Consequent to the planned phasing out of the unrelated industrial projects business, net sales from operations grew marginally to Rs 479.30 crore as against Rs 474.82 crore in 1998-99. EPS has increased to Rs 8.58 compared to Rs 6.01 in the previous year.

According to a news release here on Wednesday, the directors have declared a final dividend of Rs 0.50 per equity share which together with the interim dividend of Rs 4.50 per share paid on May 15, 2000, makes a total dividend of Rs 5 per share. The dividend is payable on the reduced share capital pursuant to the spin off of the international software division to Blue Star Infotech Ltd.

With the revival of overall business activity. Blue Star has acquired several prestigious orders for central airconditioning projects and continues to be the leader in this segment. The company recorded a growth of 30 per cent in the room and split airconditioners segments during the year, despite the market growth of only 8 per cent.

Sales of water coolers grew by 47 per cent in the last financial year, making Blue Star the leader in this product category too.