About VST Industries Limited

VST Industries Limited, incorporated on November 10, 1930, is a Hyderabad-based manufacturer and marketer of cigarettes containing tobacco, with operations centred in India and exports of tobacco and cut tobacco, as disclosed in its BRSR and statutory reports for FY 2024–25. The company’s principal activity accounts for 100% of turnover, with cigarettes (NIC 12003) and unmanufactured tobacco (NIC 46202) comprising the primary products in reporting disclosures. The registered and corporate office is at 1-7-1063/1065, Azamabad, Hyderabad 500 020, Telangana, India, and equity shares are listed on BSE (509966) and NSE (VSTIND). The company reported no subsidiaries, associates, or joint ventures as on March 31, 2025, and states that all disclosures are on a standalone basis due to the absence of subsidiaries. Key milestones in the latest year include Board changes, CSR execution of Rs 8.44 crore in FY 2024–25, continued compliance with COTPA graphic health warnings, ongoing litigations being effectively contested, and technology absorption via new high-speed makers/packers to enhance productivity and pack quality. The company emphasises a consumer-centric portfolio with a push to strengthen the mid-price segment to participate in industry growth going forward.

VST Industries Limited Business Segment

• Primary segment: Manufacturing and marketing of cigarettes; disclosures indicate 100% of turnover arises from this activity in FY 2024–25 reporting.

• Product detail: Cigarettes containing tobacco; exports disclosed for tobacco and cut tobacco in foreign exchange earnings tables (FOB and CIF).

VST Industries Limited Key Management

• Naresh Kumar Sethi — Chairman, Non-executive Director; proposal to re-designate as Executive Chairman via postal ballot in December 2024 did not pass.

• Sanjay Wali — Whole-time Director (from April 25, 2025); previously Chief Operating Officer; also KMP.

• Anish Gupta — Chief Financial Officer; KMP.

• Phani K. Mangipudi — Company Secretary and Vice President – Legal & Secretarial; KMP and Compliance Officer.

• Independent Directors: Rama Bijapurkar; Sudip Bandyopadhyay; Rajeev Bakshi (appointed July 1, 2024).

• S. Thirumalai — Non-executive Director; continuation beyond age 75 approved earlier; re-appointment recommended, liable to retire by rotation.

Latest Updates on VST Industries Limited

• Board changes: Appointment of Mr. Nellaiappan Thiruambalam as Independent Director for five years from April 25, 2025, subject to shareholders’ approval.

• Board changes: Appointment of Mr. Alok Agarwal as Non-executive Director from April 25, 2025, representing Bright Star Investments Pvt. Ltd., subject to shareholders’ approval.

• Executive change: Appointment of Mr. Sanjay Wali as Whole-time Director for two years from April 25, 2025 (or until superannuation), with detailed remuneration terms.

• Resignation: Managing Director & CEO, Mr. Aditya Deb Gooptu, resigned on November 4, 2024; relieved on April 25, 2025.

• Postal ballot outcome: Special resolution to re-designate Mr. Naresh Kumar Sethi as Executive Chairman (term of five years from November 5, 2024) was not passed; results announced December 16, 2024.

• Secretarial Auditor: Ms. Tumuluru & Company appointed for five years effective April 1, 2025; annual audit fees Rs 3.00 lakh plus taxes for FY 2025–26.

• Technology upgrades: Commissioning of new high-speed packers/makers; “Quantum Neo” and fresh seal pack style improvements are reported.

• CSR: Spent Rs 8.44 crore (from Rs 844.16 lakh) in FY 2024–25, including ongoing and other projects, meeting 2% obligation.