Aventis Pharma Ltd has posted a net profit of Rs 16.80 crore for the quarter ended December 31, 2002 (Q4-02) as compared to a net profit of Rs 19 crore for the quarter ended December 31, 2001 (Q4-01). Total income has increased from Rs 155.30 crore in Q4-01 to Rs 160.20 crore in Q4-02.

The Company has posted a net profit of Rs 61.10 crore for the year ended December 31, 2002 (FY-02) as compared to a net profit of Rs 66.60 crore for the year ended December 31, 2001 (FY-01). Total income has increased from Rs 558.90 crore in FY-01 to Rs 625.50 crore in FY-02.

The figures for the year ended December 31, 2001 included the figures of Rhone-Poulenc Rorer India Private Ltd (RPR) for the period April 01, 2001 to December 31, 2001 upon amalgamation of RPR with the company with effect from April 2001. Accordingly the figures for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2002 are not comparable with the corresponding periods of the previous year.

The Board of Directors has recommended a final dividend of Rs 13.50 (including a special dividend of Rs 8.00) per equity share of Rs 10 for the year ended December 31, 2002.

The special dividend has been recommended in view of proceeds from asset sales including sale of land and development rights of a part of the company's property at Mulund, Mumbai.