To the Members,
Your Directors have the pleasure of presenting the 35th
Annual Report together with the Standalone & Consolidated Audited Financial Statements
of the Company for the Financial Year ended 31st March, 2024.
Financial Results
The summarized financial results for the year ended 31st
March, 2024 and for the previous year ended 31st March, 2023 are as follows:
[Rs. in Crores]
|
Consolidated |
Standalone |
|
Year Ended |
Year Ended |
|
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
Revenue from |
13363.63 |
14662.51 |
6610.23 |
6778.89 |
Operations |
|
|
|
|
Other Income |
158.97 |
129.42 |
41.32 |
38.12 |
Share in Profit / (Loss) of |
-12.22 |
-4.99 |
-- |
-- |
Associate for the Year |
|
|
|
|
Share in (Loss) of Joint |
-0.59 |
-2.46 |
-- |
-- |
Venture for the Year |
|
|
|
|
Total Income |
13509.79 |
14784.48 |
6651.55 |
6817.01 |
Profit before Finance Cost, |
1513.47 |
1878.50 |
770.10 |
761.74 |
Depreciation & Tax |
|
|
|
|
Finance Cost |
535.64 |
473.43 |
255.83 |
182.57 |
Depreciation |
655.48 |
599.03 |
298.22 |
262.06 |
Profit before Exceptional |
322.36 |
806.04 |
216.05 |
317.12 |
Items and Tax |
|
|
|
|
Exceptional Items |
-871.30 |
-150.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
Profit before Tax and a_er |
-548.94 |
656.05 |
216.05 |
317.12 |
Exceptional Items |
|
|
|
|
Less: Tax Expenses |
142.22 |
175.29 |
55.07 |
73.40 |
Profit for the year before |
-691.16 |
480.76 |
160.98 |
243.72 |
Non-controlling Interest |
|
|
|
|
Non-Controlling Interest |
0.17 |
-0.08 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
Profit for the year |
-690.99 |
480.68 |
160.98 |
243.72 |
Total Other Comprehensive |
432.27 |
350.57 |
1.17 |
-1.08 |
Income for the Year |
|
|
|
|
Total Comprehensive |
-258.89 |
831.33 |
162.15 |
242.64 |
Income for the Year |
|
|
|
|
During the year under review, your Company has achieved consolidated
total income and net profit (Loss) of Rs. 13509.79 crore and Rs. (690.99) crore
respectively as against total income and net profit of 14784.48 crore and Rs. 480.69 crore
respectively during the previous financial year ended 31st March, 2023.
Further, your Company has achieved standalone total income of Rs.
6651.55 crore and net profit of Rs. 160.98 crore as against total income of Rs. 6817.01
crore and net profit of Rs. 243.72 crore during the previous financial year ended 31st
March, 2023.
The Details of financial performance of all subsidiaries and associates
are contained in Note No. 54 of the Notes to Accounts to the Consolidated Financial
Statements.
Transfer of Unclaimed Dividend to Authority
An amount of Rs. 11,08,690/- (Rupees Eleven Lac Eight Thousand Six
Hundred Ninety only) was transferred to Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF)
during the year under review.
Transfer of Unclaimed Shares to Authority
As per the Provision of Section 124(6) of the Companies Act, 2013 read
with Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and
Refund) Rules, 2016 as amended from time to time, the Company has transferred 31,213
(Thirty One Thousand Two Hundred Thirteen) Equity Shares on which Dividend was not
paid/claimed for more than seven consecutive years, to the Investor Education and
Protection Fund (IEPF) during the year under review.
Dividend
Your Directors are pleased to recommend a dividend @ Re. 1.00 (Rupee
One only) per share for the financial year ended 31st March 2024 after
considering future needs of the company for growth. The Dividend, as recommended by the
Board, if declared at the meeting, will be paid to those members or their mandates: a)
Whose names appear as Beneficial owners as at the end of business hours on Friday, the
30th August, 2024 in the list of Beneficial Owners to be furnished by National Securities
Depository Limited and Central Depository Services (India) Limited in respect of the
shares held in electronic form; and b) Whose names appear as members in the Register of
Members of the Company as on Friday the 30th August, 2024.
Change in Nature of Business
There is no change in the nature of business of the Company.
Share Capital
The paid-up equity share capital outstanding as on 31st March,
2024 was Rs. 72.21 Crore. During the year under review, the Company has neither issued
Shares with
Di_erential Voting Rights nor granted Stock Options nor Sweat Equity.
As on 31st March, 2024 none of the Directors of the Company held any Equity
Shares except Mr. Ashok Chaturvedi, Chairman & Managing Director who held 5,02,533
(Five Lac Two Thousand Five Hundred Thirty Three) Equity Shares of the Company.
Fixed Deposits
The company neither had any fixed deposits outstanding as on 31st
March 2024 nor fresh/renewal of deposits were accepted during the financial year
2023-2024. There were no unclaimed deposits as on 31st March, 2024.
Directors and Key Managerial Personnel
Cessations
During the year, Mrs. Indu Liberhan (DIN : 03341420) and Mr. Pradeep
Narendra Poddar (DIN : 00025199) ceased to be the Directors of the Company w.e.f. closing
business hours of 27th May, 2023 and 29th May, 2023 respectively on
account of completion of their respective second terms as Independent Directors of the
Company.
Further, Mr. Jagmohan Mongia (DIN : 09051022) ceased to be the
Whole-time Director of the Company w.e.f. the close of business hours on 14th
November, 2023.
The Board places on record its appreciation for the valuable
contributions made by Mr. Jagmohan Mongia, Mrs. Indu Liberhan and Mr. Pradeep Narendra
Poddar during their tenure as Directors of the Company.
Appointments
During the year under review, the Board of Directors, based on the
recommendations of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, had approved the appointment
of the following Directors as per the applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and
Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements)
Regulations, 2015 subject to the approvals of shareholders of the Company:
Sl. No. |
Name of Director |
Category |
Tenure |
Effective From |
01. |
Mr. Jeevaraj Gopal Pillai |
Whole-time Director |
5 years |
14.11.2023 |
02. |
Mr. Sujit Kumar Varma |
Independent Director |
1st term of 3
years |
14.02.2023 |
03. |
Mr. Ghyanendra Nath Bajpai |
Independent Director |
1st term of 3
years |
17.04.2023 |
04. |
Mrs. Rashmi Verma |
Independent Director |
1st term of 3
years |
26.05.2023 |
Further, the shareholders of the Company have accorded their approval
to the aforesaid appointments. The relevant details with respect to the approvals of the
shareholders have been provided in the General Shareholder Information section, which
forms a part of this Annual Report.
The Shareholders of the Company, by way of their Special Resolution
passed through Postal Ballot on 8th February, 2024 have also approved the re-appointment
of Mr. Ashok Chaturvedi, as Chairman & Managing Director of the Company for a period 5
(five) years w.e.f. 1st February, 2024. None of the Directors of the Company is
disqualified under the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 or the Securities and
Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations,
2015.
All Independent Directors of your Company have given declarations
confirming that they meet the criteria of Independence as prescribed both under the Act
and Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure
Requirements) Regulations, 2015. Further, in the opinion of the Board, all the Independent
Directors of the Company, including those appointed during the financial year 2023-24, are
persons of integrity, expertise, proficiencies and relevant experiences.
Relationship Between Directors Inter-Se
None of the Directors are related to each other within the meaning of
the term "relative" as per Section 2(77) of the Companies Act, 2013.
Directors? Responsibility Statement
On the basis of representations received from the Executives of the
Company, subject to disclosures in the Annual Accounts and also on the basis of the
discussion with the Statutory Auditors/Internal Auditors of the Company from time to time,
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 year ended
31st March, 2024, the applicable accounting standards have been followed along with proper
explanation relating to material departures, if any; b. that the Company has 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 as at 31st March, 2024 and of the Profit of the Company for the
year ended on that date; c. that proper and su_icient care has been taken for the
maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the
Companies Act, 2013 for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for preventing and
detecting fraud and other irregularities; d. that the annual accounts have been prepared
on a going concern basis; e. that proper Internal Financial Controls were in place and
that the financial controls were adequate and were operating effectively. f. that systems
to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws were in place and were
adequate and operating effectively.
The Company?s Internal Auditors conducted periodic audits to
provide reasonable assurance that the Company?s established policies and procedures
are followed. The Audit Committee constituted by the Board reviewed the internal controls
and financial reporting issues with Internal Auditors and Statutory Auditors.
Statutory Audit & Auditors
The Report given by M/s. M S K A & Associates, Chartered
Accountants (Firm Registration Number 105047W) & M/s. Vijay Sehgal & Co.,
Chartered Accountants, Delhi (Firm Registration No.000374N), Statutory Auditor(s) on the
financial statement of the Company for the year 2023-24 is part of the Annual Report.
There is no qualification, reservation or adverse remark or disclaimer in their Report. In
terms of Section 143(12) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with relevant Rules framed
thereunder, no disclosure merits reporting in this Report.
The Report of the Auditors on the financial statements including
relevant notes on the accounts for the Financial Year ended 31st March, 2024
are self-explanatory and therefore, do not call for any further comments. M/s. MSKA and
Associates, Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration Number 105047W) has tendered
their resignation as Joint Statutory Auditors of the Company w.e.f. 12th
August, 2024 citing commercial unviability of their engagement. Further, based on the
recommendation of the Audit Committee the Board has, subject to the approval of the
Members, appointed M/s. Lodha & Co LLP Chartered Accountants (FRN
301051E/E300284) to act as Joint Statutory Auditors of the Company for
the period of Five (5) years from the conclusion of the 35th Annual General Meeting until
the conclusion of 40th Annual General Meeting.
The appointment of M/s. Lodha & Co LLP Chartered Accountants is
subject to approval of members, as aforesaid, by ordinary resolution on such terms and
conditions as set out at Item no. 4 and explanatory statement of the Notice convening the
35th Annual General Meeting of the Company.
Cost Auditors
As per the requirements of the Section 148 of the Act read with the
Companies (Cost Records and Audit) Rules, 2014 as amended from time to time, your Company
is required to maintain cost records and accordingly, such accounts are made and records
maintained every year. The Board of Directors of your Company has reappointed M/s.
Jitender, Navneet & Co., Delhi, Cost Accountants (Firm Registration No.00119) as Cost
Auditors of the Company for the financial year 2024-2025 at a remuneration of Rs. 23.00
Lacs (Rupees Twenty Three Lacs) plus taxes as applicable and reimbursement of travel and
out-of pocket expenses in connection with the Cost Audit. The Cost Audit Report for the
Financial Year ended 31st March, 2023 was duly filed with the Central
Government on 11th September, 2023.
Secretarial Auditors
The Board has re-appointed M/s Mahesh Gupta & Co., Practicing
Company Secretaries, Delhi as Secretarial Auditor for Financial Year 2024-25 pursuant to
the provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013. The Report of the Secretarial
Auditor for the financial year ended 31st March, 2024 is annexed to this Report
as ANNEXURE A?. There are no qualifications, reservations,
adverse remarks, comment, observation or disclaimer made by Secretarial Auditor in their
report.
Subsidiary Companies
Flex Middle East FZE, UAE, UFlex Europe Limited, UK, UFlex Packaging
Inc., USA, UPET Holdings Limited, Mauritius, LLC, Flex Chemicals Private Limited, Russia,
and USC Holograms Pvt. Ltd., India are Subsidiary Companies u/s 2(87) of the Companies
Act, 2013. Further, Flex Americas S.A. De C.V., Mexico , Flex P. Films (Egypt) S.A.E, Arab
Republic of Egypt, Flex Films (USA) Inc. , USA, Flex Films Europa Sp. Zo.o., Poland, UPET
(Singapore) Pte. Limited, Singapore, Flex Films Africa
Private Limited, Nigeria, Flex Films Rus, LLC, Russia, Flex Specialty
Chemicals (Egypt) S.A.E., Egypt, Flex Foils Bangladesh Private Limited, Bangladesh,
Flex Films Europa Korlatolt Feleossegu Tarsasag, Hungary, Flex Pet (Egypt) S.A.E., Egypt,
Plasticfix Europa Spolka Z Organiczona Odpowiedzialnoscia, Poland, Flex Americas Brasil
Ltda, Brazil (w.e.f. 4th April, 2023), Uflex Woven Bags, S.A. DE C.V.,
Mexico (w.e.f. 26th April, 2023) and Flex Asepto (Egypt) S.A.E. (w.e.f.
21st November, 2023) are step-down subsidiaries of the Company. Digicyl
Pte. Limited, Singapore and Digicyl Limited, Israel are Joint Venture of the Company.
In accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 ("the
Act") and the Listing Regulations read with relevant Indian Accounting Standards, the
Consolidated Audited Financial Statements forms an integral part of the Annual Report.
Consolidated Financial Statements
The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company are prepared in
accordance with relevant Indian Accounting Standards issued by the Institute of Chartered
Accountants of India and forms an integral part of this Report. Pursuant to Section 129(3)
of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 5 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, a
statement containing salient features of the financial statements of
Subsidiaries/Associate Companies/Joint Ventures is given at Note No. 54 of the
Consolidated Financial Statements in Form AOC-1 and thus forms an integral part of this
Report.
Corporate Social Responsibility
In accordance with the requirements of Section 135 of Companies Act,
2013, your Company has a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee comprised of Mr.
Jeevaraj Gopal Pillai (DIN: 10381118), as the Chairperson, Mr. Paresh Nath Sharma (DIN :
00023625) and Mrs. Rashmi Verma (DIN: 01993918), as Members. During the year, Mr. Jagmohan
Mongia (DIN: 09051022), ceased to be the Director of the Company w.e.f. 14th
November, 2023 and consequently the Chairman of the CSR Committee. The terms of reference
of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee is provided in the Corporate
Governance Report. Your Company has also formulated a Corporate Social Responsibility
Policy (CSR Policy) which is available on the website of the Company at
https://www.uflexltd.com/pdf/Policies/Uflex-CSR-Policy.pdf .
The Annual report on CSR activities and initiatives taken as required
under the Companies (Corporate Social
Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014 has been appended as ANNEXURE
B? and forms integral part of this Report. The Company considers
social responsibility as an integral part of its business activities and endeavors to
utilize allocable CSR budget for the benefit of the society and environment. During the
year, one meeting of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee was held on
08.11.2023. All the Members attended the Meeting. During the Financial Year 2023-24, after
set-o_ of the excess spent amount of Rs. 37.04 lacs during previous financial year, the
Company was to undertake CSR Activities of an amount of Rs. 615.50 Lacs. However, the
Company spent an amount of Rs. 207.50 Lacs during the year and an amount of Rs. 427.81
Lacs was transferred to CSR unspent account with Schedule Bank within 30 days from the
closure of financial year as per provisions of section 135(6) of the Companies Act, 2013
for meeting CSR activities for ongoing projects, which included an amount of Rs. 19.81
lacs against the qualifying amount of Rs. 408 Lacs. Hence, the said Rs 19.81 Lacs shall be
available for set-o_ in subsequent years.
Corporate Governance
Your Company has taken adequate steps to ensure compliance with the
provisions of Corporate Governance as prescribed under SEBI (Listing Obligations and
Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 with the Stock Exchanges.
A separate Report on Corporate Governance along with Report on
Management Discussion and Analysis is enclosed as part of this Report as ANNEXURE -
C? & D? and forms an Integral Part of this Report.
Disclosure under Companies Act, 2013
(i) Annual Return
The Dra_ Annual Return of the Company as on 31st March, 2024
is available on the Company?s website and can be accessed at https://www.uflexltd.
com/pdf/Extract-Annual-Return/UFLEX-Annual-Return-2023-2024.pdf.
(ii) Meetings
During the year, Five Board Meetings and Four Audit Committee Meetings
were convened and held. The details of meetings held are given in Corporate Governance
Report appended hereto.
(iii) Composition of Audit Committee
The Board has constituted an Audit Committee, which comprised of Mr.
Paresh Nath Sharma (DIN: 00023625) as the Chairperson, Mr. Jeevaraj Gopal Pillai (DIN:
10381118), Mr. Sujit Kumar Varma (DIN: 09075212) and Mrs. Rashmi Verma (DIN: 01993918), as
Members. During the year, Mrs. Indu Liberhan (DIN:03341420) & Mr. Pradeep Narendra
Poddar (DIN:00025199) ceased to be the Member(s) of Audit Committee on account of
completion of their respectivesecondterm(s)asanIndependentDirector of the Company w.e.f.
closing business hours of 27th May, 2023 and 29th May, 2023 respectively. Further, Mr.
Jagmohan Mongia (DIN: 09051022), ceased to be the Member of Audit Committee consequent to
his resignation from Board of Directors of the Company w.e.f. 14th November,
2023. More details about the Committee are given in the Corporate Governance Report
appended hereto.
(iv) Related Party Transactions
All related party transactions are negotiated on an arm?s-length
basis and are in ordinary course of business. Therefore, the Provisions of Section 188(1)
of the Companies Act, 2013 are not applicable. However, suitable disclosure has been made
in the notes to the Financial Statements.
The Policy on Related Party Transactions as approved by the Board is
uploaded on the Company?s website: www.uflexltd.com at the web-link https://www.
uflexltd.com/pdf/Policies/Uflex-RELATED-PARTY-TRANSACTIONS-POLICY.pdf .
(v) Particulars of Loans, Guarantees and Investments
Details of Loans, Guarantees and Investments are given in the
accompanying Financial Statements.
(vi) There is no proceeding pending under the Insolvency and
Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (31 of 2016) during the year.
(vii)There was no instance of one time settlement with any Bank or
Financial Institution.
Significant and Material Orders passed by the Regulators or Courts
There are no significant and material orders passed by any Regulator or
Court, which would impact the going concern status of the Company and its future
operations.
Internal Financial Controls
A detailed note has been provided under Management Discussion and
Analysis Report appended hereto.
Vigil Mechanism and Whistle Blower Policy
Fraud-free and corruption-free work culture has been at the core of the
Company? functioning. In view of the potential risk of fraud and corruption due to
rapid growth and geographical spread of operations, the company has put even greater
emphasis to address this risk.
To meet this objective, a Whistle Blower Policy has been laid down. The
same policy as approved by the Board is uploaded on the Company?s website
www.uflexltd. com at web-link https://www.uflexltd.com/pdf/Policies/
Uflex-Whistle-Blower-Policy.pdf.
Board Evaluation
Pursuant to the Provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and under
Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements),
Regulations 2015, the Board has carried out an Annual Performance Evaluation of its own
performance and that of its Committees and all the Directors individually. The evaluation
of Non-Independent Directors, Chairman and the Board as a whole was done at a separate
meeting by the Independent Directors.
Disclosure Under Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention,
Prohibition And Redressal) Act, 2013
Your Company has in place an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) has
been set up to redress complaints received regarding sexual harassment. No complaints were
received from any employee during the financial year 2023-2024 and hence no complaint is
outstanding as on 31st March, 2024 for redressal.
Material changes and commitments, if any, affecting the financial
position of the company which have occurred between the end of the Financial year of the
Company to which the Financial Statements relate and the date of the Report
There has been no material change and commitments occurred, between the
end of the financial year of the Company i.e. 31st March, 2024 and the date of
this report affecting financial position of the Company.
Compliance with Secretarial Standards on Board and Annual General
Meetings
The Company has complied with Secretarial Standards issued by the
Institute of Company Secretaries of India on Board Meetings and Annual General Meetings.
Risk Management
Risk Management is a very important part of any business. The Board of
Directors of the Company has constituted a Risk Management Committee to ensure proper
implementation and monitoring the Risk Management Plan of the Company. The Committee is
responsible for monitoring and reviewing the Risk Management Plan. Its Composition and
Terms of reference are mentioned in the Corporate Governance Report and a detailed note
has been provided under the Management Discussion and Analysis Report, which forms
integral part of this report. The Policy on Risk Management in terms of Section 134 (3)
(n) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Listing Regulations is in place and is available
on the Company?s website at https://www.uflexltd.com/pdf/
Policies/Uflex-Risk-Management-Policy.pdf.
Policy on Remuneration
The Company has in place Nomination and Remuneration Policy for
Directors, Key Management Personnel and Senior Management Personnel. The said Policy is
available at www.uflexltd.com (weblink: https://
www.uflexltd.com/pdf/Policies/Uflex-Nomination-Remuneration-Policy.pdf).
Particulars of Employees
The information required pursuant to Section 197 read with Rule 5 of
The Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 in
respect of employees of the Company will be provided upon request. In terms of Section 136
of the Act, the Report and Accounts are being sent to the Members and others entitled
thereto, excluding the information on employees? particulars which is available for
inspection by the Members at the Registered O_ice of the Company during business hours on
working days of the Company up to the date of the ensuing Annual General Meeting. Members
interested in obtaining a copy thereof, may write to the Company Secretary in this regard.
Disclosures pertaining to remuneration and other details as required
under Section 197(12) of the Act read with Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and
Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 are provided as per ANNEXURE -
E?.
EnergyConservation,TechnologyAbsorption and Foreign Exchange Earnings
and Outgo
The information on conservation of energy, technology absorption and
foreign exchange earnings and outgo stipulated under Section 134(3)(m) of the Companies
Act, 2013 read with Rule, 8 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, is annexed as ANNEXURE
- F?.
Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report
UFLEX?s approach to business is Creating Shared Value impact of
the business and engagement through it. Your Company is mindful of the needs of the
communities and works to make a positive difference and create maximum value for the
society. It has been conducting business in a way that delivers long-term shareholder
value and benefits to society. As stipulated under the Listing Regulations, the Business
Responsibility and Sustainability Report describing the initiatives taken by the Company
from an environmental, social and governance perspective is attached in the format
prescribed as ANNEXURE G? and forms integral part of the Annual
Report.
Dividend Distribution Policy
The Company?s Dividend Distribution Policy, approved by the Board,
may be accessed on its corporate website at https://www.uflexltd.com/pdf/Policies/UFLEX_
Dividend_Distribution_Policy.pdf.
Awards
Details of Awards and Accolades conferred by reputable organizations/
bodies based out of India and Overseas for excellence received by your Company and its
subsidiaries are mentioned in Management and Discussion and Analysis section of the Annual
Report and the details of all Awards and Accolades conferred upon the Company are also
provided on the Company?s website at http:// www.uflexltd.com/awards.php.
Personnel
Personnel relations with all employees remained cordial and harmonious
throughout the year. Your Directors wish to place on record their sincere appreciation for
the continued, sincere and devoted services rendered by all the employees of the Company.
Acknowledgement
The Directors express their gratitude and thanks to all the Indian and
International Financial Institutions & Banks, Government Authorities both in India and
overseas where company?s operations are carried out, Shareholders, Customers,
Suppliers and other Business Associates for their continued co-operation and patronage.
|
|
For & On behalf of the Board |
|
|
Ashok Chaturvedi |
Place |
: NOIDA |
Chairman & Managing Director |
Dated |
: 12th August, 2024 |
DIN : 00023452 |