Your Directors present the Ninety Second (92nd) Annual Report of Everest Industries Limited ("Company" or "Everest") together with the Audited Financial Statements of the Company for the financial year ended March 31, 2025 ("year").
FINANCIAL RESULTS
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Particulars
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Financial Year ended
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| |
Standalone
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Consolidated
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| |
March 31, 2025
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March 31, 2024
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March 31, 2025
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March 31, 2024
|
|
Revenue from Operations
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1,707.02
|
1,588.76
|
1,722.82
|
1,575.45
|
|
Other Income
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23.81
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21.25
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14.66
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17.74
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|
Total Income
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1,730.83
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1,610.01
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1,737.48
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1,593.19
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|
Profit/(Loss) before Depreciation & Finance Costs
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59.84
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65.51
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44.56
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58.70
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|
Less Depreciation and amortisation expenses
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37 06
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32 30
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38 93
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32.36
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: Finance Costs
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20 88
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12 69
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23 56
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12.75
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Profit/(Loss) before exceptional items & tax
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1 90
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20 52
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(17 93)
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13.59
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Add: Exceptional Items
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11.63
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7.60
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11.63
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7.60
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Profit/(Loss) before Tax
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13.53
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28.12
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(6.30)
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21.19
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Tax Expense
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(0.82)
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4.25
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(2.70)
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3.19
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Profit/(Loss) for the year
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14.35
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23.87
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(3.60)
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18.00
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Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax
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0.45
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0.36
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0.24
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0.34
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Total comprehensive income for the year, net of tax
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14.80
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24.23
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(3.37)
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18.34
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Add: Balance in Profit & Loss Account
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455.23
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440.45
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447.77
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438.83
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Profit/(Loss) available for Appropriation
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470.03
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464.68
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444.60
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457.22
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Appropriations:
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|
|
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Dividend paid
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3.95
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9.45
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3.95
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9.45
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Closing Balance
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466.08
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455.23
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440.65
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447.77
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PERFORMANCE REVIEW
FY 2024-25 was a challenging year for the Company due to various factors such as rising input cost, soft demand in core markets and inflationary pressures. Despite external challenges, the top line of the Company has shown an improvement. On a standalone basis, the Company achieved total income of Rs. 1730.83 crores for the year under review as compared to Rs. 1610.01 crores in the previous year showing an increase of 7.5%. This was due to higher volume and revenue from ESBS business segment. The profit after tax was Rs. 14.35 crores for the year ended March 31, 2025 showing a decline by 40% as compared to previous year The production volumes in two segments were as under:
a. I n Building Products segment, the production for the Year was 8,59,233 MT as compared to 8,48,214 MT in the previous year
b. In steel buildings segment, the production for the Year was 48,454 MT as compared to 31,103 MT in the previous year.
The consolidated total income of the Company for the Year was Rs. 1,737.48 crores as against Rs.1,593.19 crores in the previous year, showing an increase by 9%. On a consolidated level, the Company suffered loss of Rs. 3.60 crores for the year ended March 31, 2025 due to decrease in Fiber Cement Board segment profitability. More details on financial and operational performance are provided in Management Discussion and Analysis Report.
DIVIDEND
The Board of Directors ("Board") of the Company has recommended a final dividend 0 25% i.e. Rs. 2.50/- per equity share of face value of Rs. 10/- each for the financial year ended March 31, 2025 subject to the approval of the members of the Company at the ensuing Annual General Meeting ("AGM") of the Company. The final dividend, if approved by the members of the Company, shall be paid within 30 days from the date of AGM to those members whose names appears in the register of members/ list of beneficial owners as on the Record Date. The said final dividend is based on the parameters outlined in the Dividend Distribution Policy adopted by the Company.
In view of the changes made under the Income-tax Act, 1961, by the Finance Act, 2020, dividends paid or distributed by the Company shall be taxable in the hands of the Shareholders of the Company. The Company shall, accordingly, make the payment of the Final Dividend after deduction of tax at source. For further details about TDS on Final Dividend, members are requested to refer Annexure III of the Notice of Annual General Meeting.
DIVIDEND DISTRIBUTION POLICY
Pursuant to the Regulation 43A of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 ("Listing Regulations"), the Dividend Distribution Policy approved by the Board of the Company is uploaded on the website of the Company at the weblink https://www.everestind.com/public/storage/codes- and-policies/November2022/T6v1LE6DlXqnmbsURXOs.pdf
TRANSFER TO RESERVES
The Company has not transferred any amount to General Reserves during the financial year ended March 31, 2025.
SHARE CAPITAL
As on March 31, 2025, the authorised share capital of the Company stood at Rs. 17,05,00,000/- comprising of 1,70,50,000 equity shares of Rs. 10/- each. The issued,
subscribed and paid-up share capital of the Company was Rs. 15,81,98,800/- comprising of 1,58,19,880 equity shares of face value of Rs. 10/- each.
During the Year under review, the issued, subscribed and paid-up Share Capital of the Company increased from Rs. 15,78,89,500/- to Rs. 15,81,98,800/- due to the allotment of 30,930 equity shares of face value of Rs. 10/- each of the Company to the employees of the Company pursuant to exercise of stock options under the Employees Stock Option Schemes.
During FY 2024-25, the Company has not issued any equity shares with differential voting rights, warrants or sweat equity shares.
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 134(3)(c) and 134(5) of the Companies Act, 2013, your Directors, to the best of their knowledge and belief and according to the information and explanations obtained by them, state and confirm that:
a) in the preparation of the annual financial statements for the financial year ended March 31, 2025, the applicable accounting standards have been followed and there were no material departures;
b) they had selected such accounting policies and applied them consistently and made judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company as at March 31, 2025 and of the profit/(loss) of the Company for the year ended March 31, 2025;
c) they have taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
d) the annual financial statements of the Company for the financial year ended March 31, 2025 are prepared on a 'going concern' basis;
e) internal financial controls to be followed by the Company have been laid down and such internal financial controls were adequate and operating effectively during the year ended March 31, 2025;
f) proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws have been devised and that such systems were adequate and operating effectively during the year ended March 31, 2025.
DIRECTORS AND KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL Appointment/Re-appointment of Directors
• Pursuant to the recommendation of Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC) at its meeting held on May 15, 2024, the Board of Directors of the Company at its meeting held on May 22, 2024, approved the re-appointment of Mr Anant Talaulicar (DIN: 00031051) as a Non-Executive Independent Director designated as "Chairman" of the Company for a second consecutive term of five consecutive years from November 21, 2024 to November 20, 2029. Further, the said re-appointment was also approved by the members of the Company at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Company held on August 12, 2024.
• As mentioned in the previous Annual Report, the Board had appointed Mr. Ashok Kumar Barat (DIN: 00492930) and Ms. Bijal Ajinkya (DIN: 01976832) as Non-Executive Independent Directors of the Company for a first term of five consecutive years from March 19, 2024 to March 18, 2029. During the year under review, the members of the Company by way of postal ballot on May 2, 2024 approved their appointment.
• Post financial year 2024-25, pursuant to the recommendation of Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC), the Board of Directors of the Company at its meeting held on August 4, 2025, approved appointment of Mr Hemant Khurana (DIN: 08652827) as an Additional Director of the Company to hold office upto ensuing AGM. Further, Mr Hemant Khurana was appointed as the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of the Company for a period of 3 (three) consecutive years with effect from September 13, 2025, subject to the approval of members of the Company at the forthcoming 92nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Company. The resolution for his appointment has been included in the 92nd AGM Notice of the Company for approval of members of the Company.
Cessation of Directors
Mr Murari Lal Gupta (DIN: 00088685), Independent Director of the Company retired and ceased to be a Director of the Company with effect from close of business hours on September 30, 2024 due to completion of two consecutive terms of his Directorship. The Board placed on record its deep appreciation and gratitude for the invaluable contributions and guidance provided by Mr M.L. Gupta during his long association with the Company.
Post financial year 2024-25, Mr. Rajesh Joshi (DIN:08855031), Managing Director and CEO of the Company tendered his
resignation on June 13, 2025 due to personal reasons. He will cease to be a Managing Director and CEO of the Company and Key Managerial Personnel of the Company w.e.f. close of business hours on September 12, 2025. The Board placed on record its appreciation for the significant contributions made by Mr Rajesh Joshi towards strengthening the foundation of the Company in all the needed areas starting with the embedding of Company's new vision, values, processes, systems and new products.
Director Retiring by Rotation
In accordance with the provisions of Section 152 of the Companies Act, 2013 ("Act"), Ms. Padmini Sekhsaria, Non-Executive Non-Independent Director (Vice Chairperson) of the Company, retires by rotation at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting and being eligible, offers herself for the re-appointment. The Board of Directors of the Company recommends her re-appointment as a Director of the Company, liable to retire by rotation. As per Secretarial Standard - 2 of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 ("Listing Regulations"), brief profile and other related information of Ms. Padmini Sekhsaria is provided in the Notice of ensuing AGM.
Key Managerial Personnel
As on March 31, 2025, Mr Rajesh Joshi, Managing Director & CEO and Ms. Amruta Avasare, Company Secretary were the Key Managerial Personnel of the Company under the provisions of Section 203 of the Companies Act, 2013.
Following changes took place in the positions of Key Managerial Personnel of the Company:
1. Mr. Pramod Nair resigned from the position of the Chief Financial Officer of the Company w.e.f. close of working hours on January 10, 2025 to pursue opportunities outside the Company.
2. Mr. Rajesh Gagrani was appointed as a Chief Financial Officer of the Company w.e.f. June 2, 2025 by the Board, pursuant to the approval of the Audit Committee and recommendation by Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC).
3. Mr. Arpit Kumar Nagori was appointed by the Board as a Chief Financial Officer of the Company in the Interim Capacity w.e.f. April 1, 2025 and ceased to hold the said position w.e.f. June 2, 2025.
As on the date of this report, Mr Rajesh Joshi, Managing Director & CEO, Mr Rajesh Gagrani, Chief Financial Officer and Ms. Amruta Avasare, Company Secretary are the Key Managerial Personnel of the Company under the provisions
of Section 203 of the Companies Act, 2013. Mr. Rajesh Joshi shall cease to be KMP w.e.f. close of business hours on September 12, 2025 and Mr. Hemant Khurana is appointed as KMP of the Company w.e.f. September 13, 2025.
DECLARATIONS FROM INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
All the Independent Directors of the Company have given declarations that they meet the criteria of independence as prescribed under Section 149(6) of the Act and Regulation 16(1) (b) of Listing Regulations and that they are not aware of any circumstance or situation, which exist or may be reasonably anticipated, that could impair or impact their ability to discharge duties with an objective independent judgment and without any external influence. Further, they are not debarred from holding the office of director pursuant to any SEBI order or any such other authority.
In terms of Section 150 of the Companies Act, 2013, all the Independent Directors of the Company have registered themselves in the databank maintained with the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs and have confirmed their compliance with Rule 6 of the Companies (Appointment & Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014 including the Proficiency Test.
In the opinion of the Board, all Independent Directors possess strong sense of integrity and having requisite experience, qualifications and expertise and they are independent of the management and has no pecuniary relationship or transactions with the Company, other than sitting fees, commission and reimbursement of expenses, if any.
BOARD EVALUATION
Pursuant to the provisions of the Act and Listing Regulations, the Board has carried out an annual evaluation of its own performance and that of its committees as well as performance of all the Directors individually. The exercise was carried out through a structured evaluation process covering various aspects of the Board's functioning such as adequacy of the composition of the Board, effectiveness of board process, information and functioning, leadership attribute of directors through vision and values, strategic thinking and decision making etc. The Board reviewed performance of individual directors on the basis of criteria such as contribution of individual directors to the Board & committee meetings, preparedness on the matters to be discussed, inputs on minutes and expression of opinion in meetings. The evaluation sheets in the form of online structured google forms, based on SEBI Guidance Note dated January 5, 2017, containing the parameters of performance evaluation along with rating scale were circulated to all the
Directors. The Directors rated the performance against each criteria. Thereafter, the consolidated score was arrived.
The performance evaluation of the Independent Directors, Chairman, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director was done by the entire Board excluding the Directors being evaluated. Further, at a separate meeting of Independent Directors of the Company, the performance evaluation of the Chairman of the Board was carried out by other Independent Directors taking into account views of Non¬ Independent Director and the performance evaluation of the Vice Chairperson and Managing Director was also carried out through structured google forms. Overall, the Board expressed its satisfaction on the performance evaluation process as well as performance of all Directors, Committees and the Board as a whole.
NUMBER OF BOARD MEETINGS & COMMITTEE MEETINGS
The Board met four (4) times during the year under review, the details of which are given in the Corporate Governance Report that forms part of this Annual Report. The intervening gap between any two consecutive board meetings was within the period prescribed under the Act and Listing Regulations. Further, the details of meetings of various Board Committees are provided in the Corporate Governance Report that forms part of this Annual Report.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
During FY 2024-25, Mr M.L. Gupta, Independent Director ceased to be a member of the Audit Committee of the Company with effect from close of business hours on September 30, 2024 due to the completion of his two terms of directorship.
The Audit Committee was re-constituted w.e.f. October 1, 2024 and the re-constituted Audit Committee consists of Mr Rajendra Chitale (Independent Director) as Chairman and Mr. Anant Talaulicar (Independent Director), Mr Ashok Kumar Barat (Independent Director) and Mr. Rajesh Joshi (Managing Director & CEO) as members of the committee. Further details on the Audit Committee are provided in the Corporate Governance Report forming part of the Annual Report.
All the recommendations made by the Audit Committee were accepted by the Board.
NOMINATION AND REMUNERATION POLICY
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC) has framed a Nomination, Remuneration and Board Diversity Policy which lays down the criteria for appointment and remuneration of Directors and guides organisation's
approach towards Board Diversity. No changes were made in the said policy during FY 2024-25.
The Nomination, Remuneration and Board Diversity Policy is available on the website of the Company at the web-link https://www. everestind.com/public/storage/codes-and- policies/November2022/GkVe2kvczIyHcAqz1gMV.pdf. Please refer Corporate Governance Report for further details.
HOLDING COMPANY, SUBSIDIARIES, ASSOCIATES & JOINT VENTURES
Falak Investment Private Limited, Promoter of the Company is the Holding Company of the Company with a stake of 50.15% of the paid-up share capital of the Company as on March 31, 2025.
As on March 31, 2025, the Company has 4 Wholly Owned Subsidiaries (WOS) viz. Everest Building Products, Everestind FZE, Everest Buildpro Private Limited and Everest Steel Building Private Limited. Further, Everest Foundation (EF) is a Section 8 Company limited by guarantee for CSR activities of the Company.
Everest Building Products (EBP) mainly operates as a Holding Company for its Wholly Owned Subsidiary in UAE. During FY 2024-25, EBP suffered a net loss of Rs. 1.87 lakhs.
Everestind FZE is a wholly owned subsidiary of Everest Building Products operating in UAE. Everestind FZE is involved in the trading of Company's products in the Middle East and foreign markets. During FY 2024-25, revenue from operations of Everestind FZE was Rs. 1499.26 lakhs as against Rs. 457.24 lakhs showing an increase of 228% against previous year. Everestind FZE earned profit of Rs. 28.45 lakhs for FY 2024-25 as against loss of Rs. 82.60 lakhs for previous year.
Everest Buildpro Private Limited (EBPL), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, started commercial production at its new manufacturing facility set up at KIADB Industrial Area, Chamarajanagar, Karnataka w.e.f. March 7, 2024. During FY 2024-25, the Company earned total revenue from operations of Rs. 1,568.47 lakhs from sale of boards and panels. However, there has been increase in the cost of raw materials consumed, Inventory cost, employee benefit expenses and other expenses due to start of the commercial production and the total expenses for the year ended March 31,2025 was Rs. 2,959.14 lakhs. The Company suffered Net loss after tax of Rs. 1,279.46 lakhs for the year ended March 31,2025.
Everest Steel Building Private Limited (ESBPL), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company was incorporated on May 26, 2023 for manufacturing Pre-engineered Steel Building
(PEB). The Company has not yet started its commercial operations as the setting up of manufacturing plant of PEB at R. Ananthpur has been deferred to FY 2025-26. Hence, there is no income for the year ended March 31, 2025 and the Company suffered Net loss after tax of Rs. 50.64 lakhs for the year ended March 31, 2025.
In terms of proviso to sub-section (3) of Section 129 of the Act, the salient features of the audited financial statements of the subsidiaries for the financial year ended March 31,2025 are set out in the prescribed Form AOC-1, which forms part of the Board's Report as ANNEXURE-1. During the financial year 2024-25, the company does not have any associate or joint venture within the meaning of relevant provisions of the Act. The Audited Financial Statements of the subsidiaries of the Company for year ended March 31, 2025 are hosted on the Company's website at https://www.everestind.com/ investor-relations/subsidiaries-financial-statements.
Pursuant to Regulation 16 of the Listing Regulations, during FY 2024-25, the Company does not have any material subsidiary. However, the Company has adopted a policy on material subsidiaries, which can be accessed at the web- link https://www.everestind.com/public/storage/codes-and- policies/January2023/LRPJQLDUwk2h3sMi22Yg.pdf.
CAPEX FOR ASSAM PLANT
During the year under review, the CAPEX of Rs. 138 crores was approved by the Board of Everest Buildpro Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company for setting up of the new manufacturing facility of Fiber Cement Board at Matia, Goalpara, Assam and the Company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Government of Assam. The proposed capacity addition through setting up the said plant will be 72,000 MTPA. It is expected that phase
1 of CAPEX would be operational by April, 2027 and phase
2 of CAPEX would be operational by April, 2031. Assam Industrial Development Corporation Ltd. (AIDC) has allotted the land measuring 87,300 Sqm at Industrial Estate, Matia, Goalpara to EBPL.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and its subsidiaries are prepared in accordance with the Indian Accounting Standards notified under the Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Rules, 2015 and the Companies Act, 2013. The Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company for the year ended March 31, 2025 along with the Auditors' Report forms part of this Annual Report.
The financials of EBPL, ESBPL, EBP, Everestind FZE and EF have been consolidated in audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended March 31, 2025.
The Audited Standalone and Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and subsidiaries and EF for the year ended March 31, 2025 are available on the website of the Company at https://www.everestind.com/investor- relations/subsidiaries-financial-statements. Further, a copy of the Audited Financial Statements of the subsidiaries and EF shall be made available for inspection electronically or at the registered office of the Company during business hours on any working day upto the date of Annual General Meeting. Any shareholder interested in obtaining a copy of Financial Statements of the subsidiaries shall make specific request in writing to the Company Secretary.
DEPOSITS
The Company has not accepted any deposits from the public during the year under review within the meaning of Section 73 of the Act read with the Companies (Acceptance of Deposits) Rules, 2014 and, as such, no amount on account of principal or interest on public deposits was outstanding as on March 31, 2025.
Disclosure relating to loans and advances as required under para A of Schedule V of the Listing Regulations are furnished separately in the notes to the financial statements. Further during FY 2024-25, there are no transactions of the Company with any person or entity belonging to the promoter/ promoter group which holds 10% or more shareholding of the Company.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
All Related Party Transactions (RPT) entered during FY 2024¬ 25 were on arm's length basis and in the ordinary course of business and in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Listing Regulations. During the year, the RPTs were with wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company. The Company did not enter into any material RPT under the provisions of Section 188 of the Act and Listing Regulations. Hence, the disclosure of related party transactions, as required under Section 134(3) (h) of the Companies Act, 2013 in Form AOC-2 is not applicable to the Company and does not form part of this report.
The Company has in place a process for approval of RPT and on dealing with RPT. As per the process, necessary details for each of the RPT as applicable along with justification are provided to the Audit Committee as per the policy on Materiality of RPT and on dealing with RPT. The prior approval of the Audit Committee was obtained for all Related Party
Transactions. A statement of all Related Party Transactions was reviewed by the Audit Committee on a quarterly basis.
During FY 2024-25, certain changes were made in the Policy on Materiality of Related Party Transactions and on dealing with Related Party Transactions and said policy has been uploaded on the Company's website at https:// www.everestind.com/public/storage/codes-and-policies/ April2025/ceMJps7Ffv8NP5bczw3Z.pdf.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR)
In accordance with the requirements of Section 135 of the Act, the Company has constituted a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee. The composition and terms of reference of the CSR Committee are provided in the Corporate Governance Report.
CSR activities of the Company are done through Everest Foundation (Section 8 company). Pursuant to the recommendation of CSR Committee, the Board has approved a CSR Policy which can be accessed on the Company's website www.everestind.com at the web-link https:// www.everestind.com/public/storage/codes-and-policies/ February2025/S2iOQID2m9PiR26c3JuW.pdf. The Company has identified three focus areas for CSR which are as under:
• Education and sports
• Health and Environment
• Livelihood
The Company also undertakes other need-based initiatives in compliance with Schedule VII to the Act. Employee volunteering continuous to be a vital component of the Company's CSR efforts.
The funds disbursed for CSR related activities have been utilized for the purpose and in the manner recommended by CSR Committee and approved by the Board of Directors for FY 2024- 25.
The Annual Report on CSR activities for the financial year 2024-25 in the prescribed format is annexed as ANNEXURE-2 to this Board's Report. Further, more details of CSR activities are provided in the Management Discussion and Analysis Report.
EMPLOYEES STOCK OPTION SCHEMES
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC) of the Board of the Company, inter-alia, administers and monitors the Employees' Stock Option Schemes of the Company ("schemes") in accordance with the applicable SEBI regulations.
The Company has in force Employee Stock Option Scheme- 2021 ("ESOS-2021"/ "Scheme") pursuant to the provisions of the SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits and Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021. The NRC and the Board have approved certain changes in the ESOS Scheme- 2021, the details of which are provided in the Notice of ensuing Annual General Meeting and the approval of members of the Company is sought for amendments in the scheme in the ensuing AGM.
The applicable disclosures as stipulated under the SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits and Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021 as on March 31, 2025 with regard to the Employees' Stock Option Schemes (ESOS) are provided in ANNEXURE-3 in the Board's Report and may be accessed on the Company's website at the link www.everestind.com/ investor-relations/shareholders-information.
The Company has received certificate from M/s. TVA & Co. LLP, Secretarial Auditors of the Company that the Schemes have been implemented in compliance with the Securities & Exchange Board of India (Share Based Employee Benefits and Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021 and as per special resolutions passed by the members of the Company in the Annual General Meetings. The certificate shall be available for inspection by the members of the Company during the 92nd Annual General Meeting.
STATUTORY AUDITORS
M/s. S R B C & Co. LLP, Chartered Accountants (Registration No. 324982E/E300003), 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 88th Annual General Meeting of the Company held on August 25, 2021 till the conclusion of the 93rd Annual General Meeting of the Company to be held in the year 2026. Further, as required under Regulation 33(1 )(d) of Listing Regulations, they hold a valid Peer Review Certificate issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
AUDITORS' REPORT
The Auditors' Reports on audited standalone and consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 31,2025 forms an integral part of this Annual Report. The Auditors' Reports does not contain any qualifications, reservations, adverse remarks or disclaimer Notes to the Financial Statements are self explanatory and do not call for any further comments. The Statutory Auditors of the Company have not reported any incident of fraud under Section 143(12) of the Companies Act, 2013 (including any statutory modification(s) or re-enactment for the time being in force) during the year under review.
COST AUDITORS
The Company is required to maintain the cost records as specified by the Central Government under section 148(1) of the Act and accordingly, such accounts and records are made and maintained. As per the requirement of Central Government and pursuant to Section 148 of the Act read with the Companies (Audit and Auditors) Rules, 2014, as amended from time to time, the Company has been carrying out the audit of its cost records.
For FY 2024-25, M/s. R. Nanabhoy & Co., Cost Accountants were appointed as Cost Auditors of the Company to audit the cost records of the Company. On the recommendation of Audit Committee, the Board of Directors of the Company at its meeting held on May 19, 2025 appointed M/s. R. Nanabhoy & Co., Cost Accountants (FRN No. 000010) as Cost Auditors of the Company to audit the cost records of the Company for the financial year 2025-26 under section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013. M/s. R. Nanabhoy & Co. have confirmed that their appointment is within the limits of section 141 of the Companies Act, 2013 and have also certified that they are free from any disqualifications specified under section 141 (3) and proviso to section 148(3) read with section 141(4) of the Companies Act, 2013. The Audit Committee has also received a Certificate from the Cost Auditors certifying their independence and arm's length relationship with the Company.
As per the provisions of 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, a resolution seeking Members' ratification for the remuneration payable to M/s. R. Nanabhoy & Co., Cost Auditors to audit the cost records of the Company for the financial year 2025-26 is included in the Notice convening the 92nd Annual General Meeting.
SECRETARIAL AUDITORS & SECRETARIAL AUDIT REPORT
As required under Section 204 of the Act and the rules made thereunder, the Board had appointed M/s TVA & Co. LLP, Practicing Company Secretaries as Secretarial Auditors of the Company to conduct the Secretarial Audit of the Company for the financial year 2024-25. The Secretarial Audit Report for the financial year 2024-25 issued by the Secretarial Auditors in Form MR-3 is attached as ANNEXURE-4 to the Board's Report. The Secretarial Audit Report does not contain any qualification, reservation, adverse remark or disclaimer.
Pursuant to the amendments in Regulation 24A of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements)
Regulations, 2015, subject to the approval of members of the Company and pursuant to the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors at its meeting held on May 19, 2025 approved the appointment of M/s. Parikh & Associates (Firm Registration Number: P1988MH009800, Peer Review No.: 6556/2025), Practicing Company Secretaries as Secretarial Auditors of the Company for the first term of five consecutive years to conduct the Secretarial Audit of the Company from FY 2025-26 to FY 2029-30.The resolution for their appointment has been included in the Notice of ensuing Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Company for the approval of members of the Company. The brief profile of M/s. Parikh & Associates and other details as required under listing regulations and Act have been included in the Notice of ensuing AGM. M/s. Parikh & Associates have confirmed that they are eligible to be appointed as Secretarial Auditors of the Company and they hold a valid peer review certificate.
ANNUAL SECRETARIAL COMPLIANCE REPORT
The Company has undertaken an audit for the year ended March 31,2025 of all the applicable compliances as per SEBI Regulations and circulars/guidelines issued thereunder. The Annual Secretarial Compliance Report for the year ended March 31, 2025 duly issued by M/s. TVA & Co. LLP, peer reviewed firm of Company Secretary in practice has been submitted to the Stock Exchanges.
Pursuant to the amendments in Regulation 24A of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, M/s. Parikh & Associates, Secretarial Auditors have been appointed for issuance of Secretarial Compliance Report for the year ended March 31, 2026.
SECRETARIAL AUDIT OF MATERIAL UNLISTED INDIAN SUBSIDIARIES
There is no Material Unlisted Indian Subsidiary of the Company as on March 31, 2025 and hence, the requirement under Regulation 24A of the Listing Regulations regarding the Secretarial Audit of Material Unlisted Indian Subsidiary is not applicable to the Company for the FY 2024-25.
SECRETARIAL STANDARDS
During the Year under review, the Company has complied with the applicable Secretarial Standards issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India. The same has also been confirmed by the Secretarial Auditors of the Company in the Secretarial Audit Report.
VIGIL MECHANISM/WHISTLE BLOWER POLICY
Pursuant to Section 177 of the Act read with rules made thereunder and the Listing Regulations, the Company has in place a vigil mechanism for Directors, employees, vendors, customers and other stakeholders to report concerns about unethical behaviour, actual or suspected fraud, violation of Code of Conduct of the Company etc. The mechanism also provides for adequate safeguards against victimization of Whistle Blower and also provides whistle blowers direct access to the Chairman of the Audit Committee. A dedicated helpline "Ethics Helpline" has been setup which is managed by an independent professional organization. Whistle blower can raise the concern/ make protected disclosure through e-mail/ toll free number/ whatsapp number/ Fax number/ address to the said helpline, details of which are provided in Corporate Governance Report.
A quarterly report on the complaints under whistle blower policy is placed before the Audit Committee for its review. During the year under review, the Company received 29 whistle-blower complaints and the same were investigated by the Ethics Committee of the Company and appropriate actions were taken.
The Vigil Mechanism/Whistle Blower Policy may be accessed on the Company's website at the link https://www.everestind. com/public/storage/codes-and-policies/February2025/ v5d2EkGekGs8EmVOnUHK.pdf.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The Company recognises that risk is an integral part of the business and is committed to manage the risks in a proactive and efficient manner The Company continued to strengthen its comprehensive system to promptly identify risks, assess their materiality and take measures to minimize their likelihood and losses. The Company has formulated a Risk Management Policy for risk identification, assessment and mitigation. Further, the Risk Management Committee (RMC) is duly constituted. RMC meets twice in a year and discuss on the risk management and strategies. A presentation is made by Chief Risk Officer (CRO) at RMC meetings.
The Internal Audit Reports and risk management framework are reviewed by the Audit Committee. For details on Risk Management, please refer Corporate Governance Report and Management Discussion and Analysis forming part of this Annual Report.
INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROLS
The Company has in place adequate internal financial controls and such internal financial controls were adequate and operating effectively. The Company also has in place adequate internal financial controls with reference to the financial statements commensurate with the size, scale and complexity of its operations. The Audit Committee reviews internal audit reports presented by the Internal Auditors at every audit committee meeting. It maintains constant dialogue with Statutory and Internal Auditors to ensure that internal control systems are operating effectively. For more details, refer to the 'Internal control systems and their adequacy' section in the Management Discussion and Analysis, which forms part of this Annual Report.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT
The Company is committed to maintain the highest standards of corporate governance and adhere to the corporate governance requirements set out by Securities and Exchange Board of India ["SEBI"). A separate Report on Corporate Governance for the year ended March 31, 2025 along with a certificate from M/s TVA & Co. LLP, Practicing Company Secretaries on compliance with the conditions of Corporate Governance as stipulated under Listing Regulations is provided as a part of this Annual Report.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Pursuant to Regulation 34 of the Listing Regulations, Management Discussion and Analysis containing Information inter-alia on industry trends, your company's performance, future outlook, opportunities and threats for the year ended March 31, 2025, is provided in a separate section forming integral part of this Annual Report.
BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
The Company does not fall under the Top 1,000 Companies as per market capitalisation as on December 31, 2024. However, due to Regulation 3(2A) of SEBI [Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements), Regulations, 2015, the Company is required to comply with the provisions of Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) for 3 consecutive financial years. Accordingly, BRSR for the year ended March 31, 2025, as stipulated under Regulation 34 of Listing Regulations is provided separately as a part of this Annual Report.
PARTICULARS OF LOANS, GUARANTEES, SECURITIES OR INVESTMENTS BY THE COMPANY
The details of loans given, guarantees or securities provided and investments made by the Company under the provisions
of Section 186 of the Act during the year ended March 31, 2025 are disclosed in the Notes to the Audited Standalone Financial Statements of the Company. During FY 2024-25, the Company has given loan to its wholly owned subsidiaries viz. Everest Buildpro Private Limited and Everest Steel Building Private Limited for business purpose.
The Company has also provided guarantee on behalf of Everest Buildpro Private Limited (EBPL), wholly owned subsidiary to secure the loan upto Rs. 140 crores by EBPL from HDFC Bank Ltd.
ANNUAL RETURN
The Annual Returns as required under Section 92 and Section 134 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with rules made thereunder for FY 2023-24 and FY 2024-25 are available on the Company's website at the link www.everestind.com/ investor-relations/annual-returns.
CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND OUTGO
Information on Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption, Foreign Exchange Earnings and Outgo required under Section 134(3)(m) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with rules thereunder is given as ANNEXURE-5 forming part of this Report.
PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES AND RELATED DISCLOSURES
Information required under Rule 5(2) and 5(3) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 viz. Details of top ten employees of the Company in terms of remuneration drawn during FY 2024-25 and particulars of employees drawing remuneration in excess of the limits specified in Rule 5(2) of the said rules is provided in Annexure forming part of this Report. As per the provisions of Section 136 of the Companies Act, 2013, the Annual Report and Accounts are being sent to the members of the Company excluding the said Annexure. Any member interested in obtaining a copy of said Annexure may write to the Company Secretary at the Registered Office of the Company. The said annexure will be available for inspection by the members at the Registered Office of the Company twenty-one days before and upto the date of ensuing Annual General Meeting during the business hours on working day.
Disclosures pertaining to remuneration and other details as required under Section 197(12) of the Act read with Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 for the year ended March 31,2025 are provided in ANNEXURE- 6 to the Board's Report.
STATEMENT UNDER SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT WORKPLACE (PREVENTION, PROHIBITION AND REDRESSAL) ACT, 2013
The Company always endeavors and provides conducive work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment including sexual harassment. The Company has zero tolerance towards sexual harassment at workplace and has adopted a policy for prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at workplace. Continuous awareness in this area has been created through POSH training and awareness programs. The Company has set up an Internal Committee (IC) under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 ("POSH Act") at all locations to redress the complaints relating to sexual harassment at workplace and the Company has complied with the provisions relating to the constitution of IC under the POSH Act. During the year under review, no complaints pertaining to sexual harassment were received and no complaint was pending as on March 31,2025.
COMPLIANCE WITH THE MATERNITY BENEFIT ACT, 1961
The Company remains committed to enduring a safe and supportive work environment for all women employees and complies with the provisions of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 and the rule framed thereunder for the year ended March 31, 2025.
HUMAN RESOURCES
The Company has continuously adopted structures that help to attract best external talent and promote internal talent to higher roles and responsibilities. Everest's people¬ centric focus providing an open work environment, fostering continuous improvement and development helped several employees realise their career aspirations during the year More details on HR are provided in MDA which forms part of this Annual Report.
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
During the year under review, the industrial relations at all the plants of the Company were cordial. More details are provided in MDA which forms part of this Annual Report.
ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND SAFETY (EHS)
Our core values of REI (Respect, Excellence & Integrity) guide our EHS culture. More details are provided in MDA which forms part of this Annual Report.
SIGNIFICANT OR MATERIAL ORDERS PASSED BY THE REGULATORS/COURTS
During the year under review, no significant or material orders were passed by the regulators or courts or tribunals
which impact the going concern status and Company's operations in future.
MATERIAL CHANGES AND COMMITMENTS AFFECTING THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE COMPANY
There are no material changes and commitments affecting the financial position of the Company which have occurred between the end of the financial year 2024-25 and the date of this report.
GENERAL
Your Directors state that:
1. Managing Director & CEO of the Company did not receive any remuneration or commission from any of its subsidiaries.
2. As required in terms of Secretarial Standard (SS)-4, it is hereby confirmed that during the year 2024¬ 25, there was no application made and proceeding initiated/pending by any Financial and/or Operational Creditor against the Company under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 and no proceeding is pending under the said code.
3. There was no change in the nature of the business of the Company during the year under review.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Your Directors wish to place on record their gratitude to the Company's business associates, trade partners, dealers, customers, shareholders, vendors, bankers, technology providers and other stakeholders all over India and overseas for the continued support and co-operation extended by them to the Company during the year Your Board also thanks the Government of India, State Governments and other Government Authorities for their continued support and encouragement to the Company and look forward to their support in future.
Your Directors especially wish to place on record their sincere appreciation of the efficient services rendered by the Company's motivated team members from all Zones, Works and Offices.
For and on behalf of the Board
Place: Mumbai Anant Talaulicar Rajesh Joshi
Date: August 4, 2025 Chairman Managing Director
& CEO
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