The Members,
Your directors take pleasure in presenting their 35th
(Thirty Fifth) Annual Report on the business and operations of the Company and the Audited
Financial Statements for the Year ended March 31,2024.
1. FINANCIAL SUMMARY OR HIGHLIGHTS/PERFORMANCE OF THE COMPANY
(STANDALONE & CONSOLIDATED)
(Rs in crore)
Particulars |
Standalone |
Consolidated |
|
F.Y. 2023-24 |
F.Y. 2022-23 |
F.Y. 2023-24 |
F.Y. 2022-23 |
Revenue from Operations |
696.36 |
686.18 |
690.67 |
686.18 |
Other Income |
8.78 |
4.63 |
747 |
4.45 |
Total Income |
705.14 |
690.81 |
698.14 |
690.63 |
Cost of materials consumed |
482.91 |
485.26 |
474.59 |
485.26 |
Changes in inventories of finished goods, work-in progress
and stock-in-trade |
(85.97) |
(96.75) |
(92.10) |
(96.75) |
Employee benefits expense |
52.93 |
46.82 |
62.00 |
46.82 |
Finance costs |
40.83 |
28.94 |
42.06 |
28.94 |
Depreciation and Amortization Expense |
19.89 |
16.20 |
22.87 |
16.20 |
Other Expenses |
130.91 |
139.23 |
136.13 |
139.23 |
Total Expenses |
641.50 |
619.70 |
645.55 |
619.70 |
Share of profit from Joint Venture |
- |
- |
0.18 |
0.10 |
Profit Before Tax |
63.64 |
71.11 |
52.77 |
71.03 |
Current Tax |
12.25 |
12.76 |
12.24 |
12.76 |
Deferred Tax Liability |
733 |
8.30 |
4.88 |
8.30 |
Profit After Tax |
44.06 |
50.05 |
35.65 |
49.97 |
Other Comprehensive Income |
(0.55) |
0.28 |
(0.60) |
0.28 |
Total Comprehensive Income for the year |
43.51 |
50.33 |
35.05 |
50.25 |
2. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANYRs S WORKING DURING THE YEAR/STATE
OF COMPANYRs S AFFAIR
The Company reported a standalone revenue of Rs 696.36 crore and
consolidated revenue of Rs 690.67 crore in F.Y. 2023-24 as compared to Standalone revenue
of Rs 686.18 crore and consolidated revenue of Rs 686.18 crore in the previous year
thereby registered a growth of 1.48% on standalone and 0.65% consolidated basis over the
previous year. The standalone and consolidated Profit before Tax (PBT) was Rs 63.64 crore
and Rs 52.77 crore as compared to Rs 71.11 crore and Rs 71.03 crore respectively over the
previous year. The standalone and consolidated Profit after Tax (PAT) stood at Rs 44.06
crore and Rs 35.65 crore as compared to Rs 50.05 crore and Rs 49.97 crore respectively
over the previous year.
EBITDA grew by 3.55% to Rs 115.58 crore from Rs 111.6 crore.
F.Y. 2023-24 was a momentous year for Neogen Chemicals as we charted
ambitious growth plans for both existing as well as Battery Chemicals business and saw a
lot of these initiatives take concrete shape. On one hand, the Company entered into a
share purchase agreement for acquiring 100% stake in BuLi Chemicals India Private
Limited from Livent USA to strengthen our product offerings while on the other hand,
we signed a landmark agreement with MUIS, Japan to acquire manufacturing technology
license for electrolytes in India. Both these events will significantly bolster our
competitive position in the market and lay the roadmap for the future. We have markedly
expanded our R&D prowess across several high-potential chemistries
to offer deep value to our customers. Initiatives under Battery
Chemicals business progressed well, and we are on track to achieve several milestones as
per our internal forecasts.
Further during the year under review, a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the
Company "Neogen Ionics Limited" ("NIL") was incorporated on
March 29, 2023, to carry out the Battery Chemicals Business addressing the growth
opportunities in Energy Storage such as Lithium- Ion Battery material space and other
future energy storage chemistries. In pursuit of its future expansion strategy and as an
integral step in establishing a greenfield project, Neogen Ionics Limited, a wholly owned
subsidiary of Neogen Chemicals Limited, completed a land acquisition totaling
approximately 65 acres in Pakhajan, Dahej PCPIR, Gujarat in December 2023. Dedicated for
battery materials and new future business opportunities, Neogen will set up the plant on
this greenfield site to manufacture 30,000 MT of electrolytes and 3,000 MT of electrolyte
salts and additives. The electrolyte plant will be set up using Manufacturing Technology
license from MUIS (a JV between Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC) and UBE Corporation
and a group company of The Mitsubishi Chemical Group, a Japanese conglomerate) while
electrolyte salts will be based on NeogenRs s indigenous technology developed in-house
utilizing its 35 years of experience in manufacturing Lithium Salts. For Neogen Ionics,
the plant is expected to be operational in H2 of 2025. Neogen anticipates these
electrolytes to meet the increasing demand from lithium-ion cell manufacturers in India
and address the swiftly expanding international OEM demand for Electrolyte Salts and
additives.
I n Q1 F.Y. 2023-24, Neogen reported strong financial performance with
revenue of Rs 164.9 crore, reflecting an 11% YoY growth. This growth was driven by
the addition of new capacities in Organic and Inorganic Chemicals through brownfield
expansion. BuLi Chem commenced commercial production under NeogenRs s management, and
Neogen Ionics Limited made its first commercial sales of Electrolyte for trial quantities
to both domestic and international customers. EBITDA for the quarter stood at Rs 28.1
crore, up by 14% YoY, facilitated by softening raw material prices and a favorable product
mix. However, PAT was Rs 9.8 crore, lower by 12% YoY, impacted by high finance
costs and depreciation due to ongoing expansion initiatives.
Neogen achieved a revenue of Rs 161.7 crore, marking a 9% YoY
growth despite the challenging external environment in Q2 F.Y. 2023-24. The growth was
supported by recent capacity expansions, stable demand, and contributions from BuLi Chem.
EBITDA increased by 7% YoY to Rs 25.9 crore, while PAT stood at Rs 79 crore,
lower by 20% YoY due to higher finance costs and depreciation. The strategic debt
repayment from recent preference share proceeds was expected to lower finance expenses in
the near term.
Q3 F.Y. 2023-24 saw Neogen maintaining revenue performance despite
significant declines in raw material prices. The base volumes remained steady,
demonstrating the resilience of NeogenRs s business model. BuLi ChemRs s contribution was
slower due to high-cost inventories and a slowdown in pharma and agrochemicals. EBITDA
reflected the impact of increased employee costs and other related expenses due to ongoing
expansion initiatives in Neogen Ionics. The lower PAT was aligned with moderated
operational performance and included a one-time tax charge from transitioning to the New
Tax Regime.
Neogen delivered a profitable performance in Q4 F.Y. 2033-24 with
revenue maintained at Rs 691 crore for the full year despite significant decreases
in raw material prices. EBITDA stood at Rs 110 crore, maintaining operational
EBITDA with an EBITDA margin of 16% for F.Y. 2023-24. PAT for the year was Rs 36
crore, with the deployment of proceeds from the preferential allotment aiding in working
capital improvement and debt reduction.
Neogen made significant strides in expanding its capabilities and
market reach:
1. Expansion of Capacities:
o The company added new capacities in both Organic and Inorganic
Chemicals through brownfield expansion, contributing to revenue growth.
o BuLi Chem commenced commercial production under NeogenRs s
management, and Neogen Ionics Limited made its first commercial sales of Electrolyte for
trial quantities to both domestic and international customers.
2. Strategic Acquisitions and Agreements:
o Acquired 100% stake in BuLi Chem, enhancing its manufacturing
capabilities and product offerings.
o Signed the Electrolyte Manufacturing License Agreement with MUIS,
Japan, to leverage advanced technology for battery materials production.
3. Fundraising Initiatives:
o Successfully raised ~Rs 253 crore through preferential allotment to
leading institutional investors, including SBI Mutual Fund, Quant Mutual Fund, Tata India
Mutual Fund, White Oak and Others
o Utilized the proceeds to support growth initiatives in the Battery
Materials segment, improve working capital, and reduce high-cost debt.
4. Battery Materials Segment:
o Made considerable progress in establishing a greenfield Battery
Materials project, acquiring land in Dahej, admeasuring ~65 crore in Pakhajan, PCPIR,
Bharuch, Dahej, Gujarat, and finalizing plant design using MUIS technology.
o Commenced initial commercial capacities
for both Electrolytes and Lithium Electrolyte Salts, with small batch
shipments to global customers receiving positive feedback.
5. Operational Resilience:
o Despite global headwinds, Neogen maintained steady base volumes and
resilient performance through proactive engagement with customers and partners.
o Managed the impact of high finance costs and depreciation due to
ongoing expansion initiatives, strategically reducing debt to lower finance expenses in
the near term.
Strategic Developments and Future Plans
Neogen is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand in the
Lithium Battery sector, supported by the governmentRs s "Atmanirbhar Bharat"
initiative and the PLI scheme to accelerate EV adoption. The companyRs s expansion plans
for F.Y. 2024-25 and F.Y. 2025-26 include:
I ncreasing Lithium Electrolyte Salts & Additives capacity
to 2,500 MT by Q4 F.Y. 2024-25.
Undertaking a greenfield expansion at Pakhajan, Dahej PCPIR, to
establish dedicated battery materials facilities, including an additional 30,000 MT of
Electrolyte capacity using MUIS technology and an additional 3,000 MT of Lithium
Electrolyte Salts & Additives by H2 F.Y. 2025-26.
3. CHANGE IN THE NATURE OF BUSINESS:
There was no change in the nature of business or the business line of
the Company.
4. DIVIDEND:
For the F.Y. 2023-24, based on the performance of the company, the
board of the Company is pleased to recommend a final dividend of Rs 2 per equity
share. If the dividend as recommended by the Board is approved at the 35th
Annual General Meeting the total outflow towards Dividend on equity share would be Rs 5.28
crore.
The Board had recommended a final Dividend of Rs 3 per equity
share for the F.Y. 2022-23, which was approved by the shareholders at its 34th
Annual General Meeting held on September 5, 2023 amounting to Rs 748 crore.
The Dividend Distribution Policy ("Policy") of the Company
formulated in accordance with the terms of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure
Requirements) Regulations, 2015 ("Listing Regulations"), which endeavors for
fairness, consistency and sustainability while distributing profits to the shareholders is
made available at the website of the Company at https://
neogenchem.com/wp-content/uploads/P-Dividend- Distribution-Policv.pdf
5. RESERVES
During the year under review, the company has not transferred any
amount to General Reserve. For complete details on movement in Reserves and Surplus during
the financial year ended March 31,2024, please refer to the Rs Statement of Changes in
EquityRs included in the standalone and consolidated financial statements of this Annual
Report.
6. SHARE CAPITAL
Authorised Share Capital:
The Board of Directors at its meeting held on August 5, 2023, inter
alia approved the Alteration of Authorized Share Capital as under:
Existing Authorized Share Capital:
Particulars |
Authorized Capital as on
March 31,2023 |
Authorized Capital as on
March 31,2024 |
|
No. of Shares |
Capital in Rs |
No. of Shares |
Capital in Rs |
Equity Shares of Rs 10/- each |
2,50,00,000 |
25,00,00,000 |
4,00,00,000* |
40,00,00,000* |
10% Cumulative Optionally Convertible Preference Shares of Rs
100/- each |
5,00,000 |
5,00,00,000 |
- |
- |
9.8% Fully Redeemable Cumulative Preference Shares of Rs
100/- each |
20,00,000 |
20,00,00,000 |
- |
- |
Preference shares of Rs 100/- each |
- |
- |
10,00,000* |
10,00,00,000* |
Total |
|
50,00,00,000 |
|
50,00,00,000* |
The above alteration was approved by the shareholders of the Company in
its Annual General Meeting held on September 5, 2023. The paid-up share capital of the
Company is as given hereunder:
Particulars |
Opening Balance as on April 1,2023 |
Closing Balance as on March 31,2024 |
Equity shares: |
|
|
- Number of shares |
2,49,39,316 |
2,63,81,674* |
- Amount |
24,93,93,160 |
26,38,16,740 |
The Board of Directors at its meeting held on October 5, 2023, inter
alia approved the issue and offer of 14,42,358 equity shares on preferential basis for
cash consideration. Subsequently, the shareholders of the Company at its Extra Ordinary
General meeting held on October 28, 2023, has approved issue, offer and allotment of
14,42,358 shares of face value ofRs 10 each on a preferential basis at an issue price ofRs
1754.07 per Equity Share (including a premium ofRs 1744.07 per Equity Share) aggregating
up to Rs 2,52,99,96,897 (Rupees Two Hundred and Fifty-Two Crore Ninety-Nine Lakh
Ninety-Six Thousand Eight Hundred Ninety-Seven only) to the identified investors. The
allotment of the said equity shares of the Company on a preferential basis was done on
November 1, 2023. The Equity Shares were listed on BSE Limited and National Stock Exchange
of India Limited.
Utilization of Proceeds raised through Issue of Equity Shares on
Preferential basis.
The proceeds raised through the issue and allotment of shares on
November 1,2023 were utilized towards the objects it was raised for and there was no
deviation or variation in the utilisation of funds raised through issue of Equity Shares
on preferential basis. The proceeds of ~ Rs 253 crore raised through issue and allotment
of equity shares on preferential basis, was utilised as on December 31, 2023 and the
statement in this respect was placed before the Audit Committee of the Company for review
and after such review the same was submitted to the Stock Exchange and the same is also
available at the website of the Company at https://neogenchem.
com/wp-content/uploads/REG32.pdf.
Buy Back of Securities/ Sweat Equity/ Bonus Shares/ Issue of Shares
with Differential Rights
During the year under review the Company has not bought back any of its
securities, nor has it issued any Sweat Equity or Bonus Shares or Equity Shares with
Differential Rights.
Provision of Money by Company for Purchase of its Own Shares by
Employees or by Trustees for the Benefit of Employees:
During the period under review, there we no instances for the company
to comply with the provisions of Section 67 of the Companies Act, 2013.
7 BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL:
The directors of the Cnmnanv as on March 31 2024 are-
Particular |
Designation |
1. Haridas Kanani |
Chairman and Managing Director |
2. Dr. Harin Kanani |
Managing Director |
3. Shyamsunder Upadhyay |
Whole Time Director |
4. Anurag Surana |
Non-Executive and Non-Independent Director |
5. Sanjay Mehta |
Independent Director |
6. Hitesh Reshamwala |
Independent Director |
7. Prof. Ranjan Kumar Malik |
Independent Director |
8. Avi Sabavala |
Independent Woman Director |
Retirement by rotation:
As per the provisions of Section 152 of the Companies Act, 2013, not
less than two-third of the total number of Directors, other than Independent Directors
shall be liable to retire by rotation. One-third of these Directors are required to retire
every year and if eligible, these Directors qualify for reappointment. Accordingly, at the
35th AGM, Dr. Harin Kanani (DIN: 05136947), Managing Director, shall retire by
rotation and being eligible, offers himself for re-appointment.
A detailed profile of Dr. Harin Kanani (DIN: 05136947), Managing
Director, along with additional information required under Regulation 36(3) of Listing
Regulations and Secretarial Standard on General Meetings is provided separately by way of
Annexure to the Notice of the 35th AGM.
Re- appointment of Director and KMP:
During the year under review, Haridas Kanani (DIN- 00185487), Chairman
and Managing Director of the Company was re-appointed as a Chairman and Managing Director
of the Company, not liable to retire by rotation, for a further term of 5 years starting
from August 11,2023 till August 10, 2028, subject to approval of the shareholders of the
Company and as per the provisions of Section 203 of the Companies Act, 2013 ("the
Act"), read with other relevant provisions and rules made thereunder and Regulation
30 of the Listing Regulations.
The appointment of Haridas Kanani as a Chairman and Managing Director
of the Company for a further term of Five (5) consecutive years, was subsequently approved
by the shareholders of the Company at its 34th Annual General Meeting held on
September 5, 2023 by way of passing a special resolution considering his age of 77 years.
Re- appointment of Independent Directors:
During the year under review, Prof. Ranjan Kumar Malik and Avi Sabavala
were re-appointed as an Independent Director of the Company for the second term of Five
(5) consecutive years starting from October 6, 2023 to October 5, 2028, not liable to
retire by rotation, subject to the approval of the shareholders of the Company and the
same was approved by the shareholders of the Company at its 34th Annual General
Meeting held on September 5, 2023 by way of passing a special resolution pursuant to the
requirement of Regulation 25(2A) of the SEBI (Listing obligation and disclosure
requirement) Regulations, 2015 and regulation 17(1A) considering that Prof. Ranjan Malik
was about to attain an age of 75 years. A detailed performance evaluation of Independent
Directors was carried out by the Board before recommending their reappointment to the
shareholders.
Appointment of Directors and KMP:
Based on recommendation being received from the nomination and
remuneration committee of the Company and after taking into account the performance
evaluation of Shyamsunder Upadhyay (DIN: 07274873), as a Whole Time Director of the
Company during his term of 3 years, starting from August 7 2021 till August 6, 2024 and
considering the knowledge, acumen, expertise, experience and the substantial contribution
he brings to the Board, the Board has at its meeting held on August 7 2024, approved the
re- appointment of Shyamsunder Upadhyay (DIN: 07274873) as a Whole Time Director of the
Company for a further term commencing from August 7, 2024 till September 30, 2025, liable
to retire by rotation, subject to the approval of the shareholders at the 35th
AGM of the Company and on such terms and conditions including remuneration as set out in
the employment agreement, the abstract of which is given in explanatory statement annexed
to the Notice of the 35th AGM. This proposal forms part of the agenda of the
Notice of 35th AGM of the Company.
Pursuant to provisions of Section 149(10) of the Companies Act, 2013
and based on recommendation being received from the nomination and remuneration committee
of the Company, the Board of Directors in its meeting held on August 7 2024, appointed
Ullal Ravindra Bhat (DIN: 00008425) and Rajesh Shah (DIN: 10729851) as Additional
Directors in the category of Non- Executive, Independent Directors of the Company, not
liable to retire by rotation for a consecutive term of Five (5) years starting from August
7, 2024, subject to approval of the Members at this 35th AGM of the Company and
on such terms and conditions as set out in the letter of appointment issued to them. They
shall hold office as Additional Directors upto the date of this AGM and are eligible for
appointment as an Independent Director. This proposal forms part of the agenda of the
Notice of 35th AGM of the Company and a brief detail regarding their
appointment is given therein.
The Board is of the opinion that Ullal Ravindra Bhat (DIN: 00008425)
and Rajesh Shah (DIN: 10729851) are a person of integrity, have relevant knowledge,
expertise, and experience to serve the Company as Independent Directors and shall bring
substantial contribution to the Board.
The Independent Directors of the Company have separately submitted a
declaration of independence, as required, pursuant to the provisions of Section 149(7) of
the Act, stating that they meet the criteria of independence, as provided in Section
149(6) of the Act and Regulation 16(1)(b) of the Listing Regulation and are not
disqualified from continuing as Independent Directors of your Company.
At the forthcoming AGM, approval of the Members will be sought for
appointment of aforesaid Directors. A detailed profile(s) of said Directors seeking
appointment at the forthcoming AGM as required under Secretarial Standard on General
Meetings and Regulation 36 of the Listing Regulations is provided separately by way of an
Annexure to the Notice of the AGM.
Declaration by Directors:
All independent directors have separately submitted a declaration that
each of them meets the criteria of independence as laid down under section 149(6) of the
Companies Act, 2013. Further there has been no change in the circumstances which may
affect their status as Independent Director during the year.
The Independent Directors of the Company have separately submitted a
declaration of independence,
as required, pursuant to the provisions of Section 149(7) of the Act,
stating that they meet the criteria of independence, as provided in Section 149(6) of the
Act and Regulation 16(1)(b) of the Listing Regulation and are not disqualified from
continuing as Independent Directors of your Company. Further, all the Independent
Directors of your Company have confirmed their registration / renewal of registration, on
Independent DirectorsRs Databank. Further there has been no change in the circumstances
which may affect their status as Independent Director during the year.
Your Company has in place a Code of Conduct for the Board of Directors,
Key Managerial Personnel and Senior management personnel, which reflects the legal and
ethical values to which your Company is strongly committed. Also, pursuant to the
requirements of Regulation 26(3) of the Listing Regulations, all members of the Board of
Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and Senior Management Personnel have affirmed
compliance with the code of conduct for Board of Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and
senior management Personnel for the financial year ended March 31, 2024. The said code is
available on the website of the Company at https://neogenchem.com/
wp-content/uploads/E-code-of-Ethics-Directors-KMP. pdf.
Annual Evaluation by the Board:
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee has defined the evaluation
criteria for the Board, its Committees and Directors. The functioning of the Board was
evaluated by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee on various aspects, including,
degree of fulfilment of key responsibilities, Board Structure, composition, establishment
and delegation of responsibilities to various committees, effectiveness of Board
processes, Board and Management Relations, Board Strategy and Risk Management, Stakeholder
value and responsibility, information and functioning.
The Board of Directors formally assess their own performance based on
parameters which, inter-alia, include performance of the Board on deciding long term
strategies, rating the composition and mix of Board members, discharging of governance and
fiduciary duties, handling critical and dissenting suggestions, etc. The parameters for
performance evaluation of the Directors include contributions made at the Board meeting,
attendance, instances of sharing best and next practices, domain knowledge, vision,
strategy, engagement with senior management etc.
The performance evaluation of the Independent Directors was carried out
by the entire Board, excluding Directors being evaluated. Independent Directors were
evaluated based on parameters, such as qualifications, experience, knowledge and
competence.
The performance evaluation of Chairman, Executive and Non-Executive
Directors were carried out by the Independent Directors who also reviewed the performance
of the Board as a whole in their meeting held on March 30, 2024.
Familiarization Programmes for Independent Directors:
Pursuant to provisions of Regulation 25 of the Listing Regulations, the
Company has formulated a programmes for familiarizing the Independent Directors, with
regard to their roles, rights, responsibilities under the act and regulations, nature of
the industry in which company operates, current business model of the Company, etc.,
through various initiatives.
The details of aforementioned programmes are available on the CompanyRs
s website at https://neogenchem. com/wp-content/uploads/Familiarisation-Programme-
FY-23-24.pdf.
8. PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES:
The information required under Section 197 (12) of the Act, read with
Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules,
2014 is attached as Annexure 1 to this report. The Statement containing particulars
of employees as required under Section 197 of the Act, read with Rule 5(2) of the
Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, will be
provided upon request. In terms of Section 136 of the Act, the Annual Report and accounts
are being sent to the members and others entitled thereto, excluding the information on
employeeRs s particulars which will be available for inspection on request being sent by
the member during business hours on all working days excluding Sunday and national
holidays up to the date of 35th AGM. Any member interested in obtaining a copy
thereof, may write to the Company Secretary at investor@neogenchem.com .
9. COMMITTEES & MEETINGS:
The Company has duly constituted the following mandatory Committees in
terms of the provisions of the Act, read with relevant rules framed thereunder &
Listing Regulations:
a) Audit Committee
b) Stakeholders Relationship Committee
c) Nomination and Remuneration Committee
d) Corporate Social Responsibility Committee
e) Risk Management Committee
The composition of all such Committees, brief terms of reference,
number of meetings held during the year under review, and other details have been provided
in the Corporate Governance Report which forms part of this Annual Report. All the
recommendations made by the Committees were accepted by the Board.
Board Meetings:
The Board of Directors met 7 (Seven) times, that is, on April 10, 2023,
May 13, 2023, August 5, 2023, October 5, 2023, November 8, 2023, February 9, 2024, and
March 16, 2024, during the financial year under review. The maximum interval between any
two meetings did not exceed 120 days, as prescribed by the Act.
Audit Committee Meetings:
The Audit Committee met 5 (Five) times during the year, that is, on May
13, 2023, August 4, 2023, October 5, 2023, November 8, 2023, and February 9, 2024.
Stakeholders Relationship Committee Meetings:
The StakeholdersRs Relationship Committee met once during the year on
May 13, 2023.
Nomination and Remuneration Committee Meetings:
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee met thrice during the year,
that is, on May 13, 2023, August 4, 2023, and October 5, 2023.
CSR Committee Meeting:
The CSR committee met 4 (four) times during the year on May 13, 2023,
August 5, 2023, November 8, 2023, and February 9, 2024.
Risk Management Committee:
The Board of Directors ("Directors") of your Company have
constituted a Risk Management Committee in accordance with the recent amendments in
Regulation 21 of the Listing Regulations. The details pursuant to the requirement of
Regulation 21 and Schedule V (C) Para 5A of the Listing Regulations pertaining to role,
terms of reference and constitution of the Risk Management Committee of the Company have
been provided in the
Corporate Governance Report which forms part of this Annual Report.
The Risk Management committee met twice during the year on May 13, 2023
and November 8, 2023.
The Committee details and the Risk Assessment and Management Plan are
made available on the website of your Company at https://neogenchem.com/
corporate-governance/ and https://neogenchem.com/
wp-content/uploads/I-Risk-Assessment-and-Mgt-Plan.pdf respectively.
Independent Directors meeting:
I ndependent Directors met once during the year under review on March
30, 2024.
10. DETAILS OF SUBSIDIARY/JOINT VENTURES/ASSOCIATE COMPANIES:
The Company does not have any associate company or a holding company.
NEOGEN IONICS LIMITED:
Further during the year under review, the company has promoted and
incorporated a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Company on March 29, 2023, named "Neogen
Ionics Limited" ("NIL"), to to carry out the Battery Chemicals Business
addressing the growth opportunities in Energy Storage such as Lithium- Ion Battery
material space and other future energy storage chemistries. The main object of NIL is to
manufacture Lithium-Ion battery materials with an initial plan of manufacturing
electrolytes and Lithium salts needed for electrolytes.
During the period from March 29, 2023 till March 31, 2024 ("the
said period"), NIL achieved a revenue from operations of Rs 0.55 crore, the
Loss before Tax of Rs -701 crore, Loss after Tax of Rs -5.81 crore during
the said period.
Since incorporation of NIL, the Company has subscribed to 50,00,000
Equity Shares of NIL and accordingly as on March 31, 2024 the Company holds 50,00,000
Equity Shares (100% stake) of a face value of Rs 10 each in NIL.
During the period, NIL was not the material subsidiary of the Company.
ACQUISITION OF BULI CHEMICALS INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED:
During the Financial Year under review, the Company has done strategic
acquisition of Buli Chemicals India Private Limited ("Buli Chem") from
Livent Corporation w.e.f. May 3, 2023, a high-quality and high-potential company in the
Speciality Chemicals space. BuLi Chem owns technology to manufacture N Butyl Lithium and
other organolithium products using Lithium metal, which are key reagents for Lithiation
reaction used in manufacturing of several complex pharmaceutical and agrochemical
intermediates. BuLi Chem manufactures and supplies N Butyl Lithium to several leading
pharma and agrochemical companies in India and world, and is one of the very few
commercial facilities outside of China for this chemistry. Organo Lithium compounds are
critical in manufacturing of several critical Pharmaceuticals.
The technology to use highly reactive Lithium metal and to manufacture
N Butyl Lithium and other Organo Lithium derivatives in house along with NeogenRs s
ability to recycle Lithium, will give significant competitive advantage for NeogenRs s
existing and under development Pharma Advanced intermediates and CSM projects, further
enhancing NeogenRs s ability to provide value- added innovative solutions to our global
customers. This acquisition has brought in mass synergies such as expanded product
portfolio, stronger presence in new markets, cross-selling opportunities, access to
technologies, capacity and talent.
The details about Buli Chem may be accessed at https://neogenchem.com/wp-content/uploads/REG30.
pdf . During the period under review, BULI Chem was not the material subsidiary of the
Company.
Buli Chem achieved a revenue of Rs 41.31 crore in the current
Financial Year as compared to Rs 82.03 Crore as of March 31, 2023. Loss before Tax
was Rs -4.22 Crore in the current year as compared to Rs -12.95 Crore in the
previous financial year. The Loss after Tax stood at Rs -2.97 Crore as compared to Rs
-16.29 Crore in the previous financial year.
Further the Board has in its meeting held on February 9, 2024 approved
the incorporation of Wholly Owned Subsidiary in Japan which was incorporated on July 30,
2024 with the name "Neogen Chemicals Japan Corporation Limited" ("Neogen
Chemicals Japan") under the prevailing provisions of the applicable Law of Japan
with an object of establishing business alliances and other business relationships with
domestic chemical related companies and all other business related to the same. The
outcome of the Board meeting may be accessed at https://neogenchem.
com/wp-content/uploads/Outcome09022024.pdf and
https://neoaenchem.com/wp-content/uploads/ Intimation-8-5-2024.pdf.
The Company has entered into a Joint Venture with Dhara Fine Chem
Industries. Neogen holds 90% of the capital contribution in a partnership firm. Dhara Fine
Chem Industries is engaged in the business of manufacturing, sale and trading of Organic
and Inorganic chemicals and other related activities.
Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company have been prepared in
accordance with relevant Accounting Standards issued by the Institute of Chartered
Accountants of India and section 129 (3) of the Act forming part of this report. In
accordance with Section 136 of the Act, the Audited Financial Statements, including
Consolidated Financial Statements and related information are available on the CompanyRs s
website at https://neogenchem.com/annual-reports-2/.
Pursuant to the first proviso to Section 129(3) of the Act and Rule 5
and Rule 8(1) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, the salient features of financial
statements, performance and financial position of the Wholly owned subsidiaries and Joint
Venture is given in Form AOC-1 as set out in Annexure 2 to this Report.
In accordance with Section 136(1) of the Act, this Annual Report of the
Company, containing the standalone and the consolidated financial statements and all other
documents required to be attached thereto has been placed on the website of the Company
https:// neogenchem.com/annual-reports-2/.
11. AUDITORS:
Statutory Auditors
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 139 (2) of the Act and the Rules
made thereunder, the Company shall not appoint an audit firm as auditor for more than two
terms of five consecutive years. In line with the requirements of the Act, M/s. JMT &
Associates, Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration No. 104167W), were re-appointed as
the statutory auditors of the Company to hold office for a second term of five consecutive
years from the conclusion of the 30th AGM of the Company held on September 20,
2019, till the conclusion of the 35th AGM to be held in year 2024. They have
completed their two terms of consecutive 5 years as the Statutory Auditors of the Company.
The second consecutive term of 5 years of the Statutory Auditors M/s. JMT &
Associates, Chartered Accountants expires at the conclusion of ensuing 35th
AGM. The Board of Directors placed on record their appreciation for the services rendered
by M/s JMT & Associates, Chartered Accountants.
The provisions regarding rotation of auditors, as prescribed under the
Act, are applicable to the Company. Hence, on recommendation of the Audit Committee, the
Board of Directors have approved and recommended to the shareholders the appointment of
M/s. Chandabhoy & Jassoobhoy, Chartered Accountants, Firm Registration No. 101647W, as
the Statutory Auditors of the Company in place of M/s. JMT & Associates, Chartered
Accountants, Firm Registration No. 104167W, retiring Auditors, subject to approval of
Members at the 35th AGM, and to hold office for a period of 5 consecutive years
commencing from the forthcoming 35th AGM till the conclusion of 40th
AGM to be held in the year 2029.
Accordingly, an item for appointment of M/s. Chandabhoy &
Jassoobhoy, Chartered Accountants, as the Statutory Auditors of the Company is being
placed at the ensuing 35th AGM for approval of the Members. Information about
the proposed appointment of statutory auditor is given in the Notice of AGM, which forms
part of this Annual Report. The Board recommends their appointment to the Members.
M/s. Chandabhoy & Jassoobhoy, Chartered Accountants, Firm
Registration No. 101647W, have confirmed their eligibility under Section 139 and 141 of
the Act and the rules framed there under for appointment as Statutory Auditors of the
Company and they are not disqualified to be appointed as a Statutory Auditors in terms of
provisions of Section 139 and 141 of the Act and the Companies (Audit and Auditors) Rules,
2015. As required under Regulation 33 of the Listing Regulations, the Auditors have also
confirmed that they hold a valid certificate issued by the Peer Review Board of the
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
Statutory Auditors report
The Statutory Auditors Report on the Financial Statements of the
Company is part of this Annual Report and it does not contain any modified opinion,
qualifications, reservations or adverse remarks for the year under review and the
observations and comments given in the report of the Statutory Auditors read together with
Notes to Accounts are self-explanatory and hence do not call for any further explanation
or comments under Section 134 (f) (i) of the Act.
No frauds have been reported by the Statutory Auditors during the
Financial Year under review pursuant to the provisions of Section 143(12) of the Act,
therefore no detail is required to be disclosed under Section 134 (3) (ca) of the Act.
Secretarial Auditors:
DVD and Associates, Practising Company Secretaries (FCS No. 6099 CP No.
6515), were appointed as the Secretarial Auditor of the Company to conduct audit for F.Y.
2023-24. The Secretarial Audit Report for the financial year ended March 31, 2024 from DVD
& Associates contains few observations but does not have any adverse qualification,
reservation or remark and the same is annexed herewith as Annexure - 3 to this
Report.
During the year under review, the Secretarial Auditor has not reported
any matter under Section 143(12) of the Act, and therefore no details are required to be
disclosed under Section 134(3)(ca) of the Act.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Act and Companies
(Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rule, 2014, as amended from time to
time and Regulation 24A of Listing Regulations, the Company has appointed DVD and
Associates, Practicing Company Secretaries, as Secretarial Auditors of the Company to
undertake the Secretarial Audit for the F.Y. 2024-25. The Company has received their
written consent and confirmation that the appointment will be in accordance with the
applicable provisions of the Act and rules framed thereunder.
Cost Auditors:
The Company is required to maintain cost records as per Section 148(1)
of the Act and the rules framed thereunder, and accordingly, the Company has made and
maintained such cost accounts and records.
Kishore Bhatia & Associates, Cost Accountants, (Firm Registration
No. 00294), were appointed as Cost Auditor of the Company for the F.Y. 23-24 as per the
provisions of the Act. The Cost AuditorsRs Report for the financial year ended March 31,
2024, does not contain any qualification, reservation, or adverse remark.
In terms of Section 148 of the Act read with the rules framed
thereunder, the Board of the Company on recommendation being received from the Audit
committee, has appointed Kishore Bhatia & Associates, Cost Accountants, (Firm
Registration No. 00294) as Cost Auditor of the Company, to conduct audit of the Cost
records of the Company for the financial year ending on March 31, 2025 at a remuneration
of Rs 3,60,000 (plus GST and out of pocket expense) subject to ratification of
remuneration by the shareholders at the 35th AGM by passing a resolution as set
out in Item No. 8 of the Notice of 35th AGM.
Kishore Bhatia & Associates have confirmed that they are free from
disqualification specified under Section 141(3) and proviso to Section 148(3) read with
Section 141(4) of the Act and that the appointment meets the requirements of Section
141(3) (g) of the Act. They have further confirmed their independent status and an armRs s
length relationship with the Company.
Reporting of Frauds:
During the year under review, the Statutory Auditors, Cost Auditors and
Secretarial Auditors have not reported any instances of frauds committed in the Company by
its officers or employees, to the Audit Committee under Section 143(12) of the Act and
therefore no details are required to be disclosed under Section 134(3) (ca) of the Act.
12. MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS REPORT:
The Management Discussion and Analysis Report is presented in a
separate section forming part of this Annual Report.
13. BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY REPORT:
The Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report as stipulated
under Regulation 34(2)(f) of Listing Regulations is presented in a separate section
forming part of the Annual Report.
14. RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY:
Risks are an integral part of a business operation. Neogen has
developed and implemented a robust Risk Management Policy that monitors, identifies and
suggests risk mitigation measures. The Company has developed and implemented the Risk
Assessment and Management Policy and the same is reviewed periodically by the Board of
Directors. The Board has constituted Risk Management Committee which would be reviewing
this policy henceforth on periodic intervals. The Committee details and the Risk
Assessment and Management Plan are made available on the website of your Company at
https://neogenchem. com/corporate-governance/ and https://neogenchem.
com/wp-content/uploads/I-Risk-Assessment-and-Mgt- Plan.pdf respectively. The salient
features of the Risk Assessment and Management Plan ("the policy") are:
Lay down a framework for identification, measurement,
evaluation, mitigation & reporting of various risks.
Risk management allows Neogen to minimize losses and capitalize
on opportunities.
Understanding risk and NeogenRs s appetite for risk will be key
considerations in NeogenRs s decision making.
Evolve the culture, processes and structures that are directed
towards the effective management of potential opportunities and adverse effects, which the
business and operations of the Company are exposed to.
15. VIGIL MECHANISM/WHISTLE - BLOWER POLICY:
The Company has adopted a Rs Whistle-Blower PolicyRs for its Directors
and Employees to report genuine concerns and to provide adequate safeguards against
victimization of persons who may use such mechanism. The Mechanism is designed for
enabling all the stakeholders to communicate their concerns about illegal or unethical
practices, fraud or violation of CompanyRs s Code of Conduct, if any, freely. No personnel
of the Company have been denied access to the Chairperson of the Audit Committee. During
the year under review, no complaints were received under the Whistle Blower Policy.
The functioning process of this mechanism has been elaborated in the
Corporate Governance Report forming a part of this Annual Report. The said policy can be
accessed on the companyRs s website at https://
neogenchem.com/wp-content/uploads/L-Whistle- blower.pdf.
16. POLICY ON DIRECTORSRs APPOINTMENT AND REMUNERATION:
The Company has adopted a Nomination and Remuneration policy, the
policy for appointment and remuneration of Directors, key managerial personnel and senior
management officials including the criteria for determining qualifications, positive
attributes, independence of a director and other matters as per the requirements of
section 178 (3) of the Act read with relevant rules made thereunder and Listing
Regulations and to develop and recommend the Board a set of Corporate Governance
Guidelines. The Policy is available on the CompanyRs s website at https://
neogenchem.com/wp-content/uploads/A-Nomination- and-Remuneration-Policy.pdf . The Company
affirms that the remuneration paid to the directors is as per the terms laid out in the
Nomination and Remuneration Policy of the Company.
The current policy is to have an appropriate mix of executive,
non-executive and independent directors to maintain the independence of the Board and
separate its functions of governance and management.
As on March 31, 2024, the Board had eight members, three of whom are
executive directors, one is a non- executive and non-independent member and four are
independent directors including one independent woman director.
17. EXTRACT OF ANNUAL RETURN:
Pursuant to the requirement of section 92(3) of the Act and rule 12(1)
of the Companies (Management and Administration) Rules, 2014, a copy of annual return can
be accessed on our website at https://neogenchem. com/financial-performance/#all tabl1.
18. 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:
No material changes and commitments have occurred between the end of
the financial year of the Company to which the financial statements relate and the date of
the report which may affect the financial position of the Company or its status as a
"Going Concern"Rs
19. SIGNIFICANT EVENTS THAT OCCURRED BETWEEN THE END OF THE FINANCIAL
YEAR OF THE COMPANY TO WHICH THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS RELATE AND THE DATE OF THE REPORT.
Your company vide its Board Resolution passed on April 30, 2024, has
approved draft Scheme of Amalgamation of Buli Chemicals India Private Limited- Wholly
Owned Subsidiary ("Transferor Company") with Neogen Chemicals Limited- the
Holding Company ("Transferee Company") and their respective shareholders
("Scheme") pursuant to Sections 230 to 232 and other applicable provisions of
the Companies Act, 2013 (Rs Act") and rules framed thereunder.
In the opinion of the Board, the proposed amalgamation of Transferor
Company with the Transferee Company engaged in same line of business would result into
synergies, Improved cash flows and more efficient utilization of capital, human resources
and infrastructure to create a stronger base for future growth, enhance future business
potential, and achieve greater efficiencies, productivity gains and advantages by pooling
of resources of the group companies, simplification of the existing corporate structure,
reduced administrative costs and other overheads including administrative, managerial
costs, while reducing multiple legal and regulatory compliances thereby significantly
contributing to future growth and maximizing shareholderRs s value and will provide an
opportunity to leverage combined assets, capabilities, experience, expertise,
infrastructure of
both companies enabling optimum utilization of existing resources and
economies of scale.
Further, the Company shall file the Scheme of Amalgamation with HonRs
ble NCLT in the year 2024.
Further details pertaining to the said Scheme is available at
https://neogenchem.com/wp-content/uploads/
Submission-of-Scheme-of-Amalgamation-pursuant-to- regulation-30.pdf.
Also, the Board has granted in-principle approval for:
> Investing in Neogen Ionics Limited ("NIL")- its wholly
owned subsidiary by subscribing to the 49,00,000 Equity shares of a face value of Rs 10
each;
> Subscribing upto 50,00,00,000 Compulsorily Convertible Debentures
of a face value of Rs 10 each with a coupon rate of 0.01% per annum to be issued, offered
and allotted on a rights basis by NIL;
> Pledge of Equity shares of NIL held by Neogen Chemicals Limited
against the credit facilities to be availed by NIL.
> Appointment of Shyamsunder Upadhyay (DIN: 07274873) as a Whole
Time Director for a further term commencing from August 7 2024 to September 30, 2025 (both
days inclusive), liable to retire by rotation
> Appointment of Ullal Ravindra Bhat (DIN: 00008425) and Rajeshkumar
Babulal Shah (DIN: 10729851) as Additional Directors (Independent Directors) for a first
term of five (5) consecutive years commencing from August 7, 2024 to August 6, 2029 (both
days inclusive), not liable to retire by rotation
> Appointment of M/s. Chandabhoy and Jassoobhoy, Chartered
Accountants, (FRN: 101647W) as the Statutory Auditors of the Company for a term of five
(5) consecutive years from conclusion of the ensuing 35th Annual General
Meeting till the conclusion of the 40th Annual General Meeting of the Company
to be held in the year 2029.
> Formulation of "Neogen Chemicals Limited Employees Stock
Option Scheme 2024" ("NCL ESOP Scheme 2024") for grant of stock
options to eligible Directors and Employees of the Company and its Group Company(ies)
including its Subsidiary
/ Associate Company(ies) (present and future, if any), subject to
approval of the shareholders of the Company and such other approvals as may be necessary,
as per SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits and Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021.
20. DETAILS OF SIGNIFICANT AND MATERIAL ORDERS PASSED BY THE REGULATORS
OR COURTS OR TRIBUNALS IMPACTING THE GOING CONCERN STATUS AND THE COMPANYRs S OPERATIONS
IN FUTURE:
During the year under review there has been no significant and material
order passed by the regulators or courts or tribunals impacting the going concern status
and the CompanyRs s operations in future.
There is no Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process initiated under the
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
21. DETAILS IN RESPECT OF ADEQUACY OF INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROLS WITH
REFERENCE TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The internal financial controls with reference to the Financial
Statements are commensurate with the size and nature of business all of the Company. This
internal financial control system at companyRs s head office and its plants are being
checked by the Internal Auditors on a quarterly basis and is certified by the Statutory
Auditors in its report. The Internal Auditor reports directly to the Audit Committee. The
adequacy, effectiveness and implementation of the internal financial control system is
also monitored by the Audit Committee on a quarterly basis and the recommendations, if any
by the committee is placed before the Board of Directors of the Company for their review
and comments and the recommendation from the Board are duly implemented in a timely
manner. The system helps in improving operational and financial efficiency of the Company,
safeguarding of assets and prevention and detection of frauds, if any, accuracy and
completeness of the accounting records and timely preparation of reliable financial
disclosures and ensuring compliance with the policies of the Company.
22. DEPOSITS
The Company has not accepted any deposit as per the provisions of
Section 73/76 of the Act read with the Companies (Acceptance of Deposit Rules), 2014.
23. PARTICULARS OF LOANS, GUARANTEES OR INVESTMENTS UNDER SECTION 186
The Company has made an investment in Neogen Ionics Limited ("NIL")-
its Wholly owned subsidiary and
as on March 31, 2024 the company holds 50,00,000 Equity shares
of a face value of Rs 10 each in NIL and has acquired Buli Chemicals India Private
Limited w.e.f. May 3, 2023 by purchasing 4,69,26,000 (100% stake) Equity Shares of a face
value of Rs 10 each. The Company has also granted Inter corporate Deposits of Rs 119.10
crore to Neogen Ionics Limited and of Rs 25 crore to Buli Chemicals India Private
Limited, during the period under review. Further the Board has granted an in-principle
approval for granting of Corporate Guarantee on behalf of Buli Chemicals India Private
Limited, Wholly Owned Subsidiary (WOS) upto Rs 50 crore, the details of which is
available at https://neogenchem.com/wp-content/ uploads/Outcome09022024.pdf.
The Company holds investment in its Joint Venture Firm Dhara Fine Chem
Industries (Partnership firm in which the Company holds 90% share) and 100% stake in
Neogen Ionics Limited and Buli Chemicals India Private Limited, the wholly owned
subsidiaries of the Company as on March 31, 2024. The said investments made in Joint
Venture and the Wholly owned subsidiaries and the ICDs granted to the Wholly Owned
Subsidiaries, being exempted in terms of first provisions to section 186 (3) of the Act,
the provisions of section 186 to that extent are not applicable to the said transactions.
Particulars of loans/ ICDs given and investment made by the Company are provided in the
Financial Statements which may be read in conjunction with this report.
24. PARTICULARS OF LOANS GIVEN BY THE DIRECTORS AND/OR THEIR RELATIVES
TO THE COMPANY:
During the year the Company has not received any Loan from Directors
and/or their relatives.
25. THE DETAILS OF DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AMOUNT OF THE VALUATION DONE AT
THE TIME OF ONE TIME SETTLEMENT AND THE VALUATION DONE WHILE TAKING LOAN FROM THE BANKS OR
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS ALONG WITH THE REASONS THEREOF.
During the year, there has been no one-time settlement of Loan and
therefore this point is not applicable.
26. PARTICULARS OF CONTRACTS OR ARRANGEMENTS WITH RELATED PARTIES:
The Board of Directors has adopted a policy on related party
transactions. As per the Policy on related party transactions, all transactions with
related parties were reviewed and approved by the Audit Committee. Omnibus approval was
obtained for related party transactions which are of repetitive nature and entered
in the ordinary course of business and on an armRs s length basis. A
statement giving details of all related party transactions entered pursuant to omnibus
approval so granted is placed before the Audit Committee on a quarterly basis for its
review. The said policy is available on the CompanyRs s website https://neogenchem.com/
wp-content/uploads/Policv-on-Materialitv-of-Related-
Party-Transactions-and-Dealing-with-Related-Party- Transactions-1.pdf.
The objective of the policy is to ensure proper approval, disclosure
and reporting of transactions that are or may be executed by and between the Company and
any of its related parties. The related party transactions are as mentioned in notes to
accounts which set out the related party transactions disclosures pursuant to IND AS-24.
All the transactions/contracts/arrangements, falling within the purview of provisions of
section 188 of the Act, entered by the Company with related parties during the year under
review are in ordinary course of business and an armRs s length has been maintained in the
transaction. The Company has entered into material contract/ arrangement with its wholly
owned subsidiaries during the year under review as mentioned in note 41 to the Financial
Statement and the same are exempted under the provisions of the section 188 of the
Companies Act 2013 and Regulation 23 (5) of Listing Regulations.
The Company has not entered into Material Related Party Transactions as
per the provisions of the Companies Act 2013, with any other related party and a
confirmation to this effect as required under section 134(3)(h) of the Companies Act, 2013
is given in Form AOC-2 as Annexure 4, which forms part of this Annual Report.
27 OBLIGATION OF THE COMPANY UNDER THE SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT
WORKPLACE (PREVENTION, PROHIBITION AND REDRESSAL) ACT, 2013
The Company has zero tolerance towards sexual harassment at the
workplace and has adopted a policy on prevention and prohibition of sexual harassment at
workplace pursuant to the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition
and Redressal) Act, 2013. The said policy is available at https://neogenchem.com/wp-content/uploads/POSHA-
Policy.pdf. The Company has also put in place a redressal mechanism for resolving
complaints received with respect to sexual harassment and discriminatory employment
practices for all genders. This process ensures complete anonymity and confidentiality of
information.
An Internal Complaints Committee has been constituted to redress the
complaints relating to sexual harassment at workplace and implementation of the said
Policy, and the Committee was re-constituted by the Board in its board meeting held on
February 9, 2024.
During the year under review, the Company has not received any such
complaint of harassment.
28. CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE
EARNINGS AND OUTGO
The disclosure of particulars with respect to Conservation of Energy,
Technology Absorption, and Foreign Exchange Earnings and Outgo as required under
Sub-section (3)(m) of Section 134 of the Act, read with Rule 8 (3) Companies (Accounts)
Rules, 2014 is enclosed herewith as Annexure 5 to this BoardRs s Report.
29. CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR)
I n accordance with the requirements of the provisions of Section 135
of the Act, the Company has constituted CSR Committee. The Company has revised the CSR
Policy pursuant to the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility) Amendment Rules, 2021.
The revised CSR policy is available on CompanyRs s website at https://
neogenchem.com/wp-content/uploads/B-CSR.pdf.
In compliance with the provisions of Section 135 of the Act, 2013, the
Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility) Rules, 2014 and various notifications/
circulars issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, the Company has contributed an
amount of Rs 1.15 crore, as statutorily required towards CSR activities, directly
and also through various organizations/trusts engaged in activities specified in Schedule
VII of the Act. Your Company has contributed towards CSR activities in the areas of
environmental sustainability, promoting and supporting education, forming computer Labs,
vermicompost projects, construction of borewell, providing water in village area,
preservation of natural resources, contribution towards surgeries, supporting small
business and providing livelihood, construction of houses for nomads, providing seed and
fertilizers to the farmers, disaster management by providing grocery kits to the flood
affected people at Bharuch, rural development and women empowerment projects. The salient
features of the CSR policy along with the Report on CSR activities are given in Annexure
- 6 to this DirectorsRs Report.
30. VOLUNTARY REVISION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OR BOARD REPORT:
Pursuant to section 131 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the rules made
thereunder during the year the company has not revised its Financial Statements or BoardRs
s Report for three preceding financial years.
31. DIRECTORSRs RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
The DirectorsRs Responsibility Statement referred to in clause (c) of
sub-section (3) of Section 134 of the Act, shall state that
a) Applicable accounting standards have been followed along with proper
explanation relating to material departures, if any, in preparation of the annual
accounts;
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 March 31, 2024 and of the profit of the Company for that period;
c) The Directors 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) The Directors have prepared the annual accounts on a going concern
basis;
e) The Directors have laid down 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 were adequate and operating
effectively.
32. TRANSFER OF AMOUNTS TO INVESTOR EDUCATION AND PROTECTION FUND
The Company did not have any funds lying unpaid or unclaimed for a
period of seven years. Therefore, there were no funds or shares which were required to be
transferred to Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) during the year under review.
Pursuant to the said IEPF Rules, the Company has uploaded the details
of unpaid and unclaimed dividend
on its website at https://neogenchem.com/unclaimed- unpaid-dividend/.
33. CREDIT RATING
CRISIL Ratings Limited and ICRA Limited carried out an annual review of
credit facilities availed by the Company. CRISIL has vide its letter dated January 5,
2024, given the rating for the Long-Term Banking Facilities as CRISIL A/ Stable and for a
Short-Term Banking Facilities as CRISIL A1. ICRA has vide its letter dated March 8, 2024,
given the rating for the Long-Term Banking Facilities as ICRA A-/ Stable and of a Short
Term Banking Facilities as ICRA A2.
34. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CERTIFICATE, SECRETARIAL AUDIT REPORT AND
SECRETARIAL COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE:
I n compliance with Regulation 34 read with Schedule V(C) of Listing
Regulations, a report on Corporate Governance and the certificate required under Schedule
V (E) of Listing Regulations from the Secretarial Auditors, forms part of the Corporate
Governance Report.
A Secretarial Audit Report and Annual Compliance Certificate for the
F.Y. 2023-24 from DVD and Associates, Practicing Company Secretary of the Company forms
part of the Directors Report of the Company as Annexure 3 and Annexure 7 respectively.
35. COMPLIANCE OF SECRETARIAL STANDARD OF ICSI
I n terms of Section 118(10) of the Act, the Company is complying with
the Secretarial Standards issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)
and approved by the Central Government with respect to Meetings of Board of Directors and
General Meetings.
36. LISTING AGREEMENT
In compliance with SEBI Circular No. CIR/CFD/ CMD/6/2015 dated October
13, 2015, the Company has executed a Uniform Listing Agreement with BSE Limited and
National Stock Exchange of India Limited, where the shares of the Company got listed on
May 8, 2019. The Company has paid Annual Listing Fees to both the Stock Exchanges for
Financial Year ending on March 31,2025.
37. PROHIBITION OF INSIDER TRADING
In compliance with SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulation
2015, the Company has adopted a Rs Code of Conduct for Prevention of Insider Trading"
("Code") in the organization. As per the Code, the Company has also
adopted Policy on inquiry in case of leak or suspected leak of UPSI and Policy for
Determination of Legitimate Purposes ("Policies").
The said Code and policies is available on the CompanyRs s website at
https://neogenchem.com/wp- content/uploads/J-Code-of-Conduct-for-Prevention-
of-Insider-Trading.pdf. The Code lays down guidelines for procedures to be followed and
disclosures to be made by insiders while trading in the securities of the Company.
The Rs Trading WindowRs remains closed from the end of every quarter
till 48 hours after the declaration of financial results and the same is closed when
Compliance Officer determines that Designated Persons can reasonably be expected to have
possession of Unpublished Price Sensitive Information. Ms. Unnati Kanani, Company
Secretary of the Company has been designated as the Compliance Officer to administer the
Code of Conduct and other requirements under SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading)
Regulations, 2015.
38. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Directors express their appreciation for the sincere co-operation
and assistance of Central and State Government authorities, bankers, customers, suppliers,
investors and business associates. The Directors also wish to place on record their deep
sense of appreciation for the committed services rendered by each and every employee of
Neogen Family. The Directors acknowledge with gratitude, the encouragement and support
extended by the CompanyRs s valued stakeholders.
For and on behalf of the Board of Directors |
|
|
Neogen Chemicals Limited |
|
Haridas Kanani |
Place: Baroda |
Chairman and Managing Director |
Date: August 7 2024 |
DIN: 00185487 |