Bajaj Q3 net slips 5 per cent

New Delhi, Jan 30: With a subdued two-wheeler market hitting sales, Bajaj Auto Ltd today said its net profit slipped 5.32 per cent to Rs 326.81 crore for the third quarter ended December 2007 as compared to Rs 345.19 crore in the corresponding quarter last year.

Its total income has decreased 1.7 per cent to Rs 2,680.35 crore for the third quarter ended December, 2007 from Rs 2,729.18 crore in the same quarter last year. The industry has witnessed a slowdown with motorcycle sales declining by eight per cent in the nine months of this fiscal.

Declined was particular in the 100cc segment, recording reverses of around 16 per cent, while the 125 cc segment led by Bajaj XCD 125 grew by 11 per cent.

The Group's posted a consolidated net profit of Rs 273.82 crore for the quarter ended December 2007 as compared to Rs 328.35 crore in the same quarter last fiscal.

Net Sales and Income from operations has decreased to Rs 2,633.26 crore for the third quarter this year from Rs 2,696.03 crore in the same quarter last year.

UNI