Dear Members
Your Directors are pleased to present the 108th Annual Report of your Company together
with the Audited Financial Statements for the year ended March 31, 2024.
Financial Results
(Rs in Lakhs)
Particulars |
2023-2024 |
2022-2023 |
Turnover and other income |
50,155.07 |
31,493.94 |
Profit before interest and depreciation |
21,531.01 |
15,933.99 |
Interest |
657.34 |
509.41 |
Profit before depreciation |
20,873.67 |
15,424.58 |
Provision for depreciation |
180.45 |
222.12 |
Profit before exceptional item and tax |
20,693.22 |
15,202.46 |
Exceptional Item |
- |
- |
Profit before tax |
20,693.22 |
15,202.46 |
Provision for tax |
|
|
- Current tax [Includes income tax for earlier years amounting to C382.19 Lakhs (31
March 2023- C Nil)] |
3,448.91 |
3,084.51 |
- Deferred tax |
564.04 |
47.68 |
Profit after tax |
16,680.27 |
12,070.27 |
Profit/(Loss) for the year |
16,680.27 |
12,070.27 |
Opening Balance of Retained Earnings (Surplus in Statement of Profit and Loss) |
98,756.49 |
84,853.11 |
Profit/(Loss) for the year |
16,680.27 |
12,070.27 |
Other Comprehensive Income |
(7.86) |
(0.52) |
Total Comprehensive Income for the Year |
16,672.41 |
12,069.75 |
Transfer within equity- Gain on sale of equity shares designated as FVOCI-transfer to
retained earnings (net of tax) |
6,488.50 |
3,234.62 |
Dividend paid |
(1,751.24) |
(1,400.99) |
Closing Balance in Retained Earnings |
1,20,166.16 |
98,756.49 |
Operations
The income of your Company during the year under review comprised of mainly
income/revenue from trading activities, investments, royalty and dividend from Joint
Ventures.
Material changes and commitments affecting financial position of the Company
There are no material changes and commitment affecting financial position of your
Company, which has occurred between end of the financial year of your Company i.e. March
31, 2024 and the date of this Report.
Dividend
Your Directors have recommended a dividend @ C5.00/- (Previous Year @ C5.00/-) per
equity share of C10/- each for the year ended March 31, 2024 subject to the approval of
the shareholders at the ensuing Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Transfer to Reserves
During the year under review, your Company has not transferred any amount to the
General Reserve and entire amount of profit for the year forms part of the Retained
Earnings.
Directors and Key Managerial Personnel
During the FY 2023-24, Mr. C.K.Dhanuka (DIN:00005684) was re- appointed as the
Executive Chairman & Managing Director of the Company w.e.f. January 1, 2024 for a
period of five years, based on the approval of the Board and Members of the Company.
Mr. R.K.Sharma (DIN:05197101) was designated as the Non- Executive Director of the
Company w.e.f. April 1, 2024, based on the approval of the Board at its meeting on
November 7, 2023 and his employment package was transferred to WOS of the Company,
Dhunseri Poly Films Pvt. Ltd, in view of his full time involvement in the WOS to manage
its business affairs efficiently.
Mr. M.Dhanuka (DIN:00005666), the Vice-Chairman of the Company, was re-designated as
the Whole -Time Director of the Company for a period of two years w.e.f May 1, 2024 based
on the approval of the Board at its meeting held on May 24, 2024, subject to the approval
of the Members at this AGM.
Further, Mr. J.P.Kundra (DIN:00004228) and Dr. B.Sen (DIN:00056861), Independent
Directors of the Company are nearing completion of their tenure of two consecutive terms
of five years at this AGM. Accordingly, Prof. Ashoke Kumar Dutta (DIN:00045170) and Mr.
Bharat Bajoria (DIN:00109241), being eligible are appointed as Additional Directors in the
capacity of Independent Directors of the Company at their meeting held on May 24, 2024 for
a term of five years' subject to the approval of the Members in this AGM.
Mrs. A.Dhanuka (DIN:00005677) retires by rotation and being eligible offers herself for
re-appointment.
Declaration from Independent Directors on an Annual Basis
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 149 of the Companies Act, 2013 ('the Act') and
Regulation 25(8) of Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and
Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, ("the Listing Regulations"), the
Independent Directors have given declarations that they meet the criteria of independence
as provided in Section 149(6) of the Act and Rules framed thereunder and Regulation
16(1)(b) of the SEBI (LODR) Regulations.
The Independent Directors have also declared that they have registered their name with
the data bank maintained by the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs as required under
the provisions of Section 150 of the Act read with Rule 6(1) of Companies (Appointment and
Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014.
In the opinion of the Board, the Independent Directors possess the requisite expertise
and experience and are persons of high integrity and repute. They fulfill the conditions
specified in the Act as well as the Rules made thereunder and are Independent of the
management.
Policy on Directors' Appointment and Remuneration
The policy of your Company on Directors' appointment and remuneration, including the
criteria for determining qualifications, positive attributes, Independence of a Director
and other matters, as required under Sub-section (3) of Section 178 of the Companies Act,
2013, is available at our website at http://aspetindia.com/
wp-content/uploads/2014/10/TERMS-AND-CONDITIONS-OF-
APPOINTMENT-OF-INDEPENDENT-DIRECTOR1.pdf
We affirm that the remuneration paid to the Directors is as per the terms laid out in
the Nomination and Remuneration Policy of your Company.
Directors' Responsibility Statement Pursuant to Section 134(5) of the Companies Act,
2013
Pursuant to the requirement under Section 134(5) of the Companies Act, 2013, with
respect to Directors' Responsibility Statement, it is hereby confirmed:
(a) That in the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable accounting standards
aligned with IND AS had been followed along with proper explanation relating to material
departures, if any;
(b) That the Directors had selected such accounting policies aligned as per IND AS and
applied them consistently, made judgements 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 FY and of the profit and loss of the Company for that period;
(c) That the Directors had taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of
adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of this Act for safeguarding
the assets of the Company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
(d) That the Directors prepared the annual accounts on a going concern basis;
(e) That the Directors had laid down Internal Financial Controls for the Company and
that such Internal Financial Controls are adequate and were operating effectively; and
(f) That the Directors had devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the
provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems were adequate and operating
effectively.
Holding, Subsidiaries and Joint Ventures:
I. Holding Company:
Dhunseri Investments Ltd. continues to be the Holding Company and is holding 56.44% of
the equity share capital of your Company as on March 31, 2024.
II. Subsidiary Companies:
A. Dhunseri Infrastructure Ltd. (DIL), Wholly-Owned Subsidiary (WOS)
Dhunseri Infrastructure Ltd. continues to be the WOS of the Company. The Company is
considering various options towards utilisation of the Property. Further, steps are being
taken for the de-notification of the areas.
Your Board feels that once the area is de-notified, there would be ample opportunities
for utilising the land. Your Board will take a decision as soon as the aforesaid changes
are made and finalise in the best interest of your Company.
B. Dhunseri Poly Films Pvt. Ltd. (DPFPL), Wholly-Owned Subsidiary (WOS)
Your Company's Wholly-Owned Subsidiary, Dhunseri Poly Films Pvt. Ltd. (DPFPL) has
completed setting up State of the Art -10.6 Meter Biaxally Oriented Polyester Film (BOPET)
Line at Panagarh in the state of West Bengal. The commercial production has already
started from the 13th of December 2023. Plant is operating at desired level and product
quality has been well accepted in the market. DPFPL has also initiated export market and
have successfully marketed same in few market while penetration of export market will
continue to be the next year's target.
Further, DPFPL is also in the process of setting up State of the Art - 10.4 Meter 2
Biaxally Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) production in Jammu. Financial closure of BOPP
project has been achieved in March 2024. Consent to Establish from J&K Pollution
Control Board is received for the project and activities on the ground is expected to
start from July/August 2024. The first BOPP line is expected to commence production from
the FY 2025-26. While second line is expected to start operation from 2026-27.
C. Twelve Cupcakes Pte. Ltd. (TCPL), Subsidiary
Your Company continues to hold 88.68% of the equity share capital in Twelve Cupcakes
Pte. Ltd.
Your Company has entered into a Share Purchase agreement on January 10, 2024 with TCPL
for the purchase of shares of DVL USA INC. from TCPL to make it a WOS of your Company.
D. DVL USA INC., Wholly-Owned Subsidiary
DVL USA INC. incorporated in United States (U.S) for exploration and expansion of the
Cupcake Business in the U.S. Market, is now a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of your Company.
DVL USA INC. has incorporated a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in the month of May,
2024 in the name and style of "Waterford Orlando, LLC" in the State of Delaware,
United States of America to expand the business of the WOS in the food and beverage
industry majorly in confectionery and bakery industry. DVL USA INC. is the sole member of
the said LLC and accordingly, your Company has indirectly acquired 100% control in the LLC
through its WOS.
DVL USA INC. will commence its retail operations through its brick and mortar locations
in Central Florida before the end of the Calender Year. These stores will operate under
the LLC and will pave the way for retail brand building and expansion.
IN. Associate Companies:
A. IVL Dhunseri Petrochem Industries Pvt. Ltd.
Your Company continues to hold 50% of the equity share capital in IVL Dhunseri
Petrochem Industries Pvt. Ltd. and the balance 50% stake is held by Indorama group.
B. IVL Dhunseri Polyester Company S.A.E.
Your Company continues to hold 50% stake in IVL Dhunseri Polyester Company S.A.E and
the balance 50% stake is held by Indorama group.
Information about the Financial Performance/Financial Position of the Subsidiaries,
Associates and Joint Ventures
A separate statement containing the salient features of Financial Statements of all
Subsidiaries/Associates/Joint Ventures of your Company forms a part of Consolidated
Financial Statements in compliance with Section 129 and other applicable provisions, if
any, of the Companies Act, 2013. Shareholders desirous of obtaining the report and
accounts of your Company's subsidiaries may obtain the same upon request. It is also
available on the website of your Company www.aspetindia.com. Members may send an advance
request at the e-mail id-investors@aspetindia. com for an electronic inspection of the
aforesaid documents.
As required under the Companies Act, 2013 and the Listing Regulations, the Audited
Consolidated Financial Statements of your Company are also attached and forms part of your
Company's Annual Report.
Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption, Foreign Exchange Earnings/Outgo
There are no particulars in regard to the conservation of energy, technology absorption
as prescribed under Section 134(3)(m) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies
(Accounts) Rules, 2014.
The Foreign exchange outflow in the FY 2023-24 is C4,012.45 Lakhs. Further, inflow in
foreign exchange in the FY 2023-24 is C1,676.00 Lakhs.
Annual Return
Pursuant to Section 92(3) read with Section 134(3)(a) of the Companies Act, 2013, the
Annual Return as on March 31, 2024 is available on the Company's website at
http://aspetindia.com/ stock-exchange-disclosure/annual-return/
Corporate Social Responsibility
A Corporate Social Responsibility Committee was reconstituted on July 3, 2020 with Mr.
C.K.Dhanuka, as the Chairman, Dr. B.Sen and Mrs. A.Kanoria as the members.
The Corporate Social Responsibility Policy of your Company is available in the
Company's website at https://aspetindia.com/wp-
content/uploads/2024/06/FINAL-CSR-Policy.pdf
Your Company carries out CSR activities mainly through Dhanuka Dhunseri Foundation
(DDF) or any other implementing agency as the CSR Committee and the Board decides.
The Annual Report on CSR activities in accordance with the Companies (Corporate Social
Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014, is attached as "Annexure-A" to this
Report.
Details Relating to Remuneration to Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and Employees
The information required under Section 197 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule
5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014,
is attached as "Annexure-B" to this Report.
The statement containing names of top ten employees in terms of remuneration drawn and
the particulars of employees as required under Section 197(12) of the Act read with Rule
5(2) and 5(3) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel)
Rules, 2014, is provided in a separate annexure forming part of this report. Further, the
report and the accounts are being sent to the Members excluding the aforesaid annexure. In
terms of Section 136 of the Act, the said annexure is open for inspection and any Member
interested in obtaining a copy of the same may write to the Company Secretary at
investors@aspetindia.com
The financial statements of Dhunseri Poly Films Pvt. Ltd. and Twelve Cupcakes Pte Ltd.,
material subsidiaries, are available on the website of the Company.
Auditors and Auditors' Report Statutory Auditors
M/s B S R & Co. LLP, Chartered Accountants (Registration No. 101248W/W-100022) were
appointed as the Auditors of the Company for a second term of five consecutive years from
the conclusion of 106th Annual General Meeting till the conclusion of 111th Annual General
Meeting being approved by the Members of the Company at the 106th Annual General Meeting.
No frauds are reported by auditors under Section 143(12) of the Companies Act, 2013 in
Auditor's Report.
The Auditors' Report for the FY 2023-24 does not contain any qualification,
reservation, adverse remark or disclaimer.
The Auditors' Report is enclosed with the financial statements in this Annual Report.
Secretarial Auditors and Secretarial Audit
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the
Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, Mamta Binani
& Associates, Practicing Company Secretaries was appointed as the Secretarial Auditor
of your Company for the FY 2023-24.
The Secretarial Audit Report issued by Mamta Binani & Associates, Practicing
Company Secretaries for the FY ended March 31, 2024 is attached as an "Annexure-C"
to this Report.
The Secretarial Audit Report does not contain any qualification, reservation, adverse
remark or disclaimer.
Cost Records and Cost Auditors
The provisions of Cost Audit and Records as prescribed under Section 148 of the
Companies Act, 2013, are not applicable to your Company.
Dividend Distribution Policy
The Board of Directors of your Company has adopted the Dividend Distribution Policy as
required by Regulation 43A of the Listing Regulations and is available at our website
https://aspetindia. com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Dividend-Distribution- Policy-1.pdf
Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report
The Company has prepared the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR)
describing the initiatives taken by the Board from an Environmental, Social, Governance
and Sustainability perspective.
The said BRSR is forming part of the Annual Report and is attached as an "Annexure-E"
to this Report and is also uploaded on the website of the Company at our website
https://aspetindia. com/investors/report-review/
Adequacy of Internal Financial Controls with reference to Financial Statements
Your Company has in place adequate internal financial controls as required u/s
134(v)(e) of the Companies Act, 2013. Your Company has adopted policies and procedures for
ensuring the orderly and efficient conduct of its business, including adherence to
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. During the year, such controls were tested
with reference to Financial Statements and no material weakness in the design or operation
was observed.
Particulars of Loans, Guarantees and Investments
Details of Loans, Guarantees and Investments covered under the provisions of Section
186 of the Companies Act, 2013 are given in note no. 7 of the Standalone Financial
Statements.
Risk Management
Your Company has a Risk Management Committee comprising of Mr. R.K.Sharma,
Non-Executive Director, Mr. J.P.Kundra and Dr. B.Sen, Independent Directors.
Your Company has established a Risk Management Policy as approved by the Board. The
major mechanisms of risk management are the Monitoring of Statutory, Legal, Investment
Compliances and the Internal Audit.
Related Party Transactions
All the contracts/arrangements/transactions entered by your Company during the
financial year with related parties were in the ordinary course of business and on an
arm's length basis, details of which are provided in the notes to Accounts.
None of the transactions with any of the related parties was in conflict with the
Company's interest. Further, omnibus approval is obtained on a yearly basis for
transactions which are repetitive in nature.
Particulars of Materials Contracts/arrangement/transactions at arm's length basis as on
March 31, 2024 with Related parties during the year pursuant to the provisions of Section
134 (3)
(h) of the Companies Act, 2013 and Rule 8(2) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014
are given in "Annexure - D" in form AOC - 2 and the same forms part of
this Report.
Your Company has also formulated a policy on dealing with the Related Party
Transactions and necessary approval of the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors were
taken wherever required in accordance with the Policy.
Annual evaluation of the performance of the Board, its Committees and Individual
Directors
The Independent Directors of your Company had reviewed the performance of
Non-Independent Directors and the Board as a whole along with the performance of the
Chairman of your Company at its meeting held on March 19, 2024.
The Independent Directors well appreciated the functioning of the Board of Directors as
well as the Committees of the Board. They were also highly satisfied with the leadership
role played by the Chairman. The Board of Directors works as a team and there were
detailed discussion at the meetings on various agenda items. The Board is a
well-diversified team consisting of persons having expertise in the fields of Banking,
Finance, Law as well as professionals and industrialist. The Board through its Committees
i.e, Audit Committee, Stakeholders Relationship Committee, Nomination and Remuneration
Committee is in a position to have its executed overall supervision at all these key
areas. All the Directors participate effectively without any restraint to express their
views.
The Board of Directors at its meeting held on May 24, 2024 had evaluated the
performance of the Independent Directors based on a list of evaluation criteria for
performance evaluation. The effectiveness of the Board was discussed and evaluated based
on the evaluation criteria as well as the performance evaluation of the Board Committees
was also conducted at the same meeting.
The evaluation process focused on various aspects of the functioning of the Board and
Committees such as composition of the Board and Committees, experience and competencies,
performance of specific duties and obligations, governance issues, etc. The guidance note
issued by SEBI on Board Evaluation was duly considered while conducting the evaluation
exercise. Separate exercise was carried out to evaluate the performance of Individual
Directors on parameters such as qualifications, experience, availability and attendance,
constructive contribution, knowledge and competency etc.
As an outcome of the above exercise, it was noted that the Board as a whole is
functioning as a cohesive body, which is well engaged with different perspectives and is
believed that it is the collective effectiveness of the Board that impacts Company's
performance. The Board Members from different backgrounds bring about different
complementarities that help Board discussions to be rich and value adding. It was also
noted that the Committees are functioning well and besides the Committee's terms of
reference as mandated by law, important issues are brought up and discussed in the
Committee Meetings.
Corporate Governance, Management Discussion and Analysis Reports
Your Company has taken adequate steps to adhere to all the stipulations laid down in
Regulation 34(3) and Schedule V of the Listing Regulations. A report on Corporate
Governance and Management Discussion and Analysis Report are included as a part of this
Report.
Certificate from the Secretarial Auditors of your Company confirming the compliance
with the conditions of Corporate Governance as stipulated under the Listing Regulations
forms part of the Annual Report.
The detail of Board Meetings, detail of meetings of Audit Committee, Stakeholders
Relationship Committee, Nomination and Remuneration Committee and Risk Management
Committee held during the FY 2023-24, Nomination and Remuneration policy and Vigil
Mechanism/Whistle Blower Policy are covered in the Corporate Governance Report.
Environment, Health and Safety
Environment, Health and Safety are of great importance to your Company. Your Company
continuously strives to ensure environment sustainable practices and provides a safe and
healthy workplace for its employees.
Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace
As per the requirements of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention,
Prohibition & Redressal) Act, 2013 ("POSH Act") and Rules made thereunder,
your Company has an Internal Complaints Committee to address complaints pertaining to
sexual harassment in the workplace.
Credit Rating by Infomerics Valuation and Rating Pvt. Ltd.
Your Directors inform that Infomerics Valuation and Rating Pvt. Ltd. had reaffirmed the
credit rating of IVR A1+ (IVR A One Plus) to the Short Term Bank Facilities of your
Company and withdrawn the credit rating to the Long Term Bank facilities of your Company
in view of no such Long Term Bank Facility of the Company.
Compliance with Secretarial Standards
Your Company is in compliance with the relevant provisions of the Secretarial Standards
issued by The Institute of Company Secretaries of India and approved by the Central
Government.
General
Your Directors state that no disclosure or reporting is required in respect of the
following items as there were no transactions in regard to the under-mentioned items
during the year under review:
(a) Issue of equity shares with differential rights as to dividend, voting or
otherwise.
(b) Issue of sweat equity shares to employees of the Company/ Issue of Employees Stock
Option Scheme.
Further, your Company has not accepted any deposits from the public. There were no
outstanding balances relating to Fixed Deposits as at the beginning and end of the FY
2023-24.
There is no change in the nature of business of your Company and no significant
material orders were passed by the Regulators or Courts or Tribunals which would impact
the going concern status of your Company and its future operations.
During the year under review, there were no proceedings that were filed by your Company
or against your Company, which are pending under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016
as amended, before National Company Law Tribunal or other Courts.
During the year under review, there were no instances of one- time settlement with any
Bank or Financial Institutions.
Employees
Your Company believes that 'Employees' are the most valuable assets of any
organization. Your Directors wish to place on record their deep sense of appreciation for
the co-operation, dedication and committed services by all the employees of your Company
who plays a pivotal role in the growth of your Company.
Acknowledgement
The Directors wish to place on record their sincere appreciation for the whole-hearted
support received from the banks, shareholders and all other associated with your Company.
The Board of Directors also thank the employees of your Company for their valuable service
and support during the year.
|
For and on behalf of |
|
The Board of Directors |
Place: Kolkata |
C.K.Dhanuka |
Date: May 24, 2024 |
Executive Chairman |