The Directors of your Company are pleased to present the 106th Annual Report and the Audited Financial Statements (Standalone andConsolidated) for the year ended 31st March, 2026 (‘reporting year'/year under review'/FY 2025-26'). The section on ManagementDiscussion and Analysis includes a review of the financial performance of the Company: financial highlights of the Company'sstandalone financial results, key financial ratios, and the dividend recommended by the Directors. It also includes the particulars ofthe Company's subsidiaries, including overseas subsidiaries and their performance during the year under review
Kansai Nerolac Paints Limited (referred to as ‘KNPL', ‘theCompany' or ‘We'), established in 1920, is a subsidiary of KansaiPaint Co., Ltd., Japan. In addition to our primary operations inIndia, we have established a presence in Nepal and Bangladeshthrough strategic acquisitions and joint ventures. As one of thelargest manufacturers of paints and coatings in India, we haveestablished a strong position in the decorative and industrialcoatings sector. The Company continues to lead the Automotiveand Powder Coating segments and commands a significantmarket share in performance coatings backed by deeptechnical expertise and longstanding industry partnerships. Inthe Decorative segment, we are recognised as the third-largest
paint manufacturer in India. Our strong market position is drivenby sustained investments in intellectual and human capital,complemented by access to advanced global technologies. Thisenables us to deliver differentiated, environmentally responsible,and innovation-led solutions, tailored to the evolving needs ofIndian consumers.
As a trusted name in the industry KNPL is committed to designingsolutions that protect, inspire, and touch lives every day Ourpainting solutions provide ‘Beauty and Protection' to a widearray of applications, including decorative paints (interior andexterior, wood coating, construction chemicals, tile adhesives),automotive coatings (for 2-, 3-, and 4-wheelers, electric vehicles,commercial vehicles, and tractors), emerging segments(underbody coatings, alloy wheels, and seam sealers),consumer durables (fans, microwaves, refrigerators, washingmachines), personal items (hair clips, artificial jewellery),and transportation infrastructure (bridges, metro rail). Thiscommitment is encapsulated in our belief that ‘There is alittle bit of Nerolac in everybody's life'.
At KNPL, passion is more than emotion; it is the driving forcebehind everything we do. It fuels high performance, sparksinnovation, and pushes us to raise the bar every single dayHere, ambition is encouraged, effort is recognised, and growthis purposefully designed. With clear pathways for progression,learning, and leadership, passion here takes colour, shape,and impact.
As we look ahead to FY 2026-27, we remain committed tobuilding on the strong foundation established in recent years.Guided by our core values of innovation, integrity and customercentricity, we aim to deepen our relations with our stakeholderswhile maintaining a disciplined approach to growth. We willcontinue to enhance our product offerings, improve servicequality and drive operational efficiencies, with the objective ofcreating sustainable value for all our stakeholders.
FY 2025-26 was characterised by a mixed operatingenvironment for the Indian paints and coatings industryThe year was shaped by multiple external factors, such asgeopolitical conflicts, the onset and exit of the monsoon, GSTcuts, infrastructure growth, and consumer demographics.
During the year under review, the demand for decorativepaints, especially in the North region, was affected by the Indo-Pak conflict As the year progressed, the painting cycle wasaffected by the early onset and prolonged monsoon. However,rural demand remained relatively stable throughout the year,while urban demand showed an uptick. Also, demand duringthe festive period was subdued due to a shorter Diwali season;however, a recovery was observed in the latter part of the year.Overall, the Decorative segment continued to face near-termpressures, even as underlying demand drivers remained intact.
For the automotive industry the second half of the year sawa decisive upshift as GST 2.0 improved affordability liftedsentiment and triggered momentum, which was furtherbolstered by the festve season. Demand momentumremained robust across all major sub-segments. ThePassenger Vehicle segment delivered good growth, reflectingsustained consumer demand and new model launches. Thetwo-wheeler and Three-wheeler segments also recordedstrong growth, whereas the Commercial Vehicle segmentwitnessed strong double-digit growth.
The Performance Coatngs segment demonstratedresilience and healthy growth during the year. Infrastructuredevelopment across railways, roads, airports, and powerprojects contnued to augur well for the industry drivingdemand for high-end and premium coatings. Generalindustrial coatings witnessed healthy demand while thePowder Coatings segment maintained stable demand.
In summary FY 2025-26 was a year of measured progressfor the paints industry While the year was marked byshort-term challenges, it was supported by strongfundamentals, infrastructure investments, healthy demand inthe automotve sector, and a sustained shift towards premiumand performance-driven solutions.
A summary of KNPL's standalone financial results for the year ended 31st March, 2026 (FY 2025-26), compared to the standalonefinancial results for the previous year, FY 2024-25, is as follows:
Particulars
FY 2025-26
FY 2024-25
Revenue from Operations
7,739.23
7,496.71
Profit Before Depreciation, Interest, Exceptional Item, and Tax (PBDIT)
986.22
974.13
Less: Depreciation and Amortisation
221.36
193.68
Profit Before Interest, Exceptional Item, and Tax (Operating Profit)
764.86
780.45
Less: Interest
18.41
15.09
Add: Other Income
152.46
142.06
Profit Before Exceptional Item and Tax
898.91
907.42
Add: Exceptional Item
(60.70)
479.19
Profit Before Tax (PBT)
838.21
1,386.61
Less: Tax Expenses
218.36
365.37
Profit after Tax
619.85
1,021.24
Other Comprehensive Income
6.74
(3.46)
Total Comprehensive Income for the Year
626.59
1,017.78
Revenue from operations for the year aggregated to'7,739.23 Crores, compared to ' 7,496.71 Crores in the previousyear, reflecting 3.2% growth. Athough average crude oil pricesdeclined during the year, currency depreciation partially offsetthe impact. Consequently overall raw material prices remainedlargely stable throughout the year.
Meanwhile, we continued our efforts to control overheads, wthall departments contributing positively towards this objective.PBDIT for the year stood at ' 986.22 Crores, compared to' 974.13 Crores in the previous year, refecting 1.2% growth. Inaddition, other income increased to ' 152.46 Crores from' 142.06 Crores recorded in the previous year.
♦ Provision for impairment of long-term investment, loan, tradereceivables, and financial guarantees, after consideringpast performance and prevailing economic and marketconditions, amounted to ' 5.76 Crores
♦ Additional employee benefit cost of ' 44.72 Crores wasrecognised based on actuarial valuation followingimplementation of the Wage Code
¥ Loss arising from the fire incident at the warehouse located inGhaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, amounted to ' 10.22 Crores
PBT for the year stood at ' 898.91 Crores, marginally lower than' 907.42 Crores reported in the previous year before exceptionalitems, reflecting a degrowth of 0.9%. PAT declined to' 619.85 Crores from ' 1,021.24 Crores in the previous year,marking a degrowth of 39.3%. Return on net worth, excludingexceptional items, stood at 10.3% compared to 11.3% in theprevious year.
During the year, KNPL did not accept any deposits coveredunder Chapter V of the Companies Act, 2013. Furthermore, nomaterial orders were passed by regulators, courts, or tribunalsthat could affect our going concern status or future operations.There was also no change in the nature of our business duringthe year. Additionally, no material changes or commitmentsaffecting our financial position occurred between the end of thefinancial year and the date of this report.
The Board has recommended dividend of 250% (' 2.50 per share) for the financial year ended 31st March, 2026. Last year, theCompany declared a final dividend of 375% (' 3.75 per share), including a special dividend of 125% (' 1.25 per share).
Key Ratios
Difference
% Change
Debtors Turnover (No. of Days)
50
47
3
6.4
Inventory Turnover (No. of Days)
113
121
8
6.6
Interest Coverage Ratio
54
65
11
16.9
Current Ratio
3.75
4.02
0.3
6.7
Debt Equity Ratio
-
Operating Profit Margin (%)
12.7
13.0
2.3
Net Profit Margin (%)
8.0
13.7
5.7
41.6
Return on Equity (%)
9.5
17
7.5
44.1
In accordance with the provisions of tine Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements)Regulations, 2015 (SEBI Listing Regulations), the Board has approved a policy for determining material subsidiaries. The policy isavailable on the website of KNPL at wwwnerolac.com. Further, based on this policy we do not have any material subsidiaries.
The consolidated financial statements of KNPL as of 31st March, 2026, have been prepared in accordance with applicable accountingstandards and form part of this Report All subsidiaries of the Company as of 31st March, 2026 have been considered while preparingthe consolidated financial statements. Further, a separate statement in Form AOC-1, highlighting the key features of the financialstatements of the Company's subsidiaries, forms part of this Report
The Annual Audited Financial Statements of all KNPL subsidiaries are available on the Company's website atwwwnerolac.com
The turnover of Nerofx Private Limited stood at' 163.89 Crores, compared to ' 125.23 Crores in theprevious year. Nerofix Private Limited recorded a loss of' 7.64 Crores against ' 15.26 Crores in the previous year. Atthe same time, strategic initiatives were undertaken torevamp the business.
The Board of Directors of Nerofix Private Limited and KansaiNerolac Paints Limited approved the Scheme ofAmalgamation (‘‘Scheme”) of Nerofx Private Limited(Transferor Company), Company's wholly owned subsidiarywith the Company (Transferee Company), subject torequisite approvals including approval from NationalCompany Law Tribunal, Mumbai Bench (“NCLT”). Theappointed date for the Scheme is 1st April, 2025.
NCLT vide its order dated 6th January 2026, directedconvening of a meeting of the Equity Shareholders of theCompany Accordingly a NCLT convened ShareholdersMeeting was held on 27th February 2026 through VideoConferencing / Other Audio Visual Means, wherein theshareholders approved the Scheme wth requisite majority
During the year, the turnover of KNP Japan Private Limited, oursubsidiary in Nepal, rose to ' 76.12 Crores, up from' 69.43 Crores in the previous year. PAT stood at ' 6.01 Crores,as compared to ' 5.97 Crores in the previous year.
Kansai Nerolac Paints (Bangladesh) Limited, our subsidiary inBangladesh, registered a turnover of ' 91.25 Crores for theyear, as compared to ' 143.18 Crores in the previous year. TheCompany incurred a loss of ' 27.55 Crores during the year,compared to a loss of ' 30.95 Crores in the previous year.
The Board of Directors of the Company approved sale of theCompany's entire stake of 60% of the total equity sharecapital of Kansai Paints Lanka (Private) Limited, theCompany's subsidiary in Sri Lanka, to Atire (Private) Limited,a Sri Lankan entity. The total consideration received by theCompany is LKR 18,00,000 (approxmately ' 5,25,000).
The accounts of Kansai Paints Lanka (Private) Limited,
Sri Lankan subsidiary, have been consolidated till16th December, 2025, when it ceased to be a subsidiary of theCompany
We have only one segment of activity namely ‘paints,' in accor¬dance with the definition of ‘Segment' covered under the IndianAccounting Standards (Ind AS) 108 on Operating Segments. Theperformance of the Company is discussed in this report
In FY 2025-26, we carried forward our century-long legacy ofexcellence, offering painting solutions that seamlessly combineaesthetics with durability We continued to strengthen our bondof trust with customers.
During the year, we enriched our portfolio wth 15 new decorativeproducts. These launches were thoughtfully developed to deliverdistinctive value by combining aesthetics with performance,further strengthening our position as a trusted solutions provider.
With the objective of delivering professional painting servicesthrough timely execution, tailored colour guidance, anddedicated supervision, we expanded our Nerolac NxtGenPainting services to 250 towns.
In the new business segment, the Construction Chemical andWaterproofing segment demonstrated a very strong growth.The Project business continued its growth momentum fromthe previous year and maintained a strong growth as well. Wecontinued to provide superior retail experience through ourNerolac NxtGen Shopee, Shop-in-Shop outlets and Paint zones. Our Illuminati Programme also witnessed an increasedparticipation from architects and interior designers. This wasdriven by focused engagement efforts and participation invarious exhibitions and seminars.
During the year under review we remained focused on buildinga competitive advantage by expanding our product portfolio andresponding effectively to evolving market requirements. Underthe Paint category we continued to emphasise unique productofferings that enhance our market presence. Our newly developedproduct, Nerolac Excel Everlast 20, offers a 20-year performancewarranty superior crack-bridging ability and anti-carbonationproperties.
In the Interior range, we launched Nerolac Beauty Gold Washable ,featuring anti-bacterial and stain-resistant properties and 1.25xbetter washability. We also introduced Nerolac Beauty Little MasterSuper, an economical product that offers a smooth and pleasingmatt finish.
In an effort to provide superior products in our Exterior range, welaunched Nerolac Mica Marble Stretch and Sheen WOW, whichprovide 15% more coverage, crack-bridging ability and excellentdirt pickup resistance, while Nerolac Excel Sheen comes withsuperior algae resistance and up to 5°C surface temperaturereduction.
These product i ntroductions not only strengthen our portfolio but alsoreaffirm our commitment to delivering high-quality differentiatedsolutions that align with evolving customer expectations.
The NxtGen Painting Service continued to deliver a seamless,digitally enabled experience backed by efficient end-to-endprocesses. The programme focused on simplifying the homepainting journey through structured execution, professionalservice delivery and transparent customer engagement
Service standards were further enhanced through thedeployment of dedicated site supervisors, leading to improvedon-ground executon and faster resolution of customer concerns.This emphasis on quality and responsiveness resulted in highlevels of customer satisfaction, as reflected in a strong NetPromoter Score and positive feedback on professionalism, timelycompletion, and after-sales support
In addition to strengthening customer trust, the initiative enhancedconfidence among painting contractors and the dealer network,reinforcing its scalability and long-term relevance.
We remain committed to elevating the retail experience for ourconsumers through our NxtGen Premium Shoppe ‘Sapphire' and‘Ruby'. These experiential platforms provide a one-stop solutionfor all surfaces in consumers' homes, offering an immersiveenvironment where consumers can view, compare, and feelactual paint finishes, wood coatings & waterproofing solutions,enabling more informed and confident decision-making. Inaddition, trained experts at these outlets offer personalisedcolour consultations and need-based product recommendationsto further enrich the consumer journey
As of FY 2025-26, our retail footprint stood at 150 NerolacNxtGen Shoppe outlets and 250 Shop in Shop outlets acrossthe country strengthening our presence and accessibility
During the year, we further enhanced our market reach byintroducing ‘Paint Zones', a new initiative aimed at increasingvisibility and driving growth for small-sized retailers. As of theend of FY 2025-26, we have reached 250 touchpoints throughPaint Zones.
Our Painter Loyalty Programme, Pragati, remains a key elementof the Company's strategy to enhance engagement within thePainting Contractor segment. The programme emphasisescapability building and skill development among this importantgroup of influencers who play a critical role in the final quality ofproduct application.
During the year, the Company continued to implement multi¬modal training initiatives, combining classroom-based sessionswith training delivered through mobile mini vans. Through theseefforts, over 1,00,000 painters were trained in paint applicationtechniques, thereby strengthening their technical skills andprofessional expertise. The training programmes focusedon decorative, wood, and designer finishes. In addition, theCompany leveraged its existing Shop Meet programmes toupskill its loyal painters while simultaneously creating awarenessof the KNPL range of products and services across key markets.These initiatives contributed to deeper engagement and strongerbrand advocacy within the painter community
Painter engagement is supported by the digital Pragatiapplication. During FY 2025-26, the application was upgraded
to deliver a faster, smoother and more seamless userexperience. The Company also utilised artificial intelligence togenerate insights into painter purchasing behaviour, enablingpersonalised product recommendations aligned with specificrequirements. This approach enhanced the overall painterexperience and supported improved sales outcomes.
At KNPL, we acknowledge the important role architects andinterior designers play in shaping functional and aestheticallycompelling environments. Over the years, we have successfullyengaged with more than 12,000 professionals across India,fostering strong relationships and long-term trust through ourLunch & Learn presentations. To support their creative andtechnical requirements, we offered colour consultancy servicesand ensured seamless integration of our shade palettes into their3D design and rendering software, with AD services availableacross 45 cities.
In addition, we actively participated in prominent industryexhibitions, such as FOAD in Delhi and Mumbai, providing aplatform to showcase our diverse product portfolio, strengthenengagement with the design community and stay alignedwith emerging trends and preferences. Complementing theseinitiatives, a nationwide engagement programme featuring avalue-added incentive further enhanced participation and brandrecall among professionals. Collectively these strategic effortshave significantly strengthened brand awareness and brandequity among architects and interior designers, who continue toserve as key future influencers for the organisation.
During the year, we sustained our positive performance in theWood Coating segment driven by growth in the premium categoryOur strategic collaboration with ICRO Coatings continued tobe a catalyst for success, enabling the introduction of globallyacclaimed products. This has significantly accelerated our marketexpansion in North India and strengthened our competitive edge.
Our neWy launched product, Nerolac Wonderwood RTU - ‘O'series, covers a complete range of finishes, including glossysatin, matt, and dead matt The range offers fast drying, goodscratch resistance, and ready-to-use formulatons.
Our Premium Wood Coatings Contractor Loyalty programmeshave played a pivotal role in deepening engagement wthour contractor community By recognising and celebratingtheir contribution, we are nurturing relationships built on trust,partnership, and shared growth.
With a robust product pipeline, a strengthened partner ecosystem,and rising acceptance of premium wood solutions, the business iswell poised for sustained growth in the coming year.
During the year under review, both Construction Chemicals andWaterproofing businesses demonstrated very strong growth.Significant efforts were undertaken to benchmark and enhanceproducts, enabling the Company to offer a comprehensiveportfolio of construction chemical products aligned with leadingindustry standards.
Key product categories, such as Tile Settng and Admixtures,contributed positively to performance, with both segmentsexperiencing rapid scale-up. In addition, flooring remains acategory with visible activity The Construction Chemicalsbusiness delivered sturdy performance, and focused initiativesare underway to further strengthen the operating structure,enabling profitable and sustainable scalability
Our newy launched product, Nerolac Perma No Damp Super,provides an exterior waterproof coatng for roofs, terraces, andwalls with up to 10°C surface temperature resistance. NerolacPerma R POXY 2K provides high compressive strength, excellentstain resistance, and waterproofing properties.
Projects
This year, KNPL's Projects Business continued to build onits strong growth trajectory Our strategic priorities remainedcentred on strengthening our presence across key customersegments, expanding our geographic reach, and enhancingboth operational and on-ground engagement capabilities, aswe continued to consolidate our position in the Builder (FreshPainting) segment while driving growth in the CHS (Repainting)segment and the Government sector
Employee engagement and capability development remainedkey priorities during the year A focused project sales conferencewas conducted to align teams with strategic objectives, promotecross-functional collaboration and recognise performanceexcellence. The initiative reinforced shared purpose, motvatonand organisational alignment. We also conducted ContractorEngagement Meets across the country bringing togetherover 1,000 of our loyal and influential contractors. Thesemeets deepened our ecosystem relationships, strengthenedpartnerships, encouraged knowledge sharing, and reinforcedKNPL's commitment to supporting contractor growth andcapability building.
We also strengthened our portfolio by expanding the SuperSeries with new products that meet evolving project needs,enhancing our value to builders, contractors, CHS customers,and Government stakeholders.
Together, these initiatives have strengthened our marketpresence and reinforced our commitment to driving sustainedgrowth in the Projects Business. During the year under reviewwe also undertook several marquee projects, including theJharkhand High Court, Vidhan Sabha, and Raipur
The Company continued to emphasise effective, consistentcommunication with customers through targeted marketingcampaigns and media outreach. Social media platforms suchas Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn were actively leveragedto share product information, key initiatives and achievements,thereby enhancing brand visibility and customer engagement
During the year, the iconic Nerolac jingle was reintroducedthrougha high-impact multi-channel media campaign, refreshedto reflect evolving consumer preferences while retaining itsnostalgic appeal. In addition, the Company launched its firstdigital video commercial for NxtGen Painting Services acrossmultiple regional languages.
Additionally, the Company's marketing and media initiativesreceived significant recognition across leading industry forumsduring FY 2025-26. The ‘Dukaan it Yourself campaign, executedduring the Mahakumbh, garnered 26 prestigious awards in FY2025-26, underscoring the creativity effectiveness and impactof the Company's brand-building efforts.
India is witnessing sustained investments in infrastructuredevelopment, which continue to drive demand for industrialpaints. As one of the world's largest automotive markets, thecountry is experiencing strong growth, supported by risingdomestic passenger vehicle consumption andincreasingvehicle exports to international markets.
The industrial paints business caters to a diverse customerbase, including automotive OEMs, auto refinish bodyshops, general industrial manufacturers, and users of highperformance coatings across sectors such as oil & gas,chemical processing, power generation, and infrastructure.
During the year, the Powder Coatings segment recordeddecent growth, primarily led by demand from the AutoAncillary and Furniture segments. The Liquid Coatingsmarket registered strong growth, driven by the growingadoption of high performance coatings designed forspecialised industrial applications.
Technological advancements continued to play a pivotalrole in shaping the industrial paints market, with innovationsin product formulations and application technologies.Our state-of-the-art R&D centre has been instrumentalin strengthening our capabilities and reinforcing ourleadership position in the industry.
As we operate in this dynamic and evolving environment,we remain firmly committed to innovation, quality andoperational excellence, ensuring we can meet the changingrequirements of the industrial coatings market
Building on an already strong foundation in the Automotvesegment the Company further strengthened its marketleadership during the year by gaining market share andreinforcing its positon as a market leader. This performancewas driven by a focused strategy centred on developingtechnologically advanced products and accelerating theadoption of sustainable technologies, closely aligned with therapidly evolving requirements of customers and OEMs.
During the year, our performance in the Passenger Vehiclesegment witnessed healthy growth, while the 2-Wheeler and3-Wheeler segments also witnessed strong growth. In contrastto the previous year, the Commercial Vehicle segment alsodemonstrated a very strong double-digit growth. Furthermore,the Auto Refinish segment also demonstrated good growth,primarily driven by premium products, outlining customers' shifttowards premium offerings.
Overall, the Automotive segment delivered a robust performanceduring the year, supported by broad-based growth acrosskey sub-segments. The Company's focus on innovation,premiumisaton, and sustainable technologies, combined with itsability to respond proactively to evolving customer requirements,has further strengthened its leadership position. With a strongproduct pipeline, deep customer relationships, and sustainedemphasis on technology-led solutions, the Company remainswell-positioned to leverage emerging opportunities and drivelong-term, profitable growth in the Automotive segment
During the year, the Company emphasised targeted initiatives insegments such as alloy wheels, underbody coatings, and seamsealers in the automotive industry.
The Aloy Wheels segment recorded very strong growth duringthe year, reflecting an increasing market share. We aim tosustain this momentum by introducing advanced technologiesaligned with evolving market requirements and by contnuing tofocus on enhancing market share. Additionally, the UnderbodyCoatings segment also delivered good growth, while the SeamSealers segment registered decent progress during the year. Tofurther support our growth in these segments, we are focusingon rapidly increasing our capacity and enhancing our presenceby reaching more customers.
With continued emphasis on advanced technologies and marketexpansion, these segments are well-positioned to supportsustainable growth and enhance long-term value creation.
The Passenger Vehicle segment recorded healthy growthduring the year, driven by increased demand following theimplementation of GST 2.0. This demand was further supportedby the launch of new models and a sustained shift in consumerpreference towards SUVs. In line with evolving customerrequirements, the Company focused on delivering superiorfinishes while advancing its sustainability agenda throughresource-efficient solutions. The Company remains committedto sustainability by offering solutions that promote energyconservation and optimise paint usage, thereby reinforcingits emphasis on technological innovation and operationalefficiency
The Commercial Vehicles and Tractor segment recordedvery strong growth during the financial year. Demand inthe Commercial Vehicles segment was driven primarily byincreased infrastructure-led activity, while tractor demandbenefited from factors such as good harvest seasons and GSTreforms. In response to these market dynamics, the Companyfocused on developing solutions that offer enhanced durability,superior weathering performance, and improved anti-corrosiveproperties to meet the rigorous requirements of this segment
During the year, the Two-wheeler and Three-wheeler segmentsrecorded solid growth, supported by GST-led affordability, lowinterest rates, improved access to financing, and a broadeningproduct portfolio. The rising demand in this segment hasincreased the need for paints and coatings, and the Companyremains committed to meeting this demand to further strengthenits market position. In response to evolving customer needs,the segment witnessed the development of new productstailored to diverse application requirements, with a focuson enhanced functionality and superior finishes, includinghigh-gloss, improved hardness, and anti-corrosive properties.The Company also introduced environmentally friendly solutionsduring the year, emphasising efficient resource utilisation andreduced energy consumption, in line with its sustainabilityobjectives.
Amid the increasing emphasis on environmental sustainabilitythe Electric Vehicle (EV) segment continued to witness significantgrowth across all mobility categories. As a market leader inautomotive coatings, the Company strategically strengthenedits presence in this segment, to maintain a strong market shareand reinforce its leadership position. During the reportngyear, the Company recorded strong growth in the ElectricTwo-wheeler segment, supported by a similar upward trend inElectric Three-wheelers, while the Electric Passenger Vehiclesegment also demonstrated remarkable growth. Leveragingadvanced technologies such as Super Durable Topcoats anda suite of energy-efficient solutions, the Company remainedfocused on effectively addressing the evolving requirements ofthis rapidly expanding market
During FY 2025-26, the Auto Refinish segment delivered decentgrowth, primarily driven by premium products, reflecting a clearshift in customer preference towards higher-value offerings. Wecontinued to strengthen our presence in A class body shops,reinforcing our positioning in the premium end of the marketThe industry-wide transition from solvent-based to water-basedsystems gained further momentum during the year, and weremained well aligned to this trend through our portfolio. Ourcontinued partnerships in the Bus Body segment supportedsteady volumes, while focused training and awareness sessionsenhanced engagement, improving product awareness andadoption.
Product development efforts during the year were centredon high-solids coats that deliver superior gloss, faster dryingcharacteristcs, and improved standability, enabling betterproductvity and finish quality for customers. These initativescollectively supported growth, premiumisation and long-termsustainability of the Auto Refinish business
During FY 2025-26, the Performance Coating division deliveredstrong performance, with positive contributions from all segments.This momentum was supported by an uptick in government-ledinfrastructure development projects, which drove increaseddemand for high-quality, premium-grade coating solutions. Thegeneral industries segment recorded strong growth during theyear, reflecting sustained demand across applications. TheHigh-performance Coatng business experienced good growth,driven by the Premium segment The Powder Coating businessalso achieved decent growth, while the Coil Coating businessdemonstrated a very strong double-digit growth. Overall, thebroad-based growth across sub-segments underscores theresilience and strength of the Performance Coating portfolio.
The Powder Coating segment witnessed decent growth duringthe FY 2025-26, backed by stable demand from Auto Ancillary,Electrical Appliances and Furniture segments. The PowderCoating segment continued to cater to various segments such aswhite goods, rebars, pipe coatings and construction equipment.
During FY 2025-26, we expanded our product portfolio withseveral impactful new launches focused on premium performanceand emerging application needs. Key introductions included lowbake and fast cure powder coatings to enhance productvity andenergy efficiency, super-durable and high scratch resistanceproducts for demanding applications, and heat resistant coatingssuitable for specialised industrial use. We also advanced liquidto powder conversion solutions, particularly for the Two-wheelersegment supportng sustainability and cost efficiency. In additon,new architectural finishes, specialised coatings for alloy wheels,pipelines, and flame resistant applications further strengthenedour position across high-growth and value-added segments.
The Liquid Coating segment in FY 2025-26 demonstrated strongperformance, with all subsegments contributing positively.The High-performance Coatings segment was backed byperformance in Industrial applications and Oil & Gas segment
The General Industries Coating segment was supported by verystrong performance in Construction equipment and Helmets,while segments such as Drums and Barrels and Agriculturalequipment also contributed positively.
During FY 2025-26, the Liquid Coatings segment introduced newproducts offering advanced functional performance, includinghigh-temperature resistance, thermal insulation and enhancedcorrosion protection, with applications spanning locomotivespare parts and consumer durables.
Going forward, we will continue focus on expanding our presencein high performance and infrastructure-led applications,supported by continued innovation in sustainable, value-addedsolutions to drive long-term profitable growth.
Research & Development remains a critical pillar of theCompany's long-term strategy, supporting innovation,competitiveness and sustainable growth across Decorative,Automotive and Industrial coatings. The Company's R&Defforts are focused on developing differentiated products andtechnologies that respond to evolving customer requirements,regulatory standards and environmental considerations.
In the Decorative Coatings segment, R&D initiatives continue toemphasise enhanced performance, durability and applicationefficiency while incorporating features that address changingconsumer preferences. The Automotive Coatings portfolio isfocused on continuous technological advancement to improvecoating performance, process efficiency, and resourceoptimisation, in line with the stringent quality and environmentalnorms of the automotive industry.
Within Industrial coatings, the Company is focused ondeveloping application-specific solutions to meet the diverseand demanding requirements of infrastructure, engineering, andother industrial end-use segments.
Overall, the Company's R&D organisation plays a vital role instrengthening its technology base, driving innovation acrossbusinesses and reinforcing its position as a solutions-orientedcoatings provider.
Over the years, the Company has sustained its technologicalleadership in the Industrial Coatings segment by consistentlyoutpacing competitive benchmarks. A key enabler of thisstrength has been the strategic partnership with Kansai PaintCo., Ltd. (KPJ), a globally recognised leader with extensiveexpertise in technology design and development. Throughclose and continuous collaboration with KPJ, the Company hasdeveloped customised paint and resin formulations tailored tothe specific requirements of the Indian market
Key innovations include the development of tin-free CathodicElectro Deposition (CED) coatings and stoving primers forfour-wheeler body applications, as well as several solutons thatdeliver superior aesthetic appeal and functional performance.KPJ also contributes valuable insights into emerging globalcolour trends and provides robust technical support tocustomers in India, drawing on its international experience andcapabilites.
In addition, the Company collaborates with Kansai Group enttiesworldwide to introduce differentiated technologies across a widerange of end-user segments. This includes industrial coatings,coil coatings, automotve refinish and decorative paints, therebyenhancing value delivery to customers.
Aligned with the Paint strategy, which emphasisesdifferentiated and value-added offerings, the Company's R&Dinitiatives continued to focus on innovation-driven by evolvingcustomer needs. During the year under review the DecorativePaints portfolio was further strengthened with the introduction of15 new products.
In the Interior segment product development efforts focusedon solutions offering extended warranties, smoother, moreaesthetically pleasing finishes, antibacterial properties,enhanced washability, and improved stain resistance. In theExterior segment, innovations focused on algae-resistantcoatings with lower surface temperatures and superior dirtresistance, enhancing performance and durability Some of thekey offerings introduced during the year were Excel Everlast 20,Nerolac Excel Sheen, and Beauty Gold Washable Plus.
These initiatives further strengthen the Company's decorativepaints portfolio and reinforce its commitment to deliveringhigh-performance, differentiated solutions that align withchanging consumer preferences.
During the year under review, we advanced our passengervehicle coatings portfolio by introducing high-impact solutions toenhance aesthetics, performance, and application efficiency Ournew offerings focused on enhancing finishes and functionalitywhile prioritising environmental sustainability
During the year, we also expanded our product portfolio byintroducing several advanced coating solutions, reinforcing ourfocus on innovation and sustainability We developed an Energy-efficient Wet-on-wet System that enables significant energysavings and enhances process efficiency. A Primer has beenengineered to deliver high durability and superior corrosionresistance, meeting the evolving performance requirements ofautomotive applications.
These product introductions underscore our commitment todelivering high-performance, value-driven solutions aligned withindustry needs.
The Two-wheeler and Three-wheeler segments saw thedevelopment of new products designed to meet diverseapplication requirements. These offerings focused on improvedfunctionality and enhanced finishes, delivering attributes such ashigh gloss, increased hardness and superior weatherability.
During the year under review we further strengthened ourproduct portfolio. The Low-Bake Technology enables significantenergy savings while improving overall process efficiency TheAnticorrosive Underbody Protection solution has been developedto provide enhanced corrosion resistance, thereby extendingthe service life. Additionally the High Gloss Clear Coats offerimproved surface hardness and a durable finish, ensuringsuperior aesthetics and long-term performance.
These developments reflect our continued commitment todelivering technologically advanced and value-driven solutionsaligned with evolving industry requirements.
During the year under review, we remained focused onadvancing innovation, sustainability and product performanceby developing coating solutions aligned with evolving customerrequirements, operational efficiency and environmentalconsiderations.
For the Commercial Vehicle segment, we launched several newproducts designed to improve performance and operationalefficiency The Super Low-Bake Colour Coating offers improvedweathering performance and energy-efficient curing, supportingboth durability and sustainability objectives. The Anti-corrosiveSealer for castings has also been developed to deliver superioranticorrosive protection, thereby extending the service life. Inaddition, the Clear Adhesion Promoter ensures strong inter-coatadhesion without impacting the visual appearance, enhancingoverall coating integrity
These product innovations reinforce our commitment to deliveringhigh-quality technologically advanced solutions aligned withcustomer expectations and industry standards.
In the Auto Refinish segment, we are observing a notableshift towards sustainable products, with demand rising forwater-based solutions over traditional solvent-based ones.During the year, we advanced our Auto Refinish Coatingsportfolio by developing high-impact products.
Key developments included cost-effective, high-solid,clear coats delivering superior gloss and clarity as well asfast-drying PU systems offering good gloss. The portfoliowas further strengthened with solutions that offer improvedsandability and easier application, effectively catering to retailrefinish customers.
These innovations reinforce our focus on delivering efficient, highquality solutions in the Auto Refinish segment
During the year, we continued to focus on innovation, operationalefficiency and our presence across diverse applicationsegments by introducing advanced coatng solutions tailored toevolving market needs.
In line with these focus areas, we introduced several newproducts to enhance performance and process efficiency TheLow-Bake One-Shot Matt Powders enable energy-efficient,low-temperature curing while supporting faster throughput TheFusion Bonded Epoxy Topcoat has been developed as a coatingsystem for pipe applicatons. Additionally coatngs designed forfurniture and consumer durables deliver high scratch resistance,ensuring improved durability and long-lasting aesthetics.
These product innovatons underscore our commitment todelivering high-performance, application-specific solutonsthat align with evolving customer requirements and industrystandards.
In FY 2025-26, we contnued to drive innovation and sustainabilitythrough our Liquid Coatings portfolio by developing advancedcoating solutions focused on regulatory compliance, enhancedperformance, and improved safety across diverse applications.
As part of these efforts, the Company introduced a range of newproducts designed to address evolving market and environmentalrequirements. The Highly Flexble RoHS-compliant Coil Coatinghas been engineered to withstand severe forming operationswhile offering strong anti-peeling properties, ensuring durabilityand compliance with global standards. The High-PerformanceOutdoor Coatng System delivers long-term UV resistance alongwith improved gloss retention, maintaining aesthetic appealunder harsh environmental conditions. Additionally the ThermalInsulation Coatng is designed to reduce surface temperatureand enhance touch safety thereby improving user comfort andoperational safety.
These innovatons reaffirm the Company's commitment todelivering high-performance, sustainable, and customer-centriccoating solutions.
The global supply chain environment continues to evolve amidpersistent geopolitical uncertainties, volatility in crude oil prices,foreign exchange fluctuations, and challenges related to importsand logistics. These factors have underscored the importance ofagility and resilience in supply chain management. At KNPL, weperceive such disruptions not merely as risks but as opportunitiesto strengthen our operating model through proactive planning,continuous innovation, and strategic adaptation.
Our supply chain has consistently remained a core componentof our competitive advantage, enabling us to maintain highstandards of quality operational efficiency and dependablecustomer service. The Company operates through an extensivenetwork of nine owned manufacturing facilities, supportedby a supplier base of over 500 key suppliers that provide rawmaterials, components, and services. Finished products aredistributed efficiently across the country through a robustnetwork comprising 112 depots and 8 Regional DistributionCentres (RDCs), ensuring optimal market reach and servicecontinuity
Furthermore, we have implemented an SAP-enabled digitalplatform to advance supplier identification, onboarding anddigitisation of the procurement process. We have also deployeda logistics management system across our operating locationsto digitise and optimise logistics operations.
To strengthen collaboration and engagement with its supplychain partners, the Company conducts an Annual SupplierConference as a key engagement platform. The conferenceenables meaningful interaction wth suppliers, facilitatesnetworking, and provides an opportunity to communicate theCompany’s strategic priorities and future roadmap.
During the financial year, we strengthened supplier engagementby conducting structured training and awareness programmes toalign supply chain partners with our sustainability expectations.This training was focused on the Supplier Code of Conduct andBRSR principles, covering social responsibility, environmentalstewardship and ethical conduct. During the year, 100 suppliers were assessed using the ESG Self-Assessment toevaluate practices in environmental management, energy andemissions, water and waste management occupational healthand safety, human rights, and governance standards. Theseinitiatives undertaken during the year reinforce responsiblesourcing and support the integration of sustainable practicesacross the supply chain.
We also recognise the importance of inclusive growth among allour stakeholders. During F Y 2025-26, approximately 22% of ourinput materials were sourced from MSMEs, supporting inclusive
growth initiatives. Additionally to promote local sourcing, 77% ofour input materials were sourced in India.
Overall, our supply chain strategy remains firmly focused onbuilding resilience, enhancing digital capabilities, fosteringresponsible sourcing, and strengthening long-term partnershipsacross the value chain. By combining operational excellence,sustainability integration, inclusive growth, and continuousengagement with our suppliers, we are well positioned tonavigate external uncertainties, enhance stakeholder value, andsupport the Company's long-term growth and competitiveness.
KNPL continues to enhance its digital capabilities as a keyenabler of operational efficiency scalability and stakeholderengagement. During the year, we successfully completedour transition to SAP S/4HANA establishing a robust andfuture ready digital foundation. Our digitally enabled platformsfacilitate seamless engagement with key stakeholders, includingpainters, dealers, architects, interior designers, and salesteams, enhancing service delivery and generating actionableinsights. In addition, we have an employee portal that supportsorganisation-wide learning, communication, engagement, andrecognition.
Alongside digital transformation, the Company emphasisescybersecurity and information security governance.Comprehensive security measures, controls, and monitoringmechanisms have been implemented to protect digital assets,safeguard stakeholder data, ensure system integrity, andsupport business continuity amid increasing cyber risks.Additionally, we have made cybersecurity training mandatory
for all employees within the organisation. We also regularlycommunicate cybersecurity awareness tips to all our employees.
In parallel, the Company has initiated efforts to build basic Acapabilities to improve employee productivity and promotesmarter ways of working. Structured training programmesare being conducted to build foundational A awareness andskills. Going forward, KNPL will continue to evaluate selectiveA-led opportunities with a focus on operational efficiency andmeasurable benefits.
Through sustained investments in digital platforms, cybersecurityand emerging technologies, the Company remains committed tobuilding a resilient, trusted, and future-ready organisation.
At KNPL, our people remain at the heart of our growth andtransformation. Life at KNPL is defined by pride, belonging, andpurpose: qualities that inspire every NEROLITE to bring theirbest selves to work. This year, we rolled out our Employee ValueProposition, ‘Where your passion takes colour', reflectingour belief that our people's passion is at the heart of everythingwe do.
As of FY 2025-26, KNPL is powered by 3,804 dedicatedNEROLITEs, who proudly embody this ethos in all they do. Weremain committed to their holistic development consistentlytranslating this promise into meaningful actions. By prioritisinghealth, safety and overall well-being, and fostering a diverse,equitable, and inclusive environment, we ensure that individualsfrom all backgrounds feel respected, valued, and empoweredto thrive.
Employee well-being continues to be a cornerstone of our peoplestrategy Recognising that our employees are fundamentalto organisational success, we have strengthened wellnessinitiatives to support both physical and mental health.
The Advantage Club App serves as a comprehensiveplatform offering resources, activities, and support for holisticwell-being. Wellness Wednesday Sessions build awareness oncritical themes such as mental health, emotional intelligence,productivity, and work-life balance. Our monthly newslettershowcases stories from NEROLITEs about their personaljourneys towards healthier lifestyles in our ‘Wellness Club'column.
These efforts underscore our commitment to creating asupportive workplace where employees feel encouraged,empowered, and inspired to perform at their best.
Capability building continued to be a key focus area, withemphasis on strengthening skills, leadership capability andlearning agility across the organisation. During the year, theCompany implemented a range of targeted learning initiativescovering professional readiness, sales excellence, productand application knowledge, digital enablement, ESG andrisk awareness, business communication and leadershipdevelopment. These structured programmes supportedcontinuous learning, enhanced workforce effectiveness andenabled the organisation to respond effectively to evolvingbusiness and market needs. We also launched Shiksha Producttraining for employees covering product features, advantagesand benchmarking. Additionally, the newly launched ‘20-20with Nerolac’ learning series is designed to create awarenessof initiatives in the decorative function and product categories,helping employees to connect and close knowledge gaps.
Employee
Connect
Building strong and meaningful connections with employeesremains a priority, fostered through a wide range of engagementand communication initiatives that nurture a participative andcollaborative culture.
The Titan Recognition Programme allows employees tocelebrate each other's achievements and contributions,reinforcing a culture of appreciation. During the year, wealso introduced the Annual Excellence Awards to recogniseoutstanding individual and team contributions, celebratingsustained performance, innovation, collaboration, and alignmentwth organisational values, thereby reinforcing a merit-based,high-performance culture.
The Life@Nerolac platform further strengthens communityspirit by enabling employees to share ideas, updates, andaccomplishments. Transparent, two-way communication isencouraged through forums such as the HR Connects, ReachProgramme, Works Manager Address sessions, and theAnnual Learning Conference. In addition, cultural and festivecelebrations across Plants, the Head Office, R&D centres, anddepots bring the KNPL family together, creating a vibrant andinclusive workplace atmosphere.
We also have the Women's Impact Network (WIN), an employeeresource group that fosters an inclusive environment for womento thrive professionally and personally In addition, the WTWEngagement Survey provides valuable insights into employeesentiment, enabling KNPL to continuously enhance workplacepractices and strengthen trust.
Through these thoughtfully curated programmes, we reinforceour dedication to building an engaging, inclusive, andpeople-centric workplace where every employee feels valuedand connected.
KNPL emphasises building and nurturing young professionalsas key enablers of long-term growth. Its talent acquisitionapproach is aligned with organisational objectives andsupported by digitised, transparent hiring processes thatenhance efficiency and candidate experience. Fresh talentis sourced through structured campus collaborations andinternship programmes, while Graduate Engineer Traineeand Management Trainee initiatives provide early-careerprofessionals with cross-functional exposure and developmentopportunities. The Gurukul Programme offers summer trainingopportunities, while the Aarambh Campus Programme facilitatesthe seamless transition of trainees into full-fledged Nerolites.These efforts reinforce a strong talent pipeline, promote internalcapability building and foster a diverse, inclusive and futureready workforce.
The Company continues to actively harness ideas generatedthrough its innovation initiatives, with a strong focus duringthe year on disciplined implementation and benefit tracking.Identified ideas were systematically monitored for progressand outcomes, ensuring that innovation efforts translatedinto measurable business impact while fostering a cultureof accountability, continuous improvement and value-driveninnovation.
In addition, inventory control emerged as a key theme during theyear. Employee-led ideas under this focus area were carefullyevaluated, and selected ideas were implemented. Thus,contributing to improved efficiency and a strengthened cashconversion cycle.
At KNPL, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is not merelya statutory obligation, but an integral part of our businessphilosophy We firmly believe that responsible conduct andmeaningful social contribution are central to sustainable valuecreation, enabling us to act as a catalyst for positive change inthe communities we serve. Our focused and sustained socialinterventions reflect our commitment to inclusive growth andresponsible citizenship and align closely with the United NationsSustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). During FY 2025-26,KNPL continued to advance its CSR journey through impactfulprogrammes spanning livelihood and skill development,preventive healthcare and sanitation, education promotion,environmental sustainability, and rural and communitydevelopment. Through these initiatives, the Company positivelytouched the lives of over 1,00,000 beneficiaries, reinforcingits commitment to long-term social development and sharedprosperity
Under its CSR initiatives, one of the innovative projects undertakenby KNPL is Project Swayam, a seven-month capacity-buildingprogramme aimed at empowering rural women entrepreneurs inChiplun. The initiative supported 25 women through a structured15-session curriculum focused on business skills, digital literacyfinancial awareness, and branding, enabling them to transitioninto entrepreneurship. The programme delivered tangibleoutcomes, including rapid adoption of digital payment platformssuch as UPI and WhatsApp Business, and facilitated accessto institutional finance, wth one participant securing a CMEGPloan of ' 8 Lakhs. To ensure long-term impact, the project hasinstitutionalised a women-led consortium and peer-mentorshipframework, fostering a self-sustaining ecosystem for rurallivelihoods and economic empowerment
Overall, KNPL's CSR initiatives reflect a long-term commitmentto inclusive development and community empowerment.By creating scalable and sustainable models, the Companycontinues to contribute meaningfully to social progress whilestrengthening the foundations for resilient and self-reliantcommunites.
At KNPL, the identification and prioritisation of material issuesform a critical part of our sustainability and value creationframework. Material issues are matters that significantlyinfluence the Company's ability to create long-term value for itsstakeholders and are considered critical due to their potentialimpact on business sustainability, social responsibility, andstakeholder relationships.
By systematically recognising and addressing these materialissues, the Company seeks to proactively manage risks andopportunities, enhance organisational resilience, and reinforceits commitment to sustainable and responsible value creation.Based on this assessment KNPL has identified five key materialissues, namely:: Decarbonisation, Resource Use, Quality of Life,Diversity and Governance.
For FY 2026-27, the outlook for the Indian paints and coatingsindustry remains positive, supported by structural growthdrivers. Continuedinvestmentsininfrastructure across railways,roads, airports, power, and urban development are expected tosustain demand for industrial and performance coatings. Also,the automotive sector is likely to maintain healthy momentum.
In the Decorative Paints segment, demand is expected toimprove wth a more normalised monsoon cycle, steady ruralconsumption, and a gradual recovery in urban demand. Risingdisposable incomes, ongoing premiumisaton, and increasingconsumer preference for eco-friendly and value-added productsare anticipated to further support growth. Government initiatives,such as housing and urban development programmes, are alsoexpected to provide an impetus to demand.
While the industry may continue to face near-term challengesfrom raw material price volatility, currency movements, andan increasingly competitive landscape, we aim to mitigatethese risks through product innovation, premium offerings,digitalisation, and a sustained focus on sustainability Overall,the paint industry is well positioned to deliver steady sustainablegrowth in the coming year, supported by resilient demand drivers,infrastructure expansion, and evolving customer preferences.
Our internal control systems are designed to monitor andmanage our day-to-day operations efficiently. These systemsensure compliance wth numerous concepts, regulations, andnorms, adhering to methodology requirements. To enhanceour internal control mechanisms, we have implementedan Internal Financial Control system in compliance with theprovisions of Section 134(5)(e) of The Companies Act, 2013.This system provides the Board of Directors with additionaloversight capabilities. The implementation of these systemsfollows the framework outlined in the Guidance Note onAudit of Internal Financial Controls in Financial Reporting,issued by The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, toaddress KNPL’s operational and financial risks. Moreover,our systems undergo testing by statutory auditors usingautomated technigues.
The CEI and RCI remain integral to the Company's strategy forassessing internal audit effectiveness. We measure our controlmechanisms against industry benchmarks to maintain efficientoperations. Our internal audit programme focuses on identifyinggaps in control and policy design, control and process deviations,IT systems, and regulatory compliance. Additionally our internalaudit programme evaluates opportunities to automate controlprocesses, and we leverage audit findings to enhance theCompany's internal controls.
KNPL has developed a dashboard to monitor key legislativechanges notified by various government authorities, whichare then tracked by the Management for requirements andimplementation. The Company tracks and ensures regulatorycompliance online through the Legatrix system. The systemis updated regularly to reflect all compliance changes as theyoccur. The online tracking and tracing of completion help ensurestrict adherence to regulations. In addition, the Company tracksany legal cases through the Roznama System.
Statements in the Management Discussion and Analysis sectionof this report describing the Company's objectives, estimates,and expectations may be ‘forward-looking statements' withinthe meaning of the applicable laws and regulations. The actualresults might differ materially from those either expressed orimplied.
Awards andRecognition
Sustainability -
Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP)
Rated ‘B' in both Climate Change and Water Security in the CDP 2025 Cycle
Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI)
Ranked within the top 12 percentile in the Chemical Industry Group in theS&P Global Large-Midcap ESG Index 2025
EcoVadis
Awarded the Bronze Medal in the EcoVadis Assessment 2026, ranking among the top18% of companies assessed
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
The Sayakha Plant team received the Gold Award at the CII National ExcellencePractice Competition for presenting the Fresh Water Reduction Green Initiative
Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission
The Hosur Plant received the Corporate Biodiversity Award for contribution towardsbiodiversity conservation under the ‘Biodiversity Inside the Campus' category
Customers -
Toyota Kirloskar Motors Private Limited
Awarded the Best Raw Material Supplier Award by Toyota Kirloskar Motors Private Limited forFY 2025-26
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India
Received the Excellence Award in the Paint Category from Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India
TAFE
Awarded the Best Supplier Award by TAFE in recognition of outstanding delivery performance
Wheels India Limited
The Hosur Plant team received the Gold Award at the 11th Supplier Kaizen Competitionhosted by Wheels India Limited
CIE
Recognised by CIE Automotive India Ltd. at the 4th CIE India Suppliers Conference for excellence in ESG initiatives
India Manufacturing Excellence Award (IMEA)
The Jainpur Plant received the Platinum Award for Future Ready Factory of theYear at the Frost & Sullivan India Manufacturing Excellence Awards (IMEA) 2025
The Hosur Plant received the Gold Award for ‘Best Organisation in Overall EHS Practices' at the 7th CII NationalEHS Competition 2026
The Bawal Plant received the Gold Award at the 21st CII National 3M Competition for its case study on MudaElimination
The Sayakha Plant received the Platinum Award at the 3rd National 5S Competition organised by CII
The Sayakha Plant received the Gold Award in the Renewable Energy and Energy Saving category at the CIINational Excellence Competition
The Sayakha Plant received the Gold Award at the 8th CII IQ National Safety Practice CompetitionThe Lote Plant received the Gold Award at the National Maintenance Circle Competition organised by CII
Quality Circle Forum of India (QCFI)
The Bawal Plant received two Gold Awards in the Kaizen category for Quality Improvement and ProductivityImprovement projects from the Quality Circle Forum of India, Delhi Chapter
The Hosur Plant received the Gold Award in the Alied Concepts category at the 10th Chapter Convention onQuality Concepts (CCQC)
The Sayakha Plant received the Gold Award at the 13th Annual Convention for Quality Concepts for its case studyon Productivity and Skill Enhancement
Earned 26 Awards across multiple prestigious platforms for the ‘Dukaan it Yourselfcampaign executed during the Mahakumbh
Goafest
Received 12 awards at Goafest, comprising 1 Grand Prix, 3 Gold, 2 Silver and 6 Bronze awards
Kyoorius Creative Awards 2025
Received 7 Baby Blue Elephant awards
Dragons of Asia
Received 6 awards at the Dragons of Asia Marketing Awards, including the Gold Dragon for Business-to-businessMarketing, the Silver Dragon for Market Discipline and 4 Black Dragon awards
As stipulated under the provisions contained inSection 134(3)(c) read with Section 134(5) of theCompanies Act, 2013 (“the Act”), the Board of Directors tothe best of its knowledge and belief and according to theinformation and explanations obtained by it, hereby state that:
i. in the preparation of the annual accounts, theapplicable accounting standards have been followedand there are no material departures;
ii. t he directors have selected such accounting policiesand applied them consistently and made judgmentsand estimates that are reasonable and prudent so asto give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of theCompany at the end of the financial year and of theprofit of the Company for that period;
iii. the directors have taken proper and sufficient carefor the maintenance of adequate accounting recordsin accordance with the provisions of the Act, forsafeguarding the assets of the Company and forpreventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
iv. t he directors have prepared the annual accounts ofthe Company on a going concern basis;
v. the directors have laid down internal financial controlsto be followed by the Company and that such internalfinancial controls are adequate and are operatingeffectively; and
vi. the directors have devised proper systems to ensurecompliance with the provisions of all applicable lawsand that such systems are adequate and operatingeffectively.
During the financial year ended 31st March, 2026:
1. the Company has completed the Brownfieldmanufacturing project at Jainpur Plant and theproduction of Water Based Paint has commenced;
2. the captive offsite Solar power plant project for LotePlant has been completed;
3. a second Captive Wind Turbine in Gujarat, forSayakha Plant has been completed;
4. the capacity enhancement of industrial Alkyd andPolyester Resin at Sayakha Plant and of Acrylic Resinat Bawal Plant, to meet the increased automotivepaint demand, are progressing well;
5. the automotive paint capacity addition project at SayakhaPlant, to meet the future demand of Original EquipmentManufacturers (OEMs), is progressing well; and
6. the offsite Solar power plant project for Bawal Plant, tooptimise the power cost, is progressing well.
In terms of the provisions of the Act and the Articles ofAssociation of the Company, Mr. Takashi Tomioka (holdingDirector Identification Number 08736654), Non-ExecutiveDirector, is liable to retire by rotation at the ensuing AGMof the Company and being eligible, offers himself forre-appointment.
Mr. Pravin D. Chaudhari (holding Director IdentificationNumber 02171823) has been appointed as theManaging Director of the Company for a term of 3 (three)years commencing from 1st April, 2025 up to and ending on31st March, 2028 (both days inclusive). The approval of theShareholders of the Company and the Central Governmentfor the appointment of Mr. Chaudhari as the ManagingDirector of the Company have been received.
Mr. Gen Yokota (holding Director Identification Number11084786) had been appointed as a Non-ExecutiveDirector of the Company with effect from 6th May, 2025. TheShareholders approved his appointment at the 105th AGMof the Company held on 30th June, 2025.
Mr. Hitoshi Nishibayashi (holding Director IdentificationNumber 03169150), Non-Executive Director, liable to retireby rotation at the 105th Annual General Meeting (“AGM”)of the Company did not seek re-appointment due to healthreasons. He retired as a Non-Executive Director of theCompany on 30th June, 2025. The Board placed on record itssincere appreciation and gratitude for the services renderedby Mr. Nishibayashi during his association with the Company.Mr. Hirokazu Kotera (holding Director Identification Number10707431) has resigned as the Executive Director of theCompany, on the directions of the Promoter Company,Kansai Paint Co., Ltd., Japan (“KPJ”), which had nominatedMr. Kotera as a Director on the Board of the Company.The Board placed on record its sincere appreciation andgratitude for the services rendered by Mr. Kotera during hisassociation with the Company.
For the period from 1st April, 2025 to 31st March, 2026,Mr. Chaudhari and Mr. Kotera received a remuneration of? 96.50 Lakhs and ? 92.18 Lakhs respectively, from KPJ fortheir association with KPJ.
None of the Directors of the Company are disqualified as on31st March, 2026 from being appointed as a Director underSection 164 of the Act.
All the Independent Directors on the Board have givena declaration of their independence to the Companyas required under Section 149(6) of the Act andRegulation 16(1)(b) of the Securities and Exchange Boardof India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements)Regulations, 2015 (“SEBI Listing Regulations”). In theopinion of the Board, all the Independent Directors possessintegrity, relevant expertise and experience includingproficiency required to be an Independent Director of theCompany. They fulfill the conditions of independence asspecified in the Act and SEBI Listing Regulations, comply withthe Code for Independent Directors as prescribed in ScheduleIV of the Act and are independent of the Management.
The Company has a Code of Conduct for Directors andSenior Management. All the Directors and members of SeniorManagement have confirmed compliance with the Code.Details with respect to the composition of the Board,the meetings of the Board held during the year and theattendance of the Directors thereat have been providedseparately in the Annual Report, as a part of the Report onCorporate Governance.
Mr. P. D. Pai, Chief Financial Officer, retired from theservices of the Company with effect from the close ofbusiness on 31st July, 2025. The Board placed on recordits sincere appreciation and gratitude for the valuablecontribution made by Mr. Pai, during his association withthe Company.
The Board of Directors of the Company, on recommendationof the Audit Committee and Nomination and RemunerationCommittee, has appointed Mr. Yash Ahuja as theChief Financial Officer of the Company with effect from1st August, 2025.
In terms of Section 203 of the Act, the Company has thefollowing Key Managerial Personnel: Mr. Pravin D. Chaudhari,Managing Director, Mr. Yash Ahuja, Chief Financial Officerand Mr. G. T Govindarajan, Company Secretary.
The Board met 10 (ten) times during the financial yearended 31st March, 2026. The meeting details are providedseparately in the Annual Report, as a part of the Report onCorporate Governance. The maximum time gap betweenany two meetings did not exceed 120 days, as prescribed inthe Act and SEBI Listing Regulations.
In terms of the applicable provisions of the Act andSEBI Listing Regulations, the Nomination and RemunerationCommittee and Board of Directors have approved aframework which lays down a structured approach,guidelines and processes to be adopted for carrying outevaluation of the performance of the Directors, the Board asa whole and its Committees. The criteria are broadly basedon the Guidance Note on Board Evaluation, issued by theSecurities and Exchange Board of India.
Detailed questionnaires covering various parametersrelevant for the evaluation are circulated to the Directors.The feedback received from the Directors is discussed atthe meetings of Independent Directors, Nomination andRemuneration Committee and Board.
For the year under review, the Board carried out theevaluation of its own performance, its Committees andindividual Directors. Evaluation results as collated andpresented, were noted by the Independent Directors,Nomination and Remuneration Committee and Board.
The details with regard to the composition of theCommittees of the Board and the number of meetings heldduring the year of the Committees, as required under theSEBI Listing Regulations, is separately provided in the AnnualReport, as part of the Report on Corporate Governance.
In terms of the provisions of Regulation 18 of theSEBI Listing Regulations read with Section 177 of the Act,the constitution of Audit Committee as on 31st March, 2026is as follows:
Name of the Member
Designation
Mr. Uday S. Bhansali(Chairman of theAudit Committee)
Independent Director
Ms. Sonia Singh
Mr. Bhaskar Bhat
Chairman and Independent Director
The recommendations made by the Audit Committee to theBoard, from time to time during the year under review, havebeen accepted by the Board. Other details with respect tothe Audit Committee such as its terms of reference, meetingsand attendance thereat are separately provided in the AnnualReport, as a part of the Report on Corporate Governance.
In terms of Section 135 of the Act, the constitution of theCorporate Social Responsibility (“CSR”) Committee as on31st March, 2026 is as follows:
Ms. Sonia Singh(Chairperson of theCSR Committee)
Mr. Pravin D.Chaudhari*
Managing Director
* Mr. Pravin D. Chaudhari has been appointed as a member of theCSR Committee with effect from 1st April, 2025.
The functions of the CSR Committee are to:
(a) formulate and recommend to the Board, a CSR Policywhich shall indicate the activities to be undertakenby the Company in areas or subject, specified inSchedule VII of the Act;
(b) recommend the amount of expenditure to be incurredon the activities referred to in clause (a); and
(c) monitor the CSR Policy of the Company from timeto time.
During the financial year ended 31st March 2026, 2 (two)meetings of CSR Committee were held on25th November, 2025 and 26th March, 2026 which wereattended by all members of the Committee.
The Board on recommendation of the CSR Committeehas framed a CSR Policy and the same is available onthe website of the Company athttps://www.nerolac.com/investors/policies.html.
The Company had appointed Soulace Consulting Pvt.Ltd. to undertake impact assessment for its CSR program- Advanced Open Training for Painters. The CSR ImpactAssessment Report is available on the Company's websiteat https://www.nerolac.com/investors/financial-results.html.The Annual Report on CSR activities as required underCompanies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules,2014, as amended, including a brief outline of the Company'sCSR Policy and executive summary of CSR ImpactAssessment Report, is annexed to this Report as Annexure 1.
The Company has identified the risk areas in its operationsalong with its probability and severity, department wise.An effective Risk Management Framework is put in placein the Company in order to analyse, control and mitigaterisk. Risk profiling is also put in place for all the areas ofoperations in the Company and are well integrated in thebusiness cycle. The various risks to which the Company isexposed are disclosed as a part of Management Discussionand Analysis, hereinabove.
The Risk Management Framework of the Company comprisesof Risk Management Committee and the Risk Officer.
In terms of the provisions of Regulation 21 of the SEBIListing Regulations, the constitution of Risk ManagementCommittee as on 31st March, 2026 is as follows:
Ms. Sonia Singh(Chairperson of theRisk ManagementCommittee)
Mr. Hirokazu Kotera*
Executive Director
Mr. Uday S. Bhansali
Mr. Pravin D.Chaudhari®
Mr. Jason Gonsalves
Non-board member on theCommittee
Mr. Yash Ahuja#
Chief Risk Officer and Non-boardmember on the Committee
* Mr. Hirokazu Kotera ceased to be a member of the RiskManagement Committee consequent to his resignation from theservices of the Company with effect from the close of business on31st March, 2026.
@ Mr. Pravin D. Chaudhari has been appointed as a Member ofthe Risk Management Committee with effect from 1st April, 2025.
# Mr. Yash Ahuja has been appointed as a member and ChiefRisk Officer of the Risk Management Committee with effect from1st August, 2025.
Mr. P D. Pai ceased to be a member and Chief Risk Officerof the Risk Management Committee consequent to hisretirement at the close of business on 31st July, 2025.
The Board of Directors has adopted a policy which deals with
(i) criteria for determining qualifications, positive attributes
and independence of Director and (ii) remuneration for
Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and other employees
(“Remuneration Policy”).
The features of the Remuneration Policy are as follows:
• The Company, while constituting the Board shalldraw members with appropriate skills, experienceand knowledge from diverse fields such as finance,law, management, sales, marketing, architecture,administration, research, corporate governance,operations or other disciplines related to the Company'sbusiness. There shall be no discrimination on thebasis of gender, race, ethnicity and nationality whiledetermining the board composition.
• A Director shall be a person of integrity, who possessesrelevant expertise and experience. He shall uphold ethicalstandards of integrity and probity and act objectivelyand constructively. He shall exercise his responsibilitiesin a bona-fide manner in the interest of the Company;devote sufficient time and attention to his professionalobligations for informed and balanced decision making;and assist the Company in implementing the bestcorporate governance practices.
• An Independent Director should meet the requirementsof the Act and SEBI Listing Regulations, concerningindependence of directors. The Company shallalso obtain certification of independence from theIndependent Director in accordance with the Act andSEBI Listing Regulations.
• The remuneration paid to Whole-time Directors issubject to the limits laid down under Section 197 andSchedule V to the Act and in accordance with theterms of appointment approved by the Shareholdersof the Company. The remuneration of the Whole-timeDirectors is determined by the Nomination andRemuneration Committee based on factors such as theCompany's performance and performance/track recordof the Whole-time Directors. The remuneration consistsof Salary, Commission, Company's contribution toProvident Fund and Superannuation Fund, House RentAllowance (HRA), Leave Travel Allowance (LTA) andother perquisites and allowances in accordance withthe rules of the Company, applicable from time to time.
• The Non-Executive Independent Directors are paidcommission within the ceiling of 1% of net profits of theCompany as specified in Section 197 of the Act. Thecommission payable to Non-Executive IndependentDirectors is decided by the Board, on recommendationof the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, basedon a number of factors including number of Board andCommittee meetings attended, individual contributionthereat etc. The Non-Executive Independent Directors
are also paid sitting fees for attending the meetings of theBoard or Committee thereof within the limits prescribedunder the Act.
• The objective of the policy is to have a compensationframework that will reward and retain talent.
• The remuneration will be such as to ensure that thecorrelation of remuneration to performance is clear andmeets appropriate performance benchmarks.
• Remuneration to Key Managerial Personnel, SeniorManagement and other employees will involve a balancebetween fixed and variable pay reflecting short and longterm performance objectives of the employees in linewith the working of the Company and its goals.
• The short and long term performance objectivescover amongst various aspects industry performance,customer performance, overall economic environment,financial performance and performance on Environment,Social and Governance objectives.
• For Directors, the Performance Pay will be linkedto achievement of Business Plan (achievement ofshort-term and long-term business objective).
• For Heads of Department, the Performance Pay will belinked to achievement of functional plan which is derivedfrom the business plan. The functional plan includesboth, short-term and long-term objectives.
• For other management personnel, the Performance Paywill be linked to achievement of individual set objectivesand part of this will also be linked to overall Companyperformance.
The Remuneration Policy is also available on the website of theCompany athttps://www.nerolac.com/investors/policies.html.
The Company, pursuant to Section 177(9) of the Act andRegulation 22 of the SEBI Listing Regulations, has aWhistle Blower Policy to report genuine concerns andgrievances. The Policy provides adequate safeguardsagainst victimisation of persons who use the whistle blowermechanism. The Policy also provides for direct access tothe Chairman of the Audit Committee.
Details with respect to implementation of vigil mechanismare separately disclosed in the Annual Report, as a part ofthe Report on Corporate Governance. The Whistle BlowerPolicy is also available on the website of the Company athttps://www.nerolac.com/investors/policies.html.
The Dividend Distribution Policy of the Company has beenformulated to ensure compliance with the provisions ofRegulation 43A of the SEBI Listing Regulations. The DividendDistribution Policy is also available on the website of theCompany athttps://www.nerolac.com/investors/policies.html.The declaration of dividend by the Company is in compliancewith its Dividend Distribution Policy.
In line with the provisions of the Sexual Harassmentof Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition andRedressal) Act, 2013 (“POSH Act”), the Company hasadopted a Policy on Appropriate Social Conduct atWorkplace. The Policy is applicable to all employees andnon-employees including business associates, vendors,trainees etc.
The Company has complied with the provisions relating tothe constitution of Internal Complaints Committee underthe POSH Act to redress complaints received on sexualharassment as well as other forms of verbal, physical, writtenor visual harassment.
During the year under review, two complaints of sexualharassment were received and resolved as per the provisionsof the POSH Act. There was no case which was pending formore than 90 (ninety) days.
The Company has in place a Policy on dealing withRelated Party Transactions and on Materiality of RelatedParty Transactions which is available on the websiteof the Company athttps://www.nerolac.com/investors/policies.html. The Audit Committee reviews this Policyperiodically as required under Regulation 23 of the SEBIListing Regulations. In terms of the Policy, a statement insummary form of transactions with related parties in theordinary course of business and on arm's length basis isalso periodically placed before the Audit Committee for itsreview. Omnibus approval was obtained for the proposedrelated party transactions which were repetitive in nature.Transactions entered into pursuant to omnibus approvalwere placed before the Audit Committee for its reviewduring the year.
Related party transactions entered during financial year2025-26 have been disclosed in Note no. 39 to the StandaloneFinancial Statements.
In terms of the provisions of Section 188(1) of theAct read with the Companies (Meetings of Board andits Powers) Rules, 2014 and Regulation 23 of theSEBI Listing Regulations, all related party transactions thatwere entered into, during the year under review, were inthe ordinary course of business of the Company and onarm's length basis.
There were no material related party transactions duringthe financial year 2025-26. Accordingly, Form AOC-2,prescribed under the provisions of Section 134(3)(h) of theAct and Rule 8 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014,for disclosure of details of related party transactions, whichare “not at arm's length basis” and also which are “materialand at arm's length basis”, is not provided as an annexureto this Report as it is not applicable.
17. Particulars of Loans, Guarantees orInvestments under Section 186 of the Act
Details of Loans, Guarantees and Investments coveredunder the provisions of Section 186 of the Act, are separatelydisclosed in the Annual Report, as a part of the Notes to theFinancial Statements.
18. Particulars regarding EmployeesRemuneration
Disclosure comprising particulars with respect to theremuneration of directors and employees, as required tobe disclosed in terms of the provisions of Section 197(12)of the Act and Rule 5 of the Companies (Appointment andRemuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, isannexed to this Report as Annexure 2.
19. Conservation of Energy, TechnologyAbsorption and Foreign Exchange earningsand outgo
The statement giving the particulars relating to conservationof energy, technology absorption and foreign exchangeearnings and outgo, as required in terms of Section 134(3)(m)of the Act read with Rule 8(3) of the Companies (Accounts)Rules, 2014, is annexed to this Report as Annexure 3.
20. Corporate Governance
The Company is in full compliance with the requirementsand disclosures that have to be made in terms of therequirements of Corporate Governance specified in theSEBI Listing Regulations.
In terms of the provisions of Schedule V(C) of theSEBI Listing Regulations, a detailed Report on CorporateGovernance forms part of the Annual Report. Further, aCertificate from the Statutory Auditors of the Companyconfirming compliance with the requirements ofCorporate Governance as specified in the SEBI ListingRegulations is provided together with the Report onCorporate Governance, the same shall be considered to bean annexure to this Report.
21. Business Responsibility and SustainabilityReport
The Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report asrequired in terms of the provisions of Regulation 34(2)(f) ofthe SEBI Listing Regulations, separately forms part of theAnnual Report.
22. Share Capital
The paid-up Equity Share Capital as at 31st March, 2026stood at ? 80.87 Crores.
During the year under review, the Company allotted2,13,393 Equity Shares of ? 1 each pursuant to exerciseof Restricted Stock Units granted under the Kansai NerolacPaints Limited - Restricted Stock Unit Plan, 2022.
During the year under review, the Company has not issuedany convertible securities or shares with differential votingrights or sweat equity shares or warrants.
23. Restricted Stock Unit Plan
The Company introduced the Kansai Nerolac Paints Limited- Restricted Stock Unit Plan 2022 (“RSU Plan 2022”) in termsof the approval of the Shareholders vide Postal Ballot on25th October, 2022, to attract, retain, motivate its employeesand improve performance of the Company for ensuringsustained growth.
During the financial year 2025-26, there has been nochange in the RSU Plan 2022. The RSU Plan 2022 isavailable on the Company's website athttps://www.nerolac.com/investors/restricted-stock-units.html.
Information as required under the Securities and ExchangeBoard of India (Share Based Employee Benefits and SweatEquity) Regulations, 2021 (“SEBI SBEB & SE Regulations”)2021 has been uploaded on the Company's website athttps://www.nerolac.com/investors/financial-results.htmland is annexed to this Report as Annexure 4.
The certificate from the Secretarial Auditor, certifying thatthe RSU Plan 2022 has been implemented in accordancewith SEBI SBEB & SE Regulations and in accordancewith the Special Resolution passed by the Members ofthe Company through Postal Ballot on 25th October, 2022and 15th June, 2023 will be available for inspection of theShareholders through electronic mode. Shareholders maywrite to the Company atagm@nerolac.com in that regard,by mentioning “Request for Inspection” in the subject ofthe e-mail.
24. Details of Unclaimed Suspense Account
Details pertaining to Unclaimed Suspense Account of theCompany are separately provided in the Annual Report, aspart of the Report on Corporate Governance.
25. Investor Education and Protection Fund(“IEPF”)
During the year under review, dividend amounting to? 31.93 Lakhs that had not been claimed by the Shareholdersfor the year ended 31st March, 2018, was transferred to thecredit of IEPF as required under Sections 124 and 125 of the Act.
The IEPF Authority had requested companies to carryout a special outreach campaign “Saksham Niveshak”from 28th July, 2025 to 6th November, 2025 and from1st April, 2026 to 9th July, 2026, to reach out to shareholderswhose dividend remain unpaid/unclaimed. The Companyencourages its Shareholders to claim their unclaimeddividends by updating their KYC details (viz., PAN, Bankaccount details, contact details, choice of nomination,specimen signature).
As on 31st March, 2026, dividend amounting to f 2.41 Croreshas not been claimed by Shareholders of the Company.Shareholders are required to lodge their claims with theRegistrar and Share Transfer Agents of the Company i.e.MUFG Intime India Private Limited, for unclaimed dividend.Pursuant to the provisions of Investor Education andProtection Fund Authority (Accounting, Audit, Transfer andRefund) Rules, 2016 (as amended), the Company hasuploaded the details of unpaid and unclaimed amounts lyingwith the Company as on 31st March, 2025, on the website of theCompany athttps://www.nerolac.com/financial/shareholders.html.
As required under Section 124 of the Act, 65,365 EquityShares, in respect of which dividend has not been claimedby the Shareholders for 7 (seven) consecutive years ormore, have been transferred by the Company to the IEPFAuthority during the financial year 2025-26.
Details of such Equity Shares due for transfer to IEPF Authority, infinancial year 2026-27 have been uploaded on the websiteof the Company athttps://www.nerolac.com/financial/shareholders.html.
Mr. G. T Govindarajan, Company Secretary, is the NodalOfficer for the purpose of verification of claims filed with theCompany in terms of IEPF Rules and for co-ordination withthe IEPF Authority. The said details are also available on thewebsite of the Company at www.nerolac.com.
At the 104th AGM of the Company, the Shareholdershad approved the re-appointment of S R B C & CO LLP,Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration No. 324982E /E300003) as the Statutory Auditors of the Company, to holdoffice for a second term of 5 (five) consecutive years fromthe conclusion of the 104th AGM until the conclusion ofthe 109th AGM of the Company, in terms of the applicableprovisions of Section 139(1) of the Act read with theCompanies (Audit and Auditors) Rules, 2014. Details ofthe remuneration paid to S R B C & CO LLP, CharteredAccountants, Statutory Auditors, during the financial year2025-26 are disclosed in the Financial Statements ofCompany, which forms part of the Annual Report.
The Auditors' Report on the Financial Statements(Standalone and Consolidated) of the Companyfor the year under review, is clean and there are noqualifications in the said Report. Also, no frauds in termsof the provisions of Section 143(12) of the Act havebeen reported by the Auditors in their Report for the yearunder review.
The Notes to the Financial Statements (Standalone andConsolidated) are self-explanatory and do not call for anyfurther comments.
In terms of Regulation 24A of the SEBI Listing Regulations,the Shareholders at the 105th AGM of the Company, hadappointed JHR & Associates, Company Secretaries,(Firm registration no. P2015MH059200) as the SecretarialAuditor of the Company for a term of 5 (five) consecutiveyears commencing from 1st April, 2025 to 31st March, 2030,to conduct the Secretarial Audit of the Company.
The Secretarial Audit Report for the year under reviewissued by the Secretarial Auditor is annexed to this Reportas Annexure 5. There is no qualification or adverse remarkin their Report.
The Secretarial Auditors have confirmed that they havesubjected themselves to the peer review process of Instituteof Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and hold validcertificate issued by the Peer Review Board of the ICSI.Further, JHR & Associates have confirmed that they are notdisqualified from being Secretarial Auditor of the Company.
The Company has maintained cost records as specified bythe Central Government under Section 148(1) of the Act.Further, the Company had appointed D. C. Dave & Co.,Cost Accountants (Registration No. 000611), as the CostAuditor to conduct an audit of its cost accounting recordsfor the financial year 2024-25, pertaining to products of theCompany as required by the law. The Cost Audit Reportsubmitted by the Cost Auditor for the financial year 2024-25was clean and there was no qualification in their Report. Thesame was duly filed with Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
The Company had re-appointed D.C. Dave & Co.,Cost Accountants, as the Cost Auditor for the financialyear 2025-26 and the Cost Audit Report when submitted bythem, will be duly filed with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.Further, the Company has re-appointed D.C. Dave & Co., CostAccountants, as the Cost Auditor for the financial year 2026-27,to conduct an audit of its cost accounting records pertainingto the products of the Company as required by the law, at aremuneration of f 4,00,000 plus GST and reimbursementof out-of-pocket expenses. The Company is seeking theapproval of the Shareholders by means of ratification, for theremuneration to be paid to D. C. Dave & Co., Cost Accountants,vide Item no. 4 of the Notice of 106th AGM.
The eligibility and consent letter from D. C. Dave & Co.,Cost Accountants, has been received to the effect that theirappointment as Cost Auditor, if made, would be in accordancewith the provisions of the Act and Rules framed thereunder.
During the year under review:
1. the Company has complied with the applicableSecretarial Standards issued by the Institute ofCompany Secretaries of India;
2. t here was no application made or proceeding pendingunder the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016;
3. there were no instances of onetime settlement with anyBanks or Financial Institutions; and
4. the Company has complied with the provisions relating tothe Maternity Benefits Act, 1961.
General Shareholder Information is given as Item no. 12 ofthe Report on Corporate Governance forming part of theAnnual Report.
Pursuant to Section 92(3) read with Section 134(3)(a) of theAct, the Annual Return as on 31st March, 2026 is availableon the website of the Company athttps://www.nerolac.com/investors/annual-return.html.
Your Directors wish to express their grateful appreciationfor the co-operation and continued support received fromcustomers, promoter company, collaborators, vendors,investors, shareholders, financial institutions, banks, regulatoryauthorities and the society at large during the year.
We also place on record our appreciation for the contributionmade by our employees at all levels and for their commitment,hard work and support.
For and on behalf of the BoardBhaskar Bhat
Mumbai, 6th May, 2026 Chairman