Colgate-Palmolive (India) (500830) Q4 24/25 earnings summary

Executive summary

• FY2024-25 revenue reached INR 5,999 crore (₹599,920 lakhs), up 6.5% year-over-year, with mid to high single-digit volume growth in toothpaste categories.

• Net profit after tax for the year was INR 1,437 crore (₹143,681 lakhs), up 8.5% year-over-year.

• Q4 revenue was INR 1,452 crore (₹145,202 lakhs), a 1.9% year-over-year decline, with net profit at INR 355 crore (₹35,500 lakhs), down 6.5% year-over-year.

• EBITDA margin stood at 32.6% for the year, with gross margin at 69.7%; Q4 gross margin improved to 70.4%.

• Brand investment totaled INR 822 crore (13.7% of net sales), supporting innovation and launches in oral and personal care.

Financial highlights

• Full-year profit after tax increased 8.5% year-over-year; EPS rose to INR 53 (₹52.83).

• Advertising spend rose 13.8% to INR 822 crore; advertising to net sales was 13.7% for FY25.

• Return on capital employed reached 121%; strong cash generation and consistent dividend payouts, including a special dividend.

• Dividend per share was INR 41, down from INR 58 last year; two interim dividends declared for FY25 totaling ₹138,713 lakhs.

• Net cash generated from operating activities for FY25 was ₹139,446 lakhs.

Outlook and guidance

• Premiumization expected to continue driving growth, with premium portfolio growing at 4x the rest of the business.

• Urban demand, especially in the bottom 70%, remains soft but is expected to recover in the second half of FY2026.

• Continued focus on innovation, premiumization, and investment in brand equity to drive growth.

• No specific margin guidance; focus remains on top-line growth and maintaining competitive trade investments.