To the Members,
Your Board of Directors have pleasure in presenting the 56th Annual
Report and Audited Accounts of the Company for the Financial Year ended on 31st March,
2024.
FINANCIAL RESULTS
The summarized financial results for the year are as under:
(Rs. in Crores)
Particulars |
Standalone |
Consolidated |
|
2023-24 |
2022-23 |
2023-24 |
2022-23 |
INCOME |
|
|
|
|
Revenue From Operations (Net) |
5014.4 |
4481.1 |
5014.4 |
4481.1 |
Other Income |
218.0 |
198.1 |
175.3 |
117.7 |
Total |
5232.4 |
4679.2 |
5189.7 |
4598.8 |
EXPENDITURE |
|
|
|
|
Material Costs |
3948.3 |
3544.5 |
3948.3 |
3544.5 |
Employee Benefit Expenses |
177.3 |
162.7 |
177.3 |
162.7 |
Finance Costs |
2.0 |
1.2 |
2.0 |
1.2 |
Depreciation, Amortization and impairment |
43.9 |
46.4 |
43.9 |
46.4 |
Other Expenses |
308.1 |
278.4 |
300.5 |
264.6 |
Total |
4479.6 |
4033.2 |
4472.0 |
4019.4 |
Profit Before Tax |
752.8 |
646.0 |
717.7 |
579.4 |
Share of Net Profits of an Associate and Joint Ventures
accounted for using equity Method |
|
|
146.1 |
69.9 |
Profit Before Tax |
752.8 |
646.0 |
863.8 |
649.3 |
Tax Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
Current Tax |
158.0 |
145.0 |
158.0 |
145.0 |
Deferred Tax |
23.2 |
(0.7) |
54.1 |
0.1 |
Total Tax |
181.2 |
144.3 |
212.1 |
145.1 |
Profit After Tax |
571.6 |
501.7 |
651.7 |
504.2 |
Total Other Comprehensive Income/(Expenses) For the year |
31.7 |
35.9 |
30.9 |
35.8 |
Total Comprehensive Income for the year 1 |
603.3 |
537.6 |
682.6 |
540 |
ECONOMIC REVIEW Global Economy
The financial year 2023-24 witnessed significant developments in the
global economy, marked by a combination of growth opportunities and challenges. The
post-pandemic recovery continued to shape economic activities, with varying impacts across
different regions and sectors. Global economic growth experienced a moderate pace during
the year. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimated global GDP growth at
approximately 3.2%. Advanced economies, including the United States and the Eurozone, saw
steady but slowing growth rates as they navigated through inflationary pressures and
tightening monetary policies. Emerging markets and developing economies, particularly in
Asia and Africa, continued to drive global growth, benefiting from robust domestic demand
and ongoing structural reforms. Global trade experienced mixed outcomes during the year.
While trade volumes rebounded from the pandemic lows, geopolitical tensions and trade
disputes posed challenges. The conflict in Eastern Europe, particularly the Russia-Ukraine
war, had significant implications for global energy markets, commodity prices, and trade
routes. Additionally, ongoing trade tensions between major economies, such as the United
States and China, continued to influence global trade dynamics. Moving forward, a balanced
approach to economic policies, innovation, and sustainability will be key to addressing
the emerging global economic challenges and opportunities
In summary, the global economy in the financial year 2023-24 navigated
through a complex landscape of recovery, inflationary pressures, geopolitical challenges,
and technological advancements. While the path to sustained growth remained uneven, the
resilience and adaptability of economies and businesses were evident.
Indian Economy
The Financial Year 2023-24 was a period of significant economic
activity and transformation for India. Despite global headwinds and domestic challenges,
the Indian economy demonstrated resilience and adaptability, supported by strong policy
measures and structural reforms. India's GDP growth for FY 2023-24 was estimated at
approximately 7.6%, positioning it among the fastest-growing major economies globally. The
recovery was driven by robust domestic demand, increased investment activities, and a
revival in key sectors such as manufacturing, services, and agriculture. The government's
continued focus on infrastructure development and policy reforms further bolstered
economic growth. Inflation remained a critical concern, influenced by global supply chain
disruptions, rising energy prices, and domestic factors. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
adopted a cautious approach to monetary policy, balancing the need to support growth while
containing inflationary pressures. The central bank adjusted interest rates and employed
other monetary tools to manage liquidity and ensure price stability. The government
maintained an expansionary fiscal stance, prioritizing spending on infrastructure,
healthcare, and social welfare schemes. Key initiatives such as the Atmanirbhar Bharat
(Self-Reliant India) campaign, Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, and the National
Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) played pivotal roles in stimulating economic activities and
attracting investments. The manufacturing sector showed robust growth, supported by the
PLI schemes aimed at boosting domestic production and reducing import dependence. Key
industries such as automotive, electronics, and pharmaceuticals witnessed significant
expansions. The services sector, particularly IT and IT-enabled services, continued to
drive economic growth. The sector benefited from increased global demand for digital
solutions and a strong domestic market. India's trade performance was marked by a recovery
in exports, driven by strong demand for goods and services in global markets. However,
imports also increased, leading to a wider trade deficit. The government's emphasis on
trade diversification and export promotion initiatives helped mitigate some of the
external vulnerabilities. While the Indian economy showed remarkable resilience, several
challenges persisted. Inflationary pressures, global economic uncertainties, and
structural issues such as unemployment and income inequality required continued policy
attention. The outlook for FY 2024-25 remained cautiously optimistic, with growth expected
to be supported by ongoing reforms, digitalization, and increased public and private
investments. Strong policy measures, robust domestic demand, and structural reforms
underpinned the economic performance. Looking ahead, sustained efforts in policy
implementation, innovation, and infrastructure development will be crucial for maintaining
the growth momentum and achieving long-term economic stability.
Performance of the Company
Your Company registered total revenue of Rs. 5014.4 crore in
FY 2023-24 as against Rs. 4,481.1 crore in the previous year,
registering a 12% YoY growth in value terms. While part of the growth resulted from
commodity price increases, volume growth was also significant due to higher activity
levels in Real Estate, Automobile and Communication sectors.
The segment-wise revenue growth was:
Electrical Cables by 14.6%
Communication Cables declined by 8.3% due to delays in government-
sponsored projects.
Other products segment registered a growth of 15.3%
For more details, please refer to the Management Discussion and
Analysis (MDA), forming part of this Report in "Annexure A - I",
inter-alia, which deals adequately with the operations as well as the current and future
outlook of the Company.
Exports
Exports stood at Rs. 35.3 crores as against Rs. 39.9 crores in the
previous year.
Finance
The short-term debt programs of your Company continue to be rated by
CRISIL. Since the last several years, these have been accorded the highest ratings that
CRISIL issues (A1+). CRISIL has also rated your Company's long term debt offerings at
AA+/stable. During the year, no debt papers were issued. As on the date of this report,
your Company continues to remain debt free.
Financial costs have been contained to the minimum required levels. The
Company continues to meet all its financial commitments in a timely manner.
Dividend
Based on the Company's performance, the Directors are pleased to
recommend a Dividend of Rs. 8.00 per equity share i.e., 400 % of the face value of Rs. 2
each, for approval of the members at the ensuing Annual General Meeting. The total
dividend outgo would involve a cash outflow of Rs. 122.4 Crores.
In compliance with Regulation 43A of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and
Disclosure Requirements) Regualtions,2015 ("SEBI Listing Regulations,2015") the
Company has formulated Dividend Distribution Policy and the same is available on the
Company's website at https://www.Finolex.
com/UploadedDocs/Dividend%20Distribution%20Policy.pdf
Transfer to Reserves
The Company has not transferred any amount to the reserves during the
current Financial Year.
Fixed Deposits
During the year, your Company has not invited, accepted or renewed any
fixed deposits from the public and accordingly, there is no principal or interest
outstanding in respect thereof.
Change in Nature of Business
There has been no change in the nature of business of the Company
during the year under review.
Expansion
As reported in the previous year, your Company had committed a capex of
?500 crore over 18 months for enhancing manufacturing capabilities at Urse, Goa and
Roorkee. This capex is directed towards enhancing production
capabilities to meet the requirements of the Construction, Railways, instrumentation,
Solar Power and the Automotive application bringing in-house certain value additions which
were outsourced earlier and further expansion of the Optic Fiber line. Expansion work is
in progress and certain lines will go on stream in Q2 of 2024-25.
Joint Ventures, Subsidiaries and Associates
Pursuant to Section 129(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 5
of the Companies (Accounts) Rules 2014, the statement containing salient features of the
financial statements of the Company's Joint Ventures / Associates (in form AOC-1) is
attached to this Report as "Annexure G".
The Company does not have any investments in subsidiaries.
Corning Finolex Optical Fiber Private Limited
Members are aware that the following understanding and agreement with
JV Partner M/s Corning SAS of France, the JV had approved NCLT for voluntary liquidation
in the year 2023. The JV has now been liquidated in accordance with Section 59(7) of the
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 read with Regulation 9 of the Insolvency and
Bankruptcy Board of India (Voluntary Liquidation Process) Regulations, 2017, vide National
Company Law Tribunal's ("NCLT"), Mumbai Bench (Court-VI) order dated 06th June
2024.
Finolex J-Power Systems Limited
During the year, the JV made significant strides towards achieving
profitability - the JV bagged several orders during the year and has an order backlog of
approximately Rs. 300 Cr going into the Financial Year 2024-25. Based on current trends,
it is expected that the JV will be able to breakeven as well as become profitable going
forward.
Particulars of Employees
Disclosures 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 are provided in the
"Annexure F" to this Report.
In terms of provisions of Section 197(12) of Companies
Act, 2013 read with Rules 5(2) & 5(3) of the Companies (Appointment
and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, a statement showing the names and
other particulars of employees drawing remuneration in excess of the limits set out in the
said rules are provided in the "Annexure F1" to this Report.
Key Managerial Personnel
The following persons continued as Key Managerial Personnel during the
year 2023-24.
Name |
Title |
Mr. Deepak Chhabria1 |
Executive Chairman |
Mr. Ratnakar Barve2 |
Executive Director |
Mr. Mahesh Viswanathan |
Chief Financial Officer |
Mr. R. G. D'Silva3 |
Company Secretary and President (Legal) |
Mr. Siddhesh Sudhir Mandke4 |
Company Secretary and General Manager (Legal) |
1. Mr. Deepak Chhabria ceased to be Whole Time Director designated as
"Executive Chairman" of the Company w.e.f. 16th October 2023.
2. Mr. Ratnakar Barve- Executive Director was appointed as KMP with
effect from 29th September, 2023.
3. Mr. R.G. D'Silva-Company Secretary and President (Legal) of the
Company retired from service on 03rd April, 2023.
4. Mr. Siddhesh Mandke was appointed as Company Secretary and General
Manager (Legal) with effect from 4th April, 2023.
Human Resources
The Company engaged approximately 1576 and 1546 permanent employees as
at 31st March, 2024 and 31st March 2023, respectively. The number of flexible
(contractual, trainee and temporary) employees as at 31st March, 2024 was 1641, compared
to 1608 as of 31st March 2023.
Corporate Governance
The Company has always responsibly followed corporate governance
guidelines and best practices sincerely. As a responsibility and service to all its
shareholders, the Company promptly discloses timely and accurate information regarding its
operations and performance, as well as the leadership and governance of the Company. Your
Company is in full compliance with the Corporate Governance guidelines as set out in SEBI
(Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 ("SEBI Listing
Regulations 2015") and is committed to good corporate governance. Accordingly, all
Directors and Senior Management employees confirm in writing their adherence to the
Company's Code of Conduct.
A separate report on Corporate Governance ("Annexure B")
is provided together with a Certificate from the Statutory/ Secretarial Auditors of the
Company regarding compliance with conditions of Corporate Governance as "Annexure
C", as mandated under SEBI Listing Regulations, 2015. There are no
qualifications, reservations or adverse remarks or disclaimers made by the auditor in
their report.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Your Company strives to provide best products and services not only to
its customers, employees and shareholders, but also to the whole society as a whole. Your
Company commits itself to utmost care and assistance for sections of society in need of
such support, as evident through the CSR initiatives undertaken by the Company. These
initiatives include:
Education and Skill Development Healthcare Initiatives, Environmental
Sustainability, Community Development, Women Empowerment, Livelihood Enhancement. Annual
Report on CSR, forming part of this Report, inter-alia, provides the details of all CSR
activities during the year under review and other related information is given as an
"Annexure I" to this Report.
The Company's Policy on CSR as approved by the Board is also available
on the website of the Company at https:// www.finolex.com/UploadedDocs/CSR%20Policy.pdf.
Management Discussion and Analysis Report (MDAR)
Management Discussion and Analysis Report for the financial year under
review, as stipulated under regulation 34 (2) (e) of SEBI Listing Regulations, 2015 is
presented in a separate section forming part of this Annual Report as "Annexure A".
Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report:
Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report for the financial
year under review, as stipulated under regulation 34 (2) (f) of SEBI Listing Regulations,
2015 is presented in a separate section forming part of this Annual Report as "Annexure
J".
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG):
Recognizing its role as a responsible corporate citizen, the Company is
keenly aware of its environmental and societal obligations. For more information on our
ESG initiatives, please refer to the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report
(BRSR) "Annexure J"
Directors:
The Board of Directors of the Company currently comprises of 5 (Five)
Directors out of which 3 (Three) Directors are appointed as Independent Directors, 1 (One)
Director is a Whole Time Director and 1 (One) Director is a Non Independent Non-Executive
Director.
During the year, Mr. Achyut Dhadphale (DIN 07172828) and Dr.
Kshitija Wadatkar (DIN 10202871) were appointed as Additional Directors in the category of
Non-Executive Non-Independent Director and Non-Executive Independent Directors
respectively with effect from 30th September, 2023. However, since their appointments were
not confirmed by members at the postal ballot conducted on 22nd December, 2023, they have
ceased to be Directors with effect from 22nd December, 2023 The Board places on record its
sincere appreciation towards the contribution made by them during their tenure as
directors of the Company.
Further, Mr. Shane Pedder (DIN 03595409) was appointed as Additional
Director in the category of Non-Executive Non-Independent Director with effect from 20th
March 2024. However, he ceased to be the Director with effect from 15th June, 2024 as his
appointment was not confirmed by members of the Company. The Board places on record its
sincere appreciation towards the contribution made by him during his tenure as a director
of the Company.
Pursuant to the recommendation of Nomination and Remuneration
Committee, the Board at its earlier meeting held on 29th June, 2023 had appointed Mr.
Deepak Chhabria as Executive Chairman and Whole Time Director of the Company for a period
of 5 years w.e.f. 1st July 2023 to 30th June 2028. The proposal for such an appointment
was not approved by majority members at the 55th Annual General Meeting of Company held on
29 September, 2023. Mr. Deepak Chhabria ceases to be executive chairman and whole time
director with effect from 16th October, 2023.
The Board places on record its most sincere appreciation towards the
contribution made by Mr. Deepak Chhabria during his tenure. Between 19th October, 2023 and
4th September, 2024 Mr. Nikhil Naik functioned as the Chairman of the Board. At its
Meeting on 4th September, 2024 Board appointed Mr. Ratnakar Barve as Chairman.
Mr. Nikhil Naik is liable to retire by rotation at the ensuing Annual
General Meeting and being eligible, offer himself for reappointment. The Board recommend
the same. A resolution proposing his re-appointment for the consideration and due approval
of members at the ensuing AGM is included in the notice convening the AGM.
Compliance under the Companies Act, 2013
Pursuant to Section 134 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the
Companies (Accounts) Rules of 2014, your Company complied with the requirements. The
details of such compliances are enumerated below:
Web link to the Annual Return: Pursuant to Section 92 (3)
of the Act and Rule 12 (1) of the Companies (Management and Administration) Rules, 2014,
the annual return is available on the website of the Company at
https://www.nnolex.com/View/Paqe/Annual-Return.
Number of meetings of the Board: The Board met on 12
(Twelve) occasions during the year. The details of the meetings are furnished in the
Report on Corporate Governance which is attached as "Annexure B" to this
Report.
Directors' Responsibility Statement: Pursuant to Sections
134(3)(c) and 134(5) of the Companies Act, 2013, (the "Act"), the Directors, to
the best of their knowledge and belief and according to the information and explanations
provided to them, confirm that:
- In the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable accounting
standards have been followed and no material departures have been made from the same.
- the Directors 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.
- the Directors 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.
- the Directors have prepared the annual accounts on a going concern
basis;
- the Directors 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 ;
- the Directors have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with
the provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems were adequate and operating
effectively.
Declaration By Independent Directors:
The Company has received necessary declarations from each Independent
Director under Section 149(7) of the Act, that he/she meets the criteria of Independence
laid down under Section 149(6) of the Act and Regulation 25 of the SEBI Listing
Regulations, 2015.
Nomination and Remuneration Policy:
The Board of Directors has framed the policy which lays down a
framework in relation to the Appointment and Remuneration of Directors, Key Managerial
Personnel and Senior Management of the Company including the criteria for determining
qualifications, selection and appointment. Further details are provided in the Corporate
Governance Report which is attached as "Annexure B" to this Report.
The Nomination and Remuneration Policy us available on the website of
the Company at https:// www.finolex.com/UploadedDocs/Nomination%20
and%20Remuneration%20Policv.Ddf.
Board Evaluation:
Pursuant to the relevant provisions of Companies Act, 2013, the
Independent Directors at their meeting dated 27th March 2024 considered and evaluated the
Board's performance, performance of the Chairman and other non-independent directors. The
evaluation was performed taking into consideration the various aspects of the Board's
functioning, composition of the Board and its Committees, culture, execution and
performance of specific duties, obligations and governance. The Board of Directors
expressed its satisfaction with the evaluation process.
Particulars of loans, guarantees or investments under section 186 of
The Companies Act, 2013:
During the year, the Company has given additional corporate guarantee
of Rs. 25 Crore to the Axis Bank, in respect of loans availed by Finolex J-Power Systems
Limited - please refer Note no. 32 A III (b) of Standalone Financial Statements which form
part of the Notes to the financial statements provided in the Annual Report.
Particulars of Contracts or arrangements with related parties:
All transactions entered into by the Company with related parties were
in the ordinary course of business and on an arm's length basis. Each of these
transactions was reviewed by the Audit Committee prior to being entered into and where
necessary, was approved by the Board of Directors and the Members. In respect of
transactions of a repetitive nature, an omnibus approval was obtained from the Audit
Committee. The Company has not entered into material transactions during the Financial
Year 2023-24. At every quarterly meeting, the Audit Committee reviews the transactions
that were entered into during the immediately preceding quarter. Details of related party
transactions have been disclosed under Note 35A to the financial statements. Details of
the same are also reproduced in Form AOC-2 which is attached as an "Annexure
H" to this Report.
The Company's Policy on transactions with related parties as approved
by the Board is also available on the website of the Company at https://www.finolex.com/
UploadedDocs/Related%20party%20transactions%20 policy.pdf
Material changes and commitments affecting the financial
position of the Company which have occurred between 31st March, 2024 and date of this
report :
There are no material changes and commitments 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.
Significant and material orders passed by the regulators or
Court or Tribunals impacting the going concern status of the Company:
There are no significant and material orders passed by the Regulators
or Courts or Tribunals that would impact the going concern status of the Company or the
Company's operations in the future.
Adequacy of Internal Financial Controls with reference to the
Financial Statements:
Having regard to Rule 8 (5) (viii) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules,
2014, the details in respect of adequacy of internal financial controls with reference to
the financial statements of the Company are as follows:
Your Company maintains appropriate systems of internal control
including monitoring procedures. These internal control systems ensure reliable and
accurate financial reporting, safeguarding of assets, keeping constant check on cost
structure and adhering to management policies. The internal controls are commensurate with
the size, scale and complexity of the Company's operations and facilitate timely detection
of any irregularities and early remedial steps against factors such as loss from
unauthorized use and disposition. Company policies, guidelines and procedures provide for
adequate checks and balances which are meant to ensure that all transactions are
authorized, recorded and reported correctly. The internal controls are continuously
assessed and improved / modified to meet changes in business conditions, statutory and
accounting requirements.
Constant monitoring of the effectiveness of controls is ensured by
periodical audits performed by an in-house internal audit team as well as assignments
entrusted to M/s. Ernst & Young LLP, Chartered Accountants. Both these teams in their
respective assignments, test and review controls, challenge business processes for their
robustness and benchmark practices in line with industry norms.
The Audit Committee regularly meets and reviews the results of the
various internal control audits both with the Auditors as well as with the respective
Auditees. The Audit Committee is apprised of the findings as well as the corrective
actions that are taken. Periodical meetings between the Audit Committee and the Company
Management also ensure the necessary checks and balances that may need to be built into
the control system.
Risk Management Policy:
Your Company has set up a Risk Management Committee of the Board of
Directors which comprises Mr. Zubin Bilimoria, Mr. Ratnakar Barve, Mrs. Vanessa Singh and
Mr. Mahesh Viswanathan. More details of the risks faced by the Company are available in
the Management Discussion and Analysis (MDA), attached as "Annexure A" to
this Report.
The Company's Policy on Risk Management as approved by the Board is
also available on the website of the Company at: chrome-extension://
efaidnbmnnnibpcaipcqlclefindmkai/https:// www.finolex.com/UploadedDocs/Risk%20
Manaaement%20Policv.pdf
Vigil Mechanism / Whistle Blower Policy:
As required under Section 177 (9) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with
Rule 7 of the Companies (Meetings of Boards and its Powers) 2014 and Regulation 22 of the
SEBI Listing Regulations, the Company has adopted a policy on vigil mechanism / whistle
blower. The policy provides direct access to the Chairman of the Audit Committee in case
any employee should choose to report or bring up a complaint. Your Company affirms that no
one has been denied access to the Chairman of the Audit Committee. and No complaints were
received during the year. Brief details about the policy are provided in the Corporate
Governance Report which is attached as "Annexure B" to this Report., The
policy is also available on the Company's website at
https://www.nnolex.com/UploadedDocs/Whistle%20 Blower%20Policv.pdf.
Prevention of Sexual Harassment Policy:
The Company has in place a policy on prevention of sexual harassment in
line with the requirements of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention,
Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
An Internal Complaints Committee has been set up to redress complaints
received regarding sexual harassment. All employees (permanent, contractual, temporary,
trainees) are covered under this policy.
Sr. No. |
Particulars |
Status |
1 |
No of Complaints received in the year |
0 |
2 |
No of Complaints disposed-off in the year |
NA |
3 |
Cases pending for more than 90 days |
NA |
4 |
No. of workshops / awareness programs conducted |
2 |
5 |
Nature of action by employer or district officer, if any |
NA |
Statutory Auditors
As per provisions of Section 139(1) of the Companies Act, 2013, M/s.
Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP, Chartered
Accountants (Firm Registration No.1 17366W / W100018) were appointed as
Statutory Auditor of the Company at the Fifty- Fourth AGM of the Company held on 28th
September, 2022 to hold office from the conclusion of the said meeting till the conclusion
of the Fifty- Ninth Annual General Meeting to be held in the financial year 2027-28.
Further as required under the provisions of Section 139 and Section 141
of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Accounts) Rules 2014, the said
Auditors have confirmed their consent as well as eligibility to continue to act as Auditor
of the Company.
Statutory Auditors' Report
There are no qualifications, reservations or adverse remarks made by
M/s. Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP (Firm Registration No.1 17366W/W100018), Statutory
Auditors, in their report for the financial year ended on 31st March, 2024. The Notes on
financial statements referred to in the Auditors' Report are self-explanatory. Pursuant to
provisions of section 143 (12) of the Act, the Statutory Auditors have not reported any
incident of fraud to the Audit Committee during the year under review.
Cost Audit
As per the requirement of the Central Government and pursuant to
Section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Companies (Cost Records and Audit) rules
of 2014 as amended from time to time, your Company has been carrying out an audit of cost
records every year. At the previous Annual General Meeting, the members had approved the
appointment of M/s. Joshi Apte & Associates as Cost Auditors, for the Financial Year
2023-24, at a remuneration of Rs. 6 lakh plus GST, as applicable, and reimbursement of out
of pocket expenses.
Secretarial Audit
In accordance with the provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act,
2013, and the Rules made there under, M/s. Jog Limaye & Associates, a firm of Company
Secretaries in practice, was appointed by the Board to conduct the Secretarial Audit of
the Company for the Financial Year 2023-24.
Their Report dated 23rd April 2024 is attached as "Annexure D"
to this report. The Secretarial Audit Report does not contain any qualification,
reservation, adverse remark or disclaimer.
Secretarial Standards
The Institute of Company Secretaries of India had issued the
Secretarial Standards on Meetings of the Board of Directors (SS-1) and Secretarial
Standards on General Meetings (SS-2. Your Company is in compliance with the said
secretarial standards.
Listing of Securities
Your Company's equity shares are listed on the two premier stock
exchanges of the country namely BSE Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited.
Your Company's Global Depository Receipts have been delisted from the Luxembourg Stock
Exchange, effective from April 16, 2024. Your Company has not issued any Non-Convertible
Debentures ("NCDs") in financial year 2023-24 and no NCDs were outstanding as on
31 st March 2024.
General
1. During the year, there were no transaction requiring disclosure or
reporting in respect of matters relating to:
a) Details relating to deposits covered under Chapter V of the Act;
b) Issue of equity shares with differential rights as to Dividend,
voting or otherwise;
c) Issue of shares (Including Sweat equity shares) to employees of the
Company under any scheme, save and except Employee Stock Options Schemes referred to in
this Report;
d) Raising of funds through preferential allotment or qualified
institutions placement;
e) Pendency of any proceeding against the Company under the Insolvency
and Bankruptcy Code, 2016
2. A statement regarding opinion of the Board with regard to integrity,
expertise and experience (including the proficiency) of the Independent Directors
appointed during the year - The Board of Directors is of the opinion that the Independent
Non-Executive Directors are of integrity and possess the requisite expertise and
experience (including the proficiency).
3. No Company has become ceased or ceased to be a subsidiary or
associate or joint venture company of the Company during the year. However, Corning
Finolex Optical Fiber Private Limited, Joint Venture Company has been Liquidated vide
National Company Law Tribunal's ("NCLT"), Mumbai Bench (Court-VI) order dated
06th June 2024.
4. Cash Flow Statement for the Financial Year ended on 31st March 2024
is attached to the Balance sheet.
5. The Company has duly constituted the following mandatory committees
in terms of the provisions of the Act &SEBI Listing Regulations,2015 read with rules
framed thereunder viz.
i. Audit Committee
ii. Nomination and Remuneration Committee
iii. Stakeholder's Relationship Committee
iv. Corporate Social Responsibility Committee
v. Risk Management Committee
The Composition of all above Committees, number of meetings held during
the year review, brief terms of reference and other details have been provided in the
Corporate Governance Report which forms part of this Annual Report.
Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption, Foreign Exchange
Earnings and Outgo and Research and Development
Information on conservation of energy, technology absorption, foreign
exchange earnings & outgo and the Research and Development activities carried out by
the Company as required to be given pursuant to Section 134(3) (m) of the Companies Act,
2013 read with Rule 8 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 is attached to this Report
as an "Annexure E".
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
IEPF Rules"), all unpaid or unclaimed dividends are required to be transferred by the
Company to the IEPF, established by the Government of India, after the completion of seven
years. Further, according to the IEPF Rules, the shares on which dividend which are not
subject to any legal requirements has not been paid or claimed by the shareholders for
seven consecutive years or more shall also be transferred to the demat account of the IEPF
Authority. The Company has transferred 26,957 shares on which dividends were unclaimed for
seven consecutive years as per the requirements of the IEPF Rules. Mr. Mahesh Viswanathan
is appointed as a nodal officer of the company and his details are provided on
https://www.finolex.com/ View/Page/Nodal-Officer. The members who have a claim on above
dividends and shares may claim the same from IEPF Authority by submitting an online
application in web Form No. I EPF-5 available on the website https://www.iepf.qov.in/
IEPF/ and sending a physical copy of the same, duly signed to the Company, along with
requisite documents enumerated in the Form No. IEPF-5. No claims shall lie against the
Company in respect of the dividend / shares so transferred.
However, pursuant to Section 124 (5) of the Act, the unpaid dividend
that will be due for transfer to the IEPF are as follows:
Type and year of dividend declared/paid |
Date of declaration of dividend |
% of dividend to face value |
Unclaimed dividend amount as on 31st
March, 2024 |
Due for transfer to IEPF |
Dividend 2016-17 |
28th September, 2017 |
150% |
34,87,758.00 |
2nd November, 2024 |
Dividend 2017-18 |
25th September, 2018 |
200% |
45,80,420.00 |
31st October, 2025 |
Dividend 2018-19 |
18th September, 2019 |
225% |
48,81,411.50 |
24th October, 2026 |
Dividend 2019-20 |
29th September, 2020 |
275% |
38,92,658.00 |
5th November, 2027 |
Dividend 2020-21 |
29th September, 2021 |
275% |
43,43,610.50 |
3rd November, 2028 |
Dividend 2021-22 |
28th September, 2022 |
300% |
36,31,806.00 |
2nd November, 2029 |
Dividend 2022-23 |
29th September, 2023 |
350% |
47,40,377.00 |
3rd November, 2030 |
Disclosure of Agreements in terms of Regulation 30 A (2) of SEBI
Listing Regulations, 2015
The details of agreements entered in to by the promoters of the listed
entity whose purpose and effect is to impact the management or control of the listed
entity that subsist as on the date as date of notification i.e., 13th July 2023 of clause
5A to para-A of part A of schedule III of SEBI Listing Regulations, 2015 including their
salient features are given in an "Annexure K"
The link to the webpage where the complete details of such agreements
are available: https://finolex.com/wp-content/
uploads/2023/08/Listino-Qblioations-and-Disdosure- Requirements-2024.pdf
Details of Application made or any proceeding pending under the
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (31 of 2016)
Your Company neither made any application nor any proceeding is pending
under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 during the year.
The details of difference between amount of the valuation done at the
time of one time settlement and the valuation done while taking loan from the Banks or
Financial Institutions along with the reasons thereof
Your Company has not obtained any one-time settlement of loan from the
Banks or Financial Institutions.
Cautionary Statement
Statements in this Boards' Report and Annexure may contain forward
looking statements within the meaning of applicable Securities laws and regulations.
Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied. Various factors
including commodity prices, cyclical demand, changes in Government regulations, tax laws,
general economic development could all have a bearing on the Company's operations and
would impact eventual results.
Acknowledgements
The Company's Directors are grateful to the Central and State
Governments, Statutory Authorities, Local Bodies, Banks and Financial institutions for
their continued support and cooperation. Your Directors warmly acknowledge the trust and
confidence reposed in your Company by its channel partners, dealers, customers and
construction organizations in supporting its business activities and growth. Your
directors express their gratitude to the other business associates for their unstinting
support. Your directors value the commitment and contribution of the employees towards the
Company. Last but not the least, your directors are thankful to the Members for extending
their constant trust and for the confidence shown in the Company.
For and on behalf of the Board of Directors |
|
Finolex Cables Limited |
|
|
Ratnakar Barve |
Date: 4th September 2024 |
Chairman |
Place: Goa |
DIN: 09341821 |