Your Directors have pleasure in presenting their Fortieth (40th) Annual Report and the Audited Financial Statements for the financial year ended March 31,2025 together with the Independent Auditor’s Report.
STANDALONE AND CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL RESULTS:
(' in Millions)
|
Particulars
|
Standalone
|
Consolidated
|
|
2024-25
|
2023-24
|
2024-25
|
2023-24
|
|
Total Income
|
18,185.59
|
16,082.85
|
33,231.35
|
29,557.76
|
|
Profit before tax expense
|
3,241.23
|
2,903.00
|
1,973.59
|
2,277.75
|
|
Less: Provision for taxation
|
713.95
|
543.07
|
980.94
|
605.05
|
|
Profit after tax
|
2,527.28
|
2,359.93
|
992.65
|
1,672.70
|
|
Add: Surplus from last year
|
6,666.80
|
4,641.58
|
6,229.80
|
4,893.38
|
|
Less: Other Comprehensive Income
|
(12.83)
|
(9.38)
|
(13.67)
|
(10.95)
|
|
Profit available for appropriation after adjustments
|
9,179.75
|
6,992.13
|
7,208.78
|
6,555.12
|
|
APPROPRIATIONS:
|
|
|
|
|
|
1. Interim dividend ['1.25 (March 31,2024: '1.10) per share]
|
171.45
|
152.29
|
171.45
|
152.29
|
|
2. Final dividend [March 31,2024: '1.40 (March 31,2023: '1.25) per share]
|
191.90
|
173.04
|
191.90
|
173.04
|
|
3. Balance carried to Balance Sheet
|
8,554.81
|
6,666.80
|
6,582.34
|
6,229.80
|
TRANSFER TO RESERVES
Your Board has not proposed to transfer any amounts to reserve.
DIVIDEND:
An Interim Dividend of '1.25 per Share of '1/- each (125%) was declared and paid during the financial year under report. After careful review, your Directors have recommended a final dividend of '1.75 (175%), subject to necessary approval by the shareholders.
Total dividend outgo during the year is '363.35 million as against '325.33 million during the year 2023-24.
PARTICULARS OF DIRECTORS AND KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL APPOINTED DURING THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2025:
The Company at its Board meeting held on February 12, 2025 has appointed Mr. Gaya Nand Gauba and Mrs. Rajni Anil Mishra, Independent Directors with effect from April 1, 2025 and Re-appointed Mr. Akhilesh Rai, Whole Time Director and Chief Strategy Officer and Mr. Harish Hassan Visweswara, Independent Director of the Company with effect from June 12, 2025, the Requisite approvals were obtained from the Shareholders for these Re-appointments through postal ballot within the prescribe time.
In terms of the provisions of the Act and the Articles of Association of the Company, Mrs. Supriya Rai, Director of the Company, retires at the ensuing AGM and being eligible, seeks re-appointment.
The composition of the Board of Directors of the Company as on March 31,2025 is as below:
1 Mr. Kula Ajith Kumar Rai - Executive Chairman
2 Mr. Mohan N.S. - Managing Director & Group CEO
3 Mr. Akhilesh Rai - Director & Chief Strategy Officer
4 Mrs. Supriya A. Rai - Non-Executive Director
5 Mr. M. Lakshminarayan - Independent Director (upto March 31,2025)
6 Mr. Harish Hassan Visweswara - Independent Director
7 Mrs. Bharati Rao - Independent Director (upto March 31,2025)
8 Mr. Bhagya Chandra Rao - Independent Director
SHARE CAPITAL:
As on March 31, 2025, the Authorized Share Capital of the Company was '850,000,000/- (Rupees Eight Fifty Million) and the Paid-up Share Capital was '137,161,003/- (Rupees One Thirty Seven Million One Hundred Sixty One Thousand Three Only).
DISCLOSURE REGARDING ISSUE OF EQUITY SHARES WITH DIFFERENT VOTING RIGHTS AND/ OR ISSUE OF SWEAT EQUITY SHARES:
During the Financial Year under review, the Company has not issued any Shares with Differential voting Rights and / or Sweat Equity Shares.
CHANGE IN NATURE OF BUSINESS:
The Company is engaged in the business of manufacturing and selling of automotive and other components that are considered as single segment. There were no changes in the nature of business during the financial year.
The Board of Directors approved the proposal of buyback of 15,00,000 equity shares of '1/- @ '750 per equity share, aggregating to '1,125,000,000/- during August 2024 and completed the entire buyback process by way of extinguishment of shares in the month of September 2024, after making payment of consideration with necessary compliances of applicable SEBI guidelines. Post buy-back, the paid-up share capital of the Company reduced to '137,069,385/- (Rupees One Thirty Seven Million Sixty Nine Thousand Three Eighty Five Only).
OPERATIONS - MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS:
During the year, your Company announced the signing of Share and Asset Purchase Agreement for the acquisition of the business of Stahlschmidt Cable Systems (SCS), out of insolvency proceedings in Germany. This was a two-stage acquisition. The first tranche involving European and Moroccan part was successfully completed effective 1st July 2024. The second tranche involving the operations in China and Canada was completed effective 1st June 2025. SCS, a renowned manufacturer of automotive cable systems, went into insolvency due to significant losses. Considering manufacturing footprint in Morocco and China, an engineering and business development centers in Germany and Canada, makes this an ideal fit for your company’s long-term plan. With the acquisition of LDC entities from Kongsberg Automotive 2 years ago and now SCS, your Company has a perfect global footprint for its customers to offer onshore, near-shore and low-cost manufacturing footprints, unmatched by the competitors.
Your Company, on a standalone basis, recorded an operational income of '17,184.63 million during the financial year 2024-25 as against '15,367.36 million during the financial year
2023- 24 reflecting a growth of 11.83%. Operational EBITDA for the year was '2,979.27 million during the financial year
2024- 25 as against '2,759.63 million during the financial year 2023-24 recording a growth of 7.96%. The consolidated group operational income, excluding SCS, was '31,056.40 million for the financial year 2024-25 as against Rs. 28,958.55 million for the financial year 2023-24 recording a growth of 7.24%. The consolidated Operational EBITDA, excluding SCS, for the year was '4,011.45 million during the financial year 2024-25 as against '3,258.55 million during the financial year 2023-24 recording a growth of 23.11%. Consolidated EBITDA, excluding SCS at 12.92% shows a significant improvement compared to the previous year.
The income for the 9 months for acquired operations relating to SCS in Europe was '1,713.12 Million with an Operational EBITDA loss of '490 Million This is largely due to the fact that these entities are acquired from insolvency. It is expected that by the end of the current financial year SCS entities / assets purchased are expected to turn EBITDA positive.
Global uncertainty, geopolitical disruptions, and a general economic slowdown, along with inflation, significant wage increases in Mexico, special import duties for Chinese products, etc had its impact on growth. The non-automotive business remained muted this year. However, strong order wins in the automotive division across geographies are a clear silver lining for this division. Operationally, all the plants are performing satisfactorily. The year also saw the relocation of the China plant.
Despite these challenges, the operational revenue of the division grew by 3% with an EBITDA of 9.74% for the year, excluding SCS entities. The EBITDA margin improved from 6% to 9.7% excluding SCS, showing a turnaround in operations.
ACQUISITION:
During the year the Company has announced the acquisition of Stahlschmidt Cable Systems (SCS), out of insolvency proceedings in Germany. SCS is a well-known Light Duty Cable maker with a marquee customer base. SCS brings valuable low-cost manufacturing capabilities in Morocco, a strong German engineering and sales team, and China exports through Canada. Headquartered in Germany, SCS has plants in Morocco and China.
The Acquisition was completed in two stages through Suprajit USA Inc., the wholly owned subsidiary of the Company: The first stage (Germany, Poland and Morocco) and China, Canada in second stage. For completion of acquisition the Company has incorporated Suprajit Germany GmbH, Germany, Suprajit Canada Limited, Canada and Suprajit (Jiaxing) Automotive Systems Company Limited, China.
DOMESTIC CABLE DIVISION (DCD):
DCD manufactures cables and certain new products beyond cables in India.
The DCD performed well with 13% growth in income. The operational EBITDA was at 16.70% for the year 2024-25 as against 17.95% for the year 2023-24 largely due to increased employee strengths at STC and Corporate, to meet the future requirements of the Company. The division, while consolidating its position with the OEM customers and aftermarket, will also focus on ‘Beyond Cables’ projects including CBS, latch assembly, actuators, other braking products, etc.
PHOENIX LAMPS DIVISION (PLD):
PLD manufacturers Halogen lamps in India for domestic market, direct exports and through Luxlite. While the operational revenue remained flat, the division delivered strong EBITDA margin at 14.8% compared to 12.1% last year. There has been good traction of Trifa brand in the global market.
SED comprises of Electronics facility at Doddaballapur - a new division of your Company.
SED sales grew by 27.41% with an operating EBITDA margin of 7.25%. The division established a second SMT line during the year. One of the key EV customers reduced business volumes significantly, leading to certain underutilization of the expanded facility. Significant efforts are put in by the team to ensure new businesses in domestic and export markets. Deliveries of actuators, digital clusters, rotary sensors and other products to customers continue to scale new highs.
SUPRAJIT TECHNOLOGY CENTRE (STC):
STC is the Innovation Center at Suprajit Group, located in Bengaluru.
STC, is focused on developing multiple products, including electronics, actuators, digital clusters and braking products. Working closely with the customers, new contracts have been won for the products of STC. Many products are under evaluation with customers. A larger premise to house growing STC team is being set up at Plot No. 100, Bommasandra Indl. Area, Bengaluru.
SUPRAJIT CHUHATSU CONTROL SYSTEMS PRIVATE LIMITED:
During the year the Company has incorporated Suprajit Chuhatsu Control Systems Private Limited. The Company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Chuo Spring Company Limited, Japan (Chuo). This collaboration includes a 50:50 joint venture (JV) in India to design, manufacture, and supply transmission cables, and a Technical Assistance (TA) agreement, which grants JV access to Chuo’s unique Japanese Transmission cable technology.
The JV and TA will first focus on delivering projects for India’s two leading Japanese PV OEMs. The collaboration brings together two globally recognised cable suppliers. It extends the reach of Chuo’s special Transmission cable technology to India and may further support Suprajit’s global OEM customers. The collaboration further expands SEL’s product range to key Japanese customers, and the transmission cable market, going forward.
CURRENT YEAR AND OUTLOOK FOR THE FUTURE:
While the uncertainties related to global conflicts and tariffs remain unresolved, the year ahead will be a year of consolidation and growth. The recent announcement of consolidation of Suprajit Controls Division along with focussed domestic activities and new product launches will usher a new era for Suprajit and its future growth. Our strategy to derisk and grow profitably through our four divisions and STC would create a clear long term sustainable profitable growth for your company. This will be further strengthened with our One-Suprajit solution through SAP, IoT, PLM, etc.
Suprajit is one of the few cable companies in the world who can provide clear options to customers to supply from onshore, nearshore and low-cost destinations. This makes your Company a strategically important supplier to our marquee customer base.
SALIENT FEATURE OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF SUBSIDIARIES:
A separate statement in Form AOC-1, is given as Annexure-1, which contains the salient features of the financial statement of Subsidiaries. The Annual Accounts and related documents of the Subsidiary Companies will be kept open for inspection at the Registered Office of the Company. The aforesaid documents will also be made available to the Members of the Company upon receipt of written request from them.
CREDIT RATING:
The Company’s financial discipline and prudence are reflected in the strong credit ratings ascribed by rating agencies as exhibited below:
|
Instrument
|
Rating Agency
|
Rating/
outlook
|
Remarks
|
|
Long Term Debt
|
CRISIL
|
AA/Stable
|
Re-affirmed
|
|
Long Term Debt
|
ICRA
|
AA/Stable
|
Re-affirmed
|
|
Long Term Debt
|
India Ratings & Research
|
AA/Stable
|
Re-affirmed
|
|
Short Term
|
CRISIL
|
A1
|
Re-affirmed
|
|
Short Term
|
ICRA
|
A1
|
Re-affirmed
|
|
Short Term
|
India Ratings & Research
|
A1
|
Re-affirmed
|
|
Term
Deposit
|
India Ratings & Research
|
AA/Stable
|
Re-affirmed
|
FRAUD REPORTED BY THE AUDITORS DURING THE FINANCIAL YEAR:
Not applicable as there were no such instances during the year.
DEPOSITS:
Your Company has not invited/accepted/renewed any deposits from public as defined under the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Acceptance of Deposits) Rules, 2014. Accordingly, the Company had no deposits as on March 31,2025.
DISCLOSURE AS PER THE COMPANIES (ACCEPTANCE OF DEPOSITS) SECOND AMENDMENT RULES, 2015.
The Company has not accepted any unsecured loan from the Directors of the Company and/or relatives of the Directors during the year under consideration.
MATERIAL CHANGES & COMMITMENTS AFFECTING THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE COMPANY, BETWEEN THE END OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR AND THE DATE OF THE REPORT:
There were no material changes and commitments between the end of the financial year and the date of the Report, which affect the financial position of the Company.
COPY OF ANNUAL RETURN:
Pursuant to Section 92(3) and Section 134(3)(a) of the Companies Act, 2013, the Company has placed a copy of annual return in form MGT-7 of the financial year 2024-25 on its website at www. suprajit.com.
PARTICULARS OF LOANS, INVESTMENTS, GUARANTEES GIVEN OR SECURITY PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY:
During the financial year, the Company has entered into the following pursuant to the provisions of Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013:
|
Name of the entity
|
Particulars of Loans, Investments or Guarantees
|
Amount (' in
Millions)
|
|
Suprajit USA, INC.
|
Loan of USD 38.00 Million
|
3,208.77
|
|
Suprajit USA, INC.
|
Conversion of Loan to Equity of USD 15,00 Million at March 15, 2025 exchange rate of 1 USD = '87.0833
|
1,306.25
|
|
Suprajit Chuhatsu Control Systems Pvt. Ltd.
|
Investment in Wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.
|
0.10
|
|
Solarcraft Power India 26 Private Limited
|
Investment in Solarcraft Power India 26 Private Limited
|
0.48
|
PARTICULARS OF CONTRACTS OR ARRANGEMENTS WITH RELATED PARTIES REFERRED TO IN SECTION 188(1) OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2013:
All related party transactions which were entered into during the financial year were at arm’s length basis and were in the ordinary course of business and with the omnibus approval of the Audit Committee. There were no materially significant related party transactions made by the Company with Promoters, Directors, Key Managerial Personnel or other designated persons which may have a potential conflict with the interest of the Company at large.
All related party transactions, wherever applicable, are placed before the Audit Committee. The quarterly disclosures of transactions with related parties are made to the Audit Committee. In compliance with the provisions of Section 134(3) of the Companies Act, 2013, particulars of contracts or arrangements with related parties referred to in the provisions of Section 188(1) of the Companies Act, 2013 are enclosed, in the Form AOC-2, as part of this report as “Annexure- 2”.
NUMBER OF MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Meetings of the Board are held at regular intervals with a time gap of not more than 120 days between two consecutive Meetings. During the financial year, 4(Four) Meetings were held on May 29, 2024, August 14, 2024, November 11, 2024 and February 12, 2025.
DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT:
In pursuance of Section 134(3)(c) of the Companies Act, 2013, the Board of Directors of the Company confirms and submits that:
i. in the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable Accounting Standards have been followed and there have been no material departures;
ii. the selected accounting policies were applied consistently and the judgements and estimates made 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 profits of the Company for the year ended on that date;
iii. proper and sufficient care has been taken for the maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
iv. the annual accounts have been prepared on a ‘going concern’ basis;
v. adequate system of internal financial controls has been laid down and the said system is operating effectively; and
vi. proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws have been devised and such systems were adequate and are operating effectively.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE:
Being a Listed Company, necessary measures are taken to comply with SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 (LODR) as amended from time to time. A report on Corporate Governance, along with a Certificate of compliance from a Practising Company Secretary, forms part of this report.
DIVIDEND DISTRIBUTION POLICY:
The Company has a Dividend Distribution Policy in place, which is available on the website of the Company at www.suprajit. com(http://www.suprajit.com/investors/compliance/policies- codes/) and also annexed as Annexure-4.
RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY:
The Company has Risk Management Policy in place to provide oversight in the area of financial risks and controls through Risk Management Committee. Major risks identified by the businesses and functions are systematically addressed through mitigating actions on a continuing basis.
The development and implementation of Risk Management Policy has been covered in the management discussion and analysis, which forms part of this report. The Company has taken Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance Policy.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR)/ SUPRAJIT FOUNDATION:
In line with Section 135 read with Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013, the Board has constituted a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee and adopted a CSR Policy which is based on the philosophy “Giving Back to Society”.
During the year, the Company has paid '49.16 Million and Suprajit Automotive has paid '7.34 Million towards the various projects undertaken by Company / Suprajit Foundation. Annual Report on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities provided in Annexure - 5 to this report. The copy of the CSR Policy is available on the website of the Company at www.suprajit.com(http://suprajit.com/investors/compliance/ policies-codes/).
The Company has been active in CSR activities through Suprajit Foundation and has undertaken various projects in the areas of Education, Healthcare and Rural Development since 2011. Your Directors take this opportunity to thank the honorary Trustees of the Foundation, who continue to devote their valuable time and energy in planning, directing, monitoring and reviewing its activities.
BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY REPORT:
As stipulated under the Listing Regulations, the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report, describing the initiatives taken by the Company from Environmental, Social and Governance perspective is presented in a separate section, forming part of the Annual Report.
The Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report as required to be annexed to this report is annexed as Annexure -3.
DETAILS OF EMPLOYEES STOCK BENEFIT SCHEMES:
The Shareholders of the Company have approved ‘SEL Employee Stock Appreciation Rights Plan 2017’ (“ESAR 2017”) at the
32nd Annual General Meeting of the Company held on November 11,2017. The Company, through Nomination and Remuneration Committee, has taken necessary steps to implement the same. Disclosure pursuant to Regulation 14 of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) (Share Based Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014 is enclosed as Annexure-6.
CONSERVATION OF ENERGY:
Conservation of energy continues to be one of the highest priority measures directly supervised by the Chief Strategy officer of the Company. We continue to replace / upgrade old high power consumption equipment with new more modern equipment, and these include the Air compressors, Diesel Gensets, Injection molding machines etc.
The following energy conservation measures were implemented during the year under review.
• Monitoring and regular review of power consumption, maintaining the power factor value nearby 0.99 to reduce the reactive power losses.
• A Variable Frequency Drive (VFD)-based system has been installed in Unit 5, Unit 14, and Unit 16 (60 HP compressor plants). This initiative will be extended to all other plants in a phased manner, aligned with capacity expansion, leading to significant energy savings.
• 954KW solar plant commissioned in Three Phoenix Plants.
• The Company has completed synchronization of: A 320 kVA and 225 kVA DG with a 500 kWp solar plant at Unit 14, DCD Chennai. A 320 kVA DG with a 350 kWp solar plant at the Phoenix Chennai Plant. These measures have eliminated the need for installing higher capacity generators. Net metering agreements with TANGEDCO have also been completed.
• Synchronization of 2 * 500 kVA and 1 * 250 kVA DG sets has enabled efficient load distribution, fuel savings, and extended equipment life. In Unit 5 and Unit 12, new DG sets (500 kVA and 400 kVA respectively) conforming to CPCB IV norms have been installed.
• Planned to install higher Capacity UPS to prevent breakdowns due to power losses.
• Piped Natural Gas (PNG) has been installed in NCR-based plants (PLD-Noida, Manesar, and Pathredi) to reduce air pollution and improve environmental performance.
• The Company has finalized procurement of 5.89 million units (MU) of green energy annually through group captive power vendors, initially for all Karnataka units.
• Machines have been upgraded using Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and Thyristor Power Regulators (TPRs) to improve efficiency and reduce power consumption. A 22 kW induction motor was replaced with an 18 kW servo motor in molding machines for additional savings.
• Periodical inspection and testing of DG sets and transformers have been done as per Indian electricity rule 1956 by Assistant Director Electrical Safety.
• AC drives (VFD) has been installed for high-capacity induction motors to take care of the power consumption in AC motors.
In addition, the following new initiatives have been undertaken during the financial year at various plants:
a. The Company has installed 2,929 kWp solar capacity. Further rooftop solar PV plants of 1811 KWP to be installed in FY26 in our 3 plants. With this, significant power saving achieved in these plants.
b. Replaced all CFL/old tube lights with LED lamps/fittings, including solar streetlights.
c. The 2nd floor new corporate office new VRF air installed life expired and new requirements are installing 5 star rating AC only till date 10 Tr capacity installed installation of inverter-based Air conditioner in all the plants of the Company. Proposed for installation of variable refrigerant volume (VRV) based AC in upcoming plants in 2024-25.
d. Replaced the Air Compressors with VFD model Compressors in Unit 5, Unit 6, Unit 12. Above 60 HP Compressors retrofit VFD’s in unit 2, Unit 4, Unit 7, Unit 14 completed and Unit 15 in the year 2024-25. One High Volume Low Speed (HVLS) fan installed at unit 16, enabling the removal of seven wall-mounted fans and saving 5 HP in power consumption
e. Installation of higher capacity UPS for reduction of scrap and machine breakdown hours in Unit 3, Unit 15, Unit 16 and Suprajit Automotive Pvt. Ltd. Planned for Unit 2, Unit 4, Unit 11 and Unit 14.
f. Installation of Sequence Batch Reactors (SBR) based Sewage treatment plants (STP) in Unit 5,14,15. Proposed for unit 2 in 2026-27.
g. A focused effort at our Halogen bulb manufacturing facilities to reduce consumption of gases and electricity used to manufacture the bulbs.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, TECHNOLOGY, ABSORPTION, ADAPTATION & INNOVATION:
a) Research and Development (R&D):
1. The Company has a centralised Technology Centre (STC) in Jigani, Bengaluru. STC has approximately 100 Engineers working primarily on new product introduction, innovation, design, development, testing and validation.
2. The Group also has design centres in all key manufacturing locations, focusing on application specific design.
3. Rapidly conceptualises, designs, prototypes, and tests new products.
4. Aims to create standalone product verticals for Suprajit.
5. Supports strategic growth by expanding into new markets and technologies.
6. Speed of development remains the Company’s core strength.
7. Suprajit uses a suite of tools to improve the quality, speed and execution of multi disciplinary projects.
8. Use of advanced CAD, simulation, and validation tools.
9. Integrated simulation and FEA to optimise designs before production.
10. Robust testing & validation facilities, including custom built test rigs and vehicle level integration testing
11. Strong supply chain process control: certified vendors, advanced tooling, and strict quality audits.
b) Expenditure on Research and Development:
|
Particulars
|
2024-25
|
2023-24
|
|
Salaries, Wages & Bonus
|
114.50
|
77.37
|
|
Cost of materials consumed
|
1.20
|
2.06
|
|
Other expenses
|
14.79
|
12.86
|
|
Total
|
130.48
|
92.29
|
c) Technology Absorption, Adaptation, Innovation and
particulars of imported technology:
1. The Company has not imported any technology during the financial year.
2. The Company has developed innovative products and processes for which patents are pending.
3. The Company has successfully adopted customer’s designs for new types of cables, halogen lamps and other products.
GREEN INITIATIVES:
The Company has initiated a sustainability initiative with the aim of going green and minimizing our impact on the environment. Like the previous years, this year too, the Company is publishing only the statutory disclosures in the print version of the Annual Report.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND OUTFLOW:
The Company earned '1,757.95 Million and expended '2,270.55 Million during the financial year under review.
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS:
Industrial relations have been cordial and constructive, which have helped your Company to achieve production targets.
DECLARATION BY THE INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS:
The Company has received necessary declarations from each Independent Directors pursuant to the provisions of Section 149(7) of the Companies Act, 2013, that he/she meets the criteria of Independence laid down in the provisions of Section 149(6) of the Companies Act, 2013.
Further, the Board hereby confirms that all the Independent Directors of the Company fulfill the conditions as specified in SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulation, 2015 and all the Independent Directors are independent of the Management.
BOARD EVALUATION:
Pursuant to the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 (as amended from time to time), the Board has carried out an annual performance evaluation of Independent Directors. The Independent Directors have carried out evaluation of Non¬ Independent Directors, Chairman and all the Committees of the Board.
FAMILIARISATION PROGRAMMES OF INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS:
To familiarize the new inductees with the strategy, operations and functions of the Company, the Executive Directors / Senior Managerial Personnel make presentations to the inductees about the Company’s strategy, operations, product and service offerings, markets, organization structure, finance, human resources, technology, quality, facilities and risk management at the Board Meetings. The copy of Familiarization Programme of Independent Directors is available on the website of the Company at www.suprajit.com(http://www.suprajit.com/ investors/compliance/policies-codes/).
NOMINATION AND REMUNERATION POLICY:
Your Company has adopted a Nomination and Remuneration Policy on Directors’ Appointment and Remuneration including criteria for determining qualifications, positive attributes, independence of a Director and other matters as provided under the provisions of Section 178(3) of the Companies Act, 2013. The Policy is available at the website of the Company at www.suprajit.com(http://suprajit.com/investors/compliance/ policies-codes/).
COMPOSITION OF AUDIT COMMITTEE:
The Company has complied with the requirements of Section 177 of the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 18 of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, relating to the composition of the Audit Committee. During the financial year, the composition of the Audit Committee was as follows:
Mr. K. Ajith Kumar Rai - Member
Mrs. Bharati Rao - Member (upto March 31,2025)
Mr. Harish HV - Member
Mrs. Rajni Anil Mishra - Member (from April 1,2025)
Mr. Gaya Nand Gauba - Member (from April 1,2025)
VIGIL MECHANISM/WHISTLE BLOWER POLICY:
Your Company has formulated the Whistle Blower Policy with a view to provide a mechanism for Employees and Directors of the Company to approach the Compliance Officers / the Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Company in compliance with Section 177(9) of the Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. Details of the Whistle Blower Policy are explained in the Report on Corporate Governance and Whistle Blower Policy of the Company is available on the website of the Company at www.suprajit.com(http://suprajit.com/investors/compliance/ policies-codes/).
AUDITORS:
i. Statutory Auditors:
The Members of the Company at the 32nd (Thirty Second) Annual General Meeting of the Company held on November 11,2017, appointed Messrs S. R. Batliboi & Associates LLP, Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration No. 101049W/ E300004) as Statutory Auditors of the Company for a period of 5 (Five) years and on the 37th (Thirty Seventh) Annual General Meeting the Statutory Auditors of the Company appointed for a second term of 5 (five) consecutive years i.e from conclusion of 37th Annual General Meeting till conclusion of 42nd Annual General Meeting.
ii. Cost Auditors:
Messrs G N V Associates, Cost Accountants, Bengaluru was appointed as the Cost Auditors of your Company for the financial year 2024-25.
iii. Secretarial Auditor:
The Board has appointed Mr. Parameshwar G. Bhat, a Practising Company Secretary (Membership No.FCS-8860), Bangalore, as the Secretarial Auditor as per the provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013 for the financial year 2024-25. The Secretarial Audit Report issued by him is enclosed as “Annexure-7” to this Report.
In terms of Regulation 24A of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, the Company proposes to appoint Mr. Parameshwar Ganapati Bhat, Practising Company Secretary, (FCS- 8860, COP- No. 11004) as the Secretarial Auditor of the Company to hold office for a period of 5 (Five) consecutive years from April 01, 2025, to March 31, 2030, subject to approval of the Members of the Company at the 40th Annual General Meeting of the Company.
QUALIFICATIONS, RESERVATIONS OR ADVERSE REMARKS OR DISCLAIMERS MADE BY THE STATUTORY AUDITORS
There are no qualifications or adverse remarks in the Statutory Auditors’ Report which require any explanation from the Board of Directors. The Statutory Auditors have expressed an unmodified opinion in the audit reports in respect of the Audited standalone and consolidated Financial Statements for the financial year ended March 31,2025.
Further, there are also no qualifications, reservations or adverse remarks or disclaimers made by Secretarial Auditor in his Secretarial Audit Report.
REGULATORY / COURT ORDERS:
There were no significant and material orders passed by the Regulators or Courts or Tribunals impacting the going concern status of the Company and its future operations.
HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (HSE):
The Company’s efforts towards reinforcing a positive safety culture have resulted in reduction of total lost time due to Injuries this year. Similarly, the lost Time Injury Frequency Rate reduced from a year ago.
Further, during the financial year, no occupational illness case was reported. Due to continued efforts to conserve water and energy, specific water and energy consumption also got reduced.
The Company has demonstrated its commitment to HSE by Establishing HSE Policy, same was communicated across the plants, Employees and interested parties (made available through website) and all the new manufacturing plants have been certified for Environmental Management System (ISO 14001:2015) during the year.
DISCLOSURE UNDER THE SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT WORKPLACE (PREVENTION, PROHIBITION AND REDRESSAL) ACT, 2013:
The Company has in place a Sexual Harassment Policy in line with the requirements of the Sexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Act, 2013. Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) has been set up to redress complaints received regarding sexual harassment. All employees (permanent, contractual, temporary, trainees) are covered under this Policy.
Summary of sexual harassment complaints received and disposed off during the financial year 2024-25:
(a) number of complaints of sexual harassment received in the year: Nil
(b) number of complaints disposed off during the year: Nil
(c) number of cases pending for more than ninety days: Nil
MATERNITY BENEFITS ACT, 1961:
The Company has complied with the provisions of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, including maternity leave, nursing breaks, and creche facilities for eligible employees.
PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES:
The information required pursuant to Section 197 read with Rule 5 of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 in respect of employees of the Company, will be provided upon request. In terms of Section 136 of the Act, the Report and Accounts are being sent to the Members and others entitled thereto, excluding the Registered Office of the Company during business hours on working days of the Company up to the date of the ensuing Annual General Meeting. If any Member is interested in obtaining a copy thereof, such member may write to the Company Secretary in this regard.
The ratio of the remuneration of each Director to the median employee’s remuneration and other details in terms of Section 197(12) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, are forming part of this report as “Annexure -8”.
SECRETARIAL STANDARDS:
The Company complies with applicable mandatory secretarial standards issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India.
CAUTIONARY NOTE:
Management Discussion and Analysis forming part of this Report is in compliance with Corporate Governance Standards, SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 with the Stock Exchanges and such statements may be “forward looking” within the meaning of applicable securities laws and regulations. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied. Important factors that could make a difference to the Company’s operations include economic conditions affecting demand/supply and price conditions in the domestic and overseas markets/currency fluctuations in which the Company operates, changes in the Government regulations, tax laws and other statutes and other incidental factors.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
The Directors place on record their appreciation for valuable contribution made by employees at all levels, active support and encouragement received from various Governmental agencies, Company’s Bankers, Customers, vendors, distributors, Business Associates and other Acquaintances.
Your Directors recognize the continued support extended by all the Shareholders and gratefully acknowledge with a firm belief that the support and trust will continue in the future.
For and on behalf of the Board
K Ajith Kumar Rai Chairman DIN:01160327
Place : Bengaluru Date : May 28, 2025
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