The Directors of your Company are pleased to present the 106th Annual Report and the Audited Financial Statements (Standalone and Consolidated) for the year ended 31st March, 2026 (‘reporting year'/year under review'/FY 2025-26'). The section on Management Discussion and Analysis includes a review of the financial performance of the Company: financial highlights of the Company's standalone financial results, key financial ratios, and the dividend recommended by the Directors. It also includes the particulars of the Company's subsidiaries, including overseas subsidiaries and their performance during the year under review
Kansai Nerolac Paints Limited (referred to as ‘KNPL', ‘the Company' or ‘We'), established in 1920, is a subsidiary of Kansai Paint Co., Ltd., Japan. In addition to our primary operations in India, we have established a presence in Nepal and Bangladesh through strategic acquisitions and joint ventures. As one of the largest manufacturers of paints and coatings in India, we have established a strong position in the decorative and industrial coatings sector. The Company continues to lead the Automotive and Powder Coating segments and commands a significant market share in performance coatings backed by deep technical expertise and longstanding industry partnerships. In the Decorative segment, we are recognised as the third-largest
paint manufacturer in India. Our strong market position is driven by sustained investments in intellectual and human capital, complemented by access to advanced global technologies. This enables us to deliver differentiated, environmentally responsible, and innovation-led solutions, tailored to the evolving needs of Indian consumers.
As a trusted name in the industry KNPL is committed to designing solutions that protect, inspire, and touch lives every day Our painting solutions provide ‘Beauty and Protection' to a wide array of applications, including decorative paints (interior and exterior, 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, washing machines), personal items (hair clips, artificial jewellery), and transportation infrastructure (bridges, metro rail). This commitment is encapsulated in our belief that ‘There is a little bit of Nerolac in everybody's life'.
At KNPL, passion is more than emotion; it is the driving force behind everything we do. It fuels high performance, sparks innovation, and pushes us to raise the bar every single day Here, ambition is encouraged, effort is recognised, and growth is 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 to building on the strong foundation established in recent years. Guided by our core values of innovation, integrity and customer centricity, we aim to deepen our relations with our stakeholders while maintaining a disciplined approach to growth. We will continue to enhance our product offerings, improve service quality and drive operational efficiencies, with the objective of creating sustainable value for all our stakeholders.
Industry Progress
FY 2025-26 was characterised by a mixed operating environment for the Indian paints and coatings industry The year was shaped by multiple external factors, such as geopolitical conflicts, the onset and exit of the monsoon, GST cuts, infrastructure growth, and consumer demographics.
During the year under review, the demand for decorative paints, especially in the North region, was affected by the Indo- Pak conflict As the year progressed, the painting cycle was affected by the early onset and prolonged monsoon. However, rural demand remained relatively stable throughout the year, while urban demand showed an uptick. Also, demand during the 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-term pressures, even as underlying demand drivers remained intact.
For the automotive industry the second half of the year saw a decisive upshift as GST 2.0 improved affordability lifted sentiment and triggered momentum, which was further bolstered by the festve season. Demand momentum remained robust across all major sub-segments. The Passenger Vehicle segment delivered good growth, reflecting sustained consumer demand and new model launches. The two-wheeler and Three-wheeler segments also recorded strong growth, whereas the Commercial Vehicle segment witnessed strong double-digit growth.
The Performance Coatngs segment demonstrated resilience and healthy growth during the year. Infrastructure development across railways, roads, airports, and power projects contnued to augur well for the industry driving demand for high-end and premium coatings. General industrial coatings witnessed healthy demand while the Powder Coatings segment maintained stable demand.
In summary FY 2025-26 was a year of measured progress for the paints industry While the year was marked by short-term challenges, it was supported by strong fundamentals, infrastructure investments, healthy demand in the automotve sector, and a sustained shift towards premium and performance-driven solutions.
Financials
Highlights
A summary of KNPL's standalone financial results for the year ended 31st March, 2026 (FY 2025-26), compared to the standalone financial 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 previous year, reflecting 3.2% growth. Athough average crude oil prices declined during the year, currency depreciation partially offset the impact. Consequently overall raw material prices remained largely stable throughout the year.
Meanwhile, we continued our efforts to control overheads, wth all 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. In addition, other income increased to ' 152.46 Crores from ' 142.06 Crores recorded in the previous year.
THE FOLLOWING EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS WERE RECORDED DURING THE YEAR:
♦ Provision for impairment of long-term investment, loan, trade receivables, and financial guarantees, after considering past performance and prevailing economic and market conditions, amounted to ' 5.76 Crores
♦ Additional employee benefit cost of ' 44.72 Crores was recognised based on actuarial valuation following implementation of the Wage Code
¥ Loss arising from the fire incident at the warehouse located in Ghaziabad, 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 exceptional items, 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, excluding exceptional items, stood at 10.3% compared to 11.3% in the previous year.
During the year, KNPL did not accept any deposits covered under Chapter V of the Companies Act, 2013. Furthermore, no material orders were passed by regulators, courts, or tribunals that could affect our going concern status or future operations. There was also no change in the nature of our business during the year. Additionally, no material changes or commitments affecting our financial position occurred between the end of the financial year and the date of this report.
Dividend
The Board has recommended dividend of 250% (' 2.50 per share) for the financial year ended 31st March, 2026. Last year, the Company declared a final dividend of 375% (' 3.75 per share), including a special dividend of 125% (' 1.25 per share).
|
Key Ratios
|
FY 2025-26
|
FY 2024-25
|
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
|
0.3
|
2.3
|
|
Net Profit Margin (%)
|
8.0
|
13.7
|
5.7
|
41.6
|
|
Return on Equity (%)
|
9.5
|
17
|
7.5
|
44.1
|
Subsidiaries and Consolidated Financial Statements
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 is available 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 accounting standards and form part of this Report All subsidiaries of the Company as of 31st March, 2026 have been considered while preparing the consolidated financial statements. Further, a separate statement in Form AOC-1, highlighting the key features of the financial statements 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 at wwwnerolac.com
Indian Subsidiary
The turnover of Nerofx Private Limited stood at ' 163.89 Crores, compared to ' 125.23 Crores in the previous year. Nerofix Private Limited recorded a loss of ' 7.64 Crores against ' 15.26 Crores in the previous year. At the same time, strategic initiatives were undertaken to revamp the business.
The Board of Directors of Nerofix Private Limited and Kansai Nerolac Paints Limited approved the Scheme of Amalgamation (‘‘Scheme”) of Nerofx Private Limited (Transferor Company), Company's wholly owned subsidiary with the Company (Transferee Company), subject to requisite approvals including approval from National Company Law Tribunal, Mumbai Bench (“NCLT”). The appointed date for the Scheme is 1st April, 2025.
NCLT vide its order dated 6th January 2026, directed convening of a meeting of the Equity Shareholders of the Company Accordingly a NCLT convened Shareholders Meeting was held on 27th February 2026 through Video Conferencing / Other Audio Visual Means, wherein the shareholders approved the Scheme wth requisite majority
Overseas Subsidiaries
During the year, the turnover of KNP Japan Private Limited, our subsidiary 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 in Bangladesh, registered a turnover of ' 91.25 Crores for the year, as compared to ' 143.18 Crores in the previous year. The Company 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 the Company's entire stake of 60% of the total equity share capital of Kansai Paints Lanka (Private) Limited, the Company's subsidiary in Sri Lanka, to Atire (Private) Limited, a Sri Lankan entity. The total consideration received by the Company is LKR 18,00,000 (approxmately ' 5,25,000).
The accounts of Kansai Paints Lanka (Private) Limited,
Sri Lankan subsidiary, have been consolidated till 16th December, 2025, when it ceased to be a subsidiary of the Company
Segment-Wise Performance
We have only one segment of activity namely ‘paints,' in accor¬ dance with the definition of ‘Segment' covered under the Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS) 108 on Operating Segments. The performance of the Company is discussed in this report
Decorative Business
Overview
In FY 2025-26, we carried forward our century-long legacy of excellence, offering painting solutions that seamlessly combine aesthetics with durability We continued to strengthen our bond of trust with customers.
During the year, we enriched our portfolio wth 15 new decorative products. These launches were thoughtfully developed to deliver distinctive value by combining aesthetics with performance, further strengthening our position as a trusted solutions provider.
With the objective of delivering professional painting services through timely execution, tailored colour guidance, and dedicated supervision, we expanded our Nerolac NxtGen Painting services to 250 towns.
In the new business segment, the Construction Chemical and Waterproofing segment demonstrated a very strong growth. The Project business continued its growth momentum from the previous year and maintained a strong growth as well. We continued to provide superior retail experience through our Nerolac NxtGen Shopee, Shop-in-Shop outlets and Paint zones. Our Illuminati Programme also witnessed an increased participation from architects and interior designers. This was driven by focused engagement efforts and participation in various exhibitions and seminars.
New Product Launches
Value Creation at Every Step
During the year under review we remained focused on building a competitive advantage by expanding our product portfolio and responding effectively to evolving market requirements. Under the Paint category we continued to emphasise unique product offerings that enhance our market presence. Our newly developed product, Nerolac Excel Everlast 20, offers a 20-year performance warranty superior crack-bridging ability and anti-carbonation properties.
In the Interior range, we launched Nerolac Beauty Gold Washable , featuring anti-bacterial and stain-resistant properties and 1.25x better washability. We also introduced Nerolac Beauty Little Master Super, an economical product that offers a smooth and pleasing matt finish.
In an effort to provide superior products in our Exterior range, we launched Nerolac Mica Marble Stretch and Sheen WOW, which provide 15% more coverage, crack-bridging ability and excellent dirt pickup resistance, while Nerolac Excel Sheen comes with superior algae resistance and up to 5°C surface temperature reduction.
These product i ntroductions not only strengthen our portfolio but also reaffirm our commitment to delivering high-quality differentiated solutions that align with evolving customer expectations.
The NxtGen Painting Service continued to deliver a seamless, digitally enabled experience backed by efficient end-to-end processes. The programme focused on simplifying the home painting journey through structured execution, professional service delivery and transparent customer engagement
Service standards were further enhanced through the deployment of dedicated site supervisors, leading to improved on-ground executon and faster resolution of customer concerns. This emphasis on quality and responsiveness resulted in high levels of customer satisfaction, as reflected in a strong Net Promoter Score and positive feedback on professionalism, timely completion, and after-sales support
In addition to strengthening customer trust, the initiative enhanced confidence among painting contractors and the dealer network, reinforcing its scalability and long-term relevance.
Superior Retail Experience
We remain committed to elevating the retail experience for our consumers through our NxtGen Premium Shoppe ‘Sapphire' and ‘Ruby'. These experiential platforms provide a one-stop solution for all surfaces in consumers' homes, offering an immersive environment where consumers can view, compare, and feel actual paint finishes, wood coatings & waterproofing solutions, enabling more informed and confident decision-making. In addition, trained experts at these outlets offer personalised colour consultations and need-based product recommendations to further enrich the consumer journey
As of FY 2025-26, our retail footprint stood at 150 Nerolac NxtGen Shoppe outlets and 250 Shop in Shop outlets across the country strengthening our presence and accessibility
During the year, we further enhanced our market reach by introducing ‘Paint Zones', a new initiative aimed at increasing visibility and driving growth for small-sized retailers. As of the end of FY 2025-26, we have reached 250 touchpoints through Paint Zones.
Influencer Engagement Programme
PRAGATI PROGRAMME FOR PAINTERS
Our Painter Loyalty Programme, Pragati, remains a key element of the Company's strategy to enhance engagement within the Painting Contractor segment. The programme emphasises capability building and skill development among this important group of influencers who play a critical role in the final quality of product application.
During the year, the Company continued to implement multi¬ modal training initiatives, combining classroom-based sessions with training delivered through mobile mini vans. Through these efforts, over 1,00,000 painters were trained in paint application techniques, thereby strengthening their technical skills and professional expertise. The training programmes focused on decorative, wood, and designer finishes. In addition, the Company leveraged its existing Shop Meet programmes to upskill its loyal painters while simultaneously creating awareness of the KNPL range of products and services across key markets. These initiatives contributed to deeper engagement and stronger brand advocacy within the painter community
Painter engagement is supported by the digital Pragati application. During FY 2025-26, the application was upgraded
to deliver a faster, smoother and more seamless user experience. The Company also utilised artificial intelligence to generate insights into painter purchasing behaviour, enabling personalised product recommendations aligned with specific requirements. This approach enhanced the overall painter experience and supported improved sales outcomes.
ILLUMINATI PROGRAMME FOR ARCHITECTS AND INTERIOR DESIGNERS
At KNPL, we acknowledge the important role architects and interior designers play in shaping functional and aesthetically compelling environments. Over the years, we have successfully engaged with more than 12,000 professionals across India, fostering strong relationships and long-term trust through our Lunch & Learn presentations. To support their creative and technical requirements, we offered colour consultancy services and ensured seamless integration of our shade palettes into their 3D design and rendering software, with AD services available across 45 cities.
In addition, we actively participated in prominent industry exhibitions, such as FOAD in Delhi and Mumbai, providing a platform to showcase our diverse product portfolio, strengthen engagement with the design community and stay aligned with emerging trends and preferences. Complementing these initiatives, a nationwide engagement programme featuring a value-added incentive further enhanced participation and brand recall among professionals. Collectively these strategic efforts have significantly strengthened brand awareness and brand equity among architects and interior designers, who continue to serve as key future influencers for the organisation.
Growth Businesses
Wood
Coating
During the year, we sustained our positive performance in the Wood Coating segment driven by growth in the premium category Our strategic collaboration with ICRO Coatings continued to be a catalyst for success, enabling the introduction of globally acclaimed products. This has significantly accelerated our market expansion in North India and strengthened our competitive edge.
Our neWy launched product, Nerolac Wonderwood RTU - ‘O' series, covers a complete range of finishes, including glossy satin, matt, and dead matt The range offers fast drying, good scratch resistance, and ready-to-use formulatons.
Our Premium Wood Coatings Contractor Loyalty programmes have played a pivotal role in deepening engagement wth our contractor community By recognising and celebrating their 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 is well poised for sustained growth in the coming year.
Construction Chemicals and Waterproofing
During the year under review, both Construction Chemicals and Waterproofing businesses demonstrated very strong growth. Significant efforts were undertaken to benchmark and enhance products, enabling the Company to offer a comprehensive portfolio of construction chemical products aligned with leading industry standards.
Key product categories, such as Tile Settng and Admixtures, contributed positively to performance, with both segments experiencing rapid scale-up. In addition, flooring remains a category with visible activity The Construction Chemicals business delivered sturdy performance, and focused initiatives are 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, and walls with up to 10°C surface temperature resistance. Nerolac Perma R POXY 2K provides high compressive strength, excellent stain resistance, and waterproofing properties.
Marketing and Branding
This year, KNPL's Projects Business continued to build on its strong growth trajectory Our strategic priorities remained centred on strengthening our presence across key customer segments, expanding our geographic reach, and enhancing both operational and on-ground engagement capabilities, as we continued to consolidate our position in the Builder (Fresh Painting) segment while driving growth in the CHS (Repainting) segment and the Government sector
Employee engagement and capability development remained key priorities during the year A focused project sales conference was conducted to align teams with strategic objectives, promote cross-functional collaboration and recognise performance excellence. The initiative reinforced shared purpose, motvaton and organisational alignment. We also conducted Contractor Engagement Meets across the country bringing together over 1,000 of our loyal and influential contractors. These meets deepened our ecosystem relationships, strengthened partnerships, encouraged knowledge sharing, and reinforced KNPL's commitment to supporting contractor growth and capability building.
We also strengthened our portfolio by expanding the Super Series 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 market presence and reinforced our commitment to driving sustained growth in the Projects Business. During the year under review we also undertook several marquee projects, including the Jharkhand High Court, Vidhan Sabha, and Raipur
The Company continued to emphasise effective, consistent communication with customers through targeted marketing campaigns and media outreach. Social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn were actively leveraged to share product information, key initiatives and achievements, thereby enhancing brand visibility and customer engagement
During the year, the iconic Nerolac jingle was reintroduced througha high-impact multi-channel media campaign, refreshed to reflect evolving consumer preferences while retaining its nostalgic appeal. In addition, the Company launched its first digital video commercial for NxtGen Painting Services across multiple regional languages.
Additionally, the Company's marketing and media initiatives received significant recognition across leading industry forums during FY 2025-26. The ‘Dukaan it Yourself campaign, executed during the Mahakumbh, garnered 26 prestigious awards in FY 2025-26, underscoring the creativity effectiveness and impact of the Company's brand-building efforts.
Industrial Business Overview
India is witnessing sustained investments in infrastructure development, which continue to drive demand for industrial paints. As one of the world's largest automotive markets, the country is experiencing strong growth, supported by rising domestic passenger vehicle consumption andincreasing vehicle exports to international markets.
The industrial paints business caters to a diverse customer base, including automotive OEMs, auto refinish body shops, general industrial manufacturers, and users of high performance coatings across sectors such as oil & gas, chemical processing, power generation, and infrastructure.
During the year, the Powder Coatings segment recorded decent growth, primarily led by demand from the Auto Ancillary and Furniture segments. The Liquid Coatings market registered strong growth, driven by the growing adoption of high performance coatings designed for specialised industrial applications.
Technological advancements continued to play a pivotal role in shaping the industrial paints market, with innovations in product formulations and application technologies. Our state-of-the-art R&D centre has been instrumental in strengthening our capabilities and reinforcing our leadership position in the industry.
As we operate in this dynamic and evolving environment, we remain firmly committed to innovation, quality and operational excellence, ensuring we can meet the changing requirements of the industrial coatings market
Automotive Business
Overview
Building on an already strong foundation in the Automotve segment the Company further strengthened its market leadership during the year by gaining market share and reinforcing its positon as a market leader. This performance was driven by a focused strategy centred on developing technologically advanced products and accelerating the adoption of sustainable technologies, closely aligned with the rapidly evolving requirements of customers and OEMs.
During the year, our performance in the Passenger Vehicle segment witnessed healthy growth, while the 2-Wheeler and 3-Wheeler segments also witnessed strong growth. In contrast to the previous year, the Commercial Vehicle segment also demonstrated a very strong double-digit growth. Furthermore, the Auto Refinish segment also demonstrated good growth, primarily driven by premium products, outlining customers' shift towards premium offerings.
Overall, the Automotive segment delivered a robust performance during the year, supported by broad-based growth across key sub-segments. The Company's focus on innovation, premiumisaton, and sustainable technologies, combined with its ability to respond proactively to evolving customer requirements, has further strengthened its leadership position. With a strong product pipeline, deep customer relationships, and sustained emphasis on technology-led solutions, the Company remains well-positioned to leverage emerging opportunities and drive long-term, profitable growth in the Automotive segment
New Segment
During the year, the Company emphasised targeted initiatives in segments such as alloy wheels, underbody coatings, and seam sealers in the automotive industry.
The Aloy Wheels segment recorded very strong growth during the year, reflecting an increasing market share. We aim to sustain this momentum by introducing advanced technologies aligned with evolving market requirements and by contnuing to focus on enhancing market share. Additionally, the Underbody Coatings segment also delivered good growth, while the Seam Sealers segment registered decent progress during the year. To further support our growth in these segments, we are focusing on rapidly increasing our capacity and enhancing our presence by reaching more customers.
With continued emphasis on advanced technologies and market expansion, these segments are well-positioned to support sustainable growth and enhance long-term value creation.
The Passenger Vehicle segment recorded healthy growth during the year, driven by increased demand following the implementation of GST 2.0. This demand was further supported by the launch of new models and a sustained shift in consumer preference towards SUVs. In line with evolving customer requirements, the Company focused on delivering superior finishes while advancing its sustainability agenda through resource-efficient solutions. The Company remains committed to sustainability by offering solutions that promote energy conservation and optimise paint usage, thereby reinforcing its emphasis on technological innovation and operational efficiency
Commercial Vehicles and Tractors
The Commercial Vehicles and Tractor segment recorded very strong growth during the financial year. Demand in the Commercial Vehicles segment was driven primarily by increased infrastructure-led activity, while tractor demand benefited from factors such as good harvest seasons and GST reforms. In response to these market dynamics, the Company focused on developing solutions that offer enhanced durability, superior weathering performance, and improved anti-corrosive properties to meet the rigorous requirements of this segment
Two-wheeler and Three-wheeler
During the year, the Two-wheeler and Three-wheeler segments recorded solid growth, supported by GST-led affordability, low interest rates, improved access to financing, and a broadening product portfolio. The rising demand in this segment has increased the need for paints and coatings, and the Company remains committed to meeting this demand to further strengthen its market position. In response to evolving customer needs, the segment witnessed the development of new products tailored to diverse application requirements, with a focus on enhanced functionality and superior finishes, including high-gloss, improved hardness, and anti-corrosive properties. The Company also introduced environmentally friendly solutions during the year, emphasising efficient resource utilisation and reduced energy consumption, in line with its sustainability objectives.
Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Amid the increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability the Electric Vehicle (EV) segment continued to witness significant growth across all mobility categories. As a market leader in automotive coatings, the Company strategically strengthened its presence in this segment, to maintain a strong market share and reinforce its leadership position. During the reportng year, the Company recorded strong growth in the Electric Two-wheeler segment, supported by a similar upward trend in Electric Three-wheelers, while the Electric Passenger Vehicle segment also demonstrated remarkable growth. Leveraging advanced technologies such as Super Durable Topcoats and a suite of energy-efficient solutions, the Company remained focused on effectively addressing the evolving requirements of this rapidly expanding market
Auto Refinish
During FY 2025-26, the Auto Refinish segment delivered decent growth, primarily driven by premium products, reflecting a clear shift in customer preference towards higher-value offerings. We continued to strengthen our presence in A class body shops, reinforcing our positioning in the premium end of the market The industry-wide transition from solvent-based to water-based systems gained further momentum during the year, and we remained well aligned to this trend through our portfolio. Our continued partnerships in the Bus Body segment supported steady volumes, while focused training and awareness sessions enhanced engagement, improving product awareness and adoption.
Product development efforts during the year were centred on high-solids coats that deliver superior gloss, faster drying characteristcs, and improved standability, enabling better productvity and finish quality for customers. These initatives collectively supported growth, premiumisation and long-term sustainability of the Auto Refinish business
Performance Coating
Business Overview
During FY 2025-26, the Performance Coating division delivered strong performance, with positive contributions from all segments. This momentum was supported by an uptick in government-led infrastructure development projects, which drove increased demand for high-quality, premium-grade coating solutions. The general industries segment recorded strong growth during the year, reflecting sustained demand across applications. The High-performance Coatng business experienced good growth, driven by the Premium segment The Powder Coating business also achieved decent growth, while the Coil Coating business demonstrated a very strong double-digit growth. Overall, the broad-based growth across sub-segments underscores the resilience and strength of the Performance Coating portfolio.
Powder
Coating
The Powder Coating segment witnessed decent growth during the FY 2025-26, backed by stable demand from Auto Ancillary, Electrical Appliances and Furniture segments. The Powder Coating segment continued to cater to various segments such as white goods, rebars, pipe coatings and construction equipment.
During FY 2025-26, we expanded our product portfolio with several impactful new launches focused on premium performance and emerging application needs. Key introductions included low bake and fast cure powder coatings to enhance productvity and energy efficiency, super-durable and high scratch resistance products for demanding applications, and heat resistant coatings suitable for specialised industrial use. We also advanced liquid to powder conversion solutions, particularly for the Two-wheeler segment supportng sustainability and cost efficiency. In additon, new architectural finishes, specialised coatings for alloy wheels, pipelines, and flame resistant applications further strengthened our position across high-growth and value-added segments.
Liquid
Coating
The Liquid Coating segment in FY 2025-26 demonstrated strong performance, with all subsegments contributing positively. The High-performance Coatings segment was backed by performance in Industrial applications and Oil & Gas segment
The General Industries Coating segment was supported by very strong performance in Construction equipment and Helmets, while segments such as Drums and Barrels and Agricultural equipment also contributed positively.
During FY 2025-26, the Liquid Coatings segment introduced new products offering advanced functional performance, including high-temperature resistance, thermal insulation and enhanced corrosion protection, with applications spanning locomotive spare parts and consumer durables.
Going forward, we will continue focus on expanding our presence in high performance and infrastructure-led applications, supported by continued innovation in sustainable, value-added solutions to drive long-term profitable growth.
Research and Development (R&D)
Overview
Research & Development remains a critical pillar of the Company's long-term strategy, supporting innovation, competitiveness and sustainable growth across Decorative, Automotive and Industrial coatings. The Company's R&D efforts are focused on developing differentiated products and technologies that respond to evolving customer requirements, regulatory standards and environmental considerations.
In the Decorative Coatings segment, R&D initiatives continue to emphasise enhanced performance, durability and application efficiency while incorporating features that address changing consumer preferences. The Automotive Coatings portfolio is focused on continuous technological advancement to improve coating performance, process efficiency, and resource optimisation, in line with the stringent quality and environmental norms of the automotive industry.
Within Industrial coatings, the Company is focused on developing application-specific solutions to meet the diverse and demanding requirements of infrastructure, engineering, and other industrial end-use segments.
Overall, the Company's R&D organisation plays a vital role in strengthening its technology base, driving innovation across businesses and reinforcing its position as a solutions-oriented coatings provider.
COLLABORATION WITH KANSAI PAINT CO., LTD AND KANSAI PAINT GROUP COMPANIES
Over the years, the Company has sustained its technological leadership in the Industrial Coatings segment by consistently outpacing competitive benchmarks. A key enabler of this strength has been the strategic partnership with Kansai Paint Co., Ltd. (KPJ), a globally recognised leader with extensive expertise in technology design and development. Through close and continuous collaboration with KPJ, the Company has developed customised paint and resin formulations tailored to the specific requirements of the Indian market
Key innovations include the development of tin-free Cathodic Electro Deposition (CED) coatings and stoving primers for four-wheeler body applications, as well as several solutons that deliver superior aesthetic appeal and functional performance. KPJ also contributes valuable insights into emerging global colour trends and provides robust technical support to customers in India, drawing on its international experience and capabilites.
In addition, the Company collaborates with Kansai Group entties worldwide to introduce differentiated technologies across a wide range of end-user segments. This includes industrial coatings, coil coatings, automotve refinish and decorative paints, thereby enhancing value delivery to customers.
Key Developments in Decorative Paints
Aligned with the Paint strategy, which emphasises differentiated and value-added offerings, the Company's R&D initiatives continued to focus on innovation-driven by evolving customer needs. During the year under review the Decorative Paints portfolio was further strengthened with the introduction of 15 new products.
In the Interior segment product development efforts focused on solutions offering extended warranties, smoother, more aesthetically pleasing finishes, antibacterial properties, enhanced washability, and improved stain resistance. In the Exterior segment, innovations focused on algae-resistant coatings with lower surface temperatures and superior dirt resistance, enhancing performance and durability Some of the key offerings introduced during the year were Excel Everlast 20, Nerolac Excel Sheen, and Beauty Gold Washable Plus.
These initiatives further strengthen the Company's decorative paints portfolio and reinforce its commitment to delivering high-performance, differentiated solutions that align with changing consumer preferences.
Key Developments in the Automotive Segment
Passenger Vehicles Segment
During the year under review, we advanced our passenger vehicle coatings portfolio by introducing high-impact solutions to enhance aesthetics, performance, and application efficiency Our new offerings focused on enhancing finishes and functionality while prioritising environmental sustainability
During the year, we also expanded our product portfolio by introducing several advanced coating solutions, reinforcing our focus on innovation and sustainability We developed an Energy- efficient Wet-on-wet System that enables significant energy savings and enhances process efficiency. A Primer has been engineered to deliver high durability and superior corrosion resistance, meeting the evolving performance requirements of automotive applications.
These product introductions underscore our commitment to delivering high-performance, value-driven solutions aligned with industry needs.
Two-wheeler and Three-wheeler Segment
The Two-wheeler and Three-wheeler segments saw the development of new products designed to meet diverse application requirements. These offerings focused on improved functionality and enhanced finishes, delivering attributes such as high gloss, increased hardness and superior weatherability.
During the year under review we further strengthened our product portfolio. The Low-Bake Technology enables significant energy savings while improving overall process efficiency The Anticorrosive Underbody Protection solution has been developed to provide enhanced corrosion resistance, thereby extending the service life. Additionally the High Gloss Clear Coats offer improved surface hardness and a durable finish, ensuring superior aesthetics and long-term performance.
These developments reflect our continued commitment to delivering technologically advanced and value-driven solutions aligned with evolving industry requirements.
Commercial Vehicles Segment
During the year under review, we remained focused on advancing innovation, sustainability and product performance by developing coating solutions aligned with evolving customer requirements, operational efficiency and environmental considerations.
For the Commercial Vehicle segment, we launched several new products designed to improve performance and operational efficiency The Super Low-Bake Colour Coating offers improved weathering performance and energy-efficient curing, supporting both durability and sustainability objectives. The Anti-corrosive Sealer for castings has also been developed to deliver superior anticorrosive protection, thereby extending the service life. In addition, the Clear Adhesion Promoter ensures strong inter-coat adhesion without impacting the visual appearance, enhancing overall coating integrity
These product innovations reinforce our commitment to delivering high-quality technologically advanced solutions aligned with customer expectations and industry standards.
Key Developments in Auto Refinish
In the Auto Refinish segment, we are observing a notable shift towards sustainable products, with demand rising for water-based solutions over traditional solvent-based ones. During the year, we advanced our Auto Refinish Coatings portfolio by developing high-impact products.
Key developments included cost-effective, high-solid, clear coats delivering superior gloss and clarity as well as fast-drying PU systems offering good gloss. The portfolio was further strengthened with solutions that offer improved sandability and easier application, effectively catering to retail refinish customers.
These innovations reinforce our focus on delivering efficient, high quality solutions in the Auto Refinish segment
Key Developments in the Performance Coating Segment
KEY DEVELOPMENTS IN POWDER COATINGS
During the year, we continued to focus on innovation, operational efficiency and our presence across diverse application segments by introducing advanced coatng solutions tailored to evolving market needs.
In line with these focus areas, we introduced several new products to enhance performance and process efficiency The Low-Bake One-Shot Matt Powders enable energy-efficient, low-temperature curing while supporting faster throughput The Fusion Bonded Epoxy Topcoat has been developed as a coating system for pipe applicatons. Additionally coatngs designed for furniture and consumer durables deliver high scratch resistance, ensuring improved durability and long-lasting aesthetics.
These product innovatons underscore our commitment to delivering high-performance, application-specific solutons that align with evolving customer requirements and industry standards.
KEY DEVELOPMENTS IN LIQUID COATINGS
In FY 2025-26, we contnued to drive innovation and sustainability through our Liquid Coatings portfolio by developing advanced coating solutions focused on regulatory compliance, enhanced performance, and improved safety across diverse applications.
As part of these efforts, the Company introduced a range of new products designed to address evolving market and environmental requirements. The Highly Flexble RoHS-compliant Coil Coating has been engineered to withstand severe forming operations while offering strong anti-peeling properties, ensuring durability and compliance with global standards. The High-Performance Outdoor Coatng System delivers long-term UV resistance along with improved gloss retention, maintaining aesthetic appeal under harsh environmental conditions. Additionally the Thermal Insulation Coatng is designed to reduce surface temperature and enhance touch safety thereby improving user comfort and operational safety.
These innovatons reaffirm the Company's commitment to delivering high-performance, sustainable, and customer-centric coating solutions.
Supply Chain
The global supply chain environment continues to evolve amid persistent geopolitical uncertainties, volatility in crude oil prices, foreign exchange fluctuations, and challenges related to imports and logistics. These factors have underscored the importance of agility and resilience in supply chain management. At KNPL, we perceive such disruptions not merely as risks but as opportunities to strengthen our operating model through proactive planning, continuous innovation, and strategic adaptation.
Our supply chain has consistently remained a core component of our competitive advantage, enabling us to maintain high standards of quality operational efficiency and dependable customer service. The Company operates through an extensive network of nine owned manufacturing facilities, supported by a supplier base of over 500 key suppliers that provide raw materials, components, and services. Finished products are distributed efficiently across the country through a robust network comprising 112 depots and 8 Regional Distribution Centres (RDCs), ensuring optimal market reach and service continuity
Furthermore, we have implemented an SAP-enabled digital platform to advance supplier identification, onboarding and digitisation of the procurement process. We have also deployed a logistics management system across our operating locations to digitise and optimise logistics operations.
To strengthen collaboration and engagement with its supply chain partners, the Company conducts an Annual Supplier Conference as a key engagement platform. The conference enables meaningful interaction wth suppliers, facilitates networking, and provides an opportunity to communicate the Company’s strategic priorities and future roadmap.
During the financial year, we strengthened supplier engagement by conducting structured training and awareness programmes to align supply chain partners with our sustainability expectations. This training was focused on the Supplier Code of Conduct and BRSR principles, covering social responsibility, environmental stewardship and ethical conduct. During the year, 100 suppliers were assessed using the ESG Self-Assessment to evaluate practices in environmental management, energy and emissions, water and waste management occupational health and safety, human rights, and governance standards. These initiatives undertaken during the year reinforce responsible sourcing and support the integration of sustainable practices across the supply chain.
We also recognise the importance of inclusive growth among all our stakeholders. During F Y 2025-26, approximately 22% of our input materials were sourced from MSMEs, supporting inclusive
growth initiatives. Additionally to promote local sourcing, 77% of our input materials were sourced in India.
Overall, our supply chain strategy remains firmly focused on building resilience, enhancing digital capabilities, fostering responsible sourcing, and strengthening long-term partnerships across the value chain. By combining operational excellence, sustainability integration, inclusive growth, and continuous engagement with our suppliers, we are well positioned to navigate external uncertainties, enhance stakeholder value, and support the Company's long-term growth and competitiveness.
Information Technology
KNPL continues to enhance its digital capabilities as a key enabler of operational efficiency scalability and stakeholder engagement. During the year, we successfully completed our transition to SAP S/4HANA establishing a robust and future ready digital foundation. Our digitally enabled platforms facilitate seamless engagement with key stakeholders, including painters, dealers, architects, interior designers, and sales teams, enhancing service delivery and generating actionable insights. In addition, we have an employee portal that supports organisation-wide learning, communication, engagement, and recognition.
Alongside digital transformation, the Company emphasises cybersecurity and information security governance. Comprehensive security measures, controls, and monitoring mechanisms have been implemented to protect digital assets, safeguard stakeholder data, ensure system integrity, and support business continuity amid increasing cyber risks. Additionally, we have made cybersecurity training mandatory
for all employees within the organisation. We also regularly communicate cybersecurity awareness tips to all our employees.
In parallel, the Company has initiated efforts to build basic A capabilities to improve employee productivity and promote smarter ways of working. Structured training programmes are being conducted to build foundational A awareness and skills. Going forward, KNPL will continue to evaluate selective A-led opportunities with a focus on operational efficiency and measurable benefits.
Through sustained investments in digital platforms, cybersecurity and emerging technologies, the Company remains committed to building a resilient, trusted, and future-ready organisation.
People
At KNPL, our people remain at the heart of our growth and transformation. Life at KNPL is defined by pride, belonging, and purpose: qualities that inspire every NEROLITE to bring their best selves to work. This year, we rolled out our Employee Value Proposition, ‘Where your passion takes colour', reflecting our belief that our people's passion is at the heart of everything we do.
As of FY 2025-26, KNPL is powered by 3,804 dedicated NEROLITEs, who proudly embody this ethos in all they do. We remain committed to their holistic development consistently translating this promise into meaningful actions. By prioritising health, safety and overall well-being, and fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment, we ensure that individuals from all backgrounds feel respected, valued, and empowered to thrive.
Employee
Well-being
Employee well-being continues to be a cornerstone of our people strategy Recognising that our employees are fundamental to organisational success, we have strengthened wellness initiatives to support both physical and mental health.
The Advantage Club App serves as a comprehensive platform offering resources, activities, and support for holistic well-being. Wellness Wednesday Sessions build awareness on critical themes such as mental health, emotional intelligence, productivity, and work-life balance. Our monthly newsletter showcases stories from NEROLITEs about their personal journeys towards healthier lifestyles in our ‘Wellness Club' column.
These efforts underscore our commitment to creating a supportive workplace where employees feel encouraged, empowered, and inspired to perform at their best.
Capability
Building
Capability building continued to be a key focus area, with emphasis on strengthening skills, leadership capability and learning agility across the organisation. During the year, the Company implemented a range of targeted learning initiatives covering professional readiness, sales excellence, product and application knowledge, digital enablement, ESG and risk awareness, business communication and leadership development. These structured programmes supported continuous learning, enhanced workforce effectiveness and enabled the organisation to respond effectively to evolving business and market needs. We also launched Shiksha Product training for employees covering product features, advantages and benchmarking. Additionally, the newly launched ‘20-20 with Nerolac’ learning series is designed to create awareness of initiatives in the decorative function and product categories, helping employees to connect and close knowledge gaps.
Nurturing
Talent
Building strong and meaningful connections with employees remains a priority, fostered through a wide range of engagement and communication initiatives that nurture a participative and collaborative culture.
The Titan Recognition Programme allows employees to celebrate each other's achievements and contributions, reinforcing a culture of appreciation. During the year, we also introduced the Annual Excellence Awards to recognise outstanding individual and team contributions, celebrating sustained performance, innovation, collaboration, and alignment wth organisational values, thereby reinforcing a merit-based, high-performance culture.
The Life@Nerolac platform further strengthens community spirit by enabling employees to share ideas, updates, and accomplishments. Transparent, two-way communication is encouraged through forums such as the HR Connects, Reach Programme, Works Manager Address sessions, and the Annual Learning Conference. In addition, cultural and festive celebrations across Plants, the Head Office, R&D centres, and depots bring the KNPL family together, creating a vibrant and inclusive workplace atmosphere.
We also have the Women's Impact Network (WIN), an employee resource group that fosters an inclusive environment for women to thrive professionally and personally In addition, the WTW Engagement Survey provides valuable insights into employee sentiment, enabling KNPL to continuously enhance workplace practices and strengthen trust.
Through these thoughtfully curated programmes, we reinforce our dedication to building an engaging, inclusive, and people-centric workplace where every employee feels valued and connected.
KNPL emphasises building and nurturing young professionals as key enablers of long-term growth. Its talent acquisition approach is aligned with organisational objectives and supported by digitised, transparent hiring processes that enhance efficiency and candidate experience. Fresh talent is sourced through structured campus collaborations and internship programmes, while Graduate Engineer Trainee and Management Trainee initiatives provide early-career professionals with cross-functional exposure and development opportunities. The Gurukul Programme offers summer training opportunities, while the Aarambh Campus Programme facilitates the seamless transition of trainees into full-fledged Nerolites. These efforts reinforce a strong talent pipeline, promote internal capability building and foster a diverse, inclusive and future ready workforce.
Innovation
(AVINYA)
The Company continues to actively harness ideas generated through its innovation initiatives, with a strong focus during the year on disciplined implementation and benefit tracking. Identified ideas were systematically monitored for progress and outcomes, ensuring that innovation efforts translated into measurable business impact while fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and value-driven innovation.
In addition, inventory control emerged as a key theme during the year. Employee-led ideas under this focus area were carefully evaluated, and selected ideas were implemented. Thus, contributing to improved efficiency and a strengthened cash conversion cycle.
Community Development
At KNPL, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is not merely a statutory obligation, but an integral part of our business philosophy We firmly believe that responsible conduct and meaningful social contribution are central to sustainable value creation, enabling us to act as a catalyst for positive change in the communities we serve. Our focused and sustained social interventions reflect our commitment to inclusive growth and responsible citizenship and align closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). During FY 2025-26, KNPL continued to advance its CSR journey through impactful programmes spanning livelihood and skill development, preventive healthcare and sanitation, education promotion, environmental sustainability, and rural and community development. Through these initiatives, the Company positively touched the lives of over 1,00,000 beneficiaries, reinforcing its commitment to long-term social development and shared prosperity
Under its CSR initiatives, one of the innovative projects undertaken by KNPL is Project Swayam, a seven-month capacity-building programme aimed at empowering rural women entrepreneurs in Chiplun. The initiative supported 25 women through a structured 15-session curriculum focused on business skills, digital literacy financial awareness, and branding, enabling them to transition into entrepreneurship. The programme delivered tangible outcomes, including rapid adoption of digital payment platforms such as UPI and WhatsApp Business, and facilitated access to institutional finance, wth one participant securing a CMEGP loan of ' 8 Lakhs. To ensure long-term impact, the project has institutionalised a women-led consortium and peer-mentorship framework, fostering a self-sustaining ecosystem for rural livelihoods and economic empowerment
Overall, KNPL's CSR initiatives reflect a long-term commitment to inclusive development and community empowerment. By creating scalable and sustainable models, the Company continues to contribute meaningfully to social progress while strengthening the foundations for resilient and self-reliant communites.
Environment, Social and Governance
At KNPL, the identification and prioritisation of material issues form a critical part of our sustainability and value creation framework. Material issues are matters that significantly influence the Company's ability to create long-term value for its stakeholders and are considered critical due to their potential impact on business sustainability, social responsibility, and stakeholder relationships.
By systematically recognising and addressing these material issues, the Company seeks to proactively manage risks and opportunities, enhance organisational resilience, and reinforce its commitment to sustainable and responsible value creation. Based on this assessment KNPL has identified five key material issues, namely:: Decarbonisation, Resource Use, Quality of Life, Diversity and Governance.
Outlook
For FY 2026-27, the outlook for the Indian paints and coatings industry remains positive, supported by structural growth drivers. Continuedinvestmentsininfrastructure across railways, roads, airports, power, and urban development are expected to sustain demand for industrial and performance coatings. Also, the automotive sector is likely to maintain healthy momentum.
In the Decorative Paints segment, demand is expected to improve wth a more normalised monsoon cycle, steady rural consumption, and a gradual recovery in urban demand. Rising disposable incomes, ongoing premiumisaton, and increasing consumer preference for eco-friendly and value-added products are anticipated to further support growth. Government initiatives, such as housing and urban development programmes, are also expected to provide an impetus to demand.
While the industry may continue to face near-term challenges from raw material price volatility, currency movements, and an increasingly competitive landscape, we aim to mitigate these risks through product innovation, premium offerings, digitalisation, and a sustained focus on sustainability Overall, the paint industry is well positioned to deliver steady sustainable growth in the coming year, supported by resilient demand drivers, infrastructure expansion, and evolving customer preferences.
Internal Control Systems and their Adequacy
Our internal control systems are designed to monitor and manage our day-to-day operations efficiently. These systems ensure compliance wth numerous concepts, regulations, and norms, adhering to methodology requirements. To enhance our internal control mechanisms, we have implemented an Internal Financial Control system in compliance with the provisions of Section 134(5)(e) of The Companies Act, 2013. This system provides the Board of Directors with additional oversight capabilities. The implementation of these systems follows the framework outlined in the Guidance Note on Audit of Internal Financial Controls in Financial Reporting, issued by The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, to address KNPL’s operational and financial risks. Moreover, our systems undergo testing by statutory auditors using automated technigues.
Control Efficiency Index and Robust Control Index
The CEI and RCI remain integral to the Company's strategy for assessing internal audit effectiveness. We measure our control mechanisms against industry benchmarks to maintain efficient operations. Our internal audit programme focuses on identifying gaps in control and policy design, control and process deviations, IT systems, and regulatory compliance. Additionally our internal audit programme evaluates opportunities to automate control processes, and we leverage audit findings to enhance the Company's internal controls.
Compliances
KNPL has developed a dashboard to monitor key legislative changes notified by various government authorities, which are then tracked by the Management for requirements and implementation. The Company tracks and ensures regulatory compliance online through the Legatrix system. The system is updated regularly to reflect all compliance changes as they occur. The online tracking and tracing of completion help ensure strict adherence to regulations. In addition, the Company tracks any legal cases through the Roznama System.
Cautionary Statement
Statements in the Management Discussion and Analysis section of this report describing the Company's objectives, estimates, and expectations may be ‘forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the applicable laws and regulations. The actual results might differ materially from those either expressed or implied.
Awards and Recognition
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 the S&P Global Large-Midcap ESG Index 2025
EcoVadis
Awarded the Bronze Medal in the EcoVadis Assessment 2026, ranking among the top 18% of companies assessed
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
The Sayakha Plant team received the Gold Award at the CII National Excellence Practice Competition for presenting the Fresh Water Reduction Green Initiative
Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission
The Hosur Plant received the Corporate Biodiversity Award for contribution towards biodiversity 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 for FY 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 Competition hosted by Wheels India Limited
CIE
Recognised by CIE Automotive India Ltd. at the 4th CIE India Suppliers Conference for excellence in ESG initiatives
Manufacturing -
India Manufacturing Excellence Award (IMEA)
The Jainpur Plant received the Platinum Award for Future Ready Factory of the Year at the Frost & Sullivan India Manufacturing Excellence Awards (IMEA) 2025
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
The Hosur Plant received the Gold Award for ‘Best Organisation in Overall EHS Practices' at the 7th CII National EHS Competition 2026
The Bawal Plant received the Gold Award at the 21st CII National 3M Competition for its case study on Muda Elimination
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 CII National Excellence Competition
The Sayakha Plant received the Gold Award at the 8th CII IQ National Safety Practice Competition The 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 Productivity Improvement 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 on Quality Concepts (CCQC)
The Sayakha Plant received the Gold Award at the 13th Annual Convention for Quality Concepts for its case study on Productivity and Skill Enhancement
Earned 26 Awards across multiple prestigious platforms for the ‘Dukaan it Yourself campaign 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-business Marketing, the Silver Dragon for Market Discipline and 4 Black Dragon awards
2. Directors’ Responsibility Statement
As stipulated under the provisions contained in Section 134(3)(c) read with Section 134(5) of the Companies Act, 2013 (“the Act”), the Board of Directors to the best of its knowledge and belief and according to the information and explanations obtained by it, hereby state that:
i. in the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable accounting standards have been followed and there are no material departures;
ii. t he directors have selected such accounting policies and applied them consistently and made judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company at the end of the financial year and of the profit of the Company for that period;
iii. the directors have taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Act, for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
iv. t he directors have prepared the annual accounts of the Company on a going concern basis;
v. the directors have laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the Company and that such internal financial controls are adequate and are operating effectively; and
vi. the directors have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems are adequate and operating effectively.
3. New Projects
During the financial year ended 31st March, 2026:
1. the Company has completed the Brownfield manufacturing project at Jainpur Plant and the production of Water Based Paint has commenced;
2. the captive offsite Solar power plant project for Lote Plant has been completed;
3. a second Captive Wind Turbine in Gujarat, for Sayakha Plant has been completed;
4. the capacity enhancement of industrial Alkyd and Polyester Resin at Sayakha Plant and of Acrylic Resin at Bawal Plant, to meet the increased automotive paint demand, are progressing well;
5. the automotive paint capacity addition project at Sayakha Plant, to meet the future demand of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), is progressing well; and
6. the offsite Solar power plant project for Bawal Plant, to optimise the power cost, is progressing well.
4. Directors
In terms of the provisions of the Act and the Articles of Association of the Company, Mr. Takashi Tomioka (holding Director Identification Number 08736654), Non-Executive Director, is liable to retire by rotation at the ensuing AGM of the Company and being eligible, offers himself for re-appointment.
Mr. Pravin D. Chaudhari (holding Director Identification Number 02171823) has been appointed as the Managing Director of the Company for a term of 3 (three) years commencing from 1st April, 2025 up to and ending on 31st March, 2028 (both days inclusive). The approval of the Shareholders of the Company and the Central Government for the appointment of Mr. Chaudhari as the Managing Director of the Company have been received.
Mr. Gen Yokota (holding Director Identification Number 11084786) had been appointed as a Non-Executive Director of the Company with effect from 6th May, 2025. The Shareholders approved his appointment at the 105th AGM of the Company held on 30th June, 2025.
Mr. Hitoshi Nishibayashi (holding Director Identification Number 03169150), Non-Executive Director, liable to retire by rotation at the 105th Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) of the Company did not seek re-appointment due to health reasons. He retired as a Non-Executive Director of the Company on 30th June, 2025. The Board placed on record its sincere appreciation and gratitude for the services rendered by Mr. Nishibayashi during his association with the Company. Mr. Hirokazu Kotera (holding Director Identification Number 10707431) has resigned as the Executive Director of the Company, on the directions of the Promoter Company, Kansai Paint Co., Ltd., Japan (“KPJ”), which had nominated Mr. Kotera as a Director on the Board of the Company. The Board placed on record its sincere appreciation and gratitude for the services rendered by Mr. Kotera during his association 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 for their association with KPJ.
None of the Directors of the Company are disqualified as on 31st March, 2026 from being appointed as a Director under Section 164 of the Act.
All the Independent Directors on the Board have given a declaration of their independence to the Company as required under Section 149(6) of the Act and Regulation 16(1)(b) of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 (“SEBI Listing Regulations”). In the opinion of the Board, all the Independent Directors possess integrity, relevant expertise and experience including proficiency required to be an Independent Director of the Company. They fulfill the conditions of independence as specified in the Act and SEBI Listing Regulations, comply with the Code for Independent Directors as prescribed in Schedule IV of the Act and are independent of the Management.
The Company has a Code of Conduct for Directors and Senior Management. All the Directors and members of Senior Management 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 the attendance of the Directors thereat have been provided separately in the Annual Report, as a part of the Report on Corporate Governance.
5. Key Managerial Personnel
Mr. P. D. Pai, Chief Financial Officer, retired from the services of the Company with effect from the close of business on 31st July, 2025. The Board placed on record its sincere appreciation and gratitude for the valuable contribution made by Mr. Pai, during his association with the Company.
The Board of Directors of the Company, on recommendation of the Audit Committee and Nomination and Remuneration Committee, has appointed Mr. Yash Ahuja as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company with effect from 1st August, 2025.
In terms of Section 203 of the Act, the Company has the following Key Managerial Personnel: Mr. Pravin D. Chaudhari, Managing Director, Mr. Yash Ahuja, Chief Financial Officer and Mr. G. T Govindarajan, Company Secretary.
6. Meetings of the Board
The Board met 10 (ten) times during the financial year ended 31st March, 2026. The meeting details are provided separately in the Annual Report, as a part of the Report on Corporate Governance. The maximum time gap between any two meetings did not exceed 120 days, as prescribed in the Act and SEBI Listing Regulations.
7. Board Evaluation
In terms of the applicable provisions of the Act and SEBI Listing Regulations, the Nomination and Remuneration Committee and Board of Directors have approved a framework which lays down a structured approach, guidelines and processes to be adopted for carrying out evaluation of the performance of the Directors, the Board as a whole and its Committees. The criteria are broadly based on the Guidance Note on Board Evaluation, issued by the Securities and Exchange Board of India.
Detailed questionnaires covering various parameters relevant for the evaluation are circulated to the Directors. The feedback received from the Directors is discussed at the meetings of Independent Directors, Nomination and Remuneration Committee and Board.
For the year under review, the Board carried out the evaluation of its own performance, its Committees and individual Directors. Evaluation results as collated and presented, were noted by the Independent Directors, Nomination and Remuneration Committee and Board.
8. Particulars on the Committees of the Board
The details with regard to the composition of the Committees of the Board and the number of meetings held during the year of the Committees, as required under the SEBI Listing Regulations, is separately provided in the Annual Report, as part of the Report on Corporate Governance.
9. Audit Committee
In terms of the provisions of Regulation 18 of the SEBI Listing Regulations read with Section 177 of the Act, the constitution of Audit Committee as on 31st March, 2026 is as follows:
|
Name of the Member
|
Designation
|
|
Mr. Uday S. Bhansali (Chairman of the Audit Committee)
|
Independent Director
|
|
Ms. Sonia Singh
|
Independent Director
|
|
Mr. Bhaskar Bhat
|
Chairman and Independent Director
|
The recommendations made by the Audit Committee to the Board, from time to time during the year under review, have been accepted by the Board. Other details with respect to the Audit Committee such as its terms of reference, meetings and attendance thereat are separately provided in the Annual Report, as a part of the Report on Corporate Governance.
10. Corporate Social Responsibility
In terms of Section 135 of the Act, the constitution of the Corporate Social Responsibility (“CSR”) Committee as on 31st March, 2026 is as follows:
|
Name of the Member
|
Designation
|
|
Ms. Sonia Singh (Chairperson of the CSR Committee)
|
Independent Director
|
|
Mr. Bhaskar Bhat
|
Chairman and Independent Director
|
|
Mr. Pravin D. Chaudhari*
|
Managing Director
|
* Mr. Pravin D. Chaudhari has been appointed as a member of the CSR Committee with effect from 1st April, 2025.
The functions of the CSR Committee are to:
(a) formulate and recommend to the Board, a CSR Policy which shall indicate the activities to be undertaken by the Company in areas or subject, specified in Schedule VII of the Act;
(b) recommend the amount of expenditure to be incurred on the activities referred to in clause (a); and
(c) monitor the CSR Policy of the Company from time to time.
During the financial year ended 31st March 2026, 2 (two) meetings of CSR Committee were held on 25th November, 2025 and 26th March, 2026 which were attended by all members of the Committee.
The Board on recommendation of the CSR Committee has framed a CSR Policy and the same is available on the 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 Impact Assessment Report is available on the Company's website at https://www.nerolac.com/investors/financial-results.html. The Annual Report on CSR activities as required under Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014, as amended, including a brief outline of the Company's CSR Policy and executive summary of CSR Impact Assessment Report, is annexed to this Report as Annexure 1.
11. Risk Management Policy
The Company has identified the risk areas in its operations along with its probability and severity, department wise. An effective Risk Management Framework is put in place in the Company in order to analyse, control and mitigate risk. Risk profiling is also put in place for all the areas of operations in the Company and are well integrated in the business cycle. The various risks to which the Company is exposed are disclosed as a part of Management Discussion and Analysis, hereinabove.
The Risk Management Framework of the Company comprises of Risk Management Committee and the Risk Officer.
In terms of the provisions of Regulation 21 of the SEBI Listing Regulations, the constitution of Risk Management Committee as on 31st March, 2026 is as follows:
|
Name of the Member
|
Designation
|
|
Ms. Sonia Singh (Chairperson of the Risk Management Committee)
|
Independent Director
|
|
Mr. Hirokazu Kotera*
|
Executive Director
|
|
Mr. Uday S. Bhansali
|
Independent Director
|
|
Mr. Pravin D. Chaudhari®
|
Managing Director
|
|
Mr. Jason Gonsalves
|
Non-board member on the Committee
|
|
Mr. Yash Ahuja#
|
Chief Risk Officer and Non-board member on the Committee
|
* Mr. Hirokazu Kotera ceased to be a member of the Risk Management Committee consequent to his resignation from the services of the Company with effect from the close of business on 31st March, 2026.
@ Mr. Pravin D. Chaudhari has been appointed as a Member of the Risk Management Committee with effect from 1st April, 2025.
# Mr. Yash Ahuja has been appointed as a member and Chief Risk Officer of the Risk Management Committee with effect from 1st August, 2025.
Mr. P D. Pai ceased to be a member and Chief Risk Officer of the Risk Management Committee consequent to his retirement at the close of business on 31st July, 2025.
12. Remuneration Policy
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 shall draw members with appropriate skills, experience and knowledge from diverse fields such as finance, law, management, sales, marketing, architecture, administration, research, corporate governance, operations or other disciplines related to the Company's business. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of gender, race, ethnicity and nationality while determining the board composition.
• A Director shall be a person of integrity, who possesses relevant expertise and experience. He shall uphold ethical standards of integrity and probity and act objectively and constructively. He shall exercise his responsibilities in a bona-fide manner in the interest of the Company; devote sufficient time and attention to his professional obligations for informed and balanced decision making; and assist the Company in implementing the best corporate governance practices.
• An Independent Director should meet the requirements of the Act and SEBI Listing Regulations, concerning independence of directors. The Company shall also obtain certification of independence from the Independent Director in accordance with the Act and SEBI Listing Regulations.
• The remuneration paid to Whole-time Directors is subject to the limits laid down under Section 197 and Schedule V to the Act and in accordance with the terms of appointment approved by the Shareholders of the Company. The remuneration of the Whole-time Directors is determined by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee based on factors such as the Company's performance and performance/track record of the Whole-time Directors. The remuneration consists of Salary, Commission, Company's contribution to Provident Fund and Superannuation Fund, House Rent Allowance (HRA), Leave Travel Allowance (LTA) and other perquisites and allowances in accordance with the rules of the Company, applicable from time to time.
• The Non-Executive Independent Directors are paid commission within the ceiling of 1% of net profits of the Company as specified in Section 197 of the Act. The commission payable to Non-Executive Independent Directors is decided by the Board, on recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, based on a number of factors including number of Board and Committee meetings attended, individual contribution thereat etc. The Non-Executive Independent Directors
are also paid sitting fees for attending the meetings of the Board or Committee thereof within the limits prescribed under the Act.
• The objective of the policy is to have a compensation framework that will reward and retain talent.
• The remuneration will be such as to ensure that the correlation of remuneration to performance is clear and meets appropriate performance benchmarks.
• Remuneration to Key Managerial Personnel, Senior Management and other employees will involve a balance between fixed and variable pay reflecting short and long term performance objectives of the employees in line with the working of the Company and its goals.
• The short and long term performance objectives cover 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 linked to achievement of Business Plan (achievement of short-term and long-term business objective).
• For Heads of Department, the Performance Pay will be linked to achievement of functional plan which is derived from the business plan. The functional plan includes both, short-term and long-term objectives.
• For other management personnel, the Performance Pay will be linked to achievement of individual set objectives and part of this will also be linked to overall Company performance.
The Remuneration Policy is also available on the website of the Company athttps://www.nerolac.com/investors/policies.html.
13. Vigil Mechanism - Whistle Blower Policy
The Company, pursuant to Section 177(9) of the Act and Regulation 22 of the SEBI Listing Regulations, has a Whistle Blower Policy to report genuine concerns and grievances. The Policy provides adequate safeguards against victimisation of persons who use the whistle blower mechanism. The Policy also provides for direct access to the Chairman of the Audit Committee.
Details with respect to implementation of vigil mechanism are separately disclosed in the Annual Report, as a part of the Report on Corporate Governance. The Whistle Blower Policy is also available on the website of the Company at https://www.nerolac.com/investors/policies.html.
14. Dividend Distribution Policy
The Dividend Distribution Policy of the Company has been formulated to ensure compliance with the provisions of Regulation 43A of the SEBI Listing Regulations. The Dividend Distribution Policy is also available on the website of the Company athttps://www.nerolac.com/investors/policies.html. The declaration of dividend by the Company is in compliance with its Dividend Distribution Policy.
15. Prevention of Sexual Harassment at workplace
In line with the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (“POSH Act”), the Company has adopted a Policy on Appropriate Social Conduct at Workplace. The Policy is applicable to all employees and non-employees including business associates, vendors, trainees etc.
The Company has complied with the provisions relating to the constitution of Internal Complaints Committee under the POSH Act to redress complaints received on sexual harassment as well as other forms of verbal, physical, written or visual harassment.
During the year under review, two complaints of sexual harassment were received and resolved as per the provisions of the POSH Act. There was no case which was pending for more than 90 (ninety) days.
16. Related Party Transactions
The Company has in place a Policy on dealing with Related Party Transactions and on Materiality of Related Party Transactions which is available on the website of the Company athttps://www.nerolac.com/investors/ policies.html. The Audit Committee reviews this Policy periodically as required under Regulation 23 of the SEBI Listing Regulations. In terms of the Policy, a statement in summary form of transactions with related parties in the ordinary course of business and on arm's length basis is also periodically placed before the Audit Committee for its review. Omnibus approval was obtained for the proposed related party transactions which were repetitive in nature. Transactions entered into pursuant to omnibus approval were placed before the Audit Committee for its review during the year.
Related party transactions entered during financial year 2025-26 have been disclosed in Note no. 39 to the Standalone Financial Statements.
In terms of the provisions of Section 188(1) of the Act read with the Companies (Meetings of Board and its Powers) Rules, 2014 and Regulation 23 of the SEBI Listing Regulations, all related party transactions that were entered into, during the year under review, were in the ordinary course of business of the Company and on arm's length basis.
There were no material related party transactions during the financial year 2025-26. Accordingly, Form AOC-2, prescribed under the provisions of Section 134(3)(h) of the Act and Rule 8 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, for disclosure of details of related party transactions, which are “not at arm's length basis” and also which are “material and at arm's length basis”, is not provided as an annexure to this Report as it is not applicable.
17. Particulars of Loans, Guarantees or Investments under Section 186 of the Act
Details of Loans, Guarantees and Investments covered under the provisions of Section 186 of the Act, are separately disclosed in the Annual Report, as a part of the Notes to the Financial Statements.
18. Particulars regarding Employees Remuneration
Disclosure comprising particulars with respect to the remuneration of directors and employees, as required to be disclosed in terms of the provisions of Section 197(12) of the Act and Rule 5 of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, is annexed to this Report as Annexure 2.
19. Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption and Foreign Exchange earnings and outgo
The statement giving the particulars relating to conservation of energy, technology absorption and foreign exchange earnings 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 requirements and disclosures that have to be made in terms of the requirements of Corporate Governance specified in the SEBI Listing Regulations.
In terms of the provisions of Schedule V(C) of the SEBI Listing Regulations, a detailed Report on Corporate Governance forms part of the Annual Report. Further, a Certificate from the Statutory Auditors of the Company confirming compliance with the requirements of Corporate Governance as specified in the SEBI Listing Regulations is provided together with the Report on Corporate Governance, the same shall be considered to be an annexure to this Report.
21. Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report
The Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report as required in terms of the provisions of Regulation 34(2)(f) of the SEBI Listing Regulations, separately forms part of the Annual Report.
22. Share Capital
The paid-up Equity Share Capital as at 31st March, 2026 stood at ? 80.87 Crores.
During the year under review, the Company allotted 2,13,393 Equity Shares of ? 1 each pursuant to exercise of Restricted Stock Units granted under the Kansai Nerolac Paints Limited - Restricted Stock Unit Plan, 2022.
During the year under review, the Company has not issued any convertible securities or shares with differential voting rights 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 terms of the approval of the Shareholders vide Postal Ballot on 25th October, 2022, to attract, retain, motivate its employees and improve performance of the Company for ensuring sustained growth.
During the financial year 2025-26, there has been no change in the RSU Plan 2022. The RSU Plan 2022 is available on the Company's website athttps://www.nerolac. com/investors/restricted-stock-units.html.
Information as required under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Share Based Employee Benefits and Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021 (“SEBI SBEB & SE Regulations”) 2021 has been uploaded on the Company's website at https://www.nerolac.com/investors/financial-results.html and is annexed to this Report as Annexure 4.
The certificate from the Secretarial Auditor, certifying that the RSU Plan 2022 has been implemented in accordance with SEBI SBEB & SE Regulations and in accordance with the Special Resolution passed by the Members of the Company through Postal Ballot on 25th October, 2022 and 15th June, 2023 will be available for inspection of the Shareholders through electronic mode. Shareholders may write to the Company atagm@nerolac.com in that regard, by mentioning “Request for Inspection” in the subject of the e-mail.
24. Details of Unclaimed Suspense Account
Details pertaining to Unclaimed Suspense Account of the Company are separately provided in the Annual Report, as part of the Report on Corporate Governance.
25. Investor Education and Protection Fund (“IEPF”)
Transfer of Unclaimed Dividend to IEPF
During the year under review, dividend amounting to ? 31.93 Lakhs that had not been claimed by the Shareholders for the year ended 31st March, 2018, was transferred to the credit of IEPF as required under Sections 124 and 125 of the Act.
Unclaimed dividend as on 31st March, 2026
The IEPF Authority had requested companies to carry out a special outreach campaign “Saksham Niveshak” from 28th July, 2025 to 6th November, 2025 and from 1st April, 2026 to 9th July, 2026, to reach out to shareholders whose dividend remain unpaid/unclaimed. The Company encourages its Shareholders to claim their unclaimed dividends by updating their KYC details (viz., PAN, Bank account details, contact details, choice of nomination, specimen signature).
As on 31st March, 2026, dividend amounting to f 2.41 Crores has not been claimed by Shareholders of the Company. Shareholders are required to lodge their claims with the Registrar and Share Transfer Agents of the Company i.e. MUFG Intime India Private Limited, for unclaimed dividend. Pursuant to the provisions of Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund) Rules, 2016 (as amended), the Company has uploaded the details of unpaid and unclaimed amounts lying with the Company as on 31st March, 2025, on the website of the Company athttps://www.nerolac.com/financial/shareholders.html.
Transfer of Equity Shares
As required under Section 124 of the Act, 65,365 Equity Shares, in respect of which dividend has not been claimed by the Shareholders for 7 (seven) consecutive years or more, have been transferred by the Company to the IEPF Authority during the financial year 2025-26.
Details of such Equity Shares due for transfer to IEPF Authority, in financial year 2026-27 have been uploaded on the website of the Company athttps://www.nerolac.com/financial/ shareholders.html.
Nodal Officer
Mr. G. T Govindarajan, Company Secretary, is the Nodal Officer for the purpose of verification of claims filed with the Company in terms of IEPF Rules and for co-ordination with the IEPF Authority. The said details are also available on the website of the Company at www.nerolac.com.
26. Statutory Auditors
At the 104th AGM of the Company, the Shareholders had 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 hold office for a second term of 5 (five) consecutive years from the conclusion of the 104th AGM until the conclusion of the 109th AGM of the Company, in terms of the applicable provisions of Section 139(1) of the Act read with the Companies (Audit and Auditors) Rules, 2014. Details of the remuneration paid to S R B C & CO LLP, Chartered Accountants, Statutory Auditors, during the financial year 2025-26 are disclosed in the Financial Statements of Company, which forms part of the Annual Report.
The Auditors' Report on the Financial Statements (Standalone and Consolidated) of the Company for the year under review, is clean and there are no qualifications in the said Report. Also, no frauds in terms of the provisions of Section 143(12) of the Act have been reported by the Auditors in their Report for the year under review.
The Notes to the Financial Statements (Standalone and Consolidated) are self-explanatory and do not call for any further comments.
27. Secretarial Auditors
In terms of Regulation 24A of the SEBI Listing Regulations, the Shareholders at the 105th AGM of the Company, had appointed JHR & Associates, Company Secretaries, (Firm registration no. P2015MH059200) as the Secretarial Auditor of the Company for a term of 5 (five) consecutive years 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 review issued by the Secretarial Auditor is annexed to this Report as Annexure 5. There is no qualification or adverse remark in their Report.
The Secretarial Auditors have confirmed that they have subjected themselves to the peer review process of Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and hold valid certificate issued by the Peer Review Board of the ICSI. Further, JHR & Associates have confirmed that they are not disqualified from being Secretarial Auditor of the Company.
28. Cost Audit
The Company has maintained cost records as specified by the 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 Cost Auditor to conduct an audit of its cost accounting records for the financial year 2024-25, pertaining to products of the Company as required by the law. The Cost Audit Report submitted by the Cost Auditor for the financial year 2024-25 was clean and there was no qualification in their Report. The same 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 financial year 2025-26 and the Cost Audit Report when submitted by them, will be duly filed with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Further, the Company has re-appointed D.C. Dave & Co., Cost Accountants, as the Cost Auditor for the financial year 2026-27, to conduct an audit of its cost accounting records pertaining to the products of the Company as required by the law, at a remuneration of f 4,00,000 plus GST and reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses. The Company is seeking the approval of the Shareholders by means of ratification, for the remuneration 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 their appointment as Cost Auditor, if made, would be in accordance with the provisions of the Act and Rules framed thereunder.
29. General Disclosure
During the year under review:
1. the Company has complied with the applicable Secretarial Standards issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India;
2. t here was no application made or proceeding pending under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016;
3. there were no instances of onetime settlement with any Banks or Financial Institutions; and
4. the Company has complied with the provisions relating to the Maternity Benefits Act, 1961.
30. General Shareholder Information
General Shareholder Information is given as Item no. 12 of the Report on Corporate Governance forming part of the Annual Report.
31. Annual Return
Pursuant to Section 92(3) read with Section 134(3)(a) of the Act, the Annual Return as on 31st March, 2026 is available on the website of the Company athttps://www.nerolac.com/ investors/annual-return.html.
32. Acknowledgements
Your Directors wish to express their grateful appreciation for the co-operation and continued support received from customers, promoter company, collaborators, vendors, investors, shareholders, financial institutions, banks, regulatory authorities and the society at large during the year.
We also place on record our appreciation for the contribution made by our employees at all levels and for their commitment, hard work and support.
For and on behalf of the Board Bhaskar Bhat
Mumbai, 6th May, 2026 Chairman
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