Mar 31, 2023
Your Directors are pleased to present the 42nd Annual Report of the Company together with the Audited Financial Statements (Standalone & Consolidated) for the year ended 31st March, 2023.
1. FINANCIAL RESULTS AND PERFORMANCE: (Rs. In Lakhs) |
||||
Particulars |
Standalone |
Consolidated |
||
2022-2023 |
2021-2022 |
2022-2023 |
2021-2022 |
|
Net Sales / Income from Operations |
22,269.17 |
59,815.11 |
183,084.84 |
127,784.31 |
Less: Total Expenditure |
25,314.58 |
62,075.74 |
172,260.24 |
123,390.80 |
Profit /(Loss) from Operations before Dep., Other Income and Exceptional Items |
(3,045.41) |
(2,260.63) |
10,824.60 |
4,393.51 |
Less: Depreciation |
1,538.35 |
1,952.03 |
7,256.36 |
5,812.84 |
Profit /(Loss) from Operations before Other Income and Exceptional Items |
(4,583.76) |
(4,212.66) |
3568.24 |
(1,419.32) |
Add: Other Income |
4,001.41 |
2,647.24 |
8,612.37 |
9,559.76 |
Profit/(Loss) before Exceptional Items, share of net profit of investments accounted for using the equity method and Tax |
(582.35) |
(1,565.42) |
12180.61 |
8,140.45 |
Share of net profit of Joint Ventures & associates accounted for using the equity method |
- |
- |
1,765.61 |
1,638.71 |
Profit/(Loss) before exceptional items |
(582.35) |
(1,565.42) |
13,946.22 |
9,779.16 |
Add: Exceptional Items |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Profit /(Loss) before tax |
(582.35) |
(1,565.42) |
13,946.22 |
9,779.16 |
Tax Expenses |
||||
Current Tax |
- |
- |
2,385.53 |
1,361.87 |
Earlier Year''s Tax |
118.77 |
- |
578.02 |
91.53 |
Deferred Tax |
- |
- |
9.32 |
(327.48) |
Profit/(Loss) after tax |
(701.12) |
- |
10,973.35 |
8,653.24 |
Profit attributable to non-controlling interest |
- |
- |
(727.29) |
1.50 |
Profit/(Loss) for the year |
(701.12) |
(1,565.42) |
10,973.35 |
8,653.24 |
a) Performance of the company & Future Outlook:
At Standalone level, the Income from Operations and other income stood at Rs. 26,271 lakhs and that the total expenses stood at Rs. 26,853 Lakhs which resulted into loss of Rs. 701.12 Lakhs During the Financial Year, the Company''s operating and development expenses exceeded its revenues which led to negaive bottomline. However, the Company is actualy working towards augmenting its revenues.
At Consolidated level, the Income from Operations and other income stood at Rs. 1,91,697 Lakhs as against Rs.1,37,344 Lakhs for the previous financial year ended 31st March, 2022 and that total expenses stood at Rs. 1,79,517 Lakhs which resulted into Net profit. As compared to the previous financial year, on a consolidated basis, the Company''s total revenue in FY 2022-23 increased by 40 %, whereas the Profit After Tax for FY 2022-23 was Rs. 10,973 Lakhs versus a profit Rs. 8,653 Lakhs in the previous financial year. The net increase in profit after tax is approximately 27%. All business segments of the company have largely performed well resulting in higher revenues and profits for the company on a consolidated basis.
The outlook for FY 2023-24 is set to be positive on account of two more Bauxite mines becoming operational in Guinea from the second half of the financial year, which would enable the company to export higher volumes.
The Company shall continue its constant endeavour to move up the value chain by introducing a new line of animal feed products which are value-added from quality Bentonite. Furthermore, the Company''s Kaolin products are consolidating its position in the overseas market making up for the supply that has been lost because of the turmoil in Ukraine.
2. SIGNIFICANT EVENTS DURING THE FY 2022-23 AND TILL THE DATE OF REPORT:
A) Allotment of Warrants to Mr Manan Shah & M/S Ashapura Industrial Finance Limited:
The Company has issued & allotted 40,40,000 Convertible Warrants @ Rs. 95.96 per Warrant, Convertible into Equity Shares of Rs. 2 each to Mr Manan Shah & M/s Ashapura Industrial Finance Limited on 14th February, 2023. Consequently, the corporate action was executed and the warrants were credited to the allottees on 9th March, 2023. The said warrants were issued with an option to convert it to equity.
Brief Particulars of the issue are given below:
Name of Security |
Convertible Warrants |
Date of Issue and Allotment |
14th February 2023 |
Number of warrants |
40,40,000 |
Method of allotment |
Preferential Issue |
Name of Allottees |
1. Mr Manan Shah 2. M/S Ashapura Industrial Finance Limited |
Issue Price |
Rs. 95.96 (Rupees Ninety Five Ninety Six Paisa) per warrant |
Maturity Date |
Any time after the date of allotment but on or before the expiry of 18 (eighteen) months |
Amount raised |
25% of the consideration has been collected upfront from the holders of the warrants |
Terms and conditions |
⢠Subject to lock- in as per SEBI Regulations. ⢠Warrants shall not be sold, transferred, hypothecated or encumbered in any manner during the period of lock-in provided under SEBI (ICDR). ⢠Warrants shall be issued only in dematerialized form. ⢠In case Warrant Holder do not exercise Warrants within the Warrant Exercise Period, the Warrants shall lapse and the amount paid shall stand forfeited by the Company ⢠The Warrants by itself until converted into Equity Shares, do not give to the Warrant Holder any special voting rights in the Company in respect of such Warrants. |
B) Increase in the limits for extending loans, making investments and providing guarantees or security under section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013:
The Company, in order to support & supplement ongoing and/or future financial and operational commitments/requirements / exigencies of the Company and/or its subsidiaries/step down subsidiaries/associate companies/group companies, has been making investments in, giving loans and guarantees to and providing securities in connection with loans to various persons and bodies corporate (including its subsidiary) from time to time, in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Act.
Section 186 (2) of the Companies Act 2013 provides that where the giving of any loan or guarantee or providing any security or the acquisition as provided under Section 186(2) of the Act, exceeds the limits specified therein, prior approval of shareholders by means of a Special Resolution is required to be passed at a general meeting. Since the Aggregate amount of the loans and investments so far made, along with the loans, investments and guarantees to be made / provided by the Company in the near future, may exceed the limits prescribed under the provision of section 186 (2) of the Companies Act, 2013, shareholders'' approval were sought to enhance the limit upto Rs. 300 Cr over and above the limit Spcified under section 186 of the companies Act, 2013. Shareholders approved the said resolution on 1st February 2023 and the result of which declared on 2nd February 2023.
C) Sale/transfer of chammotte plant of the company:
After the end of Financial Year 2022-2023, the Company in terms of section 180(1)(a) of the Companies Act, 2013, sought shareholders'' approval by way of postal ballot for sale/transfer of Chammotte Plant of the Company to an Associate Company i.e. Orient Ceratech Limited (formerly known as Orient Abrasives Limited). Shareholders approved the said resolution on 25th May 2023 and the result of which was declared on 26th May, 2023.
Brief Particulars of the transactions are given below:
Particulars |
Remarks |
Name of the related party |
Orient Ceratech Limited |
Name of the Director or Key Managerial Personnel who is related, if any |
Shri Chetan Shah & Smt. Himani Shah and Shri Hemul Shah, being common Director |
Nature of relationship |
Associate Company |
Nature, material terms, monetary value and the above transaction for purchase of land and particulars of the contract or arrangement |
Transaction Amount: - Rs. 21 Crores Other material terms as mutually decided and agreed by the parties. |
3. DIVIDEND:
The Board of Directors does not recommend any Dividend for the Financial Year 2022-23 considering the losses during the year.
The Company has its Dividend Distribution Policy which has been approved by the Board of Directors. The said policy is uploaded on the website of the Company at https://www.ashapura.com/investor-corner.php.
4. TRANSFER TO RESERVES:
During the financial year under review, no amount has been transferred to the General Reserve.
5. IEPF:
Pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, read with Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund) Rules, 2016, as amended from time to time, Dividends that are unpaid/unclaimed for a period of seven years are required to be transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund administered by the Central Government. Your Company has initiated the process of transferring the balance lying with the unpaid/unclaimed dividend accounts, in accordance with the above provisions.
6. SHARE CAPITAL:
The paid-up Equity Share Capital as on 31sl March, 2023 was Rs. 1,829.72 lakhs.
Further, the Company did not grant stock options or sweat equity shares to employees. The details of the shareholding of the Directors as on 31st March, 2023 are as mentioned below:
Name |
No. of Shares |
% of Holdings |
Shri Chetan N. Shah |
13,593,814 |
14.85 |
Smt. Himani Shah |
142,980 |
0.1563 |
Shri Harish Motiwalla |
500 |
0.0005 |
Shri Hemul Shah |
1007 |
0.0011 |
7. DEPOSITS:
Your Company has not accepted any amount as deposits within the meaning of provisions of "Chapter V - Acceptance of Deposits by Companies" of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Acceptance of Deposits) Rules, 2014.
8. DIRECTORS & KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL:
The composition of the Board of Directors of the Company as on 31st March 2023 is as below.
Sr. No. |
Name of Director |
Designation |
DIN |
1 |
Shri Chetan Shah |
Executive Chairman |
00018960 |
2 |
Shri Hemul Shah |
Executive Director & CEO |
00058558 |
3 |
Smt. Himani Shah |
Non-Executive Director |
02467277 |
4 |
Shri Harish Motiwalla |
Non-Executive, Independent Director |
00029835 |
5 |
Shri Abhilash Munsif |
Non-Executive, Independent Director |
02773542 |
6 |
Shri Pundarik Sanyal |
Non-Executive, Independent Director |
01773295 |
7 |
Smt. Neeta Shah |
Non-Executive, Independent Director |
07134947 |
a) Retirement by Rotation:
In accordance with the provisions of Section 152 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Articles of Association of your Company, Mr. Chetan Shah (DIN-00018960), retires by rotation at the ensuing Annual General Meeting and being eligible has offered himself for re-appointment.
The details as required under the provisions of the Companies Act and Listing Regulations are provided in the Notice convening the ensuing Annual General Meeting wherever required.
b) Declaration by Independent Directors:
⢠The Company has received declarations from all the Independent Directors of the Company confirming that they meet the criteria of independence as prescribed under the provisions of section 149(6) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with schedules & rules issued thereunder as well as regulation 16 of the Listing Regulations (including any statutory modification(s) or re-enactment(s) thereof for the time being in force). The same shall be available for inspection upon request by Shareholders.
⢠The Independent Directors have complied with the Code for Independent Directors prescribed in Schedule IV to the Act.
c) Re-appointment of Shri Hemul Shah, as an Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer:
The Board of Directors at its meeting held on 10th August 2022, on the recommendation of Nomination and Remuneration Committee, appointed Shri Hemul Shah (00058558) as an Executive Director and CEO w.e.f. 16th February, 2023. His tenure ends on 15th February 2024 according to the agreed terms.
The Nomination & Remuneration Committee has recommended his re-appointment considering his long association with the Company; varied experience in planning, execution abilities and strategic intelligence. Accordingly, the Board of Directors at its meeting held on 10th August, 2023, proposed that he should be re-appointed as an Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company for a further period of one year.
A Special resolution seeking approval of the shareholders for his re-appointment as an Executive Director and CEO of the Company forms part of the Notice convening 42nd Annual General Meeting. The relevant details of Shri Hemul Shah as required pursuant to the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Listing Regulations are furnished in the Notice of the 42st Annual General Meeting.
d) Board''s opinion regarding Integrity, Expertise and Experience (including the proficiency) of the Independent Directors appointed during the year:
The Board is of the opinion that the Independent Directors appointed during the year under review are person(s) of integrity and possess core skills/ expertise/competencies (including the proficiency) as identified by the Board of Directors as required in the context of Company''s business(es) and sector(s) for the Company to function effectively.
e) Appointment of Key Managerial Personnel (KMP):
a. From the date of appointment of Shri Chetan Shah as an Executive Chairman w.e.f. 24th October, 2019, he is forthwith considered as a Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) of the Company.
b. From the date of appointment of Shri Hemul Shah as an Executive Director & CEO w.e.f. 16th February, 2020, he is forthwith considered as a KMP of the Company.
c. In accordance with the provisions of Sections 2(51) and 203 of the Companies Act, 2013, Shri Ashish Desai as CFO and Shri Sachin Polke, Company Secretary & President (Corporate Affairs) are recognized as the KMP of the Company.
d. In addition, the following Executives of your Company have been recognized as whole-time Key Managerial Personnel to perform such duties/ functions as may be assigned to them under their prescribed designation and/or generally and specifically assigned to them by the Board of Directors and/or its Committee from time to time:
Shri Sandeep Deshpande - Group Head - Human Resources & Administration
9. DISCLOSURES RELATING TO SUBSIDIARIES, ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURES:
a) Business Performance & overview of principal Subsidiaries & Joint Venture Companies:
Ashapura International Limited (AIL):
The Company''s revenue decreased by 9% from Rs. 55,880 lakhs in FY 2021-22 to Rs.50,832 lakhs in FY 2022-23 however the Profit After Tax increased by 7% from Rs. 3497 lakhs in FY 2021-22 to Rs. 3742 lakhs in FY 2022-23.
Although there was a marginal decrease in the revenue, the Company achieved better profitability & margins on account of a shift towards value added product sales.
Bombay Minerals Limited (BML):
The Company''s revenue in FY 2022-23 was Rs. 11,121 lakhs, 23% higher than the revenue of Rs. 9,046 lakhs in FY 2021-22. The Profit After Tax in FY 2022-23 was Rs. 425 lakhs versus a loss of Rs. 1,003 lakhs in FY 2021-22.
The Company has had some success in tapping alternate sources of raw material which has allowed it to scale up its operations as compared to the previous year.
Ashapura Perfoclay Ltd. (APL):
The Company''s revenue in FY 2022-23 increased by about 5% to Rs. 36,431 Lakhs as compared to the previous financial year, whereas the profit after tax was Rs. 2,904 lakhs i.e. 11% higher than the previous financial year.
The Company continued to maintain its leadership position in the domestic market despite the macro headwinds and the competition from low-cost domestic producers. it posted a healthy 12.6% growth Y-O-Y basis. A lot of initiatives have been undertaken by the Company to develop cost effective and more efficient grades.
Other Overseas Subsidiaries:
The other overseas subsidiaries and joint ventures of the Company on the whole exhibited an increases in revenues. The Company''s step-down subsidiary in Guinea has shown reasonable growth as compared to the pervious year.
b) Companies which have become and ceased to be subsidiary, associate and/or joint venture:
During the year under review, Orient Advanced Material FZE became associate of the Company through indirect acquisition/transfer of shares by the company''s associate company. Further, Ashapura Acticlay SDN BHD (Wos of company''s step down an subsidiary ceased to be Associate Company during the year under review.
As required under Regulations 16(1)(c) and 46 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirement) Regulations, 2015 (Listing Regulations), the Board of Directors have approved the Policy for determining Material Subsidiaries. The details of the Policy are available on the Company''s website at www.ashapura.com/investor-corner.php
10. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 129(3) of the Companies Act, 2013, the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and its subsidiaries & associates, have been prepared in accordance with the Indian Accounting Standards, which forms part of this Annual Report. Further, pursuant to the provisions of the said section, a statement containing salient features of the Financial Statements of the Company''s subsidiaries and associate companies (in Form AOC-1) is given in this Annual Report.
In accordance with Section 136 of the Companies Act, 2013, the Audited Financial Statements including Consolidated Financial Statements, Financial Statements of subsidiaries and all other documents required to be attached to this Report have been uploaded on the website of the Company at www. ashapura.com/investor-corner.php.
11. MATERIAL CHANGES AND COMMITMENTS AFFECTING THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE COMPANY WHICH HAVE OCCURRED BETWEEN 31st MARCH, 2023 AND 10th AUGUST 2023 (DATE OF THE REPORT):
Other than as stated elsewhere in this report, there are no material changes and commitments affecting the financial position of the Company between the end of the current financial year and the date of this report.
12. SIGNIFICANT AND MATERIAL ORDERS BY THE REGULATIONS:
Other than as stated elsewhere in this report, during the year under review, the Company has not received any significant or material order passed by any regulatory authority, court or tribunals which shall affect the going concern status of the Company.
The Board of the Company comprised of seven Directors as on 31st March, 2023. During the year, 5 meetings of the Board of Directors were held. The details of meetings held and attended by each Director are detailed in the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of this Annual Report.
The maximum time gap between two Board meetings was not more than four months.
The composition of committees constituted by Board along with changes, if any, forms part of the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of this Annual report.
15. DIRECTOR''S RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT:
In pursuance of Section 134(5) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the rules made there under, including any enactment or re-enactment thereon, the Directors hereby confirm that:
a. in the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable Indian Accounting Standards had been followed along with proper explanation relating to material departures;
b. the directors had selected such accounting policies and applied them consistently and made judgments and estimates that are reasonable and
prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company at the end of the financial year and of the loss of the Company for that period;
c. the directors had taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of this Act for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
d. the directors had prepared the annual accounts on a going concern basis;
e. the directors had laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the Company and that such internal financial controls are adequate and
were operating effectively;
f. the directors had devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems were adequate and operating effectively.
16. PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES AND RELATED DISCLOSURES:
The information 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, 2014 is set out in "Annexure - A" to this Report.
Further, the statement containing particulars of employees in terms of section 197(12) of the Companies Act, 2013, read with rule 5(2) and 5(3) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, is provided in a separate statement and that forms part of the Annual Report.
Considering the provisions to section 136 of the Companies Act, 2013, the Annual Report, excluding the aforesaid statement required to be given under rule 5(2) and 5(3) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, is being sent to the shareholders of the Company and others entitled thereto. The said statement is available for inspection of members will be available electronically for inspection. Members seeking to inspect such documents can send an email to [email protected].
17. PARTICULARS OF LOANS GIVEN, INVESTMENTS MADE, GUARANTEES GIVEN AND SECURITIES PROVIDED:
Particulars of loans given, investments made, guarantees given and securities provided in accordance with the provisions of Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013, are given in the Notes to Financial Statements (Please refer to Note no. 5 & 6).
18. DISCLOSURES ON POLICIES ADOPTED BY THE COMPANY:a) Nomination & Remuneration Policy:
Pursuant to the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and Listing Regulations, the Board of Directors, based on the recommendations of the Nomination & Remuneration Committee, adopted a Policy for selection and appointment of Directors, Key Managerial Personnel & Senior Management and for determining their remunerations, qualifications, positive attributes and independence of Directors. The policy also ensures that the relationship of remuneration to performance is clear so as to meet appropriate performance benchmark.
The Policy on Nomination & Remuneration is available on the website of the Company viz. www.ashapura.com/investor-corner.php. The details about the Nomination & Remuneration Committee and payment of remuneration to the Directors are provided in the Report on Corporate Governance which forms part of this Annual Report.
b) Performance Evaluation Policy and Annual Performance Evaluation:
The Board of Directors adopted the performance evaluation policy with an objective of evaluating the performance of the each and every Director of the Board, Committees of the Board including the performance of the Board as a whole, which would contribute significantly to performance improvements at all the three levels i.e. the organizational, the board and the individual director level, which in turn would help in increased accountability, better decision making, enhanced communication and more efficient Board operations.
Accordingly, pursuant to the provisions of Companies Act, 2013, Listing Regulations and Performance Evaluation Policy of the Company, the Board of Directors, in consultation with the Nomination & Remuneration Committee and Independent Directors, carried out & analysed the annual performance evaluation of all the Directors, the Board as a whole and its Committees.
The annual performance evaluation was carried out based on detailed questionnaires drafted in accordance with the guidance note issued by SEBI. The performance of the individual Directors was evaluated after seeking inputs from all the Directors other than the one who is being evaluated. The evaluation was based on the criteria such as Director''s knowledge and understanding of their role, Company''s vision and mission, Director''s commitment, qualification, skill and experience, assertiveness in communication, etc.
The performance of the Board was evaluated on the basis of various criteria such as composition of the Board, information flow to the board, matters addressed in the meeting, strategic issues, roles and functions of the Board, relationship with the management, engagement with the Board and external stakeholders and other development areas.
The performance of the Committees was evaluated after seeking the inputs of committee members on the criteria such as understanding the terms of reference, Committee composition, Independence, contributions to Board''s decisions etc.
Further, the performance of Chairman & Executive Director were evaluated on certain additional parameters depending upon their roles and responsibilities such as leadership, relationship with stakeholders, execution of business plans, risk management, development of plans and policies in alignment with the vision and mission of the Company etc.
Similarly, criteria for evaluation of Independent Directors include effective deployment of knowledge and expertise, willingness to devote time and efforts towards his/her role, high ethical standards, adherence to applicable codes and policies, effective participation etc.
The Independent Directors had met separately on 27th March, 2023 and discussed, inter-alia, the performance of the Chairman, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Board as a whole. The Nomination and Remuneration Committee has also carried out evaluation of every Director''s performance.
The Board evaluation report on performance of each individual Director and the Board as a whole was placed before the Board of Directors for appropriate analysis and confirmation. Based on the annual performance evaluation, the Board expressed its satisfaction with the performance evaluation process.
c) Corporate Social Responsibility Policy:
The Company has adopted the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Policy in accordance with the provisions of Section 135 and Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013. The CSR Policy lays down the guiding principles for social welfare programs/projects for the benefit of different segments of the society, especially the deprived, under-privileged and differently abled persons. The Policy is available on the website of the Company viz. www. ashapura.com/investor-corner.php. The Composition of the CSR Committee is given in the Report on Corporate Governance
The company does not satisfy any of the conditions laid down under Section 135(1) of the Companies Act, 2013 during F.Y.2021-22 (being the immediately preceding F.Y), consequently, it was not mandatory for the Company to spend on CSR for F.Y.2022-23. However, at the group level the company has undertaken various CSR initiatives. Further, a detailed report is attached as "Annexure D" to this report.
d) Vigil Mechanism - Whistle Blower Policy:
The Company has vigil mechanism named a Whistle Blower Policy, in compliance with the provisions of Section 177 of the Companies Act, 2013 and Listing Regulations, wherein the employees/directors can report the instances of unethical behaviour, actual or suspected fraud, mismanagement or any violation of the Code of Conduct and/or laws applicable to the Company and seek redressal. This mechanism provides appropriate protection to a genuine Whistle.
The said Policy is available on the website of the Company viz. www.ashapura.com/investorcorner.php. During the year under review, no complaint has been received under the Whistle Blower Policy (Vigil Mechanism).
A well-defined risk-management framework is integral to our business strategy. Company has an independent and dedicated Risk Management Committee to identify, manage and mitigate business risks. The team has a risk Management policy and processes for risk evaluation and measurement, whereas business units focus on developing and implementing mitigation measures, while taking controlled risks. Specific risk approaches are in place for financial and non-financial businesses. Risk management, internal controls and assurance processes are embedded into all activities of the Company.
The board in its meeting held on 12th August 2021 has duly constituted the Risk Management Committee and approved the below-mentioned policy. The above mentioned Policy is available on the website of the Company viz. www.ashapura.com/investorcorner.php
f) Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace:
The Company has zero tolerance for sexual harassment of women at workplace and has adopted a Policy for prevention, prohibition and redressal of sexual harassment at workplace, in terms of provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 and the rules framed thereunder and constituted Internal Complaint Committee (ICC) for safe working environment where all employees treat each other with courtesy, dignity and respect, irrespective of their gender, race, caste, creed, religion, place of origin, sexual orientation, disability, economic status or position in the hierarchy.
The ICC which has been constituted as per the policy in this regard''s, provides a forum to employees to lodge Complaints, if any, therewith for appropriate redressal.
During the year, no complaint was lodged with the ICC nor any such instance was reported and the management is happy to take the same on record. The said Policy is available on the website of the Company viz. www.ashapura.com/investor-corner.php.
g) Related Party Transactions Policy:
Pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and Listing Regulations, the Company has in place the Policy on Related Party Transactions and the same is uploaded on Company''s website at www.ashapura.com/investor-corner.php. This policy deals with the review and approval of related party transactions.
All transactions with related parties are approved by the Audit Committee prior to entering into any kind of transactions. The Audit Committee has after obtaining approval of the Board of Directors, laid down the criteria for granting omnibus approval for transactions which are repetitive in nature and entered in the ordinary course of business and at an arm''s length basis which also forms part of the Policy. The said omnibus approval is granted for one financial year at a time. Moreover to monitor due compliance, all related party transactions are placed before the Audit Committee & the Board on a quarterly basis, specifying the nature, value and terms & conditions of the transactions for their review and confirmation.
During the year under review, all the transactions entered pursuant to the contracts and arrangements with related parties under Section 188 (1) of the Companies Act, 2013 in were on arm''s length basis and in the ordinary course of business. Further, no material Related Party transactions, as per the materiality threshold mentioned in the related party policy of the Company were entered during the year by the company. Accordingly, the disclosure of RPT as required under section 134 (3)(h) of the Company Act, 2013, in form AOC-2 is not applicable.
The Policy on Materiality of Related Party Transactions and dealing with Related Party Transactions was revised in line with the amendment in SEBI (LODR) 2015 and the same is available on the Company''s website.
The details of related party transaction are disclosed in the notes to Financial Statements. (Note No. 37)
19. FAMILIARISATION PROGRAMME FOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
Refer Report on Corporate Governance para on Familiarisation Programme.
The Company has in place an Audit Committee in terms of the requirements of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the rules made thereunder and Regulation 18 of the Listing Regulations. Detailed information pertaining to the Audit Committee including its composition, meeting, etc. has been provided in the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of this Annual Report.
21. AUDITORS AND AUDITORS'' REPORT:A. Statutory Auditors:
M/s. P A R K & Co., Chartered Accountants were appointed as the Statutory Auditors of the Company to hold office till the conclusion of Annual General Meeting to be held in the year 2027. M/s. P A R K & Co., have confirmed their eligibility and qualification required under Section 139, 141 and other applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and rules made thereunder (including any statutory modification(s) or re-enactment(s) thereof for the time being in force).
The Auditors'' Report for the financial year ended 31st March, 2023 on the financial statements (standalone & consolidated) of the Company forms part of this Annual Report.
The Notes to the financial statements referred in the Auditors'' Report are self-explanatory. There are no qualifications or reservations or adverse remarks given by Statutory Auditors of the Company and therefore do not call for any comments under Section 134 of the Act.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013, M/s Priyank Vyas and Associates, Cost Accountants were appointed as the Cost Auditors of the Company to conduct audit of the Company''s Cost Accounting Records in respect of the products of the Company for the financial year 2023-2024 at the remuneration of Rs.1,62,565 per annum plus Goods and Service Tax (GST).
Your Company has received consent from , M/s Priyank Vyas and Associates , to act as the Cost Auditors of your Company for the Financial Year 20232024 along with a certificate confirming their independence. As per the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, a resolution seeking approval of the Shareholders for the remuneration payable to the Cost Auditors forms part of the Notice convening Annual General Meeting.
The Company has maintained the cost accounts and records in accordance with Section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013 and Rules framed thereunder. The Cost Audit Report for the Financial Year 2021-2022 was filed with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs on 07-09-2022.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 9 of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules 2014, your Company had engaged the services of Shri Virendra Bhatt, Company Secretary in Practice to undertake the Secretarial Audit of the Company for the Financial Year ended 31st March, 2023.
The Secretarial Audit Report in Form No.: MR - 3 for the Financial Year ended 31st March, 2023 is annexed with this report as "Annexure - B".
There are no qualifications or reservations or adverse remarks given by Secretarial Auditors of the Company and therefore do not call for any comments under Section 134 of the Act.
22. FRAUDS REPORTED BY AUDITOR
During the year under review, no instance of fraud in the Company was reported by the Auditors.
23. INTERNAL (FINANCIAL) CONTROL SYSTEM & THEIR ADEQUACY:
The Company has an adequate Internal Control System commensurate with the size, scale and nature of its operation. The Audit Committee reviews the adequacy and effectiveness of Internal Control System. The Company continues to improve the present internal control systems by implementation of appropriate policy and processes evaluated based on the recommendation of Internal Auditors.
The Company had appointed M/s. Atul HMV & Associates LLP Chartered Accountants as its Internal Auditors for Financial Year 2022-2023 which carried out the periodic audit as per the Scope of Work approved by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company periodically reviews the Internal Audit Reports submitted by the Internal Auditors. Internal Audit observations and corrective action taken by the Management are presented to the Audit Committee. The status of implementation of the recommendations are reviewed by the Audit Committee on a regular basis and concerns, if any, are reported to the Board. The Company is taking due action to ensure that the Internal Control is strengthened in all the areas of operations.
Besides this, the Company has also implemented ''SAP'' Systems, an advanced IT business solution platform, to achieve standardized operations that ensures seamless data and information flow. This would further ensure ease in working environment & style and shall enable the Company to be in line with the best global practices.
24. COMPLIANCE WITH SECRETARIAL STANDARDS:
The Company has complied with the Secretarial Standards issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India on:
1. Meetings of the Board of Directors
2. General Meetings
3. Reports of the Board of Directors
25. CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND OUTGO:
The particulars relating to conservation of energy, technology absorption, foreign exchange earnings and outgo, as required to be disclosed under the Companies Act, 2013, are provided in "Annexure - C" to this Report.
Further, in accordance with the provisions of Section 92(3) of the Companies Act, 2013, the copy of Annual Return of the Company is available on its website at www.ashapura.com/investor-corner.php
27. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS REPORT:
A report on ''Corporate Governance'' along with the Certificate from M/s. P A R K & Co., Chartered Accountants regarding its compliance and ''Management Discussion and Analysis'' Report as stipulated under Regulation 34 of the Listing Regulations are set out separately which forms part of this Report.
28. BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY REPORT:
The Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report for the year ended 31st March, 2023 as stipulated under Regulation 34 of the SEBI Listing Regulations is set out separately which forms part of this Report.
29. NO APPLICATION MADE OR ANY PROCEEDING PENDING UNDER THE INSOLVENCY AND BANKRUPTCY CODE, 2016 DURING THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW.30. THERE WERE NO ONE-TIME SETTLEMENTS WITH BANKS OR FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS DURING THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW.31. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
Your Directors wish to express their appreciation for the assistance and co-operation received from the financial institutions, banks, employees, investors, customers, members & shareholders and all other business associates for the continuous support given by them to the Company and their confidence in its management during the year under review and look forward for their contributed support in future.
For and on Behalf of the Board of DirectorsSd/- Sd/-CHETAN SHAH HEMUL SHAHEXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CEO (DIN: 00018960) (DIN: 00058558)Place : Mumbai Date : 10th August 2023
E. & O.E. are regretted
Mar 31, 2018
The Directors are pleased to present the Thirty Seventh Annual Report of the Company together with the Audited Financial Statements (Standalone & Consolidated) for the year ended 31st March, 2018.
1. FINANCIAL RESULTS AND PERFORMANCE:
(Rs. In Lakhs)
Ashapura Minechem Ltd. 2017-2018 2016-2017 |
Consolidated 2017-2018 2016 2017 |
|||
Net Sales / Income from Operations |
23,918.84 |
23,573.12 |
79,436.43 |
83,289.84 |
Less: Total Expenditure |
27,872.10 |
28,334.45 |
80,920.07 |
81,407.17 |
Profit /(Loss) from Operations before Dep., Other Income and Exceptional Items |
(3953.26) |
(4761.33) |
(1483.64) |
1,882.67 |
Less: Depreciation |
2,405.89 |
2,435.91 |
3,850.57 |
4,841.45 |
Profit /(Loss) from Operations before Other Income and Exceptional Items |
(6,359.15) |
(7,197.24) |
(5,334.21) |
(2,958.78) |
Add: Other Income |
997.92 |
1295.46 |
738.91 |
1,105.60 |
Profit/(Loss) before Exceptional Items, share of net profit of investments accounted for using the equity method and Tax |
(5,361.23) |
(5,901.78) |
(4,595.29) |
(1,853.18) |
Share of net profit of Joint Ventures & associates accounted for using the equity method |
- |
- |
2788.30 |
1734.53 |
Profit before exceptional items |
(5,361.23) |
(5,901.78) |
(1,806.99) |
(118.65) |
Less: Exceptional Items |
1,512.20 |
- |
1,512.21 |
- |
Profit /(Loss) before tax Tax Expenses |
(6,873.43) |
(3,319.20) |
(118.65) |
|
Current Tax |
- |
- |
1,660.50 |
1,740.00 |
Earlier Year''s Tax |
- |
- |
(78.48) |
(13.06) |
Deferred Tax |
- |
- |
(384.64) |
44.57 |
Profit / (Loss) after tax |
(6,873.43) |
(5,901.78) |
(4,516.58) |
(1,890.16) |
Profit attributable to non-controlling interest |
- |
0.18 |
1.80 |
|
Profit for the year |
(6,873.43) |
(5,901.78) |
(4,516.39) |
(1,888.36) |
The financial year 2017-2018 was encouraging in terms of the Company''s Bentonite and value-added solutions portfolio, however a below par performance in the export of Bauxite during the year under review has affected the revenues and margins of the Company both on standalone and on a consolidated basis. The total revenue (standalone) for the year ended 31st March, 2018 stood at Rs. 24,916.76 Lakhs whereas the net loss after extraordinary items and tax was Rs. 6,873.43 Lakhs.
At consolidated level, the total revenue for year ended 31st March, 2018 stood at Rs. 8,0175.34 Lakhs and the net loss after extraordinary items and tax was Rs. 4,516.39 Lakhs.
During the year, the Company also provided for exceptional items amounting to Rs. 1,512.20 Lakhs which represented unprovided additional liability on account of exchange rate differences on disputed shipping claims; differences and gain on account of fair valuation of long term liability towards settlement of two shipping claims which is against pledge of shares in certain subsidiaries and a joint venture of the Company; and liability upon settlement with a shipping Company.
The Company is in the process of setting up overseas export hubs to regain competitiveness in the global ores market. Furthermore, it continues to petition to the Government of India to abolish export duties on Bauxite which are weighing down on the entire industry''s performance in India.
The Company is also exploring avenues in export of other bulk minerals from the Middle East such as Gypsum which have stable global demand patterns.
2. DIVIDEND:
Considering the net loss for the year and financial position of the Company, your Directors have not recommended any Dividend for the year ended 31st March, 2018.
3. TRANSFER TO RESERVES:
The Company has not proposed to transfer any amount to the General Reserves.
4. DEPOSITS:
Your Company has not accepted any amount as deposits within the meaning of provisions of Chapter V - Acceptance of Deposits by Companies of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Acceptance of Deposits) Rules, 2014.
5. SUBSIDIARIES AND JOINT VENTURES:
I. Business performance and overview of the principal subsidiaries and joint venture companies:
A. Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries
- Ashapura International Limited (AIL)
The Company''s Bentonite business was encouraging during the year and reported increase in its revenue by above 20% and it is expected that there will be increasing trend in bentonite business having reference to increased demand from industries like Foundry IOP (Iron Ore Pellets), Civil & Oil Drilling and Other Segments like specialty products meant for meant for Paper, Paint, Constructions Industries etc. as also considering the development in various sectors such as infrastructure, automobiles, steel industry and increasing demand of specialty products.
- Bombay Minerals Limited (BML)
The year under review was challenging for the Company on account of muted exports of Bauxite ore. High Government levies such as export duties have eroded the competitiveness of Indian Bauxite versus other global suppliers. As a result of which BML''s revenue from operation dropped by approx. 45% and reported a net loss.
The Management continues to petition to the authorities to rationalise levies on Bauxite and is in the process of exploring avenues to cut logistic costs in order to regain competitiveness.
B. Joint Venture
- Ashapura Perfoclay Limited (APL)
During the financial year 2017-2018, despite witnessing the lingering effect of demonetisation and introduction of GST, APL registered a growth of 5% in its revenue which stood at Rs. 28,066.37 Lakhs. In contrast, APL''s profit after tax reduced by approx. 6% to 2,828.84 Lakhs mainly because of increases in key inputs such as sulphuric acid and energy cost. However, APL continues to implement innovative process to cut down the consumption of acid with improving yields and product quality.
APL retains its position by far as the Industry leader in domestic segment; as for the overseas market, APL''s products are exported to more than 50 countries around the world contributing around 47% of total sales. Apart from dominating the premium Bleaching Clay market, APL, is building capabilities to cater to the mid-tier oils such as Palm Oil in in South East Asia, with a special emphasis on Indonesia and Malaysia.
APL''s clay catalyst business registered the strong volume growth of 28% due to the increased orders from domestic refineries and improved sales in South East Asia & Far East and accordingly, remains one of the top 3 globally registered companies to manufacture the clay catalyst for the petrochemical companies worldwide.
APL''s capacity utilisation stands at 82% and with the present demand it is expected to outpace its current manufacturing capacity by F.Y. 2019. Keeping the demand situation in mind APL is further expanding the manufacturing capacity by 50,000 MT per annum for which it is awaiting the clearance from the Government agencies to begin work on the same.
C. International Business
The other overseas subsidiaries and joint ventures of the Company in UAE, Antwerp, Malaysia and Oman exhibited marginal increases in revenues and profits, concomitant to the growth in their respective regions.
II. Companies which has became or ceased to be subsidiary, associates and joint venture:
During the year under review, the following changes were reported:
a. The Company acquired the entire stake of Mineralco International Private Limited, now known as M/s. Ashapura Resources Private Limited thereby defining as its wholly-owned subsidiary.
b. The Company''s step-down subsidiary M/s. Ashapura Holdings (UAE) FZE, United Arab Emirates incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary in Indonesia named PT Ashapura Bentoclay Fareast.
c. The Company in venture with M/s. Dhofar Minerals LLC, Oman incorporated a Company in Oman named M/s. Ashapura Dhofar Resources LLC (Ashapura Dhofar). The Company owned 70% of the share capital of Ashapura Dhofar.
III. Material Subsidiaries:
As required under Regulations 16(1)(c) and 46 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirement) Regulations, 2015 (Listing Regulations), the Board of Directors have approved the Policy for determining Material Subsidiaries. The details of the Policy are available on the Company''s website at: www. ashapura.com/investor-corner.php
6. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 129(3) of the Companies Act, 2013, the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and its subsidiaries & associates, have been prepared in accordance with the Indian Accounting Standards, which forms part of this Annual Report. Further, pursuant to the provisions of the said section, a statement containing salient features of the financial statements of the Company''s subsidiaries and associate companies (in Form AOC - 1) is given in this Annual Report.
In accordance with Section 136 of the Companies Act, 2013, the audited financial statements including consolidated financial statements, financial statements of subsidiaries and all other documents required to be attached to this Report have been uploaded on the website of the Company at www.ashapura.com/investor-corner.php
7. STATUS OF THE PENDING LITIGATIONS:
A. SHIPPING MATTERS:
The Contracts of Affreightment (''COA'') were entered into by the Company with Shipping Companies - viz. [1] Pacific Basin I.H.X. (UK) Ltd. (Pacific Basin) [2] Eitzen Bulk A/S [now known as Ultrabulk A/S] (Ultrabulk) and [3] Armada Singapore Pte Ltd. (Armada), (collectively referred to as ''COAs'')
In pursuance to dispute with regards to termination of COAs, the above said shipping companies, obtained favourable foreign arbitration awards, which was subsequently declared enforceable by the Hon''ble Bombay High Court.
In the matter of Pacific Basin and Ultrabulk, ASQ Connect Limited (ASQ), a Company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales, purchased the enforceable rights to recover the decreed amount by way of assignment deeds. Pursuant to these deed of assignment, ASQ entered into a settlement agreement with the Company wherein it will recover USD 45 million over a period of 25 years on terms and conditions as prescribed in the said settlement agreement.
In the matter of Armada, the said shipping company has filed a decree execution petition in Hon''ble Bombay High Court for recovery of its claims granted by the award dated 16th February, 2010. The Company is suitably dealing with said execution petition and parallely is also trying to suitably negotiate the said claim.
B. FOREX DERIVATIVES
In case of Forex Derivatives Contract, the Company, based on legal opinion obtained, is of the opinion that these contracts are void and are not legally enforceable. It has been further advised by the counsels that the Company can take legal actions for challenging the validity of the said contracts.
The Company has approached the Bankers and has successfully settled the claims amicably with most of the bankers.
Proceedings filed by HDFC Bank Limited and J P Morgan are pending at various stage in the Tribunals and Court of Law.
8. MATERIAL CHANGES AND COMMITMENTS AFFECTING THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE COMPANY WHICH HAVE OCCURRED BETWEEN 31st MARCH, 2018 AND 13th AUGUST, 2018 (DATE OF THE REPORT):
Other than as stated elsewhere in this report, there are no material changes and commitments affecting the financial position of the Company between the end of the current financial year and the date of this report.
9. SIGNIFICANT AND MATERIAL ORDERS BY THE REGULATIONS:
During the year under review, the Company has not received any significant or material order passed by any regulatory authority, court or tribunals which shall affect the going concern status of the Company.
10. MEETINGS OF THE BOARD:
During the year under review, five (5) meetings of the Board of Directors were held. The dates of the meetings are provided in the Report on Corporate Governance which forms a part of this Annual Report.
11. DIRECTOR''S RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT:
In pursuance of Section 134(5) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the rules made there under, including any enactment or re-enactment thereon, (the Companies Act, 2013), the Directors hereby confirm that:
a. in the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable Indian Accounting Standards had been followed along with proper explanation relating to material departures;
b. the directors had selected such accounting policies and applied them consistently and made judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company at the end of the financial year and of the Loss of the Company for that period;
c. the directors had taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of this Act for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
d. the directors had prepared the annual accounts on a going concern basis;
e. the directors had laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the Company and that such internal financial controls are adequate and were operating effectively;
f. the directors had devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems were adequate and operating effectively.
12. DIRECTORS AND KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL:
A. Retire by Rotation:
In accordance with the provisions of Section 152 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Articles of Association of your Company, Shri Rajnikant Pajwani, Whole-time Director & CEO, retires by rotation at the ensuing Annual General Meeting and being eligible has offered himself for re-appointment.
The details as required under the provisions of the Companies Act and Listing Regulations are provided in the Notice convening the ensuing Annual General Meeting.
B. Vacation of office of an Independent Director:
During the year under review, Shri Ashok Kadakia, Independent Director on the Board of Directors of the Company incurred disqualification and as such under the provisions of Section 164(2) read with Section 167 of the Companies Act, 2013, vacated his office as an Independent Director w.e.f 11th October, 2017.
The Board of Directors of the Company at their meeting held on 12th December, 2017 had taken the same on record and necessary formalities as required under the Companies Act, 2013 & Listing Regulations, have been duly complied with.
C. Re-appointment of Shri Rajnikant Pajwani as Whole-time Director & Chief Executive Office of the Company:
Shri Rajnikant Pajwani was re-appointed as the Whole Time Director & Chief Executive Officer of the Company for a period of 1 year w.e.f. 1st October, 2017, on agreed terms & conditions as stated in the original agreement & re-appointment letter, accordingly, Shri Rajnikant Pajwani''s present term of office expires on 30th September, 2018.
However, considering the current state of affairs of the Company and given his exposure & expertise in the field of mining, mineral processing, projects, logistics, resource and business development, the Board of Directors on the recommendation of Nomination and Remuneration Committee, decided to re-appoint Shri Rajnikant Pajwani as a Whole-Time Director & Chief Executive Officer for a further period of 1 year from the expiry of his current term, i.e. 30th September, 2018, on the same terms & conditions that forms part of the original agreement & re-appointment letter, which is subject to the approval of the Members of the Company.
Accordingly, pursuant to provisions of Section 196 of the Companies Act, 2013, resolution seeking approval of the shareholders for his re-appointment as a Whole Time Director & Chief Executive Officer of the Company forms part of Notice convening Annual General Meeting.
D. Re-appointment of Non-Executive, Independent Director:
In terms of the provisions under section 164(2) read with section 167 of the Companies Act, 2013, Shri Ashok Kadakia vacated his office as an Independent Director w.e.f. 11th October, 2017. Subsequently, he informed the Board of Directors of the Company that he had complied with all the relevant formalities including payment of stipulated penalty(ies) and on having approached to National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), his DIN was restored and as such he had expressed his desire to re-join the Board of Directors of the Company.
Considering his submissions and based on the legal opinion solicited by the Company, the Board of Directors, on the recommendation of Nomination and Remuneration Committee, co-opted Shri Ashok Kadakia as an Additional Director (Non-Executive, Independent Director) w.e.f. 13th August, 2018 for a period of 3 (three) years, subject to the approval of Shareholders at the ensuing Annual General Meeting.
Further, Regulation 17(1A) of the Listing Regulations, effective 1st April, 2019, requires companies to obtain approval of shareholders by passing a special resolution for appointment or continuation of any Non-Executive Director who has attained the age of seventy-five (75) years.
The Company has received a declaration from him confirming that he meets the criteria of independence as prescribed under Section 149 (6) of the Companies Act, 2013.
Accordingly, in accordance with the provisions of Sections 149, 152 read with Schedule IV and any other applicable provisions, if any, of the Companies Act, 2013 and provisions of Listing Regulations, resolution seeking approval of the shareholders for his re-appointment as Non-Executive, Independent Director on the Board of Director of the Company forms part of Notice convening Annual General Meeting.
The relevant details of Shri Ashok Kadakia as required pursuant to the provisions of the Act and the Listing Regulations are furnished in the Notice of the ensuing Annual General Meeting.
E. Declaration by Independent Directors:
The Company has received declarations from all the Independent Directors of the Company confirming that they meet the criteria of independence as prescribed under the provisions of section 149(6) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with schedules & rules issued thereunder as well as regulation 16 of the Listing Regulations (including any statutory modification(s) or re-enactment(s) thereof for the time being in force).
F. Appointment of Key Managerial Personnel:
In accordance with the provisions of Sections 2(51) and 203 of the Companies Act, 2013, Shri Rajnikant Pajwani, Whole Time Director & Chief Executive Officer and Shri Sachin Polke, Company Secretary & Vice President are recognized as the Key Managerial Personnel of the Company.
In addition, the following Executives of your Company have been recognized as a whole-time Key Managerial Personnel to perform such duties/ functions as may be assigned to them under their prescribed designation and/or generally and specifically assigned to them by the Board of Directors and/or its Committee from time to time:
1. Smt. Surekha Sathe - Vice President - IT
2. Shri Akhilesh Sinha - Vice President - HR
3. Shri Ashish Desai - Sr. General Manager - Accounts
4. Shri Ajay Phalod - Sr. General Manager - Corporate Finance
(Smt. Harsha Joshi, General Manager - Taxation & Internal Control, retired from the service of the Company w.e.f 31st December, 2017 & Shri Akhilesh Sinha, Vice President - HR has been recognised as KMP by the Board of Directors w.e.f 10th August, 2017).
13. PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES AND RELATED DISCLOSURES:
The information 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, 2014 is set out in "Annexure - A" to this Report.
Further, the statement containing particulars of employees in terms of section 197(12) of the Companies Act, 2013, read with rule 5(2) and 5(3) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, is provided in a separate statement and that forms part of the annual report.
Considering the provisions to section 136 of the Companies Act, 2013, the annual report, excluding the aforesaid statement, is being sent to the shareholders of the company and others entitled thereto. The said statement is available for inspection of members at the Registered Office of the Company during working hours upto the date of the Annual General Meeting and shall be made available to any shareholder on request.
14. PARTICULARS OF LOANS GIVEN, INVESTMENTS MADE, GUARANTEES GIVEN AND SECURITIES PROVIDED:
Particulars of loans given, investments made, guarantees given and securities provided in accordance with the provisions of Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013, are given in the Notes to Financial Statements (Please refer to Note no. 5,6,33).
15. DISCLOSURES ON POLICIES ADOPTED BY THE COMPANY:
A. Nomination & Remuneration Policy:
The Nomination and Remuneration Policy adopted by the Company lays down the framework for selection and appointment of Directors, Key Managerial Personnel & Senior Management and for determining qualifications, positive attributes and independence of a Directors. The policy also elucidates the various components of remuneration to be paid to Directors / Senior Management in order to retain experienced & proficient individuals for achieving the strategic and operational objectives of the Company.
In addition to this, the policy ensure that the relationship of remuneration to performance is clear so as to meet appropriate performance benchmark.
The Policy on Nomination & Remuneration is available on the website of the Company viz. www.ashapura.com. The details about the Nomination & Remuneration Committee and payment of remuneration to the Directors are provided in the Report on Corporate Governance which forms part of this Annual Report.
B. Performance Evaluation Policy and Annual Performance Evaluation:
The performance evaluation policy was adopted by the Board with an objective of evaluating the performance of the each and every Director of the Board, Committees of the Board including the performance of the Board as a whole, which would contribute significantly to performance improvements at three levels: the organizational, the board and individual director level, which in turn would help in increased accountability, better decision making, enhanced communication and more efficient Board operations.
Keeping the said objective in mind, the annual performance evaluation was carried out based on the structured questionnaire which inter-alia contained various attributes and parameters depending on the category of directors, committees of the Board and the Board as a whole.
Evaluation of the Board and its Committees was based on various aspects of their functioning, such as, adequacy of the constitution and composition; matters addressed in the meetings, processes followed at the meeting, Board''s focus, regulatory compliances, etc.
Further, the performance of Chairman & Executive Director were evaluated on certain additional parameters depending upon their roles and responsibilities such as leadership, relationship with stakeholders, execution of business plans, risk Management, development of plans and policies in alignment with the vision and mission of the Company, etc. Similarly, criteria for evaluation of Independent Directors include effective deployment of knowledge and expertise, willingness to devote time and efforts towards his/her role, high ethical standards, adherence to applicable codes and policies, effective participation, etc.
The Independent Directors had met separately on 26th March, 2018 and discussed, inter-alia, the performance of Non-Executive Chairman, Whole-Time Director & Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Board as a whole. The Nomination and Remuneration Committee has also carried out evaluation of every Director''s performance.
A report on performance evaluation of each Individual Director & the Board as a whole was placed before the Board of Directors for appropriate analysis & confirmation. While analysing the performance, the Director whose performance was analysed & evaluated, did not participate in the evaluation process.
Based on the annual performance evaluation, the Board expressed its satisfaction with the performance evaluation process.
C. Corporate Social Responsibility Policy:
The Company has adopted the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Policy in accordance with the provisions of Section 135 and Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013. The CSR Policy lays down the guiding principles for social welfare programs/projects for the benefit of different segments of the society, especially the deprived, underprivileged and differently abled persons. The Policy is available on the website of the Company viz. www.ashapura.com. The Composition of the CSR Committee is given in the Report on Corporate Governance.
During the year under review, your Company taking into account the current state of affairs of the Company including financial performance for the financial year ended 31st March, 2018, that recorded marginal increase in the sales volume with negative bottom line and continued reflection of negative net worth, has not specifically made provision for CSR activities for the Financial Year 2017-2018 as required under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013.
However, the Company at Group Level continues to contribute towards CSR activities and has always focused on its Corporate Social Responsibility obligation and is undertaking various initiatives to touch and improve lives of less fortunate and underprivileged sections of the Society by conducting and contributing towards various social welfare programs like Education, Women Empowerment, Health, Culture & Rural Development, etc.
D. Vigil Mechanism - Whistle Blower Policy:
The Company has adopted a Whistle Blower Policy in compliance with the provisions of Section 177 of the Companies Act, 2013 and Listing Regulations with a view to provide appropriate avenues to its directors and employees for responsible and secure reporting of unethical behaviour and mismanagement, if any .
In accordance with the Policy, the Vigil Mechanism has been established to investigate the complaints / concerns received from directors & employees of unethical behaviour, malpractices, wrongful conduct, fraud and violation of Company''s code of conduct. The said mechanism also provides for strict confidentiality, adequate safeguards against victimization of persons who use such mechanism and makes provision for direct access to the chairperson of the Audit Committee in appropriate cases. No personnel have been denied access to the Audit Committee pertaining to the Whistle Blower Policy.
The said Policy is available on the website of the Company viz. www.ashapura.com. During the year under review, no compliant has been received under the Whistle Blower Policy (Vigil Mechanism).
E. Risk Management Policy:
The Board of Directors of your Company has laid down a Risk Management Policy that identifies elements of risks involved in all the activities of the Company and the same are systematically addressed through mitigating actions on a continuing basis. The policy is reviewed by the Audit Committee on regular basis considering the industry & global risk associated with the business of the Company.
F. Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace:
Pursuant to the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Act, 2013 (''Act'') and Rules made thereunder, the Company has in place Policy on Prevention of Sexual Harassment at workplace and constituted Internal Complaint Committee (ICC) for safe working environment where all employees treat each other with courtesy, dignity and respect, irrespective of their gender, race, caste, creed, religion, place of origin, sexual orientation, disability, economic status or position in the hierarchy.
An ICC has been constituted under the policy which provides a forum to employees to lodge Complaints, if any, therewith for redressal.
During the year, no complaint was lodged with the ICC formed under the policy. The said Policy is available on the website of the Company viz. www.ashapura.com.
G. Related Party Transactions Policy:
Pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Companies Act and Listing Regulations, the Company has in place the Policy on Related Party Transactions and the same is uploaded on Company''s website at www.ashapura.com. This policy deals with the review and approval of related party transactions.
All transactions with related parties are approved by the Audit Committee prior to the entering into of any kind of transactions. The Audit Committee has after obtaining approval of the Board of Directors, laid down the criteria for granting omnibus approval for transactions which are repetitive in nature and entered in the ordinary course of business & at an arm''s length basis which also forms part of the Policy. The said omnibus approval is granted for one financial year at a time. Moreover to monitor due compliance, all related party transactions are placed before the Audit Committee & the Board on a quarterly basis, specifying the nature, value and terms & conditions of the transactions for their review and confirmation.
During the year under review, all the transactions entered pursuant to the contracts and arrangements with related parties under Section 188 (1) of the Companies Act, 2013, were on arm''s length basis and in the ordinary course of business. Further, there were no material related party transactions entered into by the Company during the financial year under review and hence, the disclosure of related party transactions as required under Section 134(3)(h) of the Act in Form AOC-2 is not applicable to your Company.
The details of related party transaction are disclosed in the notes to Financial Statements. (Note No. 37)
16. AUDIT COMMITTEE:
The Company has in place an Audit Committee in terms of the requirements of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the rules made thereunder and Regulation 18 of the Listing Regulations. Detailed information pertaining to the Audit Committee including its composition, meeting, etc. has been provided in the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of this Annual Report.
17. AUDITORS AND AUDITORS'' REPORT
A. Statutory Auditors:
M/s. P A R K & Co., Chartered Accountants were appointed as the Statutory Auditors of the Company to hold office till the conclusion of the 41st Annual General Meeting to be held in the year 2022. M/s. P A R K & Co., have confirmed their eligibility and qualification required under Section 139, 141 and other applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and rules made thereunder (including any statutory modification(s) or re-enactment(s) thereof for the time being in force).
The Auditors'' Report for the financial year ended 31st March, 2018 on the financial statements (standalone & consolidated) of the Company forms part of this Annual Report.
Auditors'' Observations:
In reference to the observation made by Auditors in their Report on page number 50 & 95, the Management, based on the legal opinion obtained by the Company, is of the view that the said claims are continued to be disputed and the Company is pursuing various legal options available to challenge the said arbitration awards.
B. Branch Auditors:
In terms of provisions of Section 139, 143(8) and other applicable provisions, if any, of the Companies Act, 2013 and rules framed thereunder, M/s. Sri Sesha & Ravi, Chartered Accountants, Chennai, appointed as the Branch Auditors, holds their office till the conclusion of the ensuing Annual General Meeting.
Accordingly, the Company has received consent from M/s. Sri Sesha & Ravi, Chartered Accountants, to act as Branch Auditors for carrying out the audit of the books of accounts of the Company''s Branches at Chennai and Kodur and to hold office from the conclusion of this Annual General Meeting till the conclusion of the 41st Annual General Meeting of the Company to be held in the year 2022 and that the resolution seeking approval of the Members forms part of Notice convening Annual General Meeting.
C. Cost Auditors:
Pursuant to Section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013, the Board of Directors propose to appoint M/s. S. K. Rajani & Co., Cost Accountants as the Cost Auditors of the Company to conduct audit of the Company''s Cost Accounting Records in respect of the products of the Company for the financial year 2018-2019 at the remuneration of Rs. 2,25,000/- (Rupees Two Lakhs Twenty Five Thousand only) per annum plus Goods & Service Tax.
Your Company has received consent from M/s. S. K. Rajani & Co., Cost Accountants, to act as the Cost Auditors of your Company for the financial year 2018-2019 along with a certificate confirming their independence. As per the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, a resolution seeking approval of the Members for the remuneration payable to the Cost Auditors forms part of the Notice convening Annual General Meeting.
The Cost Audit Report for the financial year 2016-2017 was filed with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs on 9th September, 2017.
D. Secretarial Auditors:
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 9 of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules 2014, your Company engaged the services of Shri Virendra G. Bhatt, Company Secretary in Practice, Mumbai to undertake the Secretarial Audit of the Company for the financial year ended 31st March, 2018.
The Secretarial Audit Report in Form No. MR - 3 for the Financial Year ended 31st March, 2018 is annexed with this report as "Annexure - B". Secretarial Auditor''s Observations:
Your Directors would like to bring to the notice of the Members that considering the financial condition, the Company has been finding it difficult to induct able and willing candidates who are suitable to hold fiduciary positions including that of the Chief Financial Officer i.e. Key Managerial Personnel as required under the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013.
Considering the current scenario, the management has recognized Shri Ajay Phalod, Sr. General Manager-Corporate Finance and Shri Ashish Desai, Sr. General Manager - Accounts as whole time Key Managerial Personnel to perform such duties/functions as may be generally performed by the Chief Financial Officer.
18. INTERNAL (FINANCIAL) CONTROL SYSTEM & THEIR ADEQUACY:
The Company has in place appropriate Internal (Financial) Control Systems for business processes with regard to its financial & operational reporting, safeguarding of assets of the company, prevention and detection of frauds & errors, accuracy & completeness of accounting records, ensuring of compliance of corporate policies and applicable laws & regulations.
In order to strengthen the Internal (Financial) Control System, the Company has appointed M/s. Atul HMV & Associates LLP, Chartered Accountants as its Internal Auditors for the financial year 2018-2019 to carry out the periodic audit of the functions and activities of the Company as per the scope of work approved by the Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee is entrusted with the responsibility of reviewing & confirming the adequacy and effectiveness of Internal (Financial) Control System whereby significant internal audit observations and management comments thereon are reported on a quarterly basis as also the events of major concerns are reported to the Board of Directors. The Audit Committee further reviews the status report on follow-up of proposed/ recommended actions & their due implementation.
Besides this, the Company has also implemented ''SAP'' Systems, an advanced IT business solution platform, to achieve standardizing operations that ensures seamless data and information flow. This would further ensure ease in working environment & style and shall enable the Company to be in line with the best Global practices.
19. CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND OUTGO:
The particulars relating to conservation of energy, technology absorption, foreign exchange earnings and outgo, as required to be disclosed under the Companies Act, 2013, are provided in "Annexure - C" to this Report.
20. EXTRACT OF ANNUAL RETURN
The Extract of Annual Return of the Company in Form MGT-9 as provided under Section 92(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 is annexed herewith as "Annexure - D" to this Report.
21. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS REPORT:
A report on ''Corporate Governance'' along with the Certificate from M/s. P A R K & Co., Chartered Accountants regarding its compliance and ''Management Discussion and Analysis'' Report as stipulated under Regulation 34 of Listing Regulations are set out separately which forms part of this Report.
22. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Your Directors wish to express their appreciation for the assistance and co-operation received from the financial institutions, banks, employees, investors, customers, members & shareholders and all other business associates for the continuous support given by them to the Company and their confidence in its management during the year under review and look forward for their contributed support in future.
For and on Behalf of the Board of Directors
Sd/- Sd/-
CHETAN SHAH RAJNIKANT PAJAWANI
CHAIRMAN (NON-EXECUTIVE) WHOLE-TIME DIRECTOR & CEO
(DIN: 00018960) (DIN: 00086007)
Place : Mumbai
Date : 13th August, 2018
Mar 31, 2015
The Directors present the Thirty Fourth Annual Report of the Company
together with the Annual Statements of Accounts (Standalone &
Consolidated) for the year ended 31st March, 2015.
FINANCIAL RESULTS AND PERFORMANCE:
Ashapura Minechem Ltd.
(in Lacs)
2014-2015 2013-2014
Net Sales / Income from Operations 74,923.51 66,363.60
Less: Total Expenditure 63,541.31 57,070.13
Profit/(Loss) from Operations before
Dep., Other Income and Exceptional Items 11,382.20 9,293.47
Less: Depreciation 1,588.02 1,116.44
Profit/(Loss) from Operations before
Other Income and Exceptional Items 9,794.18 8,177.03
Add: Other Income 945.18 830.77
Profit/(Loss) before Exceptional and
Extra-ordinary Items and Tax 10,739.36 9,007.80
Exceptional Items (23,133.08) 5,118.88
Extra-ordinary Items
Profit/(Loss) before Tax (12,393.72) 14,126.68
Tax Expenses
Current Tax Earlier Year's Tax
Deferred - -
Net Profit / (Loss) (12,393.72) 14,126.68
Minority Interest
Share of Profit/(Loss) in Associate
Company - -
Net Profit / (Loss) of the Group (12,393.72) 14,126.68
Consolidated
(in Lacs)
2014-2015 2013-2014
Net Sales/Income from operations 1,75,284.66 1,08,322.07
Less:Total Expences 1,50,322.64 93,366.10
Profit/(Lose) from operations before 24,962.02 14,955.97
Dep.,Other Income and Exceptional Items
Less: Depreciation 3,485.46 2,568.09
other Income and Exceptional Item 21,476.56 12,387.88
Add:Other Income 714.50 566.02
Profit/9Loss) before exceptional and 22,191.06 12,953.90
Extra Ordinary item ans Tax
Exceptional Item (23,133.08) 5,453.14
Extra Ordinary Items - -
Profit/(Loss) before tax (942.01) 18,407.04
Tax Expences
Current Tax 2,938.70 924.15
Earlier Yeaars tax (1.07) (85.38)
Deferred (29.48) 150.86
Net Profit/(Loss) (3,909.12) 17,417.41
Monitery Intrest (0.20) (1.00)
Share of Profit/(Loss) in Associate
Company 262.30 4.71
Net Profit/ (Loss) of The Group (3,647.01) 17,421.12
In the financial year 2014-2015, your Company was able to continue the
sale of Bauxite from Gujarat based on the ad-interim relief granted to
certain mine owners by the Hon. Supreme Court. The sale of Bauxite
allowed the Company to increase its revenue from operations to 7 74,924
Lacs on a standalone basis by about 13% higher as compared to the
previous financial year; similarly, the consolidated revenues from
operations increased by around 61%. Your company's Profit After Tax
(before extraordinary items) rose to 710,739 Lacs on a Stand-alone
basis and to 7 22,191 Lacs (before extraordinary items) on a
consolidated basis.
Export revenues from Bentonite segment were relatively encouraging
whereas those in the domestic sector were steady despite a challenging
environment in the auto-ancillary and foundry industries. Sales in the
white clay and other mineral segments were buoyant particularly in the
domestic market.
Your Company and its Subsidiaries continue to be preferred global
suppliers of mineral solutions. The Company's versatile portfolio
comprises of more than 25 minerals and 120 value added mineral
solutions such as Bleaching Clay, Ceramic Proppants, Clay Catalysts are
used in several applications like manufacturing of aluminium metal,
cement, iron ore pellatization, foundries, oil well drilling, paper,
paints, edible oil purification, castables and hydraulic fracturing,
etc.
Products such as Mullite & Chamotte which were inducted in the
Company's value added mineral solutions portfolio last year have
received an encouraging response in the markets and the Company is set
to launch its pioneering Ceramic Proppants this year which are
supported by years of research and resource development.
DIVIDEND:
Considering the state of affairs of the Company, your Directors have
not recommended any Dividend for the financial year 2014-2015.
DEPOSITS:
During the year under review, your Company did not accept any deposits
within the meaning of provisions of Chapter V Â Acceptance of Deposits
by Companies of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies
(Acceptance of Deposits) Rules, 2014.
SUBSIDIARIES AND JOINT VENTURES:
The principal Subsidiaries and Joint Ventures of the Company showed
promising growth.
Ashapura International Ltd. which principally caters to the export of
Bauxite and Bentonite showed substantial increase of 45% in revenues
53% in its after tax profits on account of a spurt in export sales.
Bombay Minerals Ltd. which sells bauxite and its value added derivative
calcined bauxite had a 4 times revenue and profit multiple as compared
to the previous year on account of the continuing supply of Bauxite and
High Grade Bauxite on account of the ad-interim order of the Supreme
Court. Bombay Minerals Ltd. had acquired 18% stake in Orient Abrasives
Ltd. ('OAL') in November 2013; on July 15, 2015, Bombay Minerals Ltd.
('BML') acquired an additional 20% stake in OAL, thereby increasing its
total stake to about 38% in the Company and become its single largest
shareholder. Furthermore, since OAL is a Company listed on BSE and on
NSE; BML as the new promoter of OAL is in the process of completing an
open offer to the shareholders of OAL as per the prevalent SEBI
guidelines.
Ashapura Perfoclay Ltd. (formerly known as Ashapura Volclay Ltd.)
completed its two phase capacity expansion in the financial year,
making the largest single location Bleaching Clay processing complex in
the world. The Company, exhibited a marginal decline of 2% in its
revenues on account of the volatility in the edible oil markets which
consume the Company's premium Bleaching Clay.
The other overseas subsidiaries and joint ventures of the Company in
Belgium, UAE and Oman exhibited modest increases in revenues and
profits.
Pursuant to Section 129(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 5
of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, the statement containing
salient features of the financial statements of the Company's
Subsidiaries', Associates' and Joint Ventures (in Form AOC-1) is
attached to the financial statements. (Refer Page No. 118)
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
In accordance with the Accounting Standard (AS)-21 on Consolidated
Financial Statements read with AS-23 on Accounting for Investments in
Associates and AS-27 on Financial Reporting of Interests in Joint
Ventures, the Audited Consolidated Financial Statement is provided in
the Annual Report.
COMPANY'S REFERENCE TO BOARD FOR INDUSTRIAL AND FINANCIAL
RECONSTRUCTION (BIFR):
Based on the Audited Financial Accounts for the year ended 31st March,
2011, the Board for Industrial & Financial Reconstruction (BIFR) vide
its order dated 20th March, 2012 declared your Company as 'Sick
Company' under Section 3(1)(o) of the Sick Industrial Companies
(Special Provisions) Act, 1985.
Consequently, the BIFR Bench appointed Bank of India as Operating
Agency (OA) with directions to submit Draft Rehabilitation Scheme
(DRS). Based on the various meetings with the Operating Agency and
subsequent revisions, your Company has presented a revised Draft
Rehabilitation Scheme (DRS) and the same is under discussion amongst
various concerned lenders for finalization.
Pending the finalization of DRS, the Company is keen to arrive at an
arrangement with lenders/creditors and accordingly, the Company in
consultation/concurrence with BIFR, has initiated
discussions/negotiations with all financial institutions/banks and have
restructured/settled with majority of the lenders. Similarly,
discussions are also held with other major creditors which are yet to
be concluded.
STATUS OF THE PENDING LITIGATIONS:
1. SHIPPING MATTERS:
The Contracts of Affreightment entered into by the Company with
Shipping Companies - viz. [1] I.H.X. (UK) Ltd. [2] Eitzen Bulk A/s and
[3] Armada Singapore Pte Ltd.
In case of the above shipping companies, the Company is facing
applications for enforcement of ex-parte Foreign Awards passed in
respect of three Contracts of Affreightment in the Bombay High Court
filed for approx. US $ 126.07 million.
Since the award of claims of each of the three shipping companies were
heavily exaggerated, the Company has much prior in time filed an
application for enforcement of award, initiated legal proceedings
against the alleged arbitration award in the Civil Court at
Jam-Khambhaliya, Gujarat on the ground of opposed to the Public Policy
of India. The Application filed by the Company challenging the foreign
awards stands upheld in the Court of Law.
Matters are also pending in Bombay High Court, Gujarat High Court and
Supreme Court apart from District Court at Khambhaliya.
2. FOREX DERIVATIVES:
In case of Forex Derivatives Contracts, the Company has taken legal
opinion that these contracts are void and are not legally enforceable.
It has been further advised by the counsels that the Company can take
legal actions for challenging the validity of the said contracts.
The Company has approached the Bankers and has successfully settled the
claims amicably with most of the bankers.
MATERIAL CHANGES AND COMMITMENTS AFFECTING THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF
THE COMPANY WHICH HAVE OCCURRED BETWEEN 31st MARCH, 2015 AND 5th
AUGUST, 2015 (DATE OF THE REPORT):
During the year under review, there were no material changes and
commitments affecting the financial position of the Company between the
end of the financial year and the date of the report.
SIGNIFICANT AND MATERIAL ORDERS BY THE REGULATIONS:
During the year under review, no significant material orders were
passed by the regulators or courts or tribunals impacting the going
concern status and the Company's operations.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS REPORT:
A report on 'Corporate Governance' along with the Certificate from M/s.
Sanghavi & Co., Chartered Accountants regarding its compliance and
'Management Discussion and Analysis' as stipulated by Clause 49 of the
Listing Agreement are set out separately which forms part of this
Annual Report.
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT:
In pursuance of Section 134(5) of the Companies Act, 2013, the
Directors hereby confirm that:
(a) in the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable
accounting standards had been followed along with proper explanation
relating to material departures;
(b) the directors had selected such accounting policies and applied
them consistently and made judgments and estimates that are reasonable
and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs
of the Company at the end of the financial year and of the Loss of the
Company for that period;
(c) the directors had taken proper and sufficient care for the
maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the
provisions of this Act for safeguarding the assets of the Company and
for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
(d) the directors had prepared the annual accounts on a going concern
basis;
(e) the directors had laid down internal financial controls to be
followed by the Company and that such internal financial controls are
adequate and were operating effectively.
(f) the directors had devised proper systems to ensure compliance with
the provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems were
adequate and operating effectively.
DIRECTORS AND KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL:
Re-structuring of the Board of Directors:
i. The term of office of Late Shri Navnitlal Shah as an Executive
Chairman of the Company was due for renewal at the close of office
hours on 30th September, 2014. Since there was no formal communication
from the Chairman's office expressing his intention to continue as an
Executive Chairman of the Company; also considering his age and health
conditions and in the best interest of the Company, the Board of
Directors, after considering the recommendations of the Nomination and
Remuneration Committee, thought it advisable to relieve him from his
duties as an Executive Chairman of the Company and also thought it fit;
not to renew his agreement for the said position. However, he was to
continue as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of the Company w.e.f.
1st October, 2014.
Further, due to his inability to attend to his office and/or any of the
meetings of the Board of Directors of the Company his office of
Director stood automatically vacated in terms of the provisions of
Section 167(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2013.
Your Board of Directors with deep regret inform you that Late Shri
Navnitlal Shah, Promoter and Ex-Chairman of Ashapura Minechem Limited
expired on 30th June, 2015. The Ashapura family and the Board of
Directors place on record their sincere gratitude & appreciation for
his visionary role and efforts in building the "Ashapura" Group.
ii. The term of office of Shri Chetan Shah as a Managing Director of
the Company was also due for renewal at the close of office hours on
30th September, 2014. The Board of Directors, after taking into
considering the recommendations of Nomination & Remuneration Committee
consented to the request of Shri Chetan Shah for not opting to renew
his agreement for the position of Managing Director. However, it was
noted that he too would continue to remain on the Board of the Company
as a Non-Executive Director.
The Independent Directors having taken on record the vacation of office
of Late Shri Navnitlal Shah from the Directorship of the Company opined
that the Company and its Management would need an experienced and
visionary guide for mentoring and guiding the Group. Considering the
need and the turn of events, it was proposed that Shri Chetan Shah
should occupy the position of 'Chairman - Emeritus' for the Group (i.e.
Non-Executive Chairman) and accordingly he was appointed as Chairman
(Non-Executive) of the Group.
iii. The Board of Directors of the Company at its meeting held on 29th
September, 2014 appointed Shri Rajnikant Pajwani as an Additional
Director w.e.f. 1st October, 2014 and further, on the recommendation of
the Nomination & Remuneration Committee, appointed him as 'Whole Time
Director & Chief Executive Officer' of the Company for a period of 3
years w.e.f. 1st October, 2014 and also approved payment of his
remuneration. The Members of the Company, by passing Ordinary
Resolution by way of a Postal ballot, result of which was declared on
1st December, 2014, approved his appointment as a Director under the
provisions of Section 152 of the Companies Act, 2013 and also his
appointment as a Whole Time Director of the Company for period of 3
years in terms of the provisions of Section 196 of the Act including
the terms & conditions of his appointment including remuneration.
Appointment of a Woman Director:
The Company being declared financially 'SICK' found it very difficult
to induct able and willing candidates to hold fiduciary positions
including that of a woman director. Despite its sincere efforts, the
Company was unable to appoint a woman director within the stipulated
time limit and was penalised for the default. The Company duly
submitted its case for consideration with the Stock Exchanges and paid
the penalty under protest.
After being persistent, the Company manage to persuade Smt. Navita
Gaiha, a prominent lawyer to take up Directorship as an Additional
director (Independent Director) and was co-opted by the Board of
Directors at their meeting held on 5th August, 2015 subject to the
approval of shareholders at the ensuing Annual General Meeting, as
required under the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Clause
49 of the Listing Agreement entered into with the Stock Exchanges.
The relevant details of Smt. Navita Gaiha as required pursuant
provisions of the Companies Act and the Listing Agreement are furnished
in "Annexure - 1" of the Notice of the ensuing Annual General Meeting.
Retire by Rotation:
In accordance with the provisions of the Act and the Articles of
Association of the Company, Shri Chetan Shah, Director of the Company,
retires by rotation at the ensuing Annual General Meeting and being
eligible has offered himself for re-appointment. The relevant details
of Shri Chetan Shah as required pursuant to the provisions of the
Companies Act and the Listing Agreement are furnished in "Annexure - 1"
of the Notice of the ensuing Annual General Meeting.
Declaration by Independent Director:
The Company has received declarations from all the Independent
Directors of the Company confirming that they meet the criteria of
independence as prescribed both under the Companies Act, 2013 and
Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement with the Stock Exchanges.
Appointment of Key Managerial Personnel:
During the year under review, the Company has appointed the following
persons as Key Managerial Personnel of the Company pursuant to Sections
2(51) and 203 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies
(Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014:
1. Shri Rajnikant Pajwani - Whole Time Director & Chief Executive
Officer
2. Shri Sachin Polke - Company Secretary & Vice President
During the year under review, the following Executives are recognized
as a whole-time Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) of the Company to
perform such duties/functions as may be assigned to them under their
prescribed designation and/or generally and specifically assigned to
them by the Board of Directors and/or its Committee from time to time:
1. Shri Vipul Saxena - Vice President  HR
2. Smt. Surekha Sathe - Vice President  IT
3. Shri Ashish Desai - Sr. General Manager  Accounts
4. Shri Ajay Phalod - Sr. General Manager  Corporate Finance
5. Smt. Harsha Joshi - General Manager  Taxation & Internal Control
BOARD EVALUATION:
The Company through its Nomination & Remuneration Committee has devised
Performance Evaluation Policy for performance evaluation of Independent
Directors, Board, Committees and other individual Directors which
include criteria for performance evaluation of the non-executive
directors and executive directors.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Act and Clause 49 of the Listing
Agreement, the Board has carried out an annual evaluation of its own
performance, performance of the Directors as well as the evaluation of
the working of its Committees.
The Board's functioning was evaluated on various aspects, including
inter-alia degree of fulfilment of key responsibilities, Board
structure and composition, establishment and delineation of
responsibilities to various Committees, effectiveness of Board
processes, information and functioning.
Directors were evaluated on aspects such as attendance and contribution
at Board/ Committee Meetings and guidance/ support to the management
outside Board/ Committee Meetings. Areas on which the Committees of the
Board were assessed included degree of fulfilment of key
responsibilities, adequacy of Committee composition and effectiveness
of meetings.
The performance evaluation of the Independent Directors was carried out
by the entire Board, excluding the Director being evaluated. The
performance evaluation of the Whole-time Director and the
Non-Independent Directors were carried out by the Independent Directors
who also reviewed the performance of the Board as a whole. The
Nomination and Remuneration Committee also reviewed the performance of
the Board, its Committees and of the Directors.
NOMINATION & REMUNERATION POLICY:
In accordance with Section 178 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the
Rules issued thereunder and Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement, the
Board of Directors at its meeting held on 13th November, 2014, on the
recommendations of the Nomination & Remuneration Committee, formulated
the Nomination & Remuneration Policy of your Company. The salient
aspects covered in the Nomination & Remuneration Policy, covering the
policy on appointment and remuneration of Directors and other matters
have been outlined in the Corporate Governance Report which forms part
of this Report.
PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES AND RELATED DISCLOSURES:
The information required under Section 197 of the Companies Act, 2013
read with Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial
Personnel) Rules, 2014 in respect of Directors/ employees of your
Company is set out in "Annexure A" to this Report.
MEETINGS OF THE BOARD:
During the year under review, 6 (six) meetings of the Board of
Directors were held. The details of the meetings are provided in the
Report on Corporate Governance (Please refer Page no. 38).
AUDIT COMMITTEE:
The Company has an Audit Committee of the Board of Directors in place.
The terms of reference of the Audit Committee are in line with Section
177 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Companies (Meetings of Board
and its Powers) Rules, 2014 and Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement.
Detailed information pertaining to Audit Committee has been provided in
the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of this Annual
Report.
AUDITORS AND AUDITORS' REPORT:
Statutory Auditors
M/s. Sanghavi & Co., Chartered Accountants were appointed as the
Statutory Auditors of the Company to hold office till the conclusion of
the 36th Annual General Meeting to be held in the year 2017. In terms
of the first proviso to Section 139 of the Companies Act, 2013, the
appointment of Auditors shall be placed at every Annual General Meeting
for ratification. The Company has received confirmation from them to
the effect that if they are reappointed it would be in accordance with
the provisions of Section 141 of the Companies Act, 2013. As required
under Clause 41 of the Listing Agreement, the Auditors have also
confirmed that they hold a valid certificate issued by the Peer Review
Board of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
Accordingly, the appointment of M/s. Sanghavi & Co., Chartered
Accountants, as Statutory Auditors of the Company is placed for
ratification by the Shareholders at the ensuing Annual General Meeting.
Auditors' Observations
The observations made by Auditors in the Annexure to Auditors' Report
are self explanatory and need not require any further clarification.
Branch Auditors
M/s. B. Purushottam & Co., Chartered Accountants, Chennai, the Branch
Auditors appointed pursuant to Section 143(8) of the Companies Act,
2013 hold their office till the conclusion of the ensuing Annual
General Meeting.
In view of the provisions of Section 143(8) read with the provisions of
Section 139 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Rules framed thereunder,
it is proposed to appoint M/s. B. Purushottam & Co., Chartered
Accountants, Chennai as Branch Auditors to conduct the audit of the
Company's branches at Chennai, Kodur and Trivendrum for the financial
year 2015-2016.
Cost Auditors
Pursuant to Section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the
Companies (Cost Records and Audit) Rules, 2014, as amended from time to
time, the Board of Directors has, on recommendation of the Audit
Committee, appointed M/s. S. K. Rajani & Co., Cost Accountants as the
Cost Auditor of the Company to conduct audit of the Company's Cost
Accounting Records in respect of the products of the Company viz.
Bentonite & allied Minerals, Kaolin & Bauxite (CETA CH. 25, 26 & 38)
for the financial year 2015-2016 at the remuneration of Rs. 2,00,000/-
(Rupees Two Lacs only) per annum plus reimbursement of actual travel &
out of pocket expenses. As per the provisions of the Companies Act,
2013, a resolution seeking approval of the Members for the remuneration
payable to the Cost Auditors forms part of the Notice convening Annual
General Meeting.
The Cost Audit Report for the financial year 2013-2014 was filed with
the Ministry of Corporate Affairs on 9th February, 2015.
Secretarial Auditors
Pursuant to provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013 read
with Rule 9 of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of
Managerial Personnel) Rules 2014, your Company engaged the services of
Shri. Virendra G. Bhatt, Company Secretary in Practice, Mumbai to
conduct the Secretarial Audit of the Company for the financial year
ended 31st March, 2015.
The Secretarial Audit Report (in Form MR-3) is attached as "Annexure B"
to this Report.
Secretarial Auditors Observations:
1. Your Directors would like to bring to the notice of the Members
that being declared as a 'Sick Company' by the Board for Industrial &
Financial Reconstruction (BIFR), it is finding difficult to induct able
and willing candidates to hold fiduciary positions including that of
the Woman Director and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) i.e. Key
Managerial Personnel as required under the provisions of the Companies
Act, 2013.
The Board of Directors of the Company at their meeting held on 5th
August, 2015 have co-opted Smt. Navita Gaiha as an Additional Director
(Independent Director), pursuant to provisions of Section 149 of
Companies Act, 2013 and in terms of Cause 49 of the Listing Agreement
for a period of 5 years subject to the approval of Shareholders.
Also, pending the appointment of 'CFO', the Board of Directors have
recognized Shri Ajay Phalod, Sr. General Manager - Corporate Finance
and Shri Ashish Desai, Sr. General Manager - Accounts as a whole time
Key Manegerial Personnel to perform such duties/functions as may be
generally performed by the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
2. As regard filing of 'Form D' pursuant to SEBI (Prohibition of
Insider Trading) Regulation and MGT-10 pursuant to the companies Act,
2013, it was informed by the Promoter that the said shares were
tranfered inter-se Promoter Group and as such no disclosure was made.
However, upon professional advice, the Promoter Group Members recently
filed the disclosure with the relevant authorities & with the Company.
INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEM & THIER ADEQUACY:
The Company has an adequate Internal Control System commensurate with
the size, scale and nature of its operation. The Audit Committee
reviews the adequacy and effectiveness of Internal Control System.
The Company has appointed the Chartered Accountants Firm as its
Internal Auditors which carries out the periodic audit as per the Scope
of Work approved by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee of the
Board of Directors of the Company periodically reviews the Internal
Audit Reports submitted by the Internal Auditors. Internal Audit
observations and corrective action taken by the Management are
presented to the Audit Committee. The status of implementation of the
recommendations are reviewed by the Audit Committee on a regular basis
and concerns, if any, are reported to the Board. The Company is taking
due action to ensure that the Internal Control is strengthened in all
the areas of operations.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:
The Board of Directors at its meeting held on 13th November, 2014
approved the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Policy for your
Company pursuant to the provisions of Section 135 of the Companies Act,
2013 read with the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy)
Rules, 2014, on the recommendations of the Corporate Social
Responsibility Committee. The CSR Policy lays down the guideline
principles for social welfare programs/projects initiated by the
Ashapura Group through its Trusts/Foundation for the benefit of
different segments of the society, specifically the deprived,
underprivileged and differently abled persons. The policy is available
on the website of the Company.
The Company to the best of its ability continues to fund its Corporate
Social Responsibility initiatives and projects; however on account of
its insufficient Net Worth and its continued reference to the Board for
Industrial and Financial Reconstruction, the Company has been unable to
specifically make a provision for Corporate Social Responsibility.
VIGIL MECHANISM- WHISTLE BLOWER POLICY:
Your Company is committed to conducting its business in accordance with
applicable laws, rules and regulations and believes in conducting its
business in a fair and transparent manner by adopting highest standards
of professionalism, honesty, integrity and ethical behaviour.
Accordingly, the Board of Directors have formulated a Whistle Blower
Policy which is in compliance with the provisions of Section 177 of the
Companies Act, 2013 and Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement. The Policy
has been formulated with an objective to build and strengthen a culture
of transparency and trust within the Company and to provide a framework
to its directors and employees for responsible and secure reporting of
improper activities (whistle blowing); and also to provide for adequate
safeguards against victimization of directors/employees, who avail of
the mechanism; and for direct access to the Chairman of the Audit
Committee. More details on the Vigil Mechanism and the Whistle Blower
Policy of your Company have been outlined in the Corporate Governance
Report which forms part of this report.
RISK MANAGMENT POLICY:
The Board of Directors of your Company has laid down a Risk Management
Policy for the Company that identifies elements of risks inherent to
the business and have entrusted on Audit Committee the responsibility
of reviewing the said policy.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
All contracts/arrangements/transactions entered by the Company during
the financial year under review with the Related Parties were in the
ordinary course of business and on an arm's length basis. During the
year, the Company had not entered into any
contract/arrangement/transaction with the Related Parties which could
be considered material in accordance with the Policy of the Company on
Related Party Transactions. In view thereof, the disclosure in Form
AOC-2 is not required to be provided.
The Company places all Related Party Transactions before the Audit
Committee and also before the Board of Directors for approval on
quarterly basis. The omnibus approval was obtained from the Audit
Committee in respect of transactions which are of repetitive in nature
in accordance with the Policy on Related Party Transactions of the
Company. The Audit Committee also reviewed the details of such Related
Party Transactions entered into by the Company pursuant to each of the
omnibus approval given on a quarterly basis.
The Policy on Related Party Transactions as approved by the Board of
Directors of the Company is available on the website of the Company
www.ashapura.com.
Your Directors draw attention of the members to Note no. 40 to the
financial statement which sets out related party disclosures.
PARTICULARS OF LOANS GIVEN, INVESTMENTS MADE, GUARANTEES GIVEN AND
SECURITIES PROVIDED:
Particulars of loans given, investments made, guarantees given and
securities provided in accordance with the provisions of Section 186 of
the Companies Act, 2013 are given in the Notes to Financial Statements
(Please refer to Note no. 39).
CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE
EARNINGS AND OUTGO:
The particulars relating to conservation of energy, technology
absorption, foreign exchange earnings and outgo, as required to be
disclosed under the Act, are provided in "Annexure C" to this Report.
EXTRACT OF ANNUAL RETURN:
The Extract of Annual Return of the Company in Form MGT-9 as provided
under Section 92(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 is annexed herewith as
"Annexure D" to this Report.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
Your Directors wish to express their appreciation for the assistance
and co-operation received from the financial institutions, banks,
employees, investors, customers, Government & Government agencies and
all other business associates for the continuous support given by them
to the Company and their confidence in its management during the year
under review and look forward for their contributed support in future.
For and on Behalf of the Board of Directors
Sd/- Sd/-
CHETAN SHAH RAJNIKANT PAJWANI
CHAIRMAN (NON-EXECUTIVE) WHOLE-TIME DIRECTOR & CEO
Place: Mumbai
Date : 5thAugust, 2015
Mar 31, 2014
Dear Members,
The Directors present the Thirty Third Annual Report of the Company
together with the Annual Statements of Accounts (Standalone &
Consolidated) for the year ended 31st March, 2014.
FINANCIAL RESULTS AND PERFORMANCE:
Ashapura Minechem Ltd.
(Rs. in Lacs)
2013-2014 2012-2013
Net Sales / Income from Operations 66,363.60 47,846.70
Less: Total Expenditure 57,070.13 44,171.48
Profit /(Loss) from Operations before
Dep., Other Income and Exceptional Items 9,293.47 3,675.22
Less: Depreciation 1,116.44 1,145.43
Profit /(Loss) from Operations before
Other Income and Exceptional Items 8,177.03 2,529.79
Add: Other Income 830.77 999.71
Profit/(Loss) before Exceptional and
Extra-ordinary Items and Tax 9,007.80 3,529.51
Exceptional Items 5,118.88 (285.71)
Extra-ordinary Items - -
Profit /(Loss) before Tax 14,126.68 3,243.80
Tax Expenses
Current Tax - -
Earlier Year''s Tax - (4.78)
Deferred - -
Net Profit / (Loss) 14,126.68 3,239.02
Minority Interest - -
Share of Profit/(Loss) in Associate
Company - -
Net Profit / (Loss) of the Group 14,126.68 3,239.02
Consolidated
(Rs. in Lacs)
2013-2014 2012-2013
Net Sales / Income from Operations 1,08,322.07 77,191.85
Less: Total Expenditure 93,366.10 70,364.42
Profit /(Loss) from Operations before
Dep., Other Income and Exceptional Items 14,955.97 6,827.43
Less: Depreciation 2,568.09 2,579.64
Profit /(Loss) from Operations before
Other Income and Exceptional Items 12,387.88 4,247.79
Add: Other Income 566.02 1,437.57
Profit/(Loss) before Exceptional and
Extra-ordinary Items and Tax 12,953.90 5,685.36
Exceptional Items 5,453.14 (725.31)
Extra-ordinary Items - -
Profit /(Loss) before Tax 18,407.04 4,960.05
Tax Expenses
Current Tax 924.15 641.15
Earlier Year''s Tax (85.38) (81.74)
Deferred 150.86 9.38
Net Profit / (Loss) 17,417.41 4,391.26
Minority Interest (1.00) (0.87)
Share of Profit/(Loss) in Associate
Company 4.71 23.94
Net Profit / (Loss) of the Group 17,421.12 4,414.33
During the year under review, the stand-alone sales/income from
operations for the year ended 31st March, 2014 stood at Rs. 66,364 Lacs
as against Rs. 47,847 Lacs in the previous year. The net profit of the
Company stood at Rs. 14,127 Lacs as against Rs. 3,239 Lacs in the
previous year.
In respect of consolidated accounts, the sales/income from operations
stood at Rs. 1,08,322 Lacs as against Rs. 77,192 Lacs in the previous
year and the net profit stood at Rs. 17,421 Lacs for the year ended
31st March, 2014 as against Rs. 4,414 Lacs in the previous year.
DIVIDEND:
Considering the state of affairs of the Company, your Directors have
not recommended any Dividend for the financial year 2013- 2014.
REVIEW OF OPERATIONS:
In the financial year 2013-2014, your Company was able to continue with
the sale of Bauxite from Gujarat based on the ad-interim relief granted
to certain mine owners by the Hon. Supreme Court. The continued sale of
Bauxite allowed the Company to increase its revenue from operations to
Rs. 66,364 Lacs on a stand-alone basis by about 39% higher as compared
to the previous financial year;
similarly, the consolidated revenues from operations increased by
around 40%. Your Company''s profit after tax (before extraordinary
items) rose to Rs. 9,008 Lacs on a standalone basis and to Rs. 11,964
Lacs (before extraordinary items) on a consolidated basis.
Amongst the segments of your Company''s multi-mineral portfolio,
revenues from Bentonite were steady, despite a muted foundry - auto
ancillary growth in the financial year. Revenues from minerals such as
Kaolin, Barites and Attapulgite grew on account of the versatility of
their usage and of their markets.
Your Company along with its subsidiaries continues to be one of the
most integrated players in the ''Industrial Minerals'' business of India.
Its minerals namely Bauxite, Bentonite, Barites, Kaolin, Attapulgite
and value added offerings namely Calcined Bauxite, Bleaching Clay,
Mullite, Chamotte are used in several industries like manufacturing of
aluminium metal, cement, iron ore pellatization, foundries, oil well
drilling, paper, paints, edible oil purification, castables and
hydraulic fracturing, etc.
During the year under review, the Company has inducted new value added
products in its portfolio such as Mullite and Chamotte; these new
offerings are a result of your Company''s persistent efforts at market
and industry diversification, supported by years of research and
resource development. Your Company with an increased thrust towards the
increasing processing capabilities at Bhuj, commissioned a satellite
unit at Hamla, Bhuj for processing Bentonite this year; as a part of
the initiative, your Company also increased its Kaolin processing
capacity in Bhuj with a corresponding temporary stoppage of Kaolin
processing at Kerala.
Your company stays committed to settle and payout reasonable and
like-minded lenders and claimants; over the last few years the Company
has entered into settlements with a substantial part of its secured
lenders and other claimants. While on the other hand the Company
continues to contest the frivolous claims of shipping companies and
certain other claimants at the appropriate legal forums.
During the year under review, AMCOL''s stake in your flagship Company
Ashapura Minechem Ltd. was bought over by Foreign Institutional
Investors.
SUBSIDIARIES AND JOINT VENTURES:
The principal subsidiaries and joint ventures of the Company showed
promising growth.
Ashapura International Ltd. which mainly caters to the Bentonite
business showed a minor reduction of 7% despite a slowdown in the
foundry industry, however there was a substantial increase of about 41%
in its after tax profits due to selective marketing and cost
rationalization.
Bombay Minerals Ltd. which sells Bauxite and its value added derivative
Calcined Bauxite had a 2 times revenue multiple as compared to the
previous year on account of the continuing supply of Bauxite and High
Grade Bauxite on account of the ad-interim order of the Supreme Court.
In November 2013, Bombay Minerals Ltd., took the opportunity to obtain
an 18% stake in Orient Abrasives Ltd., a Company with Bauxite reserves
engaged in a similar line of business having operational synergies with
Bombay Minerals Ltd.
Ashapura Volclay Ltd. (soon to be renamed) is one of the Company''s
tenured joint ventures and a market leader in Bleaching Clay. During
the year under review, the stake of Volclay International Corporation
(Subsidiary Company of AMCOL) in the Company was bought over by CIF AVL
Investment Holdings Ltd. (wholly owned subsidiary of Cistenique
Investment Fund B. V.), a reputed strategic investment and private
equity fund specializing in emerging markets. The Company, during the
year, exhibited a 25% increase in revenues on account of optimal
capacity utilization. The Company has grown from strength to strength;
within 12 years of its inception, Company''s Bleaching Clay Processing
Complex at Ler is today the world''s largest single location Bleaching
Clay manufacturing facility and is the third largest Bleaching Clay
producer globally. By 2015, the Company will have completed a two phase
capacity expansion taking the Company''s capacity to 144,000 tons which
would be six times the original capacity installed at its inception in
2002.
The other overseas subsidiaries and joint ventures of the Company in
Belgium, UAE and Oman exhibited modest increases in revenues and
profits. The Company''s stake in Malaysian Joint Venture Company viz.
Hudson MPA SDN BHD was transferred to its wholly owned subsidiary
situated at United Arab Emirates (UAE).
SUBSIDIARIES:
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 212(8) of the Companies Act,
1956, Ministry of Corporate Affairs vide its General Circular No. 2 & 3
dated 8th February, 2011 and 21st February, 2011, respectively, has
granted general exemption from attaching the balance sheet, statement
of profit and loss and other documents of the subsidiary companies with
the balance sheet of the Company. However, some key information on the
financial details of the subsidiary companies for the financial year
ended 31st March, 2014 is contained in the Annual Report.
The Annual Accounts of these subsidiaries along with the related
information will be made available for inspection at the Company''s
registered office and copies will be provided to the any member of the
Company who may be interested in obtaining the same.
COMPANY''S REFERENCE TO BOARD FOR INDUSTRIAL AND FINANCIAL
RECONSTRUCTION (BIFR):
Based on the Audited Financial Accounts for the year ended 31st March,
2011, the Board for Industrial & Financial Reconstruction (BIFR) vide
its order dated 20th March, 2012 declared your Company as ''Sick
Company'' under Section 3(1)(o) of the Sick Industrial Companies
(Special Provisions) Act, 1985.
Consequently, the BIFR Bench appointed Bank of India as Operating
Agency with directions to submit Draft Rehabilitation Scheme (DRS).
Based on the various meetings with the Operating Agency and subsequent
revisions, your Company has presented a revised Draft Rehabilitation
Scheme (DRS) and the same is under discussion amongst various concerned
lenders for finalization.
CHANGES IN SHARE CAPITAL OF THE COMPANY ON CONVERSION OF WARRANTS INTO
EQUITY SHARES:
Pursuant to the resolution passed by the shareholders of the Company
through Postal Ballot process on 5th December, 2012, the Committee of
Directors had at its meeting held on 26th December, 2012, allotted
40,00,000 equity shares and 40,00,000 convertible warrants of the face
value of Rs. 2/- each to warrant holder viz. Ashapura Industrial
Finance Limited, a Promoter Group Entity for which the Company received
consideration mentioned herein below:
1. 100% for equity shares
2. 25% at the time of allotment of the convertible warrants (balance
consideration to be received as and when the warrant holder exercises
its conversion rights).
During the year under review, the said warrant holder viz. Ashapura
Industrial Finance Limited decided to exercise its conversion rights
and submitted Warrant Exercise Application Form along with the balance
75% consideration. Accordingly, the Committee of Directors at its
meeting held on 25th March, 2014 approved the conversion of 40,00,000
warrants into equity shares and alloted 40,00,000 equity shares of the
face value of Rs. 2/- each to Ashapura Industrial Finance Limited.
As a result of the above allotment, the paid-up equity share capital of
the Company was increased from Rs. 16,59,72,196/- (comprising of
8,29,86,098 equity shares of Rs. 2/- each as on 31st March, 2013) to
Rs. 17,39,72,196/- (comprising of 8,69,86,098 equity shares of Rs. 2/-
each as on 31st March, 2014).
STATUS OF THE PENDING LITIGATIONS:
a) The Contracts of Affreightment entered into by the Company with
Shipping Companies - viz. [1] British Marine PLC [2] I.H.X. (UK) Ltd.
[3] Eitzen Bulk A/s and [4] Armada Singapore Pte Ltd.
The Company has successfully settled the claims with British Marine
Plc. In case of the other shipping companies, the Company is facing
applications for enforcement of ex-parte awards passed in respect of
three Contracts of Affreightment in the Bombay High Court filed by
remaining shipping companies for approx. US $ 126.07 million.
Since the award of claims of each of the three shipping companies were
heavily exaggerated, the Company has much prior in time filed an
application for enforcement of award, initiated legal proceedings
against the alleged arbitration award in the Civil Court at
Jam-Khambhaliya, Gujarat on the ground of opposed to the Public Policy
of India. The Application filed by the Company challenging the foreign
awards stands upheld in the Court of Law.
b) In case of Forex Derivatives Contracts, the Company has taken legal
opinion that these contracts are void and are not legally enforceable.
It has been further advised by the counsels that the Company can take
legal actions for challenging the validity of the said contracts. The
Company has been defending the legal claim made by a few of the
bankers. In light of the recently concluded court cases, the Company
has approached the bankers to settle the claims amicably.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS REPORT:
A report on, ''Corporate Governance'' along with the Certificate from
M/s. Sanghavi & Co., Chartered Accountant regarding its compliance and
''Management Discussion and Analysis'' as stipulated by Clause 49 of the
Listing Agreement are set out separately which forms part of this
Annual Report.
DIRECTORS:
Appointment of Independent Directors:
Shri Ashok Kadakia, Shri Harish Motiwalla and Shri Abhilash Munsif,
Non-Executive Independent Directors of the Company whose period of
office is liable to retirement by rotation, are being appointed as
Independent Directors of the Company, not liable to retire by rotation,
pursuant to the provisions of Section 149 of the Companies Act, 2013,
and shall hold office for a period of 5 (five) consecutive years from
conclusion of the ensuing Annual General Meeting.
The Company has received declarations from all the Independent
Directors of the Company confirming that they meet with the criteria of
independence as prescribed both under Section 149(6) of the Companies
Act, 2013 and under Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement with the Stock
Exchanges.
Retire By Rotation:
In order to comply with the provisions of Companies Act, 2013, Shri
Chetan Shah, Managing Director of the Company, shall retire by rotation
at the ensuing Annual General Meeting and being eligible offers himself
for re-appointment.
Withdrawal of Nomination by Exim Bank:
The nomination of Shri Rajendra Khanna on the Board of the Company was
withdrawn by Export Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank) as on 31st
December, 2013. The Board places on record its appreciation for the
contribution made by him during his tenure as such, with the Company.
Brief details of Directors proposed to be appointed/re-appointed as
required under Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement are provided in the
Notice of Annual General Meeting.
DIRECTORS'' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT:
As required under the provisions of Section 217(2AA) of the Companies
Act, 1956, the Directors hereby confirm:
i) that in the preparation of the Annual Accounts for the year ended
31st March, 2014, the applicable accounting standards have been
followed along with proper explanation relating to material departures,
if any;
ii) that the Directors have selected such accounting policies and
applied them consistently and made judgments and estimates that were
reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state
of affairs of the Company at the end of the financial year ended 31st
March, 2014 and of the Profit for the year under review;
iii) that proper and sufficient care has been taken for the maintenance
of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the
Companies Act, 1956, for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for
preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
iv) that the Annual Accounts for the year ended 31st March, 2014, have
been prepared on a ''going concern'' basis.
STATUTORY INFORMATION:
The information in accordance with the provisions of Section 217 (1)(e)
of the Companies Act, 1956, read with the Companies (Disclosure of
Particulars in the Report of Board of Directors) Rules, 1988, regarding
Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption and Foreign Exchange
Earnings and Outgo is set out in the statement annexed hereto (Annexure
I) and forms part of this Report.
The information in accordance with the provisions of Section 217(2A) of
the Companies Act, 1956, read with the Companies (Particulars of
Employees) Rules, 1975, as amended, is not given, as there are no
employees employed during the year or part thereof as required under
Section 217(2A).
Your Company has not accepted any Fixed Deposits during the year under
review.
LISTING ON STOCK EXCHANGES:
Your Company''s equity shares are listed at the Bombay Stock Exchange
Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited and the annual
listing fees have been paid to each of these Exchanges.
AUDITORS:
M/s. Sanghavi and Co., Chartered Accountants (Registration No.
109099W), who are the Statutory Auditors of the Company, hold their
office till the conclusion of the ensuing Annual General Meeting and
are eligible for re-appointment.
In view of the provisions of Section 139 of the Companies Act, 2013 and
the Rules framed thereunder, it is proposed to appoint M/s. Sanghavi
and Co., as the Statutory Auditors of the Company from the conclusion
of the ensuing Annual General Meeting till the conclusion of the Thirty
Sixth Annual General Meeting to be held in the year 2017, subject to
ratification of their appointment at every Annual General Meeting.
The Company has obtained a written consent and a certificate from them
to the effect that their appointment, if made, would be in accordance
with Section 139(1) of the Companies Act, 2013 and the rules framed
thereunder, as may be applicable. The Company has also received copy of
the Peer Review Certificate as received by the Auditors from the
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
AUDITORS'' OBSERVATION:
* In reference to the observation made by Auditors in their Report for
the Fraud on the Company, the Management states that the Company has
terimnated the said employee from the services and filed a complaint
against him with EOW (Economic Offence Wing) and subsequently a FIR has
been registered.
* Other observations made by Auditors in their Report are
self-explanatory and does not require any further clarifications.
BRANCH AUDITORS:
M/s. B. Purushottam & Co., Chartered Accountants, Chennai, the Branch
Auditors appointed pursuant to Section 228 of the Companies Act, 1956,
hold their office till the conclusion of the ensuing Annual General
Meeting.
In view of the provisions of Section 143(8) read with the provisions of
Section 139 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Rules framed thereunder,
it is proposed to appoint M/s. B. Purushottam & Co., Chartered
Accountants, Chennai as Branch Auditors to conduct the audit of the
Company''s branches at Chennai, Kodur and Trivendrum for the financial
year 2014-2015.
COST AUDITORS:
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 233B of the Companies Act, 1956,
and in terms of circular No. 52/10/CAB-2010 issued by the Ministry of
Corporate Affairs (MCA) dated 30th June, 2011 and with the prior
approval of the Central Government, M/s. S. K. Rajani & Co., Cost
Accountants, were appointed to conduct audit of cost records of
Bauxite, Calcined Bauxite, Bleaching Clay, Bentonite & Allied Minerals
and Kaolin for the year ended 31stMarch, 2014.
In view of the provisions of Section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013 and
rules framed thereunder, M/s. S. K. Rajani & Co., Cost Accountants, is
appointed to conduct audit of cost records of Bauxite, Bentonite &
Allied Minerals and Kaolin for the year ended 31st March, 2015, at such
remuneration which is subject to ratification at the ensuing Annual
General Meeting.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR):
Your Company has always been undertaking CSR activities on significant
scale, through a Trust instituted by the group, upholding the belief
that success comes with responsibility, so we take care to reinvest in
protecting and developing the communities within which we operate.
The vision of Ashapura Group''s CSR activities is to make sustainable
impact on the human development of underprivileged communities through
initiatives in Education, Health and Livelihoods.
Your Company has initiated appropriate steps for complying with the
provisions in relation to Corporate Social Responsibility as required
under the Companies Act, 2013.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
Your Directors wish to express their appreciation for the assistance
and co-operation received from the financial institutions, banks,
employees, investors, customers, Government & Government agencies and
all other business associates for the continuous support given by them
to the Company and their confidence in its management during the year
under review and look forward for their contributed support in future.
For and on Behalf of the Board of Directors
Sd/- Sd/-
Ashok Kadakia Harish Motiwalla
Audit Committee Chairman Director
& Director
Place: Mumbai
Date: 13th August, 2014
Mar 31, 2013
To The Members,
The Directors present the Thirty Second Annual Report of the Company
together with the Annual Statements of Accounts (Standalone &
Consolidated) for the year ended 31st March, 2013.
FINANCIAL RESULTS AND PERFORMANCE:
Ashapura Minechem Ltd. Consolidated
(Rs.in Lacs) (Rs. in Lacs)
2012-2013 2011-2012 2012-2013 2011-2012
Net Sales/
Income from
Operations 42,764.22 65,259 99
Less: Total
Expenditure 44,171.48 42,124.20 70,364.42 63,232.93
Profit/Loss)
from Operations
before
Dep.
Other Income
and Exceptional
Items 3,675.22 640.02 6,827.43 2,027.06
Less: Depreciation (1,145.43) (1,091.23) (2,579.64) 2,791.27
Profit /(Loss)
from Operations
before
Other Income
and Exceptional
Items 2,529.79 (451.21) 4,247.79 (764.21)
Add: Other Income 999.71 1,333.85 1,437.57 1,116.18
Profit/(Loss)
before
Exceptional and
Extra-ordinary
Items and Tax 3,529.51 882.64 5,685.36 351.97
Exceptional Items (285.71) (226.40) (725.31) (3,170.79)
Extra-ordinary Items
Profit/(Loss)
before Tax 3,243.80 656.24 4,960.05 (2,818.82)
Tax Expenses
Current Tax 641.15 549.48
Earlier Year''s Tax (4.78) (4.56) (81.74) (14.40)
Deferred 9.38 16.02
Net Profit / (Loss) 3,239.02 660.81 4,391.26 (3,369.92)
Minority Interest (0.87) (0.63)
Share of Profit/
(Loss) in Associate
Company 23.94 6.16
Net Profit/
(Loss) of the Group 660.81 (3,364.39)
During the year under review, the Stand-alone sales/income from
operations for the year ended 31" March, 2013 stood at X. 47,847 Lacs
as against ^. 42,764 Lacs in the previous year. The net profit of the
Company stood at ^. 3,239 Lacs as against 66 I Lacs in the previous
year.
In respect of Consolidated Accounts, the sales/income from operations
stood at X. 77,192 Lacs as against ^ 65,260 Lacs in the previous year
and the net profit stood at ^. 4,414 Lacs for the year ended 3 Ist
March, 20 I 3 as against the net loss of ^ 3,364 in the previous year.
DIVIDEND
Considering the state of affairs of the Company and in view of the
accumulated losses, your Directors have not recommended any Dividend
for the financial year 2012-2013.
REVIEW OF OPERATIONS:
In the financial year 2012-2013, your Company got the much awaited push
with the ad-interim relief granted by the Hon. Supreme Court, whereby
the Government of Gujarat gave conditional permissions in favour of
certain mine owners to resume bauxite sales. Accordingly, despite
working capital constraints, your Company along with its subsidiaries
resumed the export of bauxite. This much awaited and needed boost
helped the Company to achieve a good top line with steady
profitability. The stand-alone revenue from operations increased by
around 12% and stood at ^. 47,847 Lacs. Similary, the consolidated
revenue from operations increased by around 18%.
Your Company is one of the most integrated player in the ''Industrial
Minerals'' business of India. Moreover, it is persistently working on
diversifying and developing its product portfolio by adding more value
added products from its mine resources. Bauxite which is an important
constituent of the Company''s mineral portfolio is the primary ore for
making aluminium metal. It is also used as an additive in the cement
industry. Calcined Bauxite which is a value added product of bauxite
obtained by calcining (heating) superior grade bauxite at high
temperature; is used mainly in steel industry. Simultaneously, the
Company is exploring new application of calcined bauxite which is used
for road surfacing.
Bentonite which is an another important constituent of the Company''s
mineral portfolio is very versatile in its application; it is used in
several industries like foundry, iron and ore pallets, oil well
drilling, construction, paint, paper etc. During the year under review,
iron ore pellets industry experiencing slow down due to deprived
economic conditions and low demand for steel and steel products.
However, bentonite being used in several industries has diversified
advantages and as such a bright outlook is anticipated in the coming
years.
SUBSIDIARIES AND JOINT VENTURES:
The principal subsidiaries and joint ventures of the Company showed
promising growth. Ashapura International Limited which mainly caters to
the bentonite business showed a 45% increase in revenues attributable
to a buoyant export demand. Bombay Minerals Limited which sells bauxite
and its value added derivative calcined bauxite had a S.S times revenue
multiple as compared to the previous year on account of the ad-interim
order of the Supreme Court for the resumption of issue of royalty
passes for the sale of bauxite.
Ashapura Volclay Limited, one of the Company''s tenured joint ventures
and a market leader in bleaching clay exhibited a modest increase in
revenues despite structural volatilities in the composition of edible
oil consumption in India.
Sohar Ashapura Chemicals LLC, a joint venture company in the Sultante
of Oman setup as a mineral processing hub for bentonite, barites,
calcium carbonate and kaolin, garnered a significant market share in
the region and has generated a modest yet promising profit within its
first year of operations.
M. V Asha Prestige, a shipping vessel owned by Ashapura Maritime FZE
and operated by Asha Prestige Company (both wholly owned step down
subsidiaries of Ashapura Minechem Limited) was sold on account of its
operational and economic unviability caused by the prolonged downturn
in the shipping industry. Consequently, Asha Prestige Company was wound
up.
The other overseas subsidiaries and joint ventures of the Company in
Belgium, UAE and Indonesia exhibited resilience in the scale of
operations despite freight & foreign exchange volatilities.
COMPANY''S REFERENCE TO BOARD FOR INDUSTRIAL AND FINANCIAL
RECONSTRUCTION (BIFR):
Based on the Audited Financial Accounts for the year ended 31st March,
201 I, the Board for Industrial & Financial Reconstruction (BIFR) vide
its order dated 20th March, 2012 declared your Company as ''Sick
Company'' under Section 3(l)(o) of the Sick Industrial Companies
(Special Provisions) Act, 1985.
Consequently, the BIFR Bench appointed Bank of India as Operating
Agency with directions to submit Draft Rehabilitation Scheme (DRS).
Based on the various meetings with the Operating Agency and subsequent
revisions, your Company has presented a revised Draft Rehabilitation
Scheme (DRS) and the same is under discussion amongst various concerned
lenders for finalization.
PREFERENTIAL ALLOTMENT:
Pursuant to the Special Resolution passed by the Shareholders through
postal ballot as on 5,h December, 2012, the duly constituted Committee
of Directors has in its meeting held on 26,h December, 2012, allotted
40,00,000 equity shares and 40,00,000 convertible warrants at a price
of ^. 36.83 per share/warrant to M/s. Ashapura Industrial Finance
Limited, a Promoter Group Entity.
Further, the Company has received X. 184,150,000 upon such allotment of
equity shares and convertible warrants till date and the same were
utilized for the purpose for which they have been raised i.e. for
re-structuring or settlement of loans/liabilities/debts with banks
and/or other creditors.
STATUS OF THE PENDING LITIGATIONS:
a) The Contracts of Affreightment entered into by the Company with
Shipping Companies - viz. [II British Marine PLC [21 I.H.X. (UK) Ltd.
[31 Eitzen Bulk A/s and [41 Armada Singapore Pte Ltd.
The Company has successfully settled the claims with British Marine
Pic. In case of the other shipping companies, the Company is facing
applications for enforcement of ex-parte awards passed in respect of
three Contracts of Affreightment in the Bombay High Court filed by
remaining shipping companies for approx. US $ 126.07 million.
Since the award of claims of each of the three shipping companies were
heavily exaggerated, the Company has much prior in time filled an
application for enforcement of award, initiated legal proceedings
against the alleged arbitration award in the Civil Court at
lam-Khambhaliya, Gujarat on the ground of opposed to the Public Policy
of India. The Application filled by the Company challenging the foreign
awards stands upheld or sustained in the Court of Law.
b) In case of Forex Derivatives Contracts, the Company has taken legal
opinion that these contracts are void and are not legally enforceable.
It has been further advised by the counsels that the Company can take
legal actions for challenging the validity of the said contracts. The
Company has been defending the legal claim made by a few of the
bankers. In light of the recently concluded court cases, the Company
has approached the bankers to settle the claims amicably.
SUBSIDIARIES:
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 212(8) of the Companies Act,
1956, Ministry of Corporate Affairs vide its General Circular No. 2 & 3
dated 8th February, 201 I and 21st February, 201 I, respectively, has
granted general exemption from attaching the balance sheet, statement
of profit and loss and other documents of the subsidiary companies with
the balance sheet of the Company. However, some key information on the
financial details of the subsidiary companies for the financial year
31st March, 2013 is contained in the Annual Report.
The Annual Accounts of these subsidiaries along with the related
information will be made available for inspection at the Company''s
registered office and copies will be provided to the any member of the
Company who may be interested in obtaining the same.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS REPORT:
The Management Discussion and Analysis Report on the operations and the
financial position of the Company have been provided in the separate
section which forms part of this Annual Report.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE:
As per Clause 49 VI of the Listing Agreement entered into with the
Stock Exchanges, a detailed report on Corporate Governance has been
provided in the separate section which forms part of this Annual
Report. The Auditors'' Certificate on compliance with the Corporate
Governance requirements has also been provided in the same.
DIRECTORS:
Appointment of Special Director:
Pursuant to the powers conferred on the Board for Industrial &
Financial Reconstruction under Section 16(4) of the Sick Industrial
Companies (Special Provisions) Act, 1985, Shri Arun Chadha has been
appointed as a Special Director on the Board of the Company with
immediate effect.
Resignation of Director:
Shri Piyush Vora, Director, resigned from the directorship of the
Company on account of his pre-occupation and existing commitments
w.e.f. Ist October, 2012. The Board of Directors places on record its
sincere appreciation for the significant contribution, valuable
assistance and guidance provided by him during his tenure as a Director
of the Company.
Retire by Rotation:
In accordance with the provisions of Section 256 of the Companies Act,
1956, Shri Ashok Kadakia, Director of your Company is due to retire by
rotation and being eligible offers himself for re-appointment. The
brief details of him has been provided in the Corporate Governance
Report under the heading "Board of Directors".
DIRECTORS'' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT:
As required under the provisions of Section 2I7(2AA) of the Companies
Act, 1956, the Directors hereby confirm:
i) that in the preparation of the Annual Accounts for the year ended
31st March, 2013, the applicable accounting standards have been
followed along with proper explanation relating to material departures,
if any;
ii) that the Directors have selected such accounting policies and
applied them consistently and made judgments and estimates that were
reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state
of affairs of the Company at the end of the financial year ended 3 Ist
March, 2013 and of the Profit of the Company for the year under review;
that proper and sufficient care has been taken for the maintenance of
adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the
Companies Act, 1956, for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for
preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
iv) that the Annual Accounts for the year ended 3 Ist March, 2013, have
been prepared on a ''going concern'' basis.
STATUTORY INFORMATION:
The information in accordance with the provisions of Section 217 (l)(e)
of the Companies Act, 1956, read with the Companies (Disclosure of
Particulars in the Report of Board of Directors) Rules, 1988, regarding
Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption and Foreign Exchange
Earnings and Outgo is set out in the statement annexed hereto (Annexure
I) and forms part of this Report,
The information in accordance with the provisions of Section 2I7(2A) of
the Companies Act, 1956, read with the Companies (Particulars of
Employees) Rules, I 975, as amended, is not given, as there are no
employees employed during the year or part thereof as required under
Section 2I7(2A).
Your Company has not accepted any Fixed Deposits during the year under
review. The Company''s equity shares are listed at the Bombay Stock
Exchange Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited and the
annual listing fees have been paid to each of these Exchanges.
AUDITORS:
M/s. Sanghavi and Co., Chartered Accountants (Registration No.
I09099W), the Auditors of the Company hold their office until the
conclusion of the ensuing Annual General Meeting and are recommended
for re-appointment as the Company''s Auditors for the financial year 201
3-2014. The Company has received a letter from them to the effect that
their appointment, if made, would be within the limits prescribed under
Section 224(IB) of the Companies Act, 1956. The Company has also
received a copy of the Peer Review Certificate received by the Auditors
from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
AUDITORS'' OBSERVATION:
a) In case of interest free loan to wholly owned subsidiary, the
Management stated that the said wholly owned subsidiary was
incorporated to set up the alumina Project. However, the said project
is still in the initial stage of being set-up, which impelled the
Parent Company to provide interest free loan.
b) Other observations made by the Auditors in their Report are
self-explanatory and need not require any further clarifications.
BRANCH AUDITORS:
M/s. B. Purushottam & Co., Chartered Accountants, Chennai, the Branch
Auditors appointed pursuant to Section 228 of the Companies Act, I 956,
hold their office till the conclusion of the ensuing Annual General
Meeting and are recommended for re-appointment for Chennai, Kodur and
Trivendrum branch offices of the Company for the financial year
2013-2014. The Company has received letter from them to the effect that
their appointment, if made, would be within the prescribed limits under
Section 224(IB) of the Companies Act, 1956.
COST AUDITORS:
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 23 3B of the Companies Act, 1956,
and in terms of circular No. 52/I0/CAB-20 10 issued by the MCA dated
30th |une, 201 I and with the prior approval of the Central Government,
M/s. S. K. Rajani & Co., Cost Accountants, were appointed to conduct
audit of cost records of bauxite, calcined bauxite, bleaching clay,
bentonite and allied minerals and kaolin for the year ended 31st March,
2013.
The Cost Audit Report of the Company for the financial year ended 31st
March, 2012 was filled on I 5th March, 2013.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
Your Directors would like to express their appreciation for the
assistance and co-operation received from the financial institutions,
banks, employees, investors, clients, other business associates during
the year under review.
We also thank all government agencies for their support during the year
and look forward for their contributed support in future.
For and on Behalf of the Board of Directors
sd/- sd/-
Navnitlal Shah Chetan Shah
Executive Chairman Managing Director
Place : Mumbai
Date : 8th August, 2013
Mar 31, 2012
The Directors submit the Annual Report of the Company together with the
Audited Statements of Accounts (Standalone & Consolidated) for the year
ended 31st March, 2012.
FINANCIAL RESULTS AND PERFORMANCE:
Ashapura Minechem Ltd. Consolidated
(Rs. in Lacs) (Rs. in Lacs)
2011-12 2010-11 2011-12 2010-11
Net Sales / Income
from operations 42,764.22 45,080.32 65,259.99 63,562.06
Less: Total
Expenditure 42,124.20 44,465.76 63,232.93 60,537.76
Profit /(Loss)
from Operations
before
Dep., Interest,
Other Income and
exceptional items 640.02 614.56 2,027.06 3,024.30
Less: Depreciation 1,091.23 1,072.28 2,791.27 2,644.71
Profit /(Loss) from
Operations before
Other Income and
exceptional items (451.21) (457.72) (764.21) 379.59
Add: Other Income 1,333.85 1,090.28 1,116.18 915.35
Profit /(Loss) before
Exceptional and
Extra ordinary
Items and tax 882.64 632.56 351.97 1,294.94
Exceptional Items (226.40) (51,202.88) (3,170.79) (51,202.88)
Extra-ordinary Items _ (214.73) _ (214.73)
Profit/(Loss)
before tax 656.24 (50,785.05) (2,818.82) (50,122.67)
Tax Expenses
Current Tax à à 549.48 622.66
Earlier
Year's Tax (4.56) 151.63 (14.40) 213.36
Deferred à 9,100.00 16.02 9,210.30
Net Profit /
(Loss) 660.81 (60,036.68) (3,369.92) (60,168.99)
Minority Interest à à (0.63) (2.02)
Share of Profit/
(Loss) in
Associate Company à à 6.16 (35.39)
Net Profit / (Loss)
of Group 660.81 (60,036.68) (3,364.39) (60,206.41)
During the year under review the Stand-alone Sales/Income from
Operations for the year ended 31 March, 2012 stood at Rs. 42,764.22
Lacs as against Rs. 45,080.32 Lacs in year ended 31st March, 2011. The
Net Profit of the Company stood at Rs. 660.81 Lacs.
In respect of Consolidated Accounts, the Sales / Income from Operations
stood at Rs. 65,259.99 Lacs & the Net Loss stood at Rs. 3,364.39 Lacs for
the year ended 31 March, 2012 which was mainly attributable to increase
in Cost of Materials which stood at Rs. 13,572.57 Lacs as against Rs.
8,897.90 Lacs for the year ended 31st March, 2011.
DIVIDEND:
In view of losses incurred, your Directors have not recommended any
Dividend for the year 2011-2012.
REVIEW OF OPERATIONS:
The standalone turnover for the year ended 31 March, 2012, stood at
141,881.64 lacs as against 145,198.35 lacs. The turnover for the entire
Ashapura Group stood at Rs. 62,809.67 lacs as against Rs. 61,832.25 lacs
in the previous year.
The Company has a unique a Muti-Mineral business model wherein each of
the Company's Minerals caters to a diverse set of industries. This
diversity of users in turn helps spread the industrial & geographical
risks associated with the business.
The demand for the Company's Minerals was fairly resilient for a better
part of the financial year. Bentonite which is an important constituent
of the Company's Mineral portfolio is very versatile in its
applications; it is used in iron ore pallatization, foundries, oil well
drilling, etc. Value added Bentonite is also used in manufacture of
paper and cosmetics. The Company's Bentonite business exhibited a
fairly healthy growth over last year on a consolidated basis. Bauxite
the other important constituent of the Company's Mineral portfolio is
the primary ore for making Aluminium metal. Bauxite is also used as an
additive in the Cement industry. Despite the benign metal prices for
the second half of the financial year, the prices for Bauxite remained
firm.
Bentonite and Bauxite together account for more than two thirds of the
Company's revenue on a standalone basis.
The Company sources Barytes and Iron Ore in India and exports them to
several countries. Global volatility in both demand and prices coupled
with supply constrains restricted the Company's growth in these
segments.
Mining being a primary industry, there is generally a time lag between
the reflection of an economic acceleration or deceleration on the order
book of the Company.
COMPANY'S REFERENCE TO BOARD FOR INDUSTRIAL & FINANCIAL RECONSTRUCTION
(BIFR):
Your Company based on the Audited Accounts for the year ended 31 March,
2011, decided to make a reference to Board for Industrial & Financial
Reconstruction (BIFR) and as such the same was registered with the BIFR
as Case No. 34/2011.
At BIFR, after several hearings & submissions from the Company & other
parties, your Company was declared a "SICK" Company U/s. 3(l)(o) of the
SICA. Accordingly, the BIFR Bench appointed Bank of India as Operating
Agency with directions to submit Draft Rehabilitation Scheme (DRS). The
Company is now working on a draft DRS to be circulated to the Bankers
for their review & consideration.
SUBSIDIARIES:
a) Bombay Minerals Limited
Bombay Minerals Limited is the wholly-owned subsidiary of your Company.
The said Company reported a turnover of Rs.1, 193.38 lacs during the
year as compared Rs.12,798.39 lacs in the previous year. The reduction
in turnover resulted in net loss of Rs. 51.43 lacs as against net profit
of Rs. 375.26 lacs in the previous year.
b) Ashapura International Limited
Ashapura International Limited, the wholly-owned subsidiary of your
Company, has performed well during the year under review. The turnover
of the said Company doubled during the year under review & stood at Rs.
15,581.16 lacs as against a turnover of Rs. 7,705.96 lacs in the
previous year. However, the expenditure also increased in the same
proportion which resulted in minimal increase in net profit which stood
at Rs. 483.25 lacs as against Rs. 451.91 lacs in the previous year.
c) Ashapura Aluminium Limited
Ashapura Aluminium Limited is the wholly-owned subsidiary of your
Company. The said Company is primarily engaged in creating a platform
for setting up Alumina Refinery in the Kutch District of Gujarat, based
on the in-principle approval received from the Government of Gujarat.
d) Ashapura Claytech Limited
Your Company owns 95.25 percent of the share capital of Ashapura
Claytech Ltd. The turnover of the said Company increased by approx. 42
percent and stood at Rs. 649.24 lacs as against turnover of Rs. 457.15 lacs
in the previous year. The net profit of the said Company stood at Rs.
13.23 lacs as compared to Rs. 42.54 lacs in the previous year.
e) Ashapura Minechem (UAE) FZE
Ashapura Minechem (UAE) FZE is the wholly-owned subsidiary of your
Company established in United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is engaged in the
business of import, export and distribution of industrial minerals and
other related activities. The turnover of the said Company declined by
approx. 52 percent and stood at Rs. 1579.96 lacs (USD 12.15 lacs) as
against turnover of approx. Rs. 1149.80 lacs (USD 25.69 lacs) in the
previous year. The net loss of the said Company stood at approx. Rs.
3,171.72 lacs (USD 66.45 lacs) as the Company provided for impairment
of loss for investment in Joint Venture & advancing of loan to EMO
Ashapura Energy & Mining Limited.
f) Ashapura Holdings (UAE) FZE
The said Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ashapura Minechem
(UAE) FZE and a step down subsidiary of your Company. During the year
under review, there were no earnings in the said Company and the total
expenditure incurred is considered as net loss which stood at approx Rs.
7.97 lacs (USD 16,699).
g) Ashapura Maritime FZE
The said Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ashapura Holdings
(UAE) FZE and a step down subsidiary of your Company. The said Company
is engaged in ship management & operations and has currently leased a
vessel from its 100 percent subsidiary - Asha Prestige Co, a Company
incorporated in Marshall Islands. During the year under review, the
Company earned an income of Rs. 1,295.94 lacs (USD 27.15 lacs). However,
it incurred a net loss of approx. Rs. 2,578.37 lacs (USD 54.02 lacs)
after providing for impairment on carrying value of vessel.
h) PT. Ashapura Resources Indonesia
The said Company is subsidiary of Ashapura Minechem (UAE) FZE and a
step down subsidiary of your Company.
The said Company is incorporated with an object of tapping mining
opportunities in Indonesia especially for minerals like Bauxite, Coal
and Manganese Ore. During the year under review there was no operating
income earned by the said Company and the expenditure incurred was
considered as net loss which stood at approx. Rs. 112.16 lacs (USD 2.35
lacs).
The said Company is in the process of winding-up its operations in
Indonesia and is exploring to look at other possible avenues in this
industry.
JOINT VENTURES AND ASSOCIATES:
i) Ashapura Volclay Limited
Ashapura Volclay Limited is a 50:50 Joint Venture between your Company
& M/s. Volclay International Corporation, USA. The said Company
reported a turnover of Rs. 14,538.79 lacs as against a turnover of Rs.
12,614.08 lacs in the previous year. The net profit stood at Rs. 1,362.93
lacs for the year under review as compared to Rs. 935.86 lacs in the
previous year.
During the year under review the said Company initiated the expansion
process which will make its Bhuj facility the largest in the world for
Acid Activated Bleaching Earth.
j) Ashapura Midgulf NV (previously known as "Ashapura Amcol NV")
Your Company together with its wholly-owned subsidiary - Ashapura
Minechem (UAE) FZE owns 50 percent stake in Ashapura Midgulf NV
(previously known as "Ashapura Amcol NV"), a Company incorporated in
Belgium with an object of developing, trading, manufacturing and
marketing of clay mineral products & such other connected therewith.
During the year under review, the said Company's sales income stood at
Rs. 4,441.35 lacs (Euro 65.39 lacs) and the net profit stood at Rs.
1,855.68 lacs (Euro 27.32 lacs). The said Company's Income Statement
also shows other income which comprised of write-back of loan liability
on settlement reached between the Company & M/s. Amcol Minerals Europe.
k) Ashapura Arcadia Logistics Private Limited
Your Company holds 50 percent of Share Capital in Ashapura Arcadia
Logistics Private Limited. The said Company's total income stood at Rs.
536.93 lacs as compared to income of Rs. 579.03 lacs in the previous
year. The net profit of the said Company stood at t 13.84 lacs as
compared to a net loss of Rs. 55.65 lacs in the previous year.
STATUS OF THE PENDING LITIGATIONS:
a) The Contracts of Affreightment entered into by the Company with
Shipping Companies - viz. [I] British Marine PLC [2] I.H.X. (UK) Ltd
[3] Eitzen Bulk A/s and [4] Armada Singapore Pte Ltd.
The Company has successfully settled the claims with British Marine
Pic. In case of the other shipping companies, the Company is facing
applications for enforcement of ex-parte awards passed in respect of
three Contracts of Affreightment in the Bombay High Court filed by
remaining shipping companies for approx. US $ 126.07 million.
Since the award of claims of each of the three shipping companies were
heavily exaggerated the Company has much prior in time filled an
application for enforcement of award, initiated legal proceedings
against the alleged arbitration award in the Civil Court at
Jam-Khambhaliya, Gujarat on the ground of opposed to the Public Policy
of India.
b) In case of Forex Derivatives Contracts, the Company has taken legal
opinion that these contracts are void and are not legally enforceable.
It has been further advised by the counsels that the Company can take
legal actions for challenging the validity of the said contracts. In
light of the recently concluded court cases, the Company has approached
the Bankers to settle the claims amicably.
c) United States Bankruptcy Court, S.D. New York Granted the Petition
for Recognition of Foreign Proceeding with the admonition that periodic
status conferences shall be held, approximately once every 60 days,
regarding the progress of the SICA Proceeding and without prejudice to
the rights of the Objectors or other affected creditors to show that
the proceedings in India, in actual practice, are prejudicing the
rights of the Objectors and of other unsecured creditors similarly
situated to the Objectors.
SUBSIDIARIES:
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, vide General
Circular No. 2 and 3 dated 8th February, 2011 and 21 February, 2011,
respectively has granted a general exemption from compliance with
provisions of Section 212 of the Companies Act, 1956. Accordingly, the
Annual Report of the Company does not contain the individual financial
statements of its subsidiaries. However, a gist of the financial
details of the Subsidiary Companies is contained in the Annual Report.
The Annual Accounts of the Subsidiary Companies along with the related
information are available for inspection at the Company's Registered
Office and copies shall be provided on request.
EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION SCHEME:
Your Company, as approved by the members at the Extra Ordinary General
Meeting held on 31 May, 2004, had introduced a Stock Option Scheme -
the Employees Stock Option Plan - 2004 ("ESOP 2004") for its employees
and the employees of its subsidiary Companies.
The said 'Employees Stock Option Scheme - 2004' expired on 14 June,
2011 and all the remaining options stand lapsed
The information required to be disclosed in terms of the provisions of
the SEBI (Employee Stock Option Scheme and Employee Stock Purchase
Scheme) Guidelines, 1999, is set out in the Statement annexed hereto
(Annexure II) and forms part of this Report.
As required under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Employee
Stock Option Scheme and Employee Stock Purchase Scheme) Guideline,
1999, the Auditors' Certificate on ESOP is set out in the Statement
annexed hereto (Annexure III) and forms part of this Report.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE:
Pursuant to the Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement entered into with
Stock Exchanges, Report on Corporate Governance alongwith Management
Discussion and Analysis and Auditor's Certificate on compliance with
the Corporate Governance requirements is set out in the Statement
annexed hereto (Annexure IV) and forms part of this Report.
DIRECTORS:
Retire by Rotation:
In accordance with the provisions of Section 256 of the Companies Act,
1956, Shri Piyush Vora and Shri Harish Motiwalla are liable to retire
by rotation and being eligible offer themselves for re-appointment.
The brief details of the said Directors have been provided in Corporate
Governance Report under the heading "Board of Directors".
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT:
As required under the provisions of Section 217(2AA) of the Companies
Act, 1956, the Directors hereby confirm:
i) that in the preparation of the Annual Accounts for the year ended 31
March, 2012, the applicable accounting standards have been followed
along with proper explanation relating to material departures, if any;
ii) that the Directors had selected such accounting policies and
applied them consistently and made judgments and estimates that were
reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state
of affairs of the Company at the end of the financial year ended 31
March, 2012 and of the PROFIT of the Company for the year under review;
iii) that proper and sufficient care has been taken for the maintenance
of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the
Companies Act, 1956, for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for
preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
iv) that the Annual Accounts for the year ended 31 March, 2012, have
been prepared on a 'going concern' basis.
STATUTORY INFORMATION:
The information in accordance with the provisions of Section 217 (I)
(e) of the Companies Act, 1956, read with the Companies (Disclosure of
Particulars in the Report of Board of Directors) Rules, 1988, regarding
Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption and Foreign Exchange
Earnings and Outgo is set out in the Statement annexed hereto (Annexure
I) and forms part of this Report.
In accordance with the provisions of Section 217(2A) of the Companies
Act, 1956, read with the Companies (Particulars of Employees) Rules,
1975, as amended, is not given, as there are no employees employed
during the year or part thereof as required under Section 2I7(2A).
Your Company has not accepted any Fixed Deposits during the year under
review.
The Company's Equity Shares are listed at the Bombay Stock Exchange
Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited and the Annual
Listing Fees have been paid to each of these Exchanges whose addresses
have been mentioned under the heading Shareholder information.
AUDITORS:
M/s. Sanghavi and Co., Chartered Accountants (Registration No.
I09099W), the Auditors of the Company hold their office until the
conclusion of the ensuing Annual General Meeting and are recommended
for re-appointment as the Company's Auditors for the Financial Year
2012-2013. The Company has received a letter from them to the effect
that their appointment, if made, would be within the limits prescribed
under Section 224( IB) of the Companies Act, 1956. The Company has also
received a copy of the Peer Review Certificate received by the Auditors
from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
AUDITORS' OBSERVATION:
With reference to the observations made by the Auditors in their
Report, the Directors hereby state as follows:
a) In case of interest free loan to wholly-owned subsidiary, the
Management stated that the said wholly-owned subsidiary was
incorporated to set up the Alumina Project. However, the said project
is still in the Initial Stage of being set-up, which impelled the
Parent Company to provide interest free loan.
b) Other observations made by the Auditors in their Report are
self-explanatory and need not require any further clarification.
BRANCH AUDITORS:
M/s. B. Purushottam & Co., Chartered Accountants, Chennai, the Branch
Auditors appointed pursuant to Section 228 of the Companies Act, 1956,
for Chennai, Dharur, Hospet, Kodur and Trivendrum Branch Offices of the
Company, hold their offices till the conclusion of the ensuing Annual
General Meeting and are recommended for re-appointment. The Company has
received letters from them to the effect that their appointment, if
made, would be within the prescribed limits under Section 224(1 B) of
the Companies Act, 1956.
COST AUDITORS:
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 233B of the Companies Act, 1956,
and in terms of circular No. 52/10/CAB-2010 issued by the MCA dated
June 3, 2011 and with the prior approval of the Central Government,
M/s. S. K. Rajani & Co., Cost Accountants, were appointed to conduct
audit of cost records of Bauxite, Calcined Bauxite, Bleaching Clay,
Bentonite & Allied Minerals and Kaolin for the year ended 31st March,
2012.
The year under review being first year of Cost Audit, the Cost Audit
Reports would be submitted to the Central Government within the
prescribed time.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
Your Directors takes this opportunity to express their gratitude for
the assistance and co-operation received, especially in such tough
times and difficult circumstances faced by the Company, from employees
at all level, who stood firm with the Company. We would also thank all
our investors, clients, bankers and other business associates for their
continued support and encouragement during the year.
We also thank all government agencies for their support during the year
and look forward for their contributed support in future.
For and on Behalf of the Board of Directors
sd/- sd/-
Navnitlal Shah Chetan shah
Executive Chairman Managing Director
Place : Mumbai
Date : 8th August, 2012
Mar 31, 2011
The Members
The Directors submit the Annual Report of the Company together with the
Audited Statements of Accounts (Standalone & Consolidated) for the year
ended 31 st March, 2011.
FINANCIAL RESULTS AND PERFORMANCE :
Ashapura Minechem Ltd. Consolidated
(Rs. in Lacs) (Rs. in Lacs)
2010-11 2009-10 2010-11 2009-10
Net Sales / Income
from operations 45,203.62 50,306.49 63,675.76 71,403.88
Less: Total
Expenditure 40,461.02 50,155.75 56,100.85 66,222.50
Profit /(Loss) from
Operations before
Dep., Other Income,
Interest and
exceptional items 4,742.60 150.74 7574.91 5,181.38
Less: Depreciation 1,072.28 980.23 2,644.71 2,568.58
Profit /(Loss) from
Operations before
Other Income,
Interest and
exceptional items 3,670.32 (829.49) 4,930.20 2,612.80
Add: Other Income 566.07 266.18 548.24 402.99
Profit /(Loss)
before Interest
and
Exceptional Items 4,236.40 (563.31) 5,478.44 3,015.79
Interest 3,484.02 5,217.38 4,066.59 5,811.90
Profit /(Loss) after
Interest but
before
Exceptional Items 752.38 (5,780.69) 1,411.86 (2,796.11)
Exceptional Items 51,202.88 (6,821.80) 51,202.88 (6,821.80)
Profit/(Loss) from
ordinary activates
before tax (50,450.50) 1,041.11 (49,791.02) 4,025.69
Tax Expenses
Current Tax à à 622.66 1,074.90
Earlier
Year's Tax 151.63 Ã 205.93 124.61
Deferred 9,100.00 237.30 9,210.30 256.73
Profit /(Loss)
from ordinary
activates
after tax (59,702.14) 803.81 (59,829.91) 2,569.45
Prior Period
Items 119.81 (170.50) 124.35 (553.29)
Extra Ordinary
Items 214.73 _ 214.73 _
Net Profit /
(Loss) (60,036.68) 974.31 (60,168.99) 3,122.74
Minority
Interest à à (2.02) (4.19)
Share of
Profit/(Loss)
in Associate
Company à à (35.39) (46.60)
Net Profit /
(Loss) of Group (60,036.68) 974.31 (60,206.41) 3,071.95
During the financial year ended 31 March, 2011, the Profit before
depreciation, other income, interest and exceptional items as reported
by the Company is Rs. 4,742.60 lacs in comparison to Rs.150.74 lacs in
the previous year. The Company on the basis of legal advice taken from
various counsels has written back Foreign Currency Derivatives Loss and
made provision for shipping claims and therefore the bottom line
reflected a Net Loss of Rs. 60,036.68 lacs & Rs.60,206.41 lacs
respectively, in the standalone & consolidated financial results.
DIVIDEND:
In view of losses incurred, your Directors have not recommended any
Dividend for the year 2010-2011.
REVIEW OF OPERATIONS:
The standalone turnover for the year ended 31 March, 2011, declined by
Rs.1.29% and stood at Rs.45,203.62 lacs as against Rs.50,306.49 lacs in
the previous year. The turnover for the entire Ashapura Group stood at
Rs 63,675.76 lacs as against Rs 71,403.88 lacs in the previous year.
Although the Government of Gujarat declared its bauxite policy
permitting the resumption of bauxite exports from the State in November
2010; continuing administrative delays in implementation of the policy
restrained the Company in achieving optimum volumes of bauxite sales.
The management believes that the imminent implementation of the State's
mineral policy will help the Company achieve its potential volumes of
bauxite sales from the State of Gujarat.
The Company is facing three applications for Enforcement of Ex-party
awards in respect of three contracts of Affreightment for US $ 126.07
million. Till March 2010, the company has shown these claims as
contingent liabilities and not acknowledged as debt. Reviewing on the
latest developments on lawsuits faced by the company on these contracts
and certain pronouncements by the court in the matter, the Board of
Director sought an opinion for the independent legal experts and based
on the opinion, the Company has decided " strictly without prejudice
and without admitting the claims of the shipping companies" to make the
provision of Rs. 56,202.20 lacs (US $ 126.07 million) in current year
thereby resulting into negative net worth of the Company and therefore
the Board of the Directors have deiced to make a reference to the Board
of Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (BIFR).
SUBSIDIARIES:
a) Bombay Minerals Limited
Bombay Minerals Ltd is a 100 percent subsidiary of your Company. The
said Company reported a turnover of Rs.2798.40 lacs during the year as
compared to Rs. 5814.10 lacs in the previous year. The net profit for the
year under review stood at Rs.375.26 lacs as compared to Rs.823.66 lacs
in the previous year.
b) Ashapura International Limited
Ashapura International Ltd is a 100 percent subsidiary of your Company,
has performed well during the year under review. The Company reported a
turnover of Rs. 7705.96 lacs as against a turnover of Rs. 5536.77 lacs in
the previous year. Correspondingly, the Company's net profit stood at Rs.
451.91 lacs as against Rs. 295.24 lacs in the previous year.
c) Ashapura Aluminium Limited
Ashapura Aluminium Limited is a 100 percent subsidiary of your Company.
The said Company is primarily engaged in setting up of an Alumina
Refinery in the Kutch District of Gujarat.
d) Ashapura Claytech Limited
Your Company owns 95.25 percent of the share capital of Ashapura
Claytech Ltd. The said Company is in process of exploring new business
activities like mining and marketing of Feldspar, Quartz etc. During
the year under review, the turnover declined by 6.35 percent and stood
at Rs. 458.62 lacs as against to 487.74 lacs in the previous year. The
decline in turnover affected the net profit which stood at Rs. 41.32 lacs
as compared to RS. 88.19 lacs in the previous year showing a decrease of
Rs. 13.43 percent
e) Ashapura Minechem (UAE) FZE
Ashapura Minechem (UAE) FZE is a 100 percent subsidiary of your Company
established in United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is engaged in the
business of import, export and distribution of industrial minerals and
other related activities. The said Company during the year under review
reported a decline in the total turnover from approx. Rs. 6001.64 lacs
(USD 125.19 lacs) to approx. Rs. 1149.63 lacs (USD 25.69 lacs).
Subsequently, the bottom line also declined from profit of approx. X
117.65 lacs (USD 2.45 lacs) to loss of approx. t 252.84 lacs (USD 5.65
lacs).
f) Ashapura Holdings (UAE) FZE
The said Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ashapura Minechem
(UAE) FZE and a step down subsidiary of your Company. During the year
under review, there were no earnings in the sajd Company and the
expenditure incurred is reflected in statement of financial position as
accumulated losses which stood at approx t 34.13 lacs (USD 76,553).
g) Ashapura Maritime FZE
This is a 100 percent subsidiary of Ashapura Holdings (UAE) FZE and a
step down subsidiary of your Company. The said Company is engaged in
ship management & operations and has currently leased a vessel from its
100 percent subsidiary - Asha Prestige Co, a Company incorporated in
Marshall Islands. During the year under review, the Company earned an
income of Rs 2076.85 lacs (USD 46.41 lacs). However, it incurred a net
loss of approx. t 661.85 lacs (USD 14.79 lacs). h) PT. Ashapura
Resources Indonesia
This is a subsidiary of Ashapura Minechem (UAE) FZE and a step down
subsidiary of your Company.
The said Company was incorporated on 21 April, 2010, for tapping mining
opportunities in Indonesia especially for minerals like Bauxite, Coal
and Manganese Ore. During the year under review the accumulated losses
stood at approx 198.81 lacs (USD 2,20,813).
JOINT VENTURES AND ASSOCIATES:
i) Ashapura Vblclay Limited
Your Company owns 50 percent Equity of Ashapura Volclay Ltd. The
Company reported a turnover of X 12519.03 lacs as against a turnover of
t 9684.76 lacs in the previous year. The profits after tax stood at t
942.03 lacs for the year under review as compared to % 1362.87 lacs in
the previous year.
The Company is in the process of expanding its production capacity of
Acid Activated Bleaching Clay. On completion of the expansion, Ashapura
will be the World's third largest Bleaching Clay producer in terms of
capacity. The Ashapura Group has achieved this milestone within 8 years
of its foray into the industry.
j) Ashapura AMCOL NV
Your Company together with its subsidiary - Ashapura Minechem (UAE) FZE
owns 50 percent stake in Ashapura AMCOL NY a Company incorporated in
Belgium with an object of developing, trading, manufacturing and
marketing of clay mineral products.
During the year under review, the said Company's income stood at Rs
4223.26 lacs (Euro 68.15 lacs) and the net loss after tax stood at Rs
406.52 lacs (Euro 6.56 lacs).
k) Ashapura Arcadia Logistics Private Limited
Your Company owns 50 percent Equity of Ashapura Arcadia Logistics
Private Limited. The said Company's income declined by approx 9.25 % &
stood at Rs 573.66 lacs as compared to income of Rs 632.12 lacs in the
previous year. The said Company reported a net loss of Rs 55.65 lacs as
compared to a net loss of * 321.88 lacs in the previous year.
STATUS OF THE PENDING LITIGATIONS:
a) The Contracts of Affreightment entered into by the Company with
Shipping Companies - viz. [I] British Marine PLC [2] I.H.X. (UK) Ltd
[3] Eitzen Bulk A/s and [4] Armada Singapore Pte Ltd.
The Company has successfully settled the claims with British Marine
Pic. In case of the other shipping companies, the Company is facing
applications for enforcement of ex-parte awards passed in respect of
three Contracts of Affreightment in the Bombay High Court filed by
remaining shipping companies for approx US $ 126.07 million.
Since the award of claims of each of the three shipping companies were
heavily exaggerated the Company has much prior in time filled an
application for enforcement of award, initiated legal proceedings
against the alleged arbitration award in the Civil Court at
Jam-Khambhalrya, Gujarat on the ground of opposed to the Public Policy
of India.
b) In case of Forex Derivatives Contracts, the Company has taken legal
opinion that these contracts are void and are not legally enforceable.
It has been further advised by the counsels that the Company can take
legal actions for challenging the validity of the said contracts. In
light of the recently concluded court cases, the Company has approached
the Bankers to settle the claims amicably.
SUBSIDIARIES:
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, vide General
Circular No. 2 and 3 dated 8th February, 2011 and 21st February, 2011,
respectively has granted a general exemption from compliance with
provisions of Section 212 of the Companies Act, 1956. Accordingly, the
Annual Report of the Company does not contain the individual financial
statements of its subsidiaries. However, a gist of the financial
details of the Subsidiary Companies is contained in the Annual Report.
The Annual Accounts of the Subsidiary Companies along with the related
information are available for inspection at the Company's Registered
Office and copies shall be provided on request.
EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION SCHEME:
Your Company, as approved by the members at the Extra Ordinary General
Meeting held on 31 st May, 2004, has introduced a stock option Scheme -
the Employees Stock Option Plan - 2004 ("ESOP 2004") for its employees
and the employees of its subsidiary Companies. An approval to issue
upto 15,95,675 Equity Shares of Rs. 2/- each was obtained, wherein not
more than 317,500 Equity shares of 12/- each could be issued per
employee.
The information required to be disclosed in terms of the provisions of
the SEBI (Employee Stock Option Scheme and Employee Stock Purchase
Scheme) Guidelines, 1999, is set out in the Statement annexed hereto
(Annexure II) and forms part of this Report.
As required under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Employee
Stock Option Scheme and Employee Stock Purchase Scheme) Guideline,
1999, the Auditors' Certificate on ESOP is set out in the Statement
annexed hereto (Annexure III) and forms part of this Report.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE:
Pursuant to the Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement entered into with
Stock Exchanges, Report on Corporate Governance alongwith Management
Discussion and Analysis and Auditor's Certificate on compliance with
the Corporate Governance requirements is set out in the Statement
annexed hereto (Annexure IV) and forms part of this Report.
DIRECTORS:
Resignation of Directors:
Your Company witnessed a change in its Board of Directors since the
last Annual General Meeting.
Shri Larry Washow, Nominee Director representing M/s. Volclay
International Corporation on the Board of M/s. Ashapura Minechem
Limited resigned w.e.f. 31 December, 2010, thereby creating a casual
vacancy which is yet to be filled by M/s. Volclay International
Corporation.
Smt. Dina Shah, Promoter Director resigned w.e.f. I February, 2011, to
pursue & devote full time towards Charitable & Philanthropic purposes.
The Company places on record its appreciation for the significant
contribution made by the Directors during their tenure as such, with
the Company.
Retire by Rotation:
In accordance with the provisions of Section 256 of the Companies Act,
1956, Shri Abhilash Munsif and Shri Ashok Kadakia are liable to retire
by rotation and being eligible offer themselves for reappointment.
The brief details of the said Directors have been provided in Corporate
Governance Report under the heading "Board of Directors".
DIRECTORS'RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT:
As required under the provisions of Section 217(2AA) of the Companies
Act, 1956, the Directors hereby confirm:
i) that in the preparation of the Annual Accounts for the year ended 31
March, 2011, the applicable accounting standards have been followed
along with proper explanation relating to material departures, if any;
ii) that the Directors had selected such accounting policies and
applied them consistently and made judgments and estimates that were
reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state
of affairs of the Company at the end of the financial year ended 31 st
March, 201 I and of the LOSS of the Company for the year under review;
iii) that proper and sufficient care has been taken for the maintenance
of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the
Companies Art, 1956, for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for
preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
iv) that the Annual Accounts for the year ended 31 March, 201 I, have
been prepared on a 'going concern' basis.
STATUTORY INFORMATION:
The information in accordance with the provisions of Section 217 (I)
(e) of the Companies Act, 1956, read with the Companies (Disclosure of
Particulars in the Report of Board of Directors) Rules, 1988, regarding
Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption and Foreign Exchange
Earnings and Outgo is set out in the Statement annexed hereto (Annexure
I) and forms part of this Report.
In accordance with the provisions of Section 217(2A) of the Companies
Act, 1956, read with the Companies (Particulars of Employees) Rules,
1975, as amended, is not given, as there are no employees employed
during the year or part thereof as required under Section 2I7(2A).
Your Company has not accepted any Fixed Deposits during the year under
review.
The Company's Equity Shares are listed at the Bombay Stock Exchange
Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited and the Annual
Listing Fees have been paid to each of these Exchanges whose addresses
have been mentioned under the heading Shareholder information.
The Company during the year under review, voluntarily applied for
de-listing of its Shares from Ahmedabad Stock Exchange Limited in
accordance with the provisions of SEBI (Delisting of Equity Shares)
Regulations, 2009. The Ahmedabad Stock Exchange Limited granted their
approval for the same and Company's Shares were de-listed w.e.f. 31
March, 2011.
AUDITORS:
M/s. Sanghavi and Co., Chartered Accountants (Registration No.
I09099W), the Auditors of the Company hold their office until the
conclusion of the ensuing Annual General Meeting and are recommended
for re-appointment as the Company's Auditors for the Financial Year 201
I -2012. The Company has received a letter from them to the effect that
their appointment, if made, would be within the limits prescribed under
Section 224( IB) of the Companies Act, 1956. The Company has also
received a copy of the Peer Review Certificate received by the Auditors
from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
AUDITORS' OBSERVATION:
With reference to the observations made by the Auditors in their
Report, the Directors hereby state as follows:
a) In case of foreign currency derivates contracts entered into by the
Company with the various bankers are under litigation at various
stages. Based on the legal opinion obtained by the Management, these
contracts are void in nature and cannot be legally enforced.
b) In case of interest free loan to wholly-owned subsidiary, the
Management stated that the said wholly-owned subsidiary was
incorporated to set up the Alumina Project. However, the said project
is still in the Initial Stage of being set-up, which impelled the
Parent Company to provide interest free loan.
BRANCH AUDITORS:
M/s. B. Purushottam & Co., Chartered Accountants, Chennai, the Branch
Auditors appointed pursuant to Section 228 of the Companies Act, 1956,
for Chennai, Dharur, Hospet and Trivendrum Branch Offices of the
Company, hold their offices till the conclusion of the ensuing Annual
General Meeting and are recommended for re-appointment. The Company has
received letters from them to the effect that their appointment, if
made, would be within the prescribed limits under Section 224( IB) of
the Companies Act, 1956.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
Your Directors takes this opportunity to express their gratitude for
the assistance and co-operation received, especially in such tough
times and difficult circumstances faced by the Company, from employees
at all level, who stood firm with the Company. We would also thank all
our investors, clients, bankers and other business associates for their
continued support and encouragement during the year.
We also thank all government agencies for their support during the year
and look forward for their contributed support in future.
For and on Behalf of the Board of Directors
sd/- sd/-
Navnitlal Shah Chetan shah
Executive Chairman Managing Director
Place : Mumbai
Date : 30th May, 2011
Mar 31, 2010
The Directors submit the Annual Report of the Company together with the
Audited Statements of Accounts (Standalone & Consolidated) for the year
ended 31st March, 2010.
FINANCIAL RESULTS AND PERFORMANCE :
Ashapura Minechem Ltd. Consolidated
(Rs.in Lacs) (Rs.in Lacs)
2009-10 2008-09 2009-10 2008-09
Profit/(Loss) before
Depreciation,
Taxation & Extraordinary
items (4800.45) (38032.80) (227.52) (39315.26)
Depreciation (980.23) (659.86) (2568.58) (2439.92)
Profit/(Loss) before Tax
& Extraordinary items (5780.68) (38692.66) (2796.10) (41755.18)
Tax Expenses:
Current - - (1074.90) (339.50)
Earlier Years Tax - (61.11) (124.61) (61.11)
Fringe benefit Tax - (48.00) - (55.40)
Deferred (237.30) 13362.67 (256.73) 13453.12
Profit/(Loss) after Tax (6017.98) (25439.10) (4252.34) (28758.07)
Extra ordinary Items - (52.71) - (52.71)
Prior period Adjustments (51.68) (56.15) 553.29 (90.84)
Share of (Loss)/Profit
in Associate Company - - (46.60) (21.92)
Excess Provision of
Income Tax Written Back 222.18 - - -
Exceptional Items
Foreign Currency Derivatives
Written Back
(net of deferred tax) 6821.80 - 6821.80 -
Net Profif(Loss) after
Extra Ordinary Items 974.32 (25547.96) 3076.15 (28923.54)
Minority interest " - - (4.20) (6.99)
974.32 (25547.96) 3071.95 (28930.53)
Balance brought forward
from the previous year (9974.09) 15573.86 (8100.94) 21179.60
Amount available for
Appropriation (8999.77) (9974.10) (5028.99) (7750.93)
Appropriations:
1) Proposed Dividend - - - -
2) Corporate Dividend Tax - - (15.23) -
3) General Reserve - - (605.17) (350.00)
Balance carried to Balance
sheet (8999.77) (9974.10) (5649.39) (8100.93)
During the financial year ended 31st March, 2010, the Loss before
depreciation, interest and tax reported by the Company was reined to
Rs.4800.45 lacs in comparison to Loss before depreciation, interest and
tax of Rs.38032.80 lacs in the previous year. The Company on the basis
of legal advice taken from various Counsels has written back Foreign
Currency Derivatives Loss and therefore the bottom line reflected a Net
Profit after minority interest of Rs.974.32 lacs & Rs.3071.95 lacs,
respectively, in the standalone & consolidated financial results.
DIVIDEND:
In view of losses incurred, your Directors have not recommended any
Dividend for the year 2009-2010.
REVIEW OF OPERATIONS:
The standalone turnover for the year ended 31 March, 2010, declined by
28.14% and stood at Rs.50306.49 lacs as against Rs.70009.78 lacs in the
previous year. The turnover for the entire Ashapura Group stood at
Rs.71366.59 lacs as against Rs.96126.36 lacs in the previous year.
Although the scale of business was comparable to the previous year, the
decline in turnover was largely attributable to export sales of
minerals on a Free on Board basis as against Cost Insurance Freight
basis in the previous year.
Although the Government of Gujarat declared its Bauxite Policy
permitting the resumption of Bauxite exports from the State in November
2009; continuing administrative delays in implementation of the Policy
restrained the Company in achieving optimum volumes of Bauxite sales.
The Management believes that the imminent implementation of the States
Mineral Policy will help the Company achieve its potential volumes of
Bauxite sales from the State of Gujarat.
Bentonite & Allied Minerals witnessed volume growth rates in excess of
60% as compared to the previous year on account of the buoyed demand
from the oil well drilling and iron ore pelletization sector.
SUBSIDIARIES:
a) Bombay Minerals Limited
Bombay Minerals Ltd. is a 100 percent subsidiary of your Company. The
said Company reported a turnover of Rs. 5814.10 lacs during the year as
compared to Rs.5573.52 lacs in the previous year. The net profit for
the year under review stood at Rs. 823.66 lacs as compared to Rs.
124.49 lacs in the previous year.
b) Ashapura International Limited
Ashapura International Ltd., a 100 percent subsidiary of your Company,
has performed well during the year under review. It bagged contracts
for supplying Bentonite to Kolkata Airport Project, Kolkata Garden
Reach Project and Paradeep Port Project. It also reported a growth in
sales of Specility products like Hydrokol & Attapulgite. In view of the
above, the said Company reported a turnover of Rs. 5536.77 lacs as
against a turnover of Rs. 4704.77 lacs in the previous year.
Correspondingly, the said Companys net profit stood at Rs.295.24 lacs
as against Rs. 66.39 lacs in the previous year.
c) Ashapura Aluminium Limited
Ashapura Aluminium Limited is a 100 percent subsidiary of your Company.
The said Company is primarily engaged in setting up of an Alumina
Refinery in the Kutch District of Gujarat. The basic Engineering for
setting up the said Refinery has been completed and a contract for the
detailed Engineering has been awarded to a China based Company. The
said Company has also obtained a revised Techno Economic Feasibility
Report for the setting up the said Alumina Refinery.
d) Ashapura Claytech Limited
Your Company owns 95.25 percent of the share capital of Ashapura
Claytech Ltd. The said Company is in process of exploring new business
activities like mining and marketing of Feldspar, Quartz, etc. During
the year under review, the turnover declined by 21.01 percent and stood
at Rs.487.74 lacs as against Rs.617.50 lacs in the previous year. The
decline in turnover affected the net profit which stood at Rs. 88.19
lacs as compared to Rs.147.29 lacs in the previous year showing a
decrease of 40.12 percent.
e) Ashapura Minechem (UAE) FZE
Ashapura Minechem (UAE) FZE, a 100 percent subsidiary of your Company
established in United Arab Emirates (UAE), is engaged in the business
of import, export and distribution of industrial minerals and other
related activities. The said Company during the year under review
reported a decline in the total turnover from approx. Rs. 17752.32 lacs
(USD 390.50 lacs) to approx. Rs. 6001.64 lacs (USD 125.19 lacs).
Subsequently, the net profits also declined from approx. Rs. 730.77
lacs (USD 16.08 lacs) to approx. Rs. 117.65 lacs (USD 2.45 lacs).
f) Ashapura Holdings (UAE) FZE
The said Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ashapura Minechem
(UAE) FZE and a step down subsidiary of your Company. During the year
under review, there were no earnings in the said Company and the
expenditure incurred is reflected in statement of financial position as
accumulated losses which stood at approx Rs. 26.09 lacs (USD 54,419).
g) Ashapura Maritime FZE
This is a 100 percent subsidiary of Ashapura Holdings (UAE) FZE and a
step down subsidiary of your Company. The said Company is engaged in
ship management & operations and has currently leased a vessel from its
100 percent subsidiary - Asha Prestige Co, a Company incorporated in
Marshall Islands. During the year under review, the Company earned an
income of Rs. 2318.95 lacs (USD 48.37 lacs). However, it incurred a
net loss of approx. Rs. 788.11 lacs (USD 16.44 lacs).
h) PT. Ashapura Resources Indonesia
This is a subsidiary of Ashapura Minechem (UAE) FZE and a step down
subsidiary of your Company.
The said Company was incorporated on 21st April, 2010, for tapping
mining opportunities in Indonesia especially for minerals like Bauxite,
Coal and Manganese Ore.
JOINT VENTURES AND ASSOCIATES:
i) Ashapura Volclay Limited
Your Company owns 50 percent Equity of Ashapura Volclay Ltd. The said
Company reported a turnover of Rs. 9684.76 lacs as against a turnover
of Rs. 7793.22 lacs in the previous year. The profits after tax stood
at Rs. 1233.65 lacs for the year under review as compared to Rs. 161.80
lacs in the previous year.
The said Company is in the process of expanding its production capacity
of Acid Activated Bleaching Clay from 48,000 TPA to 72,000 TPA. The new
capacity is expected to be operational by December, 2010. On completion
of the expansion, Ashapura will be the Worlds third largest Bleaching
Clay producer in terms of capacity. The Ashapura Group has achieved
this milestone within 8 years of its foray into the industry.
j) Ashapura AMCOL NV
Your Company together with its subsidiary - Ashapura Minechem (UAE) FZE
owns 50 percent stake in Ashapura AMCOL NV, a Company incorporated in
Belgium with an object of developing, trading, manufacturing and
marketing of clay mineral products.
During the year under review, the said Companys income stood at Rs.
3789.76 lacs (Euro 59.25 lacs) and the net loss after tax stood at Rs.
237.95 lacs (Euro 3.72 lacs).
k) Shantilal Multiport Infrastructure Private Limited
Your Company owns 50 percent Equity of Shantilal Multiport
Infrastructure Private Limited. The said Companys income stood at Rs.
96.37 lacs and the net profit after tax stood at Rs. 35.38 lacs as
against the net profit after tax of Rs. 17.20 lacs in the previous
financial year.
I) Ashapura Arcadia Logistics Private Limited
Your Company owns 50 percent Equity of Ashapura Arcadia Logistics
Private Limited. The said Companys income declined by approx 39% &
stood at Rs. 632.12 lacs as compared to income of Rs. 1038.73 lacs in
the previous year. The said Company reported a net loss of Rs. 321.88
lacs as compared to a net loss of Rs. 73.41 lacs in the previous year.
STATUS OF THE PENDING LITIGATIONS:
a) The Contracts of Affreightment entered into by the Company with
Shipping Companies - viz. [1] British Marine PLC [2] I.H.X. (UK) Ltd
[3] Eitzen Bulk A/s and [4] Armada Singapore Pte Ltd., were terminated
due to force majeure on account of stoppage of Bauxite export by the
Government of Gujarat.
In view of this, the said Shipping Companies initiated legal
proceedings against the Company claiming potential damages for non
performance of Contracts of Affreightment. These claims are being
contested on the basis of invalidity and frustration of contracts.
The Company has successfully settled the claims with one of the
Shipping Companies. In case of the other Shipping Companies, the
matters are pending at various stages in Courts where the Company is
contesting its liabilities. The Company is also simultaneously
negotiating to arrive at an amicable settlement with the claimants.
b) In case of Forex Derivatives Contracts, the Company has taken legel
opinion that these Contracts are void and are not legally enforceable.
It has been further advised by the Counsels that the Company can take
legal actions for challenging the validity of the said Contracts. In
light of the recently concluded court cases, the Company has approached
the Bankers to settle the claims amicably.
SUBSIDIARIES:
As per Section 212(1) of the Companies Act, 1956, the Company is
required to attach to its Accounts, the Directors Report, Balance
Sheet and Profit & Loss Account of each of its Subsidiaries. As the
Consolidated Accounts present a complete picture of the financial
results of the Company and its Subsidiaries, the Company had applied to
the Central Government acting through Ministry of Corporate Affairs,
under Section 212(8) of the Companies Act, 1956, seeking exemption from
attaching the documents referred to in Section 212(1). The approval for
the same has been granted by the Central Government vide letter dated
15th June, 2010. Accordingly, the Annual Report of the Company does not
contain the individual financial statements of its Subsidiaries.
However, a gist of the financial details of the Subsidiary Companies is
contained in the Annual Report.
The Annual Accounts of the Subsidiary Companies along with the related
information are available for inspection at the Companys Registered
Office and copies shall be provided on request.
EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION SCHEME:
Your Company, as approved by the members at the Extra Ordinary General
Meeting held on 31ststst May, 2004, has introduced a Stock Option
Scheme - the Employees Stock Option Plan - 2004 ("ESOP 2004") for its
employees and the employees of its Subsidiary Companies. An approval to
issue upto 15,95,675 Equity Shares of Rs. 21- each was obtained,
wherein not more than 31stst7,500 Equity shares of Rs. 2/- each could
be issued per employee.
The information required to be disclosed in terms of the provisions of
the SEBI (Employee Stock Option Scheme and Employee Stock Purchase
Scheme) Guidelines, 1999, is set out in the Statement annexed hereto
(Annexure II) and forms part of this Report.
As required under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Employee
Stock Option Scheme and Employee Stock Purchase Scheme) Guideline,
1999, the Auditors Certificate on ESOP is set out in the Statement
annexed hereto (Annexure III) and forms part of this Report.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE:
Pursuant to the Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement entered into with
Stock Exchanges, Report on Corporate Governance alongwith Management
Discussion and Analysis and Auditors Certificate on compliance with
the Corporate Governance requirements is set out in the Statement
annexed hereto (Annexure IV) and forms part of this Report.
DIRECTORS:
Shri Piyush Vora and Shri Harish Motiwalla retire by rotation at the
ensuing Annual General Meeting, and being eligible, offer themselves
for re-appointment.
The brief details of the said Directors have been provided in Corporate
Governance Report under the heading "Board of Directors".
DIRECTORS RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT:
As required under the provisions of Section 217(2AA) of the Companies
Act, 1956, the Directors hereby confirm:
i) that in the preparation of the Annual Accounts for the year ended
31ststst March, 2010, the applicable accounting standards have been
followed along with proper explanation relating to material departures,
if any;
ii) that the Directors had selected such accounting policies and
applied them consistently and made judgments and estimates that were
reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state
of affairs of the Company at the end of the financial year ended
31ststst March, 2010 and of the Profit of the Company for the year
under review;
iii) that proper and sufficient care has been taken for the maintenance
of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the
Companies Act, 1956, for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for
preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
iv) that the Annual Accounts for the year ended 31stst March, 2010,
have been prepared on a going concern basis.
STATUTORY INFORMATION:
The information in accordance with the provisions of Section 217 (1)
(e) of the Companies Act, 1956, read with the Companies (Disclosure of
Particulars in the Report of Board of Directors) Rules, 1988, regarding
Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption and Foreign Exchange
Earnings and Outgo is set out in the Statement annexed hereto (Annexure
I) and forms part of this Report.
In accordance with the provisions of Section 217(2A) of the Companies
Act, 1956, read with the Companies (Particulars of Employees) Rules,
1975, the names and other particulars of employees are to be set out in
the Directors Report as an addendum thereto. However, as per the
provisions of Section 219(l)(b)(iv) of the Companies Act, 1956, the
Report and the Accounts are being sent to all shareholders, excluding
the aforesaid information about the employees. Any shareholder,
interested in obtaining a copy of this statement, may write to the
Company Secretary at the Registered Office of the Company.
Your Company has not accepted any Fixed Deposits during the year under
review.
The Companys Equity Shares are listed at the Bombay Stock Exchange
Limited, the National Stock Exchange of India Ltd., the Ahmedabad Stock
Exchange Limited and the Annual Listing Fees have been paid to each of
these three Exchanges whose addresses have been mentioned under the
heading Shareholders information.
AUDITORS:
M/s. Sanghavi and Co., Chartered Accountants (Registration No.
109099W), the Auditors of the Company hold their office until the
conclusion of the ensuing Annual General Meeting and are recommended
for re-appointment as the Companys Auditors for the Financial Year
2010-2011. The Company has received a letter from them to the effect
that their appointment, if made, would be within the limits prescribed
under Section 224(1B) of the Companies Act, 1956. The Company has also
received a copy of the Peer Review Certificate as received by the
Auditors from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
AUDITORS OBSERVATION:
With reference to the observations made by the Auditors in their
Report, the Directors hereby state as follows:
a) In case of foreign currency derivates contracts, the Management has
received legal opinion from various counsels to the effect that these
contracts are void in nature and cannot be legally enforced. The
Company has also been advised that it can contemplate legal actions,
challenging the validity of said Contracts.
b) In respect of strengthening of the internal control systems in few
functional areas, the respective functional heads along with the
Internal Auditors are in process of devising certain plans to
strengthen the same.
c) In case of interest free loan to wholly-owned subsidiary, the
Management states that the said wholly-owned subsidiary was
incorporated to set up the Alumina Project. However, the said project
is still in the Initial Stages of being set-up, which impelled the
Parent Company to provide interest free loan.
BRANCH AUDITORS:
M/s. B. Purushottam & Co., Chartered Accountants, Chennai, the Branch
Auditors appointed pursuant to Section 228 of the Companies Act, 1956,
for Chennai, Dharur, Hospet and Trivendrum Branch Offices of the
Company, hold their offices till the conclusion of the ensuing Annual
General Meeting and are recommended for re-appointment. The Company has
received letters from them to the effect that their appointment, if
made, would be within the prescribed limits under Section 224(1B) of
the Companies Act, 1956.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
Your Directors takes this opportunity to express their gratitude for
the assistance and co-operation received, especially in such tough
times and difficult circumstances faced by the Company, from employees
at all levels, who have contributed to the progress of the Company. We
also thank all our investors, clients, bankers and other business
associates for their continued support and encouragement during the
year.
We also thank all government agencies for their support during the year
and look forward for their contributed support in future.
For and on Behalf of the Board of Directors
sd/- sd/-
Navnitlal Shah Chetan shah
Executive Chairman Managing Director
Place : Mumbai
Date : 5th August, 2010
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