Decline in input cost prices and strong performance by hair and skin care category helped Dabur India Ltd to show good results in the third quarter of current financial year. The firm posted a rise of 16.1% in net profit for Q3 ended December 31, 2008 despite low customer spending and tight financial conditions.

Sunil Duggal, Chief Executive, Dabur India said, "Even in the current economic scenario, demand for our everyday use products continue to be strong and we have not seen any significant impact on consumer spending." He hoped that the firm would continue to expand its business in next financial year despite global slowdown.

Dabur India posted 19.4 per cent rise in sales which stands at Rs 786.21 crore as compared to Rs 658.61crore in the same period last year. The firm reported strong growth in GCC and North African markets, recording 48.2% growth in the international business. Good response by the hair care and the baby and skin care category helped it to post net profit of Rs 107.4 crore during the reporting quarter.

Meanwhile, the firm has announced an Interim Dividend of 75% for the current financial year. Anand Burman, Chairman of Dabur India Ltd said, "With a firm focus on internal efficiencies and our key growth drivers, we have been able to achieve impressive growth this quarter. Continuing with our payout policy, Dabur India has approved an Interim Dividend of 75% for the year, aggregating to a payout of Rs 64.88 crore."