Mar 31, 2023
Your Directors have pleasure in presenting to you the Thirty Seventh (37th) Annual Report of the Company and the Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 31st March 2023.
A. COMPANY PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
'' in Lakhs |
||||
Particulars |
31st March 2023 |
31st March 2022 |
Growth % |
|
Income from operations |
||||
(a) Revenue from operations |
107,992.88 |
95,689.09 |
||
(b) Other income |
728.97 |
789.08 |
||
Total income from operations |
108,721.84 |
96,478.17 |
13% |
|
Gross Profit Before Depreciation, Finance cost & Tax |
16,580.62 |
14,770.94 |
||
(a) Finance costs |
505.82 |
325.47 |
||
(b) Depreciation & amortization expense |
1,523.33 |
1,409.47 |
||
Profit before tax |
14,551.47 |
13,036.00 |
12% |
|
Tax expenses |
3,757.59 |
3,155.39 |
||
Profit after Tax |
10,793.88 |
9,880.61 |
9% |
|
Other Comprehensive Income for the year |
(216.67) |
1,269.20 |
||
Total Comprehensive Income for the year |
10,577.21 |
11,149.81 |
||
Earnings per Share (EPS) |
||||
(a) Basic |
20.82 |
19.06 |
||
(b) Diluted |
20.82 |
19.06 |
Pursuant to the approval of the Board of Directors on 25th January 2023, the Company paid an interim dividend @ of '' 2.00/- (previous year - '' 2.00/-) per equity share of the face value of '' 2.00/- each to the Shareholders who were on the register of members as on 7th February 2023, being the record date fixed for this purpose.
Interim Dividend absorbed a sum of '' 1,036.90 Lakhs out of the net profits after tax for the financial year 2022-23.
Based on Company''s performance, your directors are pleased to recommend for approval of members, a final dividend @ of '' 3.50/- (previous year - '' 3.00/-) per equity share of the face value of '' 2.00/- each for the financial year 2022-23. Dividend, if approved, will absorb a sum of '' 1,814.57 Lakhs out of net profit after tax and will be paid to those Shareholders whose name appears on the Register of Members on 12th day of June 2023.
The total dividend is '' 5.50 (275%) [Previous Year - '' 5.00 (250%)] for the financial year 2022-23, including the Interim dividend @ '' 2.00/- per Equity Share (100%) and Proposed Final Dividend @ '' 3.50/- per share (175%) per equity share of the face value of '' 2.00/- each. Total dividend payout for the financial year 2022-23 amounts to '' 2851.47 Lakhs (Previous Year - '' 2,592.25 Lakhs).
The Dividend Distribution policy of the Company may be accessed at the following weblink
https://apcotex.com/uploads/documents//
NDU0MiQ0-23-12-22.pdf
There is no amount proposed to be transfered to Reserves out of profit of the financial year 2022-23.
An income of Rs 85.80 Lakhs (net) has been generated from renewable energy through wind turbine generator installed at Sadawaghapur, Taluka - Patan, District Satara and solar project at Taloja Plant during the financial year 2022-23 [Previous year - '' 67.69 Lakhs-(net)] which was netted off against the power cost.
C. DISCLOSURES UNDER COMPANIES ACT, 2013I. ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY & FOREIGN EXCHANGE
The information under the provisions of Section 134 (3) (m) of the Companies Act, 2013, read with Rule 8 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 regarding conservation of energy, technology absorption and foreign exchange earnings and outgo are given in the Annexure I, forming part of this report.
The Annual Return has been placed on the website of the Company and can be accessed at https://apcotex.com/uploads/documents// NzIzNzAv-24-05-23.pdf. In terms of Rules 11 and 12 of the Companies (Management and Administration) Rules, 2014, the Annual Return shall be filed with the Registrar of Companies within the prescribed timelines.
III. CHANGES IN THE SHARE CAPITAL
There is no change in the share capital of the Company during the financial year under review. The paid-up Equity Share Capital as on 31st March 2023 was '' 1,036.90 Lakhs., comprising of 5,18,44,960 equity shares of face value of '' 2.00/- each.
The Company has Investments of '' 8,795.78 Lakhs (previous year '' 9,751.53 Lakhs) as at 31st March 2023.
The working capital management of the company is robust and involves a well-organized process which facilitates continuous monitoring and control over receivables, inventories and other parameters affecting cash flow and liquidity.
The Board meets at regular intervals to discuss and decide on business policies and strategy apart from regular Board business. During the financial year under review, the Board of Directors met 5 times. The intervening gap between the meetings was within the period prescribed under the Companies Act, 2013.
The details of the Board Meetings and the attendance of Directors are provided in the Corporate Governance Report.
VI. COMPOSITION OF AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee comprises of Mr. Kamlesh Vikamsey who is the Chairman of the Committee, Mrs. Priyamvada Bhumkar and Mr. Udayan Choksi, are the Non-Executive Independent Directors. More details on the committee are given in the Corporate Governance Report.
All the recommendations of the audit committee are accepted by the Board.
The definition of Independence of Directors is derived from Regulation 16 of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015 and Section 149(6) of the Companies Act, 2013. Based on the confirmations/ disclosures received from the Independent Directors and on evaluation of the relationships disclosed, the following Non-Executive Directors are Independent in terms of Regulation 16 of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015 and Section 149(6) of the Companies Act, 2013;
1. Dr. S. Sivaram
2. Mr. Shailesh Vaidya
3. Mr. Kamlesh Vikamsey
4. Mrs. Priyamvada Bhumkar
5. Mr. Udayan Choksi
In compliance with Schedule IV of the Companies Act, 2013 and Rules thereunder, and SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015, the Independent Directors met on 20th March 2023 to discuss issues as prescribed under the said Act and Regulations.
VIII. ANNUAL EVALUATION BY THE BOARD
In compliance with the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 19 read with Schedule II of SEBI (LODR), Regulations, 2015, the Board has carried out the annual performance evaluation of its own performance, the Directors individually including the
Chairman as well as the evaluation of Committees. A structured questionnaire was prepared covering various aspects of the Board''s functioning such as adequacy of composition of Board and Committees, Board communication, timeliness and unbiased information of right length and quality of information, Board culture, execution and performance of specific duties, obligations and governance.
A separate exercise was carried out to evaluate the performance of individual directors including the Chairman of the Board, who were evaluated on parameters such as attendance and participation in the discussion and deliberation at the meeting, understanding role and responsibilities as board member, demonstration of knowledge, skill and experience that make him/her a valuable resource for the board.
The performance evaluation of the Independent Directors was carried out by the entire Board. The performance evaluation of the Chairman and the Non-Executive Directors was carried out by the Independent Directors. The Directors expressed their satisfaction with the evaluation process.
IX. NOMINATION AND REMUNERATION POLICY
The Nomination and Remuneration Policy of the Company is hosted on the website of the company at the following web link:
https://apcotex.com/uploads/documents// NTk2NzM4-23-12-22.pdf
Disclosure pertaining to remuneration and other details as 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 enclosed as Annexure II to this Report.
X. COMMENTS ON AUDITORS REPORT
There are no qualifications, reservations or adverse remarks or disclaimers made by M/s. SGDG & Associates LLP, Chartered Accountants, Statutory Auditors, in their report.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, your Directors had appointed M/s. D.S. Momaya & Co. LLP, to undertake the Secretarial Audit of your Company for the year ended 31st March 2023.
During the year, the Statutory Auditors have not reported any incident of fraud to the Audit Committee of the Company.
The Secretarial Auditors have issued an unqualified audit report for the year ended 31st March 2023. The comments made by the Secretarial Auditors are self-explanatory. Their report is annexed herewith as Annexure V to this Report.
XI. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
All the related party transactions during the year are entered on arm''s length basis and are in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015. There are no materially significant related party transactions entered into by the Company with Promoters, Directors or KMP etc., which may have potential conflict with the interest of the company at large.
All related party transactions are first approved by the Audit Committee and thereafter placed before the Board for their consideration and approval. A statement of all related party transactions is presented before the Audit Committee meeting on quarterly basis, specifying the nature, value and terms and conditions of the transactions.
The particulars of Contracts or arrangements with related parties referred to in Section 188(1) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 15 of The Companies (Meetings of Board and its Powers) Rules 2014 is appended to this report in prescribed Form AOC 2 as Annexure III.
The Related Party Transaction Policy is uploaded on the companyâs website at the following web link https://apcotex.com/uploads/ documents//ODIwMzMx-23-12-22.pdf
XII. MATERIAL CHANGES AND COMMITMENTS AFFECTING THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE COMPANY
There have been no material ^changes and commitments, if any, affecting the financial position of the Company which have occurred between the end of the financial year of the Company to which the financial statements relate and the date of the report.
The Company has established a vigil mechanism for Directors and Employees to report their genuine concerns in compliance with provision of section 177 (10) of the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 22 of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015.
The Audit Committee of the Board oversees the functioning of this policy. Protected disclosures can be made by a whistle blower through several channels to report actual or suspected frauds and violation of Companyâs Code of Conduct and/or Ethics Policy.
The details of the policy have been disclosed on the Companyâs website at https://apcotex.com/uploads/ documents//NzQzNzc5-23-12-22.pdf
The Company has always strived to adopt appropriate standards for good Corporate Governance.
Detailed report on Corporate Governance forms a part of this report. A certificate from M/s.
D.S. Momaya & Co. LLP, Company Secretaries regarding compliance of conditions of Corporate Governance as stipulated under Regulation 34 read with Schedule V of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015 is annexed to the said Report.
The Company has a Risk Management Policy and has constituted a Risk Management Committee as required under Listing Regulations. The Risk Management Policy articulates the Companyâs approach to address uncertainties in its endeavour to achieve its stated explicit and implicit objectives. It prescribes the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders within the Company, the structure for managing risks and the framework for risk management. The risk identification, assessment and mitigation process actively involves people at all levels in the management.
All risk identification, assessment and mitigation exercise are carried out before the annual planning exercise and the specific risk mitigation tasks along with resources are made part of the annual budgets and functional objectives for the coming year(s). These are reviewed periodically by the respective functions and necessary course corrections are made if necessary.
The details of the policy have been disclosed on the Companyâs website at:
https: //apcotex.com/uploads/documents// MzUvOTg1-23-12-22.pdf
D. CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The Company has a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee constituted in compliance with Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013. The CSR policy of the Company is published on the Companyâs website at https://apcotex.com/uploads/documents// NzE3Njc5-23-12-22.pdf
CSR activities of the Company are carried directly and through Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), who have track record of minimum of 3 years in carrying out the activities, and other criteria as prescribed under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Schedule VII and Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, as amended from time to time.
The Company has under-taken projects in the areas of Healthcare and Education, around the area surrounding the factories/corporate office which are as per Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013 brief details of which are as under:
During the year under review, the Company was required to spend '' 138.85 Lakhs, being 2% of the average net profit of previous three financial years, against which Company had spent '' 140.15 Lakhs during the financial year 2022-23.
The Company has carried out the various CSR activities through NGO Partners, some of the details are mentioned herein:
The Shareholders are aware that one of the strategic projects that EdelGive and the Company are working on is with an NGO called Utthan who undertook a detailed survey of the villages surrounding the Valia plant and made a strategic plan to utilize the CSR funds for Water and Sanitation activities which included building water sources, toilets and several training and health & hygiene awareness sessions.
In this project, the Company has supported for construction and renovation of over 400 toilets, installed over 20 toilet seats for persons with disabilities, elderly and pregnant women. To ensure the safe discharge of grey water or household wastewater, washing platforms and soak pits were constructed. Also, demonstration models of solid waste management pits were constructed to create awareness about proper solid-waste collection, which is important for the protection of public health, safety, and environmental quality. Borewells and roof water harvesting tanks were developed to ensure safe and adequate drinking water. An ecosan toilet was built in the home of a member of the Dungari village. The household member intends to use Ecosan manure on the farm. Community mobilisation activities for Social and Behavioural Communication Change were organised which included hamlet meetings, community awareness programs and school-based programs.
The consistent efforts over a period of time have resulted in reduction in open defecation, drudgery for women to fetch water. It has increased the use of functional toilets, enhanced the hygiene conditions with use of toilets, washing platforms, soak pits, and increased the participation of community members, especially women.
Your company in collaboration with Catalysts for Social Action, society and a trust, started a âADOPT A HOME & LIVELIHOOD & AFTERCARE SUPPORT'' program to provide support to children and youths at three Child Care institutions (CCI) in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra:-
CCI 1 - Rays of Hope - Kharghar, Navi Mumbai CCI 2 - Swapnalaya - Panvel, Navi Mumbai CCI 3 - Panchdeep - Panvel, Navi Mumbai
The project was adopted with a view to provide necessities in the areas of hygiene and sanitation, safe living spaces for children, improve developmental aspects around education, aftercare initiatives for over 18-year-olds, vocational training, mentoring support and to build the capacity of CCI management and staff for sustained outcomes.
To develop overall personality of kids, various activities like dance workshop, lantern-making workshop, diya making and sports activities, are undertaken. Bindas Bol program from communicative English was held. On the occasion of Marathi Bhasha Din, slogan writing competition, poster making on different languages spoken in Maharashtra, were made and displayed by the children.
Your company has collaborated with Seva Sadan Society to fund Secondary School Education (Stds. 5 to 7 in the academic year 2022-23) at Seva Sadan Society''s English Medium School for 61 students. To improve the academic progress remedial teaching that is one-on-one teaching to the identified students is provided after school hours. Enrollment of Education Consultant, new recruitment of teachers, introduction of library period are few steps undertaken to provide quality education.
In the aftercare program, Young Adults were enrolled for upskilling, who don''t have family support. Few are currently pursuing courses and others have been placed in jobs.
Your company has worked with Deepak Foundation for Skill Development of Youth & Self-Help Group women in Facility Management & Services around Taloja Plant area. Necessary training has been imparted to 76 youths in four batches including on the job / practical training apart from the classroom training sessions. Out of 76 youths, 48 trainees have secured employment or have opted for self-employment.
The details as required under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 are provided in CSR Report which is annexed herewith as Annexure IV. For the year 202223, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company has certified that the funds of CSR have been utilized for the purposes and in the manner as approved by the Board of Directors of the Company.
E. FAMILIARISATION PROGRAMME FOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
The company conducts the Familiarization program when new Director(s) is/are appointed during the year. The Program aims to provide insights into the Company to enable the Independent Directors to understand its business in depth, to familiarize them with the process, business, and functionaries of the Company and to assist them in performing their role as Independent Directors of the Company. The familiarisation programme along with details of the same imparted to the Independent NonExecutive Directors during the year are available on the website of the Company at https://apcotex.com/uploads/ documents//MiAzOTAv-11-04-23.pdf
F. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PREVENTION OF INSIDER TRADING
The Insider trading policy of the Company lays down guidelines and procedures to be followed, and disclosures to be made while dealing with the shares of the Company. The policy has been formulated to regulate, monitor, and ensure reporting of deals by designated person/ employees and maintain the highest ethical standards of dealing in Company securities.
G. INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROLS
Your Company maintains an adequate and effective internal control system commensurate with its size and complexity. The Company has adopted policies and procedures for ensuring the orderly and efficient conduct of its business, including adherence to the Company''s policies, the safeguarding of its assets, the prevention and detection of frauds and errors, the accuracy and completeness of the accounting records and the timely preparation of reliable financial disclosures. These are reviewed periodically and made part of work instructions or process in the company.
The Company periodically conducts physical verification of inventory, fixed assets and cash on hand and matches them with the books of accounts. Explanations are sought for any variance noticed from the respective functional heads.
H. DIRECTORS RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
The Directors confirm:
I. That in the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable accounting standards had been followed along with proper explanation relating to material departures;
II. That they have 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 profit and loss of the company for that period;
III. That they have taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Act for safeguarding the assets of the company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
IV. That they have prepared the annual accounts on a going concern basis;
V. That they, have laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the company and that such internal financial controls are adequate and were operating effectively; and
VI. That they have devised proper system to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems were adequate and operating effectively.
I. DISCLOSURE IN TERMS OF THE SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT WORKPLACE (PREVENTION, PROHIBITION AND REDRESSAL) ACT, 2013
All women who are associated with the Company either as permanent employees or temporary employees or contractual persons including service providers at the Company sites are covered under the above policy.
The company has constituted Internal Complaints Committee to ensure a harassment free working environment, to redress the complaints and to prevent sexual harassments, if any. No complaints relating to sexual harassment were received during the year.
J. FIXED DEPOSITS MATURED BUT NOT CLAIMED
Company has no Fixed Deposits at the end of the financial year. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has instructed the Company, not to repay the proceeds of four fixed deposits amounting to '' 0.48 Lakhs and accrued interest of '' 0.22 Lakhs thereon. These deposits matured during the first week of December 2002 and continue to remain with the Company.
All insurable assets of the Company including inventories, buildings, plant and machinery etc., as well as the liability under legislative enactments, are insured on reinstatement basis after due valuation of assets by an external agency. The Company also holds a Loss of Profit Policy for the financial year 2022-23.
The company ensures safe, healthy and eco-friendly environment at its plant and surrounding areas. The company continually works towards identification and
reduction of risks and prevention of pollution at its plant and its surroundings.
Members of the Safety Committees of the Company''s Taloja Plant and Valia Plant, have been regularly reviewing the safety measures and their implementation to ensure adequate safety in material handling and processing, control of pollution caused by liquid effluents, dust and emissions from chimney, etc. Samples are periodically drawn and the reports submitted to the Pollution Control Board indicating compliance with the standards.
Consent has been obtained from Maharashtra Pollution Control Board to operate the Plant at Taloja and from Gujarat Pollution Control Board to operate the Plant at Valia, Ankleshwar.
The company is working with the renowned consultants for implementation of Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) in the organisation. The disclosure requirement of Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report forms part of this report.
The information required under Section 197 of the Companies Act, 2013 and read with Rule 5 of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, are given in Annexure II.
The information required pursuant to Section 197 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 5(2) & (3) of The Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules 2014, in respect of employees of your company is available for inspection by the members. Please refer to note no. 18 of the Notice of AGM for inspection of the same.
N. DIRECTORS & KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL Appointment:
The Board of Directors on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, recommend the re-appointment of Mr. Ravishankar Sharma (DIN: 08739672) as a Wholetime Director, designated as an Executive Director w.e.f 1st May 2023 for a term of three years subject to the approval of the members in the ensuing AGM.
The Board of Directors had on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, at their meeting held on 20th October 2022, approved the appointment of Mr. Jeevan Mondkar (ACS 22565) as the Company Secretary and Compliance Officer (Key Managerial Personnel) of the Company effective from 1st November 2022 in place of Mr. Anand Kumashi, Company Secretary & Compliance Officer of the Company, who retired on 31st October 2022. The Directors wish to place on record their appreciation for the contribution made by Mr. Anand Kumashi during his tenure with the Company.
In accordance with the provisions of Section 152(6) of the Companies Act, 2013 and Articles of Association of the Company, Mr. Atul Choksey (DIN 00002102) will retire by rotation at the ensuing AGM of the Company and being eligible, offers himself for re-appointment. The Board recommends his re-appointment.
Brief resume, nature of expertise in specific functional areas, disclosure of relationships between directors inter-se, details of directorship held in other companies, membership of committees of the Board, shareholding in the Company held by the directors proposed to be appointed/re-appointed at the 37th AGM, is provided in the Notice of the AGM.
Statutory Auditors
M/s. SGDG & Associates LLP, Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration No. W100188) were appointed as Statutory Auditors of the Company for a period of five consecutive years at the 32nd AGM of the Company held on 27th July 2018 to hold office from the conclusion of the said Meeting till the conclusion of the 37th AGM to be held in the year 2023.
Your Board recommends the appointment of M/s. Manubhai & Shah LLP, Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration No. 106041W/W100136), as Statutory Auditors of the Company for a period of 5 years from the conclusion of this AGM till the conclusion of the 42nd AGM to be held in the year 2028, in place of retiring auditors viz. M/s. SGDG & Associates LLP, Chartered Accountants, on such remuneration as shall be fixed by the Board of yond Directors of the Company. The Company has received letter from the M/s. Manubhai & Shah LlP, Chartered Accountants, to the effect that their appointment, if made, would be within the prescribed limit under Section 141 (3) (g) of the Companies Act, 2013 and that they are not disqualified from the appointment.
M/s. V J Talati & Co., Cost Accountants have been appointed as Cost Auditors of the Company for the financial year 2023-24 under Section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Cost Records and Audit) Amendment Rules 2014. M/s. V J Talati & Co. have confirmed that they are free from any disqualifications as specified under the Companies Act, 2013.
The remuneration payable to the Cost Auditors is required to be placed before the Members in a general meeting for their ratification. Accordingly, resolution seeking Members'' ratification for the remuneration payable to M/s. V J Talati & Co., Cost Auditors is included at item No.7 of the Notice convening the AGM.
Secretarial Auditor
M/s. D.S. Momaya & Co. LLP, Company Secretaries, have been appointed to conduct the Secretarial Audit of the Company for the financial year 2022-23, pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015 as amended. The Report of the Secretarial Auditor is appended to this Report as Annexure V.
. Maintenance of Cost Records
The maintenance of cost records as specified under Section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013 is applicable to the Company and accordingly all the cost records are made and maintained by the Company and audited by the cost auditors.
Q. CEO & CFO CERTIFICATION
Certificate from Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to the Regulation 17 of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015, for the financial year 2022-23 under review was placed before the Board of Directors of the Company at its meeting held on 27th April 2023.
R. SECRETARIAL STANDARDS
The Company complies with all applicable Secretarial Standards issued by The Institute of Company Secretaries of India and approved by the Central Government under Section 118(10) of the Companies Act, 2013 for the financial year ended 31st March 2023.
S. Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR)
Detailed BRSR under Regulation 34 of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015 forms a part of this report.
T. INVESTOR EDUCATION AND PROTECTION FUND (IEPF)
Pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the IEPF Authority (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund) Rules, 2016 (the Rules), as amended from time to time, all unpaid or unclaimed dividends are required to be transferred by the Company to the IEPF established by the Government of India, after completion of seven years. Further, according to the Rules, the shares on which dividend had remained unpaid or unclaimed by the shareholders for seven consecutive years or more are also be transferred to the demat account of the IEPF Authority. Accordingly, the Company has transferred the unclaimed dividend of '' 12,86,481/- for the year 2014-15 during August 2022. Considering 2014-15 as base year, the Company has transferred 9,154 Equity shares of '' 2 each/- held by 179 number of shareholders, on which the dividend was
unclaimed for 7 consecutive years, to demat account of IEPF''s authority, in compliance with IEPF Rules during the financial year 2022-23.
The Company had sent individual notices and also advertised in the newspapers seeking action from the Members who have not claimed their dividends for seven consecutive years or more.
The Company will be transferring the final dividend and corresponding shares for the financial year ended 201516 within statutory timelines. Members are requested to ensure that they claim the dividends and shares referred to above, before they are transferred to the said Fund. The due dates for transfer of unclaimed dividend to IEPF are provided in the report on Corporate Governance.
The Company has uploaded full details of such shareholders and shares due for transfer to IEPF Authority on its website at www.apcotex.com. Shareholders are requested to refer to the web-link https://apcotex.com/ investor-transfer-to-iepf to verify the details of unclaimed dividends and the shares liable to be transferred to IEPF Authority.
U. SIGNIFICANT AND MATERIAL ORDERS PASSED BY THE COURT
During the year no significant or material orders were passed by the Regulators or Courts or Tribunals which impacts the going concern status and Company''s operations.
n Your Directors take this opportunity to express their deep sense of gratitude to the Bankers, various departments of syond State / Central Government and local authorities for their continued guidance and support.
We would also like to place on record our sincere appreciation for the commitment, dedication and hard work put in by every member of the Apcotex family. To all shareholders, we are deeply grateful for the confidence and faith that you have always reposed in us.
The accompanying Annexures I to V are an integral part of this Directors'' Report.
FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
ATUL C CHOKSEY CHAIRMAN DIN:00002102
Date: 27th April 2023 Place: Mumbai
Mar 31, 2022
Your Directors have pleasure in presenting to you the Thirty Sixth (36th) Annual Report of the Company and the Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 31st March 2022.
A. COMPANY PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Rs. in lacs |
|||
Particulars |
31st March 2022 |
31st March 2021 |
Growth % |
Income from operations |
|||
(a) Revenue from operations |
95,689.09 |
54,063.59 |
|
(b) Other income |
789.08 |
518.63 |
|
Total income from operations |
96,478.17 |
54,582.22 |
77% |
Gross Profit Before Depreciation, Finance cost & Tax |
14,770.94 |
7,505.88 |
|
(a) Finance costs |
325.47 |
381.08 |
|
(b) Depreciation & amortization expense |
1,409.47 |
1,451.19 |
|
Profit before tax |
13,036.00 |
5,673.61 |
130% |
Tax expenses |
3,155.39 |
1,257.73 |
|
Profit after Tax |
9,880.61 |
4,415.88 |
124% J |
Other Comprehensive Income for the year |
1,269.20 |
1,774.80 |
|
Total Comprehensive Income for the year |
11,149.81 |
6,190.68 |
|
Earnings per Share (EPS) |
|||
(a) Basic |
19.06 |
8.52 |
124% |
(b) Diluted |
19.06 |
8.52 |
124% |
COVID-19 IMPACT aDC1
During the year 2021-22, the Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) pandemic continued throwing challenges to all economic and social activities. The Company ensured its employees (Permanent and Contract) were provided vaccinations, the plants/offices were regularly sanitized, and all necessary arrangements were made for maintaining social distancing while commuting and at the workplace. The Company started a hybrid policy which allowed team members to partly work from home during the year at its registered office, corporate office and other offices. Health and safety of our employees is of utmost importance, hence all required precautionary measures were taken at the workplace.
Despite of the surge in Covid-19 cases during the second and third wave the company continued with the positive momentum with healthy increases in sales and profits.
Pursuant to the approval of the Board of Directors on 27th January 2022, the Company paid an interim dividend @ of Rs. 2.00/- (previous year - Rs. 1.50/-) per equity share of the
face value of Rs.2.00/- each to the Shareholders who were on the register of members as on 11th February 2022, being the record date fixed for this purpose.
Interim Dividend absorbed a sum of Rs. 1,036.90 lacs out of the net profits after tax for the financial year 2021-22.
Based on Company''s performance, your directors are pleased to recommend for approval of members, a final dividend @ of Rs. 3.00/- (previous year - Rs. 2.00/-) per equity share of the face value of Rs. 2.00/- each for the financial year 2021-22. Dividend, if approved, will absorb a sum of Rs. 1,555.35 lacs out of net profit after tax and will be paid to those Shareholders whose name appear on the Register of Members on 7th day June 2022.
The total dividend is Rs. 5.00 (250%) [Previous Year - Rs. 3.50 (175%)] for the financial year 2021-22, including the Interim dividend @ Rs. 2.00/- per Equity Share (100%) and Proposed Final Dividend @ Rs. 3.00/- per share (150%) per equity share of the face value of Rs. 2.00/- each. Total dividend payout for the financial year 2021-22 amounts to Rs. 2,592.25 lacs. (Previous Year - Rs.1,814.61 lacs).
There is no amount proposed to be transfered to Reserves out of profit of the financial year 2021-22.
An income of Rs 108.68 lacs has been generated from renewable energy through wind turbine generator installed at Sadawaghapur, Taluka - Patan, District Satara and solar project at Taloja Plant during the financial year 2021-22 (Previous year - Rs. 112 lacs) which was netted off against the power cost.
3c. DISCLOSURES UNDER COMPANIES ACT, 2013I. ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY & FOREIGN EXCHANGE
I nformation sought under the provisions of Section 134 (3) (m) of the Companies Act, 2013, read with Rule 8 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 regarding conservation of energy, technology absorption and foreign exchange earnings and outgo are given in the Annexure I, forming part of this report.
The Annual Return has been placed on the website of the Company and can be accessed at https:// www.apcotex.com/financial.asp?fn=annualreturn
III. CHANGES IN THE SHARE CAPITAL
There is no change in the share capital of the Company during the financial year under review. The paid-up Equity Share Capital as on 31st March 2022 was Rs. 1,036.90 lacs, comprising of 5,18,44,960 equity shares of face value of Rs. 2.00/- each.
The Company has Investments of Rs. 9,866.75 lacs (previous year Rs.8,602.09 lacs) as at 31st March 2022.
The working capital management of the company is robust and involves a well-organized process which facilitates continuous monitoring and control over receivables, inventories and other parameters affecting cash flow and liquidity.
The Board meets at regular intervals to discuss and decide on business policies and strategy apart from regular Board business. During the financial year under review, the Board of Directors met 6 times. The intervening gap between the meetings was within the period prescribed under the Companies Act, 2013.
The details of the Board Meetings and the attendance of Directors are provided in the Corporate Governance Report.
VI. COMPOSITION OF AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee comprises of Mr. Kamlesh Vikamsey who is the Chairman of the Committee, Mrs. Priyamvada Bhumkar and Mr. Udayan Choksi, are the Non-Executive Independent Directors. More details on the committee are given in the Corporate Governance Report.
All the recommendations of the audit committee are accepted by the Board.
The definition of Independence of Directors is derived from Regulation 16 of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015 and Section 149(6) of the 0 Companies Act, 2013. Based on the confirmation/ disclosures received from the Independent Directors and on evaluation of the relationships disclosed, the following Non-Executive Directors are Independent in terms of Regulation 16 of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015 and Section 149(6) of the Companies Act, 2013;
1. Dr. S. Sivaram
2. Mr. Shailesh Vaidya
3. Mr. Kamlesh Vikamsey
4. Mrs. Priyamvada Bhumkar
5. Mr. Udayan Choksi
I n compliance with Schedule IV of the Companies Act, 2013 and Rules thereunder, the Independent Directors met on 29th March 2022 to discuss issues as prescribed under the schedule IV of the Companies Act, 2013 and also discussed various other issues.
VIII. ANNUAL EVALUATION BY THE BOARD
In compliance with the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 19 read with Schedule II of SEBI (LODR), Regulations, 2015, the Board has carried out the annual performance evaluation of its own performance, the Directors individually as well as the evaluation of Committees. A structured questionnaire was prepared covering various aspects of the Board''s functioning such as adequacy of composition of Board and Committees, Board communication, timeliness and unbiased information of right length and quality of information, Board culture, execution and performance of specific duties, obligations and governance.
A separate exercise was carried out to evaluate the performance of individual directors including the Chairman of the Board, who were evaluated on parameters such as attendance and participation in the discussion and deliberation at the meeting, understanding role and responsibilities as board member, demonstration of knowledge, skill and experience that make him/her a valuable resource for the board.
The performance evaluation of the Independent Directors was carried out by the entire Board. The performance evaluation of the Chairman and the Non-Executive Directors was carried out by the Independent Directors, who also reviewed the performance of the Secretarial Department. The Directors expressed their satisfaction with the evaluation process.
IX. NOMINATION AND REMUNERATION POLICY
The Nomination and Remuneration Policy of the Company is hosted on the website of the company at the following web link:
https://www.apcotex.com/policy/Nomination%20
and%20Remuneration%20Policy%202019.pdf
Disclosure pertaining to remuneration and other details as required under section 197 (12) of the act read with Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 is enclosed as Annexure II to this Report.
X. COMMENTS ON AUDITORS REPORT
There are no qualifications, reservations or adverse remarks or disclaimers made by M/s. SGDG & Associates LLP, Chartered Accountant, Statutory Auditor, in their report and by M/s. D. S. Momaya & Co., Company Secretaries, in their Secretarial Audit report.
The Statutory Auditor has not reported any incident of fraud to the Audit Committee of the Company during the year under review.
XI. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
All the related party transactions are entered on arm''s length basis and are in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015. There are no materially significant related party transactions entered into by the Company with Promoters, Directors or KMP etc., which may have potential conflict with the interest of the company at large.
All new related party transactions are first approved by the Audit Committee and thereafter placed before the Board for their consideration and approval. A statement of all related party transactions is presented before the Audit Committee meeting on quarterly basis, specifying the nature, value and terms and conditions of the transactions.
The particulars of Contracts or arrangements with related parties referred to i n Section 188(1), read with Rule 15 of The Companies (Meetings of Board and its Powers) Rules, 2014 is appended to this report in prescribed Form AOC 2 as Annexure III.
The Related Party Transaction Policy is uploaded on the company''s website at the following web link http://www.apcotex.com/policv/Related Party Transaction Policv.pdf
XII. MATERIAL CHANGES AND COMMITMENTS AFFECTING THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE COMPANY
There have been no material changes and commitments, if any, affecting the financial position of the Company which have occurred between the end of the financial year of the Company to which the financial statements relate and the date of the report.
The Company has established a vigil mechanism for Directors and Employees to report their genuine concerns in compliance with provision of section 177 (10) of the Companies Act 2013 and Regulation 22 of SEBI (LODR) 2015.
The Audit Committee of the Board oversees the functioning of this policy. Protected disclosures can be made by a whistle blower through several channels to report actual or suspected frauds and violation of Company''s Code of Conduct and/or Ethics Policy.
The details of the policy have been disclosed on the Company''s website at https://apcotex.com/policy/ Whistle Blower Policy.pdf
The Company has always strived to adopt appropriate standards for good Corporate Governance.
Detailed report on the Corporate Governance and Management Discussion Analysis, forms part of this report. A certificate from M/s. D. S. Momaya & Co., Company Secretaries, regarding compliance of conditions of Corporate Governance as stipulated under Regulation 34 read with Schedule V of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015 is annexed to the said Report.
Pursuant to regulation 21 of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015, the Risk Management Committee was constituted in the meeting of Board of Directors held on 9th July 2021 comprising of Dr. S. Sivaram - Independent Director, Shri Abhiraj Choksey -Managing Director and Shri Ravishankar Sharma -Executive Director.
The Risk Management Policy was approved and adopted by the Board on 28th October 2021. This policy articulates the Company''s approach to address uncertainties in its endeavour to achieve its stated explicit and implicit objectives. It prescribes the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders within the Company, the structure for managing risks and the framework for risk management. The risk identification, assessment and mitigation process actively involves people at all levels in the management.
All risk identification, assessment and mitigation exercise are carried out before the annual planning exercise and the specific risk mitigation tasks along with resources are made part of the annual budgets and functional objectives for the coming year(s). These are reviewed periodically by the respective functions and necessary course corrections are made if necessary.
The details of the policy have been disclosed on the Company''s website at: https://apcotex.com/policy/ Risk Management Policy.pdf
D. CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The Company has constituted a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee in compliance with Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013. On the recommendation of the CSR committee, the Board has approved the CSR policy of the Company which is published on the Company''s website at https://apcotex. com/policy/CSR policy.pdf. The company has amended its CSR Policy in accordance with the amendments to the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Amendment Rules, 2021.
CSR activities of the Company are carried directly and through Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), who have track record of minimum of 3 years in carrying out the activities, and other criterias as prescribed under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Schedule VII and Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, as amended from time to time.
The Company has undertaken projects in the areas of Healthcare, Education, and Disaster Management around the area surrounding the factories/corporate office, brief details of which are as under:
The Company was required to spend Rs. 92.34 lacs, being 2% of average net profit of previous three financial years, against which Company had spent Rs. 93.08 lacs during the financial year 2021-22, the details of amount spent are as under;
Healthcare and Disaster Management |
70.00 lacs |
Education |
23.08 lacs |
To improve the condition of under-privileged citizens, the Company has carried out the various CSR activities directly and some through NGOs:
Healthcare and Disaster Management:
The Company is working with EdelGive Foundation, Mumbai, who assisted the company in the selection of NGOs and to recommend, implement and oversee the CSR activities. One of the strategic projects that Edelgive and the Company are working on is with an NGO called Utthan who is carrying out strategic, long-term CSR activities around our Valia Plant, Dist. Bharuch, Gujarat.
During Financial Year 2019-20, Utthan had undertaken a detailed survey of the villages surrounding the Valia plant and made a strategic plan to utilize the CSR funds for Water and Sanitation activities which included building water sources, toilets and several training and health & hygiene awareness sessions.
During the Financial Year 2020-21, Utthan had adopted humanitarian response and support towards communities amid a nationwide lockdown in response to the Covid-19 crisis. Food and rations were ensured to more than 600 families. In the absence of any vaccine and effective treatment at that time, team Utthan organised eight (08) Covid-19 awareness events covering 512 community members. To meet the requirement of daily living items and goods, agri-kits, kitchen garden kits were distributed to farmers and needy households, as these families were unable to procure seeds for sowing, due to their economic conditions which was adversely affected on account of Covid-19 lockdown.
To address the hygiene issue, the Company has supported for construction of 235 new toilets, 209 soak pits and 366 washing platforms till the financial year 2021-22 in Village Dungri and Naldhari. The Company has developed 2 drinking water sources which got tested from government recognized test centre and found the water to be potable. Community mobilisation activities for Social and Behavioral Communication Change were organised which included 12 hamlet meetings, 3 community awareness programs, 6 school-based programs involving 350 children, 2 adolescents'' health trainings, and multiple small group meetings.
Utthan continued with its humanitarian response and support towards communities during the year 2021-22 in response to the Covid-19 crisis. It distributed 115 Kharif kits, 375 kitchen garden kits, food ration kits to 100 families, 22,200 masks and 6000 soaps distributed to 1987 families, 90 safety kits to frontline workers and 10 safety kits to schools. Awareness programme on Covid-19, precautions to be taken & benefits of vaccination, was carried out in 10 villages of Valia block. Due to their efforts 80% of eligible community members were vaccinated by December 2021.
Through Mann Deshi Foundation the Company arranged for the vaccination of about 4500 people from the economically weaker section of the society and also supported the health centres with supply of oxygen concentrators, oxygen cylinders, masks and sanitizers around Mann taluka, Dist. Satara, Maharashtra.
The Society for the Rehabilitation of Crippled Children
The Company has supported for setup of in-house RT-PCR Laboratory at the Society for the Rehabilitation of Crippled Childrens (SRCC) Hospital. RT-PCR is one of the widely used laboratory methods for detecting the Covid-19 virus. An in-house RT-PCR lab would help in early diagnosis/ reporting of the Covid-19 virus rather than one whole day taken by outside lab. This would ensure timely admission to Hospital and treatment of the young patients.
In addition to carrying out the RT-PCR test for Covid-19, the instruments can also be used for conducting the CMV Adenovirus, EBV (qualitative & quantitative) tests.
St Jude India Childcare Centre through West Wind Association
The Company has provided financial assistance to St. Jude India Childcare Centres through West Wind Association which provide a safe and clean environment for children to recuperate during their cancer treatment by providing free housing, nutritional support and other services.
Deepak Foundation
Your company is working with Deepak Foundation for Skill Development of Youth & Self-Help Group women in Facility Management & Services around Taloja Plant area. Necessary training will be imparted to 75 youths including the on job / practical training apart from the classroom training sessions. This will help the youths to set up their own small business of catering services or housing keep else the Deepak Foundation will also help them to get the employment in nearby malls, offices, business parks, restaurants, etc.
Bombay International School Association (BISA)
The Companyâs contribution partly covers the tuitions and expenses for underprivileged children i.e. 4 per academic year under the schoolâs inclusion program.
Maniben Nanavati Womenâs College
The Company has provided financial support to meet the 50% education fees of 75 female students, who were in need of financial assistance, for graduation/post-graduation courses for the academic year 2021-22.
The Company is providing Education & Mess Fees for 65 Students at Jaymataji Education Trust.
Sardar Nagar Prathamik Shala
The company has provided school uniforms to school Children of Sardar Nagar Prathamik Shala.
The details as required under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 are provided in CSR Report which is annexed herewith as Annexure IV. For the year 202122, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company has certified that the funds of CSR have been utilized for the purposes and in the manner as approved by the Board of Directors of the Company.
E. FAMILIARISATION PROGRAMME FOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
The company conducts the Familiarization program when new Director(s) is/are appointed during the year. The Program aims to provide insights into the Company to enable the Independent Directors to understand its business in depth, to familiarize them with the process, business, and functionaries of the Company and to assist them in performing their role as Independent Directors of the Company. The Companyâs Policy of conducting the Familiarization Program has been disclosed on the website of the Company at
https://www.apcotex.com/policy/Familiarisation%20
Programme%20for%20Independent%20Directors%20
2021-22.pdf
F. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PREVENTION OF INSIDER TRADING
The Insider trading policy of the Company lays down guidelines and procedures to be followed, and disclosures to be made while dealing with the shares of the Company. The policy has been formulated to regulate, monitor, and ensure reporting of deals by designated person/ employees and maintain the highest ethical standards of dealing in Company securities.
G. INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROLS
The Company has adopted policies and procedures for ensuring the orderly and efficient conduct of its business, including adherence to the Company''s policies, the safeguarding of its assets, the prevention and detection of frauds and errors, the accuracy and completeness of the accounting records and the timely preparation of reliable financial disclosures. These are reviewed periodically and made part of work instructions or process in the company.
The Company periodically conducts physical verification of inventory, fixed assets and cash on hand and matches them with the books of account. Explanations are sought for any variance noticed from the respective functional heads.
H. DIRECTORS RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
The Directors confirm:
I. That in the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable accounting standa rds had been followed along with proper explanation relating to material departures;
II. That they have 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 profit and loss of the company for that period;
III. That they have taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Act for safeguarding the assets of the company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
IV. That they have prepared the annual accounts on a going concern basis;
V. That they, have laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the company and that such internal financial controls are adequate and were operating effectively; and
VI. That they have devised proper system to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems were adequate and operating effectively.
I. DISCLOSURE IN TERMS OF THE SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT WORKPLACE (PREVENTION, PROHIBITION AND REDRESSAL) ACT, 2013
All women who are associated with the Company either as permanent employees or temporary employees or contractual persons including service providers at the Company sites are covered under the above policy.
The company has constituted Internal Complaints Committee to ensure a harassment free working environment, to redress the complaints and to prevent sexual harassments, if any. No complaints relating to sexual harassment were received during the year.
J. FIXED DEPOSITS MATURED BUT NOT CLAIMED
Company has no Fixed Deposits at the end of the financial year. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has instructed the Company, not to repay the proceeds of four fixed deposits amounting to Rs.0.48 lacs and accrued interest of Rs. 0.22 lacs thereon. These deposits matured during the first week of December 2002 and continue to remain with the Company.
All insurable assets of the Company including inventories, buildings, plant and machinery etc., as well as the liabilities under legislative enactments, are insured on reinstatement basis after due valuation of assets by an external agency. The Company also holds a Loss of Profit Policy for the financial year 2021-22.
Company ensures safe, healthy and eco-friendly environment at its plant and surrounding area. Company continually works towards identification and reduction of risks and prevention of pollution at its plant and its surroundings.
Members of the Safety Committees of the Company''s Taloja Plant and Valia Plant, have been regularly reviewing the safety measures and their implementation to ensure adequate safety in material handling and processing, control of pollution caused by liquid effluents, dust and emissions from chimney, etc. Samples are periodically drawn and the reports submitted to the Pollution Control Board indicating compliance with the standards.
Consent has been obtained from Maharashtra Pollution Control Board to operate the Plant at Taloja till 30th March 2031 and from Gujarat Pollution Control Board to operate the Plant at Valia, Ankleshwar till 9th November 2024.
|t Company is working with renowned consultant for implementation of Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) in the organisation which is likely to be completed by end of June 2022. This will help the company to optimize the use of the natural resources and set the target for saving these resources in the subsequent years. A detailed report on the same will be published in the next year''s Annual Report.
The information required under Section 197 of the Companies Act, 2013 and read with Rule 5 of The Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, are given in Annexure II.
The information required pursuant to Section 197 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 5(2) & (3) of The Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, in respect of employees of your company is available for inspection by the members. Please refer note no. 18 of the Notice of AGM for inspection of the same.
N. DIRECTORS & KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL Appointment:
Mr. Abhiraj Choksey was appointed as Managing Director of the Company by Board of Directors at their meeting held on 28th March 2019 for a term of 3 years effective from 1st May 2019 and the shareholders approved the appointment of Mr. Abhiraj Choksey on 6th June 2019. The term of Mr. Abhiraj Choksey will end on 30th April 2022. The Board of Directors at their meeting held on 29th March 2022 decided to re-appoint Mr. Abhiraj Choksey as Managing Director of the Company, for a further period of 3 years, effective from 1st May 2022 on the recommendation of Nomination and Remuneration Committee.
Mr. Sachin Karwa has been appointed as the Chief Financial Officer of the company with effect from 9th July 2021 on the recommendation of Audit committee and Nomination & Remuneration committee.
Mr. Suraj Badale who was appointed as Chief Financial Officer of the company with effect from 1st April 2019 resigned from the post of Chief Financial Officer on 9th July 2021. He continues to be employee of the company as DGM- Accounts.
Retirement by Rotation:
I n accordance with the provisions of Section 152(6) of the Companies Act, 2013 and Articles of Association of the Company, Mr. Amit Choksey (DIN 00001470) will retire by rotation at the ensuing AGM of the Company and being eligible, offers himself for re-appointment. The Board recommends his re-appointment.
Note that the background of the Director(s) proposed for appointment / re-appointment is given as annexure to the Notice, which forms part of this Annual Report.
O. AUDITORS Statutory Auditor
M/s. SGDG & Associates LLP, Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration No W100188) were appointed as Statutory Auditor of the Company for a period of five consecutive years at the 32nd AGM of the Company held on 27th July 2018 to hold office from the conclusion of the said Meeting till the conclusion of the 37th AGM to be held in the year 2023.
The requirement of seeking ratification of the members for continuance of their appointment has been withdrawn consequent upon the changes made by the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2017 with effect from 7th May 2018. Hence, the resolution seeking ratification of the members for their appointment is not being placed at the ensuing AGM.
The Statutory Auditor have given a confirmation to the effect that they are eligible to continue with their appointment and have not been disqualified in any manner
from continuing as Statutory Auditor. The remuneration payable to the Statutory Auditor shall be determined by the Board of Directors based on the recommendation of the Audit Committee.
M/s. V J Talati & Co., Cost Accountants have been appointed as Cost Auditor of the Company for the financial year 2022-23 under Section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Cost Records and Audit) Amendment Rules, 2014. M/s. V J Talati & Co, have confirmed that they are free from any disqualifications as specified under the Companies Act, 2013.
The remuneration payable to the Cost Auditor is required to be placed before the Members in a general meeting for their ratification. Accordingly, resolution seeking Members'' ratification for the remuneration payable to M/s. V J Talati & Co, Cost Auditor, is included at item No.6 of the Notice convening the AGM.
D. S. Momaya & Co., Company Secretaries, has been appointed to conduct the Secretarial Audit of the Company for the financial year 2021-22, pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015 as amended. The Report of the Secretarial Auditor is appended to this Report as Annexure V.
P. Maintenance of Cost Records
The maintenance of cost records as specified under Section 148 of the Act, is applicable to the Company and accordingly all the cost records are made and maintained by the Company and audited by the cost auditors.
Certificate from Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to the Regulation 17 of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015, for the financial year 2021-22 under review was placed before the Board of Directors of the Company at its meeting held on 27th April 2022.
The Company complies with all applicable Secretarial Standards issued by The Institute of Company Secretaries of India and approved by the Central Government under Section 118(10) of the Companies Act, 2013 for the financial year ended 31st March 2022.
S. BUSINESS RESPONSIBILTY REPORT
Detailed Business Responsibility Report under Regulation 34 read with Schedule V of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015 forms a part of this report.
T. INVESTOR EDUCATION AND PROTECTION FUND (IEPF)
Pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the IEPF Authority (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund) Rules, 2016 (the Rules), as amended from time to time, all unpaid or unclaimed dividends are required to be transferred by the Company to the IEPF established by the Government of India, after completion of seven years. Further, according to the Rules, the shares on which dividend had remained unpaid or unclaimed by the shareholders for seven consecutive years or more are also be transferred to the demat account of the IEPF Authority. Accordingly, the Company has transferred the unclaimed dividend of Rs. 9,47,390/- for the year 2013-14 during July 2021. Considering 2013-14 as base year, the Company has transferred 24,182 Equity shares held by 304 number of shareholders, on which the dividend was unclaimed for 7 consecutive years, to demat account of IEPF''s authority, in compliance with IEPF Rules during the financial year 2021-22.
The Company had communicated individually to 208 Shareholders holding 11,172 shares, taking a base year of 2014-15 during April 2022, whose shares are liable to be transferred to IEPF Authority during the financial year 2022-23.
The Company has uploaded full details of such shareholders and shares due for transfer to IEPF Authority on its website at www.apcotex.com. Shareholders are
requested to refer to the web-link https://www.apcotex. com/financial.asp?fn=SU to verify the details of unclaimed dividends and the shares liable to be transferred to IEPF Authority.
Your Directors take this opportunity to express their deep sense of gratitude to State Bank of India, Citi Bank, HDFC Bank, various departments of State / Central Government and local authorities for their continued guidance and support.
We would also like to place on record our sincere appreciation for the commitment, dedication and hard work put in by every member of the Apcotex family. To all shareholders, we are deeply grateful for the confidence and faith that you have always reposed in us.
The accompanying Annexure I to V is an integral part of this Directors'' Report.
FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
ATUL C. CHOKSEY CHAIRMAN DIN:00002102
Date: 27th April 2022 Place: Mumbai
Mar 31, 2018
TO THE MEMBERS
The Directors have pleasure in presenting to you the Thirty second Annual Report of the Company and the Audited Financial Statement for the year ended 31st March 2018.
A. COMPANY PERFORMANCE
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Rs. in lacs
Particulars |
Year ended |
Growth %(Pre-Merger) |
|||||
31st March 18 |
31st March 17 |
||||||
Pre Merger |
Merged entity # |
Post Merger |
Pre Merger |
Merged entity # |
Post Merger |
||
Income from operations |
|||||||
(a) Revenue from operations |
53,824.80 |
- |
53,824.80 |
43,100.25 |
- |
43,100.25 |
|
(b) Other income |
676.93 |
36.48 |
713.41 |
1,018.37 |
1,970.87 |
2,989.25 |
|
Total income from operations (net) |
54,501.73 |
36.48 |
54,538.21 |
44,118.62 |
1,970.87 |
46,089.50 |
23.53 |
Gross Profit Before Depreciation, Finance cost and Tax |
7,088.58 |
(139.81) |
6,948.77 |
3,930.61 |
1,909.77 |
5,840.39 |
|
(a) Finance costs |
156.98 |
- |
156.98 |
287.61 |
- |
287.61 |
|
(b) Depreciation & amortization expense |
1,214.24 |
- |
1,214.24 |
1,210.02 |
- |
1,210.03 |
|
Profit before tax |
5,717.36 |
(139.81) |
5,577.55 |
2,432.98 |
1,909.77 |
4,342.75 |
134.99 |
Tax expenses |
1,713.91 |
- |
1,713.91 |
318.21 |
526.02 |
844.23 |
|
Profit after Tax |
4,003.45 |
(139.81) |
3,863.64 |
2,114.77 |
1,383.75 |
3,498.52 |
89.31 |
Other Comprehensive Income for the year |
(29.60) |
- |
(29.59) |
(10.39) |
- |
(10.39) |
|
Total Comprehensive Income for the year |
3,973.85 |
(139.81) |
3,834.05 |
2,104.38 |
1,383.75 |
3,488.13 |
88.84 |
Earnings per Share (EPS) |
|||||||
(a) Basic |
19.30 |
18.63 |
10.20 |
16.87 |
89.31 |
||
(b) Diluted |
19.30 |
18.63 |
10.20 |
16.87 |
89.31 |
# The financial figures of the merged entity represents Saldhar Investment and Trading Co. Pvt Ltd, the holding company.
DIVIDEND
Based on the Companyâs performance, your Directors are pleased to recommend for approval of the Members a dividend @ Rs.6/- (Rupees Six) (Previous year Rs.4.50/- (Rupees Four and fifty paise) per Equity Share of Rs.5/- each for the financial year 2017-18. Dividend, if approved, will absorb a sum of Rs.1500.05 lacs (including Dividend Distribution Tax of Rs.255.77 lacs) out of the net profits after tax, as above and will be paid to those shareholders whose names appear on the Register of Members on Friday, 20th day of July 2018.
TRANSFER TO RESERVE
The appropriations for the year are:
Rs. in lacs
Particulars |
Year ended 31st March 2018 |
Net Profit after tax for the year |
3834.04 |
Balance of Reserve at the beginning of the year |
3603.72 |
Transfer to General Reserve |
400.00 |
Balance of Reserve at the end of the year |
7037.76 |
B. WIND POWER
The Wind Turbine Generator installed at Sadawaghapur, Taluka - Patan, District Satara, Maharashtra, has generated gross revenue of about Rs.113.00 lacs during the financial year (previous year Rs.135.00 lacs), and same is netted-off against the power cost.
C. DISCLOSURES UNDER COMPANI ES ACT, 2013
I. ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY & FOREIGN EXCHANGE
I nformation sought under the provisions of Section 134 (3) (m) of the Companies Act, 2013, read with Rule 8 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 regarding conservation of energy, technology absorption and foreign exchange earnings and outgo are given in the Annexure I, forming part of this report.
II. EXTRACT OF ANNUAL RETURN
As per the requirements of Section 92(3) of the Act, the extracts of the annual return is given in Annexure II in the prescribed Form no. MGT - 9, which is part of this report.
III. CHANGES IN THE SHARE CAPITAL
The paid-up Equity Share Capital as on 31st March 2018 was Rs.10.37crores, comprising of 2,07,37,984 equity shares of Rs.5/- each. Reconciliation of Share Capital:
Balance as at the beginning of the year |
2,07,37,984 |
Less: Shares cancelled pursuant to effecting scheme of amalgamation of Saldhar Investments And Trading Company Private Limited (Saldhar) with the company |
1,07,24,300 |
Add: Shares allotted on 24th February 2018 to shareholders of Saldhar pursuant to effecting scheme of amalgamation |
1,07,24,300 |
Balance as at the end of the year |
2.07.37.984 |
IV. NUMBER OF BOARD MEETINGS
The Board meets at regular intervals to discuss and decide on the Company / business policy and strategy apart from other Board business. During the financial year under review, the Board of Directors met 6 (six) times. The intervening gap between the meetings was within the period prescribed under the Companies Act, 2013.
The details of the Board meetings and the attendance of Directors are provided in the Corporate Governance Report.
V. COMPOSITION OF AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee comprises of Mr. M G Patel, Mr. Kamlesh Vikamsey, Mr. Girish Choksey, and Mrs. Priyamvada Bhumkar. Mr. Kamlesh Vikamsey (w.e.f. 7.11.2017) is the Chairman of the Committee. Mr. M G Patel (Chairman upto 6.11.2017), Mr. Kamlesh Vikamsey and Mrs. Priyamvada Bhumkar are the Non-Executive Independent Directors. More details on the committee are given in the Corporate Governance Report.
All the recommendations of the audit committee are accepted by the Board.
VI. BOARD INDEPENDENCE
The definition of Independence of Directors is derived from Regulation 16 (1) (b) of SEBI Listing Obligation and Disclosure Requirement (LODR) Regulations, 2015 and Section 149(6) of the Companies Act, 2013. Based on the confirmation / disclosures received from the Independent Directors under Section 149(7) of the Companies Act, 2013 and on evaluation of the relationships disclosed, the following Non-Executive Directors are Independent in terms of 16 (1) (b) of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015 and Section 149(6) of the Companies Act, 2013;
1. Mr. M G Patel
2. Dr. S. Sivaram
3. Mr. Shailesh Vaidya
4. Mr. Kamlesh Vikamsey
5. Mrs. Priyamvada Bhumkar
I n compliance with Schedule IV of the Companies Act, 2013 and Rules thereunder, the Independent Directors met on 9th February 2018 and discussed issues as prescribed under the schedule IV of the Companies Act, 2013 and also discussed various other issues.
VII. ANNUAL EVALUATION BY THE BOARD
I n compliance with the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 19 (4) read with Schedule II, Part - D of SEBI (LODR), Regulations, 2015, the Board has carried out the annual performance evaluation of its own performance, the Directors individually as well as the evaluation of Committees. A structured questionnaire was prepared after taking into consideration inputs received from the Nomination & Remuneration Committee members, covering various aspects of the Boardâs functioning such as adequacy of composition of Board and Committees, Board communication, timeliness and unbiased information of right length and quality of information, Board culture, execution and performance of specific duties, obligations and governance.
A separate exercise was carried out to evaluate the performance of individual Directors including the Chairman of the Board, who were evaluated on parameters such as attendance and participation in the discussion and deliberation at the meeting, understanding role and responsibilities as board member, demonstration of knowledge, skill and experience that make him/her a valuable resource for the board.
The performance evaluation of the Independent Directors was carried out by the entire Board. The performance evaluation of the Chairman and the Non-Executive Directors was carried out by the Independent Directors, who also reviewed the performance of the Secretarial Department. The Directors expressed their satisfaction with the evaluation process.
VIII. NOMINATION AND REMUNERATION POLICY
The Nomination and Remu neration policy of the Company for Directors, Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) and Senior Personnel of the Company is hosted on the website of the company at the following web link: http://apcotex.com/policy/ Nomination Remuneration Policy.pdf
Disclosure pertaining to remuneration and other details as required under section 197 (12) of the act read with Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 is enclosed as Annexure III to this Report.
IX. COMMENTS ON AUDITORS REPORT
There are no qualifications, reservations or adverse remarks on disclaimers made by M/s. Kalyaniwalla & Mistry LLP, Chartered Accountant, Statutory Auditor, in their report and by Mr. Mahesh Hurgat, Company Secretary in Practice, in his Secretarial Audit report.
The Statutory Auditors have not reported any incident of fraud to the Audit Committee of the Company during the year under review.
X. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
All the related party transactions are entered on armâs length basis and are in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015. There are no materially significant related party transactions entered into by the Company with Promoters, Directors or Key Managerial Personnel etc., which may have potential conflict with the interest of the company at large.
All new related party transactions are first approved by the Audit Committee and thereafter placed before the Board for their consideration and approval. A statement of all related party transactions is presented before the Audit Committee meeting on quarterly basis, specifying the nature, value and terms and conditions of the transactions.
The particulars of Contracts or arrangements with related parties referred to in Section 188(1), read with Rule 15 of The Companies (Meetings of Board and Its Powers) Rules 2014 is appended to this report in prescribed Form AOC 2 as Annexure IV .
The Related Party Transaction Policy as approved by the Board is uploaded on the companyâs website at the following web link http://www.apcotex.com/ policy/Related Party Transaction Policy.pdf
XI. MATERIAL CHANGES AND COMMITMENTS AFFECTING THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE COMPANY
There have been no material changes and commitments, if any, affecting the financial position of the Company which have occurred between the end of the financial year of the Company to which the financial statement relate and the date of the report.
XII. VIGIL MECHANISM
The Company has established a vigil mechanism for Directors and Employees to report their genuine concerns in compliance with provision of section 177 (10) of Companies Act 2013 and Regulation 22 of SEBI (LODR) 2015. The details of same are given in the Corporate Governance Report annexed to this Report.
XIII. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Company has always strived to adopt appropriate standards for good Corporate Governance.
Detailed report on the Corporate Governance and Management Discussion Analysis, form part of this report. A certificate from the Practicing Company Secretary regarding compliance of conditions of Corporate Governance as stipulated under Regulation 34 (3) read with Schedule V of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015 is annexed to the said Report.
D. CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The Company has constituted a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee in compliance with Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013. On the recommendation of the CSR committee, the Board has approved the CSR policy of the Company which is published on the Companyâs website.
The Company has under taken projects in the areas of Healthcare and Education as well as social projects around the area surrounding the factory/corporate office. The details of CSR activities as required under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, are provided in CSR Report which is annexed herewith as Annexure V.
E. FAMILIARISATION PROGRAMME FOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
The company conducts the Familiarisation program when new Director(s) is/are appointed during the year. The Program aims to provide insights into the Company to enable the Independent Directors to understand its business in depth, to familiarize them with the process, business and functionaries of the Company and to assist them in performing their role as Independent Directors of the Company. The Companyâs Policy of conducting the Familiarisation Program has been disclosed on the website of the Company at http://www.apcotex.com/ policy/Familiarisation Programme Independent.pdf
F. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PREVENTION OF INSIDER TRADING
The Board of Directors has adopted the Insider Trading Policy in accordance with the requirement of the SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015. The insider trading policy of the Company lays down guidelines and procedures to be followed, and disclosures to be made while dealing with the shares of the Company. The policy has been formulated to regulate, monitor and ensure reporting of deals by employees and maintain the highest ethical standards of dealing in Company securities
G. INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROLS
The Company has adopted policies and procedures for ensuring the orderly and efficient conduct of its business, including adherence to the Companyâs policies, the safeguarding of its assets, the prevention and detention of frauds and errors, the accuracy and completeness of the accounting records and the timely preparation of reliable financial disclosures.These are reviewed periodically and made part of work instructions or process in the company.
The Company periodically conducts physical verification of inventory, fixed assets and cash on hand and matches them with the books of account. Explanations are sought for any variance noticed from the respective functional heads.
H. DIRECTORS RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
The Directors confirm:
I. That in the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable accounting standards had been followed along with proper explanation relating to material departures;
II. That they have 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 profit and loss of the company for that period;
III. That they have taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Act for safeguarding the assets of the company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
IV. That they have prepared the annual accounts on a going concern basis;
V. That they, have laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the company and that such internal financial controls are adequate and were operating effectively; and
VI. That they have devised proper system to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems were adequate and operating effectively.
I. DISCLOSURE IN TERMS OF THE SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT WORKPLACE (PREVENTION, PROHIBITION AND REDRESSAL) ACT, 2013
The Company takes all necessary measures to ensure a harassment free workplace and has instituted an Internal Complaints Committee for redressal of complaints and to prevent sexual harassment. No complaints relating to sexual harassment were received during the year.
J. FIXED DEPOSITS MATURED BUT NOT CLAIMED
Company has no Fixed Deposits at the end of the financial year. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has instructed the Company, not to repay the proceeds of four fixed deposits amounting to Rs.48,000/- and accrued interest of Rs.22,491/- thereon. These deposits matured during the first week of December 2002 and continue to remain with the Company.
k. INSURANCE
All insurable assets of the Company including inventories, buildings, plant and machinery etc., as well as the liability under legislative enactments, are insured on reinstatement basis after due valuation of assets by an external agency. The Company also holds a Loss of Profit Policy for the financial year 2018-19.
L. ECOLOGY AND SAFETY
Company ensures safe, healthy and eco-friendly environment at its plant and surrounding area. Company continually works towards identification and reduction of risks and prevention of pollution at its plant and its surroundings.
Members of the Safety Committees of the Companyâs Taloja Plant and Valia Plant, have been regularly reviewing the safety measures and their implementation to ensure adequate safety in material handling and processing, control of pollution caused by liquid effluents, dust and emissions from chimney etc. Samples are periodically drawn and the reports submitted to the Pollution Control Board indicating compliance with the standards.
Consent has been obtained from Maharashtra Pollution Control Board to operate the Plant at Taloja till 30th March 2021.
M. PERSONNEL
The information required under Section 197 of the Companies Act, 2013 and read with Rule 5 of The Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules 2014, are given in Annexure III.
The information required pursuant to Section 197 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 5(2) & 5(3) of The Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules 2014, in respect of employees of your company is available for inspection by the members at registered office of the company during business hour on working days up to the date of the ensuing Annual General Meeting. If any member is interested in obtaining a copy thereof, such member may write to the company secretary, whereupon a copy would be sent.
N. DIRECTORS & KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL
Retirement by Rotation:
I n accordance with the provisions of Section 152(6) of the Companies Act, 2013 and Articles of Association of the Company Mr. Amit Choksey (DIN 00001470) will retire by rotation at the ensuing Annual General Meeting of the Company and being eligible, offer himself for reappointment. The Bo ard recommends his reappointment.
The background of the Director(s) proposed for appointment/re-appointment is given under the Corporate Governance section of the Annual Report.
O. AUDITORS
I. Pursuant to provisions of Section 139(1) of the Companies Act, 2013, M/s. Kalyaniwalla & Mistry LLP, Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration No. 104607W/W100166), who were appointed as Statutory Auditor of the Company for a period of five years, to hold the office till the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting during the year 2018.
Your Board recommends the appointment of M/s. SGDG & Associates LLP, Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration no. W1001888), as Statutory Auditor of the Company for a period of 5 years from the conclusion of 2018 AGM till the conclusion of the 2023 AGM of the Company, in place of retiring auditor viz. M/s. Kalyaniwala & Mistry, Chartered Accountants, on such remuneration as shall be fixed by the Board of Directors of the Company.
The Company has received letter from the M/s. SGDG & Associates LLP, Chartered Accountants, to the effect that their appointment, if made, would be within the prescribed limit under Section 141 (3) (g) of the Companies Act, 2013 and that they are not disqualified from the appointment.
II. Pursuant to provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013 the Board of Directors have appointed Mr. Mahesh Hurgat, Practicing Company Secretary to conduct the Secretarial audit and his Report on the Companyâs Secretarial Audit is appended to this Report as Annexure VI.
P. CEO & CFO CERTIFICATION
Certificate from Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, pursuant to the Regulation 17 (8) read with Schedule II of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015, for the financial year 2017-18 under review was placed before the Board of Directors of the Company at its meeting held on 3rd May 2018.
Q. SECRETARIAL STANDARD
The Company complies with all applicable Secretarial Standards issued by The Institute of Company Secretaries of India and approved by the Central Government under Section 118(10) of the Companies Act, 2013 for the financial year ended 31st March 2018.
R. INVESTOR EDUCATION AND PROTECTION FUND (IEPF)
Pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the IEPF Authority (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund) Rules, 2016 (the Rules), as amended from time to time, all unpaid or unclaimed dividends are required to be transferred by the Company to the IEPF established by the Government of India, after completion of seven years. Further, according to the Rules, the shares on which dividend had remained unpaid or unclaimed by the shareholders for seven consecutive years or more shall also be transferred to the demat account of the IEPF Authority. Accordingly, the Company has transferred the unclaimed dividend of Rs.449,625 for the year 2009-10 during August 2017. Considering 2009-10 as base year, the Company has transferred 18,182 Shares, on which the dividend was unclaimed for 7 consecutive years, to demat account of IEPFâs authority, in compliance with IEPF Rules.
The Company had communicated individually to 1112 Shareholders taking a base year of 2010-11 on 9th February 2018, whose shares are liable to be transferred to IEPF Authority during the financial year 2018-19.
The Company has uploaded full details of such shareholders and shares due for transfer to IEPF Authority on its website at www.apcotex.com. Shareholders are requested to refer to the web-link http://apcotex.com/ financial.asp?fn=SU to verify the details of unclaimed dividends and the shares liable to be transferred to IEPF Authority.
S. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Your Directors take this opportunity to express their deep sense of gratitude to State Bank of India, Citi Bank, various departments of State / Central Government and local authorities for their continued guidance and support. We would also like to place on record our sincere appreciation for the commitment, dedication and hard work put in by every member of the Apcotex family. To all shareholders, we are deeply grateful for the confidence and faith that you have always reposed in us.
The accompanying Annexure I to VI are an integral part of this Director Report.
FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
ATUL C CHOKSEY
CHAIRMAN
DIN:00002102
Mumbai: 3rd May 2018
Mar 31, 2017
The Directors have pleasure in presenting to you the Thirty First Annual Report of the Company and the Audited Financial Statement for the year ended 31st March 2017.
A. COMPANY PERFORMANCE
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Particulars |
2016-17 (Rs. In Lacs) |
2015-16 (Rs. In Lacs) |
Growth % |
GROSS SALES |
43,163.43 |
29,772.38 |
44.98 |
Gross Profit Before Depreciation, |
3,718.04 |
4,479.20 |
(16.99) |
Finance cost and Tax but after |
|
|
|
prior yearsâ adjustments |
|
|
|
Less: a) Depreciation |
1,210.02 |
894.44 |
|
b) Finance Cost |
286.31 |
242.01 |
|
Profit Before Tax |
2,221.71 |
3,342.75 |
(33.54) |
Less : a) Provision for Tax |
517.59 |
966.13 |
|
b) MAT Credit Entitlement |
(254.31) |
- |
|
c) Adjustment for Deferred Tax Liability |
1,015.56 |
(90.48) |
|
d) Prior Period Tax Expenses |
(966.13) |
- |
|
Profit After Tax |
1,909.00 |
2,467.10 |
(22.62) |
Add: Balance brought forward |
4,474.73 |
3,930.83 |
|
from the Previous Year |
|
|
|
Disposable Profit |
6,383.73 |
6,397.93 |
(0.22) |
Recommended Appropriations: a) Dividend |
933.21 |
933.21 |
|
b) Tax on Dividend |
189.98 |
189.98 |
|
c) Transfer to General Reserve |
400.00 |
800.00 |
|
Balance carried forward to |
4,860.54 |
4,474.73 |
|
Balance Sheet |
|
|
|
|
6,383.73 |
6,397.93 |
|
DIVIDEND
Your Directors have recommended a dividend @ Rs.4.50/-(Rupees Four and fifty paise) (Previous year Rs.4.50/- (Rupees Four and fifty paise) per Equity Share of Rs.5/- each for the financial year 2016-17. Dividend, if approved, will absorb a sum of Rs. 1123.19 lacs (including Dividend Distribution Tax of Rs.189 lacs) out of the net profits after tax, as above and will be paid to those shareholders whose names appear on the Register of Members on Thursday, 10th day of August 2017.
TRANSFER TO RESERVE
The appropriations for the year are:
Rs. in lacs
Particulars |
Year ended 31st March 2017 |
Net Profit after tax for the year |
1,909.00 |
Balance of Reserve at the beginning of the year |
3,203.72 |
Transfer to General Reserve |
400.00 |
Balance of Reserve at the end of the year |
3,603.72 |
B. MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
The company manufactures and markets a range of Emulsion Polymers - Synthetic Latexes, Synthetic Rubber and Nitirle Rubber.
I. CURRENT SCENARIO
Your Company is one of the leading producers of emulsion polymer products namely, Synthetic Latexes (Vinyl Pyridine Latex, Carboxylated Styrene Butadiene Latex, Styrene Acrylic Latex, Nitrile Latex, etc.) and Synthetic Rubber (High Styrene Rubber, Nitrile Butadiene Rubber, NBR Powder, and Nitrile Polyblends) in India. The Company has one of the broadest ranges of products in the industrial segments and caters to a wide range of industries. Your Companyâs Synthetic Latex products are used, among other applications, for tyre cord dipping, paper and paperboard coating, carpet backing, concrete modification/water proofing, non-wovens, textile finishing, paints, etc. Various grades of Synthetic Rubber find application in products such as footwear, automotive components, rice rolls, moulded items, v-belts, conveyor belts, hoses, etc.
The Companyâs major raw materials are petrochemical products and its business could be vulnerable to high volatility in the prices of crude oil and its downstream products.
Over the years, a number of steps have been taken by the management to improve the operational efficiency of the Company in different functions like marketing, human resource development, production process, utilities etc.
Your Companyâs plant at Taloja is recipient of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) Excellence in Consistent TPM Commitment Award - Category A by the Japan Institute of Plant Maintenance (JIPM). TPM has helped the company significantly in improving efficiencies in the plant and in operations and rationalizing costs. The Taloja plant has successfully completed re-certification of the integrated ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001. It has also successfully completed recertification by Indian Chemical Council (ICC) to use the âResponsible Careâ logo.
The above initiatives are also being implemented at the recently acquired plant at Valia, Ankleshwar, Gujarat.
II. OPERATIONS DURING THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2016-17.
After amalgamation of wholly owned subsidiary viz. Apcotex Solutions India Private Limited, which was made effective from 1st December 2016, the Company achieved Gross Value Sales of Rs. 43,163.43 lacs during the financial year, compared to Rs. 29,772.38 lacs in the preceding year on standalone basis. The company exported its products worth Rs. 4014 lacs during the financial year. The sales of Synthetic Latex products were lower during the financial year due to strike of unionized workmen at Taloja plant for almost 2 months and intermittent stoppages of production at one of our major customerâs plant.
There was a continuous thrust from the management to develop a strong research and development and technical service team to develop new products for export markets, explore new applications and understand better the changing customer needs.
Profits before tax were lower by 33% to Rs. 2221.71 lacs as compared to Rs 3,342.75 lacs during the previous year due to strike at Taloja Plant and intermittent stoppages of pro duction at one of our major customerâs plant. Due to the recently acquired company, there were some one time post-acquisition and merger expenses which also put some pressure on the bottom line. Your Company was also successful in turning around a loss-making asset in a very short period of time. In spite of the challenging year, EBITDA decreased by only 17% from Rs 4479.20 lacs in the previous year to Rs 3,718.04 lacs during the financial year 2016-17.
Profit after tax stood at Rs.1909.00 lacs as compared to Rs. 2,467.10 lacs in the previous year.
The Balance Sheet of the Company is also quite healthy with zero debt, reasonable working capital cycle and cash/liquid Investments valued at about Rs.35 crore based on NAV as on 31st March, 2017.
Your Directors consider Companyâs performance as satisfactory.
NEW LOGO
Your Company is proud to inform that the management has adopted a new logo for the Company as a part of the ongoing evolution of business.
Over the last few years, your company has grown and changed dramatically and during FY 2015-16 your Company acquired Omnova Solutions India Pvt. Ltd., which immensely helped to expand the product basket. It was a perfect time to evaluate our companyâs brand and logo to ensure it is in sync with who we are and where we are heading. After careful consideration, the Company chose a new logo the shape of which not onlyrepresents the letter "Aâ but also the upwardly mobile nature of the Company. At the same time, the curved stroke and colours used in gradient depict flexibility and adaptability which is essential for success. The colours green and blue symbolizes the importance of the eco-system and environment for our Company. We have also retained the same font and red colour of "apcotexâ in the logo to ensure that we remember our roots and values.
III. MERGER
The Scheme of Amalgamation of wholly owned subsidiary viz. Apcotex Solutions India Private Limited with the Company was approved by the Honorable High Court, judicature at Bombay on 27th October 2016 and was made effective from 1st December 2016 with appointed date as 31st March 2016, by filing the High Court order with Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
The Board of Directors of your Company on 31st March 2017 has approved the Scheme of Amalgamation of Saldhar Investment and Trading Company Private Limited, the holding company of Apcotex Industries Limited (holding 51.10% paid-up share capital) with the Company from 31st March 2017. Your Company is in process of making an application to Stock exchanges for their consent, before filing petition before National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Mumbai Bench.
IV. OUTLOOK
In light of the acquisition of Omnova Solutions India Private Limited in Financial Year (FY) 2015-16 and subsequent merger in 2016-17, the Company expects FY 2017-18 to be an exciting year in spite of a few challenges. The Company will explore introducing new products and focusing on exports as short term future growth drivers for the Company. In the medium to long term the Company is exploring adding new capacities for current products, new adjacent businesses as well as opportunities for inorganic growth.
With the Companyâs continuous endeavour to enhance efficiencies at all levels and functions, your Directors view the prospects for the financial year 2017-18 with cautious optimism.
V. RISKS AND CONCERNS
The Company has laid down a well-defined Risk Management Framework covering the risk, risk exposure, potential impact and risk mitigation process. Major risks identified by the business and functions are systematically addressed through mitigating actions on continuing basis. These are discussed at the meetings of the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors of the Company.
The Companyâs Risk Management Committee, periodically reviews the risks in the organization, identifies new risk areas, develops action plans and monitors and reports the compliance and effectiveness of the policy and procedure to the Audit Committee and Board.
The Audit Committee and Board review the risks and suggest steps to be taken to control and mitigate the same through a properly defined framework.
The Companyâs Board of Directors perceives the following risks as current high risks areas:
1) Credit Risk:
The management has adopted the stringent credit policy due to which the bad debts written off is only Rs.36.22 lacs - 0.11% of Sales Turnover during past 3 years. The credit period and the exposure limits are reviewed regularly. Taking the credit report of new customers and for existing customers once in 2-3 years to understand their credit worthiness. The supplies are stopped once the overdue outstanding exceeds the set limit. Deposits / bank guarantees are obtained from the dealers / consignment agents wherever necessary. The overdue outstanding list is reviewed by the seni or S ales Managers and Managing Director on a weekly basis. One of the largest customer in paper/paperboard segment is facing financial problem and overdue outstanding is about Rs.11 crore.
2) Procurement Risk:
Presently the Company is procuring major quantity of Butadiene from IOCL, OPAL and on availability basis from RIL and Haldia. Butadiene availability in India is now fairly sufficient. Styrene is not manufactured in India, hence completely imported and our quantities are large. Acrylonitrile (ACN) is also not manufactured in India, hence is completely imported but our quantities are small so we should be able to get this material. To mitigate the risk of availability of material, same are sourced from multi sources viz, bulk suppliers, dealers and imports.
A system has been set to constantly monitor inventories and prices. The company has maintained relation with domestic and overseas suppliers for regular supplies of materials.
3) Safety Risk:
The Company has several safety measures in place. Consent to operate for Taloja plant is valid upto 30th March 2021. The Consent to operate Valia Plant is valid till 9th November 2019. The safety committee meets regularly and conducts the mock drills to check the preparedness in the organization to face any eventuality. To track the compliances in the organization implemented software called Total Compliance which helps to escalate the non-compliance to higher-ups.
The Company has taken adequate Insurance policies for covering the floods, earthquake, and terrorism for appropriate amount.
4) Strike Risk:
The unionised workmen at Taloja Plant were on strike for 51 days in Q4 of FY 2016-17. A new action plan is being prepared to mitigate the risks faced during the strike period. Even though the impact is high it has been somewhat reduced due to the second manufacturing plant which allowed the Company to make some products in our other facility. There is no insurance policy to cover the loss of profit on account of strike.
VI. INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEMS AND THEIR ADEQUACY
Internal checks and controls covering operations of the Company are in place and are constantly being improved upon. Adequate system exists to safeguard companyâs assets through insurance on reinstatement basis and maintenance of proper records. The company has well defined procedures to execute financial transactions.
Internal audit is being conducted by an independent firm of Chartered Accountants. The internal auditor monitors and evaluates the efficiency and adequacy of internal control systems in the organization, its compliance with operating systems, accounting procedures and policies of the Company. Based on the observations of the internal auditor, the process owners undertake the corrective actions and improvements in their respective areas. Significant audit observations and corrective actions thereupon are presented to the Audit Committee.
The Partners of both, Statutory and Internal Auditor attend all the Audit Committee meetings.
VII. DEVELOPMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCE / INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
The company continuously monitors its Human Resource requirement to ensure that it has adequate human skills commensurate with its needs.
Cordial relations exist between the employees at various levels and the management.
To upgrade human skills and improve their efficiencies, the company continuously organizes workshops on different management areas and also deputes employees to external workshops and seminars. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT
Statement in this Management Discussion and Analysis describing the Companyâs objectives, projections, estimates, expectations or predictions may be âforward-looking statementsâ within the meaning of applicable securities laws and regulations. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied. Important factors that could make a difference to the companyâs operations include raw material availability and prices, cyclical demand, movements in companyâs principal markets, changes in Government regulations, tax regimes, economic developments within and outside India and other incidental factors.
C. WIND POWER
The Wind Turbine Generator installed at Sadawaghapur, Taluka - Patan, District Satara, Maharashtra, has generated gross revenue of about Rs.135.00 lacs during the financial year (previous year Rs. 95.05 lacs), and same is netted-off against the power cost.
D. DISCLOSURES UNDER COMPANIES ACT, 2013
I. ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY & FOREIGN EXCHANGE
Information sought under the provisions of Section 134 (3) (m) of the Companies Act, 2013, read with Rule 8 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 regarding conservation of energy, technology absorption and foreign exchange earnings and outgo are given in the Annexure I, forming part of this report.
II. EXTRACT OF ANNUAL RETURN
The details forming part of the extract of the annual return is enclosed in Annexure II.
III. CHANGES IN THE SHARE CAPITAL
The paid-up Equity Share Capital as on 31st March 2017 is Rs.1036.90 lacs, comprising of 2,07,37,984 equity shares of Rs.5/- each.
IV. NUMBER OF BOARD MEETINGS
The Board meets at regular intervals to discuss and decide on the Company / business policy and strategy apart from other Board business. During the financial year under review, the Board of Directors met 6 (six) times. The intervening gap between the meetings was within the period prescribed under the Companies Act, 2013.
The details of the Board meetings and the attendance of Directors are provided in the Corporate Governance Report.
V. COMPOSITION OF AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee comprises of Mr. M G Patel, Mr. Kamlesh Vikamsey, Mr. Girish Choksey, and Mrs. Priyamvada Bhumkar. Mr. M G Patel is the Chairman of the Committee. Mr. M G Patel, Mr. Kamlesh Vikamsey and Mrs. Priyamvada Bhumkar are the Non-Executive Independent Directors. More details on the committee are given in the Corporate Governance Report.
All the recommendations of the audit committee are accepted by the Board.
VI. BOARD INDEPENDENCE
The definition of Independence of Directors is derived from Regulation 16 (1) (b) of SEBI Listing Obligation and Disclosure Requirement (LODR) Regulations, 2015 and Section 149(6) of the Companies Act, 2013. Based on the confirmation / disclosures received from the Independent Directors under Section 149(7) of the Companies Act, 2013 and on evaluation of the relationships disclosed, the following Non-Executive Directors are Independent in terms of 16 (1) (b) of
SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015 and Section 149(6) of the Companies Act, 2013;
1. Mr. M G Patel
2. Dr. S. Sivaram
3. Mr. Shailesh Vaidya
4. Mr. Kamlesh Vikamsey
5. Mrs. Priyamvada Bhumkar
In compliance with Schedule IV of the Companies Act, 2013 and Rules thereunder, the Independent Directors met on 8th February 2017 and discussed issues as prescribed under the schedule IV of the Companies Act, 2013 and also discussed various other issues.
VII. ANNUAL EVALUATION BY THE BOARD
In compliance with the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 19 (4) read with Schedule II, Part - D of SEBI (LODR), Regulations, 2015, the Board has carried out the annual performance evaluation of its own performance, the Directors individually as well as the evaluation of Committees. A structured questionnaire was prepared after taking into consideration inputs received from the Nomination & Remuneration Committee members, covering various aspects of the Boardâs functioning such as adequacy of composition of Board and Committees, Board communication, timeliness and unbiased information of right length and quality of information, Board culture, execution and performance of specific duties, obligations and governance.
A separate exercise was carried out to evaluate the performance of individual Directors including the Chairman of the Board, who were evaluated on parameters such as attendance and participation in the discussion and deliberation at the meeting, understanding role and responsibilities as board member, demonstration of knowledge, skill and experience that make him/her a valuable resource for the board.
The performance evaluation of the Independent Directors was carried out by the entire Board. The performance evaluation of the Chairman and the Non-Executive Directors was carried out by the Independent Directors, who also reviewed the performance of the Secretarial Department. The Directors expressed their satisfaction with the evaluation process.
VIII. NOMINATION AND REMUNERATION POLICY
The Nomination and Remuneration policy of the Company for Directors, Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) and Senior Personnel of the Company is enclosed as Annexure III to this Report.
Disclosure pertaining to remuneration and other details as required under section 197 (12) of the act read with Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 is enclosed as Annexure IV to this Report.
IX. COMMENTS ON AUDITORS REPORT
There are no qualifications, reservations or adverse remarks on disclaimers made by M/s. Kalyaniwalla & Mistry LLP, Chartered Accountant, Statutory Auditors, in their report and by Mr. Mahesh Hurgat, Company Secretary in Practice, in his Secretarial Audit report.
The Statutory Auditors have not reported any incident of fraud to the Audit Committee of the Company during the year under review.
X. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
All the related party transactions are entered on armâs length basis and are in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015. There are no materially significant related party transactions entered into by the Company with Promoters, Directors or Key Managerial Personnel etc., which may have potential conflict with the interest of the company at large.
All new related party transactions are first approved by the Audit Committee and thereafter placed before the Board for their consideration and approval. A statement of all related party transactions is presented before the Audit Committee meeting on quarterly basis, specifying the nature, value and terms and conditions of the transactions.
The particulars of Contracts or arrangements with related parties referred to in Section 188(1), read with Rule 15 of The Companies (Meetings of Board and Its Powers) Rules 2014 is appended to this report in prescribed Form AOC 2 as Annexure V .
The Related Party Transaction Policy as approved by the Board is uploaded on the companyâs website at the following web link http://www.apcotex.com/policy/ Related Party Transaction Policy.pdf
XI. MATERIAL CHANGES AND COMMITMENTS AFFECTING THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE COMPANY
There have been no material changes and commitments, if any, affecting the financial position of the Company which have occurred between the end of the financial year of the Company to which the financial statements relate and the date of the report.
XII. VIGIL MECHANISM
The Company has established a vigil mechanism for Directors and Employees to report their genuine concerns in compliance with provision of section 177 (10) of Companies Act 2013 and Regulation 22 of SEBI (LODR) 2015. The details of same are given in the Corporate Governance Report annexed to this Report.
XIII. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Company has always strived to adopt appropriate standards for good Corporate Governance.
Detailed report on the Corporate Governance and Management Discussion Analysis, form part of this report. A certificate from the Practicing Company Secretary regarding compliance of conditions of Corporate Governance as stipulated under Regulation 34 (3) read with Schedule V of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015 is annexed to the said Report.
E. CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The Company has constituted a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee in compliance with Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013. On the recommendation of the CSR committee, the Board has approved the CSR policy of the Company which is published on the Companyâs website.
The Company has under taken projects in the areas of Healthcare, Education, and Vocational Training for village women and social projects around the area surrounding the factory.
CSR committee planned activities, which could not be completed due to following reason, which has resultant into short fall in CSR spend to the extent of Rs.31.97 lacs for the financial year 2016-17.
1. Delay in inauguration of St. Judeâs new Centre at Cotton Green, Mumbai which was scheduled to be operational during April/May 2016, started its operation during March 2017.
2. The CSR Team was diverted this year due to integration of newly acquired company viz. Omnova Solutions India Private Limited, the ensuring merger process as well as the strike at the Taloja Plant
The details of CSR activities as required under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, are provided in CSR Report which is annexed herewith as Annexure VI.
F. FAMILIARISATION PROGRAMME FOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
The company conducts the Familiarisation program when new Director(s) is/are appointed during the year. The Program aims to provide insights into the Company to enable the Independent Directors to understand its business in depth, to familiarize them with the process, business and functionaries of the Company and to assist them in performing their role as Independent Directors of the Company. The Companyâs Policy of conducting the Familiarisation Program has been disclosed on the website of the Company at http://www.apcotex.com/ policy/Familiarisation Programme Independent.pdf
G. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PREVENTION OF INSIDER TRADING
The Board of Directors has adopted the Insider Trading Policy in accordance with the requirement of the SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015. The insider trading policy of the Company lays down guidelines and procedures to be followed, and disclosures to be made while dealing with the shares of the Company. The policy has been formulated to regulate, monitor and ensure reporting of deals by employees and maintain the highest ethical standards of dealing in Company securities.
H. INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROLS
The Company has adopted policies and procedures for ensuring the orderly and efficient conduct of its business, including adherence to the Companyâs policies, the safeguarding of its assets, the prevention and detention of frauds and errors, the accuracy and completeness of the accounting records and the timely preparation of reliable financial disclosures. These are reviewed periodically and made part of work instructions or process in the company.
The Company periodically conducts physical verification of inventory, fixed assets and cash on hand and matches them with the books of account. Explanations are sought for any variance noticed from the respective functional heads.
I. DIRECTORS RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
The Directors confirm:
I. That in the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable accounting standards had been followed along with proper explanation relating to material departures;
II. That they have 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 profit and loss of the company for that period;
III. That they have taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Act for safeguarding the assets of the company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
IV. That they have prepared the annual accounts on a going concern basis;
V. That they, have laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the company and that such internal financial controls are adequate and were operating effectively; and
VI. That they have devised proper system to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems were adequate and operating effectively.
J. DISCLOSURE IN TERMS OF THE SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT WORKPLACE (PREVENTION, PROHIBITION AND REDRESSAL) ACT, 2013
The Company takes all necessary measures to ensure a harassment free workplace and has instituted an Internal Complaints Committee for redressal of complaints and to prevent sexual harassment. No complaints relating to sexual harassment were received during the year.
K. FIXED DEPOSITS MATURED BUT NOT CLAIMED
Company has no Fixed Deposits at the end of the financial year. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has instructed the Company, not to repay the proceeds of four fixed deposits amounting to Rs.48,000/- and accrued interest of Rs.22,491/- thereon. These deposits matured during the first week of December 2002 and continue to remain with the Company.
L. INSURANCE
All insurable assets of the Company including inventories, buildings, plant and machinery etc., as also liability under legislative enactments, are insured on reinstatement basis after due valuation of assets by an external agency. The Company also holds a Loss of Profit Policy for the financial year 2017-18.
M. ECOLOGY AND SAFETY
Company ensures safe, healthy and eco-friendly environment at its plant and surrounding area. Company continually works towards identification and reduction of risks and prevention of pollution at its plant and its surroundings.
Members of the Safety Committees of the Companyâs Taloja Plant and Valia Plant, have been regularly reviewing the safety measures and their implementation to ensure adequate safety in material handling and processing, control of pollution caused by liquid effluents, dust and emissions from chimney etc. Samples are periodically drawn and the reports submitted to the Pollution Control Board indicating compliance with the standards.
Consent has been obtained from Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, to operate the plant at Taloja till 30th March 2021.
N. PERSONNEL
The information required under Section 197 of the Companies Act, 2013 and read with Rule 5 of The Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules 2014, are given in Annexure IV.
The information required pursuant to Section 197 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 5(2) & 5(3) of The Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules 2014, in respect of employees of your company is available for inspection by the members at registered office of the company during business hour on working days up to the date of the ensuing Annual General Meeting. If any member is interested in obtaining a copy thereof, such member may write to the company secretary, whereupon a copy would be sent.
O. DIRECTORS & KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL Retirement by Rotation:
In accordance with the provisions of Section 152(6) of the Companies Act, 2013 and Articles of Association of the Company Mr. Girish Choksey (DIN 00246196) will retire by rotation at the ensuing Annual General Meeting of the Company and being eligible, offer himself for reappointment. The Board recommends his reappointment.
The background of the Director(s) proposed for appointment / re-appointment is given under the Corporate Governance section of the Annual Report.
P. AUDITORS
I. Pursuant to provisions of Section 139(1) of the Companies Act, 2013, M/s. Kalyaniwalla & Mistry LLP, Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration no. 104607W/W100166), were appointed as Statutory Auditors of the Company to hold the office till the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting during the year 2018, subject to ratification at every Annual General Meeting.
The Company has received letter from the Statutory Auditors to the effect that their appointment, if made, would be within the prescribed limit under Section 141 (3) (g) of the Companies Act, 2013 and that they are not disqualified from the appointment.
Your Board recommends the ratification of appointment of M/s. Kalyaniwalla & Mistry LLP, Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration no. 104607W/W100166), Mumbai, as Statutory Auditors of the Company for the financial year 2017-18 and to hold the office till the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting during the year 2018.
II. Pursuant to provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013 the Board of Directors have appointed Mr. Mahesh Hurgat, Practicing Company Secretary to conduct the Secretarial audit and his Report on the Companyâs Secretarial Audit is appended to this Report as Annexure VII.
Q. CEO & CFO CERTIFICATION
Certificate from Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, pursuant to the Regulation 17 (8) read with Schedule II of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015, for the financial year 2016-17 under review was placed before the Board of Directors of the Company at its meeting held on 5th May 2017.
R. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Your Directors take this opportunity to express their deep sense of gratitude to State Bank of India, Standard Chartered Bank, Citi Bank various departments of State / Central Government and local authorities for their continued guidance and support.
We would also like to place on record our sincere appreciation for the commitment, dedication and hard work put in by every member of the Apcotex family. To all shareholders, we are deeply grateful for the confidence and faith that you have always reposed in us.
The accompanying Annexure I to VII are an integral part of this Director Report.
FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
ATUL C CHOKSEY
CHAIRMAN
DIN:00002102
Mumbai: 5th May 2017
Mar 31, 2015
DEAR MEMBERS
The Directors have pleasure in presenting to you the Twenty-Ninth
Annual Report of the Company and the audited Statements of Accounts for
the year ended 31st March 2015.
A. COMPANY PERFORMANCE
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Particulars 2014-15 2013-14 Growth %
(Rs. In Lacs) (Rs. In Lacs)
GROSS SALES 39114.46 33035.43 18.40
Gross Profit Before
Depreciation, Finance
cost and Tax but after
prior years' adjustments 4704.83 2756.42 70.69
Less: a) Depreciation 897.71 676.81
b) Finance Cost 324.25 414.49
Profit Before Tax 3482.85 1665.12 109.16
Less: a) Provision for Tax 1018.50 371.00
b) Adjustment for
Deferred Tax
Liability (3.71) (20.21)
Profit After Tax 2468.06 1314.32 87.78
Add: Balance brought
forward from the
Previous Year 3136.36 2560.11
Disposable Profit 5604.42 3874.43 44.65
Recommended Appropriations:
a) Dividend 725.83 518.45 40.00
b) Tax on Dividend 147.77 88.11 67.70
c) Transfer to
General Reserve 800.00 131.50
Balance carried forward
to Balance Sheet 3930.82 3136.37
5604.42 3874.43
DIVIDEND
Your Directors have recommended a dividend @ Rs. 7.00 (Rupees Seven)
(Previous year Rs. 5/- (Rupees Five)) per Equity Share of Rs. 5.00/-
each, for the financial year 2014- 15. Dividend, if approved, will
absorb a sum of Rs. 873.59 lacs (including Dividend Distribution Tax of
Rs. 147.76 lacs) out of the net profits after tax, as above and will be
paid to those shareholders whose names appear on the Register of
Members on Friday 24th July 2015.
TRANSFER TO RESERVE
The appropriations for the year are:
(Rupees in lacs)
Particulars Year ended
31st March 2015
Net Profit after tax for the year 2468.06
Balance of Reserve at the 1603.72
beginning of the year
Transfer to General Reserve 800.00
Balance of Reserve at the end 2403.72
of the year
C. WIND POWER
The Wind Turbine Generator installed at Sadawaghapur, Taluka - Patan,
District Satara, Maharashtra, has generated gross revenue of about Rs.
102.13 lacs during the financial year (previous year Rs. 119.45 lacs),
and same is netted-off against the power cost.
D. DISCLOSURES UNDER COMPANIES ACT, 2013
I. ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY & FOREIGN EXCHANGE
information sought under the provisions of Section 134 (3) (m) of the
Companies Act, 2013, read with Rule 8 of the Companies (Accounts)
Rules, 2014 regarding conservation of energy, technology absorption and
foreign exchange earnings and outgo are given in the Annexure i,
forming part of this report.
II. EXTRACT OF ANNUAL RETURN
The details forming part of the extract of the annual return is
enclosed in Annexure ii.
III. CHANGES IN THE SHARE CAPITAL
The paid-up Equity Share Capital as on 31st March 2015 was Rs. 518.45
lacs, comprising of 1,03,68,992 equity shares of Rs. 5/- each. During
the year under review, the Company has not issued any shares or
convertible instruments.
IV. NUMBER OF BOARD MEETINGS
The Board meets at regular intervals to discuss and decide on the
Company business policy and strategy apart from other Board business.
During the financial year under review, the Board of Directors met 5
(five) times. The intervening gap between the meetings was within the
period prescribed under the Companies Act, 2013.
The details of the Board meetings and the attendance of Directors are
provided in the Corporate Governance Report.
V. COMPOSITION OF AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee comprises of Mr. M. G. Patel, Mr. Kamlesh Vikamsey,
Mr. Girish Choksey, Mr. Bipin Jhaveri (upto 10/10/2014) and Mrs.
Priyamvada Bhumkar (w.e.f. 31/10/2014). Mr. M. G. Patel is the Chairman
of the Committee. Mr. M. G. Patel, Mr. Kamlesh Vikamsey and Mrs.
Priyamvada Bhumkar are the Non-Executive independent Directors. More
details on the committee are given in the Corporate Governance Report.
All the recommendations of the audit committee are accepted by the
Board.
VI. BOARD INDEPENDENCE
The definition of independence of Directors is derived from Clause 49
of the Listing Agreement entered into with the Stock Exchanges and
Section 149(6) of the Companies Act, 2013. Based on the confirmation /
disclosures received from the Directors and on evaluation of the
relationships disclosed, the following Non-Executive Directors are
independent in terms of Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement and Section
149(6) of the Companies Act, 2013;
1. Mr. M. G. Patel
2. Dr. S. Sivaram
3. Mr. Shailesh Vaidya
4. Mr. Kamlesh Vikamsey
5. Mrs. Priyamvada Bhumkar
In compliance with Schedule IV of the Companies Act, 2013 and Rules
thereunder, the independent Directors met on 20th March 2015 and
discussed issues as prescribed under the schedule IV of the Companies
Act, 2013 and also discussed various other issues.
VII. ANNUAL EVALUATION BY THE BOARD
in compliance with the Companies Act, 2013 and Clause 49 of the Listing
Agreement, the Board has carried out the annual performance evaluation
of its own performance, the Directors individually as well as the
evaluation of Committees. A structured questionnaire was prepared after
taking into consideration inputs received from the Nomination &
Remuneration Committee members, covering various aspects of the Board's
functioning such as adequacy of composition of Board and Committees,
Board communication, timeliness and unbiased information of right
length and quality of information, Board culture, execution and
performance of specific duties, obligations and governance.
A separate exercise was carried out to evaluate the performance of
individual Directors including the Chairman of the Board, who were
evaluated on parameters such as attendance, participation in the
discussion, deliberation at the meeting, understanding role and
responsibilities as board member, demonstration of knowledge, skill and
experience that make him/her a valuable resource for the board.
The performance evaluation of the independent Directors was carried out
by the entire Board. The performance evaluation of the Chairman and the
Non-Executive Directors was carried out by the independent Directors,
who also reviewed the performance of the Secretarial Department. The
Directors expressed their satisfaction with the evaluation process.
VIII. NOMINATION AND REMUNERATION POLICY
The Nomination and Remuneration policy of the Company for Directors,
KMP's and Senior Personnel of the Company is enclosed as Annexure iii
to this Report.
Disclosure pertaining to remuneration and other details as required
under Section 197(12) of the Act read with Rule 5(1) of the Companies
(Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 is
enclosed as Annexure IV (A) to this Report.
IX. COMMENTS ON AUDITORS REPORT
There are no qualifications, reservations or adverse remarks on
disclaimers made by M/s. Kalyaniwalla & Mistry, Statutory Auditors, in
their report and by Mr. Mahesh Hurgat, Company Secretary in Practice,
in his secretarial audit report.
The Statutory Auditors have not reported any incident of fraud to the
Audit Committee of the Company during the year under review.
X. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
All the related party transactions are entered on arm's length basis
and are in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Companies
Act, 2013 and the Listing Agreement. There are no materially
significant related party transactions entered into by the Company with
Promoters, Directors or Key Managerial Personnel etc., which may have
potential conflict with the interest of the company at large.
All new related party transactions are first approved by the Audit
Committee and thereafter placed before the Board for their
consideration and approval. A statement of all related party
transactions is presented before the Audit Committee meeting on
quarterly basis, specifying the nature, value and terms and conditions
of the transactions.
The particulars of Contracts or arrangements with related parties
referred to in Section 188(1), read with Rule 15 of The Companies
(Meetings of Board and its Powers) Rules 2014 is appended to this
report in prescribed Form AOC 2 as Annexure V .
The Related Party Transaction Policy as approved by the Board is
uploaded on the company's website at the following web link.
http://apcotex.com/policies/Related_Party_ Transaction_Policy.pdf
XI. MATERIAL CHANGES AND COMMITMENTS AFFECTING THE FINANCIAL POSITION
OF THE COMPANY
There have been no material changes and commitments, if any, affecting
the financial position of the Company which have occurred between the
end of the financial year of the Company to which the financial
statements relate and the date of the report.
XII. VIGIL MECHANISM
The Company has established a vigil mechanism for Directors and
Employees to report their genuine concerns, details of which have been
given in the Corporate Governance Report annexed to this Report.
XIII. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Company has always strived to adopt appropriate standards for good
Corporate Governance.
Detailed report on the Corporate Governance and Management Discussion
Analysis, form part of this report. A certificate from the Practicing
Company Secretary regarding compliance of conditions of Corporate
Governance as stipulated under Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement is
annexed to the said Report.
E. CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The Company has constituted a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Committee in compliance with Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013.
The CSR committee was constituted by the Board of Directors of the
Company at its meeting held on 26th April 2014. On the recommendation
of the CSR committee, the Board has approved the CSR policy of the
Company which is published on the Company's website.
The Company has under taken projects in the areas of Healthcare,
Education, and Vocational Training for village women and social
projects around the area surrounding the factory.
CSR committee planned health check-up camp, distance education kits for
remotely located schools in Adivasi settlements etc., around the plant
area, which could not be completed as planned during the financial year
2014- 15 resulting into shortfall in CSR spent to the extent of Rs.
3.37 lacs.
The details of CSR activities as required under Section 135 of the
Companies Act, 2013, are provided in CSR Report which is annexed
herewith as Annexure VI.
F. FAMILIARISATION PROGRAM FOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
The company has conducted the Familiarisation program for Independent
Directors appointed during the year. The Program aims to provide
insights into the Company to enable the Independent Directors to
understand its business in depth, to familiarize them with the process,
business and functionaries of the Company and to assist them in
performing their role as Independent Directors of the Company. The
Company's Policy of conducting the Familiarisation Program has been
disclosed on the website of the Company at http://apcotex.com/policies/
Familiarisation_Programme_Independent.pdf
G. DIRECTORS RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
The Directors confirm:
I. That in the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable
accounting standards had been followed along with proper explanation
relating to material departures;
II. That they have 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 profit and loss
of the company for that period;
III. That they have taken proper and sufficient care for the
maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the
provisions of the Act for safeguarding the assets of the company and
for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
IV. That they have prepared the annual accounts on a going concern
basis;
V. That they, have laid down internal financial controls to be
followed by the company and that such internal financial controls are
adequate and were operating effectively; and
VI. That they have devised proper system to ensure compliance with the
provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems were adequate
and operating effectively.
H. DISCLOSURE IN TERMS OF THE SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT WORKPLACE
(PREVENTION, PROHIBITION AND REDRESSAL) ACT, 2013
The Company takes all necessary measures to ensure a harassment free
workplace and has instituted an Internal Complaints Committee for
redressal of complaints and to prevent sexual harassment. No complaints
relating to sexual harassment were received during the year.
I. FIXED DEPOSITS MATURED BUT NOT CLAIMED
Company has no Fixed Deposits at the end of the financial year. The
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has instructed the Company, not
to repay the proceeds of four fixed deposits amounting to Rs. 48,000/-
and accrued interest of Rs. 22,491/- thereon. These deposits matured
during the first week of December 2002 and continue to remain with the
Company.
J. INSURANCE
All insurable assets of the Company including inventories, buildings,
plant and machinery etc., as also liability under legislative
enactments, are insured on reinstatement basis after due valuation of
assets by an external agency. The Company also holds a Loss of Profit
Policy for the financial year 2014-15.
K. ECOLOGY AND SAFETY
Company ensures safe, healthy and eco-friendly environment at its plant
and surrounding area. Company continually works towards identification
and reduction of risks and prevention of pollution at its plant and its
surroundings.
Members of the Safety Committee of the Company's Taloja Plant, have
been regularly reviewing the safety measures and their implementation
to ensure adequate safety in material handling and processing, control
of pollution caused by liquid effluents, dust and emissions from
chimney etc. Samples are periodically drawn and the reports submitted
to the Pollution Control Board indicating compliance with the
standards.
Necessary application for renewal of consent to operate the plant at
Taloja has been made to Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, consent of
which is awaited.
L. PERSONNEL
The information required under Section 197 of the Companies Act, 2013
and read with Rule 5(2) of The Companies (Appointment and Remuneration
of Managerial Personnel) Rules 2014, are given in Annexure IV (B).
M. DIRECTORS & KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL
I. Appointment:
Mrs. Priyamvada Bhumkar was appointed as additional director of the
Company by Board of Directors at their meeting held on 31st October
2014. She would therefore hold office upto the conclusion of the
ensuing Annual General Meeting.
Mrs. Priyamvada Bhumkar qualifies to be an Independent Director and her
appointment has been recommended by the Nomination and Remuneration
Committee. Accordingly, it is proposed to appoint Mrs. Priyamvada
Bhumkar as an Independent Director for a term of 5 (Five) consecutive
years upto 31st October 2019.
Pursuant to declaration made under Section 149 of the Companies Act,
2013, Mrs. Priyamvada Bhumkar meets all the criteria of Independence,
as prescribed under the Companies Act, 2013 and Clause 49 of the
Listing Agreement. She possess the appropriate skills, experience and
knowledge inter alia in the field of finance, business strategy etc.
The background of the Director(s) proposed for appointment /
reappointment is given under the Corporate Governance section of the
Annual Report.
In compliance with provisions of Section 203 of the Companies Act,
2013, Mr. Rohit R. Mahakal, was re- designated as Chief Financial
Officer of the Company with effect from 1st April 2015 in the Board
meeting held on 20th March 2015 on the recommendation of the Audit
Committee.
II. Retirement by Rotation:
In accordance with the provisions of Section 152(6) of the Companies
Act, 2013 and Articles of Association of the Company Mr. Amit Choksey
(DIN 00001470) will retire by rotation at the ensuing Annual General
Meeting of the Company and being eligible, offer himself for
reappointment. The Board recommends his reappointment.
III. Cessation:
Mr. Bipin Jhaveri, Director of the Company expired on 10th October
2014. Mr. Bipin Jhaveri served on the Board of the Company for more
than two decades. Your Directors wish to place on record their
appreciation for his service and valuable contribution made during the
tenure of Mr. Bipin Jhaveri as Director of the Company.
The background of the Director(s) proposed for
appointment / re-appointment is given under the Corporate Governance
section of the Annual Report.
N. AUDITORS
I. Pursuant to provisions of Section 1 39(1 ) of the Companies Act,
2013, M/s. Kalyaniwalla & Mistry, Chartered Accountants (Firm
Registration no. 104607W), were appointed as Statutory Auditors of the
Company to hold the office till the conclusion of the Annual General
Meeting during the year 2018, subject to ratification at every Annual
General Meeting.
The Company has received letter from the Statutory Auditors to the
effect that ratification of their appointment, if made, would be within
the prescribed limit under Section 141 (3) (g) of the Companies Act,
2013 and that they are not disqualified from the appointment.
Your Board recommends the ratification of appointment of M/s.
Kalyaniwalla & Mistry, Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration no.
104607W), Mumbai, as Statutory Auditors of the Company for the
financial year 2015-16 and to hold the office till the conclusion of
the next Annual General Meeting during the year 2016.
II. Pursuant to provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013
the Board of Directors have appointed Mr. Mahesh Hurgat, Practicing
Company Secretary to conduct the Secretarial Audit and his Report on
the Company's Secretarial Audit is appended to this Report as Annexure
VII.
O. CEO & CFO CERTIFICATION
Certificate from Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer of the
Company, pursuant to the provisions of Clause 49(IX) of the Listing
Agreement, for the financial year under review was placed before the
Board of Directors of the Company at its meeting held on 8th May 2015.
P. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Your Directors take this opportunity to express their deep sense of
gratitude to State Bank of India, Standard Chartered Bank, various
departments of State / Central Government and local authorities for
their continued guidance and support.
We would also like to place on record our sincere appreciation for the
commitment, dedication and hard work put in by every member of the
Apcotex family. To all shareholders, we are deeply grateful for the
confidence and faith that you have always reposed in us.
The accompanying Annexure I to VII are an integral part of this
Directors' Report.
FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
ATUL C CHOKSEY
CHAIRMAN
Mumbai: 8th May 2015
Mar 31, 2013
TO THE MEMBERS
The Directors have pleasure in presenting to you the Twenty-Seventh
Annual Report of the Company and the audited Statements of Accounts for
the year ended 31st March 2013.
COMPANY PERFORMANCE FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Particulars 2012-13 2011-12
(Rs. In Lacs) (Rs. In Lacs)
GROSS SALES 30262.47 27789.77
Gross Profit Before Depreciation,
Finance Cost and Tax but after
prior years adjustments 2350.26 2275.89
Less: a) Depreciation 311.30 278.64
b) Finance Cost 234.81 366.05
Profit Before Tax 1804.15 1631.20
Less: a) Provision for Tax 414.00 464.00
b) Adjustment for Deferred Tax Liability 109.63 20.82
Profit After Tax 1280.52 1146.38
Add: Balance brought forward from
the Previous Year 1953.53 1403.83
Disposable Profit 3234.05 2550.21
Recommended
Appropriations:
a) Dividend 466.60 414.76
b) Tax on Dividend 79.30 67.28
c) Transfer to General Reserve 128.05 114.64
Balance carried forward to Balance Sheet 2560.10 1953.53
3234.05 2550.21
1. DIVIDEND
Your Directors have recommended a dividend @ Rs. 9.00 (Rupees Nine) per
Equity Share of Rs.10/- each, for the financial year 2012-13. Dividend,
if approved, will absorb a sum of Rs. 545.90 lacs (including Dividend
Distribution Tax of Rs. 79.30 lacs) out of the net profits after tax,
as above and will be paid to those shareholders whose names appear on
the Register of Members on 21st June 2013.
2. WIND POWER
The Wind Turbine Generator installed at Sadawaghapur, Taluka - Patan,
District Satara, Maharashtra, has generated gross revenue of about
Rs.119 lacs during the financial year (previous year Rs.112 lacs), and
is shown under Other Income.
3. STATUTORY DISCLOSURES
A. ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY & FOREIGN EXCHANGE
Information sought under the provisions of Section 217(1) (e) of the
Companies Act, 1956, read with the Companies (Disclosures of
Particulars in the Report of the Board of Directors) Rules, 1988
regarding conservation of energy, technology absorption and foreign
exchange earnings and outgo are given in the Annexure, forming part of
this report.
B. DIRECTORS RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
The Directors confirm:
i. That in the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable
accounting standards have been followed and that no material departures
have been made from the same;
ii. That they have 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 profits of the
Company for that period;
iii. That they have taken proper and sufficient care 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 they have prepared the annual accounts on a going concern
basis.
C. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Your Company has always strived to adopt appropriate standards for good
Corporate Governance.
Detailed reports on the Corporate Governance and Management Discussion
Analysis, form part of this report. A certificate from the Company''s
Auditors regarding compliance of conditions of Corporate Governance as
stipulated under Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement is annexed to the
said Report.
4. FIXED DEPOSITS MATURED BUT NOT CLAIMED
Company had no Fixed Deposits at the end of the financial year. The
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has instructed the Company, not
to repay the proceeds of four fixed deposits amounting to Rs.48,000/-
and accrued interest of Rs.22,491/- thereon. These deposits matured
during the first week of December 2002 and continue to remain with the
Company.
5. INSURANCE
All insurable assets of the Company including inventories, buildings,
plant and machinery etc., as also liability under legislative
enactments, are insured on reinstatement basis after due valuation by
an external agency.
6. ECOLOGY AND SAFETY
Company always ensures safety, healthy, and eco-friendly environment.
Company continually works towards identification and reduction of risks
and prevention of pollution at its plants and surroundings.
Members of the Safety Committee of the Company''s Taloja Plant, have
been regularly reviewing the safety measures and their implementation
to ensure adequate safety in material handling and processing, control
of pollution caused by liquid effluents, dust and emissions from
chimney etc. Samples are periodically drawn and the reports submitted
to the Pollution Control Board as required, ensuring compliance with
the standards.
Consent has been obtained from Maharashtra Pollution Control Board to
operate the plant at Taloja till 31st December 2014.
7. PERSONNEL
Section 217(2A) of the Companies Act, 1956, read with the Companies
(Particulars of Employees) Rules 1975, as amended, is not applicable to
the Company as there are no employees drawing remuneration exceeding
the prescribed limits.
The Board would like to place on record their appreciation of the
contribution made by all employees of the Company during the year.
The industrial relations with the employees were cordial.
8. BANKS
Your Directors wish to place on record their appreciation of the
support received from the Company''s Bankers, State Bank of India and
Standard Chartered Bank.
9. DIRECTORS
Mr. Atul Choksey, Mr. T.N.V. Ayyar and Dr. S Sivaram retire by rotation
and being eligible, offer themselves for reappointment.
Shri Kamlesh S Vikamsey was appointed as additional director of the
Company during the financial year, to hold the office of Director till
the conclusion of the ensuing Annual General Meeting.
The background of the Director(s) proposed for appointment /
reappointment is given under the Corporate Governance Section of the
Annual Report.
10. AUDITORS
The Company''s Statutory Auditors, M/s. Shah & Co., Chartered
Accountants, have advised the Company of their unwillingness to be
appointed as Statutory Auditors of the Company for the financial
2013-14. Your Board recommend the appointment of the firm of M/s.
Kalyaniwala & Mistry, Chartered Accountants, Mumbai, be appointed as
Statutory Auditors of the Company for the financial year 2013-14.
FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
ATUL C CHOKSEY
Mumbai: 25th April 2013 CHAIRMAN
Mar 31, 2011
TO THE MEMBERS
The Directors have pleasure in presenting to you the Twenty-Fifth
Annual Report of the Company and the audited Statements of Accounts for
the year ended 31st March 2011.
COMPANY PERFORMANCE
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Particulars 2010-11 2009-10
(Rs.. In Lacs) (Rs.. In Lacs)
GROSS SALES 22165.76 15681.96
Gross profit Before Depreciation,
Interest and Tax after prior year
adjustments 1980.55 1504.68
Less: Depreciation 264.76 198.95
Interest 208.97 48.47
Provision for Tax 320.00 295.50
Adjustment for Deferred Tax Liability 114.46 128.97
profit/ (Loss) for the Year 1072.36 832.79
Add: Balance brought forward
from Previous year 863.24 418.73
Disposable profit (Loss) 1935.60 1251.52
The Directors recommend
Appropriation of the Disposable profit
as under:
Dividend on Equity Shares 362.91 259.22
Tax on Dividend 60.28 44.06
Transfer to General Reserve 110.00 85.00
Balance carried to Balance Sheet 1402.43 863.24
1935.60 1251.52
1. DIVIDEND
Your Directors have recommended a dividend @ Rs. 7.00 (Rupees Seven) per
Equity Share of Rs. 10/- each. The Equity Dividend, if approved, will
absorb a sum of Rs. 423.19 lacs (including the dividend tax of Rs. 60.28
lacs) out of net profit as above and will be paid to those shareholders
whose names appear on the Register of Members on 22nd July 2011.
3. WIND POWER
The Company has commissioned its Wind Turbine Generators with a
capacity of 1.25 MW, at village Sadawaghapur, Tal - Patan, Dist.
Satara, Maharashtra on 31st March 2010, for captive consumption at a
cost of Rs. 650 lacs. The Wind Turbine Generator has generated net
revenue of aboutRs. 70 lacs during the financial year, and is shown under
Other Income.
4. STATUTORY DISCLOSURES
A. ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY & FOREIGN EXCHANGE
Information sought under the provisions of Section 217(1) (e) of the
Companies Act, 1956, read with the Companies (Disclosures of
Particulars in the Report of the Board of Directors) Rules, 1988
regarding conservation of energy, technology absorption and foreign
exchange earnings and outgo are given in the Annexure, forming part of
this report
B. DIRECTORS RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
The Directors confrm:
i. That in the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable
accounting standards have been followed and that no material departures
have been made from the same;
ii. That they have 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 profits of the
Company for that period;
iii. That they have taken proper and suffcient care 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 they have prepared the annual accounts on a going concern
basis.
C. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Your Company has always strived to imbibe appropriate standards for
good Corporate Governance.
Detailed reports on the Corporate Governance and Management Discussion
Analysis, forms part of this report. A certifcate from the Company's
Auditors regarding compliance of conditions of Corporate Governance as
stipulated under Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement is annexed to the
said Report.
5. FIXED DEPOSITS MATURED BUT NOT CLAIMED
Company had no Fixed Deposits at the end of the financial year. The
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has instructed the Company, not
to repay the proceeds of four fixed deposits amounting to Rs. 48,000/- and
accrued interest of Rs. 22,491/- thereon. These deposits matured during
the frst week of December 2002 and continue to remain with the Company.
One fixed deposit worth Rs. 5,000/- matured, with accrued interest of Rs.
224/- has not been claimed by the concerned depositor despite
reminders.
6. INSURANCE
All insurable assets of the Company including inventories, buildings,
plant and machinery etc., as also liability under legislative
enactments, are insured at current market values.
7. ECOLOGY AND SAFETY
Apcotex ensures a safe, healthy, and eco-friendly environment. Apcotex
continually work towards identification and reduction of risk and
prevention of pollution at its plants & surroundings.
We practice Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) where one of the
objectives is zero accidents and zero wastages. TPM has helped us
design our equipments and processes to ensure high standards for
health, safety and the environment. We are also pursuing ISO 14001 and
OHSAS 18001 which are global standards for Environment and Safety
respectively. We expect to obtain the certifcation in FY 2011-12.
In addition, members of the Safety Committee of the Company's Taloja
Plant, have been regularly reviewing the safety measures and their
implementation, to ensure adequate safety in material handling, control
of pollution caused by liquid effuents, dust and emissions from chimney
etc. Samples were periodically drawn and the reports submitted to the
Pollution Control Board as required, ensuring compliance with the
standards.
Consent has been obtained from Maharashtra Pollution Control Board to
operate the plant at Taloja till 31st December 2014.
8. PERSONNEL
Section 217(2A) of the Companies Act, 1956, read with the Companies
(Particulars of Employees) Rules 1975, as amended, is not applicable to
the Company as there are no employees drawing remuneration exceeding
the prescribed limits.
The Board would like to place on record their appreciation of the
contribution made by all employees during the year.
The industrial relations with the employees were cordial.
9. BANKS
Your Directors wish to place on record their appreciation of the
support received from the Company's Bankers', State Bank of India.
10. DIRECTORS
Mr. TNV Ayyar and Mr. Girish Choksey, retire by rotation and being
eligible, offer themselves for reappointment.
Dr. S. Rengachary, Director, who retires by rotation and eligible, has
conveyed his desire not to seek re-appointment. Dr. S. Rengachary is
associated with the company for more than three decades in various
capacities and is associated with the Company as Independent Director
since April 2005.
Shri. S.K. Lahiri, Director & CEO of the Company retired from the L
service of the Company as on 03rd June 2010, after 27 years of
association with the Company.
The Board places on record their appreciation for their services and
contribution made.
The background of the Director proposed for reappointment is given
under the Corporate Governance section of the Annual Report.
11. AUDITORS
The Company's Auditors, M/s. Shah & Co., Chartered Accountants, retires
at the conclusion of the ensuing Annual General Meeting and are
eligible for reappointment.
FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
ATUL C CHOKSEY CHAIRMAN
Mumbai: 30th April 2011
Mar 31, 2010
The Directors have pleasure in presenting to you the Twenty-Fourth
Annual Report of the Company and the audited Statements of Accounts for
the year ended 31st March 2010.
COMPANY PERFORMANCE
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Particulars 2009-10 2008-09
( Rs. In Lacs) (Rs. In Lacs)
GROSS SALES 15681.96 11410.11
Gross Proft Before Depreciation,
Interest and Tax after prior year
adjustments 1504.68 948.49
Less: Depreciation 198.95 219.91
Interest 48.47 14.84
Provision for Tax 295.50 253.25
Adjustment for Deferred Tax
Liability 128.97 12.10
Proft/ (Loss) for the Year 832.79 448.39
Add: Balance brought forward
from Previous year 418.73 274.01
Disposable Proft (Loss) 1251.52 722.40
The Directors recommend the
appropriation of the disposable
proft as under:
Dividend on Equity Shares 259.22 221.09
Tax on Dividend 44.06 37.57
Transfer to General Reserve 85.00 45.00
Balance carried to Balance Sheet 863.24 418.74
1251.52 722.40
1. DIVIDEND
Your Directors have recommended a dividend of Rs.5.00 (Rupees Five) per
Equity Share of Rs.10/- each (@50%). The Equity Dividend, if approved,
will absorb a sum of Rs.259.22 lacs (excluding the dividend tax of
Rs.44.06 lacs) out of net proft as above and will be paid to those
shareholders whose names appear on the Register of Members on 16th July
2010.
2. MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
The company manufactures and markets Styrene Butadiene Rubber and
Synthetic Rubber Latices.
I. CURRENT SCENARIO.
Your Company is one of the leading producers of polymer products namely
Synthetic Latices (VP Latex, XSB latex, Nitrile Latex) and Synthetic
Rubber (HSR, SBR) in India. The Company has one of the broadest range
of products based on Styrene - Butadiene chemistry available in the
market today and cater mainly to the industrial segment. Our range of
Synthetic Latices is used among other applications, for tyre cord
dipping, paper and paperboard coating, carpet backing, concrete
modifcation/water proofng and textile
fnishing. The various grades of Synthetic Rubber fnd application in
products such as footwear, automotive components, v-belts, conveyor
belts and hoses.
The companyÃs major raw materials are petrochemicals and hence the
business is vulnerable to high volatility of crude oil and its
downstream product prices. Even though margins were under pressure,
overall business climate improved during the year.
The companyÃs performance was satisfactory due to appropriate price
increases to offset the increased cost of raw materials, addition of
new value added products to our current range particularly for the
Paper Board Coating Industry and better operational effciency.
The technology was developed and is being continuously upgraded through
in-house Research and Development efforts to meet the changing needs of
customers. Competition remains intense across most of the products.
The company manufactures and markets a range of polymer products viz.
Styrene Butadiene Rubber, Synthetic Rubber Latices and Acrylic based
Latices and over the next few years we expect good domestic growth in
most of the industries we cater to - tyre cord dipping, paper and
paperboard coating, carpet backing, concrete modifcation/ water
proofing, textile fnishing and paint industries. We also envision good
export prospects for some of our products.
II. OPERATIONS DURING THE YEAR.
During the year the Company achieved Gross Value Sales of Rs.15681.96
lacs and volume sale of 23428 MT, registering a growth of 37.44% and
66.32% respectively compared to that of the preceding fnancial year.
The prices of major raw materials Styrene and Butadiene softened during
the beginning of the fnancial year and started firming up during the
end of the fnancial year. V Packaging materials also registered
signifcant increase.
During the financial year the company exported goods worth Rs.908 lacs
compared to exports of Rs.355 lacs during the previous fnancial year.
There was a continuous thrust from the management to develop a strong
R&D and technical service team to better understand the changing
customer needs, improve product quality, productivity and process
controls through technology up-gradation.
Operating profts before tax and depreciation during the year has
increased by 77% to Rs.1160 Lacs from Rs. 649 Lacs during the previous
fnancial year.
Other income, which includes dividend received on investments, export
benefts and interest was at Rs.97 Lacs as compared to Rs.65 Lacs during
previous fnancial year.
The proft after tax stood at Rs.833 Lacs as compared to Rs.448 Lacs in
the previous fnancial year.
Your Directors consider CompanyÃs performance as satisfactory.
III. OUTLOOK
From overall perspective, we expect 2010-11 to remain challenging in
terms of volatilities in prices of major Inputs. However with overall
growth of the economy, it will augur well for the Company.
The company will endeavour its best to bring in effciencies at all
levels to mitigate any adverse situation. Accordingly your Director
view the prospect for the year 2010-11 with cautious optimism.
IV. RISK AND CONCERNS.
Some of the major raw materials are directly imported or have USD based
pricing. If the INR weakens against the USD or becomes highly volatile
the currency effect is expected to be adverse.
Rising infation within the country will seriously affect disposable
income levels of all consumers - both rural and urban. Uncertain
consumer demand can also have an effect on the growth prospects of your
company.
V. INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEMS AND THEIR ADEQUACY.
The company has successfully implemented an ERP system suitable to the
needs of the company. Internal checks and controls based on this system
is in place and constantly being improved upon. Adequate system exists
to safeguard companyÃs assets through insurance and maintenance of
proper records. The company has well defned procedures to execute
financial transactions. The company is constantly improving its
internal audit areas in the light of all encompassing ERP system
introduced as mentioned above.
VI. DEVELOPMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCE / INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS.
The company continuously monitors its Human Resource requirement to
ensure that it has adequate human skills commensurate with its needs. I
Cordial relations exist between the employees at various levels and the
management.
To upgrade Human skills and improve their competency the company
continuously organizes and deputes employees to Seminars, Workshops.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT.
Statement in this Management Discussion and Analysis describing the
CompanyÃs objectives, projections, estimates, expectations or
predictions may be Ãforward- looking statementsà within the meaning of
applicable securities laws and regulations. Actual results could differ
materially from those expressed or implied. Important factors that
could make a difference to the companyÃs operations include raw
material availability and prices, cyclical demand, movements in
companyÃs principal markets, changes in Government regulations, tax
regimes, economic developments within and outside India and other
incidental factors.
3. BUYBACK OF SHARES
The Board of Directors in their meeting held on 16th October 2009
approved the scheme of buyback of shares through market operation,
which commenced from 21st December 2009, for buyback of minimum
2,50,000 and maximum 4,00,000 equity shares at a price not exceeding
Rs.90/- per share aggregating to Rs.360 Lacs. The Company had purchased
and extinguished 3,42,856 shares, comprising of 85.71% of maximum
buyback offer size before the end of the fnancial year 2009-10,at a
weighted average price of Rs.88.75 per equity share.
The share price of companyÃs equity are traded well above the maximum
price at which buyback offer was approved by Board of Directors i.e.
Rs.90/- per share, since last couple of months. In view of this, the
Board of Directors in their meeting held on 27th April 2010 have
decided to pre-close the offer of buyback of shares since company has
already bought more than minimum number of shares to be bought back as
per buyback offer.
4. WIND POWER
The Company has commissioned its Wind Turbine Generators with a
capacity of 1.25 MW, at village Sadawaghapur, Tal - Patan, Dist.
Satara, Maharashtra on 31st March 2010, for captive consumption. The
cost of project is Rs.650 lacs. The Wind Turbine Generator is expected
to generate about 24,00,000 units per annum.
The electricity generated by Wind Turbine Generator will be used for
captive consumption at CompanyÃs Plant at Taloja, Maharashtra.
5. STATUTORY DISCLOSURES
A. ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY & FOREIGN EXCHANGE
Information sought under the provisions of Section 217(1) (e) of the
Companies Act, 1956, read with the Companies (Disclosures of
Particulars in the Report of the Board of Directors) Rules, 1988
regarding conservation of energy, technology absorption and foreign
exchange earnings and outgo are given in the Annexure, forming part of
this report.
B. DIRECTORS RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
The Directors confrm:
i. That in the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable
accounting standards have been followed and that no material departures
have been made from the same;
ii. That they have 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 fnancial year and of the profts of the
Company for that period;
iii. That they have taken proper and suffcient care 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 they have prepared the annual accounts on a going concern
basis.
C. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Your Company has always strived to imbibe appropriate standards for
good Corporate Governance.
Detailed reports on the Corporate Governance and Management Discussion
Analysis, forms part of this report. A certifcate from the CompanyÃs
Auditors regarding compliance of conditions of Corporate Governance as
stipulated under Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement is annexed to the
said Report.
6. FIXED DEPOSITS MATURED BUT NOT CLAIMED
Company had no Fixed Deposits at the end of the fnancial year. The
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has instructed the Company, not
to repay the proceeds of four fxed deposits amounting to Rs.48,000/-
and accrued interest of Rs.22,491/- thereon. These deposits matured
during the frst week of December 2002.
One fxed deposits worth Rs.5,000/- matured, with accrued interest of
Rs.224/- but were not claimed by the concerned depositors despite
reminders.
7. INSURANCE
All insurable assets of the Company including inventories, buildings,
plant and machinery etc., as also liability under legislative
enactments, are insured. I
8. ECOLOGY AND SAFETY
Members of the Safety Committee of the CompanyÃs Taloja Plant, have
been regularly reviewing the safety measures and their implementation,
to ensure adequate safety in material handling, control of pollution
caused by liquid effluents, dust and emissions from chimney etc.
Samples were periodically drawn and the reports submitted to the
Pollution Control Board as required, ensuring compliance with the
standards. Necessary application had been made to Maharashtra Pollution
Control Board to operate the plant at Taloja till 31st December 2014.
The Certifcate is awaited.
9. PERSONNEL
Section 217(2A) of the Companies Act, 1956, read with the Companies
(Particulars of Employees) Rules 1975, as amended, is not applicable to
the Company as there are no employees drawing remuneration exceeding
the prescribed limits.
The Board would like to place on record their appreciation of the
contribution made by all employees during the year.
The industrial relations with the employees were cordial.
10. BANKS
Your Directors wish to place on record their appreciation of the
support received from the CompanyÃs Bankers, State Bank of India.
11. DIRECTORS
Shri. S.K.Lahiri, Director & CEO of the Company retires from the
service of the Company as on 03rd June 2010, after 27 years of
association with the Company. Your Directors wish to place on record
their appreciation for his service and contribution made.
Mr. Atul Choksey, Mr. Amit Choksey and Dr. S. Sivaram, retire by
rotation and being eligible, offer themselves for reappointment.
12. AUDITORS
The CompanyÃs Auditors, M/s. Shah & Co., Chartered Accountants, retire
at the conclusion of the ensuing Annual General Meeting and are
eligible for reappointment.
FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
ATUL C CHOKSEY CHAIRMAN
Mumbai: 27th April 2010
Disclaimer: This is 3rd Party content/feed, viewers are requested to use their discretion and conduct proper diligence before investing, GoodReturns does not take any liability on the genuineness and correctness of the information in this article