(Including Management?s Discussion & Analysis Report)
Your directors have pleasure in presenting their Sixty Eighth Annual
Report, together with the Audited Financials of the Company, for the year ended March 31,
2024, as follows:
FINANCIAL RESULTS (STAND ALONE)
(Rs in Crores)
|
2023-24 |
2022-23 |
1 Sales (Net of discounts) |
2500.74 |
2625.72 |
2 Other Income |
75.11 |
42.85 |
3 EBITDA (Before Exceptional
Items) |
386.00 |
402.24 |
4 Profit Before Tax and |
318.18 |
349.52 |
Exceptional Items |
|
|
5 Exceptional Items |
- |
- |
6 Profit Before Tax |
318.18 |
349.52 |
7 Tax Provision |
(79.37) |
(89.36) |
8 Profit After Tax |
238.81 |
260.16 |
9 Other Comprehensive Income |
(3.91) |
(1.75) |
10 Total Comprehensive Income |
234.90 |
258.41 |
11 Transfer to General Reserve |
(24.00) |
(26.00) |
12 Surplus carried to Balance
Sheet |
210.88 |
232.41 |
REVIEW OF PERFORMANCE/HIGHLIGHTS
The growth outlook for global economy continued to remain sluggish
throughout the year with the geo-political threat playing a dominant factor with continued
and new conflicts. Global players were still nursing inventories bought immediately after
Covid causing drop in procurements during FY 24. At latter part of the year geo-political
conflicts started impacting the shipping rates along with supply chain delays.
India?s GDP continued to show its resilience despite these
headwinds with an estimated growth rate of 7% in FY 24. However, the growth in Indian
economy was driven largely by service, travel & tourism, construction sectors and
partly by manufacturing sector. General inflation impacted the growth in consumer durables
of the kind dealt in by Your Company. The share of wallet of consumers was deployed more
in travel, tourism, jewellery, etc and investments in stock markets.
Apart from the above general economic trends, Your Company rationalized
its cleaning solutions portfolio by retaining only home appliances. This was a planned
reduction of a sale of over Rs 10 crores to ensure a more profitable mix of product range
that fits into distribution matrix of Your Company. Pending indigenisation of development
in few product lines and the policy not to depend on imports from China for these, some
product opportunities could not be taken advantage of. The inflationhad higher impact on
low-income group than on the middle & high income groups. Under these circumstances
the domestic sales dropped from Rs 2,556 Crores to Rs 2,430 Crores. The second half saw
some growth while the first-halfwas impacted severely due to factors outlined above.
All channels were active throughout the year. While the growth was
muted in the general trade, the online and large formats as well as Prestige Xcluisve
channel did better. The competition intensity continued to be high throughout the year
with the increased discounting by most brands and online channels.
Exports continued to face the impact of the headwinds caused by
geo-political situation. During the year, by adding a few more customers the export sales
saw a marginal increase from Rs 69.7 Crores to Rs 70.4 Crores.
Your Company continued its focus on new marketing strategies which
helped it to minimize the impact of the tough market conditions and to maintain healthy
margins.
Your Company launched various innovative and premium products across
categories during the year. These new launches helped to maintain the momentum in the
market.
Your Company has successfully completed the first phase of the
automation of the Stainless Steel Pressure
Cooker manufacturing at Hosur Plant which will benefit
Your Company with uninterrupted production process, consistent product
quality and higher productivity.
The commodity prices were stable during the year though the prices were
at a level higher than the pre-pandemic level. The continued inflationary trends and
adverse exchange resulted in increase in certain key raw & packing material costs and
in manufacturing costs.
Notwithstanding overall tepid market conditions Your Company was able
to maintain a healthy margin through improved efficiencies in operations. Against the
pressures of lower sales growth, increase in cost of operation, your Company delivered
EBITDA (before exceptional items) of Rs 386 crores (PY Rs 402 Crores) and Profit before
tax at Rs 318 Crores (PY Rs 349 Crores). EBITDA margin was at a healthy level of 15.4% (PY
15.3%) and the Operating EBITDA margin was at 12.8% (PY 14.0%)
The depreciation charge was higher at Rs 58.9 crores (PY Rs 47.7
Crores) due to investment in fixed assets.
The Net profit after tax was atRs 238.8 Crores
(PY Rs 260.2 Crores).
The standalone EPS (face value of Rs 1/-) was at Rs 17.23 (PY Rs 18.77)
As stated in the past years, your company does not follow a stand-alone
margin led policy but is focussed on growth with a fair long-term return on capital
employed. Operating ROCE stood at 34.6% (PY 35.9%) on expanded asset base as compared to
the previous year.
The Company is debt-free and carried a comfortable free cash of over Rs
1,020 Crores (including short term liquid investments) as on March 31, 2024.
The consolidated turnover and profit before tax of the Company and its
subsidiaries amounted to
Rs 2678 Crores (PY Rs 2,777 Crores) and Rs 301 Crores (PY Rs 343
Crores) respectively.
Your Board of Directors consider the performance of your Company during
the year as good given the tepid, demand and inflationary environment. Your Company
continues to maintain its leadership in market share both in value & volume terms
across major product categories.
Your directors are happy to recommend a dividend of Rs 6/- per share of
face value Rs 1/- each for FY 24 (PY: Rs 6/- per share of face value Rs 1/- each).
A detailed analysis is provided under the section
Management?s Discussion and Analysis? forming part of this Director?s
Report.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
Your Company continued to be recognized by various agencies for its
high-quality performance under various parameters. During the Financial Year 2023-24, your
Company bagged the following awards/recognitions.
"Great Place to Work" by Great Place to Work?
Institute, India
"Top 50 Companies with Great Managers" by People
Business in partnership with The Economic Times
"Best Advance in Mobile Learning in Technology
Award" by Brandon Hall group - for Year 2023
"Influencer of the Year Award for Year 2023" by
Financial Express - to Mr Manas Martha, Chief Human
Resources Officer
"IP Counsel of the Year 2023" under in-house counsel
Category by Legal Era Intellectual Property Awards 2023 to Mr Ramesh Babu, Head - Legal
Superbrand 2023 for Consecutive 17 Years by Superbrands
India Media Private Limited
Kitchen Retailer of the Year Award 2023 by Franchise India
India?s Most Trusted Pressure Cooker Brand in 2024 by
TRA?s Brand Trust Report
National Awards for Innovative product launch Prestige Oscar
with Safesense Chimney by Economic Times Ascent
Commincon 2024 Awards for Best Crisis PR Management - Design
Piracy by Afaqs
Brand of the Year for Outstanding Marketing by marksmen daily
Best Brand Awareness Award for Shubhutsav
Influencer Marketing by
Best Customer Experience Award in Kitchen Appliances Category by
Konnect Insights
Best use of Topical Post - For Mother?s Day Campaign by
IDMA Awards
Most Admired e-commerce Company of the Year: Excellence in Ecommerce
Innovation by IMAGES e-commerce Award 2023
The Best of Tamil Nadu Awards 2023 for Kitchen Appliances
category by The e4m Pride of India
Brand of the Year 2023 - 2024 for innovation by Team
Marksmen Daily
Best Customer Experience Management Appliances at WeKonnect
on 07th Dec 2023
Impact Digital Influencer Award by E4M
Drivers of Digital 2023 Award by Inkspell & India Creative
Industries Council for Digital Marketing initiatives.
MANAGEMENT?S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
A. ECONOMY / INDUSTRY SCENARIO
General Economy: As mentioned in the highlights, through the year
the global economy witnessed recessionary and inflationary trends due to increasing
geo-political tensions. As in previous year the Indian economy continued to show its
resilience due to its strong domestic demand and investment, along with Government?s
continued emphasis on capital expenditure and remained the fastest growing major economy
in the world in 2023-24 fiscal. The domestic demand was driven largely by service,
construction sectors and core manufacturing sector. While domestic macro fundamentals are
strong and improving, downside risks can arise from global headwinds and uncertainties in
weather conditions. The continued inflation and high interest rate customer sentiment
affecting the market growth especially on the items for day-to-day consumption. The IIP
growth rate for FY 24 is estimated at modest growth of 5.8% ending better than the
previous year in tough global condition. The Private Final Consumption dropped from 6.8%
in FY 23 to 3% in FY 24 reflecting further weakening of consumption momentum in the
economy during this year. The exports growth was muted in spite of the low base in last
year due to the global headwinds. The service sectors like travel, entertainment and
hospitality industries continued to maintain the momentum gained since the last year. RBI
maintaining the policy rates during the year helped to contain inflation which helped
Indian economy to move ahead of many of the developed nations.
Industry: Your Company primarily operates in the Kitchen Appliances
segment with a wide range of product categories. The product categories broadly consist of
Pressure Cookers, Cookware, Gas Stoves, Domestic Kitchen Electrical Appliances and select
home appliance not being whitegoods outside the Kitchen Segment. The market for all these
segments consists of organized national brands, regional brands as well as unorganized
players. Except for Pressure Cookers, Cookware and Induction Cooktops, the market for the
rest of the key product lines is fragmented and is shared by several players. Over the
last five years or so many players both big and small have been entering as well as
exiting the appliance categories and the churn is still going on. Reorganization,
mergers/acquisitions etc are also seen in this industry over the last few years. With
E-Commerce becoming an active channel over the last couple of years it has become a
platform for intense competition as even regional and small players could reach out to pan
India through this channel. The competitive intensity continued to be high calling for
higher sales promotion / increased discounts during this year by most brands and online
channels.
Consumer/Channel Scenario: The products coming under discretionary
spending share of wallet was a major concern. While there was some softening of inflation
at the later part of the year, the same was not reflected in the consumer sentiment as
evident from the continued pressures on consumer durables including kitchen and home
appliances. With more offices moving to work from office, the home improvement intensity
has come down significantly.
Value added innovative products continued to do well during the year.
The improvement in the real-estate construction industry is aiding demand for new homes
which as and when occupied can improve the demand for kitchen and home appliances. The
exclusive retail channel has shown a positive growth reflecting a strong presence in the
market. However, the general trade has not been growing reflecting the customer
sentiment. The e-commerce has been doing well due to discounting by brands /
platforms in the low-priced mass product. The large format stores channel has also been
doing well as compared to last year. Smaller players were able to get into online platform
with lower price points especially with reference to entry level products.
Export Market: Exports from India remained weak with very
negligible growth from the low base of last year. This was due to the head winds caused by
global recession and unprecedented inflation in the developed markets driven by extended
and new geopolitical issues. However, India continued to remain high on minds of the
global brands as alternate source of supply. Once the global economy improves, India is
expected to reap the benefits on exports.
Your Company: Even under these difficult economic conditions your
Company maintained its leadership position in key categories like Pressure Cookers,
Cookware, Value added Gas Stoves, Induction Cooktop etc and is steadily improving its
market share in the Mixer Grinder segment. Company?s indigenisation program for some
small appliances has stabilized with nil imports of finished goods during the year.
The models launched under Svachh platform viz. Pressure Cookers and Gas
Stoves, the new IOT enabled products in rice cookers and kitchen hoods and the new
value-added models in Cookware did well during the year. Your Company is continuously
investing in innovative products with designs that remove the pain points of the
consumers, in strengthening its manufacturing capability and sourcing capacities through
automation and creating additional facilities. Your Company continues to maintain cordial
relations with all its channel partners whether online or offline and has proactively
minimised the conflict among the various channels without compromising on product
offerings and without succumbing to predatory pricing pressures. Your Company maintains
significant presence in all channels traditional retail, online, large format
stores, rural, institution, CSD etc besides your Company?s Prestige Xclusive network
of Stores spread across India.
Your Company will continue to focus on product innovation and
differentiation coupled with innovative distribution, market expansion and digitalization
of sales and marketing processes to stay ahead in the marketplace.
B. ANALYSIS OF PERFORMANCE:
1. KITCHEN & HOME APPLIANCES:
The products include Pressure Cookers, Cookware, Kitchen Electrical
Appliances, Gas Stoves, and Home Appliances. The turnover of these product categories is
given in the following table:
|
|
2023-24 |
|
|
2022-23 |
|
|
Domestic |
Export |
Total |
Domestic |
Export |
Total |
Pressure Cookers (including
Microwave Pressure Cookers) |
762.47 |
27.26 |
789.73 |
800.50 |
26.77 |
827.27 |
Cookware |
371.38 |
27.72 |
399.10 |
377.82 |
40.19 |
418.01 |
Gas Stoves |
307.31 |
0.15 |
307.46 |
332.60 |
0.51 |
333.11 |
Mixer Grinder |
228.44 |
0.73 |
229.17 |
275.01 |
0.72 |
275.73 |
Induction Cooktop |
304.02 |
0.29 |
304.31 |
287.44 |
0.26 |
287.70 |
Other Kitchen/ Home Appliances |
343.29 |
0.65 |
343.94 |
339.30 |
0.34 |
339.64 |
Cleaning Solutions |
37.12 |
- |
37.12 |
45.06 |
- |
45.06 |
Others |
76.35 |
13.56 |
89.91 |
98.31 |
0.89 |
99.20 |
Total |
2430.38 |
70.36 |
2500.74 |
2556.04 |
69.68 |
2625.72 |
a. Your Company due to tough external factors as mentioned in the
Highlights could not register a growth during the year. The drop in sales was only in the
1st of the half year whereas your Company registered a growth of around 4% in 2nd
half over last year through judicial products mix, channel presence and market
penetration. While all channels were active during the year, the modern formats,
e-commerce, and exclusive stores registered a growth, but the general trade felt the
impact of the tepid, demand and inflationary pressures. The exports registered a nominal
growth of 1% in spite of the continued global slowdown. b. Your Company continued to
manage its trade policy with general trade as well as other channels cautiously to improve
working capital efficiencies across channels. c. The value-added premium products did
better during the year. d. Early this year your Company decided to rationalize the product
offerings in Cleaning Solution with more focus on value added products like vacuum
cleaners, water purifiers, etc. to improve the focus and for sales growth on long term.
This had impact on the sales this year to the tune of
Rs 10 crores this year. e. Pending indigenisation of development a few
product lines and the policy not to depend on imports from China for these, some product
opportunities could not be taken advantage of. Your Company is revisiting its import
policy on a case to case basis till the ecosystem improves within India for developing new
designs/products at rapid pace. f. During the year under report your Company introduced
around 170 new SKUs covering Pressure Cookers, Induction Cook tops, Mixer Grinders, Rice
Cookers, Gas Stoves, and other Small Electric/Non-Electric Appliances. g. Judge brand as a
tactical brand is progressing well and contributed around Rs 48 Crores to Sales (PY
Rs 46 crores); a growth of 4%. During the 1st quarter of this year Your Company
has repositioned the Judge brand. Various new products were launched during the year and
Your Company is expanding its distribution network for Judge
Brand products. The benefit of this repositioning is expected in the
coming years. h. Despite adverse market conditions and inflationary challenges during the
year, various operating ratios were maintained at healthy levels with EBITDA margin
(before exceptional items) at 15.4% as against 15.3% in the previous year. None of the key
financial ratios (inventory turnover, receivable turnover, net-current asset turnover,
margins and return on net worth) had a variance of 25% or more as compared to the previous
year. i. Operating ROCE stood at 34.6% (PY 35.9%) on expanded manufacturing asset base.
Your Company continued to be debt free and carried a sizeable free cash balance of over Rs
1020 Crores at the year-end after payment of dividend, capital expenditures and after
deploying sufficient amounts in working capital for a cost-effective supply chain. j. Your
Company has over the last few years substantially reduced its dependence on imports which
has a positive impact on working capital efficiencies. k. Prestige Xclusive network was
consolidated and rationalized where necessary and new outlets were added. The number of
outlets as at 31.03.2024 was 699 (PY 681). The network now covers 27 States and 371 Towns.
The spread of the network is also evenly distributed between Metros, Mini-Metros,
Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 cities. l. Service network as of March 31, 2024 stands at 476
centres (PY - 512 centres).
2. SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES & CONSOLIDATED RESULTS:
(a) Horwood Homewares Ltd, United Kingdom
The operating subsidiary Horwood Homewares Limited (Horwood) achieved a
sale of ? 14.4 million (PY ?15.3 million). The drop in sales was due to slowdown of
economy and unprecedented inflation triggered by the extended geo-political situation in
UK, Europe, and USA the markets in which they are operating. Operating EBITDA was at
?0.02 million (PY ?0.3 million). The drop in EBITDA is primarily caused by increase in
global supply chain issues, increase in operational cost due to inflation and reduced
operating leverage due to lower sales. With the recession and inflation existing
throughout the year, Horwood has taken all necessary steps to manage this tough period
through optimization of costs and through improved operational efficiencies.
(b) Ultrafresh Modular Solutions Limited, India
During the last quarter of FY 22, your Company made strategic
investment of around 41% in Ultrafresh Modular Solutions Ltd (Ultrafresh) engaged in the
business of Modular Kitchens and kitchen appliances having many franchisee outlets across
India. In Jan 2023 your Company further invested in Ultrafresh and increased its
shareholding to 51% and Ultrafresh became subsidiary of your Company from that date.
Accordingly, the consolidated financial statement for the previous year
includes the profit / loss of Ultrafresh as an associate for the period up to December
2022 and as Subsidiary from January 2023.
Ultrafresh achieved a turnover of Rs 31.2 Crores during the year (PY Rs
23.0 Crores) with an EBITDA of Rs (6.0) Crores (PY: Rs (9.9) Crores).
Being an Associate Company up to December 2022, the net loss of
Ultrafresh for the period from 1st April to 31st Dec 2022
proportionate to the share holding up to that period viz. Rs (2.22) Crores is consolidated
appropriately in the Consolidated Financials. For the period from Jan 23 to Mar 23 the net
loss of Rs (3.3) Crores is considered in the Consolidated Financials as applicable to
Subsidiary. In FY24, the net loss of Ultrafresh for full year viz
Rs (8.5) Crores is considered in the Consolidated Financials as
applicable to Subsidiary.
The consolidated financials are attached to this
Annual Report separately.
C. OUTLOOK & OPPORTUNITIES: a. Despite the deteriorating global
situation, India is one of the fastest growing economies post covid pandemic and is poised
to become the 3rd largest economy in the world in the next few years. b. The
Reserve Bank of India has projected a GDP growth of 7% in real terms for FY 25 driven by
resilient activity in services and manufacturing industry and estimated the CPI inflation
at 4.5%. The growth is expected to be more broad based than the skew towards a few sectors
in the last year. c. The growth in consumer spending post pandemic has been fluctuating
categories and amongst categories between premium products and entry products.
The fluctuation groups and geographies urban and non-urban. With
larger State spends in non-urban areas and expected increase in middle income group,
private final consumption is expected to improve and broad-based. The new homes built in
the last few years are expected to reach occupation levels which will provide impetus to
the demand for kitchen and home appliances. d. In order to tap the expected increase in
private final consumption, your Company has put in place appropriate initiatives to
introduce new products across categories, channel / geography specific initiatives to
consolidate leadership and improve market share in categories as well as channels. Onetime
sizable investments will be made in this direction in the six quarters commencing from Q1
of FY 25. e. The shifting sizable portion of the manufacturing by the global brands to
Country outside China will benefit India.
Your Company?s export customers continue to show much interest to
increase their sourcing from the Company during FY 24 and we expect this to further
strengthen during FY 25 subject to no further impact in the global economy. f. Your
Company, as always, focuses on improvement in efficiencies and management of critical
costs to deliver decent profits even if planned growth is impaired due to external factors
like geo-political or climatic disturbances g. Your company is comparatively better placed
owing to its brand salience, exclusive retail network across India besides strong presence
in every other channel that reaches the end consumer. h. Your company is debt-free, and
all its manufacturing and sourcing facilities with adequate capacities and human
infrastructures can increase supplies to the market at short notice. i. India?s
economy is performing well amid global challenges. Addressing concerns such as declining
exports and sluggish private growth momentum in the future. India?s underlying
economic fundamentals are strong and despite this turbulence the impact on the
long-term outlook will be marginal. If the projected GDP growth of
7% is realized, your Company is confident of returning to growth path
with stable operating margins.
D. MEDIUM & LONG-TERM STRATEGY: a. Few years back your Company
has adopted an expansive Vision To Delight Home Makers with Innovation and To Make
Company?s products available at Every Home. Your Company is in the process of
redrawing its blueprint for the long-term taking into account the rapid changes in
economic scenarios both domestic and global, emerging opportunities, etc. Globally reputed
consultants will be assisting the company in this process. b. Your Company has
successfully managed the transition in operating management at key levels with a blend of
experience and diverse skill sets and has put in place long term incentive plans to
maintain and attract talent. c. Your Company operates out of its core strengths of brand,
innovation, design, manufacturing, distribution, sourcing, and service capabilities and
more importantly Customer Engagement? and will continue its efforts to further
fortify these strengths. d. In the medium and long-term, your Company expects to maintain
growth levels surpassing the GDP with healthy operating EBITDA margin and Return on
Capital Employed subject to any unforeseen external factors beyond control.
E. THREATS
The domestic market has vast opportunities with the increase in
customer base year after year. However, threats in the form of new entrants or existing
regional brands causing disruptions through unrealistically low prices due to pressure
from some channels can continue to exist. Consolidation of big-format and online channels
in a few hands can cause disruptions in the short-term both for traditional small retail
players and organized national brands. Any delay in innovation of new and differentiated
products can impact growth due to these developments. Fluctuation in the commodity prices
is also a major threat as it may not be possible for Your Company to pass on the impact of
cost increases to consumers in full. The increased geo-political tension may have adverse
impact on the commodity pricing and the supply chain costs. The dynamic cost management
process adopted by Your Company will ensure healthy margins at EBITDA levels as
demonstrated in the last few years.
F. RISKS AND CONCERNS
The various general economic risks and concerns which can impact your
Company have already been outlined in the preceding sections. The concerns largely centre
around external factors.
G. RISK MANAGEMENT
Your Company has a Risk Management Committee in place as required under
SEBI (LODR) Regulations the details of which are provided in the Report on Corporate
Governance.
Your Company has developed and implemented a Risk Management Policy
which includes identification of elements of risk, if any, which in the opinion of the
Board, may threaten the existence of the Company. The detailed Policy is available on the
website of the Company under Policies? at www.ttkprestige.com Your Company has
a risk identification and management framework appropriate to the size of your Company and
the environment under which it operates. The process involves identifying both external
and internal risks and the readiness to respond to extreme risks like calamities and
disasters.
Risks are being continuously identified in relation to business
strategy, business continuity/ contingency plans, operations and transactions, statutory
/legal compliance, financial reporting, information technology system, cyber security, and
overall internal control framework. In line with the SEBI (LODR) Regulations the scope
includes sustainability factors-environment, social and governance.
Your Company is utilizing the services of independent professional
management auditors for advising the Company on a continuous basis on contemporary risk
management framework appropriate to the size and operations of the Company. They are also
carrying out risk audit on a periodical basis.
Your Board is periodically reviewing the broad risk framework to ensure
that there is a dynamic process to capture and measure key elements of risks.
H. CYBER SECURITY:
This year, our company has maintained a robust information security
posture, with no major security incidents reported. Although there was an attempt to
breach our application systems, it was timely detected and defeated. Our proactive
measures and continuous monitoring of IT landscape and environment have been pivotal in
this achievement.
The cybersecurity landscape is ever evolving, and we remain vigilant
against current threats and emerging risks. We have witnessed a surge in cyber threats,
with phishing, ransomware, and social engineering attempts in our country. We could
observe that the rise of Digitalization initiatives, which has increased the attack
surface, making Indian companies attractive targets for cybercriminals.
We have fortified our defences by implementing the latest and Industry
best practices from time to time. Our commitment to safeguarding our information assets
remains unwavering as we navigate the complexities of the current cybersecurity
environment.
I. SHARE CAPITAL
The paid-up equity share capital as on March 31, 2024, was Rs 13.86
Crores (PY Rs 13.86 Crores). The Authorised Capital of your Company is at Rs15
crores divided into 15,00,00,000 equity shares of Rs 1/- each.
Employee Stock Option Plan
In May 2023, your Company got the approval of the members for grant
of options to the eligible employees of the Company / its subsidiary companies up to 1% of
the paid-up share capital viz. 1,386,410 shares of face value Rs 1/- each under TTK
Prestige Limited Long Term Incentive (Stock Option) Plan 2023. Out of the above,
58,852 stock options were granted to the eligible employees of the Company under TTK
Prestige Limited - Long Term Incentive (Stock Option) Plan 2023 for the year FY 24 in
September 2023. This includes both Time Linked Options and Performance Linked Options.
These stock options, subject to fulfilment of the conditions of grant,
will vest over a period of 4 years upon completion of 1 year from the date of grant.
Further in April 2024, 107,733 stock options were granted to the
eligible employees of the Company under the TTK Prestige Limited - Long Term Incentive
(Stock Option) Plan 2023 for the year FY 25. This includes both Time Linked Options and
Performance Linked Options. These stock options, subject to fulfilment of the conditions
of grant, will vest over a period of 4 years upon completion of 1 year from the date of
grant.
As of March, 31st 2024, no stock options have become
eligible for vesting.
J. FINANCES
Your Company continues to generate substantial post-tax operating free
cash flows and the same have been applied to meet capital expenditure and payment of
dividend. Your Company on a standalone basis continued to be debt-free and at the end of
the year carried cash and liquid investments of over Rs 1020 Crores.
K. CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PLANS
Your Company has spent about Rs 66.9 crores in FY 24 including
automation and establishing additional lines. The capex for FY 24 is estimated at around
Rs80 crores including normal capex, logistics and capacity augmentation.
L. INVESTMENTS
During the year, there were no additional investments in the Subsidiary
Companies. Company carries short-term investments in mutual funds as a part of treasury
operations as mentioned in para-J.
M. INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEMS
Your Company has necessary Internal Control Systems in place which is
commensurate with the size, scale, and complexity of its operations. Your Company is
continuously making improvements in internal control systems keeping in view the
increasing level of activities. Gaps that are identified are addressed promptly and
improvised control systems are put in place. Independent team of Internal Auditors/
Management Auditors are carrying out internal audits and advising the management on
strengthening of internal control systems. The reports are periodically discussed
internally. Significant corrective actions thereon are presented to the Audit Committee.
N. DEVELOPMENTS IN HUMAN RESOURCES
As per our vision and long-range plans, your company continued with its
focus on implementing strategic HR initiatives in the areas of learning and development,
talent management, succession planning etc. Your company has successfully hired senior
leaders and inducted them in the company seamlessly as part of the succession planning
process. To build a future ready organisation, your company continues to invest on hiring
external talent wherever needed while providing career growth opportunities for internal
talent. To build and sustain a High Performance and High Trust culture, your company has
participated in the globally renowned Great Place to Work study conducted by Great Place
to Work Institute and has been re-certified as a Great Place to Work for the 3rd year in a
row which is a testament of our enabling culture and people practices which translates
into superior employee experience. Your company has also been awarded with "Top 50
companies with Great Managers" in the Great Managers Awards event conducted by People
Business in partnership with The Economic Times which is a testament of our culture that
nurtures managerial excellence.
In line with our strategic objective of Digital First approach, your
company continues to digitize key HR processes and systems by leveraging technology to
enhance process efficiency, ease of administration and enhance overall employee
experience. Company has also taken necessary steps to upskill and reskill its employees
through several training and developmental initiatives to stay competitive in an ever
evolving and dynamic business landscape. Your company is committed to Health and wellness
of our employees and to address mental wellness issues prevailing in our society, your
company has organised several emotional wellness camps/webinars across locations with the
help of expert counsellors to support employees on emotional wellness issues/ concerns.
Notwithstanding the challenging macroeconomic scenario, geo-political
disturbances and inflation, your Company released increments to all employees for FY25
effective from April 01, 2024 as also the performance linked variable pay. Your company
continues to recognise and award its employees for going above and beyond the call of duty
and creating significant the business outcome and demonstrating the company values.
The industrial relations across all the manufacturing units have been
by and large cordial and remained peaceful. Long term wage settlement has been signed with
the workers union in the Hosur Factory with improved productivity norms.
The direct employment strength stood at 1420 as compared to 1416 in the
previous year.
FIXED DEPOSIT
Your Company is neither inviting or accepting Deposits from public or
shareholders and hence there are no deposits outstanding or remaining unpaid as at the end
of March 31, 2024.
DIVIDEND
Your directors are happy to recommend a dividend of Rs6 per share of
face value Rs 1/- each for FY 24. (PY Rs 6 per share of face value Rs 1/- each).
FUTURISTIC STATEMENTS
This Directors? Report and the Management Discussion and Analysis
included therein may contain certain statements, which are futuristic in nature. Such
statements represent the intentions of the Management and the efforts being put in by them
to realize certain goals. The success in realizing these goals depends on numerous factors
both internal and external. Therefore, the investors are requested to make their own
independent judgments by considering all relevant factors before taking any investment
decision.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Report on Corporate Governance is separately presented as part of the
Annual Report.
BUSINESS RESPONSBILITY & SUSTAINBILITY REPORT
Your Company now forms part of the Top 500 listed companies of India
and is mandatorily required to provide a Business Responsibly & Sustainability Report
as part of the Annual Report in accordance with the provisions of SEBI (Listing
Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations 2015. This report is separately
presented as part of this Annual Report.
SUSTAINABILITY - ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE
Your Company has been proactive in implementing various projects to
address global environmental issues such as climate change, global warming, etc. Some of
the products of your Company such as pressure cookers, induction cooktops, etc., are
designed to save energy as well as protect environment.
Continuous design improvements, investments in efficient manufacturing
processes, solar power and green environment in manufacturing locations are directed to
reduce the impact on consumption of basic metals like aluminium, steel etc besides
utilities like water, power, and fuel.
During the year, your Company?s factory at Karjan was certified by
CII Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre with GreenCo Silver rating which
is valid for a period of 3 years up to 18th February 2027. Your Company
is in the process of improving this rating further in the coming years. In addition, your
Company has also developed a road map to obtain similar certification for the other
factories in the coming years.
This report is separately presented as part of Business Responsibility
& Sustainability Report.
LISTING
Your Company?s shares are listed in the BSE Limited (BSE) Mumbai
and National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE), Mumbai and the applicable listing fees
have been paid.
FURTHER DISCLOSURES UNDER THE COMPANIES ACT, 2013 AND THE RULES MADE
THEREUNDER:
a. Number of Meetings of the Board:
The Board of Directors met six times during the year 2023-24. The
details of the Board Meetings and the attendance of the Directors are provided in the
Report on Corporate Governance.
b. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee:
As per the provisions of Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the
Rules made thereunder, your Company has in place a Corporate Social Responsibility
Committee which comprises of Mr. T. T. Jagannathan as Chairman and Mr. R. Srinivasan, Mr.
Shankaran, and Dr. Mukund T. T. as Members. Dr. Mukund T. T. was added to the Committee
with effect from May 25th, 2023.
The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Policy enumerating the CSR
activities to be undertaken by the Company, in accordance with Schedule VII to
the Companies Act, 2013 as adopted by the Board is available on the website of the
Company www.ttkprestige.com. The Annual Report under CSR Activities is annexed to
this report as Annexure A. The details relating to the meetings convened, etc. are
furnished in the Report on Corporate Governance.
c. Composition of Audit Committee:
The Audit Committee comprised of Mr. Dileep Krishnaswamy as Chairman,
Mr. R. Srinivasan, and Mr. Arun K. Thiagarajan as Members till May 25th,
2023. Mr . V. Ranganathan, Independent Director to the Committee on May 25th,
2023 and was also appointed as Chairman of the committee from then on. All the members are
Independent Directors.
Mr. K. Shankaran, Wholetime Director was the Secretary of the Committee
until 31st Oct 2023 and Mrs. Manjula K.V. is the Secretary of the
Committee from 1st Nov 2023. More details on the Committee are given in the
Report on Corporate Governance.
d. Related Party Transactions:
During the year under review, no transaction of material nature has
been entered into by the Company with its Promoters, the Directors or the management,
their subsidiaries, or relatives, etc., that may have a potential conflict with the
interests of the Company.
All related party transactions are placed before the Audit Committee as
also the Board for approval. Prior omnibus approval of the Audit Committee is obtained on
a yearly basis for the transactions which are of unforeseen or repetitive nature. A
Statement giving details of the transactions entered into with the related parties,
pursuant to the omnibus approval so granted, is placed before the Audit Committee and the
Board of
Directors for their approval/ ratification on a quarterly basis.
The Register of Contracts containing transactions, in which directors
are interested, is placed before the Audit Committee / Board regularly.
The Board of Directors of the Company, on the recommendation of the
Audit Committee, adopted a policy on Related Party Transactions, to regulate the
transactions between the Company and its Related Parties, in compliance with the
applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015.
The Policy as approved by the Board is uploaded on the Company?s website at www.ttkprestige.com.
The details of the Related Party Transactions in Form AOC-2 are
annexed as Annexure B to this Report.
e. Directors and Key Managerial Personnel: None of the Directors is
disqualified from being appointed or holding office as Directors, as stipulated under
Section 164 of the Companies Act, 2013.
(i) Appointment / Re-appointment of Directors:
(a) Mr. T. T. Raghunathan is liable to retire by rotation at the
ensuing Annual General Meeting and being eligible, offers himself for re-appointment. The
Nomination and Remuneration Committee has approved his re-appointment, and the Board
recommends his re-appointment.
(b) Ms. Sandhya Vasudevan and Mr. V. added Ranganathan joined the Board
as Independent Directors with effect from April 01st , 2023 pursuant to
the approval of the Shareholders through postal ballot. (c) Pursuant to the Special
Resolution passed by the shareholders on April 27, 2024, Mrs. Akila Krishnakumar
has joined the Board as Independent Director from May 01, 2024.
(d) Pursuant to the Special Resolution passed by the shareholders on
April 27, 2024,
Mr. K. Shankaran, who holds office of the
Wholetime Director till March 31, 2024 has been reappointed for a
further period from April 01, 2024 till the conclusion of the ensuing Annual General
Meeting to be held in the calendar year 2024 on the same remuneration and other terms and
conditions of appointment. (e) Mr. T. T. Jagannathan, Non-Executive Chairman, whose
current term ended on June 30, 2023, was appointed as an Additional Director by the Board
at their meeting held on May 25, 2023, and was appointed as Director liable to retire by
rotation with effect from July 01, 2023, based on the approval of the Shareholders in the
67th Annual General Meeting.
(f) Mrs. Manjula K.V. has been appointed as Company Secretary &
Compliance Officer with effect from November 01, 2023.
(g) The Board, as recommended by the Nomination and Remuneration
Committee, subject to the approval of the Shareholders in the ensuing Annual General
Meeting, has appointed Mr. Venkatesh Vijayaraghavan, CEO as Wholetime Director for a
period of 5 years from September 01,2024. (h) The Board, as recommended by the
Nomination and Remuneration Committee subject to the approval of the Shareholders in the
ensuing Annual General Meeting, has appointed Mr. R. Saranyan, CFO as Wholetime Director
for a period of 5 years from September 01, 2024.
(i) Mr. R. Srinivasan whose second term as Independent Director comes
to an end on August 20, 2024 is proposed to be appointed as a Non-Independent Director
liable to retire by rotation with effect from the ensuing Annual General Meeting as
recommended by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee and the Board of Directors. (j)
Mr. Chandru Kalro, Managing Director, has requested for early retirement with effect from
October 01, 2024 and the same has been accepted by the Board of Directors.
(ii) Statement on Declaration by the Independent Directors of the
Company:
All the Independent Directors of the Company have given declarations
under Section 149(7) of the Companies Act, 2013 that they meet the criteria of
independence as laid down under Section 149(6) of the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation
25 of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. The terms
and conditions of appointment of the Independent Directors are posted on the website of
the Company www.ttkprestige.com.
(iii) Key Managerial Personnel (KMP):
The following managerial personnel are Key Managerial Personnel
(KMP):
Mr. Chandru Kalro, Managing Director
Mr. K. Shankaran, Wholetime Director
Mr. Venkatesh Vijayaraghavan, Chief
Executive Officer (w.e.f. Feb 06, 2024)
Mr. R. Saranyan, Executive Vice President
Finance as Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
Mrs. Manjula K.V., Company Secretary & Compliance Officer (w.e.f.
November 01, 2023)
(iv) Performance Evaluation of the Board, its Committees and Separate
meetings of Independent Directors: In compliance with the provisions of the
Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 17(10) of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure
Requirements) Regulations, 2015, the performance evaluation of the Board was carried out
during the year under review. During the year, one separate meeting of Independent
Directors was held to consider various aspects of management of the Company as well as to
review the performance of the Board, its committees, and non-independent Directors. More
details on the same are given in the Report on Corporate Governance. The Board evaluation
for FY 2023-24 was completed at the Meeting held on March 18, 2024.
(v) Remuneration Policy:
Your Company follows a policy on remuneration of Directors and
Senior Management. The policy is framed by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee and
approved by the Board. The remuneration (including all components) to senior management
i.e., till one level below the MD / CEO including functional heads, are as approved by the
Nomination and Remuneration Committee and the Board. More details on the same are given in
the Report on Corporate Governance.
f. Auditors:
(i) Statutory Auditors and their Report and Reappointment: Audit
Report: M/s. PKF Sridhar & Santhanam LLP, Chartered Accountants have carried out
the Audit for the financial year under review. The Auditors?
Report to the Shareholders for the year under review does not contain
any qualifications.
(ii) Cost Auditor and Cost Audit Report:
Pursuant to Section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with The
Companies (Cost Records and Audit) Amendment Rules, 2014, the Cost Records of the Company
relating to "Stainless Steel Pressure Cookers and Cookware" are required to be
audited.
The Board of Directors, on the recommendation of the Audit Committee,
appointed Ms. Jayanthi Hari as Cost Auditor of the Company, for the financial year 2024-25
and fixed her remuneration. Ms. Jayanthi Hari has confirmed that her appointment is within
the limits of the Section
141 of the Companies Act, 2013 and has also certified that she is free
from any disqualifications specified under the provisions of Section 141 of the Companies
Act, 2013.
The Audit Committee also received a Certificate from the Cost Auditor
certifying the independence and arm?s length relationship with the Company. Pursuant
to the provisions of Section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Rules made thereunder,
the approval of the Members is sought by means of an Ordinary Resolution for the
remuneration payable to Ms. Jayanthi Hari, Cost Auditor, under Item No. 4 of the Notice
convening the Annual General Meeting.
The Cost Audit Report for the year ended March 31, 2024, will be placed
before the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors of the Company, and filed on or
before the due date.
(iii) Secretarial Auditor and Secretarial Audit Report:
The Board had appointed Mr. Parameshwar G. Hegde, Company
Secretary in Wholetime Practice, to carry out Secretarial Audit under the provisions of
Section 204 of the Companies Act,
2013 for the financial year 2023-24. The Report of the Secretarial
Auditor in Form MR-3 is annexed to this report as Annexure "F". The report does
not contain any qualification.
g. Transfer to Investor Education and Protection Fund. (i) Unclaimed
Dividends for the year ended March 31, 2016:
Your Company has transferred a sum of Rs 2,092,446 during the financial
year 2023-24 to the Investor
Education and Protection Fund established by the Central Government, in
compliance with Section 124 of the Companies Act, 2013. The said amount represents the
unclaimed dividends for the year ended March 31, 2016, which were lying unclaimed with the
Company for a period of seven years from their respective due dates of payment.
(ii) Transfer of Shares to the Demat Account of the IEPF Authority:
In accordance with the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority
(Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund) Rules, 2016 and as amended from time to time,
your Company transferred 21,240 Equity Shares of Rs 1/- each fully paid-up, in respect of
which the dividends unclaimed / unpaid for a period of seven consecutive years. h.
Disclosure with respect to Demat suspense account / unclaimed suspense account.
Your Company does not have any Unclaimed Shares.
i. Conservation of Energy:
The prescribed under Rule 8(3) of The Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014
relating to conservation of energy, technology absorption, foreign exchange earnings and
outgo, are furnished in the Annexure C to this Report.
j. Particulars of Employees: The information required under Section
197 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Rules made thereunder are annexed to this
Report as Annexure D and Annexure E.
k. Subsidiary Companies: Your Company has an overseas subsidiary by
name TTK British Holdings Limited which was incorporated in the United Kingdom on March
24, 2016 and capitalized during FY 16-17. TTK British Holdings Limited holds the entire
share capital of Horwood Homewares Limited which is the operating subsidiary. Your Company
holds 51% of the equity capital of this company Ultrafresh Modular Solutions Limited, a
subsidiary of your Company with effect from January 2023.
Pursuant to Sec.129(3) of Companies Act, 2013, the Consolidated
Financial Statements are attached to this Annual Report. The particulars of all the
subsidiaries in the prescribed format AOC- 1 is also attached to the financial statements.
In accordance with Sec.136 of the Companies Act, 2013, the Financial Statements of each of
the subsidiaries are available on the website of the Company www.ttkprestige.com.
l. Loans, Guarantees, and Investments under Section 186 of the
Companies Act, 2013: During the year, your Company had not given any loan, provided
any guarantee or made any investment under Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013. Your
Company holds 1,440 equity shares of Rs 10/- each fully paid in TTK Healthcare Limited,
20,700,000 shares of GBP 1 each fully paid-up in TTK British Holdings Limited and 5,32,860
equity shares of Rs 10 each fully paid-up in Ultrafresh Modular Solutions Limited.
m. Significant and Material Orders passed by the Regulators or Courts: There
are no significant and material orders passed by the Regulators / Courts which would
impact the going concern status of the Company and its future operations.
n. Whistle Blower Policy: In accordance with the provisions of
Section 177(9) of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Rules made thereunder and also SEBI
(LODR) Regulations, 2015, your Company has in place a vigil mechanism termed as Whistle
Blower Policy, for directors and employees to report concerns about unethical behaviour,
actual or suspected fraud or violation of the Company?s Code of Conduct or Ethics
Policy or Insider Trading Policy, which also provides for adequate safeguards against
victimization of director(s)/employee(s) who avail of the mechanism and also provide for
direct access to the Corporate Governance Officer/Chairman of the Audit Committee /
Chairman of the Board in exceptional cases. The Whistle Blower Policy is made available on
the website of the Company www.ttkprestige.com.
o. Obligation of your Company under the Sexual Harassment of Women at
Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013: Your Company has adopted
a policy for prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace and has constituted the
necessary Committee/(s) for implementation of the said policy and deal with any
complaints. During the year 2023-24, there were no complaints. Your Company regularly
conducts awareness programmes across its units in this regard.
p. Registered Office: There has been no change in the location of
the
Registered Office of your Company.
q. Annual Return:
In accordance with the Companies Act, 2013, the annual return in
the prescribed format is available at www.ttkprestige.com.
DIRECTORS? RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
As required by Sec.134 (5) read with Sec.134 (3)(c) of the
Companies Act, 2013 your Directors confirm. a. that in the preparation
of the annual accounts, the applicable accounting standards have been followed, along with
proper explanation relating to material departures.
b. that they have selected such accounting policies and applied them
consistently and made judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent, so as to
give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the
Company at the end of the financial year and of the profit or loss of
the Company for that c. that they have 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 they have prepared the annual accounts on a going concern
basis. e. they have laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the Company
and that such internal financial controls are adequate and are operating effectively; and
f. they have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all
applicable laws and that such systems are adequate and operating effectively.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Your directors deeply appreciate and acknowledge the significant by the
Bankers, Financial Institutions, Business Partners, and the employees of the Company.
Place : Bangalore |
For and on behalf of the Board |
Date: May 28, 2024 |
Sd/ |
|
(T.T. JAGANNATHAN) |
|
Chairman |
Registered Office: |
|
Plot No. 38, SIPCOT Industrial Complex, |
Hosur 635 126 |
|
Tamil Nadu |
|