the quarter ended Sep 30, as compared to Rs. 2,110.51 crore in the corresponding period last fiscal.

Net sales during the period under review grew 11.6 percent to Rs. 10,782.79 crore from Rs. 9,661.42 crore in the second quarter of 2008-09, the company said in a regulatory statement.

Earnings per share improved marginally to Rs. 2.61 per equity share from Rs. 2.56 per share in the previous corresponding quarter.

Outgo towards employee cost rose to Rs. 24.28 crore owing to arrears payment.

The government plans to divest 5 percent of its stake in the state-owned enterprise, which is expected to raise about Rs. 8,800 crore. (IANS)