Your Directors are pleased to present their 84th Report and Audited Financial Statements of the Company for the FinancialYear ended March 31, 2025.
Particulars
FY 2024-25
FY 2023-24
Total Revenue (a b c)
6,179.01
5,756.95
Sales (a)
5,999.20
5,644.18
Other Operating Revenue (b)
40.97
36.25
Other Income (c)
138.84
76.52
Profit before Tax and exceptional items and Tax
1,929.84
1,800.83
Profit before Taxation
1,781.33
Tax Expense
493.03
457.67
Profit for the year
1,436.81
1,323.66
Other Comprehensive Loss/(Income) (net of Tax)
3.82
(0.23)
Total Comprehensive Income
1,432.99
1,323.89
Balance brought forward
1,451.93
1,296.52
Profit available for appropriation
2,884.92
2,620.41
Balance transferred to Retained Earnings from Share Options Outstanding
1.07
1.06
Account
Appropriation :
Dividend
(1,631.92)
(1,169.54)
Dividend Distribution Tax
-
Balance carried forward
1,254.07
Reported Net Sales for the Financial Year 2024-25 stood at H 5,999.20 Crores against H 5,644.18 Crores of previous year. NetSales increased by 6.3% in comparison to the previous year. Reported Net Profit after tax for the Financial Year 2024-25 wasH 1,436.81 Crores, an increase of 8.5% over the previous year.
Despite the challenging business and economic environment, your Company continues to sustain its leadership position inboth the Toothpaste and Toothbrush categories during the Financial Year 2024-25.
During the year under review, the Authorised Share Capital of the Company stood at H 137 Crores divided into 137,00,00,000Ordinary (Equity) Shares of H 1 each.
The issued, subscribed and paid-up Share Capital of the Company stood at H 27.19 Crores divided into 27,19,85,634 Ordinary(Equity) shares of H 1 each. There was no change in the issued, subscribed and paid-up Share Capital of the Company duringthe year under review.
During the Financial Year, the Company has declared the following Dividends on the equity shares of H 1 each:
Sr. No. Name
Per Share (in J)
Date of Declaration
Payment on and from
1. First Interim Dividend
24
24.10.2024
21.11.2024
2. Second Interim Dividend
27
21.05.2025
16.06.2025
Considering the declaration of two interim dividends for theFinancial Year 2024-25, the Board of Directors has notrecommended a final dividend for the Financial Year 2024-25.
The Company declares and pays dividend in Indian rupees.In terms of the requirements of the Income Tax Act, 1961, theCompany has made the payments of Dividend afterdeducting the Tax at Source, as applicable. The dividendremittance outside of India is governed by Indian laws onForeign Exchange and are also subject to deduction of Taxat Source, as applicable.
During the Financial Year, no amount was transferred to thegeneral reserves.
During the Financial Year, no shares with differential votingrights and sweat equity shares were issued.
Your Company is focused on delivering insight-driveninnovation that provides value-added new products. In theFinancial Year 2024-25, the following products werelaunched/relaunched:
New MaxFresh Range: A new, sensorially captivating rangeof MaxFresh, seamlessly blends its refreshing power with fun,flavor, and aesthetics. For the first time, the MaxFresh rangeintroduced heart-shaped cooling crystals in Rainbow Freshand blue crystals with a watermelon flavor in WatermelonBlast, offering a distinctive visual and fruity experience.Powered by the brand's proprietary Ultrafreeze Technology,the product promises 10X longer-lasting cooling* and anunparalleled freshness experience, instantly awakening andrefreshing the user.
*vs a regular fluoride toothpaste
Lemon Fresh: This lemon-enriched fluoride toothpaste fightsteeth yellowness and leaves a zesty, lemon-fresh breath that'sas refreshing as it is revitalising.
CST New Formula with New Flavor: Relaunched our flagshipproduct - Colgate Strong Teeth Toothpaste - with a superior,sensorial experience. Enriched with our unique Argininetechnology that gives a Calcium boost, this toothpastenourishes teeth and makes them 2X stronger.
Colgate Visible White Purple: Bringing science and beautytogether, Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited launched theVisible White Purple toothpaste. This first-of-its-kind purpletoothpaste from Colgate uses unique optic brighteners tocolor correct yellow tones, delivering visibly whiter teeth from
the first use*.
*for temporary efficacy
Total Range Relaunch: We recently relaunched Colgate Totalwith a renewed purpose-to make it the everyday superiorHealth & Wellness brand. Backed by over 130 patents anddecades of clinical research, Colgate Total stands as one ofthe most scientifically advanced and trusted oral care brandsin the world. With 24-hour anti-germ protection, it addressesthe root cause of most oral health issues helping consumersstay worry-free through proactive prevention.
The new identity brings this promise to life with a modern,expert-led look. A clean white canvas signals science andcredibility, while precise gold accents reinforce our premium,research-backed credentials. The refreshed logo andspectrum-inspired color rays convey multi-layered protectionand active prevention. At the heart of the portfolio is ColgateTotal Advanced Health, delivering core all-round prevention.In addition, Total also offers a specialized range of solutionsthat targets specific oral health needs-designed to preventrecurring conditions like sensitivity & tartar.
During the Financial Year under review, there were nomaterial changes in the nature of business of the Company.
Your Company does not have any Subsidiary or Joint Ventureor Associate Company.
As a leading oral care Company in India, Colgate-Palmolive(India) Limited champions optimism and amplifiesSustainability efforts to 'reimagine a healthier future for all itspeople and the planet.' We are dedicated to executing ourstrategy to create shared, sustainable value for allstakeholders. Our commitment to responsible growth andsustainability remains unwavering. Flagship programs suchas 'Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures®,' Keep India SmilingScholarship programs, and initiatives in water conservation,waste management, and digital and financial literacy drivesocial impact, preserve the environment, and reach millions.We continuously realign our practices to innovate for goodas 'everyone deserves a future to smile about.' This is ourfourth year of publishing the Environmental, Social andGovernance ('ESG') Report and Business Responsibility andSustainability Report ('BRSR'), showcasing our ESG progress,empowering stakeholders to make informed decisions andreinforcing our dedication to trust and transparency.
Environment : Our Company is committed to ensuring thatconsumers enjoy numerous benefits from using oursustainable products. We validate our product developmentprocess through consumer feedback gathered from variouschannels, constantly improving our processes and systems.Insights from customer satisfaction surveys combined withenhanced employee skills, drive our product innovations.Additionally, we have implemented a follow-up monitoringmechanism to ensure corrective actions are taken, providingsafe, sustainable, and high-quality products to all ourconsumers. To achieve the goal of delivering innovative andsustainable products, we are focused on the followingpriority areas: Usage of recycled content and Eliminate usageof plastics in packaging.
Social : Our people are our greatest asset, and we prioritizebuilding strong relationships to create a resilient, innovative,and future-ready workforce. The Company fosters a workculture that encourages creativity and employee-driveninnovation, aligning with our purpose of 'reimagining abetter future for people and the planet.' Our inclusive HRpolicies and practices ensure a safe and supportive workenvironment for all employees. We inspire trust by offeringfair and competitive remuneration, rewards, benefits,learning opportunities, career growth, and work flexibility,helping us retain and attract employees who share ourvalues.
Additionally, through our Corporate Social Responsibilityinitiatives we endeavour to create a meaningful impact onthe millions of lives we touch. We organize our CSR initiativesunder three thematic areas: Oral Healthcare Education, KeepIndia Smiling, and Water Access, Augmentation & WasteManagement Program. Through these programs, we focuson enlightening school children through oral healtheducation and tobacco prevention sensitization, empoweringwomen through livelihoods, financial and digital literacy andproviding communities with access to safe drinking water,water for sanitation, water availability for agriculture andfarm- based activities. We also deliver end to end wastemanagement program, focusing on collection, segregationand responsible disposal along with education to childrenand communities on responsible waste managementpractices.
Governance : The Company champions long-term valuecreation for all its stakeholders through robust and fairgovernance mechanisms. Our governance structures,founded on integrity and transparency, ensure that ethicalstandards are upheld throughout the business. Actingethically is imperative as we strive to comply with allapplicable laws while conducting business globally. Guided bya highly engaged board and management, we ensure thatsustainability is closely integrated with our governancemechanisms, reinforcing our commitment to responsible andethical business practices.
Our 2025 Sustainability and Social Impact Strategy is guidedby three key pillars: DRIVING SOCIAL IMPACT, HELPINGMILLIONS OF HOMES, AND PRESERVING OURENVIRONMENT, abbreviated as S-MIL-E. Our focus is onpromoting healthier lives, contributing to the communitieswhere we operate, and growing the business with innovative,sustainable products. We are committed to conserving Earth'sresources, addressing climate change, and ensuring the well¬being of our planet for future generations. These principlesdrive all our plans and actions, reflecting our dedication tosustainability and making a positive impact.
Colgate-Palmolive (India) demonstrates a strong commitmentto ESG principles, highlighted by significant achievementsacross environmental stewardship, social impact, andgovernance. All four manufacturing sites maintain TRUE® ZeroWaste Platinum certification, and three have achieved NetZero Water status, underscoring a dedication to resourceefficiency. The company is making notable progress towardsits 2040 Net Zero Carbon goal, currently utilizing 33%renewable electricity and achieving 91% recyclable packaging,with 80% of its toothpaste portfolio transitioned to recyclabletubes.
In line with the requirements of Securities and ExchangeBoard of India ('SEBI'), your Company took a proactiveapproach in adopting BRSR for the Financial Year 2021-22, ayear in advance of it becoming a mandatory requirement.BRSR ensures that our investors have access to relevantinformation and disclosures with regard to our performanceon ESG parameters. Your Company believes in conducting itsbusiness activities in a responsible and sustainable manner.
Your Company has always been steadfast in embedding ESGacross all the functions of the Company. To showcase ourcommitment towards sustainable development yourCompany has incorporated transparent reporting practiceswith regard to ESG responsibilities. BRSR Report illustrates theCompany’s efforts towards creating a long term value for allstakeholders in a responsible manner. The BRSR Report for theFinancial Year 2024-25 forms an integral part of this Reportand is attached as Annexure 6.
In terms of the requirements of the SEBI (Listing Obligationsand Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 ('the SEBIListing Regulations') and SEBI Circular SEBI/HO/CFD/CFD -SEC-2/P/CIR/2023/122 dated July 12, 2023, the Company isrequired to undertake reasonable assurance of the BRSR Corefor the Financial Year 2024-25.
The Board of Directors at its Meeting held on March 17, 2025appointed M/s. DNV Business Assurance India Private Limited
('DNV') as the Assurance Provider on BRSR Core for theFinancial Year 2024-25.
A Reasonable Assurance Report on BRSR Core of theCompany for the Financial Year 2024-25 is annexed herewithas Annexure 7.
The Company is committed to ensure the well-being of thecommunity and environment in which it operates. CorporateSocial Responsibility ('CSR') forms an integral part of ourbusiness activities. The Company’s CSR Policy also reflects theCompany's commitment towards society and environment.The CSR initiatives are carried out by the Company through avariety of effective programs in accordance with therequirements of Section 135 and Schedule VII of theCompanies Act, 2013, and rules made thereunder ('the Act') inpartnership with reputed NGOs and agencies. The ESG andCorporate Social Responsibility Committee and the Board ofDirectors closely review and monitor, from time to time, thevarious CSR activities undertaken by the Company. The keyCSR programs undertaken by your Company during theFinancial Year 2024-25 are :
1. Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures®;
2. Water Augmentation for Livelihoods & WomenEmpowerment - with Seva Mandir;
3. Keep India Smiling Scholarship Program - withBuddy4StudyFoundation;
4. Waste Management Program with Nepra Foundation; and
5. Financial and Digital Literacy Program with Haqdarshak;
As per the requirements of Section 135 of the Act, theCompany was required to spend an amount of H 30.87 Croreduring the Financial Year 2024-25. During the year, theCompany spent an amount of H 33.67 Crore (including anunspent amount of H 2.80 Crore for the Financial Year 2023-24).
A detailed description of the above programs/ activities iscontained in the Annual CSR Report which forms an integralpart of this Report and is annexed as Annexure 2.
The contents of the CSR Policy as well as the CSR programsundertaken by the Company are available on the Company'swebsite at https://www.colgateinvestors.co.in/pdf/csr-policy.pd.
Pursuant to Section 134(5) of the Companies Act, 2013, yourCompany's Directors, based on the representations receivedfrom the Management, confirm that :
• in the preparation of the Annual Accounts for theFinancial Year ended March 31, 2025, the applicableAccounting Standards have been followed along withproper explanation relating to material departures;
• they have selected such accounting policies and appliedthem consistently and made judgments and estimatesthat are reasonable and prudent so as to give a true andfair view of the state of affairs of the Company as atMarch 31, 2025 and of the profit and loss of the Companyfor that period;
• they have taken proper and sufficient care for themaintenance of adequate accounting records inaccordance with the provisions of the Companies Act,2013 for safeguarding the assets of the Company and forpreventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
• the Annual Accounts have been prepared on a 'goingconcern' basis;
• they have laid down internal financial controls to befollowed by the Company and that such internal financialcontrols are adequate and operating effectively; and
• they have devised proper systems to ensure compliancewith the provisions of all applicable laws and that suchsystems are adequate and operating effectively.
In the past year, Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited has upheldits belief that employees are our most valuable asset, fosteringa positive, harmonious, and productive environment. Underthe SHAPE ('Strategic and Holistic Approach for PeopleExcellence') framework, we have reflected and refreshed ourstrategic initiatives to enhance communication, engagement,inclusion, and well-being. Our successful relationships with theworkforce and labor unions reflect this commitment on anongoing basis.
We continue to maintain open and transparent comm¬unication through 'My Voice,' a grievance redressal platformencouraging employee feedback. Regular committeemeetings and 'Let's Talk' sessions with site leaders furtherensure open communication. This year, we beganimplementing digital tools to improve connectivity at all levelswhich will be closed in the next Financial Year.
Recognizing the importance of continuous learning, weleveraged training programs focusing on anti-bribery,Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH), Safety, Quality, andother core areas. Our development program Data andAnalytics Gurukul have been instrumental in nurturing talentand upgrading skills.
Inclusion and diversity are central to our approach. Our lifestage support-related counseling framework continues tosuccessfully increase inclusion and address career breaks onthe shop floor. Employee health and well-being remain toppriorities, with the Employee Assistance Program, Live Betterinitiatives, and well-being principles offering ongoingsupport.
As we advance into the next Financial Year, we are dedicatedto further enhancing employee relations through SHAPE, MyVoice, and additional initiatives.
As on March 31, 2025, the total number of employees was2,198.
The detailed description of the Employee Initiatives taken bythe Company are included in the Management Discussionand Analysis on page no. 203.
Our organization maintains an unwavering stance against allforms of harassment and discrimination, including but notlimited to sexual harassment. We strongly encourageemployees to voice their concerns and report any incidentsof harassment to the Internal Committee (IC) under SexualHarassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibitionand Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH) or other relevant positionholders in the organization without any hesitation.
To further reinforce our commitment on POSH, we haveimplemented a comprehensive Policy on the Prevention ofSexual Harassment. This Policy is meticulously reviewed andupdated by the IC at regular intervals to ensure its continuedrelevance and effectiveness. When a complaint is lodgedwith the IC, it is handled with the utmost fairness andconfidentiality. We are resolute in our stance against anyform of retaliation towards employees who come forwardwith complaints. Our goal is to foster a safe and respectfulworkplace where every individual feels secure and valued.
During the Financial Year 2024-25, 3 complaints werereceived, investigated and appropriately resolved by the IC.
Information as per Section 197 of the Act read with theCompanies (Appointment and Remuneration of ManagerialPersonnel) Rules, 2014 is provided in Annexure 4 to thisReport.
The statement containing the names of top ten employees interms of remuneration drawn and the particulars ofemployees as required under Section 197(12) of the Act readwith Rule 5(2) of the aforementioned Rules forms integralpart of this Report and will be made available on request sentto the dedicated email address of the Company atcpilagm@colpal.com.
Your Directors wish to record appreciation of the continued,unstinted support and cooperation from its retailers, stockists,suppliers of goods/ services, clearing and forwarding agentsand all others associated with it. Your Company will continueto build and maintain a strong association with its businesspartners and trade associates.
Energy Conservation, Technology Absorptionand Foreign Exchange
The information required under Section 134(3)(m) of the Actread with the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 with respectto conservation of energy, technology absorption andforeign exchange earnings/outgo is attached as Annexure 3to this Report.
Corporate Governance
A separate report on Corporate Governance laying down theCompany Philosophy on the Corporate Governance as wellas all the disclosures as required under the SEBI ListingRegulations along with the Auditors' Certificate on itscompliance with the corporate governance requirementsunder the SEBI Listing Regulations forms an integral part ofthis Report and is annexed as Annexure 1.
Directors and Key Managerial Personnel
Since April 1, 2024 till the date of this Report, the followingchanges have taken in the Board of Directors and the KeyManagerial Personnel (in the order of their occurrence):
• Retirement of Ms. Shyamala Gopinath (DIN : 02362921)effective May 31, 2024, Mr. Vikram Singh Mehta (DIN :00041197) and Dr. (Ms.) Indu Shahani (DIN : 00112289) -both effective July 24, 2024 as Independent Directors ofthe Company upon completion of their second term ofserving as Non-Executive, Independent Directors of theCompany. The Board recognises their valuable effortsduring the subsistence of their term and places itsappreciation on record;
• Re-appointment of Ms. Gopika Pant (DIN : 00388675) asNon-Executive, Independent Director for a second termof five (5) consecutive years w.e.f. May 21, 2025 till May20, 2030;
• Re-appointment of Mr. Sekhar Natarajan (DIN: 01031445)as Non-Executive, Independent Director for a secondterm effective May 21, 2025 to December 13, 2028 i.e. tillthe date he attains the age of 75 years as per Company'sPolicy on Retirement of Directors; and
• Re-appointment of Mr. Surender Sharma (DIN: 02731373)as a Whole-time Director for a term of five (5) consecutiveyears w.e.f May 21, 2025 till May 20, 2030.
The Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of theNomination and Remuneration Committee at its meetingheld on March 17, 2025 and considering the expertise,experience and contribution made by Ms. Gopika. Pant,Mr. Sekhar Natarajan and Mr. Surender Sharma during theirfirst term and based on their positive performanceevaluation, approved their re-appointments.
The above-mentioned re-appointments were duly approved
by the Members of the Company vide Postal Ballot datedApril 23, 2025. Details of the same are provided in theCorporate Governance section, forming part of this Annual &ESG Report.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 152 of the Act, Mr. M SJacob (DIN: 07645510), Whole-time Director & Chief FinancialOfficer of the Company, retires by rotation at the ensuingAnnual General Meeting and being eligible, has offeredhimself for re-appointment. Based on the recommendationof the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, the Boardrecommends his re-appointment.
The brief profiles of the above mentioned Directors are givenon page no. 43 of this Annual & ESG Report and is alsoavailable on the Company's website at https://www.colgateinvestors.co.in/
As on March 31, 2025, Ms. Prabha Narasimhan, ManagingDirector & Chief Executive Officer, Mr. M S Jacob, Whole- timeDirector & Chief Financial Officer and Mr. Surender Sharma,Whole-time Director Legal & Company Secretary were theKey Managerial Personnel of the Company.
The Company has received the necessary disclosures underthe Act and the SEBI Listing Regulations includingdeclarations from all Independent Directors that they meetthe criteria of independence as laid down under Section149(6) of the Act and the SEBI Listing Regulations. They havecomplied with the Code for Independent Directors prescribedunder Schedule IV to the Act and they have registeredthemselves with the Independent Director's Databasemaintained by the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs. In theopinion of the Board, the Independent Directors fulfill theconditions specified in the SEBI Listing Regulations and areindependent of the management. Further, the IndependentDirectors possess integrity and necessary expertise andexperience (including the proficiency) which bringtremendous value to the Board and to the Company.
The Company has a Directors and Officers Liability InsurancePolicy which protects Directors and Officers of the Companyfor any breach of fiduciary duty.
The Company conducts familiarization programs forIndependent Directors with regard to their roles, rights,responsibilities towards the Company, the businessoperations of the Company, etc. Detailed presentations aremade to the Board and its committees from time to time.
Gist of Familiarization programs conducted during theFinancial Year 2024-25 are as follows:
Sr.
Program/Presentation
No.
1.
Business Updates
2.
Regulatory updates
3.
Risk Updates
4.
Industrial Relations Update
5.
CSR & Sustainability Updates
6.
Update on Digital Personal Data Protection
7.
Update on Shareholder Matters
8.
Strategy Meets
Details of the familiarization programs extended to theIndependent Directors during the Financial Year 2024-25 aredisclosed on the Company website from time to time athttps://www.colgateinvestors.co.in/policies. The said detailsare also available on Corporate Governance Report on pageno. 175.
During the Financial Year 2024-25, five (5) Board meetingswere held on May 14, 2024; July 29, 2024; October 24, 2024;January 28, 2025; and March 17, 2025. The details of whichare provided in the Corporate Governance Report that formsan integral part of the Board's Report.
The Board of Directors of the Company has establishedvarious Board committees to assist in discharging theirduties. These include the Audit Committee, Stakeholders'Relationship Committee, ESG and Corporate SocialResponsibility Committee, Risk Management Committee andNomination and Remuneration Committee. The Board hasapproved the terms of reference for each of thesecommittees. All the committees of the Board holdtheir meetings at regular intervals and make theirrecommendations to the Board from time to time as per theapplicable provisions of the Act and the SEBI ListingRegulations.
The broad terms of reference of the said Committees arestated in the Corporate Governance Report that forms anintegral part of this Board's Report.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Act and the SEBI ListingRegulations, the Board has carried out an AnnualPerformance Evaluation of its own performance, as well asthe performance of its Committees, its Members includingIndependent Directors, Executive Directors and theChairperson.
The Annual Performance Evaluation process has been designed in such a manner which helps to measure effectiveness of theentire Board, its Committees, Chairperson and Individual Directors Such processes help in ensuring overall performance of theBoard and demonstrates a high level of Corporate Governance Standards. There are various key performance areas andevaluation criteria which are measured and analyzed during the process, few of them are in the table:
Performance evaluation ofNo.
Key performance areas/evaluation criteria
1. Board as a whole
• Proper mix of competencies to conduct its affairs effectively.
• Appropriate mix of independent and non- independent directors.
• Number and frequency of Board meetings is adequate to performits duties effectively.
2. Committees
• Performance of the responsibilities as outlined in the charter andapplicable laws and regulations.
• Composition in terms of size, skills/expertise and experience, ifappropriate to perform its responsibilities.
• Efficiency in conduct of Meetings with sufficient time allocated onsignificant or emerging issues.
3. Chairperson
• Providing guidance to the Board on delineation of roles of theBoard and Management.
• Providing direction to the Board on aspects that are critical/ofstrategic significance to the Company.
• Creating a cohesive environment to allow open and fair discussion.
4. Executive Directors
• Understanding and knowledge of the Company and the sector itoperates in and staying abreast of the issues, trends, risks,opportunities and competition affecting the Company.
• Understanding of duties, responsibilities, qualifications,disqualifications and liabilities as a Director.
• Ensuring best Corporate Governance practices and compliancewith the applicable laws and regulations.
5. Independent Directors
• Suitable business knowledge and understanding of the Industry inwhich the Company operates.
• Exercising independent judgement and voicing opinion freelywithout any influence.
• Understanding of governance, regulatory, financial, fiduciary andethical requirements of the Board/ Committee.
The Board Members are apprised of the detailedrequirements of the law and are provided with an overviewof the process. The Nomination and RemunerationCommittee and the Board discusses the basis & variouscriteria for the Board, Committees, Chairperson as well asExecutive and Independent Directors.
The Evaluation for the Financial Year 2024-25 was conducteddigitally with anonymous responses, which were thenrecorded and reported to the Nomination and RemunerationCommittee as well as the Board. The Chairperson hasnecessary discussions with the Board Members about theperformance and the outcome of the evaluation process.
The Performance Evaluation results for the year reflectedhighly satisfactory performance. The specific discussions andfeedback were discussed by the Chairperson with each ofthe individual directors. The feedback for each of the
committees/Board was discussed at the Meetings ofNomination and Remuneration Committee and the Board.
The Board of Directors of your Company, from time to time,has framed and revised various Policies as per the applicableActs, Rules and Regulations and Standards of bettergovernance and administration of your Company. Overviewof the key policies, as approved by the Board of Directors isas follows :
Nomination and Remuneration Policy : This Policy definesthe objectives, scope, terms of reference, and responsibilitiesof the Nomination and Remuneration Committee inestablishing the criteria for qualifications, experience,independence, and positive attributes pertaining to theappointment and remuneration of the Company’s Directors,
Key Managerial Personnel, and Senior Managementemployees.
Corporate Social Responsibility ('CSR') Policy : This Policysets out the role of the CSR Committee of the Board ofDirectors, which includes identification of the areas where theCSR activities will be performed, impact assessment,evaluation of CSR activities, review the CSR spending vis-a-visthe activities implemented and monitoring the process ofCSR projects/ programs of the Company.
Risk Management Policy : This Policy provides the frameworkfor identification of risks of the Company risk assessment andprioritization, loss prevention measures and other riskmanagement measures for the Company. The purpose oftimely risk assessment is to identify the strategic threats,operational issues, compliance with laws and disclosureobligations. In order to deliver value to our customers,distributors, employees, communities, shareholders and otherstakeholders, it is inevitable to understand and manage therisks faced by the Company.
Related Party Transactions Policy : This Policy regulates theentry into transactions between the Company and its relatedparties and the required corporate approvals as per the lawsand regulations applicable to the Company from time to time.
Policy on Determination of Materiality of Event orInformation : The objective of the Policy is to determine themateriality of events or information of the Company and tomake disclosures of such events or information to StockExchanges in a timely manner to ensure good corporategovernance.
Records Management Policy : This Policy establishes generalguidelines for retaining, preserving and archiving importantdocuments and information. The Archival Policy forms part ofthe Records Management Policy.
Code of Conduct for Prevention of Insider Trading : Insidertrading refers to trading in the securities of a Company by itsDirectors, employees or other persons so as to make a profitor avoid any loss, on the basis of unpublished price sensitiveinformation known only to them and not to the generalbody of shareholders. In order to deal with insider trading insecurities, your Company has framed a Code of Conduct onprohibition of Insider Trading.
Dividend Distribution Policy : This Policy sets the parameters& describes the internal and external factors which areconsidered by the Board of Directors for the purpose ofdeclaration of dividend.
Policy on Retirement of Directors : This Policy lays down theage criteria for retirement of Directors on the Board of theCompany. The criterion for age is desirable to allow smoothretirement for the purpose of succession planning andfurther to induct requisite skills and competencies on theBoard of the Company with appropriate continuity.
Public Policy Advocacy : This Policy deals with laying down astandardized approach while making interactions and /orrepresentations to the Government / Regulatory Authorities.The Company may offer opinions and recommendations togovernments on particular issues to support its businessgoals and needs.
Board Diversity Policy: The Company recognizes theimportance and benefits of having a diverse Board to enhancethe quality of its performance. Diversity encompasses diversityof perspective, experience, skills, education, background,ethnicity, gender and personal attributes. This policy ensuresthat we have optimum composition of Board Members withdiverse experience and skill sets to achieve the objectives ofthe organization.
The aforesaid Policies are available in the Investors Section onthe website of the Company at https://www.colgateinvestors.co.in/policies
The Company upholds a robust Vigil Mechanism, seamlesslyintegrated with its comprehensive Code of Conduct to guidedaily business practices. The Code of Conduct of theCompany serves as a guide for daily business interactions,reflecting the Company's standard for appropriate behaviourand living corporate values. It holds universal applicability,extending not only to Directors, Officers, and employees butalso to every vendor and supplier associated with Colgate.Adherence to the Third Party Code of Conduct is a non¬negotiable requirement for any collaborative engagementwith the Company. The Code of Conduct Hotline is availableon the Company website to report any concerns aboutunethical behaviour, any actual or suspected fraud orviolation of the Company's Code of Conduct. No adverseaction will be taken against anyone for complaining about,reporting, participating or assisting in the investigation of asuspected violation of the Code of Conduct, unless theallegation made or information provided is found to beintentionally false. The Company is committed to continuouseducation on ethical standards, conducting regular trainingand awareness programs through both digital and in-personformats. These efforts are complemented by innovativemailers and reinforced through frequent communicationsfrom Senior Leadership, who highlight the critical importanceof ethical compliance.
The status of the Code of Conduct complaints is updated tothe Audit Committee Meetings ('ACM') and appropriateactions along with an Action Taken Report is presented inACM and are discussed at length. Any specific suggestion/feedback from the Committee is actioned upon.
The Code of Conduct is available at https://www.colgatepalmolive.com/en-us/who-we-are/governance/code-of-conduct
During the Financial Year 2024-25, your Company has notaccepted any Public Deposits under Chapter V of the Act.
In terms of the provisions of Investor Education andProtection Fund (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund)Rules, 2016, an amount of H 2.32 Crores of unpaid/unclaimeddividends were transferred during the Financial Year 2024-25to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF).
The due date for transfer of unpaid dividend to IEPF forsubsequent years is provided in the Corporate GovernanceReport on page no. 189.
Particulars of loans, guarantees and investment made by theCompany pursuant to Section 186 of the Act are given inNote No. 4 and 11 to the Financial Statements.
All related party transactions done by the Company duringthe Financial Year 2024-25 were at arm's length and in theordinary course of business. All related party transactionswere reviewed and approved by the Audit Committee. Duringthe Financial Year 2024-25, the Company has not entered intoany material related party transaction as per the SEBI ListingRegulations with any of its related parties. Disclosurespursuant to the Accounting Standards on related partytransactions have been made in the notes to the FinancialStatements. To regulate related party transactions, theCompany has also framed a Policy on Related PartyTransactions and the same is available on the Company'swebsite at https://www.colgateinvestors.co.in/policies
As there were no related party transactions which were not inthe ordinary course of the business or not on arm's lengthbasis and also since there was no material related partytransaction as stated above, disclosure under Section134(3)(h) of the Companies Act, 2013 in Form AOC-2 is notapplicable. For more details on Related Party Transactionswhich are in ordinary course of business and on arm's lengthbasis, please refer Note No. 37 of Financial Statements.
M/s. S R B C & CO LLP Chartered Accountants, Mumbai (ICAIFirm Registration No. 324982E/ E300003), were appointedas Statutory Auditors of the Company for a second term atthe 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Company heldon July 28, 2022, for a period of five (5) consecutive yearsfrom the conclusion of the 81st AGM till the conclusion of the86th AGM.
The Audit report for the Financial Year 2024-25 does notcontain any qualification, reservation or adverse remarks.Further, during the Financial Year 2024-25, the StatutoryAuditors have not reported any instances of fraud to theAudit Committee or Board as per Section 143(12) of the Act.
The Board had, in its meeting held on May 14, 2024,appointed M/s. Dholakia & Associates LLP (ICSI Unique Code:P2014MH034700, FCS No. 10032, COP No. 12884) to carryout the Secretarial Audit for the Financial Year 2024-25 underthe provisions of Section 204 of the Act.
The Secretarial Audit Report in Form MR-3 is attached asAnnexure 5 to this Report.
The Secretarial Audit Report for the Financial Year 2024-25does not contain any qualification, reservation or adverseremarks.
As per Regulation 24A of the SEBI Listing Regulations, on thebasis of recommendation of board of directors, a listed entityshall appoint or re-appoint an individual as Secretarial Auditorfor not more than one term of five consecutive years; or aSecretarial Audit firm as Secretarial Auditor for not more thantwo terms of five consecutive years, with the approval of itsshareholders in its Annual General Meeting.
Accordingly, M/s. Dholakia & Associates LLP, are proposed tobe appointed as the Secretarial Auditors of the Company fora first term at the 84th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of theCompany to be held on July 22, 2025, for a period of five (5)consecutive years commencing from the Financial Year 2025-2026 till the Financial Year 2029-2030.
Brief profile of the Secretarial Auditors is given in the AGMNotice which forms part of this Annual & ESG Report.
Further, during the Financial Year 2024-25, the SecretarialAuditors have not reported any instances of fraud underSection 143(12) of the Act.
Maintenance of cost records and requirement of cost audit asprescribed under the provisions of Section 148 of the Act arenot applicable for the business activities carried out by theCompany.
Pursuant to section 134(3)(a) and section 92(3) of theCompanies Act, 2013 read with Rule 12(1) of the Companies(Management and Administration) Rules, 2014, the AnnualReturn of the Company has been placed on the website ofthe Company and can be accessed at https://www.colgateinvestors.co.in/annual-report.
During the Financial Year 2024-25, there were no significantor material orders passed by the Regulators or Courts orTribunals impacting the going concern status and operationsof the Company in the future.
There have been no material changes and commitmentsaffecting the financial position of the Company between theend of the Financial Year and date of this report.
Your Company has complied with Secretarial Standardsissued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India onBoard and General Meetings.
Your Company has an adequate and talented team of internalauditors that oversees the internal financial processes,policies, and recommends robust internal financial controlsfrom time to time. These internal financial controls help to putin place checks on the implementation of the internalfinancial controls, policies & procedures that are adopted bythe Company for ensuring an orderly and efficient conductof its business. These internal financial controls help insafeguarding assets, prevention & detection of frauds and/orerrors, maintaining the accuracy and completeness of theaccounting & financial records. These controls help in thetimely preparation of transparent, complete and accuratefinancial information and statements as per the accountingstandards and principles laid down. The Audit Committee ofyour Company evaluates the internal financial controls systemperiodically. The detailed note on Internal Controls is providedin Management Discussion and Analysis on page no. 204
No application has been made under the Insolvency andBankruptcy Code, 2016. Hence, the requirement to disclosethe details of the application made or any proceedingpending under the said Code during the year along with theirstatus as at the end of the Financial Year is not applicable.
The requirement to disclose the details of the differencebetween the amount of the valuation done at the time ofone-time settlement and the valuation done while taking aloan from the Banks or Financial Institutions along with thereasons thereof, is not applicable.
During the Financial Year 2024-25, the Company receivedseveral key awards and accolades. For a detailed list ofadditional awards, please refer to the Award sections of thisAnnual & ESG Report.
SOCIAL IMPACT AWARDS
• Indian Social Impact Awards 2024Category: BEST EDUCATION PROJECTProject: Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures®
• Indian Social Impact Awards 2024
Category: BEST WOMEN EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMProject: Colgate's Water Augmentation & LivelihoodsProgram in Rajasthan & Maharashtra
• Best CSR Project in Goa 2024 (Recognition by theState Government)
Project: Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures®
• Karma Summit Awards 2024
Category: BEST EDUCATION RELATED VOLUNTEERINGPROGRAM
• CSR Times Awards 2024
Category: BEST WOMEN EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVESProject: Colgate's Financial & Digital Literacy Programacross 5 Indian States (GOLD)
PACKAGING AWARDS
• The IndiaStar Awards 2024 (Indian Institute ofPackaging)
Colgate won Superior Aesthetics for its recyclable tubesand Colgate KIDS Batman E-Commerce Pack
BRAND CAMPAIGN AWARDS
• Kantar Creative Effectiveness AwardProject: Colgate MaxFresh - Dr. Sleep Campaign
• e4m Performance Marketing AwardsProject: Colgate Oral Health Movement
• Gold - Best Managed Affiliate Program (Enterprise)
• Gold - Best Performance Marketing Technology
• Gold - Best Mobile Marketing Campaign
• Silver - Best Full Funnel Strategy
• Silver - Best Use of AI
• Silver - Best Performance Marketing Team
• e4m Health & Wellness Awards 2024
Project: Colgate Brush Tonight secured SILVER for BestPublic Awareness / Public Health Initiative and Best Useof Static Media
Your Directors wish to convey their deepest appreciation for the unstinted dedication, professionalism, commitment andresilience displayed by the Company's employees at all levels and business partners, customers, vendors etc. Your Directors alsowish to express their gratitude towards the Shareholders for their continued trust, support and confidence.
For Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited
Prabha Narasimhan M. S. Jacob
Managing Director & Whole-time Director &
Place: Mumbai Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer
Date: May 21, 2025 (DIN : 08822860) (DIN : 07645510)