Amara Raja Batteries Ltd. (ARBL) has announced a top line growth of 34 per cent for the financial year 2011-12, recording a net revenue of Rs. 23,674 million (excluding other income) as compared to Rs. 17,611 million in 2010-11. Profit after tax stood at Rs. 2,151 million, recording a growth of 45 per cent as against Rs. 1,481 million of the previous year.
The company’s automotive battery business reported 39 per cent increase in sales revenue enabled by good volume growth of 19 per cent and 26 per cent in 4-wheeler and 2-wheeler batteries respectively over the previous financial year. The period under review also witnessed double-digit volume growth in automotive OEM business, despite muted automobile production in the country due to adverse macro-economic conditions.
The aftermarket business saw substantial volume growth in both 4-wheeler and 2-wheeler segments, due to strong demand for Amaron and PowerZone batteries from consumers.
The export business continues to grow in the Middle East Asia with enrolment of more distributors. The Amaron brand is well accepted in various countries across the Indian Ocean Rim, built through focused effort over the years.
Commenting on the full year performance, Mr. Jayadev Galla, Managing Director, Amara Raja Batteries, said: “We are pleased to report the highest-ever sales and profitability numbers of the company for 2011-12, despite uncertainty in the telecom sector and slowdown in the automobile industry. Both our industrial and automotive battery units have reported double-digit growth and gained market shares. The continuing Eurozone crisis, the volatile rupee and high inflation are causes for concern as we step into the next financial year. However, the softening lead prices and our capability to perform with differentiated strategy will help us to sustain the growth momentum.”