DEAR SHAREHOLDERS,
Your Board of Directors are pleased to present the 64th Annual Report on business and
operations of the Company along with
the Audited Financial Statements of your Company for the financial year ended 31 March,
2025.
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
The Audited Financial Statements of your Company as on 31 March, 2025, are prepared in
accordance with the relevant applicable Indian Accounting Standards ("Ind AS")
and Regulation 33 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and
Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 ("SEBI Listing Regulations") and the
provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 ("Act").
The summarised financial highlight is depicted below:
(Rs.in Crores)
Particulars |
Standalone |
Consolidated |
Year ended |
FY 2024-25 |
FY 2023-24 |
FY 2024-25 |
FY 2023-24 |
Revenue from operations |
5904.63 |
5,674.32 |
8404.25 |
6,419.77 |
PBDIT & Excgptional Itgms |
1039.41 |
997.54 |
1384.17 |
1,074.37 |
Less: Finance cost |
278.16 |
126.20 |
460.91 |
180.78 |
PBDT & Excgptional Itgms |
761.25 |
871.34 |
923.26 |
893.59 |
Less: Depreciation |
156.98 |
150.53 |
345.68 |
217.26 |
PBT & Excgptional Itgms |
604.27 |
720.81 |
577.58 |
676.33 |
Less: Exceptional Items |
- |
- |
0.52 |
- |
PBT |
604.27 |
720.81 |
577.06 |
676.33 |
Tax expense |
153.21 |
187.52 |
142.39 |
185.22 |
PAT |
451.06 |
533.29 |
434.67 |
491.11 |
Earnings Per Equity Share (FV Rs.1/- Per Sh.) (EPS) (in `) (Basic) |
11.95 |
14.13 |
11.51 |
13.00 |
Earnings Per Equity Share (FV Rs.1/- Per Sh.) (EPS) (in `) (Diluted) |
11.92 |
14.13 |
11.48 |
13.00 |
- There are no material changes and commitments affecting the financial position of your
Company which have occurred between the end of the financial year and the date of this
report.
- Previous year's figures have been regrouped/
re-arranged wherever necessary.
- There has been no change in nature of business of your Company.
PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW
Standalone Basis
Your Company's FY 2024-25 EBITDA was Rs.1039 Crores as against Rs.998 Crores in the
previous year. PAT for the year was Rs.451 Crores, as against previous year's PAT of
Rs.533 Crores.
Carbon Black
Your Company's carbon black segment EBIT in FY 2024-25 was at Rs.990 Crores as compared
to Rs.897 Crores in FY 23-24, which is an increase by Rs.93 Crores due to higher volume,
change in product mix and operational efficiencies.
Power
Your Company's power segment revenue (excluding inter segment revenue) in FY 2024-25
was at Rs.149 Crores as compared to Rs.163 Crores in FY 2023-24, which is a decrease by
Rs.14 crores due to lower sales volume.
PCBL (TN) Limitgd Pgrformancg Summary
Your Company's wholly-owned subsidiary PCBL (TN) Limited during FY 2024-25 sold
1,03,588 (excluding inter-segment sales) MT of Carbon Black. Revenue from operations
(excluding inter segment revenue) during FY 2024-25 was Rs.1134 Crores while EBITDA during
the same period was Rs.149 Crores.
Consolidated Basis
Your Group's FY 2024-25, EBITDA was Rs.1384 Crores as against
Rs.1,074 Crores in the previous year. PAT for the year was Rs.435 Crores, as against
previous year's PAT of Rs.491 Crores.
A detailed review of the operations of your Company for the financial year ended 31
March 2025 is given in the Management Discussion and Analysis Report, which forms a part
of this Report.
For the performance of the other subsidiary companies, please refer to the Corporate
Overview section of the Integrated Annual Report.
DIVIDEND
The Board of Directors of your Company at its meeting held on 10 January, 2025 had
declared an Interim Dividend @ 550 %, i.e. Rs.5.50 /- per equity share on the face value
of Re. 1/- per equity share, for the financial year ended 31 March, 2025. The said Interim
Dividend was paid on and from 29 January, 2025. The dividend recommendation is in
accordance with the Dividend Distribution Policy of your Company which is annexed hereto
and forms part of an Integrated Report and the same is available on your Company's website
and can be accessed at https://www.
pcblltd.com/investor-relation/generalpolicies. There has been no change in the policy
during the year. The Notice convening the ensuing Annual General Meeting ("AGM")
of the Members of your Company includes an item for confirmation of the said interim
dividend.
MANUFACTURING
Carbon Black production during FY 2024-25 was 4,96,944 MT as compared to 4,84,035 MT in
FY 2023-24 on standalone basis. Your Company's wholly-owned subsidiary PCBL (TN) Limited
during FY 2024-25 produced 1,03,764 MT of carbon black. However, we are focusing on the
production of value-added products in the performance and specialty chemical segment,
which is having higher contribution margin.
As a manifestation of our commitment to sustainability, we are continuously working
towards reduction in water and power consumption. We are endlessly strategising towards
conversion of cost reduction through inventory and spare management as well as improving
our reliability by
With its strategically located plants, your Company is well equipped to serve customers
in India as well as all over the globe. Proximity to seaports reduces logistics costs.
CHANGE OF NAME OF THE COMPANY
During the year ended 31 March, 2025, the Company has changed its name from 'PCBL
Limited' to 'PCBL Chemical Limited' pursuant to issuance of fresh Certificate of
Incorporation dated 6 November, 2024 by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Office of the
Central Processing Centre, Manesar, Plot No. 6,7, 8, Sector 5, IMT Manesar, Gurgaon,
Haryana, 122050, India.
ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (ESG)
With its continuous commitment towards sustainability, your Company has been working on
enhancing its ESG efforts by undertaking a comprehensive and independent ESG strategy and
assessment exercise by adhering to certain Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) derived out
of materiality targets. Key material factors have been sharply defined in alignment with
the context of the business and Double Materiality Assessment. These are Greenhouse Gas
(GHG) emissions and energy management, Water management, Solid waste management, Health
and safety, Human rights and Employee wellbeing, Community engagement, Sustainable
Procurement, Circular Economy, Product stewardship, Leadership and Governance.
Company had taken SBTi aligned targets for the reduction of GHG emissions under three
scopes including the target to achieve Net Zero by 2050. Company has joined the UN Global
Compact Network India (UNGCNI) as part of ongoing commitment to sustainability.
For the FY 2024-25, your Company had conducted a carbon footprint accounting process
across all manufacturing plants and offices. The GHG emissions covered by the report
include both direct and indirect emissions generated by
strengthening preventive measure compliances condition-
the business. The GHG emission intensity (tCO2
emission/
based monitoring and periodic reviews of SOPs.
During the year, 12 MW co-generation power plant was also commissioned at the
Greenfield Project by PCBL (TN) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of your Company in the
state of Tamil Nadu. With this, the total capacity of the cogeneration power of your
Company and its subsidiary stands at 122 MW.
The brownfield expansion at our existing facility at Mundra Plant, Gujarat to produce
specialty chemicals of 20,000 MTPA was commissioned during the year.
Further Brownfield expansion has been undertaken at our Palej Plant for Specialty Black
& Chennai Plant for Rubber Black.
MT production of carbon black) was 1.91 tCO2e/MT for Scope1 and Scope2 in FY
2024-25. Eleven categories out of total fifteen were found to be applicable for your
Company while calculating GHG emission under Scope3.
Your Company's specific key risks and opportunities relating to ESG material issues
have been identified. Action plans have been formulated to achieve the targets under each
of the identified key material issues. Implementation of some of the action plans to
mitigate the risks and exploring the opportunities may have long lead times, but your
Company is committed to this.
CREDIT RATINGS
Your Company's financial discipline and prudence is reflected in the strong credit
ratings ascribed by rating agencies. The details of credit rating are disclosed in the
Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of this Integrated Report.
SHARE CAPITAL
Your Company's paid-up Equity Share Capital as on
31 March, 2025 stood at Rs.37.75 Crores. During the year under review, your Company has
not issued shares with differential voting rights nor granted stock options nor sweat
equity. As on 31 March, 2025, none of the Directors of your Company hold shares or
convertible instruments of your Company.
SCHEME OF AMALGAMATION OF AQUAPHARM CHEMICALS PRIVATE LIMITED (ACPL) WITH ADVAYA
CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES LIMITED (ACIL)
The Board of Directors of Advaya Chemical Industries Limited ("ACIL" or
"Transferee Company"), a subsidiary of the Company, and the Board of Directors
of Aquapharm Chemicals Private Limited ("ACPL" or "Transferor
Company"), a wholly owned subsidiary of ACIL, at their respective meetings held on 1
August, 2024 approved the Scheme of Amalgamation of ACPL with ACIL under Section 233 and
other applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 ("Scheme"). The Scheme
provides for amalgamation of ACPL with ACIL and other matters incidental thereto.
The Central Government through the Regional Director, Western Region, Ministry of
Corporate Affairs ("Regional Director") vide order dated 6 December, 2024 has
approved the Scheme. Consequently, ACPL stands amalgamated with ACIL and ACPL ceases to
exist as a separate entity. Post amalgamation, the name of Transferee Company has been
changed from 'Advaya Chemical Industries Limited' to 'Aquapharm Chemical Limited'.
JOINT VENTURE
The Board of Directors of the Company, at its board meeting held on 16 March, 2024
granted authorisation to execute the Joint Venture Agreement dated 16 March, 2024 between
the Company and Kinaltek Pty Limited ("Kinaltek") as novated and amended vide
joint venture novation and amendment agreement between the Company, Kinaltek and Kindia
Pty Limited as a trustee of Kindia Unit Trust ("Kindia") dated 17 September,
2024 ("Joint Venture Agreement"). The Company incorporated a wholly owned
subsidiary Nanovace Technologies Limited ("JV Company"), on March 29 March,
2024.
During the year ended 31 March, 2025, the Company invested Rs.2.55 crores as equity
contribution which represents 51% of the shareholding in the JV Company and
Kindia invested Rs.2.45 crores as equity contribution which represents 49% of the
shareholding in the JV Company. Further, the Company invested Rs.194.80 crores by way of
subscription to optionally convertible debenture (OCDs) and Kindia invested Rs.1.66 crores
by way of subscription to compulsorily convertible debentures (CCDs).
PREFERENTIAL ISSUE
The Preferential Issue Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company at its
Meeting held on 7 May, 2024, has approved the allotment of warrants of the Company, on a
preferential basis by way of a private placement. The Company had allotted 1,36,00,000
convertible warrants to Rainbow Investments Limited (Promoter) and 12,00,000 convertible
warrants each to Quest Capital Markets Limited (Promoter Group) and STEL Holdings Limited
(Promoter Group) on 7 May, 2024 for an issue price of Rs.280 per warrant. Out of total
issue price Rs.70 (25% of the issue price) per warrant amounting to Rs.112 crores was
received as the initial subscription amount at the time of allotment of the warrants
during the year. The amount raised, has been used fully for the purposes for which the
funds were raised.
SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
The Company has 3 unlisted wholly owned subsidiaries as on date, namely, PCBL (TN)
Limited, PCBL Europe SRL and Phillips Carbon Black Cyprus Holdings Limited (PCBCHL),
1 unlisted subsidiary company namely, Nanovace Technologies Limited (NTL) and 1
debt-listed subsidiary namely, Aquapharm Chemical Limited (formerly known as Advaya
Chemical Industries Limited). PCBCHL has its step-down subsidiary namely, Phillips Carbon
Black Vietnam Joint Stock Company. Aquapharm Chemical Limited (ACL) has its step-down
subsidiaries, namely, Aquapharm Europe B.V., Unique Solutions for Chemical Industries
Company (USCIC), Aquapharm Chemicals LLC (AC LLC) and Aquapharm Foundation. USCIC has its
step-down subsidiary, namely, USCI LLC. AC LLC has its step-down subsidiaries, namely,
Aquapharm PChem LLC and Aquapharm Specialty Chemicals LLC. NTL has its step-down
subsidiary namely, Enersil Pty Limited. There are no associate companies or joint venture
companies within the meaning of Section 2(6) of the Act.
Pursuant to the provisions of Sections 129, 134 and 136 of the Act read with rules made
thereunder and Regulation
33 of the SEBI Listing Regulations, your Company has prepared consolidated financial
statements of your Company and a separate statement containing the salient features of
financial statement of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates in Form AOC-1, which
forms part of this Integrated Annual Report.
The annual financial statements and related detailed information of the subsidiary
companies shall be made available to the shareholders of the holding and subsidiary
companies seeking such information on all working days during business hours till the date
of the AGM of the Company. The financial statements of the subsidiary companies shall also
be kept open for inspection by any shareholder during working hours at your Company's
registered office and that of the respective subsidiary companies concerned. In accordance
with Section 136 of the Act, the audited financial statements, including consolidated
financial statements and related information of your Company and audited accounts of each
of its subsidiaries, are available on website of your Company at www.pcblltd.com.
MATERIAL SUBSIDIARIES
As on 31 March, 2025, your Company had 1 unlisted material subsidiary i.e. PCBL(TN)
Limited and 1 debt-listed material subsidiary i.e. Aquapharm Chemical Limited (formerly
known as Advaya Chemical Industries Limited). Your Company has formulated a policy for
determining Material Subsidiaries. The policy on Material Subsidiary is available on your
Company's website and may be accessed at the link:. https://www.pcblltd
. com/investor- relation/general- policies.
Pursuant to Section 134 of the Act read with rules made thereunder, the details of
developments at the level of subsidiaries are covered in the Corporate Governance Report,
which forms part of this Integrated Annual Report.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
The Management Discussion and Analysis Report for the year under review, as stipulated
under the SEBI Listing Regulations, is presented in a section forming part of this
Integrated Annual Report, marked as Anngxurg -A'.
ANNUAL RETURN
Pursuant to Section 134(3)(a) of the Act, the draft annual return as on 31 March, 2025
prepared in accordance with Section 92(3) of the Act read with Rule 12(1) of the Companies
(Management and Administration) Rules, 2014, is made available on the website of your
Company and can be accessed at https://www.pcblltd.com/investorrelation/
compliances-under-sebi-regulations.
CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION, FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND OUTGO
The information on conservation of energy, technology absorption and foreign exchange
earnings and outgo
stipulated under Section 134(3)(m) of the Act read with Rule 8 of the Companies
(Accounts) Rules, 2014, as amended is provided as Anngxurg-B' of this
Integrated Annual Report.
DEPOSITS
There were no outstanding deposits within the meaning of Sections 73 and 74 of the Act
read with rules made thereunder at the end of FY 2024-25 or the previous financial years.
Your Company did not accept any deposit during the year under review.
DETAILS OF SIGNIFICANT AND MATERIAL ORDERS PASSED BY THE REGULATORS, COURTS AND
TRIBUNALS
No significant and material order has been passed by the Regulators, Courts and
Tribunals impacting the going concern status and your Company's operations in future.
No proceedings have been initiated / pending against the
Company under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
No instances of one-time settlement with any bank or financial institution were
incurred during the financial year under review.
INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROL SYSTEM AND THEIR ADEQUACY
Your Company has in place adequate internal financial controls with reference to the
Financial Statements commensurate with the size, scale and complexity of its operations.
Your Company has an Internal Audit team that is responsible for independently evaluating
the adequacy and effectiveness of all internal control designs and implementation, risk
management, systems and processes. Internal Audit team is manned by appropriately skilled,
experienced and qualified personnel. The Internal Audit plan is also aligned with the
business objectives of the Company which is reviewed and approved by the Audit Committee.
The details on Internal Control Systems and their adequacy are provided in the Management
Discussion and Analysis which forms part of this Report.
PARTICULARS OF LOANS, GUARANTEES OR
INVESTMENTS
Details of Loans, Guarantees and Investments made during the year under review, are
given in the notes to the financial statements.
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
As required under the Act and the SEBI Listing Regulations, the Board has six (6)
Statutory Committees: Audit Committee, Nomination and Remuneration Committee, Stakeholders
Relationship Committee, Corporate Social Responsibility Committee, Independent Directors'
Committee and the Sustainability and Risk Management
Committee.
Details of all the committees such as terms of reference, composition, and meetings
held during the year under review are disclosed in the Corporate Governance Report, which
forms part of this Integrated Annual Report.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The details of the CSR Committee are provided in the Corporate Governance Report, which
forms part of this Integrated Annual Report. The CSR policy is available on the website of
your Company at https://www.pcblltd.com/
investor-relation/generalpolicies. The brief outline of the CSR policy of the Company
and the initiatives undertaken by the Company on CSR activities during the year under
review is annexed marked as Anngxurg C' and forms part of this Integrated
Annual Report.
The Chief Financial Officer of your Company has certified that CSR spends of your
Company for FY 2024-25 have been utilised for the purpose and in the manner approved by
the Board of Directors of your Company.
VIGIL MECHANISM / WHISTLE BLOWER POLICY
The Company has a Vigil Mechanism for Directors and Employees to report their concerns
about unethical behaviour, actual or suspected fraud or violation of the Company's Code of
Conduct. The mechanism provides for adequate safeguards to employees and business
associates reporting unethical practices and encourages employees to report genuine
concerns or grievances such as unethical behaviour, actual or suspected fraud or violation
of the Company's Code of Conduct. It also provides for multiple ways to promptly report
any suspected or potential violation of PCBL Code of Conduct. Stakeholders are encouraged
to report any suspected or potential violations of laws or regulations or PCBL Code of
Conduct, through any of the channels mentioned therein. All employees and Directors have
access to the Chairperson of the Audit Committee in appropriate and exceptional
circumstances.
The Vigil Mechanism and Whistle Blower Policy is available on the Company's website at
https://www.pcblltd.com/ responsibility/policies .
During the financial year 31 March, 2025, your Company has not received any complaint
under the vigil mechanism / whistle blower policy.
ANNUAL EVALUATION OF BOARD PERFORMANCE AND PERFORMANCE OF ITS COMMITTEES AND DIRECTORS
Pursuant to applicable provisions of the Act, and the Listing Regulations, the Board
has carried out annual evaluation
of its own performance, performance of the Directors including Chairman's assessment as
well as the evaluation of the working of its Committees.
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC) has defined the evaluation criteria and
the mechanism for carrying out the Performance Evaluation process for the Board, its
Committees and Directors.
During the financial year ended 31 March, 2025, your Company engaged a leading HR
Consulting Firm for carrying out and implementation of the Board Evaluation survey. With
regard to the same, the leading HR Consulting Firm has been engaged in the process of
compilation of the report and feedback received from the Board Members, Committee Members
and Directors in the questionnaires circulated and for identifying key inferences and
observations with respect to Performance Evaluation of the Directors. A consolidated
report was shared with the Chairman of the Board for his review and giving feedback to
each Director.
During the year, feedback was sought by way of structured questionnaires and evaluation
was carried out based on various criteria and the responses received from the Directors. A
consolidated report was shared with the Chairman of the Board for his review and giving
feedback to each Director.
The criteria for performance evaluation of the Board included aspects such as Board
composition and quality, setting strategy, overall direction, effectiveness of Board
processes, Board and management relations, contribution, board development, timeliness of
information etc. The criteria for performance evaluation of the Committees included
aspects such as structure and composition of Committees, effective participation of
members of the Committees, deliberations and suggestions made by the Committee,
effectiveness of the Committee's recommendation for the decisions of the Board, etc. A
separate peer review exercise was carried out to evaluate the performance of Individual
Directors. The performance evaluation of the Chairman of the Board was also carried out,
considering the views of all the remaining Directors.
Further, the Independent Directors, at their exclusive meeting held during the year,
reviewed the performance of the Board, its Chairman and Non-executive Directors and other
items as stipulated under the Listing Regulations.
NOMINATION AND REMUNERATION POLICY
The Board has, on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee,
framed a policy for the selection and appointment of Directors, Key Managerial
Personnel(KMP), Senior Management Personnel (SMP)
and other employees along with their remuneration. The Nomination and Remuneration
Policy and the details pertaining to the remuneration paid during the year are furnished
in the Corporate Governance Section of the Integrated Annual Report.
The Remuneration Policy is also posted on your Company's website and may be accessed at
the link: https://www.
pcblltd.com/investor-relation/generalpolicies.
TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES
All contracts or arrangements entered into by and between the Company with Related
Parties are on arm's length basis and in the ordinary course of business. Hence, pursuant
to Section 134(3)(h) of the Act read with Rule 8(2) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules,
2014, there are no related party transactions to be reported under Section 188(1) of the
Act and Form AOC-2 is not applicable.
All related party transactions are placed before the Audit Committee for its review and
approval on a quarterly basis. An omnibus approval of the Audit Committee is obtained for
the related party transactions which are repetitive in nature. Further, the related party
transactions are reviewed by the Statutory Auditors of the Company.
During the year under review, your Company had not entered into any Material Related
Party Transactions, i.e. transactions exceeding rupees one thousand crore or ten per cent
of the annual consolidated turnover as per the last audited financial statements.
Related Party disclosures as per Ind AS 24 have been provided in Notes to accounts
annexed to the financial statements.
The Policy on Related Party Transactions is available on your Company's website and can
be accessed using the link: https://www.pcblltd.com/investorrelation/general-
policies.
Pursuant to the provisions of Regulation 23 of the SEBI Listing Regulations, your
Company has filed half yearly reports to the stock exchanges, for the related party
transactions.
RISK MANAGEMENT
Your Company has a structured Risk Management Framework, designed to identify, assess
and mitigate risks appropriately. The Board has formed a Sustainability and Risk
Management Committee (SRMC) inter-alia to frame, implement and monitor the risk management
plan for your Company. The SRMC is responsible for reviewing the risk management plan and
ensuring its effectiveness. The Audit Committee has additional oversight in the area
of financial risks and controls. The major risks identified by the businesses are
systematically addressed through mitigation actions on a continual basis. Further details
on the Risk Management activities, including the implementation of risk management policy,
key risks identified and their mitigations are covered in Corporate Overview section,
which forms part of this Integrated Annual Report.
PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES AND REMUNERATION
The information required under Section 197 of the Act, read with Rule 5(1) of the
Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, relating to
percentage increase in remuneration, ratio of remuneration of each Director and Key
Managerial Personnel (KMP) to the median of employees' remuneration are provided in Anngxurg-D'
of this Integrated Annual Report.
The statement containing particulars of employees, as required under Section 197 of the
Act, read with Rule 5(2) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial
Personnel) Rules, 2014, forms a part of this Integrated Annual Report. However, in terms
of Section 136 of the Act, the Integrated Annual Report is being sent to the shareholders
and others entitled thereto, excluding the said annexure. If any shareholder is interested
in obtaining a copy thereof, such shareholder may write to your Company Secretary in this
regard at pcbl.investor@rpsg.in.
KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL
During the year, there was no change in the Key Managerial Personnel (KMPs) of your
Company and the Company had the following KMPs as on March 31, 2025 as per Section 2(51)
of the Act:
Sl. No. |
Key Managerial Personnel |
Designation |
1. |
Mr. Kaushik Roy |
Managing Director |
2. |
Mr. Kaushik Mukherjee |
Company Secretary and Chief Legal Officer |
3. |
Mr. Raj Kumar Gupta |
Chief Financial Officer |
LISTING
The equity shares of your Company continue to be listed on the National Stock Exchange
of India Limited (NSE) and BSE Limited (BSE). The Non- convertible debentures issued by
your Company was listed on BSE Limited. Your Company has paid the requisite listing fees
to all the Stock Exchanges for FY 2025-26.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT
Your Company is committed to maintain highest standards of corporate governance
practices. The
Corporate Governance Report, as stipulated by SEBI Listing Regulations, forms part of
this Integrated Annual Report along with the required certificate from M/s. S. R. Batliboi
& Co. LLP, Chartered Accountants, (Firm Registration No. 301003E/ E300005), the
Statutory Auditors of your Company, regarding compliance of the conditions of corporate
governance, as stipulated.
In compliance with corporate governance requirements as per the SEBI Listing
Regulations, your Company has formulated and implemented a Code of Conduct for all Board
members and senior management personnel of your Company ("Code of Conduct"), who
have affirmed the compliance thereto. The Code of Conduct is available on the website of
your Company at https://www.pcblltd.com/
investor-relation/share-information/code-of-conduct .
NUMBER OF MEETINGS OF THE BOARD
The Board met 8 (Eight) times during the year under review. The intervening gap between
the Board Meetings was within the period prescribed under the Act.The details of board
meetings and the attendance of the Directors are provided in the Corporate Governance
Section, which forms part of this Integrated Annual Report. Your Company has complied with
the Secretarial Standards issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India on Board
Meetings and General Meetings.
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS' MEETING
The Independent Directors met twice during the year without the attendance of
Non-Independent Directors and members of the management. The Independent Directors
reviewed the performance of Non-Independent Directors, the Committees and the Board as a
whole along with the performance of the Chairman of your Company, taking into account the
views of Executive Directors and Non-Executive Directors and assessed the quality,
quantity and timeliness of flow of information between the management and the Board that
is necessary for the Board to effectively and reasonably perform their duties.
BOARD FAMILIARISATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMME
The Board is regularly updated on changes in statutory provisions, as applicable to
your Company. The Board is also updated on the operations, key trends and risk universe
applicable to your Company's business. These updates help the Directors in keeping abreast
of key changes and their impact on your Company. The details of such programmes are
provided in the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of this Integrated Annual
Report.
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
Pursuant to Section 134(5) of the Act, the Board, to the best of their knowledge and
based on the information and explanations received from the management of your Company,
confirm that:
- in the preparation of the Annual Financial Statements, the applicable accounting
standards have been followed and there are no material departures;
- they have selected such accounting policies and applied them consistently and judgements
and estimates that are reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the
state of affairs of your Company at the end of the financial year and of the profit of
your Company for that period;
- proper and sufficient care has been taken for the maintenance of adequate accounting
records in accordance with the provisions of the Act for safeguarding the assets of your
Company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
- the annual financial statements have been prepared
on a going concern basis;
- they have laid down internal financial controls to be followed by your Company and that
such internal financial controls are adequate and operating effectively;
- proper systems have been devised to ensure compliance with the provisions of all
applicable laws and that such systems are adequate and operating effectively.
DECLARATION BY INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
All the Independent Directors of the Company have submitted the requisite declarations
stating that they meet the criteria of independence as prescribed under Section 149(6) of
the Act and Regulation 16(1)(b) of the Listing Regulations. The Board reviewed and
assessed the veracity of the aforesaid declarations, as required under Regulation 25(9) of
the Listing Regulations. In the opinion of the Board, all the Independent Directors fulfil
the said conditions as mentioned in Section 149(6) of the Act and the Listing Regulations
and are independent of the Management. All the Independent Directors of the Company have
complied with the provisions of sub rule (1) and (2) of Rule 6 of the Companies
(Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014 with respect to registration with
the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs for the Independent Directors'
Database. There has been no change in the circumstances affecting their status as
Independent Directors of the Company. In the opinion of the Board, the Independent
Directors possess the requisite integrity, experience, expertise and proficiency required
to fulfil their duties as Independent Directors.
STATUTORY AUDITORS AND AUDITOR'S REPORT
At the AGM of the Shareholders of your Company held on 28 June, 2022, M/s. S. R.
Batliboi & Co. LLP, Chartered Accountants, having Firm Registration No. 301003E/
E300005, have been re-appointed as the Statutory Auditors of your Company to hold office
for the 2nd term of five consecutive years from the conclusion of the sixty first (61st)
AGM till the conclusion of the 66th AGM of your Company to be held in the year 2027, at a
remuneration as may be decided by the Board of Directors in consultation with the
Statutory Auditors of your Company.
The Report given by M/s. S R Batliboi and Co. LLP, Chartered Accountants on the
financial statement of your Company for the FY 2024-25 is part of this Integrated Annual
Report. The Notes on financial statement referred to in the Auditors' Report are
self-explanatory and do not call for any further comments.
The Auditors' Report does not contain any qualification, reservation, adverse remark,
or disclaimer. During the year under review, the Auditors had not reported any matter
under Section 143 (12) of the Act, therefore no detail is required to be disclosed under
Section 134 (3) (ca) of the Act.
Representatives of Statutory Auditors of your Company attended the previous AGM of your
Company held on 28 August,2024.
COST ACCOUNTS AND COST AUDITORS
Pursuant to Section 148 of the Act read with the Companies (Cost Records and Audit)
Rules, 2014, the Cost Audit records maintained by your Company relating to manufacturing
of Carbon Black and generation and transmission of electricity at its plants located at
Durgapur in West Bengal, Kochi in Kerala, Mundra and Palej in Gujarat, is required to be
audited. Accordingly, the Directors of your Company had, on the recommendation of the
Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of your Company, appointed Messrs Shome &
Banerjee, to audit the cost accounts for the FY 2025-26 at a remuneration of Rs.5,50,000/-
(Rupees Five Lakhs Fifty Thousand only). As required under the Act, 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 ratification of the
Members for the remuneration payable to Messrs
Shome & Banerjee, Cost Auditors is included at Item No. 5 of the Notice convening
the AGM.
Your Company has received their written consent that the appointment is in accordance
with the applicable provisions of the Act and rules framed thereunder. The Cost Auditors
have confirmed that they are not disqualified to be appointed as the Cost Auditors of your
Company for the financial year ending 31 March, 2026.
Your Company submits its Cost Audit Report with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs
within the stipulated time period.
SECRETARIAL AUDITORS AND SECRETARIAL STANDARDS
The Secretarial Audit was carried out by M/s. Anjan Kumar Roy & Co., Company
Secretaries (Membership No. FCS 5684, CP No. 4557) for the financial year ended on 31
March, 2025.
The Report given by the Secretarial Auditors is marked as Anngxurg -E' and
forms a part of the Board's Report. The Secretarial Audit Report is self-explanatory and
do not call for any further comments. The Secretarial Audit Report does not contain any
qualification, reservation, adverse remark or disclaimer. During the year under review,
the Secretarial Auditors had not reported any matter under Section 143 (12) of the Act,
therefore no details is required to be disclosed under Section 134 (3)(ca) of the Act.
Further, as per Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Companies (Appointment
and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, and SEBI (LODR) read with SEBI
(LODR) (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2024, the Board has recommended to appoint M/s.
Anjan Kumar Roy & Co., Company Secretaries as the Secretarial Auditors of the Company
for a term of 5 (five) consecutive years covering the period from the financial year
ending on 31 March, 2026, till financial year ending 31 March, 2030, subject to the
approval of the Members of the Company.
SECRETARIAL AUDIT OF MATERIAL UNLISTED INDIAN SUBSIDIARY
As per the requirements of SEBI Listing Regulations, the Practicing Company Secretary
appointed by material unlisted Indian subsidiary of your Company undertook secretarial
audit for FY 2024-25. Secretarial audit report confirms that the material subsidiary has
complied with the provisions of the Act, rules, regulations and guidelines and that there
were no deviations or non- compliances.
SECRETARIAL STANDARDS
Your Company is in compliance with the applicable Secretarial Standards issued by The
Institute of Company
Secretaries of India and approved by the Central Government under Section 118(10) of
the Act for the Financial Year ended 31 March, 2025.
DISCLOSURE AS PER THE SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT WORKPLACE (PREVENTION, PROHIBITION
AND REDRESSAL) ACT, 2013:
Your Company has zero tolerance towards sexual harassment at the workplace and has
adopted a policy on prevention, prohibition and redressal of sexual harassment at
workplace in line with the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace
(Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 and the Rules thereunder. As required
under law, the Company has constituted an Internal Committee for conducting inquiry into
the sexual harassment complaints at the work place and for taking such actions as
stipulated under the said act.
Any complaint pertaining to sexual harassment is diligently reviewed, investigated and
treated with great sensitivity. The Internal Committee members have been trained in
handling and resolving complaints and have also designed an online POSH e-learning
awareness module, for its employees.
One complaint of sexual harassment was received during the year. The Internal
Complaints Committee (ICC) initiated an inquiry in accordance with the POSH Act. The
respondent resigned during the pendency of the inquiry, and the complainant thereafter
provided written consent to close the matter. The case was accordingly disposed of with no
pending complaints as on 31 March, 2025.
All new employees go through a detailed personal orientation on anti-sexual harassment
policy adopted by your Company.
BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY
REPORTING
In accordance with the SEBI Listing Regulations, the BRSR for the FY 2024-25,
describing the initiatives taken by your Company from an Environment, Social and
Governance (ESG) perspective, forms part of this Integrated Annual Report (Annexure
F). In addition to BRSR, the Integrated Annual Report of your Company provides an insight
on various ESG initiatives adopted by your Company. The ESG disclosures including BRSR
Report have been independently assured by TUV India Private Limited.
QUALIFICATION, RESERVATION OR ADVERSE REMARK IN THE AUDIT REPORTS
There is no qualification, reservation or adverse remark made by the Statutory or Cost
or Secretarial Auditors in their Audit Reports issued by them.
DIRECTORS
In accordance with the provisions of Section 152 of the Act, read with rules made
thereunder and Articles of Association of your Company, Mr. Shashwat Goenka (DIN :
03486121) is liable to retire by rotation at the ensuing AGM and being eligible, offers
himself for re-appointment.
The Board recommends the re-appointment of Mr. Shashwat Goenka as Director for your
approval. Brief details as required under Secretarial Standard-2 and Regulation
36 of the SEBI Listing Regulations, are provided in the Notice of AGM.
Mr. Paras K Chowdhary (DIN: 00076807) and Mr. Pradip Roy (DIN: 00026457), have
completed their second and final term as an Independent Director and consequently ceased
to be Independent Directors of the Company w.e.f. the close of business hours on 21 July,
2024 and 29 July, 2024 respectively.
Mr. Umang Kanoria was appointed as a Non-Executive Independent Director of the Company
for the 1st term of five consecutive years with effect from 9 October, 2024.
POLICY ON DIRECTORS' APPOINTMENT AND REMUNERATION
Pursuant to Section 178(3) of the Act, your Company has framed a policy on Directors'
appointment and remuneration and other matters ("Remuneration Policy") which is
available on the website of your Company at https://www.pcblltd.com/investorrelation/general-policies.
The Remuneration Policy for selection of Directors and determining Directors' independence
sets out the guiding principles for the Nomination and Remuneration Committee for
identifying the persons who are qualified to become the Directors. Your Company's
Remuneration Policy is directed towards rewarding performance based on review of
achievements.
BOARD DIVERSITY
Your Company recognises and embraces the importance of a diverse board in its success.
The Board has adopted the Board Diversity Policy which sets out the approach to the
diversity of the Board of Directors. The said Policy is available on your Company's
website and may be accessed at the link: https://www.pcblltd.com/investor-relation/
general-policies.
SUCCESSION PLAN
Your Company has an effective mechanism for succession planning which focuses on
orderly succession of Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and Senior Management.
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC) implements this mechanism in
concurrence with the Board. The Succession Planning Policy for Board and Senior Management
is available on your Company's website and may be accessed at the link: https://www.pcblltd.com/ investor-relation/general-policies .
BOARD POLICIES
The details of various policies approved and adopted by the Board as required under the
Act and SEBI Listing Regulations are provided in Pg no. 170 of this Integrated Annual
Report.
HUMAN RESOURCES
A detailed section on your Company's Human Resource Development is a part of the
Management Discussion and Analysis Report, which forms a part of the Board's Report.
KEY FINANCIAL RATIOS
Key Financial Ratios for the financial year ended 31 March, 2025, are provided in the
Management Discussion and Analysis Report given in "Anngxurg A",
which is annexed hereto and forms a part of the Board's Report.
CYBER SECURITY
In view of increased cyber attack scenarios, the cyber security policy is reviewed
periodically and the processes, technology controls are being enhanced in-line with the
threat scenarios. Your Company's technology environment is enabled with real time security
monitoring with requisite controls at various layers starting from end user machines to
network, application and the data.
CODE FOR PREVENTION OF INSIDER TRADING
Your Company has adopted a revised Code of Conduct ("Code") to regulate,
monitor and report trading in Company's shares by Company's designated persons and their
immediate relatives as per the requirements under the Securities and Exchange Board of
India (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015, as amended. The Code, inter
alia, lays down the procedures to be followed by designated persons while trading/ dealing
in Company's shares and sharing Unpublished Price Sensitive Information
("UPSI"). The Code covers Company's obligation to maintain a structured digital
database, mechanism for
prevention of insider trading and handling of UPSI, and the process to familiarise with
the sensitivity of UPSI. Further, it also includes code for practices and procedures for
fair disclosure of price sensitive information which has been made available on your
Company's website and link for the same may be accessed at https://www.pcblltd.com/investor-
relation/general-policies. The employees are required to undergo a mandatory training on
this Code to sensitise themselves and strengthen their awareness.
OTHER DISCLOSURES:
Your Directors state that no disclosure or reporting is required in respect of the
following items as there were no transactions / events on these items during the year
under review:
- Issue of equity shares with differential rights as to dividend, voting or otherwise.
- Issue of Shares (including Sweat Equity Shares) to employees of the Company under any
Scheme.
- Voting rights which are not directly exercised by the employees in respect of shares for
the subscription/ purchase of which loan was given by the Company (as there is no scheme
pursuant to which such persons can beneficially hold shares as envisaged under section
67(3)(c) of the Act).
- The Company has not made any one-time settlement
for loans taken from the Banks or Financial Institutions.
- There was no revision of financial statements and
Board's Report.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Your Directors are highly grateful for all the guidance, support and assistance
received from the Government of India, Governments of various states in India, concerned
Government Departments, Financial Institutions and Banks. Your Directors thank all the
esteemed shareholders, customers, suppliers and business associates for their faith, trust
and confidence reposed in your Company.
Your Directors wish to place on record their sincere appreciation for the dedicated
efforts and consistent contribution made by the employees at all levels, to ensure that
your Company continues to grow and excel.
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