Colgate Palmolive, Indian Oil Corporation, Mahindra and Mahindra, Tata Steel, Godrej industries, Tata Chemicals

COLGATE-PALMOLIVE Constrained by Discounts The fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) segment has grown by about 6 per cent during 2004-05 thanks to consumer spending spree. Sadly, it has had little impact on the performance of the oral and personal care major, Colgate-Palmolive (CP). Toothpastes grew by 14 per cent in volume terms but price cuts announced during 2004 checked net sales growth to a paltry 2.7 per cent to Rs 964 crore (Rs 939 crore). Net profit rose by 17 per cent to Rs 108.1 crore (Rs 92.5 crore) during 2004-05. Under intense competition and tardy value growth, CP