How has been the historical performance of VST Industries?

Answer:The historical performance of VST Industries shows a steady growth in net sales and profit over the years leading up to March 2010.

Breakdown:
VST Industries experienced an increase in net sales from INR 336.20 crore in March 2007 to INR 472.17 crore in March 2010. Other operating income also rose, contributing to a total operating income of INR 475.01 crore in March 2010, up from INR 336.20 crore in March 2007. The total expenditure, excluding depreciation, increased from INR 255.84 crore in March 2007 to INR 389.58 crore in March 2010, reflecting rising raw material costs, which grew from INR 117.00 crore to INR 263.45 crore over the same period. Operating profit, excluding other income, showed a positive trend, increasing from INR 80.36 crore in March 2007 to INR 85.43 crore in March 2010. Profit before tax remained relatively stable, with INR 85.50 crore in March 2010 compared to INR 85.52 crore in March 2007. The profit after tax also saw a rise, reaching INR 62.01 crore in March 2010 from INR 55.59 crore in March 2007. Earnings per share increased from INR 36.00 in March 2007 to INR 40.16 in March 2010, indicating improved profitability per share. The operating profit margin, however, declined from 11.08% in March 2007 to 7.57% in March 2010, while the profit after tax margin decreased from 7.67% to 5.5% in the same period, suggesting increased costs impacting overall profitability. Cash flow from operating activities improved significantly, rising from INR 70.63 crore in March 2007 to INR 52.49 crore in March 2010, despite a net cash outflow of INR 7.33 crore in March 2010.