Astec LifeSciences Limited , a prominent player in the agrochemical sector, has announced several significant board decisions that will shape the company's governance and operations in the coming years.

Board Approves Re-appointment of Independent Directors

The Board of Directors of Astec LifeSciences has approved the re-appointment of two Non-Executive & Independent Directors for second terms of five years each, subject to shareholder approval:

1. Mr. Nandkumar Dhekne (DIN: 02189370)
2. Ms. Anjali Gupte (DIN: 00104884)

Both directors are set to serve from December 18, 2025, to December 17, 2030, pending shareholder consent. These re-appointments reflect the board's confidence in the directors' contributions and expertise.

Profiles of Re-appointed Directors

Mr. Nandkumar Dhekne

Mr. Dhekne brings four decades of experience in diverse areas such as field services, operations management, sales/marketing, and general management. He has held senior leadership roles in companies like Solenis, GE, and Ashland, with extensive experience in the Asia Pacific region. Mr. Dhekne is a Chartered Engineer and an Honorary Fellow of the Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers.

Ms. Anjali Gupte

Ms. Gupte is a qualified Chartered Accountant and Cost Accountant with over 30 years of experience in finance across various industries. Her expertise includes strategic business partnering, financial reporting, controllership, mergers and acquisitions, and business integration. She has held key positions in companies such as Havas Group India, Grey Worldwide, and Thomson Reuters India.

Related Party Transactions Approval

The board has also approved seeking shareholder consent for Related Party Transactions with the holding company, Godrej Agrovet Limited, for the Financial Year 2025-26. These transactions are expected to exceed materiality thresholds as defined by regulatory guidelines.

Postal Ballot for Shareholder Approval

Astec LifeSciences will conduct a postal ballot to seek shareholder approval on the following matters:

1. Appointment of Mr. Sunil Kataria as a Non-Executive, Non-Independent Director
2. Re-appointment of Mr. Nandkumar Dhekne as a Non-Executive & Independent Director
3. Re-appointment of Ms. Anjali Gupte as a Non-Executive & Independent Director
4. Approval of Related Party Transactions with Godrej Agrovet Limited for FY 2025-26

Mr. Vikas R. Chomal, a Practicing Company Secretary, has been appointed as the Scrutinizer for the postal ballot and e-voting process.

These decisions underscore Astec LifeSciences' commitment to maintaining strong corporate governance practices and ensuring transparency in its operations. Shareholders will play a crucial role in ratifying these important board decisions in the coming weeks.

Astec LifeSciences Limited , a prominent player in the agrochemicals segment, has announced its audited financial results for the fiscal year 2020-21, showcasing robust growth and improved profitability.

Financial Highlights

The company reported a significant increase in standalone profit for the year ended March 31, 2021. Here are the key financial highlights:

The company's performance demonstrates strong growth, with a 36.28% increase in standalone profit and a 6.25% rise in revenue from operations compared to the previous fiscal year.

Dividend Announcement

In light of the company's strong financial performance, the Board of Directors has recommended a final dividend of 15% (₹1.50 per share of face value ₹10). This dividend is subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming Annual General Meeting.

Annual General Meeting

Astec LifeSciences has scheduled its 27th Annual General Meeting for July 28, 2021, where shareholders will have the opportunity to review the company's performance and vote on key matters, including the proposed dividend.

Financial Position

As of the reported period, Astec LifeSciences maintains a healthy financial position:

• Debt-Equity Ratio: 0.61
• Net Worth: ₹308.70 crore

These figures indicate a balanced capital structure and a solid financial foundation for the company.

Industry Context

Astec LifeSciences operates in the agrochemicals segment, a sector crucial for agricultural productivity and food security. The company's growth in revenue and profitability suggests a positive market environment and effective business strategies in this important industry.

The strong financial results and the decision to recommend a dividend reflect the company's commitment to delivering value to its shareholders while maintaining a robust financial position for future growth and investments in the agrochemicals sector.