Birla Corporation Ltd has posted a net profit of Rs 125.76 crore for the year ended March 31, 2006, a 45 per cent growth over the previous year. Its turnover stood at Rs 1,433 crore (Rs 1,342 crore). For the last quarter of 2005-06, the company’s net profit stood at Rs 67.14 crore, up from Rs 38.14 crore for the corresponding quarter of the previous year. The turnover for the quarter was Rs 458 crore.

The company has attributed the improvement in performance to an increase in volumes, higher sales price realisation and better operating efficiency, including savings in finance cost in its cement division. It has recommended a 22.5 per cent dividend, a press release issued here said.

The company now has seven cement units with a total production capacity of 5.8Mt. The demand for cement, in view of the growth in infrastructure and housing, is expected to remain strong, the release added.