MRF Ltd has conserved its net profit in a tough business environment for the first quarter ended December 31, 2013, compared with the corresponding quarter in the previous year.

The company, which follows October-September financial year, has reported a net profit of ₹179.89 crore (₹180.22 crore) on a total income of ₹3,200 crore (₹3,025.75 crore).

Total expenses were ₹2,881 crore (₹2,711.84 crore). On the BSE, the company’s shares closed 2.5 per cent lower at ₹19,356.65 over the previous close of ₹19,854.50.