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Mumbai, Sep 1 (UNI) Procter&Gamble Hygiene and Health Care Limited (PGHHCL) today announced sales turnover of Rs 643 crore for 2007-08 up by 19 per cent over the previous fiscal.

P&G Health Care grew by a strong 16 per cent, driven by more than 25 per cent growth in Vicks Vaporub and Vicks Cough drops.

The Feminine Hygiene category posted 21 per cent sales growth in FY 07-08 versus FY 06-07.

The Profit Before Tax (PBT) of Rs 180.6 crore was up by 24 per cent during the period under review, with Profit After Tax (PAT) at Rs 131.4 crore, up by 46 per cent. Adjusting for exceptional items, PBT and PAT are up by 17 per cent and 23 per cent respectively. The higher PAT increase is driven by the Company, leveraging tax incentives for manufacturing.

For the fourth quarter (April-June 08), sales have posted a strong growth of 20 per cent at Rs 150 crore (vs last year's Rs 126.4 crore).

PGHHCL Chairman Bharat V Patel, commenting on the performance said, ''Our focus on driving superior quality and value, product innovations, insightful marketing programs, strong trade plans, and expanded distribution have helped us to stay as market leaders in the categories we compete in. We will continue to stay focused on creating clutter breaking and consumer meaningful marketing programs, while investing in enhanced organization capabilities that help deliver these plans.'' UNI VK SR VKG1820