Cipla reported a 20.56% drop in its standalone net profit for the quarter ended September 2008. During the quarter, the profit of the company declined to Rs 1,514.30 million from Rs 1,906.20 million in the same quarter, last year.

Net sales for the quarter rose 23.33% to Rs 13,546.90 million, while total income for the quarter rose 20.29% to Rs 13,715.60 million, when compared with the prior year period.

The company reported earnings of Rs 1.95 a share during the quarter, registering 20.41% decline over previous year period.

Quarterly Results - Standalone (Rs in mn)
As at	Sep - 08	Sep - 07	%Change
Net Sales	13,546.90	10,983.90	23.33
Net Profit	1,514.30	1,906.20	(20.56)
Basic EPS	1.95	2.45	(20.41)

During the quarter, the operating margin of the company fell by 481.90 basis points to 15.58% compared with 20.39% in the previous year period. Interest cost increased 2.36 times to Rs 55.90 million while depreciation cost rose 24.00% to Rs 406.10 million over previous year period.

Shares of the company declined Rs 6.3, or 3.32%, to settle at Rs 183. The total volume of shares traded was 214,407 at the BSE (Wednesday).