The company has recorded a profit before tax of Rs 81.56 crore against Rs 51.60 crore last year. The net profit went up by 53 per cent to Rs 77.03 from Rs 50.10 crore last year. The net profit for the last quarter increased by 41 per cent to Rs 17.34 crore as compared to Rs 12.27 crore in the same period in the last financial year.

The Dabur board, which announced the unaudited financial results for the year ending 1999-2000 on Monday, has also proposed a second interim dividend of 50 per cent. This takes the total dividend to 100 per cent and makes it the highest dividend declared by the company ever. The first interim dividend of 50 per cent for the year 1999-2000 was declared in January for the quarter ending December 1999. In the last financial year, Dabur had paid 50 per cent dividend.

According to DIL, this is in line with the payout policy adopted by the company to pay 25 per cent of the operating income and 50 per cent of the non-recurring income as dividend. Dabur's non-recurring income for the year 1999-2000 includes Rs 21 crore earned by divesting its complete stake in General de Confetria India Ltd.

The company's sales improved significantly during the last quarter of the year, going up to Rs 256 crore from Rs 215.24 crore in the same period last financial year, recording a growth of 19 per cent. According to chairman VC Burman, ``Sales growth in last quarter has been significant in spite of sluggish market conditions witnessed by the fast moving consumer goods industry. We are confident of continuing with healthy growth rate in the financial year 2000-2001.'' The company has maintained its strategy of brand building and invested Rs 124.33 crore during the year in advertising and promotion which is about 12 per cent of its sales. Over the years it plans to bring the ad spend to 11 per cent as a percentage to sales.

Burman also announced the decision to induct two more independent directors on the board in line with Sebi recommendations on corporate governance.