Your Directors are pleased to present the 88th Annual Report on the business and operations along with the AuditedFinancial Statements of the Company for the financial year ended 31st March 2025.
Global macroeconomic conditions in 2025 reflect cautious optimism, as policymakers balance the twin objectives ofsupporting growth and maintaining stability. Global GDP is projected to expand by 2.8%, in line with 2024, underscoringthe resilience of underlying economic fundamentals amid persistent global uncertainties. Advanced economies areexpected to grow by 1.8%, compared to 1.6% in the previous year, supported by steady performance in the UnitedStates, where consumption and labour market conditions continue to drive expansion. The Euro area is projected toregain some momentum following a subdued performance in 2024, aided by declining energy costs and improvedfiscal positions.
In contrast, growth in emerging and developing economies is expected to moderate slightly to 4.2%, reflecting tighterexternal financing conditions and a slowdown in global trade. Despite these challenges, investment sentiment is showinggradual improvement, supported by easing supply constraints and greater predictability in policy environments. However,structural productivity gaps and region-specific vulnerabilities continue to warrant close monitoring.
Inflationary pressures continued to ease through 2025. Headline inflation is projected to decline to 3.4%, from 4.0%in 2024, driven by stable commodity prices, improved logistics, and tighter fiscal controls in several major economies.However, core inflation remains above central bank targets in a number of advanced economies, primarily due tosustained cost pressures in services and wage growth. Central banks, including the US Federal Reserve and the EuropeanCentral Bank, are therefore expected to adopt a more measured approach to monetary policy, gradually transitioningfrom restrictive stances while maintaining flexibility to respond to evolving inflation dynamics. While risks from geopoliticaldevelopments and commodity price fluctuations persist, monetary authorities are better equipped to address them withincoordinated policy frameworks.
India continues to rank among the world's fastest-growing major economies. Real GDP is projected to expand by 6.2%in 2025, supported by robust domestic demand, rising capital expenditure, and favourable credit conditions. The UnitedNations forecasts a slightly higher growth rate of 6.6%, citing sustained momentum in the manufacturing and servicessectors, complemented by ongoing public investment in infrastructure. While external challenges such as global tradefluctuations, energy price volatility and climate-related risks remain, India's policy consistency, fiscal discipline anddemographic profile provide a foundation for continued economic expansion and deeper integration into the globaleconomy. However, the current skirmishes on the international border with Pakistan could play spoilsport.
India continues to maintain its leadership as the world's second-largest tobacco producer, with an estimatedproduction of approximately 800 million kilograms in FY 2024-25, reinforcing its critical contribution to India'sagricultural economy. Tobacco cultivation occupies 0.24% of India's total arable land, primarily in semi-arid andrain-fed regions where alternative crops are economically less viable. This continued reliance on tobacco for farmingincome underscores its economic importance to rural economies.
India's tobacco production spans 13 states, with Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Gujarat being major contributors.The country produces a variety of tobacco types, such as Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV), Non-FCV, and other non-cigarettetobacco products, catering to both domestic demand and global markets. In FY 2024-25, FCV production reached304 million kilograms, accounting for approximately one-third of India's total tobacco output.
India's competitive advantage in the global tobacco trade is driven by low production costs and a wide productoffering. While cigarette exports remain modest, India has established a significant export presence in Bidis, Hookahtobacco, Chewing tobacco, and Zarda, meeting regional preferences across international markets. In FY 2024-25,India exported about 300 million kilograms of tobacco products, generating about '12,000 crores in export revenues.Projections for FY 2025-26 suggest that export revenues will likely exceed '13,000 crores, driven by sustained globaldemand and market diversification strategies.
The tobacco sector continues to be a key contributor to rural livelihoods, employing approximately 45.7 millionindividuals across cultivation, processing, trading, and manufacturing. This sector also plays a major role in supportingsmall landholder farmers, rural women, and tribal communities.
Despite its economic significance, the tobacco industry continues to face challenges due to higher taxation, healthawareness campaigns, and regulatory measures. These conditions have unwittingly contribute to the growth of theillicit tobacco market, which undermines public health efforts and tax revenue collections. In FY 2023-24, illicit trade
was estimated to account for over 25% of the total tobacco market, contributing to a substantial loss in tax revenue.For instance, FY 2023-24 tax revenues were reported to be '72,788 crores, but illicit trade continues to hinderadditional revenue generation. Although enforcement agencies have seemingly stepped up actions such as seizuresand market surveillance, with over '1,000 crores worth of tobacco products reported to have been seized in the lastyear, continued collaboration between industry stakeholders and regulatory authorities is essential to address thisongoing issue.
Looking ahead, the Indian tobacco industry is focusing on long-term, sustainable growth. Key priorities include enhancingsupply chain transparency, adopting best-in-class agricultural practices, and ensuring quality compliance across itsproducts. These efforts are expected to strengthen India's position in the global tobacco market while contributingto inclusive rural development. As India continues to innovate and adapt to changing consumer preferences andregulatory changes, it remains well-positioned to continue leading the global tobacco industry in the years to come.
India's consumer sector continues to make a significant contribution to the country's economic growth. Supported byfavourable demographics, rising disposable incomes, urbanisation and accelerated digital adoption, this has emergedas key contributors of consumption. Structural shifts in consumer preferences, reinforced by enabling policy interventions,are shaping the future trajectory of this sector.
The Fast-Moving Consumer Goods FMCG market was valued at USD 245.4 billion in 2024 and is expected to expandto approximately USD 615.87 billion by 2027, reflecting a CAGR of 27.9% from 2021. This growth is underpinnedby rising internet penetration, with over 886 million users online as of 2024. The increasing adoption of e-commerceand direct-to-consumer formats is reshaping how consumers engage with brands. The online FMCG market is projectedto grow from USD 4,540 million in 2022 to USD 76,761 million by 2032. Digital marketing accounted for 44%of the total USD 5.9 billion in digital advertising expenditure in 2024, underscoring its expanding role in brandstrategy. To address evolving demand, companies are strengthening supply chains, expanding distribution networksand diversifying product offerings.
Looking ahead, India's consumer sector is well-positioned to benefit from a convergence of supportive demand trends,digital integration and investment activity. Sustained focus on innovation, agility and customer engagement will beintegral to driving long-term, inclusive growth and stakeholder value.
The domestic cigarette industry outlook in India remained reasonably optimistic. While the industry continued to grapplewith challenges such as escalating tobacco prices and input costs, it has shown resilience amidst global geopoliticaltensions and supply chain disruptions. Improving macroeconomic indicators, coupled with the prospects of a normalmonsoon, stable tobacco prices and a sustained recovery in rural demand, are expected to drive moderate volume growthin the near term.
During the year, your Company has re-emphasized its focus on core brands and has taken specific actions to enhancethe brand image equity through product value adds and packaging enhancements. Four Square has demonstratedremarkable resilience and strength and increased its market share. Similarly, legacy brands like Cavanders and NorthPole have also seen significant thrust in terms of improving consumer relevance and have seen a resurgence in the market.
We have also maintained our agility in investing behind variants like Shift and Define in Slim dia & FS Crush Tropical inregular dia to focus our energies behind building on their success across the geographies. Their success highlights thecompany's strategic focus on innovation.
Strong distribution networks, including expanded permissible e-commerce channels and deeper penetration into untappedmarkets, have also ensured wider product availability and enhanced accessibility to the consumers.
Going forward, our focus is on strengthening and expanding our market presence, increasing the consumer relevance ofour core brands, and staying ahead of curve in terms of addressing emerging consumer needs.
Company's confectionary business has shown growth during the year and gross sales grew by 18% over last yearand operating profit grew by about 40%. Growth has largely come from Naturalz Imli which is the flagship brandof the Company and hard boiled segment, backed by strong distribution network available across markets. We haverecently launched a new variant in the hard boiled segment by the name "Lemon Chaskaa", which seems to begaining some traction across launched markets.
The following table shows the status of exports for different products durina the year under report:
Commodity/Product
2024-25
2023-24
Value (Rs. in crores)
Unmanufactured Tobacco/ CompositeLeaf Blend
2010.19
1206.38
Cigarettes
67.87
108.65
Cut tobacco
42.23
28.37
Candy
0.11
Nil
Total
2120.40
1343.40
Like previous years, unmanufactured tobacco exports have grown this year too and your Company has donecommendably well by achieving the highest ever export revenue of Rs. 2010.19 Crores, registering a growth of66.63% over the previous year. To expand the export footprint, your Company actively engaged with potentialcustomers and successfully secured additional orders. This initiative has not only enhanced Company's revenuestream but also strengthened its position in the global market. Also, your Company has identified and introducednew crop varieties, including Sun-Cured Virginia, Kurnool Rustica, Lanka, and Lalchoupadia, alongside regular crops,which further diversified its product portfolio and enhanced revenue growth. A focused approach, combined withcontinuous monitoring of purchases, faster processing, and improved processing yields, has significantly enhancedefficiency and operational effectiveness across the supply chain.
The Board of Directors of the Company, at its meeting held on 12th April 2024 and after due consideration of thestakeholders' feedback, long-term performance of the retail business since its inception, prevailing market conditionsof retail sector and long-term business strategy of the Company, had decided to exit from carrying out the businessoperations of its Retail Business Division. Subsequently, the Company has undertaken the necessary formalities foran orderly exit and have closed the operations of the said division during the current year.
Your Company's Human Resource strategy centres on the "People First" philosophy. There has been continuousemphasis on building progressive and contemporary people processes and practices, focused on delivering superiorbusiness results and outstanding employee experience. The Company has continued to strengthen organizationcapability through leadership development and succession planning. During the year, your Company has deepenedits investment in learning and development across levels through curated workshops. It is committed to fosteringa safe, inclusive and high performing culture and has also rolled out unique employee wellness interventions lastyear. Your Company has been recognized for the 7th time in a row, as a Great Place to Work, thereby instilling asense of pride in all its employees and stakeholders. The Company's operating leadership remains connected tothe employees and has been instrumental in inspiring and motivating people to deliver their best. Your Company isdedicated to building a future-ready inclusive workplace, aligned with its strategic priorities.
Your Company has continued to push the boundaries of technological innovation, focusing on transformative projectsthat enhance operational efficiency and drive digital growth. This year, we have embarked on several key initiativeswhich have significantly streamlined our processes and improved overall productivity.
There has been an increased focus on digitization of operational processes to improve visibility and deliver operationalefficiencies. We have modernized our Green Leaf Traceability system across the value chain. Key Business IntelligenceDashboards have been implemented across various functions to enhance visibility and governance of compliances.Further, with Generative Artificial Intelligence technologies gaining significant maturity in recent times and unlocking lotmore possibilities, few pilots are underway around these technologies to realize the potential for our internal processes.Our IT infrastructure has been further strengthened with the expansion of SD-WAN (Software Defined - Wide AreaNetwork) solution across all the locations, improving scalability and resiliency. Our multi-cloud environment has alsobeen made more resilient to handle increasing data volumes, through network enhancements, thereby also ensuring
high availability of mission critical applications.
Our commitment to strong IT governance practices is reflected in the successful completion of ISO 27001 audit. Wehave enhanced our cyber security posture to the next level through enhanced controls for data security. We continueto focus on our employees as the strongest pillar of Information security through multiple initiatives in like Awarenesssessions, Quizzes, Simulation drills, etc. throughout the year.
Your Company continues to enjoy the highest rating of 'CRISIL A1 ' for short term debt program, 'CRISIL AA /Stable' for long term loan, 'CRISIL AA /Stable' for fund-based credit facilities and long term non-fund based facilities& 'CRISIL A1 ' for short term non-fund-based facilities. With these ratings in place, your Company can raise funds atmost competitive terms. Following the principles of liquidity, safety and tax efficient returns, your Company has beendeploying its long term surplus funds primarily in debt-oriented schemes of reputed mutual funds. Also, the Companycontinued to park its temporary surpluses in liquid/short-term schemes of various mutual funds.
Continuing operations
Rs. in Lakhs
Profit before Depreciation and Tax from continuing operations
1,56,175.65
1,24,836.68
Less: Depreciation and amortization
11,970.13
10,516.83
Profit before tax from continuing operations
1,44,205.52
1,14,319.85
Less: Provision for tax
- current tax
30,673.51
21,126.88
- deferred tax
1,153.88
870.65
Profit after tax for the year from continuing operations
1,12,378.13
92,322.32
Discontinued operation
(i) Loss before tax from discontinued operation
(10,767.79)
(5,663.28)
(ii) Tax benefit from discontinued operation
2,710.03
1,425.33
Loss for the year from discontinued operation
(8,057.76)
(4,237.95)
Profit for the year
1,04,320.37
88,084.37
Add: Other comprehensive income/(loss)-net of tax
85.19
(383.43)
Total Comprehensive Income
1,04,405.56
87,700.94
During the year, the gross sales value registered a growth of 30.18% by reaching the level of Rs. 6,866.64 croresfrom Rs. 5,274.68 crores last year. Similarly, the profit after tax is Rs. 1,043.20 crores as compared to Rs. 880.84crores last year.
Your Directors are pleased to recommend the final dividend of 3,000 % i.e. Rs. 60/- per equity share of face valueof Rs.2/- each over and above the interim dividend of Rs 35 per equity share paid in December 2024. The proposeddividend will absorb Rs. 311.96 crores. There is no amount proposed to be transferred to the general reserves.
Your Company has not accepted any deposits, covered under Chapter V of the Companies Act, 2013 and hence, nodetails pursuant to Rules 8(v) and 8(vi) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 are required to be reported.
As required under Section 134(3)(a) and section 92(3) of the Companies Act, 2013, the Annual Returnas on 31st March 2025 has been uploaded on the Company's website and the same can be accessed athttps://godfrevphillips.co.in/sustainabililtv/annual-return.
During the year under review, the Company has incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary company by thename of White Horse Realty Limited having its Registered Office at Mumbai, for the purpose of carrying outbusiness in the field of Real Estate Development.
As on 31st March 2025, your Company had six operating subsidiaries, two associate companies and acontrolled entity. The basic details of these companies form part of the Annual Return as on 31st March 2025,which can be accessed through the link given above.
Form AOC-1 containing the salient features of financial statements of the Company's subsidiaries andassociates is attached as 'Annexure - 1'. Note 47 of the consolidated financial statements shows the shareof each subsidiary, associate, and controlled entity in the consolidated net assets and profits of the Company.The audited financial statements of these entities will be available for inspection during business hours at theRegistered Office of the Company.
In accordance with Indian Accounting Standard (IndAS-110)-Consolidated Financial Statements, Group Accountsform part of this Annual Report. The Group Accounts have been prepared based on financial statements receivedfrom the subsidiary, associate and controlled entities, as approved by their respective Boards.
Your Company has a robust system of internal controls commensurate with the size of the Company and the nature ofits business, which ensures that transactions are recorded, authorised and reported correctly apart from safeguardingits assets against loss from wastage, unauthorised use and disposition.
The internal control systems are supplemented by well documented policies, guidelines and procedures which are inline with the internal financial control framework requirements. There is an extensive programme of internal audit bya firm of chartered accountants followed by periodic management reviews.
The Audit Committee actively reviews the adequacy and effectiveness of the internal control systems and suggestsimprovements to strengthen the same.
During the year under review, the Company continued to deepen its commitment to Corporate SocialResponsibility (CSR) with a strategic focus on promotion of education, environmental sustainability, conservationof natural resources, water management including maintaining quality of water, healthcare including preventivehealthcare, and support for good agricultural practices.
Large sum of money continues to be allocated to ongoing project for promoting education through programs aimedat imparting special education and employment enhancing vocational skills. While tobacco farmers in AndhraPradesh remained a primary stakeholder in the community development programs, the Company expandedits CSR footprint to include places like Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Jammu—with its healthcare programreaching out to people in low-income bracket who form a critical yet underserved link in the distribution chain.
In drought-prone and rain shadow regions of Andhra Pradesh with poor groundwater levels, we maintained threebiodiversity parks spanning 23.5 acres, nurturing over 9,000 native trees. Our fourth biodiversity park in Vithamrajupallivillage was successfully handed over to the local community. Additionally, we ensured the healthy maintenance of70,000 saplings planted in the previous year, with the majority now self-sustaining. Complementing these efforts, webuilt 11 new check-dams across three districts and repaired 30 existing ones, enhancing our total number of check-dams to 47. Along with providing an irrigation source for a second crop and supporting groundwater recharge, theseinterventions have helped the Company meet its water conservation ESG targets, with current water storage capacitystanding at over 2,10,000 kilolitres. The Chairperson of the CSR Committee and CMD of the Company, Dr. Bina Modi,visited the region to personally review the impact of our efforts in Andhra Pradesh.
In line with our ESG commitment to ensure access to clean drinking water for the farming community, theCompany undertook a scientific initiative to identify, map, and geotag all RO water plants across 839 villagesin Andhra Pradesh. The study also included secondary drinking water sources and will serve as a blueprint forfuture interventions in fluoride-contaminated areas, enabling targeted support to communities lacking safe orimproved potable water. It will allow us to build further on our existing 63 RO water plants.
To strengthen livelihood infrastructure, the Company constructed 103 new community agri-sheds, directlybenefiting over 700 farmers and supporting thousands more indirectly. These structures provide crucial shelterfor crops like tobacco, chili, and gram, as well as protection for livestock.
In line with our broader goal of environmental sustainability, feasibility studies for water harvesting structureswere initiated in rain-starved areas such as Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, to extend water conservation efforts tonewer geographies.
Recognising the need for inclusive healthcare, the Company organized over 100 health screening camps forpeople in low-income bracket and their families at wholesale dealer locations, enabling convenient access tomedical services. The camps offered comprehensive check-ups, including screenings on some 100 odd healthparameters and consultations with physicians and ophthalmologists, benefitting over 2,500 individuals.
The CSR efforts of the Company are overseen by the CSR Committee of the Board, constituted in accordance
with Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules,2014. The composition, terms of reference, and details of the Committee's meetings are provided in the CorporateGovernance Report. A brief outline of the CSR Policy, overview of activities undertaken, the amount spent/unspent,reasons for any unspent amount, and the Committee's composition are disclosed in 'Annexure - 2' to this Report.
Based on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, Dr. Bina Modi was re-appointed as theManaging Director of the Company for another term of five years w.e.f. 14th November 2024 by the Board at its meetingheld on 7th August 2024, which appointment was subsequently approved by the shareholders at the 87th Annual GeneralMeeting held on 6th September 2024.
Based on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, Ms. Charu Modi was appointed as anAdditional Director of the Company with effect from 6th July 2024 by the Board in its meeting held on 6th July 2024 andthereafter as an Executive Director for a period of Five years w.e.f. 7th September 2024 by the Board in its meeting heldon 7th August 2024, which appointment was subsequently approved by the Shareholders at the 87th Annual GeneralMeeting held on 6th September 2024.
Based on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, Mr. Avtar Singh Monga wasappointed as Non-Executive Independent Director of the Company for a period of Five consecutive years with effect from12th November 2024 by the Board of Directors in its Meeting held on 11th November 2024, which appointment wassubsequently approved by the Shareholders by way of Postal Ballot on 20th December 2024.
Dr. Lalit Bhasin ceased to be the Director of the Company on completion of his term as an Independent Director at the87th Annual General Meeting of the Company held on 6th September 2024.
Mr. Samir Kumaar Modi ceased to be the Director/Executive Director of the Company on his retirement by rotation at the87th Annual General Meeting held on 6th September 2024.
The Independent Directors of your Company have confirmed that:
(a) they meet the criteria of Independence as prescribed under Section 149 of the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation16 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 ('SEBI Listing Regulations'); and
(b) they are not aware of any circumstance or situation which could impair or impact their ability to discharge duties withan objective independent judgement and without any external influence.
Further, in the opinion of the Board, the Independent Directors fulfill the conditions prescribed under the SEBI ListingRegulations and are competent, experienced, proficient and possess necessary expertise and integrity to discharge theirduties and functions as Independent Directors and are independent of the management of the Company.
Details pertaining to the manner of evaluation of the Board, its committees and individual Directors includingChairperson has been carried out, form part of Corporate Governance Report.
Based on the recommendations of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee and the Audit Committee,Mr. Vishal Dhariwal was appointed the Chief Financial Officer of the Company w.e.f. 1st March 2025 by the Boardof Directors at its meeting held on 11th November 2024, in place of Mr. Sunil Agrawal, who assumed the role of anAdvisor on key Business and Strategic matters w.e.f. 1st March 2025 and continues to be the Senior ManagementPersonnel of the Company.
Further, based on the recommendations of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, Mr. Pumit Kumar Chellaramaniwas appointed as Company Secretary and Compliance Officer of the Company with effect from 12th November 2024 bythe Board of Directors at its meeting held on 11th November 2024, in place of Mr. Sanjay Kumar Gupta, who demittedoffice on his superannuation effective from close of business hours on 11th November 2024.
Dr. Bina Modi, Chairperson and Managing Director, Ms. Charu Modi, Executive Director, Mr. Sharad Aggarwal,Whole-time Director, Mr. Vishal Dhariwal, Chief Financial Officer and Mr. Pumit Kumar Chellaramani, CompanySecretary of the Company are considered to be Key Managerial Personnel of the Company as on 31st March 2025 asper the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and the rules made thereunder.
During the financial year 2024-25, the Board of Directors met 9 (nine) times. Details of the meetings of the Boardheld during the year, form part of the Corporate Governance Report.
The composition, functions and details of the meetings of the Audit Committee held during the year, form part of theCorporate Governance Report.
Your Company considers that risk is an integral part of its business and therefore, it takes proper steps to manage allrisks in a proactive and efficient manner. The Company management periodically assesses risks in the internal andexternal environment and incorporates suitable risk treatment processes in its strategy and business and operatingplans. The details of practices being followed by the Company in this regard, form part of the Corporate GovernanceReport.
There are no risks which, in the opinion of the Board, threaten the very existence of your Company. However, someof the challenges faced by it have been dealt with under Management Discussion and Analysis which forms part ofthis Report. Your Company has a Risk Management Policy in place and is available on the Company's website athttps://godfrevphillips.co.in/sustainabililtv/policies. The Risk Management Committee reviews the Policy, itseffectiveness and adequacy in periodic manner.
Details regarding constitution of Risk Management Committee and its role and responsibilities, form part of theCorporate Governance Report.
The Company has made sustainability as part of its ways of working during the year. The Board has set up acommittee to monitor progress in this regard and the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report attachedherewith provides the necessary information on it.
Pursuant to the requirement under Section 134(3)(c) of the Companies Act, 2013 (the 'Act'), the Directors, to the bestof their knowledge, confirm that:
(i) In the preparation of the Annual Accounts, the applicable Accounting Standards have been followed alongwith proper explanation relating to material departures, if any;
(ii) Appropriate accounting policies have been applied consistently and judgements and estimates that arereasonable and prudent have been made so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of theCompany at the end of the financial year and of the profit of the Company for the period;
(iii) Proper and sufficient care has been taken for maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordancewith the provisions of the Act for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for preventing and detectingfraud and other irregularities;
(iv) The Annual Accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis;
(v) The internal financial controls to be followed by the Company have been laid down and such internalfinancial controls are adequate and are operating effectively; and
(vi) Proper systems have been devised to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws and thatsuch systems are adequate and are operating effectively.
The above statements were also noted by the Audit Committee at its meeting held on 15th May 2025.
Form AOC-2 containing particulars of contracts or arrangements entered into by the Company with related partiesreferred in Section 188(1) of the Companies Act, 2013 is attached as 'Annexure - 3'.
Details of related party transactions and related disclosures are given in the notes to the financial statements.
The aforesaid details are provided in the financial statements of the Company forming part of the Annual Report.Please refer to Note 52 of the standalone financial statements.
Details of Whistle Blower Policy/Vigil Mechanism form part of the Corporate Governance Report.
The appointment and remuneration of the Directors is recommended by the Nomination and Remuneration Committeeand approved by the Board, subject to approval of the shareholders.
The remuneration payable to the Directors is decided keeping into consideration long term goals of the Companyapart from the individual performance expected from them in pursuit of the overall objectives of the Company.
The remuneration of the Executive Directors including Managing Director and Whole-time Director, may consist ofboth fixed compensation (which may be subject to annual increments) & variable compensation and shall be paidas salary, commission, performance bonus, perquisites and fringe benefits, as may be approved by the Board andwithin the overall limits as may be approved by the shareholders.
In accordance with the provisions of the Articles of Association of the Company and the Companies Act, 2013, asitting fee (presently fixed at Rs. 1,00,000 per meeting) is paid to the Non-executive Directors, including IndependentDirectors, of the Company who are not drawing any remuneration, for attending any meeting of the Board or of anyCommittee thereof.
The remuneration payable to the Directors shall be governed by the ceiling limits specified under section 197 of theCompanies Act, 2013 and shareholders' approval taken from time to time.
The remuneration policy for other senior management employees including key managerial personnel aims atattracting, retaining and motivating high calibre talent and ensures equity, fairness and consistency in rewarding theemployees. The remuneration to management grade employees involves a blend of fixed and variable componentwith performance forming the core. The components of total remuneration vary for different employee grades and aregoverned by industry practices, qualifications and experience of the employees, responsibilities handled by them,their potentials, etc. Remuneration of senior management employees is also being looked at by the Nomination andRemuneration Committee.
The Nomination and Remuneration Policy is available on the Company's website athttps://godfrevphillips.co.in/sustainabililtv/policies. There is no major change in the Nomination and Remunerationpolicy of the Company during the year.
As mandated by the SEBI Listing Regulations, the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report has been includedseparately, as part of the Annual Report.
Status of the unclaimed shares as on 31st March 2025 has been mentioned in the Corporate Governance Report.
The Company is committed to maximise the value for its stakeholders by adopting the principles of good CorporateGovernance in line with the provisions of law and particularly those stipulated in the SEBI Listing Regulations. Itsobjective and that of its management and employees is to manufacture and market the Company's products in away so as to create value that can be sustained over the long term for consumers, shareholders, employees, businesspartners and the national economy in general.
Certificate from the statutory auditors of the Company regarding compliance of the conditions of CorporateGovernance as stipulated in the SEBI Listing Regulations, is enclosed.
Certificate from Dr. Bina Modi, Chairperson and Managing Director as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) andMr. Vishal Dhariwal, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in relation to the financial statements for the year along withdeclaration by the Functional CEO regarding compliance with the code of business conduct of the Company by theDirectors and the members of the senior management team of the Company during the year, were submitted to andtaken note of by the Board.
In compliance with the provisions of Section 139 and other applicable provisions of the Companies Act,2013 and the Companies (Audit and Auditors) Rules, S. R. Batliboi & Co. LLP, Chartered Accountants,(FRN 301003E/E300005) were re-appointed as the Statutory Auditors for another term of five (5) consecutive yearsuntil the date of conclusion of the 90th Annual General Meeting, by the Shareholders in the 85th Annual GeneralMeeting of the Company held on 26th August 2022.
Auditors' Report on the financial statements (both standalone as well as consolidated) of the Company forms partof the Annual Report and does not contain any qualification, reservation, adverse remark or disclaimer. However,as an exception, the Auditors' in their report, have commented on the audit trail (edit log) feature of the accountingsoftware used by the Company for maintaining its books of accounts. The Auditors' Report along with Note 51 to thefinancial statements of the Company, is self-explanatory in this regard. The Audit report is not modified to that extent.
In terms of Section 148 of the Act and the Companies (Cost Records and Audit) Rules, 2014, Cost Audit &maintenance of Cost Records were not applicable on the Company during Financial Year 2024-25.
The Secretarial Audit Report from Chandrasekaran Associates, Practicing Company Secretaries, for the year underreport is attached as 'Annexure - 4' and does not contain any qualification, reservation, adverse remark ordisclaimer.
During the year under report, the Statutory Auditors and Secretarial Auditors have not reported any instance of fraudcommitted against your Company by its officers or employees, to the Audit Committee or the Board, under section143(12) of the Companies Act, 2013.
Pursuant to Clause 9 of Revised Secretarial Standard -1 (SS -1), your Company has complied with applicableSecretarial Standards issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India, during the financial year under report.
During the year under report, no significant and material order was passed by the Regulators/Courts that couldimpact the going concern status of the Company and its future operations.
Disclosures pertaining to remuneration and other details as required under Section 197(12) of the Companies Act,2013, read with Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014are attached as 'Annexure - 5'.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 136(1) of the Companies Act, 2013 and as advised, the statement containingparticulars of employees as required under Section 197(12) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 5(2) of theCompanies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, will be available for inspectionat the Registered Office of the Company during working hours and Members interested in obtaining a copy of thesame may write to the Company Secretary and the same will be furnished on request. Hence, the Annual Report isbeing sent to the Members excluding the aforesaid information.
The particulars prescribed under Section 134(3)(m) of the Companies Act, 2013, read with Rule 8(3) of theCompanies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 are attached as 'Annexure - 6'.
As mandated by the SEBI Listing Regulations, the Board has formulated a dividend distribution policyand the same is attached as 'Annexure - 7' and is also available on the Company's website at:https://godfrevphillips.co.in/sustainabililtv/policies
Key Financial Ratios for the financial year 2024-25 with comparatives for the year 2023-24, are disclosed in'Annexure - 8' attached herewith.
During the year under report, the Company has implemented a share-based employee long term incentive plan inthe name "Godfrey Phillips Employees Share Purchase Scheme-2024" ("ESPS 2024") which is being administeredthrough the irrevocable Trust in the name of "Godfrey Phillips ESPS Trust". ESPS 2024 is being supervised by theNomination and Remuneration Committee. The ESPS 2024 was implemented in compliance with the provisions ofthe SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits and Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021.
As at 31st March 2025, the Company has two Employees Share Purchase Schemes viz: ESPS 2024 and ESPS 2023and no change has been made in both the schemes during the year under report. The Company has received acertificate from the Secretarial Auditors that the ESPS 2024 and ESPS 2023 have been implemented in accordance
with the applicable SEBI Guidelines and the resolutions passed by the shareholders. The Certificate will be placedat the Annual General Meeting for inspection by the Members.
Details of the share based payments made during the year are provided in Note 48 to the financialstatements of the Company. Further, the disclosures pursuant to the SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits andSweat Equity) Regulations, 2021 and Companies Act, 2013 are available on the website of the Company athttps://www.godfrevphillips.co.in/emplovee-benefit-scheme-documents.
DISCLOSURE UNDER THE SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT WORKPLACE (PREVENTION,PROHIBITION AND REDRESSAL) ACT, 2013
The Company has in place a policy on prevention, prohibition and redressal of sexual harassment of women atworkplace in line with the requirements of the above Act.
Under the said policy, an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) has been set up to redress complaints receivedrelating to sexual harassment. All employees (permanent, contractual, temporary and trainees) are covered underthis policy.
During the year under report, no complaint was filed with the Company.
MATERIAL CHANGES AND COMMITMENTS AFFECTING THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF YOURCOMPANY, WHICH HAVE OCCURRED BETWEEN THE END OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR AND THE DATEOF THIS REPORT
No material changes and commitments have occurred between the end of the financial year and the date of thisreport, affecting the financial position of the Company.
CHANGE IN THE NATURE OF BUSINESS, IF ANY
During the year under review, there was no change in the nature of business of the Company except that theCompany discontinued carrying out the business operations of its Retail Business Division.
DETAILS OF APPLICATION MADE OR ANY PROCEEDING PENDING UNDER THE INSOLVENCY ANDBANKRUPTCY CODE, 2016
During the year under report, no application was made against the Company nor any proceeding is pendingagainst the Company under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
THE FUTURE
Availability of best in the class manufacturing facilities with right blend of technology, vast distribution network,adequate financial resources, stable tax regime and motivated manpower backed by 'people first' policy, willcontinue to facilitate your Company to drive growth across its various product categories both in domestic andinternational markets. Your Directors are confident that the Company will continue to create value for its shareholdersand other stakeholders.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Your Directors wish to place on record their sincere appreciation to the Government authorities, Company's bankers,customers, vendors, investors and all other stakeholders for their continued support during the year. Your Directorsare also pleased to record their appreciation for the dedicated services of employees at all levels of operations inthe Company.
For and on behalf of the Board
DR. BINA MODICHAIRPERSON
Place: New DelhiDated: 15th May 2025