Mar 31, 2024
The Board of Directors hereby present to you the Nineteenth Annual Report covering the operational and financial performance together with the accounts for the year ended March 31,2024 and other prescribed particulars:
1. State of Company''s affairs
The financial year 2023-24 saw a pick-up in the business at the backdrop of the robust growth of the Indian and global economy. The automotive and auto components industry faced supply chain challenges due to semiconductor shortage, shipping and logistics constraints.
The increase in production volumes across all major segments and entry into new models in Passenger Vehicle and Two wheeler segments have resulted in positive sales growth. Entry into new geographies and the enhancement of the product range, development of new grades will sustain the growth momentum in the export market. Efforts to increase the export customer base will be the prime focus in the future for business growth.
The financial highlights of the year under review are as follows:
|
(Rs. in Crores) |
||
|
Particulars |
2023-24 |
2022-23 |
|
Revenue from Operations |
660.83 |
598.80 |
|
Other Income |
2.14 |
8.27 |
|
Profit / loss before Depreciation, Finance Costs, Exceptional items and Tax Expense |
77.52 |
64.63 |
|
Less: Depreciation / Amortisation / Impairment |
21.84 |
20.00 |
|
Profit / loss before Finance Costs, Exceptional items and Tax Expense |
55.68 |
44.63 |
|
Less: Finance Costs |
0.03 |
0.05 |
|
Profit / loss before Exceptional items and Tax Expense |
55.65 |
44.58 |
|
Add / (less): Exceptional items |
(1.22) |
- |
|
Profit / (loss) before Tax Expense |
54.43 |
44.58 |
|
Less: Tax Expense (Current & Deferred) |
14.15 |
11.12 |
|
Profit / (loss) for the year (1) |
40.28 |
33.46 |
|
Total Comprehensive Income / (Loss) (2) |
(1.06) |
0.34 |
|
Total (1 2) |
39.22 |
33.80 |
|
Balance of profit / (loss) for earlier years |
83.11 |
70.57 |
|
Less: Transfer to Reserves |
44.44 |
5.80 |
|
Less: Dividend paid on Equity Shares |
(19.32) |
(15.46) |
|
Balance carried forward |
58.56 |
83.11 |
The Key Performance Indicators, operational performance and summary on balance sheet are furnished in page no.1 of this annual report and significant changes in key ratios are discussed in Management Discussion and Analysis Report and notes to the financial statements.
The Sales and other Operating Revenue for the FY 2023-24 increased by 9.21% while the Profit Before Tax (PBT) increased by 22.09% when compared to previous year. The Earnings Per Share (EPS) for the year 2023-24 was ''52.11 as against ''43.29 in the previous year.
The Company continues to be a subsidiary of Rane Holdings Limited (RHL / Holding Company). There were no material changes or commitments, affecting the financial position of the Company between the end of the financial year of the Company and date of this report, apart from those disclosed in the financial statements section of this Annual Report. There was no change in nature of business during the year.
The Board of Directors, taking into consideration, the operational performance and financial position of the Company, have recommended a dividend of 300% (i.e., ''30/- per share of ''10/- each, fully paid-up) for approval of shareholders at the ensuing 19th Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled to be held on July 22, 2024. The total dividend paid / payable on equity shares for FY 2023-24 would be ''23.19 crores.
On declaration of the dividend by the shareholders, it will be paid on July 31, 2024 to all the eligible shareholders, whose name appears in the register of members of the Company as on July 15, 2024, being the Record Date fixed for this purpose, subject to deduction of tax at source where applicable. The total of dividend paid / payable for the FY 2023-24 would be ''30/- per equity share of a face value of ''10/- each. This represents a payout ratio of 58%.
Considering the above, the Board has retained ''23.20 Crores as surplus in the profit and loss account. A sum of ''12.17 Crores has been approved by the Board for transfer to reserves.
The dividend pay-out is in accordance with the Company''s Dividend Distribution Policy. The policy is available under the Corporate Governance section on the website of the Company at the web-link:
https://ranegroup.com/investors/rane-brake-lining-limited/.
1.3. Merger / Scheme of Amalgamation
The Board of Directors of the Company at its meeting held on February 09, 2024 has considered and approved Scheme of Amalgamation of Rane Engine Valve Limited and Rane Brake Lining Limited with and into Rane (Madras) Limited and their respective shareholders, in terms of the provisions of Section(s) 230 to 232 and other applicable sections and provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 (''Act'') read together with the rules made thereunder (''Scheme'').
The Scheme is subject to the approval of shareholders, creditors, Stock Exchanges viz. BSE Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited, National Company Law Tribunal and such other approvals as may be required. The merger significantly simplifies the group structure by consolidating listed group companies and aligns public shareholder''s interest by converging the stake at a single listed entity. The Management Discussion and Analysis section of this Annual Report carries the rationale and benefits of the Scheme.
The Company''s financial management and its ability to service its financial obligations in a timely manner, has been re-affirmed by ICRA Limited for its credit facilities during the year under review on January 04, 2024. Further, Long-Term Rating and Short-Term Rating was kept under review as ''Rating Watch with Developing Implications'' on February 20, 2024, the rating action follows the announcement of merger referred to in Para 1.3 of this report.
This has been disclosed to stock exchanges and made available in the Company''s website. The Corporate Governance section of this Annual Report carries the details of credit rating.
During the year under review, there was no change in capital structure of the Company and as at the year ended March 31, 2024, the paid-up capital of the Company stood at ''7,72,98,710/- consisting of 77,29,871 fully paid-up equity shares of ''10/- each.
1.6. Management Discussion & Analysis
The business of your Company is manufacturing and marketing of auto components for transportation industry viz., friction material (Disc Pads, Brake Shoes, Clutch Facings, Clutch Buttons, Brake Linings and Brake Blocks). The analysis on the performance of the industry, the Company, internal control systems, risk management are presented in the Management Discussion and Analysis report forming part of this report and are provided in ''Annexure A''.
1.7. Subsidiaries, Associate and Joint Venture Companies
The Company does not have any subsidiary, associate or joint venture. There was no Company which has become or ceased to be Company''s subsidiary, Joint venture or associate during the financial year 2023-24.
2. Board of Directors, Committees and Management2.1. Composition
The composition of the Board of Directors and its Committees, viz., Audit Committee, Nomination and
Remuneration Committee, Stakeholders'' Relationship Committee, Corporate Social Responsibility Committee and Risk Management Committee are constituted in accordance with Companies Act, 2013 and the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 (''SEBI LODR''), wherever applicable. The Board of Directors have also constituted an Executive Committee and a Finance Committee. The Corporate Governance Report given in ''Annexure E'' contains an overview of the role, terms of reference, meetings and composition of the Board of Directors of the Company and its Committees.
Mr. L Ganesh, retired as Chairman of the Board, effective from close of business hours on March 31,2024 and is continuing to serve on the Board, as a Non-Executive Director. The Board appointed Mr. Harish Lakshman as Chairman of the Board, effective from April 01,2024. Appointment of Mr. Ramesh Rajan Natarajan (DIN:01628318) as an Independent Director has been recommended by the Board of Directors on May 03, 2024, based on recommendations of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee. The approval of the shareholders of the Company is being sought at the ensuing Annual General Meeting for his appointment as an Independent Director in the first term of 5 (five) consecutive years with effect from July 22, 2024.
There were no other change in the composition of the Board of Directors during this year.
The Board of Directors are of the opinion that the Director(s) proposed for appointment / re-appointment at the ensuing 19th AGM of the Company possess integrity, necessary expertise, relevant experience and proficiency and the Corporate Governance Report annexed to this report contains necessary disclosures regarding such Director(s).
The terms and conditions of appointment of Independent Directors have been disclosed under the Corporate Governance section on the website of the Company at the web-link: https://ranegroup.com/ investors/rane-brake-lining-limited/.
All the Directors have affirmed compliance with the Code of Conduct of the Company. The Independent Directors have further affirmed that they satisfy the criteria laid down under section 149(6) of the Act and Regulation 25 and other applicable regulations of SEBI LODR as amended from time to time. Further, in terms of Section 150 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 6 of the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014, Independent Directors of the Company have confirmed that they have registered themselves with the databank maintained by the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) and have qualified
the proficiency test, if applicable to them. The Board of Directors at its first meeting of the FY 2023-24 has taken on record the declarations and confirmations submitted by the Independent Directors. During the year, the Board had not appointed any person as an Alternate Director for an Independent Director on the Board. The Company has obtained a certificate from a Company Secretary in Practice that none of the Directors on the Board of the Company has been debarred or disqualified from being appointed or continuing as Directors of companies by the SEBI / Ministry of Corporate Affairs or any such statutory authority.
Mr. Ganesh Lakshminarayan (DIN:00012583) retires by rotation at the ensuing 19th AGM, being eligible, he offers himself for re-appointment. The proposal for re-appointment of Mr. L Ganesh as a Director is included in the notice convening the 19th AGM.
2.3. Board and Committee Meetings
The schedule of meetings of the Board of Directors and Committees of the Board is circulated to the Directors in advance. During the year, six (6) Board Meetings were convened and held, the details of which are given in the Corporate Governance Report. The gap between any two consecutive meetings of the Board of Directors was less than 120 days. The details of Committee meetings are provided in the Corporate Governance Report. For eligible matters, if any, the Board / its Committees may also accord approvals through resolutions passed by circulation.
2.4. Meeting of Independent Directors
A meeting of Independent Directors was held to assess the quality, quantity, timeliness of flow of information between the management and the Board and review the performance of the non-Independent Directors. The Independent Directors expressed that the current flow of information was timely and of superior quality which enabled them to effectively perform their duties and that they are satisfied with the performance of non-Independent Directors.
The annual evaluation of the performance of the Board, functioning of its committees, individual Directors, and the Chairman of the Board was carried out based on the criteria formulated by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee.
To all the directors, a structured questionnaire was sent seeking feedback and any comments on various parameters as recommended by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee. As regards evaluation of the functioning of the Board as a whole, including Committee(s) thereof, key focus areas for evaluation
were on aspects like Board diversity and skill set to review strategies, risk management dimensions and processes, flow of information, adequacy and timeliness of agenda materials, effectiveness of presentations and more importantly the processes of reviewing strategic matters, annual operating plan, strategic business plan and guiding the management.
The performance of the Individual Directors, including Independent Directors were evaluated through peer evaluation. The performance of Chairman was also evaluated on countenances such as ensuring top-level policy framework, creating an open environment for exchange of views besides ensuring effective mechanism for implementing board action points.
In forming the evaluation criteria of Directors, attributes such as commitment, competency and sectoral knowledge, contributions to Board decisions and discussions and staying up to date on recent trends, being aware of macrolevel developments and networking skills were considered.
The feedback on outcomes including comments / suggestions, along with action plans, if any, on matters requiring attention of the board were discussed by the Chairman.
The evaluation framework includes mechanism to share evaluation feedback on individual Directors to the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, wherever required.
The performance review of Non-Independent Directors were carried out by the Independent Directors in their separate meeting held during the year.
2.6. Familiarisation program for Independent Directors The details of familiarisation program for Independent Directors have been disclosed in the policies under the Corporate Governance section on the website of the Company at the web-link: https://ranegroup.com/ investors/rane-brake-lining-limited/.
2.7. Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) & Senior Management Personnel (SMP)
During the year under review, there were no changes in the Key Managerial Personnel and Senior Management Personnel of the Company.
As at the year ended March 31,2024, Mr. R Balakrishnan, President & Manager, Mr. J Ananth, Senior Vice President - Finance & Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Mr. Venkatraman, Secretary, hold the office of Key Managerial Personnel (KMP), respectively, within the meaning of Section 2(51) of the Companies Act, 2013. The Senior Management Personnel other than KMP were Mr. V Narayanan (Head - Marketing), Mr. K Babu Nizam (Head - Materials Management) and Mr. R Govardhanan (Head - Human Resources).
The policy contains criteria for determining positive qualifications, positive attributes, independence of a Director and also covers aspects of remuneration which is reasonable and sufficient to attract, retain and motivate Directors / high potential employees to run the Company successfully.
The policy on appointment and remuneration of Directors, KMP and SMP as laid down by the NRC of the Board has been disclosed in the policies under the Corporate Governance section on the website of the Company at the web-link: https://ranegroup.com/ investors/rane-brake-lining-limited/. There has been no change in this policy during the financial year 2023-24. In accordance with the said policy, approval was obtained from the shareholders in terms of Regulation 17(6)(ca) of the SEBI LODR at the 18th AGM held on July 24, 2023, for payment of commission to Mr. L Ganesh, Chairman, for an amount exceeding 50% of total annual remuneration payable to other Non-Executive Director, for the FY 2023-24. The details of remuneration paid / payable to the Directors during the FY 2023-24 is furnished in the Corporate Governance report annexed to this report of the Board.
3. Audit and allied matters3.1. Audit Committee
The composition, terms of reference and meetings of the Audit Committee are disclosed in the Corporate Governance section of the Annual Report. The Audit Committee of the Board acts in accordance with the terms of reference, which is in compliance with the provisions of Section 177 of the Act and Regulation 18 of SEBI LODR and other applicable provisions of SEBI LODR, as amended from time to time.
M/s. B S R & Co., LLP, Chartered Accountants (BSR) (Firm Registration Number 101248W/W-100022), hold the office of Statutory Auditors of the Company, in terms of Section 139 of the Act read with applicable rules thereunder and as per the members'' approval accorded at the 17th Annual General Meeting, for a first term of five consecutive years i.e., from the conclusion of the 17th AGM (2022) till conclusion of 22nd AGM (2027).
The Statutory Auditor''s report to the members for the year ended March 31, 2024 does not contain any qualification, reservation, adverse remark or disclaimer. Also there has been no instance of fraud reported by the statutory auditors for the period under review.
3.3. Cost Audit & Maintenance of cost records
The Company maintains cost records as prescribed by the Central Government under Section 148(1) of the act in respect of certain specified products manufactured by it. However, the requirement for appointment of Cost Auditor and Cost Audit under the Companies (Cost Records and Audit) Rules, 2014 is not applicable to the Company.
3.4. Secretarial Auditor
M/s. S Krishnamurthy & Co., a firm of Company Secretaries in practice, have been appointed by the Board of Directors as Secretarial Auditors for the FY 2023-24. The Secretarial Audit report pursuant to Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013 is annexed in ''Annexure B'' and was taken on record by the Board of Directors at its meeting held on May 03, 2024. The report does not contain any qualification, reservation, adverse remark or disclaimer.
3.5. Internal Auditor
M/s. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP are the Internal Auditors appointed by the Board of Directors based on the recommendations of the Audit Committee.
Their scope of work includes review of processes for safeguarding the assets of the Company, review of operational efficiency, effectiveness of systems and processes, review of statutory and legal compliances with applicable statutes / laws and assessing the internal control strengths in all these areas including financial reporting. Internal Auditor findings are discussed with the process owners and suitable corrective actions are taken as per the directions of the Audit Committee on a regular basis to improve efficiency in operations. The Internal Auditor reports directly to the Audit Committee. The Committee, while reviewing their performance scope, functioning, periodicity and methodology for conducting the internal audit, has taken into consideration their confirmation to the effect that their infrastructure viz., internal audit structure, staffing and seniority of the officials proposed to be deployed etc., are adequate and commensurate to the scope, functioning, periodicity and methodology for conducting the internal audit.
4. Directors'' responsibility statement
In terms of Section 134(3)(c) read with section 134(5) of the Companies Act, 2013, the Directors, to the best of their knowledge and belief based on the information and explanations obtained by them, confirm that: a. in the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable accounting standards had been followed and there were no material departures;
b. they had selected such accounting policies and applied them consistently and made judgements and estimates that were reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company at the end of the financial year and of the profit of the Company for the year under review;
c. they had taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Act for safeguarding the assets of the Company, preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
d. they had prepared the financial statements for the financial year on a ''going concern'' basis;
e. t hey had laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the Company and such internal financial controls were adequate and were operating effectively; and
f. they had devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws and such systems were adequate and operating effectively.
5. Related Party Transactions (RPT)
All RPT that were entered into during the financial year were on an arm''s length basis and were in the ordinary course of business. There are no materially significant RPT made by the Company with related parties which require approval of the shareholders / which have potential conflict with the interest of the Company at large.
All RPT are placed before the Audit Committee and the Board, wherever required, for approval. Prior omnibus approval of the Audit Committee is obtained for the transactions which are entered into in the ordinary course of business and are repetitive in nature. The transactions entered into pursuant to the omnibus approval so granted are reviewed by the Audit Committee on a quarterly basis. All RPT are approved by the Independent Directors who are members of the Audit Committee.
The Company has put in place a proper system for identification and monitoring of such transactions. Save as disclosed in this report none of the Directors or Key Managerial Personnel have any pecuniary relationships or transactions with the Company. The policy on Related Party Transaction as approved by the Board has been disclosed in the Corporate Governance section on the investor''s page at the web link: https://ranegroup.com/investors/rane-brake-lining-limited/.
None of the Directors or Key Managerial Personnel or Senior Management Personnel have any material financial and commercial transactions (except receipt of remuneration, as applicable), which may have potential conflict with interest of the Company at large.
6. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
The Rane Group''s vision on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is: "To be a socially and environmentally responsible corporate citizen". The
CSR activities of Rane Group focus on four specific areas, viz., (a) Education; (b) Healthcare; (c) Community Development; and (d) Environment.
The CSR Committee of the Board is responsible for recommending CSR projects and activities to the Board in line with the CSR policy. The CSR Committee monitors and reviews the implementation of CSR activities periodically.
The CSR activities undertaken by the Company are in line with the CSR Policy and recommendations of the CSR Committee.
During the year, the Company has contributed a sum of ''0.85 crores on various CSR activities as per the CSR policy and recommendations of the CSR Committee. The ''Annexure C'' to this report contains the annual report on CSR activities of the Company for FY 202324. The CSR policy of the Company has been disclosed in the Corporate Governance section on the investor''s page at the web-link: https://ranegroup.com/investors/ rane-brake-lining-limited/.
Further, in terms of the CSR Rules, the Chief Financial Officer has issued a certificate to the CSR Committee that the funds disbursed for CSR have been used, for the purpose and in the manner approved by the Board for FY 2023-24.
7. Energy conservation, technology absorption and foreign exchange earnings and outgo
The ''Annexure D'' to this report contains the information on conservation of energy, technology absorption and foreign exchange earnings and outgo as required under Section 134(3)(m) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 8 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014.
8. Corporate Governance Report
Your Company is committed to maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance and effective compliance with the regulatory norms under the SEBI regulations and other laws and regulations applicable to the Company. The Corporate Governance Report and the certificate issued by the Statutory Auditors are available in ''Annexure E'' to this report.
9. Particulars of Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and Employees
The details in terms of Section 197(12) read with Rule 5 of the Companies (Appointment and remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 is available in ''Annexure F'' to this report.
Pursuant to Section 136(1) of the Companies Act, 2013, the report of the Board of Directors is being sent to the shareholders of the Company excluding the statement prescribed under Rule 5 of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014. The statement is available for inspection by the shareholders at the Registered Office of the Company during business hours.
The Risk Management Committee of the Board periodically reviews the risk management policy and its procedures.
The Company has in place a Risk Management Policy covering internal and external risks including information security, cyber security, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) related etc., measures for risk mitigation including systems and processes for internal control to identify risks associated with the Company and measures to mitigate such risks. The details of composition, scope and the meetings held during the year are provided as part of the Corporate Governance report are provided in ''Annexure E'' to this report.
a. Details of loan, guarantees and investments, if any, under the provisions of Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013, are given in the notes to the financial statements.
b. The Internal control systems and adequacy are discussed in detail in the Management Discussion and Analysis annexed to the Directors Report.
c. There was no significant / material order passed by the Regulators / Courts which would impact the going concern status of the Company and its future operations.
d. The policies approved and adopted by the Board have been made available under the Corporate Governance section of the website of the Company at the web-link: https://ranegroup.com/investors/rane-brake-lining-limited/.
e. The copy of the Annual Return is available under the Corporate Governance section on the website of the Company at the web-link: https://ranegroup.com/investors/rane-brake-lining-limited/.
f. The Company has complied with the applicable secretarial standards viz., SS-1 on meetings of Board of Directors and SS-2 on General Meetings issued by Institute of Company Secretaries of India as per section 118(10) of the Companies Act, 2013.
g. Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting is not applicable to the Company since it does not fall under the top 1000 listed companies based on market capitalisation.
h. The details regarding unclaimed / unpaid shares and dividend transferred / proposed to be transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) and other relevant details in this regard, have been provided in the corporate governance section of this annual report.
i. The Company does not accept any deposits falling under the provisions of section 73 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the rules framed thereunder.
j. The Company has established a formal vigil mechanism named ''Rane Whistle Blower Policy'' for reporting improper or unethical practices or actions which are violative of the code of conduct of the Company. The policy which is also available on the intranet portal of the Company provides adequate safeguard against victimisation and for direct access to the Chairman of the Audit Committee for the employees to state their complaints / grievances.
k. The Company has always provided a congenial atmosphere for work that is free from discrimination and harassment and has provided equal opportunities of employment to all irrespective of their caste, religion, colour, marital status and gender. The Company believes that women should be able to do their work in a safe and respectful environment that encourages maximum productivity. The Company has a zero tolerance towards sexual harassment. The Company has adopted a policy on prevention of sexual harassment of women at work place and put in place proper dissemination mechanism across the Company. The Company has carried out awareness programmes / sessions on the mechanism established under this policy, across its various locations. The Company has complied with the provisions relating to the constitution of Internal Complaints Committee under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH) comprising of Presiding Officers and members with an appropriate mix of employees and
external subject matter experts. During the period, the details of complaints received / resolved or pending are as under:
No. of complaints received during the year - Nil No. of complaints disposed off during the year -Nil
No. of complaints pending as at the end of the year - Nil
l. I n view of the exemptions available vide General circular 09/2023 dated September 25, 2023, issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs ("MCAâ) read with previous circulars and SEBI Circular dated October 07, 2023, the company will not be dispatching hard copies of the Annual Report to the shareholders. The full Annual Report will be made available on the website of the Company and will also be disseminated to the stock exchanges where shares of the Company are listed. The hard copies of the Annual Report will be made available
to those members who are specifically requesting for the same. The electronic copies of the annual report and the notice convening the 19th AGM would be sent to all the members whose e-mail addresses were registered with the Company or their respective Depository Participants (DP).
Annual General Meeting
m. 19th AGM would be conducted through video conferencing or other audio visual means on Monday, July 22, 2024 at 14:00 hrs (1ST) as per the framework notified by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. The notice convening the 19th AGM contains detailed instructions and notes in this regard. Acknowledgement
We thank our Customers, Investors, Suppliers, Vendors, Bankers, Government and Regulatory Authorities and other Business Associates for their continued support in successful performance of the Company. We place on record our appreciation for the committed services of all our employees.
Mar 31, 2023
Your Board of Directors hereby present to you the Eighteenth Annual Report covering the operational and financial performance together with the accounts for the year ended March 31,2023 and other prescribed particulars:
1. State of Company''s affairs
The financial year 2022-23 saw a pick-up in the business at the backdrop of a robust growth of the Indian and global economy. The automotive and auto components industry faced supply chain challenges due to semiconductor shortage, shipping and logistics constraints.
The Company scaled up the production in line with the demand and worked on several cost optimization measures to mitigate the inflationary environment. The Company continued to enhance its customer relationship and increased the volume of business across several customers resulting in augmented customer base.
The financial highlights of the year under review are as follows:
|
('' in Crores) |
||
|
Particulars |
2022-23 |
2021-22 |
|
Revenue from Operations |
598.80 |
505.55 |
|
Other Income |
8.27 |
12.64 |
|
Profit / loss before Depreciation, Finance Costs, Exceptional items and Tax Expense |
64.63 |
56.77 |
|
Less: Depreciation / Amortisation / Impairment |
20.00 |
21.42 |
|
Profit / loss before Finance Costs, Exceptional items and Tax Expense |
44.63 |
35.35 |
|
Less: Finance Costs |
0.05 |
0.02 |
|
Profit / loss before Exceptional items and Tax Expense |
44.58 |
35.33 |
|
Add / (less): Exceptional items |
- |
(0.66) |
|
Profit / (loss) before Tax Expense |
44.58 |
34.67 |
|
Less: Tax Expense (Current & Deferred) |
11.12 |
7.60 |
|
Profit / (loss) for the year (1) |
33.46 |
27.07 |
|
Total Comprehensive Income / (Loss) (2) |
0.34 |
(0.33) |
|
Total (1 2) |
33.80 |
26.74 |
|
Balance of profit / (loss) for earlier years |
70.57 |
63.56 |
|
Less: Transfer to Reserves |
5.80 |
- |
|
Less: Dividend paid on Equity Shares |
(15.46) |
(19.32) |
|
Less: Tax on Buyback of Shares |
- |
(0.41) |
|
Balance carried forward |
83.11 |
70.57 |
The Key Performance Indicators, operational performance and summary on balance sheet are furnished in page no. 1 of this annual report.
The Sales and other Operating Revenue for the FY 2022-23 increased by 17.15% while the Profit Before Tax increased by 28.58% when compared to
previous year. The Earnings Per Share for the year 2022-23 was ''43.29 as against ''35.03 in the previous year.
The Company continues to be a subsidiary of Rane Holdings Limited (RHL / Holding Company). There were no material changes or commitments, affecting the financial position of the Company between the end of the financial year of the Company and date of this report, apart from those disclosed in the financial statements section of this Annual Report. There was no change in nature of business during the year.
The Board of Directors, taking into consideration, the operational performance and financial position of the Company, have recommended a dividend of 250% (i.e., ''25/- per share of ''10/- each, fully paid-up) for approval of shareholders at the ensuing 18th Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled to be held on July 24, 2023. The total dividend paid / payable on equity shares for FY 2022-23 would be ''19.32 Crores.
On declaration of the dividend by the shareholders, it will be paid on August 03, 2023 to all the eligible shareholders, whose name appears in the register of members of the Company as on July 17, 2023, being the Record Date fixed for this purpose, subject to deduction of tax at source whereever applicable. The total of dividend paid / payable for the FY 2022-23 would be ''25/- per equity share of a face value of ''10/-each. This represents a payout ratio of 58%.
Considering the above, the Board has retained ''83.11 Crores as surplus in the profit and loss account. A sum of ''44.44 Crores has been proposed by the Board to transfer to reserves.
The dividend pay-out is in accordance with the Company''s Dividend Distribution Policy. The policy is available in the policies section of the Company''s website at: https://ranegroup.com/investors/rane-brake-lining-limited/.
The Company''s financial management and its ability to service its financial obligations in a timely manner, has been re-affirmed by ICRA Limited for its credit facilities during the year under review and this has been disclosed to stock exchanges and made available in the Company''s website. The Corporate Governance section of this Annual Report carries the details of credit rating.
During the year under review, there was no change in capital structure of the Company and as at the year ended March 31, 2023, the paid-up capital of the Company stood at ''7,72,98,710/- consisting of 77,29,871 shares of ''10/- each.
1.5. Management Discussion & Analysis
The business of your Company is manufacturing and marketing of auto components for transportation industry viz., friction material (Disc Pads, Brake Shoes, Clutch Facings, Clutch Buttons, Brake Linings and Brake Blocks). The analysis on the performance of the industry, the Company, internal control systems, risk management are presented in the Management Discussion and Analysis report forming part of this report and are provided in ''Annexure A''.
1.6. Subsidiaries, Associate and Joint Venture Companies The Company does not have any subsidiary, associate or joint venture. There was no Company which has become or ceased to be Company''s subsidiary, Joint venture or associate during the financial year 2022-23.
2. Board of Directors, Committees and Management2.1. Composition
The composition of the Board of Directors and its Committees, viz., Audit Committee, Nomination and Remuneration Committee, Stakeholders'' Relationship Committee, Corporate Social Responsibility Committee and Risk Management Committee are constituted in accordance with Companies Act, 2013 and the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 (SEBI LODR), wherever applicable. The Board of Directors have also constituted an Executive Committee, and a Finance Committee. The Corporate Governance Report given in ''Annexure E'' contains an overview of the role, terms of reference, meetings and composition of the Board of Directors of the Company and its Committees.
The following were the changes in the composition of the Board of Directors and its Committees:
a. Mr. S Sandilya (DIN:00037542), Independent Director & Mr. Anil Kumar V Epur (DIN:00202454), Independent Director ceased to be directors on completion of their second term as Independent Directors of the Company at the 17th AGM held on June 28, 2022.
b. Mr. C N Srivatsan (DIN:00002194) was appointed as an Independent Director by the Shareholders of the Company at its 17th AGM held on June 28, 2022 for a term of 5 (five) consecutive years, with effect from June 28, 2022 upto the conclusion of the 22nd Annual General Meeting or June 27, 2027, whichever is earlier.
c. Mr. Ashok Malhotra (DIN:00029017) was appointed as an Independent Director by the Shareholders of the Company at its 17th AGM held on June 28, 2022 to hold office with effect from June 28, 2022, upto October 08, 2024.
The Board of Directors are of the opinion that the Director(s) proposed for appointment / re-appointment at the ensuing 18th AGM of the Company possess integrity, necessary expertise, relevant experience and proficiency and the Corporate Governance Report annexed to this report contains necessary disclosures regarding the Director(s).
The terms and conditions of appointment of Independent Directors have been disclosed in the policies section of the website of the Company at: https://ranegroup.com/investors/rane-brake-lining-limited/. All the Directors have affirmed compliance with the Code of Conduct of the Company. The Independent Directors have further affirmed that they satisfy the criteria laid down under section 149(6) of the Companies Act, 2013 (Act) and Regulation 25 and other applicable regulations of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 (SEBI LODR), as amended from time to time. Further, in terms of Section 150 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 6 of the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014, Independent Directors of the Company have confirmed that they have registered themselves with the databank maintained by the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) and have qualified the proficiency test, if applicable to them. The Board of Directors at its first meeting of the FY 2022-23 has taken on record the declarations and confirmations submitted by the Independent Directors. During the year, the Board had not appointed any person as an Alternate Director for an Independent Director on the Board. The Company has obtained a certificate from a Company Secretary in Practice that none of the Directors on the Board of the Company has been debarred or disqualified from being appointed or continuing as Directors of companies by the SEBI / Ministry of Corporate Affairs or any such statutory authority.
Mr. Yasuji Ishii (DIN:08078748) retires by rotation at the ensuing 18th AGM, being eligible, he offers himself for re-appointment. The proposal for re-appointment of Mr. Yasuji Ishii as a Director is included in the notice convening the 18th AGM.
2.3. Board and Committee Meetings
The schedule of meetings of the Board of Directors and Committees of the Board is circulated to the Directors in advance. During the year, five (5) Board Meetings were convened and held, the details of which are given in the Corporate Governance Report. The gap between two consecutive meetings of the Board of Directors was less than 120 days. The details of committee meetings are provided in the Corporate Governance Report. For eligible matters, the Board / its Committees may
also accord approvals through resolutions passed by circulation, between two meetings.
2.4. Meeting of Independent Directors
A meeting of Independent Directors was held to assess the quality, quantity and timeliness of flow of information between the management and the Board. The Independent Directors expressed that the current flow of information was timely and of superior quality and enables them to effectively perform their duties.
An annual evaluation of the performance of the Board, functioning of its committees, individual directors and the Chairman of the Board was carried out based on the criteria set by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee. A structured questionnaire was sent to all the directors seeking feedback and any comments on various parameters as recommended by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee.
Board diversity and skill set to review strategies, risk management dimensions and processes, flow of information, adequacy and timeliness of agenda materials, effectiveness of presentations and more importantly the processes of reviewing strategic matters, annual operating plan, strategic business plans and guiding the management, were the key focus areas for evaluation of the Board and its Committee functioning.
Ensuring top-level policy framework, creating an open environment for exchange of views besides ensuring effective mechanism for implementing Board action points were the areas on which the Board of Directors evaluated the performance of the Chairman.
Individual directors, including Independent Directors performance and contributions were evaluated through peer evaluation based on evaluation criteria determined by Nomination and Remuneration Committee. Contributions to Board decisions and discussions and attributes like staying up to date on recent trends, being aware of macro level developments and networking skills were the areas considered for framing the evaluation criteria of directors besides commitment, competency and sectoral knowledge.
The Chairman after detailed consideration of all the feedback, comments and suggestions received from the directors, discussed with the Board a proposed action plan on matters requiring attention of the Board. The evaluation framework includes mechanism to share evaluation feedback on individual directors to the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, wherever required.
2.6. Familiarisation program for Independent Directors
The details of familiarisation program for Independent Directors have been disclosed in the policies section of the website of the Company and available at the
web-link: https://ranegroup.com/investors/rane-brake-lining-limited/
During the year under review there are no changes in the Key Managerial Personnel of the Company.
As at the year ended March 31,2023, Mr. R Balakrishnan, President & Manager, Mr. J Ananth, Senior Vice President - Finance & Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Mr. Venkatraman, Secretary, hold the office of Key Managerial Personnel (KMP), respectively, within the meaning of Section 2(51) of the Companies Act, 2013.
The policy contains criteria for determining qualifications, positive attributes, independence of a Director and also covers aspects of remuneration which is reasonable and sufficient to attract, retain and motivate Directors / high potential employees to run the Company successfully.
The policy on appointment and remuneration of Directors, KMP and Senior Management Personnel (SMP) as laid down by the NRC of the Board has been disclosed in the policies section of the website of the Company and is available at the web-link at https://ranegroup.com/investors/rane-brake-lining-limited/. There has been no change in this policy during the financial year 2022-23.
In accordance with the said policy, approval was obtained from the shareholders in terms of Regulation 17(6)(ca) of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements), Regulations, 2015 (SEBI LODR) at the 17th AGM held on June 28, 2022, for payment of commission to Mr. L Ganesh, Chairman, for an amount exceeding 50% of total annual remuneration payable to other Non-Executive Director, for the FY 2022-23. The details of remuneration paid / payable to the Directors during the financial year 2022-23 is furnished in the Corporate Governance report annexed to this report of the Board.
3. Audit and allied matters3.1. Audit Committee
The composition, terms of reference and meetings of the Audit Committee are disclosed in the Corporate Governance section of the Annual Report. The Audit Committee of the Board acts in accordance with the terms of reference, which is in compliance with the provisions of Section 177 of the Companies Act, 2013 (Act) and Regulation 18 of SEBI LODR and other applicable provisions of SEBI LODR, as amended from time to time.
M/s BSR & Co., LLP, Chartered Accountants (BSR) (Firm Registration Number 101248W/W-100022), hold the office of Statutory Auditors of the Company, in terms
of Section 139 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with applicable rules thereunder and as per the members'' approval accorded at the 17th Annual General Meeting, for a first term of five consecutive years i.e., from the conclusion of the 17th AGM (2022) till conclusion of 22nd AGM (2027).
The Statutory Auditor''s report to the members for the year ended March 31, 2023 does not contain any qualification, reservation, adverse remark or disclaimer. Also there has been no instance of fraud reported by the statutory auditors for the period under review.
3.3. Cost Audit & Maintenance of cost records
The Company maintains cost records as prescribed by the Central Government under Section 148(1) of the act in respect of certain specified products manufactured by it. However, the requirement for appointment of Cost Auditor and Cost Audit under the Companies (Cost Records and Audit) Rules, 2014 is not applicable to the Company.
M/s. S Krishnamurthy & Co., a firm of Company Secretaries in practice, have been appointed by the Board of Directors as Secretarial Auditors for the FY 2022-23. The Secretarial Audit report pursuant to Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013 is annexed in ''Annexure B'' and was taken on record by the Board of Directors at their meeting held on May 03, 2023. The report does not contain any qualification, reservation, adverse remark or disclaimer.
The Company had appointed M/s. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP as Internal Auditors for a period of one year from January 01, 2022 till December 31, 2022. Based on the recommendation of Audit Committee and after considering the proposal from the management, the Board of Directors of the Company at their Meeting held on February 09, 2023 approved the re-appointment of M/s. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP for a further period of 1 (one) year commencing from January 01, 2023 to December 31, 2023.
Their scope of work includes review of processes for safeguarding the assets of the Company, review of operational efficiency, effectiveness of systems and processes, review of statutory and legal compliances with applicable statutes / laws and assessing the internal control strengths in all these areas including financial reporting. Internal Auditor findings are discussed with the process owners and suitable corrective actions taken as per the directions of the Audit Committee on a regular basis to improve efficiency in operations. The Internal Auditor reports directly to the Audit Committee. The Committee, while reviewing their performance, scope, functioning, periodicity and
methodology for conducting the internal audit, has taken into consideration their confirmation to the effect that their infrastructure viz., internal audit structure, staffing and seniority of the officials proposed to be deployed etc., are adequate and commensurate to the scope, functioning, periodicity and methodology for conducting the internal audit.
4. Directors'' responsibility statement
In terms of Section 134(3)(c) read with section 134(5) of the Companies Act, 2013, the Directors, to the best of their knowledge and belief based on the information and explanations obtained by them, confirm that:
a. in the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable accounting standards had been followed and there were no material departures;
b. they had selected such accounting policies and applied them consistently and made judgements and estimates that were reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company at the end of the financial year and of the profit of the Company for the year under review;
c. t hey had taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Act for safeguarding the assets of the Company, preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
d. they had prepared the financial statements for the financial year on a ''going concern'' basis;
e. they had laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the Company and such internal financial controls were adequate and were operating effectively; and
f. they had devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws and such systems were adequate and operating effectively.
5. Related Party Transactions (RPT)
All RPT that were entered into during the financial year were on an arm''s length basis and were in the ordinary course of business. There are no materially significant RPT made by the Company with related parties which require approval of the shareholders / which have potential conflict with the interest of the Company at large.
All RPT are placed before the Audit Committee and the Board, wherever required, for approval. Prior omnibus approval of the Audit Committee is obtained for the transactions which are entered into in the ordinary course of business and are repetitive in nature. The transactions entered into pursuant to the omnibus approval so granted are reviewed by the Audit Committee on a quarterly basis. All the RPT that
requires prior approval of the Audit Committee is being approved by the Independent Directors who are the members of the Committee.
The Company has put in place a proper system for identification and monitoring of such transactions. Save as disclosed in this report none of the Directors or Key Managerial Personnel has any pecuniary relationships or transactions with the Company. The policy on Related Party Transaction as approved by the Board has been disclosed in the policies section of the website of the Company and available at the web link: https://ranegroup.com/investors/rane-brake-lining-limited/.
None of the Directors or Key Managerial Personnel or Senior Management Personnel have any material financial and commercial transactions (except receipt of remuneration, as applicable), which may have potential conflict with interest of the Company at large.
6. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
The Rane Group''s vision on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is: "To be a socially and environmentally responsible corporate citizen". The
CSR activities of Rane Group focus on four specific areas, viz., (a) Education; (b) Healthcare; (c) Community Development; and (d) Environment.
The CSR Committee of the Board is responsible for recommending CSR projects and activities to the Board in line with the CSR policy. The CSR Committee monitors and reviews the implementation of CSR activities periodically.
The CSR activities undertaken by the Company are in line with the CSR Policy and recommendations of the CSR Committee comprising Mr. L Ganesh, Committee Chairman, Mr. Harish Lakshman, Member of the Board and Dr. Brinda Jagirdar, Independent Director (effective June 30, 2022), as its members.
During the year, the Company has contributed a sum of ''0.44 Crores on various CSR activities as per the CSR policy and recommendations of the CSR Committee. The ''Annexure C'' to this report contains the annual report on CSR activities of the Company for FY 2022-23. The CSR policy of the Company has been disclosed in the policies section of the website of the Company and available at the weblink: https://ranegroup.com/investors/rane-brake-lining-limited/. Further, in terms of the CSR Rules, the Chief Financial Officer has issued a certificate to the CSR Committee that the funds disbursed for CSR have been used, for the purpose and in the manner approved by the Board for financial year 2022- 2023.
7. Energy conservation, technology absorption and foreign exchange earnings and outgo
The ''Annexure D'' to this report contains the information on conservation of energy, technology absorption and
foreign exchange earnings and outgo as required under Section 134(3)(m) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 8 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014.
8. Corporate Governance Report
Your Company is committed to maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance and effective compliance with the regulatory norms under the SEBI regulations and other laws and regulations applicable to the Company. The Corporate Governance Report and the certificate issued by the Statutory Auditors are available in ''Annexure E'' to this report.
9. Particulars of Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and Employees
The statement in terms of Section 197(12) read with Rule 5 of the Companies (Appointment and remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 is enclosed as an ''Annexure'' to this report.
Pursuant to Section 136(1) of the Companies Act, 2013, the report of the Board of Directors is being sent to the shareholders of the Company excluding the statement prescribed under Rule 5 of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014. The statement is available for inspection by the shareholders at the Registered Office of the Company during business hours.
The Risk Management Committee of the Board periodically reviews the risk management policy and its procedures.
The Company has in place a Risk Management Policy covering internal and external risks including information security, cyber security, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) related etc., measures for risk mitigation including systems and processes for internal control to identify risks associated with the Company and measures to mitigate such risks. The details of composition, scope and the meetings held during the year are provided as part of the Corporate Governance report in ''Annexure E'' to this report.
a. Details of loan, guarantees and investments, if any, under the provisions of Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013, are given in the notes to the financial statements.
b. The Internal control systems and adequacy are discussed in detail in the Management Discussion and Analysis annexed to the Directors Report.
c. There was no significant / material order passed by the Regulators / Courts which would impact the going concern status of the Company and its future operations.
d. The policies approved and adopted by the Board have been made available on the Corporate Governance section of the website of the Company at the weblink: https://ranegroup.com/investors/rane-brake-lining-limited/.
e. The copy of the Annual Return is available on the Corporate Governance section of the website of the Company at the weblink: https://ranegroup.com/investors/rane-brake-lining-limited/.
f. The Company has complied with the applicable secretarial standards viz., SS-1 on meetings of Board of Directors and SS-2 on General Meetings issued by Institute of Company Secretaries of India as per section 118(10) of the Companies Act, 2013.
g. The requirement for Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting is not applicable for the year under review to the Company since it does not fall under the top 1,000 listed companies based on market capitalisation.
h. The details regarding unclaimed / unpaid shares and dividend transferred / proposed to be transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) and other relevant details in this regard, have been provided in the corporate governance section of this annual report.
i. The Company does not accept any deposits falling under the provisions of section 73 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the rules framed thereunder.
j. The Company has established a formal vigil mechanism named ''Rane Whistle Blower Policy'' for reporting improper or unethical practices or actions which are violative of the code of conduct of the Company. The policy which is also available on the intranet portal of the Company provides adequate safeguard against victimisation and has provided direct access to the Chairman of the Audit Committee for the employees to state their complaints / grievances.
k. The Company has always provided a
congenial atmosphere for work that is free from discrimination and harassment and has provided equal opportunities of employment to all irrespective of their caste, religion, colour, marital status and gender. The Company believes that women should be able to do their work in a safe and respectful environment that encourages maximum productivity. The Company has a zero tolerance towards sexual harassment. The Company has adopted a policy on prevention of sexual harassment of women at work place and
put in place proper dissemination mechanism across the Company. The Company has carried out awareness programmes / sessions on the mechanism established under this policy, across its various locations. The Company has complied with the provisions relating to the constitution of Internal Complaints Committee under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH) comprising of Presiding Officers and members with an appropriate mix of employees and external subject matter experts. During the period, the details of complaints received / resolved or pending are as under:
No. of complaints received during the financial year - Nil
No. of complaints disposed off during the financial year - Nil
No. of complaints pending as on end of the financial year - Nil
l. The Company has not printed physical copies of the Annual Report for distribution in view of the exemptions available vide General circular 10/2022 dated December 28, 2022, issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs ("MCAâ) read with previous circulars and SEBI Circular dated January 05, 2023. The full Annual Report will be made available on the website of the Company and will also be disseminated to the stock exchanges where shares of the Company are listed. The electronic copies of the annual report and the notice convening the 18th AGM would be sent to all the members whose e-mail addresses were registered with the Company or their respective Depository Participants (DP).
Annual General Meeting
m. The 18th AGM would be conducted through video conferencing or other audio visual means on Monday, July 24, 2023 at 14:00 hrs (IST) as per the framework notified by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. The notice convening the 18th AGM contains detailed instructions and notes in this regard.
Acknowledgement
We thank our Customers, Investors, Suppliers, Vendors, Bankers, Government and Regulatory Authorities and other Business Associates for their continued support in successful performance of the Company. We place on record our appreciation for the committed services of all our employees.
Mar 31, 2019
The Directors have pleasure in presenting the Fourteenth Annual Report together with the accounts for the year ended March 31, 2019 and other prescribed particulars:
1. State of Companyâs affairs
1.1. Financial Performance
The financial highlights for the year under review are as follows:
(Rs. in Crores)
|
Particulars |
2018-19 |
2017-18 |
|
Sales and Operating Revenues * |
513.89 |
482.28 |
|
Other Income |
7.08 |
4.92 |
|
Profit Before Tax (PBT) |
49.31 |
54.89 |
|
Provision for tax |
12.78 |
19.14 |
|
Profit After Tax (PAT) |
36.53 |
35.75 |
|
Total Comprehensive Income |
36.34 |
36.21 |
|
Surplus brought forward |
44.14 |
38.37 |
|
Amount available for |
80.48 |
74.58 |
|
appropriation |
* Net of Excise Duty - FY 2017-18
The Key performance indicators, operational performance and balance sheet highlights are furnished in page nos. 6 & 7 of this annual report.
The Sales and other Operating Revenues grew by 6.55%. The Profit Before Tax decreased by 10.17% over the previous year. Earnings per share for the year 2018-19 was Rs.46.15 as against Rs.45.17 in the previous year.
There was no material changes and commitments, affecting the financial position of the Company between the end of the financial year of the Company and the date of the report other than those disclosed in the financial statements. There was no change in nature of business during the year. The Company is a subsidiary Company of Rane Holdings Limited (RHL / holding company). The Company does not have any subsidiary, associate or joint venture.
1.2. Appropriation
The Board of Directors declared and paid an interim dividend of 65% (i.e., Rs.6.50/- per share of Rs.10/each, fully paid-up) on February 15, 2019 to all the eligible shareholders whose name appeared in the register of members of the Company as on February 07, 2019, being the Record Date fixed for this purpose.
Further, the Board has recommended a final dividend of 90% (i.e., Rs.9/-per share of Rs.10/- each, fully paid-up) for approval of shareholders at the ensuing fourteenth
Annual General Meeting scheduled to be held on July 25, 2019. With that the total dividend paid / payable for FY 2018-19 including the distribution tax and surcharge thereon would be Rs.14.79 Crores. On declaration of final dividend by the shareholders, it will be paid on July 30, 2019 to all the eligible shareholders whose name appears in the register of members of the Company as on July 18, 2019, being the Record Date fixed for this purpose.
The Board has retained Rs.23.38 Crores as surplus in the Profit and loss account after transferring Rs.22.00 Crores to the general reserves.
1.3. Management Discussion & Analysis
The business of your Company is manufacturing and marketing of auto components for transportation industry viz., friction material (Disc Pads, Brake Shoes, Clutch Facings, Clutch Buttons, Brake Linings and Brake Blocks). The analysis on the performance of the industry, the Company, internal control systems, risk management are presented in the Management Discussion and Analysis report forming part of this report and is provided in âAnnexure Aâ.
2. Board of Directors
2.1. Composition
The Corporate Governance Report given in âAnnexure Eâ contains the composition of the Board of Directors of the Company.
There is no change in the composition of Board of Directors with reference to the previous year.
The terms and conditions for appointment of Independent Directors have been disclosed on the website of the Company and available at http:// ranegroup.com/rbl_investors/terms-conditions-appointment-id/.
Mr. Parvataneni Santosh Kumar (DIN:00267280) Independent Director, retired as per the retirement policy of the Company, with effect from conclusion of the Board meeting held on May 22, 2019. Consequently, his membership in the Audit Committee and Nomination and Remuneration Committee also ceases with effect from the said date. The Board places on record its appreciation for the services rendered by Mr. Parvataneni Santosh Kumar during his association with the Company as an Independent Director.
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee of the Board, at its meeting held on March 18, 2019, had recommended the appointment of Mr. Krishna Kumar Seshadri (DIN: 00062582) as an Independent Director. The Board of Directors have co-opted Mr. Krishna Kumar Seshadri as an Additional Director in the category of Non-Executive and Independent Director with effect from May 22, 2019. The appointment as an Independent Directors is subject to the approval at the ensuing AGM. The notice convening the 14th AGM seeks necessary approval of the members for his appointment as an Independent Director to hold office for a term upto conclusion of 16th AGM (2021).
The Corporate Governance report annexed to this report contains necessary disclosures regarding the above Director proposed for appointment at the ensuing 14th AGM of the Company.
All the Directors have affirmed compliance with the Code of Conduct of the Company. The Independent Directors have affirmed that they satisfy the criteria laid down under section 149(6) of the Companies Act 2013 (Act) and Regulation 25 and other applicable regulations of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 (SEBI LODR), as amended from time to time. The Board of Directors at its first meeting of the FY 2018-19 has taken on record the declarations and confirmations submitted by the Independent Directors.
During the year, the Board had not appointed any person as an Alternate Director for an Independent Director on the Board.
The Company has obtained a certificate from a company secretary in practice that none of the Directors on the Board of the Company has been debarred or disqualified from being appointed or continuing as Directors of Companies by the SEBI / Ministry of Corporate Affairs or any such statutory authority.
2.2. Retirement by rotation
Mr. Harish Lakshman (DIN: 00012602) is retiring by rotation at the ensuing 14th AGM. Being eligible, he offers himself for re-appointment. The proposal for re-appointment of Mr. Harish Lakshman as a Director is included in the notice convening the 14th AGM.
2.3. Board Meetings
The schedule of meetings of the Board of Directors and Committees of the Board is circulated to the Directors in advance. During the year, five (5) Board Meetings were convened and held, the details of which are given in the Corporate Governance Report. The gap between two consecutive meetings of the Board of Directors was less than 120 days.
2.4. Meeting of Independent Directors
A meeting of Independent Directors was held to assess the quality, quantity and timeliness of flow of information between the management and the Board. The Independent Directors expressed that the current flow of information and contents were good to effectively perform their duties. They also reviewed the performance of the Non-Independent Directors and the Board as a whole and the performance of the Chairperson of the Company taking into account the views of other Non-Executive Directors.
3. Board and Management
3.1. Board Evaluation
During the year, the Board carried out an annual evaluation of its performance as well as of the working of its Committees and individual Directors, including Chairman and Managing Director of the Board. This exercise was carried out through a structured questionnaire prepared separately for the Board, Committees, Chairman, Managing Director and individual Directors, as per the criteria laid down by Nomination and Remuneration Committee. The Chairmanâs performance evaluation was also reviewed by Independent Directors at a separate meeting during the year.
The evaluation methodology, questionnaire and process were judiciously formulated taking into consideration following parameters of the Boardâs functioning
a) Board Structure and Processes: Composition, appointment process, diversity, approach towards risk assessment, monitoring mechanism for any related party transactions, ethical standards and fairness in decision makings
b) Meetings and Discussions: Adequacy, relevance of information, follow up actions, discussions and debate especially on critical and dissenting views, if any.
c) Board Information and Functioning: Adequacy of time for strategic discussions, integrity of accounting and financial reporting systems and feedback of Independent Directors.
d) Board Committee Effectiveness: Clarity of charter laid down, effectiveness of reports of the Committees, its mandates and working procedures, its transparency and independence and contributions towards recommendations made to the Board.
The individual Directorsâ evaluation were carried out with an unbiased approach through peer evaluation focussing on following areas:
a) Group dynamics i.e., exhibiting positive behaviours, framing of constructive contents and staying engaged while expressing honest opinions.
b) Competency attributes like having sufficient understanding and knowledge of the Company and operating sector and fulfilling functions assigned to them by the Board and governing laws ; and
c) Commitment in terms of exercising own judgement, voicing independent opinions and responsibility towards the Company and its success.
The outcome of the evaluation is also considered by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee while considering re-appointments of Directors on the Board and appointment in various Committees.
The Board acknowledged the key areas of improvement emerging through this exercise and the Chairman discussed with the other Board members during the meetings, the action plans including the need for revisiting the Board meeting schedule to allow sufficient time for discussions on matters of strategic importance and scheduling Directorsâ visits to the manufacturing facilities and facilitating interaction with the business and functional heads.
Certain strategic discussions at the Board and Committee meetings brought to the fore were around long-term strategy in terms of industry trends, technology developments, measures to enhance productivity, innovation and competitiveness and sustainable business models.
Discussions on initiatives taken across the Rane group on areas like Human Resource development especially in the context of talent acquisition & management, succession planning, employee engagement, leadership development at senior management level and Information and Technology challenges, were given extensive time and focus by the Board.
3.2. Familiarisation program for Independent Directors
The familiarisation program for Independent Directors and details of familiarization programmes to Independent Directors are available at http://ranegroup. com/rbljnvestors/familiarisation-programme-for-independent-directors/
3.3. Key Managerial Personnel
Mr. Vinay Lakshman, Managing Director (MD), Mr. M A P Sridhar Kumar, Senior Vice President - Finance & Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Mr. Venkatraman, Company Secretary hold the office of Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) within the meaning of Section 2(51) of the Companies Act, 2013. During the year there was no change in the Key Managerial Personnel (KMP).
3.4. Remuneration Policy
The policy on appointment and remuneration of Directors, Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) and Senior Management Personnel (SMP) laid down by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC) of the Board is available on the website of the Company www.ranegroup.com
I n accordance with the said policy, approval obtained from the shareholders at the 13th AGM held on July 24, 2018, Mr. L Ganesh, Chairman will be paid a commission of Rs.1.00 Crore as recommended by NRC and approved by the Board. This commission amount does not exceed 2% of the net profits of the Company for FY 2018-19.
In addition to the approval already obtained from shareholders by way of a special resolution under Section 197 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Rules made thereunder, specific approval of shareholders is sought again, pursuant to the provisions of Regulation 17(6)(ca) of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements), Regulations 2015 (SEBI LODR), for payment of commission to Mr L Ganesh for FY 2018-19.
The details of remuneration paid / payable to the Directors during the financial year 2018-19, is furnished in the Corporate Governance report annexed to this report of the Board.
4. Audit
4.1. Audit Committee
The terms of reference and meetings of the Audit Committee are disclosed in the Corporate Governance Report section of the Annual Report. The Audit Committee of the Board acts in accordance with the above terms of reference, which is in compliance with the provisions of Section 177 of the Companies Act, 2013 (Act) and Regulation 18 of SEBI LODR and other applicable provision of SEBI LODR, as amended from time to time.
4.2. Statutory Auditors
M/s. Varma & Varma, Chartered Accountants (Varma & Varma) were re-appointed by the shareholders at the 12th AGM held on August 23, 2017 for a second term of five consecutive years commencing from the conclusion of 12th AGM (2017) till 17th AGM (2022).
Varma & Varma has confirmed that they do not suffer from any disqualification under Section 141 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the rules made thereunder. Varma & Varma has also submitted the peer review certificate issued to them by The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
During the year under review, Varma & Varma has not reported any matter under Section 143(12) of the Companies Act, 2013 requiring disclosure under Section 134(3)(ca) of the Companies Act, 2013.
The statutory auditors report to the members for the year ended March 31, 2019 does not contain any qualification, reservation, adverse remark or disclaimer.
4.3. Cost Audit & Maintenance of Cost Records
Appointment of Cost auditor is not applicable to the Company under Companies (Cost Records and Audit) Rules, 2014. Further, the maintenance of cost records as prescribed under provisions of Sec 148(1) of the Companies Act 2013 are not applicable for the business activities carried out by the Company.
4.4. Secretarial Auditors
M/s. S Krishnamurthy & Co., a firm of Company Secretaries in practice, are the Secretarial Auditors of the Company. The Secretarial Audit report given in âAnnexure Bâ was taken on record by the Board of Directors at its meeting held on May 22, 2019. The secretarial audit report does not contain any qualification, reservation, adverse remark or disclaimer.
The Annual Secretarial Compliance report, (hereinafter referred to as âcompliance reportâ), for FY 2018-19 issued by M/s. S Krishnamurthy & Co., the secretarial auditors of the Company, have confirmed compliance with securities law applicable to the Company and the same has been taken on record by the Board of Directors at their meeting held on May 22, 2019. The compliance report does not contain any qualification, reservation, adverse remark or disclaimer and the Board has approved filing of the same with the stock exchanges.
4.5. Internal Auditors
M/s. Capri Assurance and Advisory Servicies, a firm of independent assurance service professionals, continues to be the Internal Auditors of the Company.
Their scope of work includes review of processes for safeguarding the assets of the Company, review of operational efficiency, effectiveness of systems and processes, and assessing the internal control strengths in all areas. Internal Auditors findings are discussed with the process owners and suitable corrective actions taken as per the directions of Audit Committee on a regular basis to improve efficiency in operations. The internal auditors report directly to the Audit Committee and the Audit Committee while reviewing their performance scope, functioning, periodicity and methodology for conducting the internal audit, has taken into consideration their confirmation to the effect that their infrastructure viz internal audit structure, staffing and seniority of the officials proposed to be deployed etc. which are adequate and commensurate to the scope, functioning, periodicity and methodology for conducting the internal audit.
For FY 2018-19, the Audit Committee has taken on record their certification to the effect that:
i. They have evaluated the internal control systems and risk management systems and reviewed the risk management systems and managementâs process of identification and mitigation of risks and controls;
ii. There were no significant findings requiring follow-up thereon and there were no matters of suspected fraud or irregularity or a failure of internal control systems of material nature requiring investigation or reporting to the Audit Committee/ Board;
iii. Internal control systems of the Company for financial reporting are adequate and are operating effectively throughout the year;
iv. There were no deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls;
v. There were no significant changes in the internal control over financial reporting during the year under review;
vi. There were no instances of fraud or involvement therein of management or an employee having a significant role in the entityâs internal control system over financial reporting and
vii. The Company has a proper system for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and the same is adequate and working effectively.
5. Directorsâ Responsibility Statement
I n terms of Section 134(3)(c) read with section 134(5) of the Companies Act, 2013, the Directors, to the best of their knowledge and belief based on the information and explanations obtained by them, confirm that:
a. i n the preparation of financial statements for the financial year 2018-19, the applicable accounting standards had been followed and there were no material departures;
b. they had selected such accounting policies and applied them consistently and made judgments and estimates that were reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company at the end of the financial year and of the profit of the Company for the year under review;
c. they had taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Act for safeguarding the assets of the Company, preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
d. they had prepared the financial statements for the financial year on a âgoing concernâ basis;
e. they had laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the Company and such internal financial controls were adequate and were operating effectively and
f. they had devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws and such systems were adequate and operating effectively.
6. Related Party Transactions
All related party transactions that were entered into during the financial year were on an armâs length basis and were in the ordinary course of business. There are no materially significant related party transactions made by the Company with Related Parties which may have potential conflict with the interest of the Company at large.
All Related Party Transactions are placed before the Audit Committee as also the Board for approval. Prior omnibus approval of the Audit Committee has been obtained for the transactions which are foreseen and repetitive in nature. The transactions entered into pursuant to the omnibus approval so granted are reviewed by the Audit Committee on a quarterly basis. The Company has put in place proper system for identification and monitoring of such transactions. The policy on Related Party Transactions as approved by the Board is uploaded on the Companyâs website at the link: http://ranegroup.com/rbl_investors/policy-on-related-party-transactions/.
None of the Directors or Key Managerial Personnel or Senior Management Personnel has any material financial and commercial transactions, where they have personal interest, which may have potential conflict with interest of the Company at large.
7. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
The Rane Groupâs vision on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is: âTo be socially and environmentally responsive organization committed to improve quality of life within and outsideâ. The CSR activities of Rane Group focus on four specific areas viz., (a) Education (b) Healthcare (c) Community Development; and (d) Environment.
The CSR activities undertaken by the Company are in line with the CSR Policy and recommendations of the CSR Committee comprising of Mr. L Lakshman, Committee Chairman, Mr. L Ganesh, Director and Mr. S C Gupta, Independent Director, as its members. The âAnnexure Câ to this report contains the annual report on CSR activities of the Company for FY 2018-19. The CSR policy of the Company is posted on our website at the link: http://ranegroup.com/rbl_ investors/corporate-social-responsibility-policy.
8. Energy Conservation, Technology Absorption and Foreign Exchange Earnings and Outgo The âAnnexure Dâ to this report contains the information on conservation of energy, technology absorption and foreign exchange earnings and outgo as required under Section 134(3)(m) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 8 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014. .
9. Particulars of Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and 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 Directors, Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) and Employees of the Company are provided in the full version of the Annual Report. The full version of the Annual Report is available for inspection by the members at the registered office during business hours on a working day of the Company up to the date of the ensuing Annual General Meeting. The full annual report including the aforesaid information is being sent electronically to all those members who have registered their e-mail address and is available on the Companyâs website www.ranegroup.com.
10. Corporate Governance Report
Your Company is a leader in compliance with the corporate governance norms under the SEBI regulations. The Corporate Governance report and the certificate issued by the Statutory Auditors are available in âAnnexure Eâ to this report.
11. Other Disclosures
a) Details of loan, guarantees and investments under the provisions of Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013, if any, are given in the notes to the Financial Statements.
b) The Internal control systems and adequacy are discussed in detail in the Management Discussion and Analysis annexed to the Directors Report.
c) There was no significant material order passed by the Regulators / Courts which would impact the going concern status of the Company and its future operations.
d) The policies approved and adopted by the Board have been made available on the Corporate Governance section of the Investor page on the website of the Company viz. www.ranegroup.com.
e) The extract of the Annual Return under Section 92(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 in form MGT-9 is available on the website of the Company at www. ranegroup.com and in âAnnexure Fâ to this report.
f) The Company has complied with the applicable secretarial standards viz., SS-1 on meetings of Board of Directors and SS-2 on General Meetings issued by Institute of Company Secretaries of India as per section 118(10) of the Companies Act, 2013.
g) The Company does not accept any deposit falling under the provisions of section 73 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the rules framed thereunder.
h) The Company has established a formal vigil mechanism named âRane Whistle Blower Policyâ for reporting improper or unethical practices or actions which are violative of the code of conduct of the Company.
i) The Company believes that women should be able to do their work in a safe and respectful environment that encourages maximum productivity. The Company has a zero tolerance towards sexual harassment. The Company has adopted a policy on prevention of sexual harassment of women at work place and put in place proper dissemination mechanism across the Company. The Company has complied with the provisions relating to the constitution of Internal Complaints Committee under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. During the period, the details of complaints received / resolved or pending are as under in accordance with provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, as amended from time to time.
No. of complaints received during the financial year - Nil
No. of complaints disposed during the financial year - Nil
No. of complaints pending as of end of the financial year - Nil
There was no complaints reported during the year under review through this mechanism.
j) Electronic copies of the Annual report and the notice convening the 14th Annual General meeting (AGM) would be sent to the members whose email address are registered with the Company or their respective Depository Participants. For members who have not registered their email address, physical copies of the Notice and Annual Report would be sent in the permitted mode.
For and on behalf of the Board
L Ganesh
Chairman
DIN: 00012583
Vinay Lakshman
Chennai Managing Director
May 22, 2019 DIN: 07295820
Mar 31, 2018
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Directors have pleasure in presenting the Thirteenth Annual Report together with the accounts for the year ended 31 March, 2018 and other prescribed particulars:
1. State of Companyâs affairs
1.1. Financial Performance
The financial highlights for the year under review are as follows:
Rs, in crores
|
Particulars |
2017-18 1 |
2016-17 |
|
Sales and Operating Revenues * |
482.46 |
466.11 |
|
Other Income |
4.74 |
4.47 |
|
Profit Before Tax (PBT) |
54.89 |
42.70 |
|
Provision for tax |
19.14 |
7.77 |
|
Profit After Tax (PAT) |
35.75 |
34.93 |
|
Total Comprehensive Income |
36.21 |
34.75 |
|
Surplus brought forward |
38.37 |
9.34 |
|
Amount available for appropriation |
74.58 |
44.09 |
*Net of Excise Duty
**Figures for FY 2016-17 have been restated as per applicable Indian Accounting Standards
Key performance indicators, operational performance and balance sheet summary are furnished in page no 3 of this annual report.
In the preparation of the financial statements for the financial year 2017-18, the Company has adopted Ind AS and the transition date is 01 April, 2016.
The Sales and Other Operating Revenue grew by 3.51%. The Profit before tax improved by 28.52% over the previous year. Earnings per share for the year 2017-18 was Rs, 45.17 as against Rs, 44.13 in the previous year.
There was no material changes and commitments, affecting the financial position of the Company between the end of the financial year of the Company and the date of the report other than those disclosed in the financial statements.
There was no change in nature of business during the year. The Company is a subsidiary company of Rane Holdings Limited (RHL / holding company). The Company does not have any subsidiary, associate or joint venture.
1.2. Appropriation
During the year 2017-18, the board of directors declared an interim dividend of 65% (i.e., Rs, 6.50 per share of Rs, 10/- each, fully paid-up) and the same was paid on 19 February, 2018 to all the eligible shareholders whose name appeared in the register of members of the Company as on 08 February, 2018, being the Record Date fixed for this purpose.
The board of directors have considered and recommended a final dividend of 90% (i.e Rs, 9/- per share of Rs, 10/- each, fully paid-up) for approval of shareholders at the ensuing thirteenth Annual General Meeting to be held on 24 July, 2018. The total final dividend amount inclusive of distribution tax and surcharge thereon would be Rs, 8.59 crores. The final dividend, if declared by the shareholders, will be paid on 01 August, 2018 to all the eligible shareholders whose name appears in the register of members of the Company as on 17 July, 2018, being the Record Date fixed for this purpose.
Rs, 23.37 crores has been retained as surplus in the Profit and loss account after transferring Rs, 20.31 crores to the general reserves.
1.3. Management Discussion & Analysis
Your Company is engaged in the manufacturing and marketing of auto components for transportation industry viz., friction material (Disc Pads, Brake Shoes, Clutch Facings, Clutch Buttons, Brake Linings and Brake Blocks). A detailed analysis on the performance of the industry, the Company, internal control systems, risk management are enumerated in the Management Discussion and Analysis report forming part of this report and annexed as âAnnexure Aâ.
2. Board of Directors
2.1. Composition
The composition of the Board of Directors of the Company is furnished in the Corporate Governance Report annexed to this report.
During the year, at the twelfth (12th) Annual General Meeting the shareholders approved the appointment of Mr. P S Kumar (DIN: 00267280) as Independent Director in the first term, effective from 20 January, 2017 till the conclusion of 14th AGM. Further, during the year, Mr. Srinivasan Sandilya (DIN: 00037542), Mr. Suresh Chandra Gupta (DIN: 02085068), Mr. Anil Kumar Venkat Epur (DIN: 00202454), were re-appointed for a second consecutive term as Independent Directors by the shareholders at the 12th AGM held on August 23, 2017.
Mr. Vinay Lakshman (DIN: 07295820), holds the office of Managing Director till 30 September, 2018, pursuant to approval accorded by shareholders at the 11th AGM held on 21 July, 2016. The board of directors at its meeting held on 13 April, 2018, based on the recommendations of
Nomination and Remuneration Committee, has re-appointed him as Managing Director for a period of five years viz., from 01 April, 2018 to 31 March, 2023 subject to approval of the shareholders at the ensuing 13th AGM of the Company.
Ms Ranjana Kumar (DIN: 02930881) was appointed as Independent Directors for a first term, by the shareholders at the 10th AGM held on 20 July, 2015, to hold office upto the conclusion of the ensuing 13th AGM. Based on performance evaluation, the Nomination and Remuneration Committee at its meeting held on 13 April, 2018, has recommended re-appointment for a second consecutive term as an Independent Director for a period of three years.
M/s. Nisshinbo Holdings Inc., our foreign collaborator, has nominated Mr. Yasuji Ishii (DIN: 08078748) as a director in the place of Mr. Kazuhiro Iwata (DIN: 06875329), effective from 13 April, 2018. The Board of Directors has co-opted Mr. Yasuji Ishii to the Board as a nominee director with effective from 13 April, 2018, based on the recommendations of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee. Mr. Yasuji Ishii would be a non-executive, non-independent director, being a nominee of the foreign collaborator (promoters) of the Company.
The Board places on record its appreciation for the services rendered by Mr. Kazuhiro Iwata during his association with the Company as a nominee director of the foreign collaborator.
The notice convening the 13th AGM contains necessary resolution(s) for appointment / re-appointment of Directors at the ensuing AGM.
The Corporate Governance report annexed to this report contains necessary disclosures regarding the above directors proposed for appointment / re-appointment at the ensuing 13th AGM of the Company.
The terms and conditions of appointment of independent directors have been disclosed on the website of the Company and available at http://ranegroup.com/pdf/ investors/rbl/rbltermsid.pdf
All directors have affirmed compliance with the Code of Conduct of the Company. The independent directors have affirmed that they satisfy the criteria laid down under section 149(6) of the Companies Act 2013 (Act) and SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 (SEBI LODR).
2.2. Retirement by rotation
At the ensuing Annual General Meeting (AGM), Mr. L Lakshman (DIN: 00012554), retires by rotation and being eligible, offers himself for re-appointment. The
notice convening the AGM includes the proposal for his re-appointment as director.
2.3. Board Meetings
A calendar of meetings is prepared and circulated in advance to the directors. During the year, five (5) Board Meetings were convened and held, the details of which are given in the Corporate Governance Report. The intervening period between two consecutive meetings was less than 120 days.
2.4. Meeting of Independent Directors
During the year, a separate meeting of Independent Directors was held. In the said meeting, the independent directors assessed the quality, quantity and timeliness of flow of information between the management and the Board at the meeting and expressed that the current flow of information and contents were adequate for the Board to effectively perform its duties. They also reviewed the performance of the non-independent directors and the board as a whole and the performance of the chairperson of the Company taking into account the views of executive directors and nonexecutive directors.
3. Board and Management
3.1. Board evaluation
During the year, a formal process for annual evaluation of performance of Board, its committees and directors individually was carried out as per the criteria laid down by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, pursuant to the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 (CA 2013) and SEBI LODR.
The criteria for evaluation of board and its committees were founded on the structure, composition, board-management relationship, effectiveness in terms of roles and responsibilities and processes encompassing the information flow and functioning. The guiding standards for the assessment of performance of directors (including the independent directors) were founded on aspects relating to their group dynamics, competency and commitment to the success of the Company.
For evaluation of performance of the Chairman additional aspects like institutional image building, providing guidance on strategy and performance, maintaining an effective and healthy relationship between the board and the management were taken into consideration.
The evaluation was carried out through a structured methodology approved by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee after ensuring that the aspects laid down under each of the criteria are comprehensive and commensurate with the size of the board and the Company. The Nomination and Remuneration Committee, reviews and makes recommendation to the board, from time to time, for ensuring an optimum composition of the Board and its Committees, induction of directors into the Board, participation on the Board effectiveness and evaluation process. The outcome of the evaluation also forms the basis for the Nomination and Remuneration Committee while considering re-appointments of Directors and appointment in various Committee of the Board.
3.2. Familiarizations program for independent directors
The familiarization program for independent directors and details of familiarization program for independent directors has been put up on the website and available at - http:// ranegroup.com/rbl_investors/familiarisation-programme-for-independent-directors/
3.3. Key Managerial Personnel
Mr. Vinay Lakshman, Managing Director (MD), Mr. M A P Sridhar Kumar, Vice President - Finance & Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Mr. Venkatraman, Secretary (CS) hold the office of Key Managerial Personnel within the meaning of Section 2(51) of the Companies Act, 2013.
During the year there was no change in the Key Managerial Personnel (KMP).
3.4. Remuneration policy
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee has laid down a policy on appointment and remuneration of directors, Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) and Senior Management Personnel (SMP). The same is annexed herewith as âAnnexure Bâ.
Pursuant to approval accorded by the shareholders at the 10th AGM held on 20 July, 2015, Mr. L Ganesh has been receiving commission up to 2% of the net profits of the Company for a period commencing from 01 April, 2015. The Nomination and Remuneration Committee at its meeting held on 13 April, 2018 has recommended payment of Rs, 1,10,23,640/- as commission for the financial year 2017-18 to Mr. L Ganesh, Chairman. Based on the recommendations of the NRC, the Board of Directors propose payment of commission of up to 2% of net profits for a further period of three years commencing from 01 April, 2018, subject to the approval of the shareholders at the ensuing 13th AGM 2018 under Section 197, 198 and other applicable provisions of the Companies Act 2013.
The details of remuneration paid / payable to the directors during the financial year 2017-18, is furnished in the Corporate Governance report annexed to this report of the board of directors.
4. Audit
4.1. Audit Committee
In terms of the provisions of Section 177 of the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 18 of SEBI LODR, the Audit Committee of the Board acts in accordance with terms of reference prescribed therein. Detailed disclosure on compositions, terms of reference and meetings of the Audit Committee are furnished in the Corporate Governance Report.
4.2. Statutory Auditors
M/s. Varma & Varma, Chartered Accountants were re-appointed by the shareholders at the 12th AGM held on August 23, 2017 for a second term of five consecutive years commencing from the conclusion of 12th AGM (2017) till 17th AGM (2022), as per the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013. Subject to notification of the relevant provisions of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2017, their appointment may have to be ratified by members at every AGM in accordance with Section 139 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with applicable rules made thereunder. In the event of notification of the aforesaid amendment, the requirement for ratification would be infructuous and shall be dispensed with.
The Company has received letter from M/s Varma & Varma consenting for continuation as statutory auditors and confirmation to the effect that their appointment for 2018-19, if ratified, would be within the limits and that they are free from disqualification specified under Section 141 of the Companies Act, 2013 and rules made thereunder. M/s. Varma & Varma have also submitted the peer review certificate issued to them by The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). The statutory auditors report to the members for the year ended 31 March, 2018 does not contain any qualification, reservation, adverse remark or disclaimer.
During the year under review, the Auditors have not reported any matter under Section 143 (12) of the Act and therefore no detail is required to be disclosed under Section 134(3)(ca) of the Companies Act, 2013.
4.3. Cost Audit
Cost audit is not applicable to the Company as per the threshold limits prescribed under Companies (Cost Records and Audit) Rules, 2014.
4.4. Secretarial Auditors
The Board of Directors have appointed M/s. S Krishnamurthy & Co., Company Secretaries in practice, to undertake the Secretarial Audit of the Company. The report on the Secretarial Audit carried out for the year 2017-18 is annexed herewith as âAnnexure Câ. The secretarial audit report does not contain any qualification, reservation, adverse remark or disclaimer.
4.5. Internal Auditors
The Company continues to engage M/s. Capri Assurance and Advisory Servicies, a firm of independent assurance service professionals, as Internal Auditors of the Company. Their scope of work includes review of processes for safeguarding the assets of the Company, review of operational efficiency, effectiveness of systems and processes, and assessing the internal control strengths in all areas. Internal Auditors findings are discussed with the process owners and suitable corrective actions are taken as per the directions of Audit Committee on a regular basis to improve efficiency in operations.
5. Directorsâ Responsibility Statement
In terms of Section 134(3)(c) read with section 134(5) of the Companies Act, 2013, the directors, to the best of their knowledge and belief based on the information and explanations obtained by them, confirm that:
i. i n the preparation of the financial statements for the financial year 2017-18, the applicable accounting standards had been followed and there were no material departures;
ii. they had selected such accounting policies and applied them consistently and made judgments and estimates that were reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company at the end of the financial year and of the profit of the Company for the year under review;
iii. they had taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Act for safeguarding the assets of the Company, preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
iv. they had prepared the financial statements for the financial year on a âgoing concernâ basis;
v. they had laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the Company and such internal financial controls were adequate and were operating effectively; and
vi. they had devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws and such systems were adequate and operating effectively.
6. Related Party Transactions
All related party transactions that were entered into during the financial year were on an armâs length basis and were in the ordinary course of business. There are no materially significant related party transactions made by the Company with Related Parties which may have potential conflict with the interest of the Company at large.
All Related Party Transactions are placed before the Audit Committee as also the Board for approval. Prior omnibus approval of the Audit Committee is obtained for the transactions which are foreseen and repetitive in nature. The transactions entered into pursuant to the omnibus approval so granted are reviewed by the Audit Committee on a quarterly basis.
The Company has put in place proper system for identification and monitoring of such transactions. The policy on Related Party Transactions as approved by the Board is uploaded on the Companyâs website (http://ranegroup. com/rbl_investors/policy-on-related-party-transactions/. None of the Directors or Key Managerial Personnel or Senior Management Personnel has any material financial and commercial transactions, where they have personal interest, which may have potential conflict with interest of the Company at large.
7. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
The Rane Group''s vision on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is âTo be socially and environmentally responsive organization committed to improve quality of life within and outsideâ. The CSR activities of Rane Group focus on four specific areas viz., (a) Education (b) Healthcare (c) Community Development; and (d) Environment.
The CSR activities undertaken by the Company are in line with the CSR Policy and recommendations of the CSR Committee comprising of Mr. L Lakshman, Committee Chairman, Mr. L Ganesh, Director and Mr. Suresh Chandra Gupta, Independent Director, as members. The Annual Report on CSR activities carried out during the year 2017-18 is annexed as âAnnexure Dâ. The CSR policy of the Company is available in the Companyâs website viz., http://ranegroup. com/rbl_investors/corporate-social-responsibility-policy/
8. Energy conservation, technology absorption and 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 Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 8 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 is annexed herewith as âAnnexure Eâ.
9. Particulars of Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and 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 Directors, Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) and Employees of the Company are provided in the Annual Report. Having regard to the provisions of first proviso to sub-section (1) of Section 136 of the Act, the Annual Report excluding the aforesaid information is sent to the members. The said information is available for inspection by the members at the registered office during business hours on a working day of the Company up to the date of the ensuing Annual General Meeting. The full annual report including the aforesaid information is being sent electronically to all those members who have registered their e-mail address and is available on the Company website www.ranegroup.com
10. Corporate Governance Report
Your Company has complied with the corporate governance requirements pursuant to Regulation 34 and schedule V of SEBI LODR. Detailed report on the compliance and a certificate by the Statutory Auditors forms part of this report as âAnnexure Gâ.
11. Other disclosures
a) Details of loan, guarantees and investments under the provisions of Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013, if any, are given in the notes to the Financial Statements.
b) The Internal control systems and adequacy are discussed in detail in the Management Discussion and Analysis annexed to the Directors Report.
c) There was no significant material order passed by the Regulators / Courts which would impact the going concern status of the Company and its future operations.
d) The details forming part of the extract of the Annual Return under Section 92(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 in form MGT-9 is annexed herewith as âAnnexure Fâ.
e) The Company has complied with the applicable secretarial standards viz., SS-1 on meetings of board of directors and SS-2 on general meetings issued by Institute of Company Secretaries of India as per section 118(10) of the Companies Act, 2013.
f) The Company does not accept any deposit falling under the provisions of section 73 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the rules framed thereunder.
g) The Company has established a formal vigil mechanism named âRane Whistle Blower Policyâ for reporting improper or unethical practices or actions which are volatile of the code of conduct of the Company.
h) The Company believes that women should be able to do their work in a safe and respectful environment that encourages maximum productivity. The Company has a zero tolerance towards sexual harassment. The Company has adopted a policy on prevention of sexual harassment of women at work place and put in place proper dissemination mechanism across the Company. There was no case reported during the year under review through this mechanism.
For and on behalf of the board
L GANESH
Chairman
DIN : 00012583
VINAY LAKSHMAN
Chennai Managing Director
13 April, 2018 DIN : 07295820
Mar 31, 2017
The Directors have pleasure in presenting the Twelfth Annual Report together with the accounts for the year ended March 31, 2017 and other prescribed particulars:
1. State of Company''s affairs
1.1 Financial Performance
The financial highlights for the year under review are as follows:
(Rs. Crores)
|
Particulars |
2016-17 |
2015-16 |
|
Sales and Operating Revenues |
487.48 |
448.42 |
|
Other Income |
4.48 |
3.22 |
|
Profit Before Tax (PBT) |
42.36 |
35.48 |
|
Provision for Tax |
7.64 |
9.72 |
|
Profit After tax (PAT) |
34.72 |
25.76 |
|
Surplus brought forward |
9.53 |
6.67 |
|
Amount available for appropriation |
44.25 |
32.43 |
Key performance indicators, operational performance and balance sheet summary are furnished in page nos. 4-5 of this annual report.
The Sales and Other Operating Revenue grew by 8.7%.The Profit before tax improved by 19.4% over the previous year. Earnings per share for the year 2016-17 was Rs. 43.86 as against Rs.32.54 in the previous year.
There was no material changes and commitments, affecting the financial position of the Company between the end of the financial year of the Company and the date of the report other than those disclosed in the financial statements.
There was no change in nature of business during the year. The Company is a subsidiary company of Rane Holdings Limited (RHL/holding company). The Company does not have any subsidiary, associate or joint venture.
1.2 Appropriation
During the year 2016-17, the board of directors declared an interim dividend of 60% (i.e., Rs.6/- per share of Rs.10/- each, fully paid-up) and the same was paid on February 9, 2017 to all the eligible shareholders whose name appeared in the register of members of the Company as on February 2, 2017, being the Record Date fixed for this purpose.
The board of directors of the have considered and recommended a final dividend of 90% (i.e Rs.9/-per share of Rs.10/- each, fully paid-up) for approval of shareholders at the ensuing twelfth Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be held on August 23, 2017 The total dividend amount inclusive of distribution tax, surcharge and cess thereon would be Rs.8.57 Crores. The final dividend, if declared by the shareholders, will be paid on August 30, 2017 to all the eligible shareholders whose name appears in the register of members of the Company as on August 16, 2017, being the Record Date fixed for this purpose.
1.3 Management Discussion & Analysis
Your Company is engaged in the manufacturing and marketing of auto components for transportation industry viz., friction material (Brake Linings, Clutch Facings, Clutch Buttons, Disc Pads, Brake Shoes and Brake Blocks). A detailed analysis on the performance of the industry, the Company, internal control systems, risk management are discussed in the Management Discussion and Analysis report forming part of this report and annexed as Annexure A''.
2. Board of Directors
2.1. Composition
The composition of the Board of Directors of the Company is furnished in the Corporate Governance Report annexed to this report.
Mr. S A Murali Prasad (DIN: 00001432) retired as per retirement policy of the company, with effective from the conclusion of meeting of Board of Directors held on October 25, 2016 and the board places on record its appreciation for his valuable contributions to the organisation during his tenure.
During the year, Mr. P S Kumar (DIN: 00267280) was coopted to the Board as an additional director (in the category of Non-Executive, Independent) with effect from January 20, 2017 based on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee. The appointment of Mr. P S Kumar is subject to the approval of the shareholders at the ensuing 12th AGM in the first term, effective from January 20, 2017 till the conclusion of 14th AGM
Mr. S Sandilya (DIN: 00037542), Mr Anil Kumar V Epur (DIN: 00202454), Mr. S C Gupta (DIN: 02085068), appointed as Independent Directors by the shareholders at the 9th AGM held on July 22, 2014, for a period of three years, hold office upto the conclusion of the ensuing 12th AGM.
Based on the Board evaluation, the Nomination and Remuneration Committee at its meeting held on May 17, 2017, have recommended their re-appointment as Independent Directors, for a second term as set out in the notice convening the 12th AGM which contains necessary resolution for their re-appointment for a second term, by way of special resolution.
The terms and conditions of appointment of independent directors have been disclosed on the website of the Company and available at http://ranegroup.com/pdf/investors/rbl/rbltermsid.pdf
All directors have affirmed compliance with the Code of Conduct of the Company. The independent directors have affirmed that they satisfy the criteria laid down under section 149(6) of the Companies Act 2013 (Act) and SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 (SEBI LODR).
2.2 Retirement by rotation
At the ensuing Annual General Meeting (AGM), Mr. Kazuhiro Iwata (DIN: 06875329), retires by rotation and being eligible, offers himself for re-appointment. The notice convening the AGM includes the proposal for his re-appointment as director.
2.3 Board Meetings
A calendar of meetings is prepared and circulated in advance to the directors. During the year, five (5) Board Meetings were convened and held, the details of which are given in the Corporate Governance Report. The intervening period between two consecutive meetings was less than 120 days.
2.4 Meeting of Independent Directors
During the year, one separate meeting of Independent Directors was held. In the said meeting, the independent directors assessed the quality, quantity and timeliness of flow of information between the management and the Board at the meeting and expressed that the current flow of information and contents were adequate for the Board to effectively perform its duties. They also reviewed the performance of the non-independent directors and the board as a whole and the performance of the chairperson of the Company taking into account the views of executive directors and other non-executive directors.
3. Board and Management
3.1 Board evaluation
During the year, a formal process for annual evaluation of performance of Board, its committees and directors individually was carried out as per the criteria laid down by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, pursuant to the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 (CA 2013) and SEBI LODR.
The criteria for evaluation of board and its committees were founded on the structure, composition, board-management relationship, effectiveness in terms of roles and responsibilities and processes encompassing the information flow and functioning. The guiding standards for the assessment of performance of directors (including the independent directors) were their attendance and participation at board meetings, sharing of their relevant domain expertise, networking in other forums, their strategic inputs and demonstration towards governance compliances.
For evaluation of performance of the Chairman additional aspects like institutional image building, providing guidance on strategy and performance, maintaining an effective and healthy relationship between the board and the management were taken into consideration.
The evaluation was carried out through a structured methodology approved by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee after ensuring that the aspects under each of the laid down criteria are comprehensive and commensurate with the size of the board and the Company. The Nomination and Remuneration Committee, reviews and makes recommendation to the board, from time to time, for ensuring an optimum composition of the Board and its Committees, induction of directors into the Board, participation on the Board effectiveness and evaluation process. The outcome of the evaluation also forms the basis for the Nomination and Remuneration Committee while considering re-appointment of Directors and appointment in various Committee(s) of the Board.
3.2 Familiarisation program for independent directors
The familiarisation program for independent directors and details of familiarisation program for independent directors has been put up on the website and available at http://ranegroup.com/ ranebrakelining/rblinvestors.html
3.3. Key Managerial Personnel
Mr. Vinay Lakshman, Managing Director (MD), Mr. M A P Sridhar Kumar, Vice President - Finance & Chief Financial Officer (CFO] and Mr. Venkatraman, Secretary hold the office of Key Managerial Personnel within the meaning of Section 2(51) of the Companies Act, 2013.
During the year there was no change in the Key Managerial Personnel (KMP).
3.4 Remuneration policy
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee has laid down a policy on appointment and remuneration of Directors, Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) and Senior Management Personnel (SMP). The same is annexed herewith as âAnnexure - B''.
4. Audit
4.1 Audit Committee
In terms of the provisions of Section 177 of the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 18 of SEBI LODR, the Audit Committee of the Board acts in accordance with terms of reference prescribed therein. Detailed disclosure on compositions, terms of reference and meetings of the Audit Committee are furnished in the Corporate Governance Report.
4.2 Statutory Auditors
M/s. Varma & Varma, Chartered Accountants were appointed as Statutory Auditors at the ninth AGM held on July 22, 2014, for a period of three years i.e., until the conclusion of the ensuing twelfth AGM, subject to ratification by members at every AGM.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 139, 141 read with Companies [Audit and Auditors) Rules, 2014 and any other applicable provisions of the Act, including rules made thereunder, the Audit Committee at its meeting held on May 17, 2017 has reviewed the proposal to re-appoint M/s. Varma & Varma as Statutory Auditors of the Company for a second term of five consecutive years commencing from the conclusion of 12th AGM [2017) untill the conclusion of 17th AGM [2022) and recommended the same to the board for proposing it to the shareholders at the ensuing 12th AGM.
The Company has received a letter from M/s. Varma & Varma consenting to the re-appointment and confirmation to the effect that their appointment, if made, would be within the prescribed limits and that they do not suffer from any disqualification under Section 141 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the rules made thereunder. M/s. Varma & Varma have also submitted the peer review certificate issued to them by The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. The notice of the ensuing 12th AGM contains necessary resolution in this regard. Members may consider appointing M/s. Varma & Varma as Statutory Auditors of the Company as per the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 till the conclusion of the 17th AGM [2022).
During the year under review, the Auditors have not reported any matter under Section 143 [12) of the Act and therefore no detail is required to be disclosed under Section 134[3)[ca) of the Companies Act, 2013. The Statutory Auditors'' Report to the members for the year ended March 31, 2017 does not contain any qualification, reservation, adverse remark or disclaimer.
4.3 Cost Audit
Cost audit is not applicable to the Company as per the threshold limits prescribed under Companies [Cost Records and Audit) Rules, 2014.
4.4 Secretarial Auditors
The Company had appointed M/s. S Krishnamurthy & Co., Company Secretaries in practice, to undertake the Secretarial Audit of the Company. The report on the Secretarial Audit carried out for the year 2016-17 is annexed herewith as ''Annexure C''. The secretarial audit report does not contain any qualification, reservation, adverse remark or disclaimer..
4.5 Internal Auditors
The Company continues to engage M/s. Capri Assurance and Advisory Services, a firm of independent assurance service professionals, as Internal Auditors of the Company. Their scope of work includes review of processes for safeguarding the assets of the Company, review of operational efficiency, effectiveness of systems and processes, and assessing the internal control strengths in all areas. Internal Auditors findings are discussed with the process owners and suitable corrective actions are taken as per the directions of Audit Committee on a regular basis to improve efficiency in operations.
5. Directors'' responsibility statement
In terms of Section 134(3)(c) read with section 134(5) of the Companies Act, 2013, the directors, to the best of their knowledge and belief based on the information and explanations obtained by them, confirm that:
i. in the preparation of the financial statements for the financial year 2016-17, the applicable accounting standards had been followed and there were no material departures;
ii. they had selected such accounting policies and applied them consistently and made judgments and estimates that were reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company at the end of the financial year and of the profit of the Company for the year under review;
iii. they had taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Act for safeguarding the assets of the Company, preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
iv. they had prepared the financial statements for the financial year on a ''going concern'' basis ;
v. they had laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the Company and such internal financial controls were adequate and were operating effectively ; and
vi. they had devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws and such systems were adequate and operating effectively.
6. Related Party Transactions
All related party transactions that were entered into during the financial year were on an arm''s length basis and were in the ordinary course of business. There are no materially significant related party transactions made by the Company with Related Parties which may have potential conflict with the interest of the Company at large.
All Related Party Transactions are placed before the Audit Committee for approval. Prior omnibus approval of the Audit Committee is obtained for the transactions which are foreseen and repetitive in nature. The transactions entered into pursuant to the omnibus approval so granted are reviewed by the Audit Committee on a quarterly basis.
The Company has put in place proper system for identification and monitoring of such transactions. The policy on Related Party Transactions as approved by the Board is uploaded on the Company''s website (http://ranegroup.com/pdf/policies/rblrpt. pdf). None of the Directors or Key Managerial Personnel or Senior Management Personnel has any material financial and commercial transactions, where they have personal interest, which may have potential conflict with interest of the Company at large.
.7. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
The vision on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is: "To be socially and environmentally responsive organization committed to improve quality of life within and outsideâ. The CSR activities of Rane Group focus on four specific areas of : (a) Education (b) Healthcare (c) Community Development and (d) Environment.
The CSR activities undertaken by the Company are in line with the CSR Policy and recommendations of the CSR Committee comprising of Mr. L Lakshman, Committee Chairman, Mr. L Ganesh, Director and Mr.S C Gupta, independent director, as members. The Annual Report on CSR activities carried out during the year 2016-17 is annexed as âAnnexure D''. The CSR policy of the Company is available in the Company''s website (http://www.ranegroup.com/ pdf/policies/rblcsr.pdf)
8. Fixed Deposits
The Company had discontinued accepting or renewing the fixed deposits with effect from April 1, 2014 and has not accepted deposits falling within the ambit of Chapter V, Section 73 of the Companies Act, 2013. Pursuant to the order of Company Law Board (CLB) had vide its order dated September 16, 2015 the company has repaid all the outstanding deposits and interest thereon during the year and there are no outstanding deposits / interest, as on March 31, 2017 The Company has not defaulted in repayment of any fixed deposits or any interest thereon.
9. Energy conservation, technology absorption and 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 Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 8 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 is annexed herewith as Annexure E''.
10. Particulars of Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and 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 Directors, Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) and Employees of the Company are provided in the Annual Report is annexed herewith as ''Annexure F.
11. Corporate Governance Report
Your Company has complied with the corporate governance requirements pursuant to Regulation 34 and schedule V of SEBI LODR. Detailed report on the compliance and a certificate by the Statutory Auditors forms part of this report as âAnnexure G''.
12. Other disclosures
a) Details of loan, guarantees and investments under the provisions of Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013, if any, are given in the notes to the Financial Statements.
b) The Internal control systems and adequacy are discussed in detail in the Management Discussion and Analysis annexed to the Directors Report.
c) There was no significant material order passed by the Regulators / Courts which would impact the going concern status of the Company and its future operations.
d) The details forming part of the extract of the Annual Return under Section 92(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 in form MGT-9 is annexed herewith as âAnnexure H''.
e) The Company has established a formal vigil mechanism named ''Rane Whistle Blower Policy'' for reporting improper or unethical practices or actions which are violative of the code of conduct of the Company.
f) The Company believes that women should be able to do their work in a safe and respectful environment that encourages maximum productivity. The Company has a zero tolerance towards sexual harassment. The Company has adopted a policy on prevention of sexual harassment of women at work place and put in place proper mechanism across the Company. There was no case reported during the year under review through this mechanism.
For and on behalf of the Board
L GANESH
Chairman
Chennai VINAY LAKSHMAN
May 17, 2017 Managing Director
Mar 31, 2016
The Directors have pleasure in presenting the Eleventh (11th) Annual
Report together with the accounts for the year ended March 31, 2016 and
other prescribed particulars:
1. State of Company''s affairs
1.1 Financial Performance
The financial highlights for the year under review are as follows:
(Rs. Crores)
Particulars 2015-16 2014-15
Sales and Operating Revenues 448.42 416.41
Other Income 3.22 2.08
Profit before tax (PBT) 35.48 20.60
Provision for Tax 9.72 4.49
Profit after tax (PAT) 25.76 16.11
Surplus brought forward 6.67 46.44
Profit available for appropriation 32.43 62.55
Key performance indicators, operational performance and balance sheet
summary are furnished in page no 4 of this annual report.
The Sales and Other Operating Revenue grew by 8%. The Profit before
tax improved by 72% over the previous year. Earnings per share for the
year 2015-16 was Rs. 32.54 as against Rs. 20.36 in the previous year.
There was no material changes and commitments, affecting the financial
position of the Company between the end of the financial year of the
Company and the date of the report other than those disclosed in the
financial statements.
There was no change in nature of business during the year. The Company
is a subsidiary company of Rane Holdings Limited (RHL / holding
company).The Company does not have any subsidiary, associate or joint
venture.
1.2 Appropriation
During the year 2015-16, the board of directors declared an interim
dividend of 100% (i.e., Rs.10.00 per share) on the equity share capital
on March 10, 2016. The interim dividend was paid on March 23, 2016 to
all the eligible shareholders whose name appeared in the registered of
members of the Company as on March 18, 2016 (being the Record Date)
fixed for this purpose. In view of this, the board did not recommend
any final dividend for the year ended March 31, 2016.
After transfer of Rs. 13.37 crores to the general reserve, Rs. 9.53
crores has been retained as surplus in the Profit and Loss Account.
1.3 Management Discussion & Analysis
Your Company is engaged in the manufacturing and marketing of auto
components for transportation industry viz., friction material (Brake
Linings, Clutch Facings, Clutch Buttons, Disc Pads, Brake Shoes and
Brake Blocks). A detailed analysis on the performance of the industry,
the Company, internal control systems, risk management are discussed in
the Management Discussion and Analysis report forming part of this
report and annexed as ''Annexure A''.
2. Board of Directors
2.1 Composition
The composition of the Board of Directors of the Company is furnished
in the Corporate Governance Report annexed to this report.
During the year, Mr. Vinay Lakshman was co-opted to the Board as an
additional director with effect from October 1, 2015. The Board has,
subject to the approval of shareholders, appointed Mr. Vinay Lakshman
as Managing Director for a period of three years, viz., from October 1,
2015 to September 30, 2018.
The terms and conditions of appointment of independent directors have
been disclosed on the website of the Company and available at
http://rane.co.in/pdf/investors/rbl/rbltermsid.pdf
All directors have affirmed compliance with the Code of Conduct of the
Company. The independent directors have affirmed that they satisfy the
criteria laid down under section 149(6) of the Companies Act, 2013
(Act) and SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements)
Regulations, 2015 (SEBI LODR).
2.2 Retirement by rotation
At the ensuing Annual General Meeting (AGM), Mr. Harish Lakshman (DIN
00012602), retires by rotation and being eligible, offers himself for
re-appointment. The notice convening the AGM includes the proposal for
his re-appointment as director.
2.3 Board Meetings
A calendar of meetings is prepared and circulated in advance to the
directors. During the year, five (5) Board Meetings were convened and
held, the details of which are given in the Corporate Governance
Report. The intervening period between two consecutive meetings was
less than 120 days.
2.4 Meeting of Independent Directors
During the year, two separate meetings of Independent Directors were
held. In the said meetings, the independent directors assessed the
quality, quantity and timeliness of flow of information between the
management and the Board at the meeting and expressed that the current
flow of information and contents were adequate for the Board to
effectively perform its duties. Also in the meeting of Independent
Directors, the performance of the non-independent directors and the
board as a whole was reviewed and the performance of the chairperson of
the Company was reviewed taking into account the views of executive
directors and non-executive directors.
3. Board and Management
3.1 Board evaluation
During the year, a formal process for annual evaluation of performance
of Board, its committees and directors was carried out as per the
criteria laid down by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee,
pursuant to the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 (CA 2013) and
clause 49 of the listing agreement as applicable at that time.
The criteria for evaluation of board and its committees were founded on
the structure, composition, board- management relationship,
effectiveness in terms of roles and responsibilities and processes
encompassing the information flow and functioning. The guiding
standards for the assessment of performance of directors (including the
independent directors) were their attendance and participation at board
meetings, sharing of their relevant domain expertise, networking in
other forums, their strategic inputs and demonstration towards
governance compliances.
For evaluation of performance of the Chairman additional aspects like
institutional image building, providing guidance on strategy and
performance, maintaining an effective and healthy relationship between
the board and the management were taken into consideration.
The evaluation was carried out through a structured methodology
approved by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee after ensuring
that the aspects under each of the laid down criteria are comprehensive
and commensurate with the size of the board and the Company.
3.2 Familiarisation program for independent directors
The familiarisation program for independent directors and details of
familiarisation program for independent directors has been put up on
the website and available at
http://rane.co.in/ranebrakelining/rblinvestors.html
3.3. Key Managerial Personnel
Mr. Vinay Lakshman, Managing Director (MD), Mr. M A P Sridhar Kumar,
Vice President - Finance & Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Mr.
Venkatraman, Secretary hold the office of Key Managerial Personnel
within the meaning of Section 2(51) of the Companies Act, 2013. Mr. P
S Rao, Manager, retired from the services effective September 30, 2015.
3.4 Remuneration policy
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee has laid down a policy on
appointment and remuneration of directors, Key Managerial Personnel
(KMP) and Senior Management Personnel (SMP). The same is annexed
herewith as ''Annexure B''.
4. Audit
4.1 Audit Committee
In terms of the provisions of Section 177 of the Companies Act, 2013
and Clause 49 of the listing agreement / SEBI LODR, the Audit Committee
of the Board acts in accordance with terms of reference prescribed
therein. Detailed disclosure on compositions, terms of reference and
meetings of the Audit Committee are furnished in the Corporate
Governance Report.
4.2 Statutory Auditors
M/s. Varma & Varma were appointed as Statutory Auditors at the ninth
Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on July 22, 2014, for a period of
three years i.e., until the conclusion of the twelfth AGM. Their
appointment is however, subject to ratification by members at every
AGM.
The Company has received letter from Statutory Auditors to the effect
that their appointment for 2016-17 if ratified, would be within the
prescribed limits and that they do not suffer from any disqualification
under Section 141 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the rules made
thereunder. Statutory Auditors have also submitted the peer review
certificate issued to them by The Institute of Chartered Accountants of
India. The statutory auditors report to the members for the year ended
March 31, 2016 does not contain any qualification, reservation, adverse
remark or disclaimer.
During the year under review, the Auditors have not reported any matter
under Section 143 (12) of the Act and therefore no detail is required
to be disclosed under Section 134(3)(ca) of the Companies Act, 2013.
4.3 Cost Audit
Cost audit is not applicable to the Company as per the threshold limits
prescribed under Companies (Cost Records and Audit) Rules, 2014.
4.4 Secretarial Auditors
The Company had appointed M/s. S Krishnamurthy & Co., Company
Secretaries in practice, to undertake the Secretarial Audit of the
Company pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act,
2013 and the rules, thereunder. The report on the Secretarial Audit
carried out for the year 2015-16 is annexed herewith as ''Annexure C The
secretarial audit report does not contain any qualification,
reservation, adverse remark or disclaimer.
4.5 Internal Auditors
The Company continues to engage M/s. Capri Assurance and Advisory
Services, a firm of independent assurance service professionals, as
Internal Auditors of the Company. Their scope of work includes review
of processes for safeguarding the assets of the Company, review of
operational efficiency, effectiveness of systems and processes and
assessing the internal control strengths in all areas. Internal
Auditors findings are discussed with the process owners and suitable
corrective actions are taken as per the directions of Audit Committee
on a regular basis to improve efficiency in operations.
5. Directors'' responsibility statement
In terms of Section 134(3)(c) read with section 134(5) of the Companies
Act, 2013, the directors, confirm that:
i. in the preparation of the financial statements for the financial
year 2015-16, the applicable accounting standards had been followed and
there were no material departures;
ii. they had selected such accounting policies and applied them
consistently and made judgments and estimates that were reasonable and
prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of
the Company at the end of the financial year and of the profit of the
Company for the year under review;
iii. they had taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of
adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the
Act for safeguarding the assets of the Company, preventing and
detecting fraud and other irregularities;
iv. they had prepared the financial statements for the financial year
on a ''going concern'' basis;
v. they had laid down internal financial controls to be followed by
the Company and such internal financial controls were adequate and were
operating effectively; and
vi. they had devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the
provisions of all applicable laws and such systems were adequate and
operating effectively.
6. Related Party Transactions
All related party transactions that were entered into during the
financial year were on an arm''s length basis and were in the ordinary
course of business. There were no materially significant related party
transactions made by the Company with Related Parties which might have
potential conflict with the interest of the Company at large.
All Related Party Transactions were placed before the Audit Committee
as also the Board for approval. Prior omnibus approval of the Audit
Committee was obtained for the transactions which were foreseen and
repetitive in nature. The transactions entered into pursuant to the
omnibus approval so granted were reviewed by the Audit Committee on a
quarterly basis.
The Company has put in place proper system for identification and
monitoring of such transactions. The policy on Related Party
Transactions as approved by the Board has been uploaded on the
Company''s website (http://rane.co.in/pdf/policies/rblrpt.pdf). None of
the Directors or Key Managerial Personnel or Senior Management
Personnel has any material financial and commercial transactions, where
they have personal interest, which may have potential conflict with
interest of the Company at large.
7. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
The vision on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is: "To be socially
and environmentally responsive organization committed to improve
quality of life within and outside". The CSR activities of Rane Group
focus on four specific areas of: (a) Education (b) Healthcare (c)
Community Development and (d) Environment.
The CSR activities undertaken by the Company were in line with the CSR
Policy and recommendations of the CSR Committee comprising of Mr. L
Lakshman, Committee Chairman, Mr. L Ganesh, Director and Mr. S C Gupta,
an independent director, as members. The Annual Report on CSR
activities carried out during the year 2015-16 has been annexed as
''Annexure D''. The CSR policy of the Company is available in the
Company''s website (http://www.rane.co.in/pdf/policies/rblcsr.pdf)
8. Fixed Deposits
The deposit outstanding as on March 31, 2016 amounted to Rs. 0.91
crores. All deposits that matured during the year were repaid. The
Company has not defaulted in repayment of any fixed deposits or any
interest thereon.
The Company had discontinued accepting or renewing the fixed deposits
with effect from April 1, 2014 and has not accepted deposits falling
within the ambit of Chapter V, Section 73 of the Companies Act, 2013.
Based on the application made by the Company in terms of Section 74 (2)
Company Law Board (CLB) vide its order dated September 16, 2015 granted
time to the Company to repay the deposits on their respective maturity
dates in accordance with the terms of acceptance of such deposits or
March 31, 2017, whichever is earlier.
9. Energy conservation, technology absorption and 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 Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 8 of the Companies (Accounts)
Rules, 2014 is annexed herewith as ''Annexure E''.
10. Particulars of Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and 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 Directors, Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) and
Employees of the Company are provided in the Annual Report is annexed
herewith as ''Annexure F''
11. Corporate Governance Report
Your Company has complied with the corporate governance requirements as
stipulated under clause 49 of the listing agreement / Regulation 34 of
SEBI LODR. Detailed report on the compliance and a certificate by the
Statutory Auditors forms part of this report as ''Annexure G''.
12. Other disclosures
i) Details of loan, guarantees and investments under the provisions of
Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013, if any, are given in the notes
to the Financial Statements.
ii) The Internal control systems and adequacy has been discussed in
detail in the Management Discussion and Analysis annexed to the
Directors Report.
iii) There was no significant material order passed by the Regulators /
Courts which would impact the going concern status of the Company and
its future operations.
iv) The details forming part of the extract of the Annual Return under
Section 92(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 in form MGT-9 is annexed
herewith as ''Annexure H''.
v) The Company has established a formal vigil mechanism named ''Rane
Whistle Blower Policy'' for reporting improper or unethical practices or
actions which are violative of the code of conduct of the Company.
vi) The Company believes that women should be able to do their work in
a safe and respectful environment that encourages maximum productivity.
The Company has a zero tolerance towards sexual harassment. The Company
has adopted a policy on prevention of sexual harassment of women at
work place and put in place proper mechanism across the Company for
reporting complaints of this nature. There was no case reported during
the year under review through this mechanism.
For and on behalf of the Board
L GANESH
Chairman
Chennai VINAY LAKSHMAN
May 23, 2016 Managing Director
Mar 31, 2015
Dear Members,
The Directors have pleasure in presenting their Tenth Annual Report
together with the accounts for the year ended March 31, 2015 and other
prescribed particulars:
1. Financial Performance
The financial highlights for the year under review are as follows:
(Rs. Crores)
Particulars 2014-15 2013-14
Sales and Operating Revenues 416.41 384.11
Other Income 2.08 2.40
Profit before tax 20.60 16.73
Provision for Tax 4.49 (0.48)
Profit after tax 16.11 17.21
Surplus brought forward 46.44 37.91
Profit available for appropriation 62.55 55.12
Key Performance indicators, operational performance and balance sheet
summary are furnished in Page No. 4 of this annual report
The Sales and Operating Revenues grew by 8.4% the Profit before tax
improved by 23% over the previous year.
Earnings per share for the year 2014-15 was Rs. 20.36/- as against Rs.
21.76/- in the previous year.
There was no material change or commitment, affecting the financial
position of the Company between the end of the financial year of the
Company and the date of the report other than those disclosed in the f
nancial statements.
There was no change in nature of business during the year. The Company
is a subsidiary company of Rane Holdings Limited (RHL / holding
company). The Company does not have any subsidiary, associate or joint
venture. During the year, Rane Engine Valve Limited (REVL), a fellow
subsidiary of the Company, amalgamated into itself, Kar Mobiles Limited
(KML) an associate company of the holding company.
2. Appropriation
Out of the Profit available for appropriation of Rs. 62.55 crores, the
directors have recommended a dividend of 70% (i.e Rs. 7/-per share) for
the year ended March 31, 2015. The total dividend amount inclusive of
distribution tax and surcharge thereon would be Rs. 6.67 crores. After
transfer of Rs. 49.21 crores to the general reserve, Rs. 6.67crores has
been retained as surplus in the Profit and loss account.
3. Management Discussion & Analysis
Your Company is engaged in the manufacturing and marketing of auto
components for transportation industry viz., friction material (Brake
Linings, Clutch Facings, Clutch Buttons, Disc Pads, Brake Shoes and
Brake Blocks). A detailed analysis on the performance of the industry
and the Company are enumerated in the Management Discussion and
Analysis report forming part of this report and annexed as Annexure
''A''.
4. Board of Directors
4.1 Composition
The composition of the Board of Directors of the Company is furnished
in the Corporate Governance Report annexed to this report.
The Company has issued a letter of appointment to all independent
directors and the terms and conditions of their appointment have been
disclosed on the website of the Company and available at
http://rane.co.in/pdf/investors/rbl/rbltermsid.pdf In terms of Section
149 of the Companies Act, 2013 (Act), Mr S A Murali Prasad, Mr S
Sandilya, Mr Anil Kumar V Epur and Mr Suresh Chandra Gupta, Independent
Directors were appointed by the shareholders at the 9th Annual General
Meeting held on July 22, 2014, for a period of three years to hold off
ce from the conclusion of the 9th AGM till the conclusion of 12th AGM.
Ms. Ranjana Kumar was co-opted to the Board as an additional director
(in the category of independent director) on January 23, 2015. The
Board has recommended the appointment of Ms. Ranjana Kumar as
independent director effective January 23, 2015 till the conclusion of
13th AGM. Notice has also been received from a member signifying his
intention to propose her appointment as independent director of the
Company at the ensuing AGM. The appointment of Ms. Ranjana Kumar also
fulf ls the criteria of appointment of women director on the Board
under section 149(1) of the Companies Act, 2013 and clause 49 of the
listing agreement.
All the independent directors have aff rmed that they satisfy the
criteria laid down under section 149(6) of the Companies Act, 2013 and
clause 49 of the listing agreement.
4.2 Retirement by rotation
At the ensuing Annual General Meeting (AGM), Mr. L Lakshman retires by
rotation and being eligible, offer himself for re-appointment. The
notice convening the AGM includes the proposal for his re-appointment
as director.
4.3 Board Meetings
A calendar of meetings is prepared and circulated in advance to the
directors. During the year f ve (5) Board Meetings were convened and
held, the details of which are given in the Corporate Governance
Report. The intervening period between two consecutive meetings was
less than 120 days.
4.4 Meeting of Independent Directors
During the year, a separate meeting of Independent Directors was held.
All the Independent Directors were present at this meeting. In the said
meeting, the Independent Directors assessed the quality, quantity and
timeliness of flow of information between the management and the Board
and expressed that the current flow of information and contents were
adequate for the Board to effectively perform its duties.
5. Board and Management
5.1 Board evaluation
Pursuant to the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and clause 49 of
the listing agreement, the annual evaluation of the Board, its
committees and directors individually is carried out as per the
criteria laid down by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee.
The evaluation of Board and its committees are founded on the
structure, composition, effectiveness in terms of roles and
responsibilities and processes encompassing the information flow and
functioning. The guiding standards for the assessment of performance of
directors (including the independent directors) are their attendance
and participation at board meetings, sharing of their relevant domain
expertise, networking in other forums, their strategic inputs and
demonstration towards governance compliances.
For evaluation of performance of the Chairman additional aspects like
institutional image building, providing guidance on strategy and
performance, maintaining an effective and healthy relationship between
the Board and the management are taken into consideration. The
evaluation methodology is comprehensive and commensurate with the size
of the Board and the Company.
5.2 Familiarisation program for independent directors
The company has framed a familiarisation program for independent
directors which has been put up on the website and available at
http://rane.co.in/ ranebrakelining/rblinvestors.html
5.3 Key Managerial Personnel
Mr. P S Rao, President, appointed as ''Manager'' under Companies Act,
2013 and Mr MAP Sridhar Kumar, Vice- President  Finance, hold the off
ce of Key Managerial Personnel as Manager and Chief Financial Off cer,
respectively.
Mr. G Karthikeyan, resigned as Secretary of the Company on February 27,
2015. Mr. Venkatraman has been appointed as Company Secretary in this
vacancy, with effect from May 22, 2015 as per the recommendations of
Nomination and Remuneration Committee.
5.4 Remuneration policy
The policy on appointment, remuneration and evaluation criteria for
Directors and Senior Management is as per the recommendations of the
Nomination and Remuneration Committee of the Board. The Company
recognizes that compensation is a strategic lever in the achievement of
vision and goals. The compensation philosophy is designed to attract,
motivate and retain talented employees who drive the company''s success
and it aims at aligning compensation to goals of the company,
performance of the individual, internal equity, market trends and
industry practices, legal requirements and appropriate governance
standards.
The remuneration to Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and Senior
Management Personnel involves a balance between fixed and incentive pay
ref ecting short and long term performance objectives appropriate to
the working of the Company and its goals. The Nomination and
Remuneration Committee recommends the remuneration of Directors and
Senior Management as a group, which is approved by the Board of
Directors, subject to the approval of shareholders, where necessary.
6. Audit
6.1 Audit Committee
In terms of the provisions of Section 177 of the Companies Act, 2013
and Clause 49 of the listing agreement, the Audit Committee of the
Board was re-constituted to act in accordance with the terms of
reference prescribed therein. Detailed disclosure on compositions,
terms of reference and meetings of the Audit Committee are furnished in
the Corporate Governance Report.
6.2 Statutory Auditors
M/s. Varma & Varma, Chartered Accountants were appointed as Statutory
Auditors at the last (ninth) Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on July
22, 2014, for a period of three years i.e until the conclusion of the
twelfth AGM. Their appointment is however, subject to ratif cation by
the members at every AGM.
The Company has received letter from the Statutory Auditors consenting
to the re-appointment and a confirmation to the effect that their
appointment, would be within the prescribed limits and that they do not
suffer from any disqualif cations under Section 141 of the Companies
Act, 2013 and the rules made thereunder. M/s. Varma & Varma have also
submitted the peer review certif cate issued to them by The Institute
of Chartered Accountants of India. The Statutory Auditors Report does
not contain any qualif cation, reservation, adverse remark or
disclaimer.
6.3 Cost Auditors
Pursuant to section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013 and subject to notif
cation of rules thereunder, the board of directors had on the
recommendation of the audit committee appointed M/s. STR & Associates,
Cost Accountants, as the cost auditors of the Company for the financial
year 2014-15. However, as per Companies (cost records and audit) Rules,
2014 notif ed by Ministry of Corporate Affairs, cost audit is not
applicable to the Company by virtue of its turnover being less than the
prescribed limits. Therefore, the Board did not proceed with the
appointment of cost auditor and cost audit for the year 2014-15.
6.4 Secretarial Auditors
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013
and the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial
Personnel) Rules, 2014, the Company has appointed M/s S Krishnamurthy &
Co., a f rm of Company Secretaries in Practice, to undertake the
Secretarial Audit of the Company. The report on the Secretarial Audit
carried out for the year 2014-15 is annexed herewith as ''Annexure -B''.
The Secretarial Audit Report does not contain any qualif cation,
reservation, adverse remark or disclaimer.
6.5 Internal Auditors
The Company continues to engage M/s Capri Assurance and Advisory
Servicies, a f rm of independent assurance service professionals, as
Internal Auditors of the Company. Their scope of work includes review
of processes for safeguarding the assets of the Company, review of
operational efficiency, effectiveness of systems and processes, and
assessing the internal control strengths in all areas. Internal Audit
findings are discussed with the process owners and suitable corrective
actions taken as per the directions of Audit Committee on a regular
basis to improve eff ciency in operations.
7. Directors'' Responsibility Statement
In terms of Section 134(3)(c) read with section 134(5) of the Companies
Act, 2013, the Directors, to the best of their knowledge and belief and
according to the information and explanations obtained by them, confirm
that they had:
(i) followed the applicable accounting standards in the preparation of
the financial statements for the financial year 2014-15 and there are
no material departures;
(ii) selected such accounting policies and applied them consistently
and made judgments and estimates that were reasonable and prudent so as
to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company at
the end of the financial year and of the Profit of the Company for the
year under review;
(iii) taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate
accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Act for
safeguarding the assets of the Company, preventing and detecting fraud
and other irregularities and
(iv) prepared the financial statements for the financial year on a
''going concern'' basis.
(v) laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the Company
and such internal financial controls were adequate and were operating
effectively.
(vi) devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of
all applicable laws and such systems were adequate and operating
effectively.
8. Related Party Transactions
All related party transactions that were entered into during the f
nancial year were on an arm''s length basis and were in the ordinary
course of business. There are no materially signif cant related party
transactions made by the Company with Related Parties which may have a
potential conf ict with the interest of the Company at large.
All Related Party Transactions are placed before the Audit Committee as
also the Board for approval. Prior omnibus approval of the Audit
Committee is obtained for the transactions which are foreseen and
repetitive in nature. The transactions entered into pursuant to the
omnibus approval so granted are reviewed by the Audit Committee on a
quarterly basis.
The Company has put in place proper system for identif cation and
monitoring of such transactions. The policy on Related Party
Transactions as approved by the Board is uploaded on the Company''s
website (http://rane.co.in/pdf/policies/rblrpt.pdf). None of the
Directors or Key Managerial Personnel or Senior Management Personnel
has any material financial and commercial transactions, where they have
personal interest, that may have potential conf ict with interest of
the Company at large.
9. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
The vision on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is: "To be socially
and environmentally responsive organization committed to improve
quality of life within and outside". The CSR activities of Rane Group
focus on four specific areas of (a) Education (b) Healthcare (c)
Community Development (d) Environment.
The CSR activities undertaken by the Company are in line with the CSR
Policy and recommendations of the CSR Committee comprising of Mr L
Lakshman, Committee Chairman, Mr L Ganesh, Director and Mr. S C Gupta,
an independent Director as its members.
The Annual Report on CSR activities carried out during the year 2014-15
is annexed as Annexure C.
10. Fixed Deposits
Deposits outstanding as on March 31, 2015 amounted to Rs.4.39 crores.
All deposits that matured during the year were repaid. The Company has
not defaulted in repayment of any fixed deposits or any interest
thereon.
The Company had discontinued accepting or renewing the fixed deposits
with effect from April 1, 2014 and has not accepted deposits falling
within the ambit of Chapter V, Section 73 of the Companies Act, 2013.
The Board was of the view that the premature and compulsory repayment
of the fixed deposits prior to the date of maturity would cause
inconvenience to the depositors. Also considering the age prof le of
our depositors that include many senior citizens, the Board felt that
compulsory premature repayment of their deposits would abruptly result
in the loss of regular interest payments to these depositors. Keeping
the interests of the deposit-holders in mind, in terms of Section 74
(2) the Company has filed an application before Company Law Board
(CLB), to repay the deposits on their respective maturity dates in
accordance with the terms of acceptance of such deposits. Approval of
CLB is awaited.
11. Energy conservation, technology absorption and 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 Companies Act 2013 read with Rule 8 of the Companies (Accounts)
Rules, 2014 is annexed herewith as ''Annexure D''.
12. Particulars of Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and 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 Directors, Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) and
Employees of the Company are provided in the Annual Report. Having
regard to the provisions of f rst proviso to sub-section (1) of Section
136 of the Act, the Annual Report excluding the aforesaid information
is sent to the members. The said information is available for
inspection by the members at the registered off ce during business
hours on a working day of the Company up to the date of the ensuing
Annual General Meeting. The full annual report including the aforesaid
information is being sent electronically to all those members who have
registered their e-mail address and is available on the Company website
Url: http://www.rane.co.in/
ranebrakelining/ranebrakelininginvestors.html.
1 3. Corporate Governance Report
Your Company has complied with the corporate governance requirements as
stipulated under clause 49 of the listing agreement. Detailed report on
the compliance and a certif cate by the Statutory Auditors forms part
of this report as ''Annexure E''.
14. Other disclosures
a) Details of loan, guarantees and investments under the provisions of
Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013 are given in the notes to the
Financial Statements.
b) The Internal control systems and adequacy are discussed in detail in
the Management Discussion and Analysis annexed to the Directors Report.
c) There was no signif cant material order passed by the Regulators /
Courts which would impact the going concern status of the Company and
its future operations.
d) The details forming part of the extract of the Annual Return in form
MGT-9 is annexed herewith as ''Annexure F''.
e) The Company has established a formal vigil mechanism named ''Rane
Whistle Blower Policy'' for reporting improper or unethical practices or
actions which are violative of the code of conduct of the Company.
There was no instance reported during the year under review through
this mechanism.
f) The Company believes that women should be able to do their work in a
safe and respectful environment that encourages maximum productivity.
The Company has a zero tolerance towards sexual harassment. The Company
has adopted a policy on prevention of sexual harassment of women at
work place and put in place proper mechanism across the Company. There
was no case reported during the year under review through this
mechanism.
For and on behalf of the Board
L GANESH
Chairman
Chennai HARISH LAKSHMAN
May 22, 2015 Director
Mar 31, 2014
The Directors have pleasure in presenting their ninth annual report
together with the accounts for the year ended March 31, 2014. In terms
of the clarification issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)
vide General Circular 08/ 2014 dated 04.04.2014 the financial
statements and the directors report have been prepared in accordance
with the disclosure requirements under the Companies Act, 1956 and the
rules made there under.
1. Financial Performance:
The financial highlights for the year under review are as follows :
(Rs. Crores)
Particulars 2013-14 2012-13
Sales and Operating Revenues 384.11 376.44
Other Income 2.40 3.24
Profit before tax 16.73 10.92
Provision for Tax (0.48) 1.82
Profit after tax 17.21 9.10
Surplus brought forward 37.91 33.40
Profit available for appropriation 55.12 42.50
The Sales and Operating Revenues grew by 2%; The Profit Before Tax
improved by 53% over the previous year.
Earnings per share for the year 2013-14 was Rs. 21.76 as against
Rs.11.50 in the previous year.
2. Appropriation
Out of the profit available for appropriation of Rs. 55.12 crores, the
directors have recommended a dividend of 75% for the year ended March
31, 2014.The total dividend amount inclusive of distribution tax and
surcharge thereon would be Rs. 6.96 crores. After transfer of Rs. 1.72
crores to the General Reserve, Rs. 46.44 crores has been retained as
surplus in the profit and loss account.
3. Management Discussion & Analysis
Your Company is engaged in the manufacturing and marketing of auto
components for transportation industry viz., friction material (Brake
Linings, Clutch Facings, Clutch Buttons, Disc Pads, Brake Shoes and
Brake Blocks). A detailed analysis on the performance of the industry
and the Company are enumerated in the Management Discussion and
Analysis report forming part of this report and annexed as Annexure
''A''.
4. Board of Directors
At the ensuing Annual General Meeting (AGM), Mr. Harish Lakshman
retires by rotation and being eligible, offers himself for re-election.
The notice convening the ensuing AGM includes the proposal for his
re-appointment as director.
Mr. S A Murali Prasad, Mr. Anil Kumar V Epur, Mr. S Sandilya, and Mr. S
C Gupta, independent directors on the Board, hold the office of
director liable to retire by rotation, as per the resolution passed by
the shareholders under the provisions of Companies Act, 1956. In terms
of section 149 of the Companies Act, 2013, the independent directors
are not liable to retire by rotation and can hold office for a
consecutive tenure of five years. The Board has decided to re-appoint
all the independent directors at the ensuing AGM as independent
directors for a period of three years. All the independent directors
have affirmed that they satisfy the criteria laid down under section
149 of the Companies Act, 2013 and clause 49 of the listing agreement.
M/s. Nisshinbo Holdings Inc., our foreign collaborators, has nominated
Mr. Kazuhiro Iwata as a director in the place of Mr. Koji Nishihara.
The Board of Directors has co-opted Mr. Kazuhiro Iwata to the Board as
an additional director to hold office till date of the ensuing AGM. Mr.
Kazuhiro Iwata would be a non-executive, non-independent director,
being a nominee of one of the promoters of the Company. Notice has been
received from a member signifying its intention to propose the
appointment of all independent directors and Mr.Kazuhiro Iwata as
director of the Company at the ensuing AGM.
The Board places on record its appreciation for the services rendered
by Mr. Koji Nishihara during the tenure of office with the Company.
During the year, subject to approval of shareholders at the ensuing
AGM, Mr. P S Rao was re-appointed as "Manager" of the Company within
the meaning of Section 2(53) of the Companies Act, 2013 for a period of
two years with effect from April 1, 2014.
5. Fixed Deposits
Deposits outstanding as on March 31, 2014 amounted to Rs. 6.76 crores.
All deposits that matured during the year were repaid / renewed except
for a sum of Rs. 45,000 for which claims have not been lodged with your
Company.
6. Conservation of Energy
Your Company is continuously engaged in energy saving initiatives to
offset the power shortage and the resultant cost impact.
Sustenance of energy savings initiatives and horizontal deployment of
best practices across plants, evaluating and utilising power from low
cost sources helped in reduction of power cost despite increase in
Electricity Board unit rates. Through energy conservation efforts, your
Company saved upto 7,28,607 units of electricity during the year
2013-14.
7. Research and Development Activities
Disclosure of particulars with respect to Research & Development,
technology absorption, adaptation and innovation, as required under the
Companies (Disclosure of Particulars in the Report of Board of
Directors) Rules, 1988 in Form B are furnished in Annexure B.
8. Foreign Exchange Earnings and Outgo
Foreign exchange earned during 2013-14 was Rs. 25.71 crores against
foreign exchange outgo of Rs. 72.99 crores. Strategic initiatives were
undertaken to increase export business in terms of customers, product
and geographical location by identifying new business opportunities.
9. Employees
The particulars of employees, pursuant to Section 217 (2A) of the
Companies Act, 1956, read with the Companies (Particulars of Employees)
Rules 1975, are given in Annexure C.
10. Auditors
Statutory Auditors
The Auditors, M/s. Varma & Varma hold office until the conclusion of
the ensuing Annual General Meeting (AGM).
M/s. Varma & Varma has been the statutory auditors of the Company for
the last two financial years (FY) viz., FY 2012-13 and FY 2013-14. In
terms of the transition provision of Section 139 of the Companies Act,
2013, it is proposed to appoint M/s. Varma & Varma as Statutory
Auditors of the Company for a period of three years from the conclusion
of the ensuing ninth AGM until the conclusion of the twelfth AGM.
Necessary resolution in this regard has been included in the notice
convening the AGM.
M/s. Varma & Varma have confirmed that their appointment, if made,
would be within the limits and that they do not suffer from any
disqualifications under Section 141 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the
rules made there under. M/s. Varma & Varma have also submitted the peer
review certificate issued to them by The Institute of Chartered
Accountants of India.
Cost Auditors
As per the Cost Audit Order vide No. 52/26/CAB- 2010 dated November 6,
2012, issued by the MCA under Section 233B of the Companies Act, 1956,
the Board had appointed M/s. STR & Associates, Cost Accountants,
Chennai to carry out the cost audit of the Company for the financial
year 2012-13. The due date for filing the cost audit report for the
financial year 2012-13 was September 27, 2013. This report was filed on
September 25, 2013 in the XBRL format with the MCA.
Pursuant to section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013 and subject to
notification of rules there under, the Board of Directors on the
recommendation of the Audit Committee appointed M/s. STR & Associates.,
Cost Accountants, as the cost auditors of the Company for the financial
year 2014-15. M/s. STR & Associates have confirmed that their
appointment is within the limits and that they are free from the
disqualifications specified in section 141 of the Companies Act, 2013.
11. Directors'' Responsibility Statement
Pursuant to section 217(2AA) of the Companies Act 1956 and based on
representations received from the operating management, the directors
hereby confirm that they have:
i. Followed the applicable accounting standards in the preparation of
the annual accounts for the financial year 2013-14 and there are no
material departures;
ii. Selected such accounting policies and applied them consistently and
made judgments and estimates that were reasonable and prudent so as to
give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company at the
end of the financial year and of the profit of the Company for the year
under review;
iii. Taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate
accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Companies
Act 1956, for safeguarding the assets of the Company, preventing and
detecting fraud and other irregularities;
iv. Prepared the accounts for the financial year on a ''going concern''
basis.
12. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
The vision on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is: "To be socially
and environmentally responsive organisation committed to improve
quality of life within and outside". The CSR activities of Rane Group
focus on four specific areas of (a) Education (b) Healthcare (c)
Community Development and (d) Environment.
Some of the CSR initiatives undertaken by your Company were as follows:
a) Education
- Contributions to Rane Foundation and JACOB Memorial Trust towards
providing basic and higher education to the deserving.
- Career guidance / motivational workshops for the government school
students to explore various career options through career counselling.
- Distribution of school bags and stationeries to the underprivileged
students of government schools.
- Organised drawing competition for children.
- Provided used Computers to NGO.
b) Health Care
- Organised weekly health talk.
- Dental care organized for employees.
- Health & hygiene program was organised to the contract workers.
- Provided food / clothes to special children.
c) Community Development
- Provided dust bins to government schools.
- Tailoring classes conducted for women.
- Vehicle safety awareness programme conducted.
- Conducted blood donation camps.
- Provided food and organised employee birthday celebrations in
children, old age, mentally challenged and visually impaired home.
d) Environment
- An environment awareness campaign was conducted to employees through
"Green peace India".
- Also an environment awareness campaign was conducted for children.
- "Child Labour" awareness program organized through Indian Council for
Child Welfare.
- "Auto Industry" awareness programme conducted for college students.
Pursuant to the provisions of section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013
read with Schedule VII to the Companies Act, 2013 and the rules
notified there under, the Board at its meeting held on March 21, 2014
constituted CSR committee comprising of Mr. L Lakshman, director, Mr. L
Ganesh, chairman and Mr. S C Gupta, an independent director.
The Board at its meeting held on May 21, 2014 reviewed the CSR policy
recommended by the CSR Committee and adopted the same in compliance
with the provisions of Section 135 and the rules made there under. The
CSR policy of the Company is being posted on the Company''s website.
13. Corporate Governance Report
Your Company has complied with the corporate governance requirements as
stipulated under clause 49 of the listing agreement. Detailed report on
the compliance and a certificate by the Statutory Auditors forms part
of this report as Annexure ''D''.
For and on behalf of the Board
L GANESH
Chairman
Chennai HARISH LAKSHMAN
May 21, 2014 Director
Mar 31, 2013
The Directors have pleasure in presenting their eighth annual report
together with the accounts for the year ended March 31, 2013.
1. Financial Performance
The financial highlights for the year under review are as follows:
(Rs. Crores)
Particulars 2012-13 2011-12
Sales and Operating Revenues 376.44 359.17
Other Income 3.24 4.35
Profit before tax 10.92 21.90
Provision for tax 1.82 5.71
Profit after tax 9.10 16.19
Surplus brought forward 33.40 25.27
Profit available for appropriation 42.50 41.46
Despite slowing down of the market demand, the Sales and Operating
Revenues grew by 5% over the previous year. However, the Profit Before
Tax declined by 50% over the previous year mainly due to strengthening
of US Dollar and Japanese Yen resulting in increased raw material cost
and higher power cost as power situation in Tamilnadu and Andhra
Pradesh are yet to improve. Earnings per share for the year 2012-13 was
Rs. 11.50 as against Rs. 20.45 in the previous year.
2. Appropriation
Out of the profit available for appropriation of Rs. 42.50 crores, the
directors have declared and paid an interim dividend of 20% on the
equity capital of the Company for the year ended March 31, 2013.
Further, the directors have recommended a final dividend of 20%, making
total dividend as 40% for the year. The total dividend amount inclusive
of distribution tax and surcharge thereon would be Rs. 3.68 crores.
After transfer of Rs. 0.91 crores to the General Reserve, Rs. 37.91
crores has been retained as surplus in the Profit and Loss Account.
3. Management Discussion and Analysis
Your Company is engaged in the manufacturing and marketing of auto
components for transportation industry. A detailed analysis on the
performance of the Industry and the Company are enumerated in the
Management Discussion and Analysis report forming part of this report
and annexed as Annexure ''A''.
4. Fixed Deposits
Deposits outstanding as on March 31, 2013 amounted to Rs. 7.05 crores.
All deposits that matured during the year were repaid / renewed except
for a sum of Rs. 0.01 crores for which claims have not been lodged with
your Company.
5. Board of Directors
Mr. S Sandilya and Mr. S A Murali Prasad retire by rotation and being
eligible, offer themselves for re-appointment. The notice convening the
ensuing Annual General Meeting includes the proposal for their
re-appointment as directors.
6. Conservation of Energy
Your Company has been continuously engaged in energy saving initiatives
to offset the power shortage and the resultant cost impact. Energy
savings were achieved through available alternate economical sources,
special projects in shop-floor, sustenance of high power factor and
employee involvement to reduce consumption of power.
Energy conservation projects are rigorously undertaken by the Company
through horizontal deployment of best practices. Energy efficient
processes are widely used at different locations. Through energy
conservation efforts, your Company saved upto 6,85,287 units of
electricity during the year 2012-13.
7. Research and Development Activities
Disclosure of particulars with respect to Research & Development,
technology absorption, adaptation and innovation, as required under the
Companies (Disclosure of Particulars in the Report of Board of
Directors) Rules, 1988 in Form B are furnished in Annexure B.
8. Foreign Exchange Earnings and Outgo
Foreign exchange earned during 2012-13 was Rs. 21.21 crores against
foreign exchange outgo of Rs. 71.30 crores.
Strategic initiatives were undertaken to increase export business in
terms of Customers, Product and Geographical location by identifying
new business opportunities.
9. Employees
The particulars of employees, as per Section 217 (2A) of the Companies
Act 1956, read with the Companies (Particulars of Employees) Rules
1975, are given in Annexure C.
10. Auditors
Statutory Auditors
The Auditors, M/s. Varma & Varma hold office until the conclusion of
the ensuing Annual General Meeting and have expressed their willingness
to continue as statutory auditors of the Company. The Company has
received letter from M/s. Varma & Varma to the effect that their
appointment, if made, would be within the limits prescribed under
Section 224 (1B) of the Companies Act, 1956. M/s. Varma & Varma has
submitted the Peer Review Certificate issued to them by The Institute
of Chartered Accountants of India.
The notice of the ensuing Annual General Meeting contains necessary
resolution in this regard. Your directors recommend the appointment of
M/s. Varma & Varma as Statutory Auditors.
Cost Auditors
In terms of the Companies (Cost Accounting Records) Rules, 2011, the
Cost Compliance Report for the financial year 2011-12 was filed with
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) on December 27, 2012 which is
well within the extended due date of February 28, 2013.
Pursuant to the Cost Audit Orders issued by the MCA under Section 233B
of the Companies Act, 1956, the Board has appointed M/s. STR &
Associates, Cost Accountants, Chennai to carry out the cost audit of
the Company for the financial year 2012-13. The Company would be filing
the Cost Audit Report for the financial year ended March 31, 2013
before the due date viz. September 30,2013 or such other date extended
by the MCA.
The Company has received a letter from M/s. STR & Associates, to the
effect that their appointment, if made, would be within the limits
prescribed under Section 224(1 B) of the Companies Act, 1956. Based on
the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board has re-appointed
M/s. STR & Associates, as cost auditors for the financial year 2013-14.
11. Directors'' Responsibility Statement
Pursuant to Section 217(2AA) of the Companies Act 1956 and based on
representations received from operating management, the directors
hereby confirm that they have :
i. Followed the applicable accounting standards in the preparation of
the annual accounts for the financial year 2012-13 and there are no
material departures;
ii. Selected such accounting policies and applied them consistently and
made judgments and estimates that were reasonable and prudent so as to
give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company at the
end of the financial year and of the profit of the Company for the year
under review;
iii. Taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate
accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Companies
Act 1956, for safeguarding the assets of the Company, preventing and
detecting fraud and other irregularities;
iv. Prepared the accounts for the financial year on a ''going concern''
basis.
12. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
The vision on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is: "To be socially
and environmentally responsive organisation committed to improve
quality of life within and outside". The CSR activities of Rane Group
focus on four specific areas of (a) Education (b) Healthcare (c)
Community Development (d) Environment.
Some of the CSR initiatives undertaken by your Company were as follows:
1. Education
- Contributions to Rane Foundation and JACOB Memorial Trust towards
providing basic and higher education to the deserving.
- Career guidance / motivational workshops for the government school
students to explore various career options through career counselling
and renovation of the washroom facilities in government schools to
promote hygiene for the school students.
- Distribution of school bags and stationeries to the underprivileged
students of government schools.
2. Environment
The Company celebrated "World Environment Day" with a theme "Go Green".
The activities have been broadly grouped under 4 headings viz., Green
Office, Green Home, Green Society and Green School. Environment rally
and awareness campaign and competitions were conducted to the school
children to sensitize the importance of environment protection.
Also an environment awareness campaign was organized for the employees
and their spouses to reinforce the usage of environment friendly
material and participants were encouraged to say "no to plastics" in
their daily life.
3. Community Development
- Conducted road safety awareness programme and distributed safety
pamphlets to the drivers. High beam stickers and red colour reflectors
were pasted in the vehicles.
- Conducted blood donation camps.
- Provided support to Self-Helping Groups (SHG) in women empowerment
projects.
- Provided food and organized employee birthday celebrations in
children, old age, mentally challenged and visually impaired home.
- Organized reading programme for visually challenged.
4. Health Care
- Provided First Aid Kits to the government schools.
- Health & hygiene program was organized to the contract workers.
- Organ donation awareness program was conducted.
- Provided food for the health camps conducted by the primary health
centre.
13. Corporate Governance Report
Your Company has complied with the Corporate Governance requirements as
stipulated under clause 49 of the Listing Agreement. Detailed report on
the compliance and a certificate by the Statutory Auditors forms part
of this report as Annexure ''D''.
For and on behalf of the Board
L. GANESH
Chairman
Chennai HARISH LAKSHMAN
May 20, 2013 Director
Mar 31, 2012
The Directors have pleasure in presenting their seventh annual report
together with the accounts for the year ended March 31, 2012.
1. Financial Performance:
The financial highlights for the year under review are as follows:
(Rs. Crores)
Particulars 2011-12 2010-11
Sales and Operating Revenues 359.17 305.84
Other Income 4.35 2.48
Profit before tax 21.90 19.67
Provision for tax 5.71 4.38
Profit after tax 16.19 15.29
Surplus brought forward 25.27 16.13
Profit available for appropriation 41.46 31.42
The Sales and Operating Revenues grew by 17% over the previous year.
The Profit before tax improved by 11% over the previous year. Earnings
per share for the year 2011-12 was Rs. 20.45 as against Rs. 19.31 in
the previous year.
2. Appropriation
Profit available for appropriation is Rs. 41.46 crores. The Directors
have declared and paid interim dividend of 40% on the equity capital of
the Company for the year ended March 31, 2012 and have recommended a
further 30% as final dividend, making for a total dividend of 70% for
the year. The amount on this account inclusive of tax on distributed
profits and surcharge thereon, works out to Rs. 6.44 crores leaving the
Company with retained profits of Rs. 35.02 crores. Out of this, Rs.1.62
crores is being transferred to the General Reserve and Rs. 33.40 crores
being retained as surplus in the Profit and Loss Account.
3. Management Discussion and Analysis
Your Company is engaged in the manufacturing and marketing of auto
components for transportation industry. A detailed analysis of the
automotive industry, your Company's performance etc., are discussed
in the report on "Management Discussion and Analysis" which forms
part of this report and annexed as Annexure A.
4. Fixed Deposits
Deposits outstanding as on March 31, 2012 amounted to Rs.10.56 crores.
All deposits that were matured during the year were repaid / renewed.
5. Board of Directors
Mr. L Lakshman and Mr. Koji Nishihara retire by rotation and being
eligible, offer themselves for reappointment. The notice convening the
ensuing Annual General Meeting includes the proposal for their
re-appointment as directors.
6. Conservation of Energy
Your Company has been continuously engaged in energy saving initiatives
to offset the power shortage and the resultant cost impact. Energy
savings were achieved through available alternate economical sources,
special projects in shop-floor, sustenance of high power factor and
employee involvement to reduce consumption of power.
Energy conservation projects are rigorously undertaken by the Company.
Energy efficient processes are widely used at different locations.
Through energy conservation efforts, your Company saved up to 3,34,880
units of electricity during the year 2011-12.
7. Research and Development Activities
The details of disclosure of particulars with respect to Research &
Development, technology absorption, adaptation and innovation, as
required under the Companies (Disclosure of Particulars in the Report
of Board of Directors) Rules, 1988 in Form B are furnished in Annexure
B.
8. Foreign Exchange Earnings and Outgo Foreign exchange earned during
2011-12 was Rs. 20.51 crores and foreign exchange outgo was Rs. 69.14
crores.
The strategic initiatives are undertaken to increase export business in
terms of Customers, Product and Geographical location by identifying
new business opportunities.
9. Foreign Currency Loans
Statutory Auditors' observation on accounting treatment in respect of
External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs), Buyers Credit (BC) and
associated swap contracts.
The auditors' have in their report drawn attention to the accounting
treatment in respect of ECBs, BC and associated swap contracts. This
subject matter has been fully explained in note 5.6 in the financial
statements. Your directors are of the view that the accounting
treatment in this respect during the year and in the earlier years as
well as in accordance with the substance of the transaction and as
required by Accounting Standard - 1 issued by The Institute of
Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and notified by the Companies
(Accounting Standard) Rules, 2006.
This accounting treatment has been consistently followed in all the
earlier years when the arrangements were entered into. There has been
no change to the notified standards during the year which results in
the treatment consistently followed by the company being non compliant
with the accounting standards or to be reviewed by the company.
10. Employees
The particulars of employees, as per Section 217 (2A) of the Companies
Act 1956, read with the Companies (Particulars of Employees) Rules
1975, are given in Annexure C.
11. Auditors
M/s Price Waterhouse & Co., (PWC) Chartered Accountants, Chennai, the
auditors of the Company retire at the ensuing Annual General Meeting
and have expressed that they are not seeking re- appointment. Your
directors wish to place on record their appreciation for the services
rendered by PWC, during their associations with the Company as
Statutory Auditors since 2006.
Special notice has been received from a member signifying the intention
to propose the appointment of M/s. Varma & Varma, Chartered Accountants
as Statutory Auditors in the place of the retiring auditors. The
company has received letter from M/s. Varma & Varma, Chartered
Accountants to the effect that their appointment, if made, would be
within the limits prescribed under Section 224(1B) of the Companies
Act, 1956. They have also submitted the Peer Review Certificate issued
to them by ICAI. The notice of the ensuing Annual General Meeting
contains necessary resolution in this regard. Your directors recommend
the appointment of M/s. Varma & Varma Chartered Accountants as
Statutory Auditors.
12. Directors' Responsibility Statement
Pursuant to Section 217(2AA) of the Companies Act 1956, the directors
hereby confirm that they have :
i. Followed the applicable accounting standards in the preparation of
the annual accounts;
ii. Selected such accounting policies and applied them consistently and
made judgments and estimates that were reasonable and prudent so as to
give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company at the
end of the financial year and of the profit of the Company for the year
under review;
iii. Taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate
accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Companies
Act 1956, for safeguarding the assets of the Company and detecting
fraud and other irregularities;
iv. Prepared the accounts for the financial year on a "going concern"
basis.
13. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
The vision on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is, "To be socially
and environmentally responsive organisation committed to improve
quality of life within and outside". CSR activities of Rane Group are
channelized through Rane Foundation, a public charitable and
educational trust, in the social and environmental spectrum. Your
company firmly believes that participation of corporates is vital to
achieve sustainable and equitable economic growth in India. The focus
of Rane's social development initiatives has been in the three
specific areas of (a) Education
(b) Healthcare and (c) Community development.
The specific CSR initiatives taken by your Company are as follows:
* Contribution of funds towards establishment of Polytechnic College at
Trichy by Rane Foundation by way of donation and interest-free loans.
* Contributions are also made through Rane Foundation and JACOB
Memorial Trust towards providing basic and higher education to the
deserving.
* Your company has instituted rural education initiatives through an
initiative called "Shiksha".
* Your company has also taken other initiatives in health, education,
environment and community development.
Specific activities undertaken by your Company are:
- Conducted blood donation camps and AIDS prevention and control
programmes
- Organized anti-tobacco awareness campaigns
- Provided financial support and distributed food to destitutes and
mentally challenged children at orphanages
- Organized reading programme for visually challenged
- Provided support to Self-Helping Groups (SHG) in women empowerment
projects
14. Corporate Governance Report
Your Company has complied with the Corporate Governance requirements as
stipulated under Clause 49 of the listing agreement. A detailed report
on the compliance and a certificate by the Statutory Auditors forms
part of this report as Annexure D.
For and on behalf of the Board
L. GANESH
Chairman
Chennai HARISH LAKSHMAN
May 23, 2012 Director
Mar 31, 2011
The Directors have pleasure in presenting their sixth annual report
together with the accounts for the year ended March 31, 2011.
1. Financial Performance
The financial highlights for the year under review are as follows:
(Rs. Million)
Particulars 2010-2011 2009-2010
Sales and Operating 3,058.41 2,363.00
Revenues
Other Income 24.76 13.77
Profit before tax 196.66 149.33
Provision for Tax 43.84 48.46
Profit after tax 152.82 100.87
Surplus brought forward 161.31 112.20
Profit available for 314.14 213.07
appropriation
2. Appropriations
Profit available for appropriation is Rs.314.14 million. The Directors
have declared and paid interim dividend of 30% on the equity capital of
the company for the year ended March 31,2011 and are pleased to
recommend a further 20% as final dividend, making for a total dividend
of 50% for the year. The amount on this account inclusive of tax on
distributed profits and surcharge thereon, works out to Rs.46.04
million leaving the company with retained profits of Rs.268. 10
million. Out of this, Rs.15.45 million is being transferred to the
General Reserve and Rs.252.65 million being retained as surplus in the
Profit and Loss Account.
3. Management Discussion and Analysis
a) Industry Structure, Developments and Segment-wise Performance
Your Company operates in single segment, viz., components for
transportation industry. The growth within automobile industry was as
follows:
Growth in %
Industry Segments 2010-2011 2009-2010
Passenger Cars 27 27
Utility Vehicles 17 24
Small Commercial Vehicles 36 8
(One Ton & below)
Light Commercial Vehicles 22 77
Medium and Heavy 38 30
Commercial Vehicles
Three Wheelers 29 25
Two Wheelers 27 25
Farm Tractors 22 27
Source: Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers.
Domestic market continued its robust growth across all segments and
this required ramping up capacity. The emphasis on capacity increase
and improvement of delivery continued throughout the year.
Exports
In the export market, the increase in volumes from the later part of
the year 2009- 2010 continued in the year 2010- 2011. Your Company met
its export commitments.
The United States Dollar, a currency on which your Companys exports
are mostly dependent was relatively stable. The strengthening of the
rupee was marginal and such fluctuations were handled well with the
Companys forex policy.
OEM and Aftermarket
Your companys performance in the OEM Segment continued to be very good
and the growth over the previous year was 58%. The Companys
aftermarket sales grew at a rate of 10% over the previous year.
4. Deposits
Deposits outstanding as on March 31, 2011 amounted to Rs. 123.72
million. All deposits that were matured during the year were repaid /
renewed.
5. Board of Directors
Mr. Suresh Chandra Gupta and Mr. Harish Lakshman retire by rotation.
Mr. Suresh Chandra Gupta and Mr. Harish Lakshman being eligible, have
offered themselves for reappointment.
6. Conservation of Energy
Your Company has been continuously engaged in energy saving initiatives
to offset the power shortage and the resultant cost impact. Energy
savings were achieved through available alternate economical sources,
special projects in shop-floor, sustenance of high power factor and
employee involvement to reduce consumption of power.
7. Research and Development Activities
The details of Disclosure of particulars with respect to Research &
Development, technology absorption, adaptation and innovation, as
required under the Companies Act (Disclosure of Particulars in the
Report of Board of Directors) Rules, 1988 in Form B are furnished in
Annexure A.
8. Foreign Exchange Earnings and Outgo
Foreign exchange earned during 2010-11 was Rs.157.82 million and
foreign exchange outgo was Rs.684.64 million. Exports during the year
amounted to Rs.158.80 million.
9. Employees
There was no employee for whom the particulars as per section 217 (2A)
of the Companies Act, 1956, read with the Companies (Particulars of
Employees) Rules, 1975 is applicable.
10. Auditors
M/s Price Waterhouse & Co., Chartered Accountants, Chennai, the
auditors of the Company retire at the ensuing Annual General Meeting
and are eligible for re-appointment. The declaration under Section
224(1 B) of the Companies Act, 1956 has been received from them.
11. Directors Responsibility Statement
Pursuant to Section 217(2AA) of the Companies Act, 1956, the directors
hereby confirm that they have:
i. Followed the applicable accounting standards in the preparation of
the annual accounts;
ii. Selected such accounting policies and applied them consistently and
made judgments and estimates that were reasonable and prudent so as to
give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company at the
end of the financial year and of the profit of the Company for the year
under review;
iii. Taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate
accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Companies
Act, 1956, for safeguarding the assets of the Company and detecting
fraud and other irregularities;
iv. Prepared the accounts for the financial year on a going concern
basis.
12. Corporate Social Responsibility
The vision on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is, "To be a
socially and environmentally responsible corporate citizen". CSR
activities of Rane Group are channelized through Rane Foundation, a
public charitable and educational trust, in the social and
environmental spectrum.
The specific CSR initiatives taken by your Company are as follows:
Contribution of funds towards establishment of Polytechnic College by
Rane Foundation. Contributions are also made through Rane Foundation
and JACOB Memorial Trust towards providing basic and higher education
to the deserving. Your company has instituted a merit award for school
children and distributed uniforms to the school students. Also
conducted awareness program on Basic Hygiene and Cleanliness to
Government school children.
Your company has also taken other initiatives such as organising -
- Blood donation and Medical camps at villages
- Awareness program on Tobacco & AIDS control.
- Donations to old age homes
- Program for mentally challenged women by the employees and their
family members.
- Organised Cultural competition for Physically challenged children
- Women empowerment project
- Food and clothing for orphanages
- Reading for blind
13. Corporate Governance Report
A detailed report on Corporate Governance is attached in Annexure B.
For and on behalf of the Board
L GANESH
Chairman
L LAKSHMAN
Director
Chennai
May 23, 2011
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