Your Directors have great pleasure to report you at the end of another challenging year, and presenting the 53rdannual report together with the audited financial statements for the year ended March 31,2025.
(Amounts in INR Lakhs)
Particulars
As at
March 31, 2025
March 31, 2024
Sales Turnover
26,841.47
29,242.13
Profit/(Loss) before tax
1,769.53
1,547.49
Less:
Current tax
698.74
166.03
Deferred tax
(106.52)
217.11
Profit/(Loss) after tax
1,177.31
1,164.35
Add: Profit brought forward from previous year
1,596.47
382.12
Net available surplus for appropriation
2,773.78
Appropriations
Dividend paid during the year
663.75
0
Surplus carried to Balance Sheet
2,110.03
1596.47
The Company does not propose to transfer any amount to the general reserve out of the amount available forappropriation.
Keeping in view the current profitability of the Company, your Directors are pleased to recommend payment ofdividend of INR 9.42 per equity share (@ 94.20% at par value of INR 10.0o each) (Previous Year- INR 8.85per equity share (@ 88.50% at par value of INR 10.00 each), subject to the approval of shareholders at theforthcoming Annual General Meeting. The dividend, when approved, will entail payment to shareholders ofINR 706.50 lakhs. It will be tax free income in the hands of recipients till the amount of dividend does notexceed INR 5,000.00.
The financial year 2024-2025 was noteworthy in terms of many aspects. This year, we set out to optimize theprocess and retain profitability. In an attempt to gain market share, the competitors expended the distributionof super-economy SKUs, but we aimed to have a healthy product mix and were still able to achieve growththat was on level with the industry.
The financial figures show a degrowth since we supplied a special order of alkaline batteries to ECIL forpolling machines last year.
In the above situation during the year, your Company registered net sales amount of INR 26,841.47 lakhs asagainst INR 29,242.13 lakhs of the previous year.
Profit before tax stood at INR 1,769.53 lakhs as compared to INR 1,547.49 lakhs.
Dry Batteries:
The usage pattern of dry battery is witnessing changing lifestyle of Indian consumer. Decreasing contributionof D size batteries indicates the stability of power supply. However, demand of D size category is supported byincreasing use of other appliances like Gas Geysers. No major change observed in AA size batteries demand.
The demand of AAA category is growing, which indicates increasing usage of remote-controlled applicationssuch as air-conditioners, Tv's etc.
Prospects
The market of zinc carbon dry batteries seems to be promising in the upcoming years due to the growing useof remote-controlled household appliances, the entry of new edge gadgets, increasing demand of healthmonitoring devices, and the steady need for wall clocks, flashlights & Toys.
As reported last year, there is no material change in the business.
The company maintained its stance of offering a extensive range of high performance batteries to serveIndia's portable energy need. Zinc carbon batteries continue to dominate the market since they arecompatible with most Indian appliances.
In the face of urbanization and the growing use of contemporary devices, alkaline and lithium coin batteriesare showcasing encouraging growth.
With a large youth population and one of the fastest growing major economies in the world, India has kept upits pace in battery demand for FY 2024-2025.
Zinc Carbon batteries
The Indian battery market is dominated by the zinc carbon category. In zinc carbon category, the company'smarket share is continuously growing. This year too, company growth is better than industry in the zinc carbonsegment. However, there is no remarkable gain visible in market share because the pace could not becontinued in Q4, as we strategically decided not to trade down.
Alkaline batteries
Alkaline batteries contribution has been increasing for the past several years, however, the demand for thissegment is mainly driven by low grade alkaline. We offer our premium range of alkaline batteries under theEVOLTA brand. The industry's move from premium alkaline to low grade alkaline restricted growth of EVOLTAbatteries.
Rechargeable batteries
The rechargeable battery market contributes around 1% to total battery demand.
This segment is dominated by imported low priced rechargeable batteries.
Your Company has successfully marked its presence in marketing and sales of high quality “eneloop” brandof rechargeable batteries and chargers.
Dealers and consumers appreciate the quality and superiority of our rechargeable batteries. Your Companymaintained its dominance and market share in this category.
Lithium coin batteries
The demand of Lithium coin batteries has been increasing in India. The demand for this segment is driven byrising awareness of health monitoring devices and increasing use of car key fobs.
Your company offers the widest product range in this segment to meet customer demands, and we areachieving notable growth every year. Panasonic Lithium coin batteries are known for it's high performance incar keyfobs
In the approaching years, the Indian battery market anticipates a greater growth in AAA sized batteries due tothe rise in air conditioners and remote controlled devices. In the years to come, the growth of the coin andalkaline divisions is anticipated to pick up speed. Rechargeable batteries do not contribute much though.
The company is making great efforts to maximize its distribution and improve coverage. We quickly andeffectively implemented the SFA system this year to optimize sales and distribution. In addition to aiming toboost individual productivity, Panasonic's objective as a battery expert is to educate Indian consumers abouttheir battery needs and provide a large selection of high-performance, environmentally friendly batteries thatare perfect fit for their devices.
Opportunities
The per capita consumption of batteries in urban areas is increasing with addition in number of gadgets perhousehold and changing lifestyle. The consumption of dry cell battery is expected to grow consideringgrowing Indian economy and increasing purchasing power of average Indian consumer.
As an environmentally conscious company, the implementation of the Battery Waste Management Rulespresents a new opportunity for leadership in the circular economy and the creation of additional revenuestreams. This initiative will enhance our innovation capabilities and strengthen our alignment with ESG(Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles.
Threats
Low cost imported alkaline batteries are growing their market share in India through extensive promotion.Battery Industry is witnessing trade-down in alkaline as well as CZ segment which is not a good sign for thecompany.
Long term difficulties may arise due to smartphones' quick rise as control units for connecting appliances.However, remote control continues to be an essential part of day-to-day life.
In FY 2024-25, the company faced several risks and concerns related to procurement activities. Volatility inglobal supply chains, driven by geopolitical tensions, raw material shortages and fluctuating foreignexchange rates, impacted cost structures and procurement planning. Dependence on a limited pool ofsuppliers heightens exposure to disruptions, while evolving regulatory requirements and ESG(Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance requirements pressure procurement functions toadapt quickly.
The industry has a promising business outlook and great potential for growth, considering the increasing useof battery powered devices. With the support of government policy, India becoming the hotspot for themanufacturing of toys, electronic devices and medical equipment are the key factors for the rapid growth ofthe market.
Further, alkaline batteries are expected to strengthen enhance their dominance in the primary battery marketand continue to witness the fastest growth, primarily due to the increasing per capita income of Indianconsumer.
India's purchasing parity per capita income has more than doubled in the last decade and declining cost ofconsumer electronics and growing population have led to growth of the consumer electronics market in thecountry, which in turn, is driving the battery industry. Also rising income levels, increasing urbanization,
changing lifestyle and enhanced need for convenience is expected to boost battery run gadgets demand.
The battery industry has a promising future but it needs to adapt to changing market trends and environmentregulation.
The Company has an internal financial control system commensurate with the size and scale of itsoperations. These controls are adequate and operating effectively so as to ensure orderly and efficientconduct of business operations.
The internal staff monitors and evaluates the adequacy of internal control system in the Company, itscompliances with operating systems, accounting procedures and policies at all locations of the Company.Based on the reports, the Company undertakes corrective actions, thereby strengthening the controls.Significant observations and corrective actions thereon are presented to the Audit Committee for its review.
The Board wish to place on record its appreciation to all its employees for their sustained efforts and valuablecontribution. Your Company is very much concerned for the employees so as to provide them with safe andaccident free environment with a motto “Safety First” at the work place. The total employee strength of theCompany as on March 31,2025 stood at 679.
Sr. No.
Ratio analysis
2024-25
2023-24
1
Debtors Turnover
39.76 times
35.46 times
2
Inventory Turnover
7.84 times
8.23 times
3
Interest Coverage Ratio
-
4
Current Ratio
2.93 times
2.72 times
5
Debt Equity Ratio
6
Operating Profit Margin (%)
6.65%
5.34%
7
Net Profit Margin (%)
4.39%
3.98%
8
Return on Net Worth
11.18%
11.97%
We at, Panasonic Energy India Company Ltd., aim for better quality of human life and preservation of ourplanet. Recognizing that our Company is a member of society, we are contributing to a healthier and moreprosperous community by way of Manufacturing and selling complete range of eco-friendly batteries throughelimination of hazardous substances i.e. Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), and Cadmium (Cd) etc.
A way forward, the Company is complying to EU directives and controlling the RoHS substance in the BatteryComponents.
The Company's factory in Pithampur (Madhya Pradesh) is a Carbon Neutral Factory in Dry Battery industriesin India and has received a Certificate of Verification Carbon Unit (VCU) Retirement Since 2023, additionally,it has been certified by the International REC Standard. The wastewater treatment at the factory results inzero discharge of wastewater and furthermore, 50% of factory land has a forest cultivated by the Company.
Contributing in reduction of CO2 emission through energy conservation means. Implementing 3R concept"Reduce, Re-use and Re-cycle". Our main business objective is Customer First & we always strive to deliverbest quality & environmental friendly batteries that offer consistent performance by putting our best effortsthrough Research & Development and Empowered with Japanese technology.
There is no such material change and commitment, affecting the financial position of the Company whichhave occurred between the end of the financial year ended on March 31,2025 and the date of the report.
As per requirement of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015(hereinafter referred as “Listing Regulations”) a separate section on corporate governance practices followedby the Company, together with a certificate from the Company Secretary in Practice confirming compliances,forms an integral part of this Report.
A copy of Annual Return as required under the Companies Act, 2013 has been placed on the Company'swebsite viz. https://www.panasonicenergyindia.in
Schedules of Board and Committee meetings are prepared and circulated in advance to the Directors. Duringthe year, four Board Meetings and four Audit Committee Meetings were convened and held. The details ofwhich are given in the Corporate Governance Report. The intervening gap between the meetings was withinthe period prescribed under the Companies Act, 2013.
To the best of their knowledge and belief and according to the information and explanations obtained by them,your Directors make the following statements in terms of Section 134(3)(c) of the Companies Act, 2013:
(a) that in the preparation of the annual accounts for the year ended March 31, 2025, the applicableaccounting standards have been followed along with proper explanation relating to materialdepartures, if any;
(b) that the Directors had selected such accounting policies and applied them consistently and madejudgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the stateof affairs of the Company as at March 31,2025 and of the profit and loss of the Company for the yearended on March 31,2025;
(c) that the Directors had taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate accountingrecords in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 for safeguarding the assets ofthe Company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
(d) that the Directors had prepared the annual accounts on a going concern basis;
(e) that the Directors had laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the Company and that suchinternal financial controls are adequate and were operating effectively; and
(f) that the Directors had devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of allapplicable laws and that such systems were adequate and operating effectively.
All transactions entered with related parties for the year under review were in the ordinary course of businessand on arm's length basis. Further, there are no material related party transactions during the year and thus adisclosure in Form AOC-2 in terms of Section 134 of the Act is not required.
All related party transactions are placed before the Audit Committee for approval. Omnibus approval wasobtained on a yearly basis for transactions which are of repetitive nature. The policy on related partytransactions as approved by the Board of Directors has been uploaded on the website of the Company viz.https://www.panasonicenergyindia.in
The details of conservation of energy, technology absorption, foreign exchange earnings and outgo areannexed herewith. (Ref. “Annexure-A”)
The Company has framed a risk management policy containing the elements of various risks andimplementation strategy to mitigate those risks. The risk management framework is reviewed periodicallyby the Board.
During the year under review as part of its initiatives under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), theCompany has expanded its activities and participated in the projects of plantation of trees in Haryana inthe areas of Environment Sustainability undertaken by NGO i.e. Catch Foundation. These projects are inaccordance with Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013.
During the year, under review Company's obligation towards its CSR Policy, CSR Obligation for thefinancial year 2024-25 was Rs. 8,44,168.00 and Company spent Rs. 8,44,168.00 on CSR during the FY2024-25 through implementing agencies operating in the area of Environment Sustainability.
The Annual Report containing details on CSR activities is annexed herewith. (Ref. “Annexure B”).
The Company has in place a policy on prevention of sexual harassment in line with there quirements of theSexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) has been set up to redress complaints received regarding sexualharassment. All employees (permanent, contractual, temporary, trainees) are covered under this policy.
The Management of the Company and female employees, gives training for awareness of the femaleemployees on all applicable provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace(Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. During the FY 2024-25, two meetings of ICC were heldon September 20, 2024 and March 25, 2025.
During the year, no complaint was received by the Company and hence, no complaints are outstanding ason March 31,2025 for redressal. Annual report of nil complaints for the calendar year 2024 was submittedto the respective District Officer at Vadodara.
The Board has carried out an annual evaluation of its own performance, Committees of the Board andindividual Directors pursuant to the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and Listing Regulations onFebruary 05, 2025. The Board of Directors expressed their satisfaction with the evaluation process.
The Company has established a vigil mechanism for Directors and employees and the same has beencommunicated to the Directors and employees of the Company. The vigil mechanism policy / whistleblower policy is also posted on the website of the Company.
The Company had received declarations from all Independent Directors that they meet the criteria ofindependence as laid down under Section 149(6) of the Companies Act, 2013 and requirements of ListingRegulations.
Based on the declarations received from the Independent Directors, your Board of Directors confirm theindependence, integrity, expertise and experience (including the proficiency) of the Independent Directors
of the Company. Independent Directors comply with the Code of Conduct for Directors, Senior Management& Employees of the Company.
Mr. Hidefumi Fujii will retire by rotation and being eligible, offers himself for re-appointment.
As required by Regulation 36(3) of Listing Regulations, the relevant details in respect of the Directorsproposed to be appointed / re-appointed are set out in the Corporate Governance Report forming part of theBoard's Report. The Board recommends all the resolutions placed before the members relating toappointment / re-appointment of Directors for their approval.
However, during the year under review:
Shareholders at its 52nd Annual General Meeting held on July 25, 2024 approved :
1) Appointment of Ms. Deepti Sharma (DIN 03630613) as Independent Director for the first term of fiveconsecutive years commencing from July 25, 2024 up to July 24, 2029.
2) Appointment of Mr. Srinivas Gunta (DIN 10639875) as Independent Director for a first term of five yearscommencing from October 24, 2024 up to October 23, 2029.
3) Appointment of Mr. Jayesh Mehta (DIN 10529297) as Independent Director for a first term of five yearscommencing from October 24, 2024 up to October 23, 2029.
4) Regularization of Mr. Hidefumi Fujii (DIN 10627503) from the post of Additional Non-Executive and NonIndependent Promoter Director category to Non-executive and Non Independent Promoter Directorcategory
Mr. Sraban Kumar Karan, had resigned from the position of Company Secretary and Key ManagerialPersonnel w.e.f. November 30, 2024 after office hours. Ms. Srishti Jain had been designated as CompanySecretary & Compliance Officer w.e.f. February 03, 2025.
The Board of Directors have the following Committees:
1. Audit Committee
2. Nomination and Remuneration Committee
3. Stakeholders Relationship Committee
The details of the Committees along with their composition, number of meetings held and attendance at themeetings are provided in the Corporate Governance Report.
In accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, the shareholders at their 50th AGM held onJuly 28, 2022 re-appointed M/s. BSR and Co. Chartered Accountants (a member entity of BSR & Affiliates)having ICAI Firm Registration No. 128510W for a further period of five consecutive years (2nd Term) asStatutory Auditors of the Company from the conclusion of the 50th AGM till the conclusion of the 55th AGM to beheld for the Financial Year 2026-27.
M/s. BSR & Co. Chartered Accountants, having ICAI Firm Registration No. 128510W as Statutory Auditors ofthe Company has given their report on Financial Statements for the Financial Year 2024-25. The same will beadopted by the Members in the ensuing Annual General Meeting. There is no qualification or adverse remarkin Auditors' report.
As per Section 148 of the Companies Act read with the Companies (Cost Records and Audit) Rules, 2014, theCompany is required to prepare, maintain as well as have the audit of its cost records conducted by a CostAccountant and accordingly, it has made and maintained such cost accounts and records. On therecommendation of the Audit Committee, M/s. Diwanji & Co., Cost and Management Accountants (Firm
Registration No.: 000339), have been re-appointed as the Cost Auditor for the financial year 2025-26.
In terms of the provisions of Section 148(3) of the Companies Act, 2013, read with the Companies (Audit andAuditors) Rules, 2014, the remuneration payable to the Cost Auditors has to be ratified by the Members of theCompany. Accordingly, the Board seeks ratification at the ensuing Annual General Meeting for theremuneration payable to the Cost Auditors for the financial year 2024-25.
In terms of Section 204 of the Act and Rules made thereunder, M/s. J. J. Gandhi & Co., Practicing CompanySecretaries were appointed as Secretarial Auditors of the Company to carry out the Secretarial Audit for FY2024-25. The report of the Secretarial Auditors for FY 2024-25 is enclosed as Annexure C forming part of thisReport.
There has been no qualification, reservation, adverse remark or disclaimer given by the Secretarial Auditorsin their Report.
Further, in terms of Section 204 of the Act and Regulation 24A of the SEBI Listing Regulations, the Board ofDirectors has, on the recommendation of the Audit Committee, approved the appointment of M/s. J. J. Gandhi& Co., as the Secretarial Auditors of the Company, to hold office for a term of five (5) consecutive years witheffect from financial year 2025-26 to financial year 2029-30, subject to approval of the Members of theCompany at the ensuing AGM. Accordingly, a resolution seeking Members approval for appointment ofSecretarial Auditors of the Company forms part of the Notice of the 53rdAGM forming part of this AnnualReport.
During the year under review, Auditors have not reported any instances of fraud under section 143(12) of theCompanies Act, 2013.
Your Company does not have any subsidiary / subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates within the meaningof the Companies Act, 2013. Your Company is subsidiary of Panasonic Holdings Corporation.
The Company has not accepted any fixed deposits and accordingly no amount was outstanding as on thedate of the Balance Sheet.
There are no loans, guarantees or investments covered under the provisions of Section 186 of the CompaniesAct, 2013.
As per Section 124(6) of the Act read with the IEPF Rules as amended, all the shares in respect of whichdividend has remained unpaid / unclaimed for seven consecutive years or more excluding those having Courtcase, if any, have been transferred to an IEPF Account.
During the year, the Company has transferred 1,70,716 number of shares to the IEPF Authority Account.
Disclosures required under Section 197 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 5 of Companies
(Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 have been annexed herewith. (Ref.“Annexure-D”)
Details of employee remuneration as required under the provisions of section 197 of the Act and Rule 5(2) and(3) of the Rule are available to any shareholders for inspection on request. If any shareholder is interested inobtaining copy thereof, such shareholder may write to the Company Secretary, where upon a copy would besent through email only.
The remuneration paid to the Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and Senior Management Personnel are inaccordance with the Nomination and Remuneration policy. As per the said Policy, the Nomination &Remuneration Committee (NRC) has formulated criteria for determining qualifications, positive attributes andindependence of directors and other matters in terms of provisions of section 178(3) of the Act. The abovepolicy has been posted on the website of the Company viz. https://www.panasonicenergyindia.in
During the year, the Company has complied with all the applicable Secretarial Standards.
No significant and material order has been passed by the regulator, court, tribunal, statutory and quasi-judicialbody impacting the going concern status of the Company and its future operations.
During the financial period under review, no application was made under the Insolvency and BankruptcyCode, 2016 (IBC 2016) by the Company. No proceedings are pending under IBC 2016 against the Company.
During the financial period under review, there were no instances of any one-time settlement againstloanstaken from Banks or Financial Institutions.
Your Directors wish to place on record their appreciation of the contribution made by employees at all levels tothe continued growth and prosperity of your Company. Your Directors also wish to place on record theirappreciation to the shareholders, dealers, distributors, consumers and banks for their continued support.