Aventis Pharma reported lower than estimated 1QCY2010 results. Net sales grew 9.8% to Rs251.4cr driven by 11.1% domestic growth, but exports declined 5.9%. Operating profit margin contracted 256bps to 14.5% due to lower gross margins and higher expenses. Net profit fell 10.9% to Rs36.1cr. The brokerage maintains a Reduce rating and target price of Rs1,658, valuing the company at 18x forward earnings.