Aventis Pharma’s net profit during the fourth quarter ended December 2003 went up sharply by 81 per cent to Rs 30.40 crore from Rs 16.80 crore in the corresponding period of last year.

The company’s total income increased to Rs 175.90 crore from Rs 160.2 crore. With the smart improvement in working, the Board of Directors has recommended a final dividend of 125 per cent and after considering interim dividend of 35 per cent already paid, the total dividend for the year ended December 2003 works out to 160 per cent.

Aventis has strengthened its bottomline for the 12 months year ended December 2003. Its net profit has taken a quantum jump of 61.4 per cent and touched Rs 98.60 crore from Rs 61.10 crore in the previous year. Its total income increased to Rs 667.60 crore from Rs 625 50 crore.