TO THE MEMBERS
Your Directors have pleasure in presenting to you the Thirty Ninth (39th)
Annual Report of the Company and the Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 31st
March 2025.
A. COMPANY PERFORMANCE:
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(Rs in Lakhs)
Particulars |
31st March 2025 |
31st March 2024 |
Growth % |
Income from operations |
|
|
|
(a) Revenue from operations |
1,39,235.60 |
1,12,455.01 |
|
(b) Other income |
1,038.25 |
772.04 |
|
Total income from operations |
1,40,273.85 |
1,13,227.05 |
|
Gross Profit Before Depreciation, Finance cost & Tax |
13,514.67 |
12,166.82 |
11.08 |
(a) Finance costs |
1,732.38 |
1,561.42 |
|
(b) Depreciation & amortization expense |
4,157.71 |
3,153.61 |
|
Profit before tax |
7,624.58 |
7,451.79 |
2.32 |
Tax expenses |
2,218.12 |
2,063.92 |
|
Profit after Tax |
5,406.46 |
5,387.87 |
0.35 |
Other Comprehensive Income for the year |
589.68 |
2,036.59 |
|
Total Comprehensive Income for the year |
5,996.14 |
7,424.46 |
|
Earnings per Share (EPS) |
|
|
|
(a) Basic |
10.43 |
10.39 |
|
(b) Diluted |
10.43 |
10.39 |
|
INTERIM DIVIDEND
Pursuant to the approval of the Board of Directors on 28th January
2025, the Company paid an interim dividend @ of Rs 2.00/- (previous year - Rs
2.00/-) per equity share of the face value of Rs 2.00/- each to the Shareholders who were
members of the Company as on 3rd February 2025, being the record date fixed for
this purpose.
Interim Dividend absorbed a sum of Rs 1,036.90 lakhs out of the net
profits after tax for the financial year 2024-25.
FINAL DIVIDEND
Based on Company's performance, your Directors are pleased to recommend
for approval of members, a final dividend @ of Rs 4.50/- (previous year - Rs 3.50/-) per
equity share of the face value of Rs 2.00/- each for the financial year 2024-25. Dividend,
if approved, will absorb a sum of Rs 2,333.02 Lakhs out of net profit after tax and will
be paid to those Shareholders whose name appears on the Register of Members on 13th
day of June 2025.
The total dividend is Rs 6.50 (325%) [Previous Year - Rs 5.50 (275%)]
for the financial year 2024-25, including the Interim dividend @ Rs 2.00/- per Equity
Share (100%) and Proposed Final Dividend @ Rs 4.50/- per share (225%) per equity share of
the face value of Rs 2.00/- each. Total dividend payout for the financial year 2024-25
amounts to Rs 3,369.92 Lakhs (Previous Year - Rs 2,851.47 Lakhs).
According to the Finance Act, 2020, dividend income will be taxable in
the hands of the Members w.e.f. April 01, 2020 and the Company is required to deduct tax
at source from the dividend paid to the Members at prescribed rates as per the Income Tax
Act, 1961.
The Dividend Distribution policy of the Company may be accessed at the
following weblink: https://apcotex.com/investor-corporate-policy
TRANSFER TO RESERVE
There is no amount proposed to be transfered to reserves out of profit
of the financial year 2024-25.
B. RENEWABLE ENERGY:
An income of Rs 85.59 Lakhs (net) has been generated from renewable
energy through wind turbine generator installed at Sadawaghapur, Taluka - Patan, District
Satara and solar project at Taloja Plant during the financial year 2024-25 [Previous year
- Rs 84.82 Lakhs (net)] which was netted off against the power cost.
C. DISCLOSURES UNDER COMPANIES ACT, 2013:
I. ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY & FOREIGN EXCHANGE
The information under the provisions of Section 134 (3) (m) of the
Companies Act, 2013, read with Rule 8 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 regarding
conservation of energy, technology absorption and foreign exchange earnings and outgo are
given in the Annexure I, forming part of this report.
II. ANNUAL RETURN
The Annual Return has been placed on the website of the Company and can
be accessed at https:// apcotex.com/investor-annual-report. In terms of Rules 11 and 12 of
the Companies (Management and Administration) Rules, 2014, the Annual Return shall be
filed with the Registrar of Companies within the prescribed timelines.
III. CHANGES IN THE SHARE CAPITAL
There is no change in the share capital of the Company during the
financial year under review.
IV. FINANCIAL LIQUIDITY
The Company has Investments of Rs 10,599.64 Lakhs (previous year Rs
11,111.47 Lakhs) as at 31st March 2025.
The working capital management of the Company is robust and involves a
well-organized process which facilitates continuous monitoring and control over
receivables, inventories and other parameters affecting cash flow and liquidity.
V. NUMBER OF BOARD MEETINGS
The Board meets at regular intervals to discuss and decide on business
policies and strategy apart from regular Board business. During the financial year under
review, the Board of Directors met 7 times. The intervening gap between the
meetings was within the period prescribed under the Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI Listing
Regulations.
The details of the Board Meetings and the attendance of Directors are
provided in the Corporate Governance Report.
VI. COMPOSITION OF AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee comprises of Mr. Udayan Choksi who is the Chairman
of the Committee, Mr. Abhiraj Choksey, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, Ms. Priti
Savla and Mr. Dinanath Kholkar (w.e.f 7th May 2025), Non-Executive Independent
Directors, as the Members. Further details on the committee and changes in its composition
are given in the Corporate Governance Report.
All the recommendations of the Audit committee are accepted by the
Board.
VII. BOARD INDEPENDENCE
The definition of Independence of Directors is derived from Regulation
16 of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015 and Section 149 (6) of the Companies Act, 2013. Based
on the confirmations/ disclosures received from the Independent Directors and on the basis
of the evaluation of the relationships disclosed, the following Non-Executive Directors
are Independent in terms of Regulation 16 of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015 and Section
149(6) of the Companies Act, 2013;
1. Mr. Udayan Choksi
2. Dr. Achala Danait
3. Ms. Priti Savla
4. Mr. Dinanath Kholkar
5. Mr. Rajendra Mariwala
I n compliance with Schedule IV of the Companies Act, 2013 and Rules
thereunder, and SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015, the Independent Directors met on 27th
March 2025 to discuss issues as prescribed under the said Act and Regulations.
The Board is of the opinion that the Independent Directors of the
Company have fulfilled the conditions as specified in SEBI Listing Regulations, are
independent of the management, possess requisite qualifications, experience, proficiency
and expertise in the fields of finance, technical, research strategy, auditing, tax and
risk advisory services, banking, financial services, investments and they hold highest
standards of integrity.
VIII. ANNUAL EVALUATION BY THE BOARD
In compliance with the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 19 read with
Schedule II of SEBI (LODR), Regulations, 2015, the Board of Directors has carried out the
annual performance evaluation of its own performance, the Directors individually including
the Chairman as well as the evaluation of Committees. A structured questionnaire was
prepared covering various aspects of the Board's functioning such as adequacy of
composition of Board and Committees, Board communication, timeliness and unbiased
information of right length and quality of information, Board culture, execution and
performance of specific duties, obligations and governance.
The results of evaluation of the Board and its Committees were shared
with the Board and its respective Committees. The Chairperson of the Board had discussions
with members of the Board to discuss performance feedback based on self-appraisal and peer
review. The Chairperson of Nomination and Remuneration Committee discussed the performance
review with the Chairperson of the Board.
A separate exercise was carried out to evaluate the performance of
individual directors including the Chairman of the Board, who were evaluated on parameters
such as attendance and participation in the discussion and deliberation at the meeting,
understanding role and responsibilities as board member, demonstration of knowledge, skill
and experience that make him/ her a valuable resource for the board.
The performance evaluation of the Independent Directors was carried out
by the entire Board. The performance evaluation of the Chairman and the Non-Executive
Directors was carried out by the Independent Directors. The Directors expressed their
satisfaction with the evaluation process.
IX. NOMINATION AND REMUNERATION POLICY
The Nomination and Remuneration Policy of the Company is uploaded on
the Company's website at the following web link: https://apcotex.com/investor-
corporate-policy
The Company's Policy on Director's appointment and remuneration has
been briefly discussed in the Corporate Governance Report. Disclosure pertaining to
remuneration and other details as required under Section 197 (12) of the Companies Act,
2013 read with Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial
Personnel) Rules, 2014 is enclosed as Annexure II to this Report.
X. STATUTORY AUDITOR AND AUDITORS REPORT
Based on the recommendation of the Audit Committee and the Board of
Directors, Members of the Company at the 37th Annual General Meeting held on 19th
June 2023, appointed M/s. Manubhai & Shah LLP, Chartered Accountants (ICAI Firm
Registration No. 106041W/W100136) as the Statutory Auditors for a term of 5 (five) years
commencing from the conclusion of the 37th Annual General Meeting until the
conclusion of the General Meeting to be held in the year 2028.
There are no qualifications, reservations or adverse remarks or
disclaimers made by M/s. Manubhai & Shah LLP, Chartered Accountants, Statutory
Auditors, in their report.
During the year, the Statutory Auditors have not reported any incident
of fraud to the Audit Committee of the Company.
XI. SECRETARIAL AUDITORS
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013,
your Directors had appointed M/s. D.S. Momaya & Co. LLP, to undertake the Secretarial
Audit of your Company for the year ended 31st March 2025.
The Secretarial Auditors have issued audit report for the year ended 31st
March 2025. The comments made by the Secretarial Auditors are selfexplanatory. Their
report is annexed herewith as Annexure V to this Report.
Further, as per the amended Regulation 24A of SEBI (LODR), Regulations,
2015, the Company is required to appoint a Secretarial Auditor who shall be a Peer
Reviewed Company Secretary. Accordingly, your Board recommends the appointment of M/s. D.
S. Momaya & Co. LLP, Company Secretaries (LLPIN: L2022MH012300) as the Secretarial
Auditors of the Company for a term of Five (5) consecutive years from F.Y. 2025-26 to F.Y.
2029-30 at a remuneration as may be approved by the Board of Directors from time to time
in consultation with the Secretarial Auditor of the Company.
XII. COST RECORDS AND COST AUDITORS
M/s. VJ Talati & Co, Cost Accountants, carried out the cost audit
for the Company for the year under review. They have been re-appointed as cost auditors
for the financial year ending 31 st March 2026.
A remuneration of Rs 65,000/- (Rupees Sixty-Five Thousand only) plus
applicable taxes and out of pocket expenses has been fixed for the Cost Auditors subject
to the ratification of such fees by the shareholders at ensuing AGM of the Company. The
Company has maintained cost records as specified under sub-section (1) of section 148 of
the
Companies Act, 2013 and the same shall be audited by the cost auditor
i.e. M/s. VJ Talati & Co, Cost Accountants, for the financial year 2025-26.
XIII. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
All the related party transactions during the year are entered on arm's
length basis and are in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Companies Act,
2013 and the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015. There are no materially significant related
party transactions entered into by the Company with Promoters, Directors or KMP etc.,
which may have potential conflict with the interest of the Company at large.
All related party transactions are first approved by the Audit
Committee and thereafter placed before the Board for their consideration and approval. A
statement of all related party transactions is presented before the Audit Committee
meeting on quarterly basis, specifying the nature, value and terms and conditions of the
transactions.
The particulars of Contracts or arrangements with related parties
referred to in Section 188(1) of the Companies Act, 2013, read with Rule 15 of The
Companies (Meetings of Board and its Powers) Rules 2014 is appended to this report in
prescribed Form AOC 2 as Annexure III.
The Related Party Transaction Policy of the Company is uploaded on the
Company's website at the following web link: https://apcotex.com/investor-
corporate-policv
XIV. MATERIAL CHANGES AND COMMITMENTS yond AFFECTING THE FINANCIAL
POSITION OF THE
COMPANY
There have been no 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.
XV. VIGIL MECHANISM
The Company has established a vigil mechanism for Directors and
Employees to report their genuine concerns in compliance with provision of section 177
(10) of the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 22 of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015.
The Audit Committee of the Board oversees the functioning of this
policy. Protected disclosures can be made by a whistle blower through several channels to
report actual or suspected frauds and violation of Company's Code of Conduct and/or Ethics
Policy.
The Vigil Mechanism / Whistle Blower Policy of the Company is uploaded
on the Company's website at the following web link: https://apcotex.com/investor-
corporate-policv
XVI. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Company has always strived to adopt appropriate standards for good
Corporate Governance. Detailed report on Corporate Governance forms a part of this report.
A certificate from M/s. D. S. Momaya & Co. LLP, Company Secretaries regarding
compliance of conditions of Corporate Governance as stipulated under Regulation 34 read
with Schedule V of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015 is annexed to the said Report.
XVII. PARTICULARS OF LOANS AND INVESTMENTS MADE AND GUARANTEES GIVEN
AND SECURITIES PROVIDED
Pursuant to Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013 and Schedule V to
the SEBI Listing Regulations, disclosure on particulars relating to Loans, Guarantees and
Investments are provided as a part of the financial statements in Note No. 5 and 10.
XVIII. RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY
The Company has a Risk Management Policy and has constituted a Risk
Management Committee as required under Listing Regulations. The Risk Management Policy
articulates the Company's approach to address uncertainties in its endeavor to achieve its
stated explicit and implicit objectives. It prescribes the roles and responsibilities of
various stakeholders within the Company, the structure for managing risks and the
framework for risk management. The risk identification, assessment and mitigation process
actively involves people at all levels in the management.
All risk identification, assessment and mitigation exercise are carried
out before the annual planning exercise and the specific risk mitigation tasks along with
resources are made part of the annual budgets and functional objectives for the coming
year(s). These are reviewed periodically by the respective functions and necessary course
corrections are made if necessary.
The Risk Management Policy of the Company is uploaded on the Company's
website at the following web link: https://apcotex.com/investor-corporate- policy
D. CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:
The Company has a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee
constituted in compliance with Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013. The CSR policy of
the Company is uploaded on the Company's website at the following web link:
https://apcotex.com/investor- corporate-policy
CSR activities of the Company are carried out directly and through
Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), who have track record of minimum of 3 years in
carrying out the CSR activities and they also comply with other criteria as prescribed
under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Schedule VII and Companies
(Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, as amended from time to time.
The Company has undertaken projects in the areas of Healthcare and
Education, around the area surrounding the factories and corporate office which are as per
Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013, brief details of which are as under:
During the year under review, the Company was required to spend Rs
256.00 Lakhs, being 2% of the average net profit of the previous three financial years,
against which Company had spent Rs 257.36 Lakhs during the financial year 2024-25.
Further, an amount of Rs 22.22 Lakhs which was on account of the
unutilised CSR Project Expenditure of Ongoing CSR Projects for Financial Year 2023-24, was
utilised during the year under review.
The Company has carried out the various CSR activities through NGO
Partners, some of the details are mentioned herein:
Uthaan/ EdelGive Foundation
The Company continued working with an NGO called Uthaan along with the
Edelgive Foundation for the purpose of empowering women in six villages near our Valia
plant in the Bharuch District of Gujarat by improving their right to access safe and
sufficient drinking water, to free areas from open defecation, and to good hygiene through
gender-neutral community practices.
During the year under review, a total of 123 community engagement
activities were conducted, including meetings at the Faliya/Hamlet level with WASH
Committees and household visits. Through the use of accessible tools such as posters,
pamphlets, discussions, and participatory exercises, the meetings opened up a space where
even those less familiar with formal platforms could engage meaningfully.
The Company has supported formation of new Water, Sanitation and
Hygiene (WASH) committees in the targeted areas. During the year, 170 toilets (new and
renovated) were completed, 209 soak pits (including those pending from last year), were
constructed across Ghoda, Siludi and Dodwada villages and 18 WASH awareness programs were
conducted with 525 children (396 girls and 129 boys). Two post-construction trainings were
conducted for 65 WASH Committee members across six villages in Valia.
In the reporting period, 11 meetings were convened with the Apcotex
team. These sessions primarily centred on reviewing ongoing activities, celebrating
achievements, and strategizing for upcoming initiatives. The total contribution for the
financial year to Uthaan was Rs 85.59 Lakhs.
Seva Sadan Society
The Company has been working with Seva Sadan Society, Mumbai from past
2 years to fully fund the operating expenses of the Secondary English Medium School
(Standards 5 to 9) and partly fund the operating expenses of the Primary English Medium
School (Standards 1 to 4). During the year, the Company has contributed total funds to the
tune of Rs 49 Lakhs.
Seva Sadan Society's English Medium School had supported 93 students in
Secondary Section and 106 in Primary Section. Further, the School collaborated with Umeed
and through its Umeed Fellowship Program, which has been highly successful, brought
various positive changes in the behavior of students who previously faced challenges.
Teachers gained valuable skills in managing and supporting these students, while
counselling sessions for parents encouraged a collaborative approach to their development.
Besides the above, recreational activities on Inclusive Education were
conducted during the year under review e.g - Founders' Day, Sports Day Celebration,
Republic Day Celebration, visit to a Science Exhibition, Environment Week, International
Literacy Day, etc.
Deepak Foundation
Your Company has been working with Deepak Foundation from past few
years, for Skill Development for women and youths in Facility Management & Services
around the Taloja Plant area. During the year under review, the Company has contributed Rs
30.00 Lakhs.
The project aimed to empower more than 125 individuals, aged 18 to 50,
by providing and enhancing their job prospects through quality skill training, in
collaboration with the Healthcare and Domestic Sector Skill Councils.
It provided with classroom training and practical sessions practical
sessions on various topics like training on cooking, housekeeping, dish presentation, bed
making, fire safety, soft skills sessions, yoga activity, mock interviews, counselling
sessions, etc. It also conducts examination and provides certificates to the successful
candidates.
Catalysts for Social Action
Your Company contributed to the 'ADOPT A HOME & LIVELIHOOD &
AFTERCARE SUPPORT' program through the NGO
Catalysts for Social Action, which currently supports 67 children and
48 Care Leavers (CL) who are in Skill Training. Out of these, 26 CLs are pursuing courses
and 22 CLs have successfully completed their course. Out of the 22 CLs who completed
courses, 14 CLs are placed in jobs, 1 CL is undergoing an internship, and 7 CLs are in the
placement process.
During the year under review, your Company contributed Rs 24 Lakhs
which was utilised by CSA towards its various activities programs which can be classified
into three broad categories of Health & Basic Necessities, Learning & Wellness
Support and Aftercare activities. Besides the above, various recreational activities were
conducted during the year e.g. Meet My Doctor session, Digital Literacy Program, Self
Defense training, Non-Fire cooking session, etc.
The details as required under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013
are provided in CSR Report which is annexed herewith as Annexure IV. For the year
2024-25, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company has certified that the funds of CSR
have been utilized for the purposes and in the manner as approved by the Board of
Directors of the Company.
E. FAMILIARISATION PROGRAMME FOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS:
The Company conducts the Familiarization program when new Director(s)
is/ are appointed during the year. The Program aims to provide insights into the Company
to enable the Independent Directors to understand its business in depth, to familiarize
them with the process, business, and functionaries of the Company and to assist them in
performing their role as Independent Directors of the Company.
Periodic presentations are made at the Board and the Committee
meetings, on business and performance updates of the Company, global business environment,
business strategy and risks involved.
The familiarisation programme along with details of the same imparted
to the Independent Non-Executive Directors during the year are available on the website of
the Company at https://apcotex.com/investor-corporate-policy
F. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PREVENTION OF INSIDER TRADING:
I n accordance with the Securities and Exchange Board of India
(Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015, the Company has, inter-alia, adopted a
Code of Conduct for Prohibition of Insider Trading (Code) duly approved by the Board of
Directors of the Company. The Company Secretary is the Compliance Officer for the purpose
of this Code.
It lays down guidelines and procedures to be followed, and disclosures
to be made while dealing with the shares of the Company. The policy has been formulated to
regulate, monitor, and ensure reporting of deals by designated person/ employees and
maintain the highest ethical standards of dealing in Company securities.
G. INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROLS:
Your Company maintains an adequate and effective internal control
system commensurate with its size and complexity. The Company has adopted policies and
procedures for ensuring the orderly and efficient conduct of its business, including
adherence to the Company's policies, the safeguarding of its assets, the prevention and
detection of frauds and errors, the accuracy and completeness of the accounting records
and the timely preparation of reliable financial disclosures. These are reviewed
periodically and made part of work instructions or process in the Company.
The Company periodically conducts physical verification of inventory,
fixed assets and cash on hand and matches them with the books of accounts. Explanations
are sought for any variance noticed from the respective functional heads.
H. DIRECTORS RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT:
The Directors confirm:
I. That in the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable
accounting standards had been followed along with proper explanation relating to material
departures;
II. That they have selected such accounting policies and applied them
consistently and made judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent so as to
give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company at the end of the
financial year and of the profit and loss of the Company for that period;
III. That they have taken proper and sufficient care for the
maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Act
for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for preventing and detecting fraud and
other irregularities;
IV. That they have prepared the annual accounts on a going concern
basis;
V. That they, 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
VI. That they have devised proper system to ensure compliance with the
provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems were adequate and operating
effectively.
I. DISCLOSURE IN TERMS OF THE SEXUAL
HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT WORKPLACE (PREVENTION, PROHIBITION AND
REDRESSAL)
ACT, 2013:
All women who are associated with the Company either as permanent
employees or temporary employees or contractual persons including service providers at the
Company sites are covered under the above policy.
The Company has constituted Internal Complaints Committee to ensure a
harassment free working environment, to redress the complaints and to prevent sexual
harassments, if any. No complaints relating to sexual harassment were received during the
year.
J. FIXED DEPOSITS MATURED BUT NOT CLAIMED:
Company has no Fixed Deposits at the end of the financial year. The
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has instructed the Company, not to repay the
proceeds of four fixed deposits amounting to Rs 0.48 Lakhs and accrued interest of Rs 0.22
Lakhs thereon. These deposits matured during the first week of December 2002 and continue
to remain with the Company.
K. INSURANCE:
All insurable assets of the Company including inventories, buildings,
plant and machinery etc., as well as the liability under legislative enactments, are
insured on reinstatement basis after due valuation of assets by an external agency. The
Company also holds a Loss of Profit Policy for the financial year 2024-25.
L. PERSONNEL:
The information required under Section 197 of the Companies Act, 2013
and read with Rule 5 of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial
Personnel) Rules, 2014, are given in Annexure II.
The information required pursuant to Section 197 of the Companies Act,
2013 read with Rule 5(2) & (3) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of
Managerial Personnel) Rules 2014, in respect of >yond employees of your Company is
available for inspection by the member. Please refer to note no. 17 of the Notice of AGM
for inspection of the same.
M. DIRECTORS & KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL: Appointment
During the year under review, the Board of Directors had, based on the
recommendations of Nomination and Remuneration Committee, at its meeting held on 28th
January 2025, appointed Mr. Rajendra Mariwala (DIN: 00007246) as an Additional
Non-Executive Independent Director of the Company, not liable to retire by rotation, for a
tenure of five(5) years from 1st February 2025 to 31st January 2030,
subject to approval of Members. Later, the said appointment was approved by the
shareholders through special resolution passed by postal ballot on 11th March
2025.
Retirement by Rotation
I n accordance with the provisions of Section 152(6) of the Companies
Act, 2013 and Articles of Association of the Company, Mr. Atul Choksey (DIN: 00002102)
will retire by rotation at the ensuing AGM of the Company and being eligible, offers
himself for re-appointment. The Board recommended his re-appointment at its meeting held
on 7th May 2025.
Brief details about his nature of expertise in specific functional
areas, disclosure of relationships between directors inter-se, details of directorship
held in other companies, membership of committees of the Board, shareholding in the
Company held by the directors proposed to be appointed/ re-appointed at the 39th
AGM, is provided in the Notice of the AGM.
N. AUDITORS:
Statutory Auditors
M/s. Manubhai & Shah LLP, Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration
No 106041W/W100136) were appointed as Statutory Auditors of the Company for a period of
five (5) consecutive years from the 37th AGM of the Company held on 19th
June 2023 to hold office from the conclusion of the said Meeting till the conclusion of
the 42nd AGM to be held in the year 2028.
Cost Auditors
M/s. V J Talati & Co., Cost Accountants have been appointed as Cost
Auditors of the Company for the financial year 2025-26 under Section 148 of the Companies
Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Cost Records and Audit) Amendment Rules 2014. M/s. V J
Talati & Co. have confirmed that they are free from any disqualifications as specified
under the Companies Act, 2013.
The remuneration payable to the Cost Auditors is required to be placed
before the Members in a general meeting for their ratification. Accordingly, resolution
seeking Members' ratification for the remuneration payable to M/s. V J Talati & Co.,
Cost Auditors is included at item No.8 of the Notice convening the AGM.
Secretarial Auditor
M/s. D.S. Momaya & Co. LLP, Company Secretaries, have been
appointed to conduct the Secretarial Audit of the Company for the financial year 2024-25,
pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the SEBI (LODR)
Regulations, 2015 as amended. The Report of the Secretarial Auditor is appended to this
Report as Annexure V.
O. MAINTENANCE OF COST RECORDS:
The maintenance of cost records as specified under Section 148 of the
Companies Act, 2013 is applicable to the Company and accordingly all the cost records are
made and maintained by the Company and audited by the cost auditors.
P. CEO & CFO CERTIFICATION:
Certificate from Vice-Chairman and Managing Director and Chief
Financial Officer of the Company, pursuant to the Regulation 17 of SEBI (LODR)
Regulations, 2015, for the financial year 2024-25 was placed before the Board of Directors
of the Company at its meeting held on 7th May 2025.
Q. SECRETARIAL STANDARDS:
The Company complies with all applicable Secretarial Standards issued
by The Institute of Company Secretaries of India and approved by the Central Government
under Section 118(10) of the Companies Act, 2013 for the financial year ended 31st
March 2025.
R. BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY REPORT (BRSR):
Detailed Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report as required
under Regulation 34 of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015 is uploaded on the Company's website
at the following web link: https://apcotex.com/investor-annual-report
S. INVESTOR EDUCATION AND PROTECTION FUND (IEPF):
Pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 read
with the IEPF Authority (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund) Rules, 2016 (the Rules),
as amended from time to time, all unpaid or unclaimed dividends are required to be
transferred by the Company to the IEPF established by the Government of India, after
completion of seven year. Further, according to the Rules, the shares on which dividend
had remained unpaid or unclaimed by the shareholders for seven consecutive years or more
are also transferred to the demat account of the IEPF Authority.
Accordingly, the Company transferred the unclaimed dividend of Rs
15,99,080/- for the year 2016-17 during August 2024. Considering 2016-17 as base year, the
Company has transferred 48571 Equity shares of Rs 2/- each held by 201 number of
shareholders, on which the dividend was unclaimed for 7 consecutive years, to demat
account of IEPF's authority, in compliance with IEPF Rules during the financial year
2024-25.
The Company had sent individual notices and also advertised in the
newspapers seeking action from the Members who have not claimed their dividends for seven
consecutive years or more.
The Company will be transferring the final dividend and corresponding
shares for the financial year ended 201718 within statutory timelines. Members are
requested to ensure that they claim the dividends and shares referred to above, before
they are transferred to the said Fund. The due dates for transfer of unclaimed dividend to
IEPF are provided in the report on Corporate Governance.
The Company has uploaded full details of such shareholders and shares
due for transfer to IEPF Authority on its website at www.apcotex.com. Shareholders are
requested to refer to the web-link https://apcotex.com/investor-transfer-to-iepf to verify
the details of unclaimed dividends and the shares liable to be transferred to IEPF
Authority.
Shareholders/claimants whose shares or unclaimed dividend, have been
transferred to the IEPF demat Account or the Fund, as the case may be, may claim the
shares or apply for refund by approaching the Company for issue of Entitlement Letter
along with all the required documents before making an application to the IEPF Authority
in Form IEPF - 5 (available on https://www.mca.gov.in along with requisite fee as decided
by the IEPF Authority from time to time.
T. SIGNIFICANT AND MATERIAL ORDERS PASSED BY THE COURT:
During the year no significant or material orders were passed by the
Regulators or Courts or Tribunals, which impacts the going concern status and Company's
operations.
U. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
Your Directors take this opportunity to express their deep sense of
gratitude to the Bankers, various departments of State / Central Government and local
authorities for their continued guidance and support.
We would also like to place on record our sincere appreciation for the
commitment, dedication and hard work put in by every member of the Apcotex family. To all
shareholders, we are deeply grateful for the confidence and faith that you have always
reposed in us.
The accompanying Annexures I to V are an integral part of this
Directors' Report.
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CHAIRMAN |
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DIN: 00002102 |
Date: 7th May 2025 |
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Place: Mumbai |
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