Meanwhile, the BSE Sensex was up 39.75 points, or 0.24% to 16,276.80.

On BSE, 1,106 shares were traded in the counter as against an average daily volume of 1,490 shares in the past one quarter.

The stock hit a high of Rs 925 and a low of Rs 885 so far during the day. The stock had hit a lifetime high of Rs 1109 on 30 October 2009 and a 52-week low of Rs 431.25 on 24 February 2009.

The mid-cap stock had outperformed the market over the past one month till 22 February 2010, rising 5.43% as compared to the Sensex's 3.69% fall. It had underperformed the market in the past one quarter, falling 4.93% as compared to the Sensex's decline of 4.61%.

The company's equity capital is Rs 5. Face value per share is Rs 2.

The current price of Rs 890 discounts the company's Q4 December 2009 annualized EPS of Rs 35.34, by a PE multiple of 25.18.

Astrazeneca Pharma India's net sales rose 13.5% to Rs 385.52 crore in the year ended December 2009 over the year ended December 2008.

The company's net profit fell 3.6% to Rs 22.09 crore on 22.6% rise in net sales to Rs 114.84 crore in Q4 December 2009 over Q4 December 2008. The company declared its results during trading hours today, 23 February 2010.

At the time of announcing results, the board of directors of the company recommended a dividend at the rate of Rs 10 per share (500%) for the year ended 31 December 2009.

Further, the board has also approved the change in the accounting year of the company from January-December to April-March. Accordingly, the next financial accounts and annual report will be for a period of 15 months, i.e. from January 2010 to March 2011.

The company is engaged in research, manufacture and market medicines for serious health conditions. It operates in two segments namely healthcare and clinical trial services.