Asian Star Sees Hike in Diamond Sales

RAPAPORT... Indian diamond manufacturer Asian Star's revenue jumped 40%year on year to $162.7 million (INR 10.47 billion) in the third fiscal quarter,the company reported last week. Profit morethan trebled to $7.5 million (INR 484.9 million) for the three months ending December 31,including subsidiaries. Revenue from the diamond division surged 45% to $145.2million (INR 9.34 billion), while profit nearlytrebled to $8.1 million (INR 521.5 million). Remaining revenue camefrom jewelry manufacturing and other sources. Total revenue for the nine months to December 31 grew 24%to $471.2 million (INR 30.31 billion), while profit rose 67% to $13.4 million (INR 859.3 million).