NIIT's sales grew by a modest 27 per cent to Rs 581 crore during the period from the previous year's Rs 458 crore. The company paid a dividend of Rs. four per share. The board, which met on Friday, said the other income rose to Rs 2.23 crore from last year's Rs 99 lakh.

During the last quarter ended September 30, the company reported a 14 per cent increase in net profit to Rs 53.32 crore from Rs 46.54 crore during the last quarter of previous year, NIIT said in a statement here. The interest obligations of the company came down drastically during the period to Rs 80 lakh from last year's Rs 10.65 crore.

INSIGHT:

Not on expected lines

NIIT has marginally missed its target of a 30 per cent revenue growth for the year ended September. For the first half ended March, the company had witnessed a topline growth of over 32.5 per cent. The six months ending September have historically been better for the company. Besides, NIIT also hiked the fees for its various courses in the second half. Despite this, the company has just about managed to clock a 27 per cent revenue growth for the year. While operating margin for the year has remained consistent at around 33.5 per cent, a drastic cut in net interest payments has ensured a one per cent improvement in the company's net margin to 24.5 per cent.

-- Sarad Saraf