Your Board of Directors ("Board") are pleased to present the 13 th (Thirteenth) Annual Report of FSN E-Commerce Ventures Limited ("your Company” or "the Company” or "Nykaa”) together with the Audited Financial Statements of the Company, for the financial year ended March 31, 2025 ("the year under review” or "the year” or "FY25”).
Financial Performance — An Overview
(C in crores)
Particulars
|
2024-25
|
2023-24*
|
2024-25
|
2023-24*
|
Revenue from Operations
|
419.95
|
312.52
|
7,949.82
|
6,385.62
|
Other Income
|
157.33
|
184.64
|
27.26
|
29.94
|
Total Income
|
577.28
|
497.16
|
7,977.08
|
6,415.56
|
Total Expenditure
|
479.99
|
403.24
|
7,849.63
|
6,346.54
|
Profit before Tax
|
97.29
|
93.92
|
127.45
|
69.02
|
Current Tax
|
16.80
|
9.01
|
41.50
|
106.73
|
Deferred Tax (Credit)/Expenses
|
(16.87)
|
(36.11)
|
12.25
|
(81.42)
|
Profit after Tax
|
97.36
|
121.02
|
73.70
|
43.71
|
Share in loss of associate
|
-
|
-
|
(1.63)
|
(3.97)
|
Profit for the period
|
97.36
|
121.02
|
72.07
|
39.74
|
Other Comprehensive Income/Loss (OCI)
|
(0.95)
|
0.20
|
(4.31)
|
0.44
|
Total Comprehensive Income
|
96.41
|
121.22
|
67.76
|
40.18
|
Balance in the Profit/ (Loss) Account in the Balance Sheet
|
345.13
|
246.91
|
48.46
|
(6.15)
|
* Restated on account of acquisition of business through slump sale, Scheme of Amalgamation and Scheme of Arrangement.
REVIEW OF OPERATIONS
During the year under review, the Standalone income of your Company increased to C577.28 crores as compared to C497.16 crores in the previous year, registering a growth of 16%. The Standalone profit after tax for the year was C97.36 crores as compared to C121.02 crores in the previous year registering a decrease of 20%.
During the year under review, the Consolidated income of the Group increased to ?7,977.08 crores compared to ?6,415.56 crores in the previous year, registering growth of 24%. The Consolidated profit for the period for the Group was C72.07 crores as compared to C39.74 crores in the previous year registering an increase of 81%.
The operating and financial performance of your Company has been covered in the Management Discussion and Analysis Report which forms part of the Annual Report.
DETAILS OF MATERIAL CHANGES AND COMMITMENTS FROM THE END OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR
There were no material changes and commitments affecting the financial position of your Company, which have occurred between end of the FY25 and the date of this report.
RESERVES
Your Board has decided to retain the entire amount of profit for FY25.
DIVIDEND
Your Board has not recommended any dividend on the equity shares of the Company for financial year ended March 31, 2025, as the Company is in growing stage and would require funds to support its growth objectives.
DIVIDEND DISTRIBUTION POLICY
In terms of Regulation 43A of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 ("the Listing Regulations”), your Company has formulated a Dividend Distribution Policy, with an objective to provide the dividend distribution framework to the stakeholders of the Company. The policy sets out various internal and external factors, which shall be considered by the Board in determining the dividend pay-out. The policy is available on the website of the Company at Dividend Distribution Policy.
SHARE CAPITAL
The details of changes in paid-up equity share capital during the year under review, are as under:
|
Paid-up Equity Share Capital
|
D in crores
|
A
|
At the beginning of the year, i.e., as on April 01, 2024
|
285.599
|
B
|
Allotments made pursuant to exercise of vested stock options under the various employee stock option schemes of the Company
|
0.326
|
C
|
At the end of the year, i.e., as on March 31, 2025 (C=A B)
|
285.925
|
STANDALONE AND CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Audited Standalone and Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company, for the financial year ended March 31, 2 025, are prepared, in accordance with the requirements of the Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Rules, 2015 (Ind-AS) notified under Section 133 of the Companies Act, 2013 ("Act”) read with relevant Rules and other accounting principles. The Consolidated Financial Statement has been prepared based on the financial statements received from Subsidiaries and an Associate company, as approved by their respective Board of Directors.
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES DURING THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW AND TILL THE DATE OF THIS REPORT
Your Company strives to create and enhance the value for its stakeholders through synergising and optimising its business operations and thus, in line with your Company's value of 'Be Better Everyday', the following strategic initiatives were taken during the year under review:
A. DEMERGER OF E-B2B BUSINESS FROM FSN DISTRIBUTION LIMITED TO NYKAA E-RETAIL LIMITED
Your Board, at its meeting held on February 06, 2024, approved Scheme of Arrangement between FSN Distribution Limited and Nykaa E-Retail Limited, wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company, and their respective shareholders and creditors.
Nykaa E-Retail Limited primarily has an inventory led business model of selling beauty and personal care products of its own brands as well as third party brands through online channels i.e., its own online platforms and websites. FSN Distribution Limited has a B2B inventory led business model of selling beauty and personal care products through its distribution networks using online as well as offline sales channels. The Scheme comprised of demerger of online B2B beauty business from FSN Distribution Limited to Nykaa E- Retail Limited. Post demerger, residual business of offline B2B business i.e. general / modern trade business would continue in FSN Distribution Limited.
This demerger would facilitate synergy in operations such as effective utilisation of warehouse and office space, synergy
in technology cost and overheads. It would further result in consolidation of online beauty business under one entity, leading to reduction in compliances and intercompany transactions and improved customer experience.
The Hon'ble National Company Law Tribunal, Mumbai approved the scheme of arrangement vide its order dated May 9, 2025. The Appointed date for the Scheme of Amalgamation is April 01, 2024, and the Scheme is operationalised with effect from May 29, 2025.
Pursuant to the Scheme, 10,000 equity shares of ?10 each (fully paid up) of Nykaa E-Retail Limited will be issued and allotted to FSN E-Commerce Ventures Limited.
B. AMALGAMATION OF ILUMINAR MEDIA LIMITED WITH NYKAA FASHION LIMITED
Your Board had at its meeting held on May 22, 2024, approved Scheme of Amalgamation of Iluminar Media Limited with Nykaa Fashion Limited.
Iluminar Media Limited ('Transferor Company'), inter alia, had been engaged in the business of digital media marketing and advertising services on online portal. The Transferor Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nykaa Fashion Limited. Nykaa Fashion Limited is engaged in the business of selling and distribution of fashion garments and fashion accessories through online channels i.e., its online platforms or websites, other online applications and retail outlets, general trade and modern trade. Nykaa Fashion Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.
The Scheme would result in streamlining of the corporate structure and consolidation of assets and liabilities, drive synergies in technology, infrastructure and collaboration with all the stakeholders of the companies, facilitate more efficient utilisation of capital for enhanced development and growth of the consolidated business in one entity, easier implementation of corporate actions through simplified compliance structure, cost savings through legal entity rationalisation and consolidation of support functions & business processes, elimination of duplicate expenses, and would also improve management oversight.
The Hon'ble National Company Law Tribunal, Mumbai approved the Scheme vide its order dated May 27, 2025. The Appointed date for the Scheme of Amalgamation is April 01, 2024, and the Scheme is operationalised with effect from May 29, 2025.
As the Scheme of Amalgamation is between Nykaa Fashion Limited with its wholly owned subsidiary company - Iluminar Media Limited, there will not be any issuance of shares pursuant to the Scheme. Post the Scheme becoming effective (i.e., from May 29, 2025), Iluminar Media Limited stands dissolved and ceases to exist as a separate legal entity.
C. INCREASED STAKE IN "DOT & KEY WELLNESS LIMITED"
Your Board, at its meeting held on August 13, 2024, approved further acquisition of 39% stake in "Dot & Key Wellness Limited” (formerly "Dot & Key Wellness Private limited)
as per the terms of the Shareholder Agreement dated September 19, 2021 and January 09, 2024, respectively. All the necessary conditions as per the said Documents and the Share Purchase Agreement were completed by the Company during the financial year under review.
The Company acquired additional 5,030 equity shares on March 28, 2025. Accordingly, the Company currently holds -90% of equity shares in "Dot & Key Wellness Limited”.
Dot & Key is engaged in the business of manufacturing, marketing, branding and sale of skincare and personal care products, including serums, toners, cleansers, face masks and face creams. Dot & Key has also launched products in the nutraceuticals category. The products are listed on Company's and other online retailers' platforms as well as available in physical retail stores. Following this investment, Dot & Key became one of Company's owned brands and this investment would allow the Company to expand its skincare, personal care and nutraceuticals offerings.
D. INCREASED STAKE IN "EARTH RHYTHM PRIVATE LIMITED"
Your Board at its meeting held on August 13, 2024 approved entering into Share Subscription & Shareholders' Agreement ('SSHA') and Share Purchase Agreement ('SPA') with Earth Rhythm Private Limited ('Earth Rhythm') to acquire its issued and paid-up share capital by way of subscription and/or purchase of Compulsory Convertible Cumulative Preference Shares and/ or Optionally Cumulative Redeemable Preference Shares and Share Warrants, through primary as well as secondary issuances. Post this subscription, your Company holds -74.63% of the issued and paid-up share capital of Earth Rhythm on a converted basis, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the above-mentioned SSHA and SPA.
Earth Rhythm is a personal care brand which manufactures and sells sustainable/non-toxic beauty products on their website and other e-commerce websites. This additional investment would not only strengthen your Company's product portfolio into sustainable beauty segment but also solidify its positioning in the growing market for products that are committed to efficacy as well as the planet.
E. ACQUISITION OF WESTERN WEAR AND ACCESSORIES BUSINESS BY WAY OF SLUMP SALE FROM NYKAA FASHION LIMITED
Your Board, at its meeting held on May 22, 2024, had approved the proposal to acquire the Western Wear and Accessories business of Nykaa Fashion Limited ("Transferor Company”), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, as a going concern on a slump sale basis, in accordance with the business transfer agreement ("BTA”) entered between the Company and the Transferor Company. The total cost of acquisition was approximately C133.7 crores.
SUBSIDIARIES, JOINT VENTURE AND ASSOCIATE COMPANIES
As on March 31, 2025, the Company has Eleven direct subsidiaries and Ten step-down subsidiaries. The status of Dot & Key Wellness Limited was converted from private limited company to public limited company during the year under review.
During the year under review, Nykaa Essentials Private Limited was incorporated as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.
The following step-down subsidiaries were incorporated during FY25 by Nessa International Holdings Limited, a step-down subsidiary of the Company:
(i) Nysaa Distribution FZE., JAFZA, UAE
(ii) Nysaa Cosmetics Trading, Qatar
(iii) Nysaa Trading LLC, Saudi Arabia
(iv) Nysaa Cosmetics SPC, Oman
(v) Nysaa International for Wholesale and Retail Trade Co. SPC, Kuwait
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 129(3) of the Act read with the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 and in accordance with applicable accounting standards, a statement containing the salient features of financial statements of your Company's subsidiaries in Form No. AOC-1 is annexed as Annexure — I to this Report.
In accordance with the provisions of Section 136 of the Act and the amendments thereto, and the Listing Regulations, the Audited Financial Statements, including the Consolidated Financial Statements and related information of the Company and financial statements of your Company's subsidiaries have been placed on the website of your Company at https://www. nvkaa.com/investor-relations/lp
Your Company has formulated a Policy for determining Material Subsidiaries pursuant to the Listing Regulations. The said policy is available on the website of the Company at Policy for determining Material Subsidiary
During the year under review, Nykaa E-Retail Limited and FSN Brands Marketing Private Limited were material subsidiaries of the Company as per Regulation 16 and Regulation 24 of the Listing Regulations, which required appointment of one of the Company's independent directors on the board of the material subsidiaries.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS REPORT
Management Discussion and Analysis Report for the year under review, as stipulated under the Listing Regulations, is presented in a separate section, forming a part of the Annual Report.
INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT
In compliance with the SEBI circular dated February 06, 2017, your Company has voluntarily published the Integrated Annual Report, which includes both financial and non-financial information and is
based on the International Integrated Reporting Framework. This report covers aspects such as organisation's strategy, governance framework, performance and prospects of value creation based on the seven forms of capitals viz. financial capital, manufactured capital, intellectual capital, human capital, social & relationship capital, digital capital and natural capital.
An Integrated Report intends to give a holistic picture of an organisation's performance and prospects to the providers of financial capital and other stakeholders. It is thus widely regarded as the future of corporate reporting. Your Board acknowledges its responsibility for the integrity of the report and the information contained therein.
BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY REPORT ('BRSR')
The BRSR, including BRSR Core consisting of Key Performance Indicators and the reasonable assurance statement by TUV India Private Limited, for the year under review, as stipulated under Regulation 34(2)(f) of the Listing Regulations, describing the initiatives taken by your Company from social and governance perspective, forms an integral part of the Annual Report as 'Annexure — VII'.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Your Company embeds sound Corporate Governance practices and constantly strives to adopt emerging best practices. It has always been the Company's endeavour to excel through better Corporate Governance alongwith fair and transparent practices. A Report on Corporate Governance forms part of this Report as Annexure — II'.
M/s. S. N. Ananthasubramanian & Co., Company Secretaries, the Secretarial Auditors of the Company vide their certificate dated May 29, 2025, have confirmed that the Company is and has been compliant with the conditions stipulated in Chapter IV of the Listing Regulations. The said certificate is annexed as 'Annexure — III' to this Report.
ANNUAL RETURN
The Annual Return of the Company as on March 31, 2025 in Form MGT - 7 in accordance with Section 92(3) and Section 134(3)(a) of the Act, as amended from time to time and the Companies (Management and Administration) Rules, 2014, has been uploaded on the website of the Company at https://www. nykaa.com/annual-report/lp.
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
Pursuant to the provisions under Section 134(5) of the Act, with respect to Directors' Responsibility Statement, the Directors of the Company confirm that:
a) In the preparation of the annual accounts for the year ended
March 31, 2025, the applicable accounting standards had been followed and there have been no material departures from the same;
b) They had selected such accounting policies and applied them consistently and made judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company as at March 31, 2025 and of the profits of the Company for the year ended on that date;
c) They had taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of this Act for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
d) They had prepared the annual accounts on a going concern basis;
e) They had laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the Company and such internal financial controls were adequate and operating effectively; and
f) They had devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems were adequate and operating effectively.
AUDITORS AND THEIR REPORT
(i) Statutory Auditors
M/s. S. R. Batliboi & Associates LLP, Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration No. 101049W/E300004), were re-appointed as Statutory Auditors of the Company at the 9 th AGM of the Company held on September 29, 2021, to hold office till the conclusion of the 14th AGM to be held for FY26.
In terms of Section 139 and 141 of the Act and relevant Rules prescribed thereunder, M/s. S. R. Batliboi & Associates LLP, Chartered Accountants have confirmed that they are not disqualified from continuing as Auditors of the Company. The Auditors have also confirmed that they have subjected themselves to the peer review process of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and hold a valid certificate issued by the Peer Review Board of the ICAI.
The Auditors have issued an unmodified opinion on the Financial Statements for the FY25 and the Auditor's Report forms part of this Annual Report. The Auditor's Report does not contain any qualification, reservation or adverse remark.
(ii) Secretarial Auditors
In compliance with Regulation 24A of the Listing Regulations and Section 204 of the Act read with Rule 9 of Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, the Board at its meeting held on May 30, 2025, based on recommendation of the Audit Committee, approved the appointment of M/s. S. N. Ananthasubramanian & Co., Practising Company Secretaries, a peer reviewed firm (Firm Registration No. P1991MH040400) as Secretarial Auditors of the Company for a term of five consecutive financial years commencing from FY26 till
FY30, subject to approval of the Members at the ensuing AGM. Resolution seeking their appointment along-with other details as required under Regulation 36(5) of the Listing Regulations forms part of the Notice of Thirteenth Annual General Meeting.
Further, in compliance of Regulation 24A of the Listing Regulations, Company's unlisted material subsidiaries also undergo Secretarial Audit and the Secretarial Audit Reports of the Company and its unlisted material subsidiaries thereto, in the prescribed Form No. MR-3, have been attached as Annexure — IV, IV(A) and (B) forming part of this Report.
The Secretarial Auditors Reports of the Company and of the Material Subsidiaries do not contain any qualification, reservation, adverse remark or disclaimer.
REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT
During the year under review, Link Intime India Private Limited, Registrar and Transfer Agent ("RTA”) of the Company has changed its name to 'MUFG Intime India Private Limited' ("MIIPL") with effect from December 31, 2024. MIIPL is now the RTA of the Company.
DISCLOSURES IN TERMS OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE ACT & THE LISTING REGULATIONS
A. Board of Directors ("Board")
(i) Number of meetings
The Board met 5 (Five) times during the year under review. The details of such meetings are disclosed in the Corporate Governance Report forming part of this Annual Report.
The maximum interval between any two meetings did not exceed 120 days.
(ii) Directors retiring by rotation
In accordance with the provisions of the Act and the Articles of Association of the Company, Ms. Adwaita Nayar, (DIN:07931382), Executive Director and Mr. Milan Khakhar, (DIN:00394065), Non - Executive (Non-Independent) Director, are due to retire by rotation at the ensuing Annual General Meeting and being eligible, have offered themselves for re-appointment. The Board of Directors, on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee ('NRC'), has approved and recommended their re-appointment.
Resolution seeking their re-appointment along-with their profile and other details as required under Regulation 36(3) of the Listing Regulations forms part of the Notice of Thirteenth Annual General Meeting.
(iii) Board Evaluation
In sync with Nykaa value of "Be Better Everyday", the Nomination and Remuneration Committee / Board of Directors reviewed the Board evaluation framework and process for the FY25 to further strengthen the criteria, parameters and sharpness of rating/feedback for Board, its Committees & its individual Directors.
Pursuant to applicable provisions of the Act and the Listing Regulations, the Board, in consultation with its Nomination and Remuneration Committee, has formulated a framework containing, inter alia, the criteria for performance evaluation of the entire Board of the Company, its Committees and its individual Directors, including Independent Directors. The framework is monitored, reviewed and updated by the Board, in consultation with the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, in accordance with the compliance requirements.
The annual performance evaluation of the Board, its Committees and each Director has been carried out for the FY25 in accordance with the framework. The details of evaluation process of the Board, its Committees and its individual Directors, including Independent Directors have been provided under the Corporate Governance Report which forms part of this Report.
The Policy on Board of Directors' Evaluation Framework can be accessed at: Policy on Board of Director's Evaluation Framework.
(iv) Declaration of Independence
The Company has received necessary declaration from each Independent Director of the Company stating that:
(i) they meet the criteria of independence as provided in Section 149(6) of the Act and Regulation 16(1)(b) of the Listing Regulations; and
(ii) as required vide Rule 6 (1) & (2) of the Companies (Appointment and Qualifications of Directors) Rules, 2014 they have registered their names in the Independent Directors' Databank maintained by the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs.
Based on the declarations received from the Directors, the Board confirms, there has been no change in the circumstances affecting their status as Independent Directors of the Company. In the opinion of the Board, the Independent Directors are competent, experienced, proficient and possess necessary expertise and integrity to discharge their duties and functions as Independent Directors.
(v) Familiarisation programme for Independent Directors
Disclosure pertaining to familiarisation programme for Independent Directors is provided in the Corporate Governance Report forming part of this Annual Report.
B. Committees of the Board
The Board has constituted five committees which are mandated by the Act and the Listing Regulations, viz.
(i) Audit Committee,
(ii) Nomination and Remuneration Committee,
(iii) Stakeholders' Relationship Committee,
(iv) Risk Management Committee
(v) Corporate Social Responsibility & Environmental, Social, and Governance Committee.
In addition to the said committees, the Board has also constituted Fundraise and Investment Committee.
During the year, all recommendations of the Committees were approved by the Board. Details of all the Committees, along with their charters, composition and meetings held during the year, are provided in the Corporate Governance Report forming part of this Annual Report.
C. Directors and Key Managerial Personnel
During the year, following were the changes in Directors:
1. Mr. Pradeep Parameswaran (DIN: 07206780) was re-appointed as an Independent Director of the Company, for a second term of 3 (Three) years commencing from July 15, 2024, vide special resolution passed through Postal Ballot.
2. Mr. Seshashayee Sridhara (DIN: 09247644) was re-appointed as an Independent Director of the Company, for a second term of 3 (Three) years commencing from July 26, 2024, vide special resolution passed through Postal Ballot.
3. Mr. Santosh Desai (DIN: 01237902) was appointed as an Independent Director of the Company, for the first term of 3 (Three) years commencing from July 15, 2024, by vide special resolution passed through Postal Ballot.
4. Ms. Alpana Parida (DIN: 06796621) ceased to be an Independent Director of the Company w.e.f. July 14, 2024, due to completion of her term as an Independent Director of the Company.
In accordance with the provisions of Sections 2(51) and 203 of the Act read with the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 the following are the Key Managerial Personnel of the Company:
(a) Ms. Falguni Nayar - Executive Chairperson, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.
(b) Mr. P. Ganesh - Chief Financial Officer.
(c) Mr. Neelabja Chakrabarty - Company Secretary & Compliance Officer.
There were no changes in the Key Managerial Personnel of the Company during the year under review.
None of the Company's Directors are disqualified from being appointed as a director as specified in Section 164 of the Act. All Directors have further confirmed that they are not debarred from holding the office of a director under any order from SEBI or any other authority.
During the year under review, the Non-Executive Directors (including Independent Directors) of the Company had no pecuniary relationship or transactions with the Company, other than receipt of sitting fees, commission, reimbursement of expenses incurred by them for the purpose of attending meetings of the Board and its Committees or other Company events and any other transactions as approved by the Audit Committee or the Board which have
been disclosed under the Notes to Accounts. For more details about the Directors, please refer to the Corporate Governance Report.
D. Remuneration of Directors and Employees
Disclosure comprising particulars with respect to the remuneration of Directors and employees and other details, as required in terms of the provisions of Section 197(12) of the Act and Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, is annexed as "Annexure - V" to this Report.
In terms of the provisions of Section 197(12) of the Act read with Rules 5(2) and 5(3) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, statement showing the names of the top ten employees in terms of remuneration drawn and names and other particulars of the employees drawing remuneration in excess of the limits set out in the said rules forms part of this Report.
Pursuant to the provisions of the second proviso to Section 136(1) of the Act, the Annual Report, excluding the aforesaid information, is being sent to the Members of the Company. Any Member interested in obtaining such information may write to the Company Secretary at nvkaacompanvsecretarv@nvkaa.com.
Your Company has adopted 'Remuneration Policy for Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and other Employees' which sets out criteria for the remuneration for Directors and Key Managerial Personal and the same can be accessed at: Remuneration Policy for Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and Other Employees
E. Vigil Mechanism/Whistle-Blower
Your Company is committed to highest standards of business ethics and integrity and ensuring compliance to applicable laws. Your Company continues to believe in conducting its affairs in a fair and transparent manner by adopting highest standards of honesty, integrity, professionalism and ethical behaviour. Your Company has established a Vigil Mechanism/ Whistle-blower Policy in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Listing Regulations with a view to provide a platform and mechanism for employees, Directors and other stakeholders of the Company to report actual or suspected unethical behaviour, fraud or violation of the Company's Code of Conduct, ethics, principles and matters specified in the policy without any fear of retaliation, and also provide for direct access to the Chairperson of the Audit Committee as the case may be, in exceptional cases. Your Company is committed to developing a culture where it is safe for all persons covered under the Code and enables access to raise concerns without any fear of retaliation regarding potential violation.
Employees and other stakeholders are encouraged to report actual or suspected concerns or violations of applicable laws and regulations and the Code of Conduct. Such genuine concerns or violations are called 'Protected Disclosures' which can be raised by a Whistle-blower to "Speak-up Helpline” (an external independent agency or agencies
appointed by the Company to receive and attend to the Protected Disclosures through toll-free number / e-mail / web portal), established in terms of the Policy.
The Company affirms compliance with the Whistle-Blower Policy/Vigil Mechanism. All Employees and Directors have access to the Chairperson of the Audit Committee in appropriate and exceptional circumstances and it is affirmed that no person has been denied access to the Chairperson of the Audit Committee.
The policy is available on the Company's website and can be accessed at: Whistle-Blower Policy/ Vigil Mechanism.
F. Corporate Social Responsibility ('CSR')
A brief outline of the CSR Philosophy, salient features of the CSR Policy of the Company, the CSR initiatives undertaken during the FY25 together with progress thereon and the report on CSR activities in the prescribed format, as required under Section 134(3)(o) read with Section 135 of the Act and the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014, are set out in 'Annexure - VI' to this Report and the CSR Policy can be accessed on the website of the Company at CSR Policy.
G. Employee Stock Option Scheme and Share Based Employee Benefits
Your Company grants employee stock options that would enable the employees to share the value they create for the Company in the years to come. Accordingly, pursuant to the approval of Board and Members of the Company and in terms of the provisions of applicable laws, your Company has formulated Employees Stock Options Scheme
- 2012 ("ESOS 2012”), FSN Employees Stock Scheme - 2017 ("ESOS 2017”), FSN E- Commerce Ventures Limited
- Employee Stock Option Plan 2022” ("ESOP 2022”) and FSN E-Commerce Ventures Limited - Employee Stock Unit Plan 2022 ("RSU Scheme”) for grant of stock options to eligible employees.
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee of the Company, inter alia, administers and monitors the ESOS & RSU Schemes, in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Share Based Employee Benefits and Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021 ("SBEB Regulations”). During the year under review, there is no material change in the ESOS & RSU Schemes, and they have been in compliance with the provisions of SBEB Regulations and other applicable provisions of law.
The applicable disclosures as stipulated under Regulation 14 of SBEB Regulations with regard to the ESOP & RSU Schemes of the Company are available on the website of the Company at https://www.nvkaa.com/annual-report/lp
A certificate from M/s. S. N. Ananthasubramanian & Co., Company Secretaries, the Secretarial Auditor of the Company, confirming that the aforesaid ESOP & RSU
Schemes have been implemented in accordance with the SBEB Regulations, will be open for inspection at the ensuing Annual General Meeting.
H. Investor Education and Protection Fund ('IEPF')
The Company, till date, is not required to transfer any amount to the IEPF Account in terms of the provisions of the Act and the Rules thereunder.
I. Related Party Transactions
All transactions with related parties were reviewed and approved by the Audit Committee and were in accordance with the Policy on Materiality of Related Party Transactions and on dealing with Related Party Transactions and the Related Party Framework, formulated and adopted by the Company. Prior omnibus approval is obtained for transactions which are of a repetitive nature and are in the ordinary course of business and at arm's length pricing.
All contracts/arrangements/transactions entered by the Company during the year under review with related parties were in the ordinary course of business and on arm's length pricing. During the year under review, the Company had not entered into any contract/ arrangement/ transaction with related parties which could be considered material in accordance with the Policy of the Company, the Act and the Listing Regulations or which are required to be reported in Form AOC-2 in terms of Section 134(3) (h) read with Section 188 of the Act and Rule 8(2) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014. Accordingly, there are no transactions that are required to be disclosed in Form AOC-2.
The Company's Policy on Materiality of Related Party Transactions and on dealing with Related Party Transactions is available on the website of the Company at Related Party Transaction Policy.
The details of the related party transactions as per Indian Accounting Standards (IND AS) - 24 are set out in the Standalone Financial Statement of the Company. Your Company in terms of Regulation 23 of the Listing Regulations submits, within the stipulated time, disclosures of related party transactions, in the specified format to the stock exchanges. The said disclosures can be accessed on the website of the Company at RPT Disclosure.
J. Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption, Foreign Exchange Earnings and Outgo
Considering the nature of business of your Company, the particulars with respect to conservation of energy and technology absorption required pursuant to Section 134(3)(m) of the Act read with Rule 8(3) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, are not applicable to the Company.
The foreign exchange earnings and outgo are as below:
Particulars
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2024-25
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2023-24
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Earnings in Foreign
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Nil
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Nil
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Exchange
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|
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Expenditure in Foreign
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1357.6 Mn
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180.50 Mn
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Exchange
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|
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K. Risk Management
Your Company has a risk management framework which proactively identifies, assess and mitigates risks, supporting decision making across various levels of the Company.
To effectively mitigate risks that impact our strategic business objectives, we have employed an Enterprise¬ wide Risk Management framework ('ERM') by adapting the frameworks of COSO Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework 2017 and also ISO 31000 Risk Management framework, to support proactive identification, assessment, prioritisation, management and monitoring of risks that could have a material impact on the achievement of Company's business objectives, while also formulating relevant risk mitigation strategies which helps protecting our assets, and support informed decision making which will reduce the impact of any adverse events.
The Board of Directors of the Company has also formed a Risk Management Committee to frame, implement, and monitor the risk management plan for the Company. The Committee is responsible for reviewing the risk management plan and ensuring its effectiveness. The Committee considers the risks that impact the mid-term to the long-term objectives of the business, including those which are reputational in nature.
The Company endeavours to continually strengthen its Risk Management systems and processes in line with a rapidly changing business environment. There were no risks which in the opinion of the Board threaten the existence of the Company. Details of various risks faced by your Company are provided in the Management Discussion & Analysis Report.
Your Company has framed and implemented a Risk Management Policy in terms of the provisions of Regulation 21 of the Listing Regulations, for assessment and minimisation of risk, including identification of elements of risk, if any, which may threaten the existence of the Company. The policy can be accessed at Risk Management Policy.
L. Internal Financial Control
According to Section 134(5)(e) of the Act the term Internal Financial Control (IFC) means the policies and procedures adopted by the Company for ensuring the orderly and efficient conduct of its business, including adherence to company's policies, safeguarding of its assets, prevention and detection of frauds and errors, accuracy and completeness of the accounting records, and timely preparation of reliable financial information. The Act also mandates the need for an effective internal financial control system in the Company which should be adequate and shall operate effectively. Rule 8(5)(viii) of Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 requires the information regarding adequacy of internal financial control
with reference to the financial statements to be disclosed in the Board's report.
The Company has adequate internal financial control system over financial reporting ensuring that all transactions are authorised, recorded, and reported correctly in a timely manner inorder to provide reliable financial information and to comply with applicable accounting standards which commensurate with the size and volume of business of the Company.
The key internal financial controls have been documented, automated wherever possible and embedded in the respective business processes. Assurance to the Board on the effectiveness of internal financial controls is obtained through 3 Lines of Defence which include:
(a) Management reviews and self-assessment.
(b) Continuous control monitoring by functional experts; and
(c) Independent design and operational testing by an external professional firm.
The Company believes that these systems provide reasonable assurance that the Company's internal financial controls are adequate and are operating effectively as intended. During the year under review, such controls were tested by the Statutory Auditors of the Company and no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in the design or operations were observed and reported by the Statutory Auditors. Details of the internal controls system are provided in the Management Discussion & Analysis Report.
M. Policy on Directors' Appointment and Remuneration
In terms of Section 178 of the Act and Regulation 19 of the Listing Regulations, the Board of your Company, on recommendation of the NRC, had adopted a "Remuneration Policy for Directors, Key Managerial Personal and other employees” ('Remuneration Policy') and "Policy on Board Diversity”.
The Company's Remuneration Policy is directed towards designing remuneration so as to attract, retain, and reward talent who will contribute to long-term success of the Company and build value for its shareholders. Objective of Board Diversity Policy is to ensure that the Board is fully diversified and comprises of an ideal combination of Executive and Non-Executive Directors, including Independent Directors, with diverse backgrounds.
The salient features of the policies are outlined in the Corporate Governance Report and the policies are made available on the Company's website, which can be accessed at https://www.nykaa.com/policies.
N. Particulars of Loans, Guarantees and Investments
Particulars of loans given, investments made, guarantees given and securities provided under Section 186 of Companies Act, 2013 along with the purpose for which the loan or guarantee or security provided is proposed to be
utilised by the recipient has been provided in the Standalone Financial Statement.
O. Disclosure under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013
In compliance with the requirement of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Act, 2013 and rules made thereunder, your Company has adopted a Prevention of Sexual Harassment Policy for the prevention of sexual harassment and constituted Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to deal with complaints relating to sexual harassment at workplace. For details of complaints received during the year, kindly refer to relevant disclosures in the Corporate Governance Report which forms part of the Annual Report.
P. Environment & Safety
Your Company is conscious of the importance of environmentally clean and safe operations and has accordingly framed and adopted Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Policy which can be accessed at Health, Safety and Environment Policy. The Company's policy requires conduct of operations in such a manner that it ensures safety of all concerned, compliances of environmental regulations and preservation of natural resources.
Your Company is committed to the highest standards of health, safety and environment practices within the organisation and the extended areas within our influence, with an aim to provide safe and healthy working environment to our employees, customers, business partners, suppliers and visitors.
During the year under review, the Company continued its waste management efforts through various environment friendly measures i.e., use of eco-friendly packaging material, recycling of plastic waste and redesigning packaging to reduce plastic waste. Scrap disposal was in line with industry benchmarks.
GENERAL
Your Directors state that no disclosure or reporting is required
in respect of the following items as there were no transactions/
events on these items during the year under review:
• There was no change in the nature of business of your Company as stipulated under Rule 8(5)(ii) of Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014.
• Your Company has not accepted any deposits from the public falling under Section 73 of the Act read with the Companies (Acceptance of Deposits) Rules, 2014.
• No significant or material orders were passed by the Regulators or Courts or Tribunals, which impact the going concern status and Company's operations in future.
• No issuance of shares (including sweat equity shares) to employees of the Company under any scheme save and except Employees' Stock Options Schemes referred to in this Report.
• No fraud has been reported by the Auditors to the Audit Committee or the Board under Section 143(12) of the Act.
• There is no application made or proceeding pending under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 during FY25.
• The Company has not made any one-time settlement for the loans taken from the Banks or Financial Institutions.
• Your Company has not issued equity shares with differential rights as to dividend, voting or otherwise; and
• Your Company has not raised funds through preferential allotment or qualified institutions placement as per Regulation 32(7A) of the Listing Regulations.
SECRETARIAL STANDARDS
During the year under review, your Company has complied with the Secretarial Standard 1 and 2 on 'Meetings of the Board of Directors' and on 'General Meetings', respectively, issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India and notified by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, in terms of Section 118(10) of the Act.
MAINTENANCE OF COST RECORDS
Your Company is not engaged in the business of production of goods or providing of services as specified in Rule 3 of the Companies (Cost Records and Audit) Rules, 2014 ("Rules”). Accordingly, the requirement of maintaining cost records in accordance with Section 148(1) of the Act read with the Rules is not applicable to the Company for the period under review.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Board wishes to place on record its appreciation for the assistance, co-operation and encouragement extended to the Company by its' customers, business partners, brands, bankers, authorities and other stakeholders.
The Directors take this opportunity to place on record their warm appreciation for the valuable contribution, untiring efforts and spirit of dedication demonstrated by the employees and officers at all levels, in ensuring an excellent all- around operational performance. We applaud them for their superior levels of competence, solidarity, and commitment to the Company. The Directors would also like to thank the shareholders for their wholehearted support and contribution. We look forward to their continued support in future.
For and on behalf of the Board of Directors
Falguni Nayar
Executive Chairperson, Managing Director & CEO
DIN: 00003633
Place: Rome, Italy Date: May 30, 2025
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