MESSAGE FROM THE MD & CEO
Dear Shareholder Family,
FY 2024-25 has been a pivotal year For Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited, marked by
progress and accelerating our SMILE-based targets. We continued executing our strategy for
sustainable, profitable growth while investing for the Future and scaling our
capabilities.
As we continue our mission of Building Good Oral Habits for Life, we are proud to see
our efforts take root across homes, communities, and generations.
For over 87 years, Colgate has been at the forefront of oral health in India. As the
nation's most penetrated and loved brand, we have earned the trust of millions through our
legacy of innovation and science-backed solutions that cater to every single Indian's
needs.
We recognize that oral health, though crucial, is often overlooked in overall wellness.
In a country where 55% of rural Indians don't brush daily and 80% of urban Indians don't
brush twice a day, addressing this presents a significant opportunity. Improving oral
hygiene can also positively impact systemic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular
conditions, and respiratory infections, thus easing the burden on one's own health and the
nation's healthcare infrastructure.
Driving Growth and Innovation
Our business Fundamentals remain strong, even amidst a challenging operating
environment. For FY 2024-25, our topline revenue increased by 6.3% year-on-year, with
domestic Net Sales growth at 5.6% and Net Profit After Tax grew by 8.5%. Our margin
remains healthy and resilient, underpinned by our Funding-the-Growth program. We increased
advertising spending by 7% in FY 2024-25 to support innovation and drive brand health and
household penetration, while also improving efficiency.
The Toothpaste portfolio recorded mid-single-digit value growth, and our Toothbrush
portfolio delivered anotheryearof robust growth.
We leveraged strong margins to significantly invest in brand building. Our sharp Focus
on cash Flow is paying oFF, with operating cash Flow increasing 10% to a record level in
FY 2024-25. We maintained a strong balance sheet, and the Board authorized an increased
quarterly cash dividend. We declared a First Interim Dividend of INR 24 per share in Q2 FY
2024-25, and a Second Interim Dividend oF INR 27 per share in Q4 FY 2024-25, totaling INR
51 per share For FY 2024-25.
We have made gains at every level. In urban markets, premiumization led the way,
powered by innovations in whitening, Freshness and gum care. We introduced Colgate
Visible White Purple. For our growing whitening business, making it one oF our most
successful innovations in the last decade and the new MaxFresh Sensorial range For
unique sensory experiences as well as the revamped Lemon Fresh. These solutions are
helping us reposition brushing as a Form of self-care, moving beyond routine to
aspiration.
We relaunched Colgate Strong Teeth offering a superior sensory experience in key
geographies. Colgate Total Plaque Release Toothpaste was introduced Featuring
advanced Amino Foam and Zinc technology. Colgate Total's new regimen, including a new
toothbrush, offers comprehensive, science- backed oral health care.
Accelerating Smiles Across a Diverse India
India is many markets, not just one. Durability to win lies in our tiered approach,
sharpening Focus by segment, geography, and price point.
In data and analytics, we are driving measurable value through RGM analytics,
optimizing media spend and promotion planning, and saving costs through automation. Our
Al-led execution, generating SKU-to- store recommendations monthly, has improved on-shelf
availability, strengthened retail partnerships, and enabled quick response to shifts in
consumption and commerce. Durability to serve the right product through the right
channels, at the right time, remains unmatched. We pride ourselves on having the highest
retail store availability of any oral care brand, a direct result of our robust sales
Force of CPIL employees, partner stockists and an on-ground team of more than 5,000
individuals who tirelessly drive this presence every single day.
Deepening Impact, Expanding Access
At our core is the mission to improve the oral health of everyone in India. This is
both our fundamental responsibility and a tremendous privilege. Last year, we initiated
the Colgate Oral Health Movement (OHM), a significant step towards this long-standing
commitment. Backed by over 50,000 dental professionals from the Indian Dental Association
(IDA) and scaled through Al-enabled technology, OHM empowered millions of Indians to
self-screen their oral health through smartphones. Earlier this year, more than 4.5
million Indians took the oral screening, with a remarkable 1/6th of them visiting a
dentist postscreening (IDA data). These efforts didn't just spread awareness, they are
actively shaping people's behavior- when given the right opportunity, it's clear that
citizens take charge of their oral health.
Education is absolutely vital to our mission, and our Flagship Colgate Bright Smiles,
Bright Futures? (BSBF) program has truly been a game-changer. In FY 2024-25 alone, BSBF
reached over 8.2 million children in 25,000 schools across 11 states, actively spreading
vital oral health awareness. Children learned proper brushing techniques, the importance
of brushing twice daily, the need For nutritious Food, and the harmful effects of tobacco
and smoking.
We don't do this crucial work alone. We are grateful For our partnerships with local
governments that have helped us extend our reach across the country. Additionally, we
collaborate with parents, teachers, NGOs, UN bodies, dental and health professionals.
By combining our expertise, we accelerate progress, ensuring prevention and good oral
hygiene remain top health priorities. Since its inception, this impactful in-school
program has reached over 185 million children and their Families across India. Going
Forward, we are committed to reaching over 10 million children year-on-year, laying the
Foundation for a generation that understands and gives importance to oral health From an
early age.
We envision a Future where oral health is prioritized through a concerted,
policy-driven approach, ultimately opening doors to a healthier life For everyone. Our
state-level Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) For the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright
Futures? (BSBF) program are already paving the way, effectively collaborating with
education and healthcare departments in states like Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Assam,
Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. This ongoing work is effectively delivering results,
demonstrating the power of collective action.
Progress with Purpose - Building a More Sustainable Future
Our growth story is also one of responsibility. This year, we made meaningful strides
across our sustainability agenda. We are proud that our Toothpaste portfolio has
transitioned to recyclable tubes, on track for 100% recyclability by the end of 2025. We
expanded renewable energy use, with 33% of energy across our factories now sourced From
renewables.
We achieved over100% plastic waste collection under EPR, maintaining our commitment to
plastic neutrality. Our water stewardship has benefited over 122 villages, with a
cumulative impact of427 million liters of water since 2018. All our manufacturing units
upheld TRUE? Zero Waste to Landfill certification.
Sustainability remains integral to how we operate and win. We are proud to drive
progress on environmental goals while creating real value for society and our
shareholders.
Finally, yet importantly, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) is Fundamental to
our success, Fostering an environment where every team member is respected and empowered
to thrive. We believe this rich tapestry of unique perspectives not only Fuels innovation
but also builds the leaders of tomorrow, ensuring continuous learning and growth for all.
Last year, we enhanced our supporting caregiver leave to 12 weeks, championing equal
parenting. We are delighted that this year, 25 of our male employees embraced this
opportunity, actively supporting their partners in early childcare. It's a testament to
our shared values and a joy to see our policies making a real difference in their lives.
Charting Our Course Ahead
As India's most penetrated FMCG brand, our role extends beyond product access. We are
driving awareness, embedding oral care as a lifelong habit, knowing that every smile we
protect builds a healthier, more confident tomorrow - woven into daily life, driven by
science, and Fueled by purpose.
Our roadmap is clear. We will deepen category penetration through habit formation and
consumer education. We will accelerate premiumization through science-led innovation,
elevating care and experience. We will expand our product portfolio to meet evolving
consumer needs, including select global personal and home care offerings. Finally, we will
continue leveraging technology, data, and Al to stay agile and precise. As we enter FY
2025-26, we do so with renewed energy and belief that smiles are symbols of health,
opportunity, dignity, and progress.
Thank you for your trust, partnership, and belief in our journey. Together, we are
building a Future where every Indian smiles with confidence, every day, For life.
Best Wishes,
Prabha Narasimhan
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
DIN:08822860