Your Directors are pleased to present the 109th Annual Report of your Company together with the Audited Financial Statements for the year ended March 31, 2025.
Financial Results
Particulars
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2024-2025
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2023-2024
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Turnover and other income
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39,983.97
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50,155.07
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Profit before interest and depreciation
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8,217.98
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21,531.01
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Interest
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386.90
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657.34
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Profit before depreciation
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7,831.08
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20,873.67
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Provision for depreciation
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303.46
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180.45
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Profit before exceptional item and tax
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7,527.61
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20,693.22
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Exceptional Item
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-
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-
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Profit before tax
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7,527.61
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20,693.22
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Provision for tax
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|
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- Current tax [(Includes income tax reversal for earlier years amounting to H17.02 Lakhs (31 March 2024-H382.19 Lakhs)]
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2,693.37
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3,448.91
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- Deferred tax
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(1,247.28)
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564.04
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Profit after tax
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6,081.52
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16,680.27
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Profit/(Loss) for the year
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6,081.52
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16,680.27
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Opening Balance of Retained Earnings (Surplus in Statement of Profit and Loss)
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1,20,166.16
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98,756.49
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Profit/(Loss) for the year
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6,081.52
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16,680.27
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Other Comprehensive Income
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1.23
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(7.86)
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Total Comprehensive Income for the Year
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6,082.75
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16,672.41
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Transfer within equity- Gain on sale of equity shares designated as FVOCI-transfer to retained earnings (net of tax)
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20,320.68
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6,488.50
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Dividends paid
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(1,751.24)
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(1,751.24)
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Closing Balance in Retained Earnings
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1,44,818.35
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1,20,166.16
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Operations
The income of your Company during the year under review comprised of mainly income/revenue from trading activities, investments, royalty and dividend from Joint Ventures.
Material changes and commitments affecting financial position of the Company
There are no material changes and commitment affecting financial position of your Company, which has occurred between end of the financial year of your Company i.e. March 31, 2025 and the date of this Report.
Dividend
Your Directors have recommended a dividend @ H5.00/- (Previous Year @ H5.00/-) per equity share of H10/- each for the year ended March 31, 2025 subject to the approval of the shareholders at the ensuing Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Transfer to Reserves
During the year under review, your Company has not transferred any amount to the General Reserve and entire amount of profit for the year forms part of the Retained Earnings.
Directors and Key Managerial Personnel
During the FY 2024-25, Mr. Mrigank Dhanuka (M.Dhanuka) (DIN:00005666), the Vice-Chairman of the Company was re¬ designated from Non-Executive Director to Whole-Time Director of the Company for a period of two years w.e.f May 01, 2024 based on the approval of the Board at its meeting held on May 24, 2024, and of the shareholders at the 108th AGM of the Company. Later, vide a letter dated February 07, 2025, Mr. M.Dhanuka has resigned from the post of Vice-Chairman in the capacity of Whole-Time Director of the Company with immediate effect due to his personal reason. Further, he has been appointed as an Advisor to the Board of the Company at the Board Meeting held on February 07, 2025.
Mrs. Bharati Dhanuka (B.Dhanuka) (DIN:02397650), was appointed as an Additional Director of the Company in the capacity of Non-Executive Director at the Board Meeting held on February 07, 2025, subject to the approval of the shareholders. The Company had obtained the said approval of the shareholders by passing resolution through postal ballot on April 10, 2025 and accordingly, she was designated as a Non-Executive & Non¬ Independent Director of the Company w.e.f. April 10, 2025.
Mr. Rajiv Kumar Sharma (R.K.Sharma) (DIN:05197101) was re-designated as the Non-Executive Director of the Company w.e.f. April 01, 2024, based on the approval of the Board at its meeting held on November 07, 2023 and his employment was transferred to WOS of the Company, Dhunseri Poly Films Pvt. Ltd., in view of his full time involvement in the WOS to manage its business affairs efficiently.
Mr. Joginder Pal Kundra (J.P.Kundra) (DIN:00004228) and Dr. Basudeb Sen (B.Sen) (DIN:00056861), ceased to be the Independent Directors of the Company due to the completion of their tenure of two consecutive terms of five years each at the 108th AGM held on August 20, 2024.
Further, Prof. Ashoke Kumar Dutta (A.K.Dutta) (DIN:00045170) and Mr. Bharat Bajoria (B.Bajoria) (DIN:00109241), were appointed as the Additional Directors in the capacity of Independent Directors at the Board Meeting held on May 24, 2024. The Board had considered their integrity, expertise and experience for their appointment. Subsequently, they were appointed as the Independent Directors of the Company by passing special resolution at the 108th AGM held on August 20, 2024 for a period of five years w.e.f. August 20, 2024.
Mr. R.K.Sharma (DIN:05197101) retires by rotation and being eligible offers himself for re-appointment.
Declaration from Independent Directors on an Annual Basis
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 149 of the Companies Act, 2013 ('the Act') and Regulation 25(8) of Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, ("the Listing Regulations"), the Independent Directors have given declarations that they meet the criteria of independence as provided in Section 149(6) of the Act and Rules framed thereunder and Regulation 16(1)(b) of the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015.
The Independent Directors have also declared that they have registered their name with the data bank maintained by the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs as required under the provisions of Section 150 of the Act read with Rule 6(1) of Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014.
In the opinion of the Board, the Independent Directors possess the requisite expertise and experience and are persons of high integrity and repute. They fulfill the conditions specified in the Act as well as the Rules made thereunder and are Independent of the management.
Policy on Directors' Appointment and Remuneration
The policy of your Company on Directors' appointment and
remuneration, including the criteria for determining qualifications, positive attributes, Independence of a Director and other matters, as required under sub-section (3) of Section 178 of the Companies Act, 2013, is available at our website at https://aspetindia.com/ wp-content/uploads/2014/10/TERMS-AND-CONDITIONS-OF- APPOINTMENT-OF-INDEPENDENT-DIRECTOR1.pdf
We affirm that the remuneration paid to the Directors is as per the terms laid out in the Nomination and Remuneration Policy of your Company.
Directors' Responsibility Statement Pursuant to Section 134(5) of the Companies Act, 2013
Pursuant to the requirement under Section 134(5) of the Companies Act, 2013, with respect to Directors' Responsibility Statement, it is hereby confirmed:
(a) That in the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable accounting standards aligned with IND AS had been followed along with proper explanation relating to material departures, if any;
(b) That the Directors had selected such accounting policies aligned as per IND AS and applied them consistently, made judgements 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 FY and of the profit and loss of the Company for that period;
(c) That the Directors had taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of this Act for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
(d) That the Directors prepared the annual accounts on a going concern basis;
(e) That the Directors, had laid down Internal FinancialControls for the Company and that such Internal Financial Controls are adequate and were operating effectively; and
(f) That the Directors had devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems were adequate and operating effectively.
Holding, Subsidiaries and Joint Ventures:
I. Holding Company:
Dhunseri Investments Ltd. continues to be the Holding Company of your Company. During the year under review, Dhunseri Investments Ltd and Naga Dhunseri Group Limited (NDGL), the Promoter Group Companies had entered into a inter-se Share Purchase/Share Sale Agreement respectively, pursuant to which 30,78,759 shares (consisting of 8.79% of the total paid up share capital of the Company) held by NDGL was bought by Dhunseri Investments Ltd., resulting in an increase in the holding from 56.44% to 65.23% of the equity share capital of the Company as on March 31, 2025. There has been no change in the shareholding of the Promoter and Promoter Group due to the said inter-se transfer.
II. Subsidiary Companies:
A. Dhunseri Infrastructure Ltd. (DIL), Wholly-Owned Subsidiary (WOS)
Dhunseri Infrastructure Ltd. (DIL) continues to be the WOS of the Company. The Company is considering various options towards utilisation of the Property. Further, steps are being taken for the de-notification of the areas.
Your Board feels that once the area is de-notified, there would be ample opportunities for utilising the land. Your Board will take a decision as soon as the aforesaid changes are made and finalise in the best interest of your Company.
B. Dhunseri Poly Films Pvt. Ltd. (DPFPL), Wholly-Owned Subsidiary (WOS)
BOPET Manufacturing Plant of your Company's Wholly- Owned Subsidiary, Dhunseri Poly Films Pvt. Ltd. (DPFPL) at Panagarh, West Bengal is operating successfully catering to the demand of the product in India with special focus on Eastern India. DPFPL has started exporting its product successfully, in many parts of the world including its neighbouring countries. DPFPL focuses to continue to grow its exports in the future.
DPFPL's project in Jammu is progressing as per the plan, although there was some temporary disruption of activities due to geo-political situation, however, now the
project activities have restarted. Management is targeting to start its operation of first line of BOPP production tentatively from the quarter of April-June 2026, while second line is expected to start its operation from the first quarter of FY 2027.
C. Twelve Cupcakes Pte. Ltd. (TCPL), Subsidiary
Your Company now holds 81.83% of the equity share capital in Twelve Cupcakes Pte. Ltd. as on March 31, 2025.
During the Financial Year, Twelve Cupcakes Pte. Ltd (TCPL), material unlisted subsidiary of the Company based in Singapore on September 04, 2024 and as informed in the Audit and Board Meeting of your Company held on May 24, 2023, converted the Debentures held by Mr. C.K.Dhanuka and Mr. M.Dhanuka, @ SGD 100 each in the said subsidiary Company into the Equity Shares of the said subsidiary Company @SGD 1 each, as per the terms and conditions of the issued Debentures. Consequently, the percentage of shareholding of your Company in TCPL has been reduced by 6.86% i.e from 88.68% to 81.83%.
D. DVL USA INC., Wholly-Owned Subsidiary (Ceased as a subsidiary w.e.f October 08, 2025)
DVL USA INC. incorporated in United States (U.S) for exploration and expansion of the Cupcake Business in the U.S. Market, has ceased to be subsidiary of your Company.
During the year, the Company entered into a Share Purchase Agreement for the sale of 4,66,000 shares (80.83% of the equity share capital) held by the Company in DVL USA INC. to Dhunseri Overseas Private Limited (DOPL), a Group Company at a total consideration of USD 4,660,000 (INR equivalent to approximately H39.74 Crores) and retained the remaining 1,10,500 shares (19.17% of the equity share capital) of DVL USA INC., as approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors at their respective meetings held on October 08, 2024.
Further, after the execution of aforementioned agreement, there has been an additional infusion of funds by DOPL in DVL USA INC. due to which the holding percentage of the Company in DVL USA INC. has been reduced from 19.17% to 16.33 %.
III. Associate Companies:
A. IVL Dhunseri Petrochem Industries Pvt. Ltd.
Your Company continues to hold 50% of the equity share capital in IVL Dhunseri Petrochem Industries Pvt. Ltd. and the balance 50% stake is held by Indorama group.
B. IVL Dhunseri Polyester Company S.A.E.
Your Company continues to hold 50% stake in IVL Dhunseri Polyester Company S.A.E and the balance 50% stake is held by Indorama group.
Information about the Financial Performance/Financial Position of the Subsidiaries, Associate or Joint Venture
A separate statement containing the salient features of Financial Statements of all Subsidiaries, Associates or Joint Ventures of your Company forms a part of Consolidated Financial Statements in compliance with Section 129 and other applicable provisions, if any, of the Companies Act, 2013. Shareholders desirous of obtaining the report and accounts of your Company's subsidiaries may obtain the same upon request. It is also available on the website of your Company www.aspetindia.com. Members may send an advance request at the e-mail id-investors@aspetindia. com for an electronic inspection of the aforesaid documents.
As required under the Companies Act, 2013 and the Listing Regulations, the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of your Company are also attached and forms part of your Company's Annual Report.
Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption, Foreign Exchange Earnings/Outgo
There are no particulars in regard to the conservation of energy, technology absorption as prescribed under Section 134(3)(m) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014.
The Foreign exchange outflow in the FY 2024-25 is H926.86 lakhs. Further, inflow in foreign exchange in the FY 2024-25 is H4,818.39 lakhs.
Annual Return
Pursuant to Section 92(3) read with Section 134(3)(a) of the Companies Act, 2013, the Annual Return as on March 31, 2025 is available on the Company's website at http://aspetindia.com/ stock-exchange-disclosure/annual-return/.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Corporate Social Responsibility Committee was reconstituted on August 12,2024 with Mr. C.K.Dhanuka, as the Chairperson, Prof. A.K.Dutta and Mrs. A.Kanoria as the members.
The Corporate Social Responsibility Policy of your Company is available on the Company's website at https://aspetindia.com/ wp-content/uploads/2024/06/FINAL-CSR-Policy.pdf .
Your Company carries out CSR activities through Dhanuka Dhunseri Foundation (DDF) or any other implementing agency as the CSR Committee and the Board decides.
The Annual Report on CSR activities in accordance with the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014, is attached as "Annexure-A" to this Report.
Details Relating to Remuneration to Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and Employees
The information required under Section 197 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, is attached as "Annexure-B" to this Report.
The statement containing names of top ten employees in terms of remuneration drawn and the particulars of employees as required under Section 197(12) of the Act read with Rule 5(2) and 5(3) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, is provided in a separate annexure forming part of this Report. Further, the Report and the accounts are being sent to the Members excluding the aforesaid Annexure. In terms of Section 136 of the Act, the said annexure is open for inspection and any Member interested in obtaining a copy of the same may write to the Company Secretary at investors@aspetindia.com.
The financial statements of Dhunseri Poly Films Pvt. Ltd. and Twelve Cupcakes Pte Ltd., material subsidiaries, are available on the website of the Company.
M/s B S R & Co. LLP, Chartered Accountants (Registration No. 101248W/W-100022) were appointed as the Auditors of the Company for a second term of five consecutive years from the conclusion of 106th Annual General Meeting till the conclusion of 111th Annual General Meeting as approved by the Members of the Company at the 106th Annual General Meeting.
No frauds are reported by auditors under Section 143 (12) of the Companies Act, 2013 in Auditor's Report.
The Auditors' Report for the FY 2024-25 does not contain any qualification, reservation, adverse remark or disclaimer.
The Auditors' Report is enclosed with the financial statements in this Annual Report.
Secretarial Auditors and Secretarial Audit
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, M/s Mamta Binani & Associates, Practicing Company Secretaries were appointed as the Secretarial Auditor of your Company for the FY 2024-25.
The Secretarial Audit Report issued by Mamta Binani & Associates, Practicing Company Secretaries for the FY ended March 31, 2025 is attached as an "Annexure-C" to this Report.
The Secretarial Audit Report does not contain any qualification, reservation, adverse remark or disclaimer.
Moreover, pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 and other applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, if any, read with Rule 9 of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, and Regulation 24A and other applicable provisions of the Listing Regulations, the Audit Committee and Board of Directors at its meeting held on May 20, 2025 has recommended the appointment of M/s Mamta Binani & Associates, Practicing Company Secretaries (firm registration no. P2016WB060900), as the Secretarial Auditor of the Company for a term of five consecutive years commencing from the conclusion of the 109th Annual General Meeting till the conclusion of the 114th Annual General Meeting (i.e., for the period commencing from April 01, 2025 till March 31, 2030).
The provisions of Cost Audit and Records as prescribed under Section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013, is not applicable to your Company.
Dividend Distribution Policy
The Board of Directors of your Company has adopted the Dividend Distribution Policy as required by Regulation 43A of the Listing Regulations and is available at our website https://aspetindia.com/ wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Dividend-Distribution-Policy-1.pdf.
Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report
Your Company has prepared the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) describing the initiatives taken by the Board from an Environmental, Social, Governance and Sustainability perspective.
The said BRSR is forming part of the Annual Report and is attached as an "Annexure-E" to this Report and is also uploaded on the website of the Company at https://aspetindia.com/investors/report-review/
Adequacy of Internal Financial Controls with reference to Financial Statements
Your Company has in place adequate internal financial controls as required u/s 134(5)(e) of the Companies Act, 2013. Your Company has adopted policies and procedures for ensuring the orderly and efficient conduct of its business, including adherence to 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. During the year, such controls were tested with reference to Financial Statements and no material weakness in the design or operation was observed.
Particulars of Loans, Guarantees and Investments
Details of Loans, Guarantees and Investments covered under the provisions of Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013 are given in note no. 7 of the Standalone Financial Statements.
Risk Management
Your Company has reconstituted the Risk Management Committee at its Board meeting held on August 12, 2024, comprising of Mr. R.K.Sharma, Chairperson, Prof. A.K.Dutta and Mr. B. Bajoria, as the members.
Your Company has established a Risk Management Policy as approved by the Board, including identification therein of elements of risk, if any, which in the opinion of the Board may threaten the existence of the Company. The major mechanisms of risk management are the Monitoring of Statutory, Legal, Investment Compliances and the Internal Audit.
Related Party Transactions
All the contracts/arrangements/transactions entered by your Company during the financial year with related parties were in the ordinary course of business and on an arm's length basis, details of which are provided in the notes to Accounts.
None of the transactions with any of the related parties was in conflict with the Company's interest. Further, omnibus approval is obtained on an yearly basis for transactions which are repetitive in nature.
Particulars of Material Contracts/arrangements/transactions at arm's length basis as on March 31, 2025 with Related parties during the year pursuant to the provisions of Section 134 (3)(h) of the Companies Act and Rule 8(2) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 are given in "Annexure - D" in form AOC - 2 and the same forms part of this Report.
Your Company has also formulated a policy on dealing with the Related Party Transactions and necessary approval of the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors were taken wherever required in accordance with the Policy.
Annual evaluation of the performance of the Board, its Committees and Individual Directors
The Independent Directors of your Company had reviewed the performance of Non-Independent Directors and the Board as a whole along with the performance of the Chairman of your Company at its meeting held on March 20, 2025.
The Independent Directors well appreciated the functioning of the Board of Directors as well as the Committees of the Board. They were also highly satisfied with the leadership role played by the Chairman. The Board of Directors works as a team and there are detailed discussions at the meetings on various agenda items. The Board is a well-diversified team consisting of persons having expertise in the fields of Corporate & Strategic Advisory, Finance,
Law as well as professionals and industrialist. The Board through its Committees i.e, Audit Committee, Stakeholders Relationship Committee, Nomination and Remuneration Committee is in a position to have its overall supervision at all these key areas. All the Directors participate effectively without any restraint to express their views.
The Board of Directors at its meeting held on May 20, 2025 had evaluated the performance of the Independent Directors based on a list of evaluation criteria for performance evaluation. The effectiveness of the Board was discussed and evaluated based on the evaluation criteria as well as the performance evaluation of the Board Committees was also conducted at the same meeting.
The evaluation process focused on various aspects of the functioning of the Board and Committees such as composition of the Board and Committees, experience and competencies, performance of specific duties and obligations, governance issues, etc. The guidance note issued by SEBI on Board Evaluation was duly considered while conducting the evaluation exercise. Separate exercise was carried out to evaluate the performance of Individual Directors on parameters such as qualifications, experience, availability and attendance, constructive contribution, knowledge and competency etc.
As an outcome of the above exercise, it was noted that the Board as a whole is functioning as a cohesive body, which is well engaged with different perspectives and is believed that it is the collective effectiveness of the Board that impacts Company's performance. The Board Members from different backgrounds bring about different complementarities that help Board discussions to be rich and value adding. It was also noted that the Committees are functioning well and besides the Committee's terms of reference as mandated by law, important issues are brought up and discussed in the Committee Meetings.
Corporate Governance, Management Discussion and Analysis Reports
Your Company has taken adequate steps to adhere to all the stipulations laid down in Regulation 34(3) and Schedule V of the Listing Regulations. A report on Corporate Governance and Management Discussion and Analysis Report is included as a part of this Report.
Certificate from the Secretarial Auditors of your Company confirming the compliance with the conditions of Corporate Governance as stipulated under the Listing Regulations forms part of the Annual Report.
The details of Board Meetings, details of Audit Committee, Stakeholders Relationship Committee, Nomination and Remuneration Committee and Risk Management Committee held during the FY 2024-25, Nomination and Remuneration policy and Vigil Mechanism/Whistle Blower Policy are covered in the Corporate Governance Report.
Environment, Health and Safety
Environment, Health and Safety are of great importance to your Company. Your Company continuously strives to ensure environment sustainable practices and provides a safe and healthy workplace for its employees.
Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace
As per the requirements of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Act, 2013 ("POSH Act") and Rules made thereunder, your Company has an Internal Complaints Committee to address complaints pertaining to sexual harassment in the workplace. There were neither any outstanding complaints in the beginning / end of the year nor any complaints were received and /or disposed off during FY 2024¬ 25. The Committee met once during the Financial Year.
Credit Rating by Infomerics Valuation and Rating Pvt. Ltd.
A Credit rating of IVR A1 (lVR A One Plus) to Short Term Bank facilities of the Company was assigned by Infomerics Valuation and Rating Pvt. Ltd. and this rating continues to remain valid.
Compliance with Secretarial Standards
Your Company is in compliance with the relevant provisions of the Secretarial Standards issued by The Institute of Company Secretaries of India and approved by the Central Government.
General
Your Directors state that no disclosure or reporting is required in respect of the following items as there were no transactions in regard to the under-mentioned items during the year under review:
(a) Issue of equity shares with differential rights as to dividend, voting or otherwise.
(b) Issue of sweat equity shares to employees of the Company/ Issue of Employees Stock Option Scheme.
The Company has not accepted any deposit from the public and as such, no amount on account of principal or interest on deposits from the public was outstanding as on the date of the balance sheet.
There is no change in the nature of business of your Company and no significant material order was passed by the Regulators or Courts or Tribunals which would impact the going concern status of your Company and its future operations.
During the year under review, there were no proceedings that were filed by your Company or against your Company, which are pending under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 as amended, before National Company Law Tribunal or other Courts.
During the year under review, there were no instances of one¬ time settlement with any Bank or Financial Institutions.
Employees
Your Company believes that 'Employees' are the most valuable assets of any organization. Your Directors wish to place on record their deep sense of appreciation for the co-operation, dedication and committed services by all the employees of your Company who plays a pivotal role in the growth of your Company.
Acknowledgement
The Directors wish to place on record their sincere appreciation for the whole-hearted support received from the banks, shareholders and all other associated with your Company. The Board of Directors also thank the employees of your Company for their valuable service and support during the year.
For and on behalf of The Board of Directors
Place: Kolkata C.K.Dhanuka
Date: May 20, 2025 Executive Chairman
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