Mumbai: Grasim Industries reported a net profit of Rs. 728.19 crore for the December quarter, up 14% from Rs. 640.47 crore in the year-ago period, helped by better realisations at viscose staple fibre business. Net sales for the company rose 1% to Rs. 9470.95 crore. Analysts, on an average, were expecting a profit of Rs. 819.40 crore on revenue of Rs. 8806.85 crore, according to a Bloomberg poll. The consolidated results of the Aditya Birla Group company include the performance of UltraTech Cement, viscose staple fibre business and a chemical business. Viscose Staple fibre and cement contribute over 90% of its revenues and operating profits. Grasim, which started as a textile manufacturer in 1948, said volumes at viscose staple fibre business were maintained as the business was able to retain the share of domestic sales despite temporary demand slowdown in textile value chain. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) for the viscose staple fibre business...