Cost of raw material consumed as a percentage to net sales rose 340 bps to 90.2% from 86.8% in corresponding previous quarter. Employee benefit as a percentage to net sales expenses was up 20 bps to 0.4% while other expenditure decreased 30 bps to 1.2%. The foreign exchange fluctuation on purchase of LNG is a pass–through cost to the customers and has been included in cost of materials consumed

Other income rose 9% to Rs 111.48 crore compared to Rs 101.93 crore in corresponding previous year quarter leading 1% decrease in PBIDT to Rs 995.2 crore. Interest cost fell 46% to Rs 24.89 crore while depreciation remained flat at Rs 103.7 crore. The resultant PBT increased 2% to Rs 866.61 crore. Effective tax rate increased 430 bps to 35% resulting 4% decrease in PAT to Rs 562.95 crore.

During the quarter ended 30th Sep, 2018 (current quarter), the company processed 217 TBTU of LNG, as against 220 TBTU in Q1, 2018-19 (previous quarter) and 220 TBTU in Q2, 2017-18 (corresponding quarter). The company's Dahej terminal has operated at around 110% of its name plate capacity and processed a volume of 211 TBTU of LNG in the current quarter, as against 214 TBTU in the previous quarter and 210 TBTU in the corresponding quarter. Kochi terminal handled 6 TBTUs of LNG.

For half year ended September 2018 sales increased 40% to Rs 19914.49 crore as against Rs 14205.34 crore in previous year. The operating profit margins of the company fell 240 bps to 9.1% leading 11% increase in operating profits to 1818.13 crore.

Cost of raw material consumed as a percentage to net sales rose 280 bps to 89.3%. Employee benefit as a percentage to net sales too was flat at 0.3% while other expenditure decreased 30 bps at 1.3%.

Other income increased 22% to Rs 210.46 crore leading a 12% rise in PBDIT to Rs 2028.59 crore. Interest cost fell 41% to Rs 54.86 crore while depreciation remained flat at Rs 205.94 crore. The resultant PBT increased 17% to Rs 1767.79 crore.

Effective tax rate increased 260 bps to 35% resulting 12% increase in PAT to Rs 1149.92 crore.

The company has processed highest ever volume of 437 TBTU over six months period ending 30th September, 2018, witnessing a growth of 6% over the corresponding period ending 30th September, 2017 (i.e. 412 TBTU).

The scrip closed Rs 224 at BSE