Managing Director's Communiqu?
Dear Stakeholders,
It is indeed my privilege to present the Annual Report of the Company
for the financial year 2023-24 and I must begin my note by thanking all our employees,
shareholders, customers, business partners and investors for their solid continued support
which has helped the Company demonstrate resilience and adaptability throughout the fiscal
year despite facing external pressures such as aggressive market competition, subdued
demand in the global markets, geopolitical tensions, and fluctuating raw material prices.
The most notable feature for the year under review is our dedication to stability and
foresight with strategic investments, innovation, and robust ESG initiatives, and this has
ensured that we are firmly entrenched in our mission to create enduring value for our
stakeholders and contribute positively to the environment and society, thereby laying
solid
Foundations for Long-term Sustainable Growth'.
Setting the Stage:
Macroeconomic Landscape
As we look back over the past year, it's crucial to recognise the
global challenges that have shaped our economic landscape. Supply chain disruptions, the
prolonged conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the Middle East crisis and significant
inflation spikes have rigorously tested business resilience worldwide.
Closer home, India's economy has stood out as a beacon of resilience,
having grown by an impressive 8.2% in 2023-24. Indian economy is on its growth path
towards becoming a USD 7 Tn economy by around 2030, on the back of growth drivers such as
robust export growth, increased investments in infrastructure, and strong consumption.
As we look back over the past year, it's crucial to recognise the
global challenges that have shaped our economic landscape. Supply chain disruptions, the
prolonged conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the Middle East crisis and significant
inflation spikes have rigorously tested business resilience worldwide
Strategic Response: Navigating Challenges with Foresight
NOCIL's strengths lie in its integrated value chain, technological
advancements, extensive product range, and strong marketing & technical service and
extensive distribution channel. Our commitment to R&D and innovation has enabled us to
stay ahead of industry trends and deliver high-quality products consistently. These
operational strengths are fundamental to our strategy and provide a 'stable' foundation
for sustainable growth.
NOCIL's strengths lie in its integrated value chain, technological
advancements, extensive product range, and strong marketing network & technical
service and extensive distribution channel. Our commitment to R&D and innovation has
enabled us to stay ahead of industry trends and deliver high-quality products
consistently. These operational strengths are fundamental to our strategy and provide a
'stable' foundation for sustainable growth
Financial and Operational Performance Highlights
For the financial year 2023-24, our consolidated net revenue from
operations stood at Rs. 1,445 Crores, compared to Rs. 1,617 Crores in the previous year.
The decline can be attributed to a significant reduction in average selling prices
primarily due to an aggressive approach adopted by the Chinese players followed by other
players from EU, Korea and USA. In the same period, we achieved a year-on-year volume
growth of 9% in the export segment, highlighting our robust performance in international
markets. NOCIL demonstrated resilience and adaptability with a continued focus on
operational excellence initiatives in manufacturing, leading to significant improvements
in utilities and operational e_ciencies, thus achieving an operating EBITDA of
Rs. 195 Crores, with an EBITDA margin of 13.5%, reflecting the
Company's ability to navigate a complex market environment.
Your Company has remained debt free for the 7th year in
succession by its apt and judicious utilisation of resources and generation of cash
profits during the whole year. Your Company also continues to enjoy stable
credit rating from the top credit rating agencies thereby indicating a robust
financial health of the Company. Despite some disappointment in terms of fall in PAT, the
Board of Directors of the Company remain firmly committed to uphold shareholder value by
adopting a consistent dividend of 30% for the third year in succession.
Commitment to Long-Term Goals: Investing in Sustainable Growth
Our confidence in future growth is reinforced by a Rs. 250 Crores
capital investment aimed at enhancing capacity. Our capital expenditure plan demonstrates
our commitment to investing in future growth and expanding our capabilities.
Our confidence in future growth is reinforced by a Rs. 250
Crores capital investment aimed at enhancing capacity. Our capital expenditure plan
demonstrates our commitment to investing in future growth and expanding our capabilities
Driving Sustainable Change: Our Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability is integrated into our operations, focussing on reducing
our environmental impact through
Responsible Care' principles and Green
Chemistry'. NOCIL is one of the 86 companies in India that holds a
certification for Responsible Care' the Global Chemical
Industry's initiative, focussed on
Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) improvements since 2018.
Additionally, our social responsibility initiatives align with our strategic pillars,
engaging with communities and supporting healthcare, education, rural development, and
environmental conservation. We prioritise energy e_ciency and utilise hybrid power to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with more than 25% of our electricity at one facility
coming from renewable sources. Our commitment to sustainable operations is reflected in
the implementation of the '5S Workplace Organisation Method' and the '3Rs'
strategy (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle). These initiatives help us maintain top HSE
(Health, Safety, and Environment) standards.
We prioritise energy e_ciency and utilise hybrid power to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions, with more than 25% of our electricity at one facility coming
from renewable sources. Our commitment to sustainable operations is reflected in the
implementation of the '5S Workplace Organisation Method' and the '3Rs' strategy
(Reduce, Reuse, Recycle)
Empowering Communities: Our CSR Initiatives
NOCIL's commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is
driven by our promoter group's philosophy,
More than an Obligation, more than a Duty.' Our
robust CSR policy identifies key stakeholders and focusses on the eradication of hunger
and poverty, promoting healthcare and education in rural areas, supporting women from
economically weaker sections su_ering from breast cancer, and promoting sports.
Recognised Excellence: Awards and Accolades
Our e_orts have not gone unnoticed.
NOCIL received 6 (six) awards for Best Sustainability Initiatives at
the 2nd India Sustainability Conclave and Awards 2023, recognising our
contributions to improving EHS, energy e_ciency, poverty reduction, education promotion,
and rural healthcare. We also received the prestigious Economic Times-Legal (ET-Legal)
award for Best Legal Support to CSR Initiatives and the League of American Communication
Professionals (LACP) Platinum Award for Best Sustainability Report in the Chemicals
Sector. Apart from this we were bestowed with prestigious CNBC TV-18 award for Best
Regulatory Compliance Management in the mid-cap sector.
Our e_orts have not gone unnoticed. NOCIL received 6 (six) awards for
Best Sustainability Initiatives at the 2nd India Sustainability Conclave and
Awards 2023, recognising our contributions to improving EHS, energy e_ciency, poverty
reduction, education promotion, and rural healthcare
Future-Focussed: Building a Sustainable Tomorrow
As we look ahead, our vision extends beyond traditional boundaries. We
are committed to exploring new avenues and expanding our horizons beyond tires, tapping
into non-tired applications for our products. By leveraging our existing capacities
e_ciently, nurturing strong relationships with key international and domestic customers,
and embracing innovation, we are well positioned as a leading player in the global rubber
chemicals space.
Closing Note: A Heartfelt Thank You!
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you for your support and
trust in NOCIL. Your commitment has been instrumental in our journey towards growth,
innovation, and sustainability. Together, we will navigate the challenges and seize the
opportunities that lie ahead, ensuring a prosperous future for all. Thank you for being an
integral part of our journey.
Warm regards, |
Anand V. S. |
Managing Director |