Godfrey Phillips India Limited has scheduled its 89th Annual General Meeting (AGM) for Monday, August 24, 2026, to approve its FY26 financial results and declare a final dividend of ₹33 per equity share. The Board also confirmed the payment of an interim dividend of ₹17 per share, bringing the total dividend payout for the year to ₹50 per share. This combined payout underscores management’s confidence in the company’s cash generation capabilities following a strong operational performance in FY26.

The meeting will be conducted through Video Conferencing (VC) or Other Audio-Visual Means (OAVM), as permitted by Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) circulars. The proceedings will be deemed conducted at the company’s registered office in Mumbai. Members participating via VC/OAVM will be counted for quorum under Section 103 of the Companies Act, 2013. The agenda also includes the re-appointment of two directors retiring by rotation: Ms. Charu Modi and Mr. Paul Norman Janelle.

Dividend Structure and Tax Implications

The final dividend of ₹33 per equity share of ₹2 each is recommended by the Board and subject to member approval at the AGM. The interim dividend of ₹17 per share has already been paid and requires confirmation by shareholders. Dividends are taxable in the hands of shareholders under the Income Tax Act, 2025. The company will deduct Tax at Source (TDS) at prescribed rates. Shareholders are advised to update their residential status, PAN, and bank details with their Depository Participants or the Registrar and Transfer Agent (RTA), MUFG Intime India Private Limited, to ensure accurate tax deduction and timely payment within 30 days of AGM approval.

Key Dates and Voting Details

Shareholders can exercise voting rights via remote e-voting from Thursday, August 20, 2026, until Sunday, August 23, 2026. Those who vote remotely cannot vote again during the meeting. E-voting facilities during the AGM will also be provided by MUFG Intime.

Director Re-appointments

The AGM will see the re-appointment of Ms. Charu Modi (DIN: 00029625) and Mr. Paul Norman Janelle (DIN: 03489805). Ms. Modi, the Executive Director and daughter of Chairperson Dr. Bina Modi, brings extensive experience in education and sales strategy. Mr. Janelle contributes over 25 years of experience with Philip Morris International in finance and business development. Ms. Charu Modi and Dr. Bina Modi are interested in the resolution for Ms. Modi’s re-appointment, while Mr. Paul Norman Janelle and Mr. Marco Mariotti are interested in the resolution for Mr. Janelle’s re-appointment.

What the Numbers Show

The confirmation of a substantial interim dividend alongside a robust final dividend recommendation highlights Godfrey Phillips India’s consistent cash flow generation. With a total proposed payout of ₹50 per share, the company is returning significant capital to shareholders, reflecting stable operational earnings and strong liquidity positions in FY26.

godfrey phillips submitted its Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) for the financial year ended March 31, 2026, disclosing significant progress in environmental metrics including a 22% reduction in water intensity per unit of cigarette production and achieving 112.9% water replenishment. The filing, dated July 31, 2026, was signed by Pumit Kumar Chellaramani, Company Secretary and Compliance Officer, and submitted to the National Stock Exchange of India Limited and BSE Limited pursuant to Regulation 34(2)(f) of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. The report highlights that renewable electricity now accounts for 33% of total consumption across manufacturing sites, up from previous levels, while energy consumption per unit of cigarettes produced fell by approximately 3% compared to FY 2024–25.

The assurance engagement for the identified sustainability information was conducted by S.R. Batliboi & Co. LLP, Chartered Accountants, who issued a reasonable assurance opinion on June 30, 2026. Partner Naman Agarwal confirmed that the identified sustainability information, covering greenhouse gas emissions, water footprint, energy footprint, circularity, and employee wellbeing, is prepared in all material respects in accordance with the specified criteria. The reporting boundary includes standalone financial disclosures and social performance data for the entity and its wholly owned subsidiary, International Tobacco Co. Ltd., while environmental disclosures cover the cigarette and tobacco business of the company and its subsidiary.

Environmental Performance Highlights

The company achieved zero liquid discharge at its Leaf factory in Ongole and attained Zero Waste to Landfill status at one of its manufacturing units, Guldhar, which is awaiting certification. Water conservation efforts included the construction of 13 additional check dams, bringing the total to 57, facilitating potential water storage of over 3 lakh kilolitres. Additionally, three rainwater harvesting structures were constructed at one of the factories. The company also installed 20 new community RO water plants, taking the total number of community RO water plants to 83.

Social and Governance Initiatives

Under its "People First" philosophy, the company maintained a workforce of 1,095 permanent employees and 26 permanent workers. Women represent 6.2% of permanent employees and 30% of the Board of Directors. Learning man-hours increased by 95% over the FY 2022–23 baseline, significantly exceeding the target. The company retained its ISO 27001 certification for information security and continues to adhere to ISO 26000 standards. No complaints were received regarding working conditions, occupational health and safety, or human rights violations during the year. The Board’s ESG Committee, chaired by Sharad Aggarwal, Whole-Time Director & Functional Chief Executive Officer, reviewed key areas including stakeholder engagement outcomes and the Double Materiality Assessment.

What the Numbers Show

The divergence between the company’s water replenishment achievement (112.9%) and its stated target (30%) indicates a substantial over-performance in water stewardship initiatives during FY26. This surplus, driven by infrastructure investments such as check dams and rainwater harvesting, suggests that the company’s current mitigation strategies are exceeding regulatory and internal expectations, potentially building significant resilience against water stress risks in its operational regions.