Your Directors are pleased to present the Fourteenth Annual Report of the Company together with the AuditedFinancialStatements for the FinancialYear ended March 31,2025.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (rs. in Lakhs)
Particulars
FY 2024-25
FY 2023-24
Revenue from Operations
11,896.96
21,957.77
Other Income
3,914.69
636.11
Total Income
15,811.65
22,593.93
Profit / (Loss) before Depreciation and Amortization Expense & Taxexpense and after exceptional items
(6,243.33)
(4,942.12)
Less: Depreciation and Amortization expense
2,745.48
3,629.13
Profit / (Loss) before Tax and after exceptional items
(3,497.85)
(8,571.25)
Profit / (Loss) after Tax and exceptional items
Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) for the Year
(55.57)
(49.11)
Total Comprehensive Income/(Loss) for the Year
(3,553.42)
(8,620.35)
During the year under review, the operational income for FY 2024-25 was Rs. 11,896.96 Lakh as against Rs. 21,957.77 Lakhin FY 2023-24. Loss for FY 2024-25 was Rs. 3.497.85 Lakh as against Loss of Rs. 8,571.24 Lakh during FY 2023-24.Performance of the Company was adversely affected on account of various factors including short supply inventoryon account of weak financial position. Throughout the FY 2024-25, most of the stores were running below their potentialand operations resulted into losses due to poor replenishment of merchandise. The Company has also put on hold itsplans to open new stores and incur any new capex to control the costs. In order to conserve financial resources, varioussteps have been taken including cost rationalization plans, renegotiation of store contracts to align its cost with thevolume and margins, negotiations with the vendors for higher credit period etc. The Company was able to raise fundsthrough right issue which would help the Company to sail through the challenging time. Overall, the management isverycautiousaboutthefuture plansand outlook.
In view of losses,your Directors are unabletorecommend anydividendforthe FY2024-25.
For the FY 2024-25, an amount of Rs. 1,200.00 Lakh forfeited on account of unexercised warrants were carried to thecapital reserves. There is no further amount proposed to be transferred to any other reserves.
There has been no change in the nature of business of the Company.
During the FY 2024-25, the Company did not have any subsidiary, jointventureand associate companies.
Duringthe FY 2024-25, the Company did not acceptanyfixeddeposits from the public and noamountinthe nature of principal orinterest on deposits from publicwere outstanding as of March 31,2025.
During the FY 2024-25, the Company -
a. Issued and allotted 45,06,729 sharewarrants on preferential basis priced at Rs.43.26 per share warrant;
b. increased the authorised share capital from Rs.10,630.00 Lakh to 15,630.00 Lakh bycreating 10,00,00,000 newequity shares;
c. issued and allotted 1,00,00,000 fully paid-up equity shares upon exercise of share warrants;
Pursuant to regulation 34 of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, a report onCorporate Governance along with a certificate from a Practicing Company Secretary certifying compliance withconditions of Corporate Governance is separatelyannexed.
Pursuant to regulation 34(3) of SEBI (Listing Regulations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, a report onManagement Discussion and Analysis is separately given which also includes the state of affairs ofthe Company.
During the FY 2024-25, five meetings of the Board of Directors were held, details of which are given in the report onCorporate Governance. The Company has constituted the following Committees statutorily required in compliancewith the Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015:
• Audit Committee
• Nomination and Remuneration Committee
• Stakeholders' RelationshipCommittee
Details of composition, terms of reference and number of meetings held for respective Committees are given in theReport on Corporate Governance. All recommendations made by theCommittees were accepted bythe Board.
During theyear,theCorporate Social Responsibility Committee was dissolved asthesamewas notapplicable.
Pursuant totheprovisionsofSection134(5) oftheAct,theBoard of Directors of the Company hereby confirms that:
I. in the preparation of the annual accounts for the Financial Year ended March 31,2025, the applicable accountingstandards have been followed alongwith proper explanation relating to material departures;
II. they have selected such accounting policies and applied them consistently and made judgments and estimatesthat are reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company at the end ofthe financial year and ofthe loss of the Company for the Financial Year ended March 31,2025;
III. they have taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordancewith the provisions of the Act for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for preventing and detecting fraudand other irregularities;
IV. they have prepared the annual accounts for the Financial Year ended March 31,2025 on a going concern basis;
V. they have laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the Company and that such internal financialcontrols were adequate and were operating effectively; and
VI. they have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws and that suchsystems were adequate and operating effectively.
During the FY 2024-25:
- Mr. Mahesh Shah - Non Executive Director, resigned effective from June 28,2024;
- Mr. Swetank Jain - CEO & Whole-time Director, resigned effective from August 13,2024;
- Mr. Vijai Singh Dugar was appointed as an Independent Director effective from August 12,2024 for a period of fiveyears. His appointment was approved by the shareholders under a special resolution passed at the Annual GeneralMeeting held on September 28,2024;
- Mr. Ashish Bhutda was appointed as a CEO & Whole-time Director effective from November 11, 2024. Hisappointment was approved by the shareholders under a special resolution passed through postal ballot onDecember 14,2024.
In accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and Articles of Association of the Company, Mr. SamsonSamuel - Non Executive Director, is liable to retire by rotation at the ensuing annual general meeting and being eligible,
offers himself for re-appointment. A resolution seeking shareholders' approval for his re-appointment is proposed attheensuingAnnualGeneral Meeting.
The Board places on record its appreciation for valuable contribution made by Mr. Mahesh Shah and Mr. Swetank Jainduring theirtenure.
During the FY 2024-25, the non-executive directors of the Company had no pecuniary relationship or transactions withthe Company, other than sitting fees paid to them for attending the meetings ofthe Board/Committee.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 149(7) of the Act, all Independent Directors have submitted declarationsconfirming they meet criteria of independence as provided in Section 149(6) of the Act along with Rules framed thereunder and Regulation 16(1)(b) of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and DisclosureRequirements) Regulations, 2015. During the FY 2024-25, there had been no change in the circumstances affectingtheir independence. In terms of Regulation 25(8) of SEBI Listing Regulations, all Independent Directors have confirmedthat they are not aware of any circumstance or situation which exists or may be reasonably anticipated that couldimpair orimpact their abilityto discharge their duties.
None ofthe Directors of your Company is disqualified for being appointed as Director, as specified in Section 164(2) ofthe Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 14(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014as amended. A certificate of non-disqualification of Directors issued by a Company Secretary in Whole-time Practiceis given separately.
The Independent Directors have also confirmed that they have complied with the Company's Code of Conduct. Interms of Section 150 of the Act and Rules framed thereunder, the Independent Directors have also confirmed theirregistration (including renewal of applicable tenure) and compliance of the online proficiency self- assessment test(unless exempted) with the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA).
The Board is of the opinion that Mr. Vijai Singh Dugar - Independent Director appointed during the FY 2024-25,possesses necessary expertise and experience relevant to the Company's operationsand maintains greatintegrity.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 203 of the Act, the Key Managerial Personnel of the Company as on March 31,2025are:
• Mr. Ashish Bhutda -CEO& Whole-time Director;
• Mr. SamirKedia - Chief Financial Officer*
• Mr. Vimal Dhruve - Company Secretary**
During the FY 2024-25, Ms. Sanu Kapoor resigned as Company Secretary & Compliance Officer of the Companyeffective from August 2,2024. Mr. Vimal Dhruve was appointed as Company Secretary effective from August 12,2024.
• Resigned w.e.f. April 30,2025 & in his place Mr. Vikash Kabra appointed as a Chief Financial Officer w.e.f. July 14,2025**Resigned w.e.f. June 26,2025 & in his place Ms. Charu Srivastava appointed as a Company Secretary & ComplianceOffice w.e.f. July 14,2025
Pursuant to section 134(3)(p) of the Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements)Regulations, 2015,annual evaluation performance of Board, its Committees and individual Directors was carried out forthe FY 2024-25. The performance was evaluated after seeking inputs from all the Directors on the basis of criteriadetermined by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee such as the Board composition and structure,effectiveness of processes, information and functioning, effectiveness and roles of committees etc. In a separatemeeting of Independent Directors, performance of Non-Independent Directors, the Board as a whole and theChairman of the Company was evaluated after taking into account the views of the other Directors. Performance ofindividual Directors was reviewed on the basis of criteria such as the level of participation, meaningful discussion andconstructive inputs and other requisite matters. The performance of the Board, its Committees and individual Directorswas discussed at the meeting of the Board. The Independent Directors assessed the quality, independence, relevanceand timeliness of the flow of the information to the Board of Directors. Performance of Independent Directors wasevaluated bythe entire Board, excluding the Independent Director being evaluated.
Based on evaluation, it emerged that the Board has an optimum level of competency, experience, qualifications anddiversity. Each Board member contributed in his/her own manner to the collective prudence of the Board, keeping inmind his/her own background and experience. There was active participation and adequate time was given forvarious matters brought before the Board. Overall, the Board was functioning very well in a unanimous and interactivemanner.
Details of familiarisation programmeare given in the report on Corporate Governance.
Policy on Directors' appointment and remuneration and other matters provided in Section 178(3) of the Companies Act,2013 has been disclosed in the report on Corporate Governance and is also available on website of the Company athttps://www.praxisretail.in/assets/download/4.Remuneration_Policy_Final.pdf
Pursuant to Section 177(9) of the Act, a vigil mechanism was established for Directors and employees to report to themanagement instances of unethical behaviour, actual or suspected, fraud or violation of the Company's code ofconduct or ethics policy. The Vigil Mechanism provides a mechanism for employees of the Company to approach theChairperson of the Audit Committee of the Company for redressal. The establishment of Vigil Mechanism is availableon the website of the Company at https://www.praxisretail.in/assets/download/Vigil-Mechanism-and-Whistle-Blower-Policy.pdf
The Company has an appropriate risk management framework in place, which provides an integrated approach foridentifying, assessing, mitigating, monitoring, and reporting of various risks associated with the business of theCompany. The Board primarily monitors and reviews risk management, assessment, and minimisation proceduresand to develop, implement and monitor the risk management plan and identify, review and mitigate all elements ofrisks which the Company may be exposed to. The Audit Committee has additional oversight in their area of financialriskand internalcontrols.
The Company's internal control systems are commensurate with the nature of its business, the size and complexity ofits operations and such internal financial controls with reference to the Financial Statements are adequate. TheCompany has in place adequate internal controls with reference to financial statements. Key risks and threats to theCompany and internal controls and their adequacy are analysed in the separate section "Management DiscussionandAnalysis".
Details of human resources are given in a separate section on Management Discussion& Analysis.
In order to enable the employees of the Company to participate in its future growth and success, the Company hasEmployee Stock Option Plans in place. In terms of Regulation 14 of SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits and SweatEquity) Regulations, 2021, the disclosures for FY 2024-25 with respect to the ESOP plans have been provided on thewebsite of the Company at
https://praxisretail.in/assets/download/websiteupdate_14_05_2025/ESOP-2024.pdf
The Company has not granted any loans, provided any guarantee, or made any Investments which are covered underthe provisions of Section 186 of the Act.
During the year under review, the Company has not borrowed an unsecured loan from any of the Directors of theCompany.
The Statutory Auditors have included Disclaimer of their opinion on the Financial Statements for the FY 2024-25. AStatement of Impact of Audit Qualification (for Audit Report with Modified Opinion) on the Financial Statementscontaining, inter alia, the details of Disclaimer of Opinion and Management's views thereon (being explanation by theBoard in terms of section 134(3)(f) of the Companies Act, 2013) is annexed to the Financial Statements for the FY 2024¬25. Other observations contained in the Auditors' Report are self-explanatory and do not call for any explanations bythe Board as required under section 134(3)(f) of the Companies Act, 2013. Further, the Statutory Auditors have notreported any fraud as specified under Section 143(12) of the Companies Act, 2013. The Auditors' Report is enclosed withthe FinancialStatementsfortheFY 2024-25.
The Company appointed Anant Gude & Associates - Practicing Company Secretary, to conduct the Secretarial Auditof the Company for the FY 2024-25. Their report in prescribed Form MR-3 is appended as Annexure-I hereto. Further,pursuant to Regulation 24A of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements Regulations), 2014, AnnualSecretarial Compliance Report for the year ended March 31, 2025 is also appended hereto. Further, the SecretarialAuditor have not reported any fraud instance. The Secretarial Audit Report does not contain qualification or adverseremarks.
The Company has employed women workforce and strives to make the conducive working environment for womenemployees in the organisation. The Company believes in providing a safe and harassment free workplace for everyemployee including women working in the Company through various training, awareness, and practices. TheCompany always endeavours to create and provide an environment that is free from discrimination and harassmentincluding sexual harassment. The Company has complied with provisions relating to the constitution of InternalComplaints Committee underthe Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal)Act, 2013. During the FY 2024-25, no complaints with respectto sexual harassment or any discrimination were received.
The Company is not required to spend any amount on CSR activities, since the Company does not fall into the criteriaspecified in Section 135 of the Act and accordingly, disclosures as per Rule of Companies (Corporate SocialResponsibility Policy) Rules, 2014 is not required to be given.
During the FY 2024-25, all transactions entered into by the Company with Related Parties were in the ordinary course ofbusiness and on an arm's length basis and there were no material related party transactions entered by the Companyduring the FY 2024-25. Accordingly, particulars in prescribed form AOC-2 is not required to be given.
Pursuant to Section 148(1) of the Companies Act, 2013 and the relevant rules made thereunder, the Company is notrequired to maintain cost records.
Disclosures with respect to the Remuneration of Directors and employees as required under Section 197(12) of theCompanies Act, 2013 read with Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel)
Rules,2014are provided in Annexure-II,which isappended hereto.
Statement containing particulars of top 10 employees and particulars of employees as required under Section 197(12)of the Act read with Rule 5(2) and 5(3) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel)Rules, 2014 is provided as a separate Annexure forming part of this report. In terms of proviso to Section 136(1) of the Act,the Report and Accounts are being sent to the Shareholders, excluding the aforesaid Annexure. The said Statement isalso open for inspection. Any member interested in obtaining a copy of the same may write to the Company Secretaryor send email toinvestorrelations@praxisretail.in.
This disclosure reinforces the Company's efforts to promote an inclusive workplace culture and equal opportunity forallindividuals,regardless of gender.
The particulars as required under Section 134 (3) (m) of the Act read with Rule 8 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules,2014 relating to conservation of energy, technology absorption, foreign exchange earnings and outgo, are provided inAnnexure-IIIappended hereto.
In accordance with Section 92(3) of the Act and Rule 12 of the Companies (Management and Administration)Rules,2014, the Annual Return for the Financial Year ended March 31,2025 shall be available on the website of the Company athttps://www.praxisretail.in/annual-reports.html
There are no significant and material orders passed by any regulator or court or tribunal impacting the going concernstatusand the Company's operationsin future.
An operational creditor has filed an application under section 9 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 before theHon'ble National Company Law Tribunal - Mumbai Bench seeking initiation of Corporate Insolvency Resolution Processagainst the Company. As on March31,2025,thesaid matter was pending.
In the matter of corporate insolvency of Future Lifestyle Fashions Limited ('FLFL'), the Resolution Professional of FLFL hasfiled an interlocutory application against the Company and Promoter - Mr. Kishore Biyani before the NationalCompany LawTribunal, Mumbai bench claiming arrears of rent amounting to Rs. 23.21 Crore from the Company. As onMarch 31,2025, the said matterwas pending.
In the matter of corporate insolvency resolution process of Future Enterprises Limited ("FEL"), the ResolutionProfessional of FEL has filed an interlocutory application before the National Company Law Tribunal, Mumbai benchagainst, amongst others, the Companyand Promoter Mr. Kishore Biyani,inter alia, claiming a refund of anallegedleaserental amounting to Rs.4,577.35 lakhs from the Company for the in-store retail infrastructure assets leased by FEL to theCompany.As on March 31,2025,the said matterwas pending.
Pursuant to Regulation 39(4) read with Schedule V of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements)Regulations, 2015, details pertaining to outstanding shares lying in Unclaimed Suspense Account are given in the reporton Corporate Governance.
During the FY 2024-25,, the Company has complied with the applicable Secretarial Standards issued bythe Institute ofCompany Secretaries ofIndia in terms of Section 118 (10) of the Companies Act, 2013.
Except as disclosed in this report, there were no material changes and commitments affecting the financial position ofthe Company from the date of closure ofthe FY 2024-25 tillthe date of signing of this report.
1. Disposal of a significant number of Equity Shares by our Promoter Group, resulting in a decline in their shareholding
from 23.61% as on March 31,2025, to 9.92% as on the date of this Letter of Offer, thereby ceasing to have significantinfluence over our Company
2. The Promoter of the Company, Mr. Kishore Biyani, vide his request letter dated June 09,2025, sought reclassificationof his shareholding from the "Promoter" category to the "Public" category along with the persons and entities actingin concert with him. This request was subsequently confirmed by the resolution professional of Future CorporateResources Private Limited throughthe letter datedJuly 11,2025. The Board of Directors of the Company approved thesaid reclassification on July 14, 2025, in accordance with the provisions of Regulation 31A of the SEBI ListingRegulations,which governs the conditions and process for reclassification of promoters as public shareholders.
3. Allotment of 1,12,500 (One Lakh Twelve Thousand Five Hundred) equity shares of face value of Rs.5/- (Rupees Five)each on April 26, 2025, pursuant to the exercise of stock options granted under the Company's employee stockoption scheme.
4. Closure of our application by BSE without granting in-principle approval for the proposed preferential issue ofEquity Shares, which necessitated the Company to refrain from proceeding with the issuance of Equity Sharesintended for conversion of our trade liabilities.
5. Issued 4,95,80,000 equity shares of Face Value Rs. 5 each of the Company (Right Equity Share) for cash at a price ofRs. 10/- each (including a share premium of Rs. 5/- per Right Equity Share) for an aggregate amount upto Rs.4958.00 Lakhs on the Right Basis in the ratio of11 Rights Equity Shares for every 30 fully paid up equity shares.
Other than as disclosed in this report, there were no transactions during the FY 2024-25 which require disclosure orreporting in respect of matters relating to: a) issue of equity shares with differential rights as to dividend, voting orotherwise; b) raising of funds through preferential allotment or qualified institutions placement; c) instances of one¬time settlement with any bank or financial institution or other matters not specified in this report necessitating thedisclosureinthis Report.
Your Directors place on record their appreciation for the continued support and co-operation provided to theCompany by shareholders, customers, employees, suppliers, other business associates, bankers, regulatoryauthorities and all other stakeholders.
For and on behalf of the Board of DirectorsPraxis Home Retail Limited
Ashish Bhutda Samson Samuel
Place: Mumbai CEO & Whole-Time Director *Director
Date: September 2, 2025 DIN: 101810844 DIN: 07523995