To,
The Members of EPIC ENERGY LIMITED,
Your Directors are pleased to present the 33rd Annual Report and the
Company's Audited Financial Statements for the Year ended on March 31, 2024.
FINANCIAL RESULTS:
The Company's financial performance, for the year ended March 31, 2024, is summarised
below:
(INR in lakh except EPS)
Particulars |
2023-24 |
2022-23 |
Total Revenue |
308.53 |
117.00 |
Operating Profit before Depreciation & Tax |
49.82 |
(27.82) |
Less: Depreciation |
17.47 |
19.63 |
Profit before exceptional and extraordinary items and Tax |
32.35 |
(47.45) |
Exceptional Items |
- |
- |
Profit before tax |
32.35 |
(47.45) |
Less: Current Tax |
- |
- |
Less: Deferred Tax |
(3.75) |
4.37 |
Net Profit after tax |
36.10 |
(43.08) |
Other Comprehensive Income / Loss for the year (net of tax) |
- |
- |
Total Comprehensive Income |
36.10 |
(43.08) |
Earnings per share (basic/diluted) |
0.50 |
(0.60) |
Financial highlights
Sales
Your Company posted a turnover of Rs. 308.53 lakh in the financial year ended on 31st
March, 2024, as compared to Rs. 117.00 lakh in the previous year. The year marked a
significant milestone in the Company's Solar Rooftop EPC business: the Solar Rooftop EPC
Projects that were implemented during the year covered a varied list of customers,
including reputed Educational Institutions, prestigious NGOs, premium Real Estate
Developers, Corporate Houses and second homes owned by HNIs. The projects executed by the
Company ranged from 3 kWh to 200 kWh. The Company expects to maintain this momentum in the
current year.
Profitability
Marking a significant turnaround, your Company's profit before exceptional and
extraordinary items and tax for the year ended 31st March, 2024, was recorded
at Rs. 32.35 lakh, as compared to a loss of Rs. (47.45) lakh in the previous year
Earnings per share
Earnings per Share was at Rs. 0.50 for the year ended 31st March, 2024, as
against Rs. (0.60) for the year ended 31st March, 2023.
Transfer to Reserves
There is no proposed amount to be transferred to the General Reserve.
Net Worth
The Company's net worth as on 31st March, 2024, was at Rs. 674.12 lakh as
compared to Rs. 638.02 lakh as on 31st March 2023.
DIVIDEND:
In view of the carried forward losses and the need to preserve working capital for the
growth in the business of the Company, your Directors do not recommend any dividend for
the Financial Year ended on 31st March, 2024.
FUTURE PROSPECTS:
The company's efforts to develop its Solar EPC business bore fruit during the year
under review. This segment of the business notched up a turnover of Rs. 307.85 lakh, as a
result of executing multiple Solar Rooftop projects. With the successful implementation of
more than a dozen projects, your Company is poised to play a significant role in the Solar
EPC business in the coming years.
Your company is also contemplating Battery Recycling and Solar Panel Recycling
projects. Electronic Waste Management poses a considerable challenge to the World
Environment and the circular economy concept will need to be adopted by
companies in all industrial segments. Your company is making plans to position itself as a
pioneer in this business.
LISTING OF SECURITIES
The Company'sEquity Shares are listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange Limited (BSE).
Listing fees for the year 2024-2025 have been paid to the Bombay Stock Exchange Limited.
Unclaimed Dividend Transfer to Investors Education and Protection Fund (IEPF)
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 124 of the Act, Investor Education and Protection
Fund Authority (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund) Rules, 2016 read with the relevant
circulars and amendments thereto ( IEPF Rules' )the amount of dividend remaining unpaid or
unclaimed for a period of seven years from the due date is required to be transferred to
the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF), constituted by the Central Government.
The company is yet to transfer unpaid dividend of an amount aggregating to Rs. 6.64 lakhs
relating to Financial Years 2010-11 and 2011-12 from unpaid dividend account to Investor
Education and Protection Fund (IEPF).
Details of the unpaid / unclaimed dividend are uploaded under 'Investor Relations=>
Shareholders Information =>Unclaimed Dividend' section on the Company's investor
information website viz. www.epicenergy.in
In terms of the provisions of Section 124(6) of the Companies Act, 2013 and Investor
Education and Protection Fund Authority (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund) Amendment
Rules, 2017, the Company is required to transfer the shares in respect of which dividend
remains unpaid and unclaimed for a period of seven consecutive years to the Investor
Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) Suspense Account.
Change in nature of Business
During the year under review, there was no change in the nature of the business of the
Company.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL Board of Directors
The Board consisted of four members as on 31st March, 2024, three of whom were
Independent Non-Executive Directors. Regular meetings of the Board are held at least once
in a quarter, inter-alia, to review the quarterly results of the Company. Additional Board
meetings are convened to discuss and decide on various business policies, strategies and
other Businesses. In the aftermath of the pandemic, Board Meetings held after the lockdown
are being held via video conferencing.
Mr Sanjay Gugale'sterm of office expires at the end of the forthcoming AGM. As per the
provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and Rules made thereunder, Mr Gugale cannot be
re-appointed for another term of five years. The Board wishes to place on record its
heartfelt gratitude to Mr Gugale who served on the Board with full dedication, through
thick and thin. We wish Mr Gugale all the best in his future endeavours.
Your Board of Directors has appointed Ms Priya Kishor Joshi as an Additional Director.
Ms Joshi is an MBA Finance from the University of Wales, UK, and has served in Multi
National Corporations across the Globe in the Oil and Gas Industry, Banking and FMCG. Her
vast experience and knowledge will be a huge asset to your Company and your Directors
commend the resolution to be passed at the forthcoming AGM regularising her appointment as
an Independent Non-Executive Director.
Your Board of Directors have also recommended the appointment of Mr Harshal Gunde, an
alumni if IIT, Powai, Mumbai, as an Independent Non-Executive Director. Mr Gunde has 25
years of expertise and international experience in the Renewable Energy Space. His
knowledge of the innovations that are taking place in our Industry will help your Company
to seize the opportunities that will be forthcoming in the near future. Your Directors
commend his appointment.
During the year under review, Board of Directors of the Company met four times, viz
29th May, 2023, 08th August, 2023, 09th November, 2023, and 31st January, 2024.
Committee of Board
Your Company has several Committees which have been established as part of best
corporate governance practices and are in compliance with the requirements of the relevant
provisions of applicable laws and statutes.
The Company has following Committees of the Board:
Audit Committee
Nomination and Remuneration Committee
Stakeholders' Grievances and Relationship Committee
A detailed note on the committees with respect to composition, meeting, powers, and
terms of reference is provided under the Corporate Governance Report section in this
Annual Report.
Details of Key Managerial Personnel
Nikhil Morsawala - Chief Financial Officer
Sandipkumar Gupta - Company Secretary & Compliance Officer
Atul Mishra - Manager
Jigar Bhatt - LED Retrofitting Projects
were the Key Managerial Personnel as per the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013.
Nomination and Remuneration Policy
The Company has, in order to attract motivated manpower in a competitive market, and to
harmonise the aspirations of human resources consistent with the goals of the Company and
in terms of the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and the listing agreement as amended
from time to time, devised a policy on the nomination and remuneration of Directors, key
managerial personnel and senior management.
Key points of the policy are:
A. Policy on appointment of Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and senior management
personnel
The policy is formulated to identify and ascertain the integrity, qualification,
expertise and experience of the person for appointment as Director, KMP and senior
management personnel and recommend to the Board for his/her appointment.
A person should possess adequate qualification, expertise and experience for the
position he/she is considered for appointment.
In case of appointment of Independent Director, the Committee shall satisfy
itself with regard to the independent nature of the Director vis-a-vis the Company so as
to enable the Board to discharge its function and duties effectively.
B. Policy on remuneration of Director, key managerial personnel and senior management
personnel. The Company's remuneration policy is driven by the success and performance of
the Director, KMP and Senior Management Personnel vis-a-vis the Company. The
Company'sphilosophy is to align them and provide adequate compensation with the Objective
of the Company so that the compensation is used as a strategic tool that helps us attract,
retain and motivate highly talented individuals who are committed to the core value of the
Company. The Company
follows a combination of fixed pay, benefits and performance-based variable pay. The
Company pays remuneration by way of salary, benefits, perquisites and allowance. The
remuneration and sitting fees paid by the Company are within the salary scale approved by
the Board and Shareholders.
Board Evaluation
Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement mandates that the Board shall monitor and review the
Board evaluation framework. The Companies Act, 2013 states that a formal annual evaluation
needs to be made by the Board of its own performance and individual Directors. Schedule IV
of the Companies Act, 2013 states that the performance evaluation of Independent Directors
shall be done by the entire Board of Directors excluding the Director being evaluated. A
structured questionnaire was prepared after taking into consideration the various aspects
of the Board's functioning, composition of the Board and Committees, culture, execution
and performance of specific duties, obligation and governance.
The evaluation of all the Directors and the Board as a whole was conducted based on the
criteria and framework adopted by the Board. The Board approved the evaluation results as
suggested by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee. The performance evaluation of the
Independent Directors was completed. For the year under review, the Independent Directors
met on 29th May, 2023, inter alia, to discuss:
Performance evaluation of Independent Directors and Board of Directors as a
whole;
Evaluation of the quality of the flow of information between the Management and
Board for effective performance by the Board. The Board of Directors expressed their
satisfaction with the evaluation process.
PUBLIC DEPOSITS
During the period under review, the Company has not accepted or renewed any deposits
from shareholders and public falling within the ambit of Section 73 of the Companies Act,
2013 and rules made thereunder.
SHARE CAPITAL
The paid-up equity share capital as at 31st March, 2024, stood at Rs. 7,21,15,000.
POLICIES
We seek to promote and follow the highest level of ethical standards in all our
business transactions guided by our value system. The SEBI (Listing Obligations and
Disclosure Requirements), Regulations, 2015 mandated the formulation of certain policies
for all listed companies. The policies are reviewed periodically by the Board and updated
based on need and new compliance requirements.
VIGIL MECHANISM
The Company has established a vigil mechanism and accordingly framed a Whistle Blower
Policy. The policy enables the employees to report instances of unethical behaviour,
actual or suspected fraud or violation of Company'sCode of Conduct to the management.
Further the mechanism adopted by the Company encourages the Whistle Blower to report
genuine concerns or grievances and provide for adequate safeguards against victimization
of the Whistle Blower who avails of such mechanism and also provides for direct access to
the Chairman of the Audit Committee in exceptional cases. The functioning of vigil
mechanism is reviewed by the Audit Committee from time to time. No whistle blower has been
denied access to the Audit Committee of the Board.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT WORKPLACE
There were no incidences of sexual harassment reported during the year under review, in
terms of the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention,
Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Pursuant to Regulation 34(3) and Schedule V of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015, a
separate report on Corporate Governance and a certificate from the Auditors of the Company
are annexed to the Directors' Report.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS REPORT
Your attention is drawn to the perception and business outlook of your management for
your company for current year and for the industry in which it operates including its
position and perceived trends in near future. The Management Discussion and Analysis
Report, as required under Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement with the Stock Exchange is
attached and forms part of this Directors' Report.
RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY
The Company has developed and implemented a risk management policy which identifies
major risks which may threaten the existence of the Company. The same has also been
adopted by your Board and is also subject to its review from time to time.
OTHER DISCLOSURES AS PER SECTION 134 OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2013
There are no qualifications, reservations or adverse remark or disclaimer by the
Statutory Auditor or by the Secretarial Auditor in their respective reports.
There are no material changes and commitments 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.
Pursuant to Section 92(3) read with section 134(3)(a) of the Act, the Annual Return as
on 31st March, 2024 is available on the Company's Website at
https://epicenergv.in/financial-reports-and-presentations/
KEY FINANCIAL RATIOS
Particulars |
2023-24 |
2022-23 |
% Change |
Current Ratio (in times) |
1.76 |
1.17 |
51.18 |
Return on Equity (in %) |
5.50 |
(6.53) |
(184.24) |
Trade receivables Turnover Ratio (in times) |
3.84 |
1.13 |
238.21 |
Trade payables Turnover Ratio (in times) |
11.09 |
1.47 |
654.67 |
Net Capital Turnover Ratio (in times) |
2.00 |
3.40 |
(41.15) |
Net Profit Ratio (in %) |
11.70 |
(36.82) |
(131.78) |
Return on Net worth
The details of return on net worth are given below:
Particulars |
2023-24 |
2022-23 |
% Change |
Return on capital employed (in %) |
4.80 |
(7.44) |
(164.53) |
Detailed Reason for change of 25% or more in Key Financial Ratios is given in notes to
accounts.
CONTRACTS OR ARRANGEMENTS WITH RELATED PARTIES
All the related party transactions that were entered during the financial year were in
the ordinary course of business of the Company and were on arm'slength basis. There were
no materially significant related party transactions entered by the Company with its
Promoters, Directors, Key Managerial Personnel or other persons which may have potential
conflict with the interest of the Company.
All Related Party transactions are placed before the Audit Committee for approval,
wherever applicable. Prior omnibus approval for normal business transactions is also
obtained from the Audit Committee for the related party transactions which are of
repetitive nature and accordingly, the required disclosures are made to the Committee on a
quarterly basis in terms of the approval of the Committee.
All the related party transactions entered into by the Company were in the ordinary
course of business and were on an arm'slength basis as provided in Annexure II.
CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND OUTGO
Information relating to conservation of energy, technology and foreign earning and
outgo, as required under Section 134(3) (m) of the Companies Act, 2013 forms part of this
Directors' Report as Annexure III.
PARTICULAR OF EMPLOYEES PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES PURSUANT TO SECTION 134(3) OF THE
COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2017 READ WITH RULE 5(1) OF THE COMPANIES (APPOINTMENT AND
REMUNERATION OF MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL) AMENDMENT RULES, 2016
The information required in terms of Section 134(3) of the Companies (Amendment) Act,
2017 read with Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial
Personnel) Amendment Rules, 2016 is furnished hereunder:
i. The ratio of the remuneration of Director to the median remuneration of the
employees of the Company: Not Applicable
ii. The percentage increase in remuneration of CFO, CS during the financial year: NIL
iii. The percentage increase in the median remuneration of employees in the financial
year is NIL
iv. The number of permanent employees on the rolls of the company at the end of the
financial year 2023-24 is 5.
v. It is hereby affirmed that the remuneration of KMP'sare in accordance with the
Remuneration Policy.
Sr no Name |
Designation |
Remuneration Paid FY 2023-24 |
Remuneration Paid FY 2022-23 |
Percentage Increase in Remuneration |
Ratio per Median of Employee Remuneration |
1 Mr Nikhil Morsawala |
CFO |
- |
- |
- |
- |
2 Mr Sandipkumar Gupta |
Company Secretary |
4.80 |
4.80 |
- |
- |
3 Mr Atul Mishra |
Manager |
6.00 |
6.00 |
- |
- |
INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROL SYSTEMS AND THEIR ADEQUACY
Your Company has laid down the set of standards, processes and structure which enables
it to implement internal financial control across the organisation and ensure that the
same are adequate and operating effectively. To maintain the objectivity and independence
of internal audit, the Internal Auditor reports to the Chairman of the Audit Committee of
the Board.
The Internal Auditor monitors and evaluates the efficacy and adequacy of internal
control systems in the Company, its compliance with the operating systems, accounting
procedures and policies of the Company.
Based on the report of the Internal Auditor, the process owners undertake the
corrective action in their respective areas and thereby strengthen the control.
Significant audit observation and corrective actions thereon are presented to the Audit
Committee of the Board.
AUDITORS
M/s P C N & Associates., (FRN:016016S), Chartered Accountant were appointed as
Statutory Auditors of the Company for five consecutive years at the Annual General Meeting
held on 28th September 2019 and the term endures up to the completion of the Audit of the
Financial Year 2024-25. However, pursuant to the Order Issued by NFRA Dated 26.04.2024,
Order No. 014/2024, in the matter of M/s P C N & Associates and CA Gopala Krishna
Kandula under Section 132(4) of the Companies Act, 2013, PCN & Associates have
tendered their resignation from the position of the Statutory Auditors of the Company
after completion of FY 2023-24 Statutory Audit. They have conveyed their NoObjection to
the Company appointing another Statutory Auditor vide their letter dated 21st May 2024.
As per the provisions of Section 139(8) of the Companies Act, 2013, casual vacancy
caused by the resignation of auditors can be filled by the Board within 30 days of vacancy
and is required to be approved by the Company in general meeting within three months
thereof. Hence, the Board of Directors at their meeting held on 17th June, 2024, appointed
M/s. NGST & Associates (FRN:135159W), Mumbai, to fill the casual vacancy and that they
will hold office until this Annual General Meeting. The Board proposes that M/s. NGST
& Associates (FRN: 135159W) Chartered Accountants, may be appointed as the Statutory
Auditors of the Company for a period of 5 years in terms of Section 139(1) of the
Companies Act, 2013
The Report of the Auditors on the Accounts of the Company is attached herewith, and
being self-explanatory, does not need further elaboration.
Secretarial Audit Report and Certificate
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013 and The Companies
(Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, your Company had
appointed Mr. Vijay Tiwari, Practicing Company Secretary to undertake the Secretarial
Audit of the Company for the FY 2023-24. The Secretarial Audit Report for the FY 2023-24
is annexed to this Directors' Report as Annexure-IV.
Directors' Qualification Certificate
In terms of SEBI (LODR) Regulations 2015, a certificate from Mr. Vijay Tiwari,
Practicing Company Secretary has been received stating that none of the Directors on the
board of the company have been debarred or disqualified from being appointed or continuing
as directors of company by the Board/Ministry of Corporate Affairs or any such statutory
authority and the same is annexed to this report.
Disclosure of transactions of the listed entity with any person or entity belonging to
the promoter/promoter group which hold(s) 10% or more shareholding in the listed entity:
During the financial year 2023-24, no such transaction took place with any person or
entity belonging to the promoter/ promoter group which hold(s) 10% or more shareholding in
the listed entity.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Subject to the provisions of Section 135 and Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013
read with the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2015, the Company
is not mandatorily required to undertake CSR initiatives. The report of the CSR activities
is not applicable to the Company.
DONATION:
During the year, the Company has not given donations to any charitable trust.
DECLARATION ABOUT INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS UNDER SUB-SECTION 6 OF SECTION 149:
The Company has received the declarations from Independent Directors that they meet the
criteria of independence laid down under section 149(6) of the Companies Act, 2013 and
under regulation 16(b) of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015.
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
As stipulated in Section 134(5) of the Companies Act, 2013, Directors subscribe to the
Directors'
Responsibility Statement and confirm that:
a) In preparation of annual accounts for the year ended 31st March 2024, the applicable
accounting standards have been followed and no material departures have been made from the
same;
b) The Directors 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 year;
c) The Directors have taken proper and sufficient care 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) The Directors have prepared the annual accounts for the year ended 31st March, 2024,
on a going concern basis.
e) The Directors have laid down the internal financial controls to be followed by the
Company and that such internal financial controls are adequate and were operating
effectively; and
f) The Directors have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions
of all applicable laws and that such systems are adequate and operating effectively.
AUDITORS' REPORT
The Auditors' Report on the accounts of the Company for the accounting year ended 31st
March, 2024, is self-explanatory and does not call for further explanations or comments
that may be treated as adequate compliance of Section 134 of the Companies Act, 2013.
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:
1. Issue of equity shares with differential rights as to dividend, voting or otherwise.
2. Issue of shares (including sweat equity shares) to employees of the Company under
any ESOS scheme.
3. The Company does not have a Managing Director or any subsidiaries, and as such the
question of the Managing Director of the Company receiving any remuneration or commission
from any of its subsidiaries does not arise.
4. No significant or material orders were passed by the Regulators or Courts or
Tribunals which impact the going concern status and Company's operations in future.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Your Directors express their appreciation for the assistance and cooperation received
from its Bankers, various government authorities, customers, vendors and members during
the year under review. Your Directors also wish to place on record their deep sense of
appreciation for the committed services by the executives, staff and workers of the
Company.
Date: 22nd July, 2024 |
By order of the Board |
Place: Navi Mumbai |
Veena Morsawala |
|
Director |