Dear Members,
Your Directors are pleased to present the Annual Report of NHC Foods Limited ("the
Company") together with the Audited Financial Statements of the Company for the
Financial Year ended March 31, 2024.
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE & SUMMARY
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
The Company's financial performance during the year ended March 31, 2024 compared to
the March 31, 2023 is summarised below:
( In Lacs)
|
March 31, 2024 |
March, 31 2023 |
Total Income |
21,130.11 |
16,411.34 |
Total Expenditure |
(20,818.06) |
(16,141.59) |
Profit Before Tax |
312.05 |
269.75 |
Less: Total Tax Expenses |
(77.31) |
(94.11) |
Profit After Tax |
234.74 |
175.64 |
Earning per share |
|
|
Basic |
1.98 |
1.48 |
Diluted |
1.98 |
1.48 |
SUMMARY
During the year under review, the Company reported total income of Rs. 21,130.11 Lakhs
for March 31, 2024 as against Rs. 16,411.34 Lakhs for March 31, 2023. Profit After Tax was
reported at Rs. 234.74 Lakhs for March 31, 2024 as against Rs. 175.64 Lakhs for March 31,
2023.
There was no change in nature of business of the Company, during the year under review.
TRANSFER TO RESERVES
Your Directors do not propose to transfer any amount to the general reserve and entire
amount of profit for the year forms part of the Retained Earnings'.
DIVIDEND
In order to conserve the resources for the future expansion plan of the Company under
implementation, your directors do not recommend any dividend for the year under the
review.
TRANSFER OF UNCLAIMED DIVIDEND TO INVESTOR EDUCATION AND PROTECTION FUND
Since there was no Dividend declared and paid last year, the provisions of Section 125
of the Companies Act, 2013 does not apply.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
A Report on Corporate Governance, in terms of Regulation 34(3) read with Para C of
Schedule V of the Listing Regulations, along with a Certificate from Practising Company
Secretary, certifying compliance of conditions of Corporate Governance enumerated in the
Listing Regulations, is presented in a separate section forming part of this Annual
Report.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS REPORT
Management Discussion and Analysis as stipulated under Listing Regulations is presented
in a separate section forming part of this Annual Report. It speaks about overall industry
structure, global and domestic economic scenarios, developments in business operations,
internal controls and their adequacy, risk management systems, and other material
developments.
BOARD MEETINGS
13 meetings of the Board of Directors were held during the financial year. The details
of the meetings of the Board of Directors of the Company conveyed during the financial
year 2023-2024 are given in the Corporate Governance Report which forms part of Annual
Report. The details of attendance of the Directors in the Board Meetings and its
Committees during the year under review are stated in the Corporate Governance Report.
COMPOSITION OF AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Board has constituted the Audit Committee and all the recommendations given by
Audit Committee during Financial Year 2023-2024 were accepted by the Board. Further
details on the Audit Committee and other Committees of the Board are given in the
Corporate Governance Report, which forms a part of this Annual Report.
DIRECTORS AND KEY MANANGERIAL PERSONNEL PRESENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY
Name |
DIN |
Designation |
Date of Appointment |
Date of Re-appointment |
Date of Cessation |
Manish Vyas |
08502223 |
Chairman & Non Executive Independent Director |
12 07 2019 |
12 07 2024 |
|
Apoorva Himatlal Shah |
00573184 |
Managing Director |
13 11 2015 |
13-11-2021 |
|
Apar Apoorva Shah |
07125733 |
Whole Time Director |
10 06 2021 |
10 06 2024 |
|
Ashish Ashokkumar Shah |
06701501 |
Non Executive Non Independent Director |
26 06 2023 |
|
|
Ritesh Kumar Gupta |
05102641 |
Executive Director |
21 09 2023 |
|
|
|
|
Non Executive Non Independent Director |
18 11 2023 |
|
24 04 2024 |
Monika Amit Singhania |
07950196 |
Non Executive Independent Director |
30 09 2017 |
15 09 2023 |
12 08 2024 |
Neha Mahesh Dhanuka |
08502169 |
Non Executive Independent Director |
12 07 2019 |
12 07 2024 |
|
Karan Hareshlal Nagdev |
10728141 |
Non Executive Independent Director |
12 08 2024 |
|
|
Pursuant to provisions of Section 203 of the Act, and the Rules made there under,
following are the Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) of the Company:
Apoorva Himatlal Shah |
Managing Director |
Apar Apoorva Shah |
Whole Time Director |
Shivani Singh |
Company Secretary & Compliance Officer |
|
(Resigned w.e.f. 10-08-2023) |
Shanu Bhandari |
Company Secretary & Compliance Officer |
|
(Appointed w.e.f. 8-11-2023) |
Awdeshkumar Kannaujia |
Chief Financial Officer (Resigned w.e.f. 03-04-2023) |
Akansh Bharat Shah |
Chief Financial Officer |
|
(Appointed w.e.f. 26-06-2023) |
|
(Resigned w.e.f. 24-11-2023) |
Archit Sudhir Wahale |
Chief Financial Officer |
|
(Appointed w.e.f. 20-02-2024) |
Further, following appointments/ re-appointments are proposed at the AGM:
1. Mr. Apar Shah (DIN: 07125733), who retires by rotation and being eligible, offers
himself for re-appointment.
2. Mr. Apoorva Shah (DIN: 00573184) as Managing Director for a term of three years with
effect from November 13, 2024 upto November 12, 2027
3. Mr. Karan Nagdev (DIN: 10728141) as a Non-Executive Independent Director for a term
of five years with effect from August 12, 2024 upto August 11, 2029
STATEMENT ON DECLARATION GIVEN BY INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS UNDER OF SECTION 149(6) OF
COMPANIES ACT, 2013
The Company has received necessary declarations from all the Independent Directors
confirming that they meet the criteria of independence as prescribed both under the Act
and the Listing Regulations.
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 is of the opinion that Ms. Monika Singhania (DIN: 07950196) possess
appropriate skills, expertise and experience required for re-appointment of Independent
Director.
SHAREHOLDERS AND INVESTORS
Your Company regularly interacts with its shareholders and investors through result
announcements, annual report, media releases, Company's website and subject specific
communications. The Annual General Meeting gives the shareholders an opportunity to engage
directly with the Board of Directors and Management. During this meeting, the Board
engages with shareholders and answer their queries on varied subjects. Your Company has a
designated e- mail address for shareholders. The Secretarial department regularly engages
with the shareholders to resolve queries, grievances, if any, and provides guidance to the
shareholders for any company related matters.
ISSUE OF SHARES
The Company during the year under review has not issued any SWEAT equity shares or
shares with differential rights or under Employee stock option scheme nor did it buy back
any of its shares.
However With effect from July 22, 2024, The Company had sub-divided its shares from
Face Value of Rs.10 to Re.1. The Authorised Share Capital of the Company was increased
from Rs.24 crores to Rs. 65 crores. Further, Board in its meeting held on May 30, 2024 had
approved raising of funds through Rights Issue upto Rs.49 crores.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF THE BOARD, ITS COMMITTEES AND INDIVIDUAL DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors of the Company is committed to assessing its own performance as
a Board in order to identify its strengths and areas in which it may improve its
functioning. To that end, the Nomination and Remuneration Committee has established
processes for performance evaluation of Independent Directors, the Board and Committees of
the Board.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Act and the Listing Regulations, the Board has
carried out an annual evaluation of its own performance, performance of its Committees as
well as the Directors individually. Details of the evaluation mechanism are provided in
the Corporate Governance Report.
Evaluation of Committees was based on criteria such as adequate independence of each
Committee, frequency of meetings and time allocated for discussions at meetings,
functioning of Board Committees and effectiveness of its advice/recommendation to the
Board, etc.
The Board has, on the recommendation of the Nomination & Remuneration Committee
framed a policy for selection and appointment of Directors, Senior Management and their
remuneration. The Policy can also be accessed on Company's website www.nhcgroup.com.
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
To the best of their knowledge and belief and according to the information and
explanations obtained by them, your Directors make the following statements in terms of
Section 134(3)(c) of the Companies Act, 2013: a) That in the preparation of the annual
accounts for the financial year ended March 31, 2024, the applicable accounting standards
have been followed along with proper explanation relating to material departures, if any;
b) That the Directors had selected such accounting policies and applied them
consistently and made judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent so as to
give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company at the end of the
Financial Year and of the 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 the Act for safeguarding
the Assets of the Company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
d) That Directors have prepared the annual accounts on a going concern basis;
e) The Directors had laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the
Company and that such internal financial controls are adequate and were operating
effectively;
f) The Directors had devised adequate systems and processes, commensurate with the size
of the Company and the nature of its business, to ensure compliance with the provisions of
all applicable laws and that such systems and processes are operating effectively.
CONTRACTS OR ARRANGEMENTS WITH RELATED PARTIES
All contracts and arrangements with related parties, entered by the Company during the
financial year, were in the ordinary course of business and on an arm's length basis. Form
AOC-2 is provided in Annexure-1.
SUBSIDIARIES, ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURE COMPANIES
For the period ended March 31, 2024, the Company had remitted Rs. 576.68 Lakhs,
equivalent to USD 6.91 Lakhs, for the purpose of acquiring shares in M/s Intra Metal
Trading L.L.C, located within the Free trade zone of the United Arab Emirates. The
acquisition was not completed as on March 31, 2024, due to which the Consolidated
financial statements for the period ended March 31, 2024 have not been prepared. However,
the issuance, registration, and allotment of shares for M/s Intra Metal Trading L.L.C has
been completed after the closing of the financial year 2023-2024 and subsequent to the
same M/s Intra Metal Trading L.L.C became subsidiary of the Company.
The Company does not have any Joint Venture or Associate Company within the meaning of
Section 2(6) of the Companies Act, 2013.
STATUTORY AUDITORS
M/s. JMMK & Co., Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration No. 120459W) were
appointed as the Statutory Auditors for a period of 5 years from the conclusion of the
27th Annual General Meeting till the conclusion of 32nd Annual General Meeting of the
Company i.e. ensuing Annual General Meeting of the Company. It is proposed that they be
re- appointed for a second term of 5 years from the conclusion of 32nd Annual General
Meeting of the Company i.e. ensuing Annual General Meeting of the Company till 37th Annual
General Meeting.
M/s. JMMK & Co. have confirmed their eligibility and qualification required under
Section 139, 141 and applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and rules issued
there under (including any statutory modification (s) or re- enactment (s) thereof for the
time being in force).
AUDITORS OBSERVATIONS
The Auditors Report for the Financial Year 2023-2024 does not contain any
qualification, reservation or adverse remark. The Auditors Report is enclosed with the
Financial Statements in this Annual Report.
The Secretarial Audit Report for the Financial Year 2023-2024 does not contain any
qualification, reservation or adverse remark. The Secretarial Audit Report is enclosed as
Annexure-3 to the Board's Report in this Annual Report.
At NHC Foods Limited, we consider our employees as the most valuable resource and
ensure strategic alignment of Human Resource practices to business priorities and
objectives. Our constant endeavour is to invest in people and people processes to improve
human capital for the organisation and service delivery to our customers. Attracting,
developing and retaining the right talent will continue to be a key strategic imperative
and the organisation continues its undivided attention towards that. We would like to take
this opportunity to express appreciation for the hard work and commitment of the employees
of the Company and look forward to their continued contribution.
SECRETARIAL AUDITORS
The Board of Directors of the company has appointed DM & Associates Company
Secretaries LLP as Secretarial Auditor to conduct the Secretarial Audit of the Company for
the Financial Year 2024-2025.The Secretarial Audit Report for the Financial Year ended
March 31, 2024 is set out in Annexure-3 to this report.
ANNUAL RETURN
The Annual Return as required under Section 92 and Section 134 the Companies Act, 2013
read with Rule 12 of the Companies (Management and Administration) Rules, 2014 is
available on the Company's website at (www.nhcgroup.com).
INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROLS
The Company has in place adequate Internal Financial Controls commensurate with the
size, scale and complexity of its operations. During the year, such controls were tested
and the Company has, in all material respects, maintained adequate Internal Financial
Controls over financial reporting as of March 31, 2024 for ensuring the orderly and
efficient conduct of its business, adherence to Company's policies, safeguarding assets of
the Company, Prevention and Detection of Frauds and Errors, Accuracy and Completeness of
the Accounting Records and timely preparation of Reliable Financial information.
DETAILS IN RESPECT OF FRAUDS REPORTED BY AUDITORS UNDER SECTION 143(12) OF COMPANIES
ACT, 2013
There was no instance of Frauds reported by Auditors under Section 143(12) of the
Companies Act, 2013 during the year under review.
VIGIL MECHANISM / WHISTLE BLOWER POLICY
The Company has established a vigil mechanism and formulated the Whistle Blower Policy
(WB) to deal with instances of fraud and mismanagement, if any. During the year under
review no personnel has been denied access to the audit committee. The Company has adopted
a formal Vigil Mechanism/ Whistle-blower policy. The approved policy is available on the
Company's website www.nhcgroup.com.
DISCLOSURE REGARDING PREVENTION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT
The Company is committed to maintaining a productive environment for all its employees
at various levels in the organisation, free of sexual harassment and discrimination on the
basis of gender. The Company has framed a policy on Prevention of Sexual Harassment in
line with the requirements of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace
(Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Act, 2013.The Company has also set up
"Prevention of Sexual Harassment
Committee" (the Committee') to redress the Complaints received regarding
sexual harassment which has formalised a free and fair enquiry process with clear
timelines. There were no complaints pending for the Redressal at the beginning of the year
and no complaints received during the financial year.
SHARE CAPITAL
The paid up Equity Share Capital as on March 31, 2024 was Rs.11,85,50,000. During the
year under the review the Company has not issued any shares. The Company has not issued
shares with differential voting rights. It has neither issued employee stock options nor
Sweat Equity Shares and does not have any scheme to fund its employees to purchase the
shares of the Company.
MATERIAL CHANGES AND COMMITMENTS
There were no material changes and commitments that occurred subsequent to the end of
the financial year till the date of this report, which affects the financial position of
the Company
There has been no change in the nature of business of the Company. Your Company
continues to be one of the leading foods processing Company.
PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES
The information required under Section 197 of the Act read with rule 5(1) of the
Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 are given
below:
The ratio of the remuneration of each director to the median remuneration of the
employees of the Company for the financial year:
Name of the directors |
Ratio to Median Remuneration |
Executive Directors |
|
Mr. Apoorva Shah |
15.00 |
Mr. Apar Shah |
12.73 |
Non - Executive Directors /Independent Directors |
|
Mr. Manish Vyas |
NA |
Ms. Neha Dhanuka |
NA |
Mrs. Monika Singhania |
NA |
Mr. Ashish Shah |
NA |
Mr. Ritesh Kumar Gupta |
NA |
The percentage increase in remuneration of each Director, Chief Financial Officer,
Company secretary in the financial year:
Directors, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and
Company Secretary |
% increase in remuneration in the financial year |
Mr. Apoorva Shah |
4.38% |
Mr. Apar Shah |
4.50% |
Ms. Shivani Singh |
10% |
Mr. Akansh Bharat Shah |
NA |
Ms. Shanu Bhandari |
NA |
Mr. Archit Wahale |
NA |
The percentage increase in the median remuneration of employees in the financial year:
10%
The number of permanent employees on the rolls of Company: 25
Average percentile increase already made in the salaries of employees other than the
managerial personnel in the last financial year and its comparison with the percentile
increase in the managerial remuneration and justification thereof and point out if there
are any exceptional circumstances for increase in the managerial remuneration:
The statement containing particulars of employees as required under Section 197(12) of
the Act read with Rule 5(2) 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 at
the Registered Office of the Company. Any shareholder interested in obtaining a copy of
the same may write to the Company Secretary.
COMPANYfS POLICY RELATING TO DIRECTORfS APPOINTMENT, PAYMENT OF
REMUNERATION AND DISCHARGE OF THEIR DUTIES
We affirm that the remuneration paid to the Directors is as per the term laid out in
the Nomination & Remuneration Policy of the company. The Company has a Policy on
Materiality of Related Party Transaction and dealing with Related Party Transaction which
is uploaded on the Company's website at www.nhcgroup.com. 25
LOANS, GUARANTEES OR INVESTMENTS
During the year under review, the Company had had remitted an advance of USD
6,91,616.60 towards acquiring 96.21% equity stake in lntra Metal Trading LLC-FZ
("lntra") located in Dubai, UAE specializing in Agri and Metals Trading.
PARTICULARS OF CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE
EARNINGS AND OUTGO
The particulars of conservation of energy, technology absorption and foreign exchange
earnings and outgo as prescribed under Section 134(3)(m) of the Act read with Rule 8 of
The Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, are given as Annexure 2 to this Report.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The company has not developed and implemented any Corporate Social Responsibility
initiatives as the said Provision of Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 is not
applicable to the company.
BOARD EFFECTIVENESS
In compliance with the requirements of SEBI Regulations, the Company has put in place a
familiarization programme for Independent Directors to familiarize them with their roles,
rights and responsibility as Directors, working of the Company, nature of the industry in
which the Company operates, business model etc. The Company operates, business model etc.
The same is also available on the website of the Company and can be accessed by web link
www.nhcgroup.com.
RISK MANAGEMENT
For your Company, Risk Management is an integral and important component of Corporate
Governance. Your Company believes that a robust Risk Management ensures adequate controls
and monitoring mechanisms for a smooth and efficient running of the business. A risk aware
organization is better equipped to maximize the shareholder value. The key cornerstones of
your Company's Risk Management Framework are:
1. Periodic assessment and prioritization of risks that affect the business of your
Company;
2. Development and deployment of risk mitigation plans to reduce the vulnerability to
the prioritized risks;
3. Focus on both the results and efforts required to mitigate the risks;
4. Defined review and monitoring mechanism wherein the functional teams, the top
management and the Board review the progress of the mitigation plans;
5. Embedding of the Risk Management processes in significant decisions such as large
capital expenditures, mergers, acquisitions and corporate restructuring
6. Wherever, applicable and feasible, defining the risk appetite and install adequate
internal controls to ensure that the limits are adhered to.
TRANSFER OF UNCLAIMED DIVIDEND TO INVESTOR EDUCATION AND PROTECTION FUND
Since there was no Dividend declared and paid during the year under review, the
provisions of Section 125 of the Companies Act, 2013 does not apply.
CODE OF CONDUCT
The Company has laid down and adopted a Code of Conduct for its Directors and Senior
Management Personnel, which is also available on the Company's website www.nhcgroup.com.
The Company has received confirmation from all Directors as well as Senior Management
Personnel regarding compliance with the Code of Conduct during the year under review as
required under Regulation 26(3) of the Listing Regulations. Additionally, all Independent
Directors of the Company shall be bound by duties of Independent Directors as set out in
the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Schedule and Rules there under. Pursuant to Schedule
V(D) of the Listing Regulations,
A declaration signed by the Managing Director of the Company to this effect is attached
at the end of this report.
TRADE RELATIONS
Your Directors wish to record appreciation of the continued, unstinted support and co
operation from its retailers, stockists, supplier of goods/services, clearing and
forwarding agents and all other associated with it. Your Company will continue to build
and maintain a strong association with its business partners.
HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
The Company has complied with all the applicable environmental law and labour laws. The
Company has been complying with the relevant laws and has been taking all necessary
measures to protect the environment and maximize worker protection and safety.
LISTING OF SHARES
The shares of the Company are listed on BSE Ltd. The Company has regularly paid the
Annual Listing Fees to the Bombay Stock Exchanges. Annual Custody / Issuer fee for the
Financial Year 2022-2023 has been paid by the Company to National Securities Depositories
Limited and Central Depository Services Limited.
A DISCLOSURE, AS TO WHETHER MAINTENANCE OF COST RECORDS AS SPECIFIED BY THE CENTRAL
GOVERNMENT UNDER SUB-SECTION (1) OF SECTION 148 OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2013, IS REQUIRED BY
THE COMPANY AND ACCORDINGLY SUCH ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS ARE MADE AND MAINTAINED
This requirement is not applicable upon the company.
THE DETAILS OF APPLICATION MADE OR ANY PROCEEDING PENDING UNDER THE INSOLVENCY AND
BANKRUPTCY CODE, 2016 (31 OF 2016) DURING THE YEAR ALONGWITH THEIR STATUS AS AT THE END OF
THE FINANCIAL YEAR
This requirement is not applicable upon the company.
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
This requirement is not applicable upon the company.
GENERAL
Your Directors state that no disclosure or reporting is required in respect of the
following items as there were no transactions on these items during the year under review:
a) The Company has not accepted any deposits from the public or otherwise in terms of
Section 73 of the Act read with Companies (Acceptance of Deposit) Rules, 2014 and as such,
no amount on account of principal or interest on deposits from public was outstanding as
on the date of the Balance Sheet.
b) No significant or material orders were passed by the Regulators, Courts or Tribunals
which impact the going concern status and Company's operations in future.
c) The Auditors have not reported any matter under Section 143(12) of the Act,
therefore no detail is required to be disclosed under Section 134(3)(ca) of the Act.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Board places on record its appreciation for the continued co-operation and support
extended to the Company by customers, vendors, regulators, banks, financial institutions,
rating agencies, stock exchanges and depositories, auditors, legal advisors, consultants,
business associates and all the employees with whose help, cooperation and hard work the
Company is able to achieve the results.
The Board deeply acknowledges the trust and confidence placed by the consumers of the
Company and all its shareholders.
BY THE ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS |
|
|
FOR NHC FOODS LIMITED |
APOORVA SHAH |
APAR SHAH |
MANAGING DIRECTOR |
WHOLE-TIME DIRECTOR |
DIN: 00573184 |
DIN: 07125733 |
|
PLACE: MUMBAI |
|
DATE: AUGUST 12, 2024 |