Dr. Reddys Director Report
BSE:500124 | NSE:DRREDDYEQ | IND:Pharma - Indian | ISIN code:INE089A01023 | SECT:Pharmaceuticals
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The Directors are pleased to present the 40th Annual Report of the Company for the year ended March 31, 2024.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS AND COMPANY AFFAIRS
Table 1 gives the consolidated and standalone financial highlights of the Company based on Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS) for FY2024 (i.e. from April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024) compared to the previous financial year.
The Company''s consolidated total income for the year was '' 289.1 bn, which was up by 12% over the previous year. Profit before tax (PBT) was '' 72.0 bn, representing an increase of 19% over the previous year.
The Company''s standalone total income for the year was '' 203.5 bn, which was up by 16% over the previous year. PBT was '' 57.9 bn, which was higher by 50% over the previous year.
Revenues from lines of business and geographies given below are from the Company''s IFRS results.
Revenues from Global Generics were up by 15% and stood at '' 245.5 bn. There was growth across businesses of North America, Europe and Emerging Markets.
Revenues from North America stood at '' 129.9 bn, registering a strong year on year growth of 28%. This was largely on account of increase in volumes for some of our existing products and revenue contribution from acquisitions during the year, partly offset by price erosions in some of our products. During the year, the Company filed 17 Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDAs) in the United States (US).
As of March 31, 2024, there were 86 generic filings awaiting approval with the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), comprising 81 ANDAs and 5 NDAs filed under Section 505(b) (2) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
Revenues from Emerging Markets were '' 48.6 bn, showing a year-on-year growth of 7%.
Revenues from India stood at '' 46.4 bn, a year-on-year decline of 5%. Excluding the income from divestment of non-core brands in the previous year, on a re-based comparator, India growth is in mid-single digit.
Revenues from Europe were '' 20.5 bn, a year-on-year growth of 17%.
Revenues from Pharmaceutical Services and Active Ingredients (PSAI) stood at '' 29.8 bn, which was higher by 3% compared to previous year. During the year, the Company filed 133 Drug Master Files (DMFs) worldwide, including 11 filings in the US.
[ TABLE 1] FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
(Rs. Mn) |
|||
PARTICULARS |
CONSOLIDATED |
STANDALONE |
||
FY2024 |
FY2023 |
FY2024 |
FY2023 |
|
Total Income |
289,054 |
257,252 |
203,461 |
175,538 |
Profit before depreciation, amortization, impairment and tax |
86,566 |
73,316 |
67,929 |
47,943 |
Depreciation and amortization |
14,700 |
12,502 |
9,756 |
9,232 |
Impairment of non-current assets |
3 |
699 |
260 |
51 |
Profit before tax and before share of equity accounted investees |
71,863 |
60,115 |
57,913 |
38,660 |
Share of profit of equity accounted investees, net of tax |
147 |
370 |
- |
- |
Profit before tax |
72,010 |
60,485 |
57,913 |
38,660 |
Tax Expense |
16,231 |
15,412 |
14,493 |
12,532 |
Net Profit for the year |
55,779 |
45,073 |
43,420 |
26,128 |
Opening balance of retained earnings |
200,228 |
160,341 |
175,048 |
154,030 |
Net profit for the year |
55,779 |
45,073 |
43,420 |
26,128 |
Other comprehensive income/(loss) |
- |
- |
1 |
- |
Dividend paid during the year |
(6,648) |
(4,979) |
(6,648) |
(4,979) |
Transfer to SEZ re-investment Reserve, net |
- |
(131) |
- |
(131) |
Transfer from SEZ re-investment Reserve, net |
233 |
- |
233 |
|
Transfer to Debenture Redemption Reserve |
- |
(76) |
- |
- |
Transfer from Debenture Redemption Reserve |
380 |
- |
- |
|
Closing balance of retained earnings |
249,972 |
200,228 |
212,054 |
175,048 |
Note: FY2024 represents fiscal year 2023-24, from April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024, and analogously for FY2023 and such other labelled years. |
DIVIDEND
Your Directors are pleased to recommend a dividend of '' 40 (800%) on every equity share of '' 5/-, for FY2024.
As per the Dividend Distribution Policy of the Company, the amount of maximum dividend pay-out (including interim dividend) can be up to 20% of the cash profit under consolidated financial statement prepared under Indian Accounting Standards (IND-AS). The recommended dividend is in line with the provision of the said policy.
The dividend, if approved at the 40th Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be paid to those members whose names appear on the register of members of the Company as of end of the day on July 16, 2024. The total dividend pay-out will be approximately '' 667 cr, resulting in a pay-out of 9.5% of the consolidated cash profit for the financial year ended March 31,2024. Such dividend will be taxable in the hands of the members in terms of the provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
In terms of Regulation 43A of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 (SEBI Listing Regulations), the Dividend Distribution Policy, is available on the Company''s website on https://www.drreddvs.com/cms/cms/sites/default/ files/2021-12/htmlCode%20%284%29.pdf
TRANSFER TO RESERVE
The Company has not proposed to transfer any amount to the general reserve for the year ended March 31, 2024.
SHARE CAPITAL
The paid-up share capital of your Company increased by '' 1.45 mn from '' 832.64 mn to '' 834.09 mn in FY2024 due to allotment of 290,390 equity shares of '' 5 each, on exercise of stock options by eligible employees through the ''Dr. Reddy''s Employees Stock Option Scheme, 2002'' and ''Dr. Reddy''s Employees ADR Stock Option Scheme, 2007''. The equity shares issued pursuant to the above Employee Stock Option Schemes rank pari-passu with the existing equity shares of the Company
PUBLIC DEPOSIT
The Company has not accepted any deposits covered under Chapter V of the Companies Act, 2013 (the “Act”).
CHANGE IN THE NATURE OF BUSINESS, IF ANY
During the year, there was no change in the nature of business of the Company. Further there was no significant change in the nature of business carried on by its subsidiaries.
MATERIAL CHANGES AND COMMITMENTS AFFECTING THE FINANCIAL POSITION BETWEEN THE END OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR AND DATE OF THE REPORT
There have been no material changes and commitments affecting the financial position of the Company which have occurred between the end of the financial year of the Company to which the financial statements relate and the date of this report.
SUBSIDIARIES AND ASSOCIATES
The Company has forty-one overseas subsidiaries companies (including step down subsidiaries), ten subsidiary companies (including step-down subsidiary) in India and two joint venture company as on March 31, 2024.
During the FY2024, Dr. Reddy''s Laboratories SA, in Switzerland, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, has incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary in Jamaica, named “Dr. Reddy''s Laboratories Jamaica Limited”. Accordingly, Dr. Reddy''s Laboratories Jamaica Limited is a step-down wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company w.e.f. September 25, 2023. Dr. Reddy''s Nutraceuticals Limited has been incorporated as wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company in India on March 14, 2024.
Section 129(3) of the Act, states that where the Company has one or more subsidiaries or associate companies, it shall, in addition to its financial statements, prepare a consolidated financial statements of the Company and of all subsidiaries and associate companies in the same form and manner as that of its own and also attach along with its financial statements, a separate statement containing the salient features of the financial statements of its subsidiaries and associates.
Hence, the consolidated financial statements of the Company and all its subsidiaries and associates, prepared in accordance with Ind AS 110 and 111 as specified in the Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Rules, 2015, forms part of the Integrated Annual Report. Moreover, a statement containing the salient features of the financial statements of the Company''s subsidiaries and joint ventures in the prescribed Form AOC-1, is attached as Annexure I to this Board''s Report. This statement also provides details of the performance and financial position of each subsidiary and joint venture.
In accordance with Section 136 of the Act, the audited financial statements and related information of the Company and its subsidiaries, wherever applicable, are available on
the Company''s website: www.drreddvs.com. These are also available for inspection during regular business hours at our registered office in Hyderabad, India and/or in electronic mode.
In terms of Regulation 16(1)(c) of the SEBI Listing Regulations, Material Subsidiary shall mean a subsidiary, whose income or net worth exceeds ten percent of the consolidated income or net worth, respectively, of the Company and its subsidiaries in the immediately preceding accounting year. Accordingly, the Company has four material overseas subsidiary companies as on March 31,2024, namely, Dr. Reddy''s Laboratories Inc. (USA), Dr. Reddy''s Laboratories SA (Switzerland),
Dr. Reddy''s Laboratories LLC (Russia) and Reddy Holding GmbH (Germany).
Further, in terms of Regulation 24(1) of the SEBI Listing Regulations, at least one Independent Director on the Board of the Company shall be a Director on the Board of an unlisted material subsidiary, i.e. a subsidiary, whose income or net worth exceeds twenty percent of the consolidated income or net worth respectively, of the Company and its subsidiaries in the immediately preceding accounting year. In compliance with the said provisions,
Mr. Arun M Kumar (DIN: 09665138), Independent Director of the Company, was appointed as a Director on the Board of Dr. Reddy''s Laboratories Inc. (USA) w.e.f. September 21, 2022.
Dr. Claudio Albrecht (DIN: 10109819), Independent Director of the Company, has been appointed as a Director on the Board of Dr. Reddy''s Laboratories SA (Switzerland) on July 6, 2023. Mr. Sridar Iyengar (DIN: 00278512), ceased as the Director of Dr. Reddy''s Laboratories SA (Switzerland) on July 30, 2023, consequent to his retirement as an Independent Director of the Company.
PARTICULARS OF LOANS, GUARANTEES OR INVESTMENTS
The Company makes investments or extends loans/ guarantees to its wholly-owned subsidiaries for their business purposes.
Details of loans, guarantees and investments covered under Section 186 of the Act, along with the purpose for which such loan or guarantee was proposed to be utilised by the recipient, form part of the notes to the financial statements provided in this Integrated Annual Report.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND ADDITIONAL SHAREHOLDERS’ INFORMATION
A detailed report on the Corporate Governance systems and practices of the Company is given in a separate chapter of this Integrated Annual Report. Similarly, other information for shareholders is provided in the chapter on Additional Shareholders'' Information. The Company has also formulated a Group Governance Policy to monitor governance of its unlisted subsidiaries across the globe.
A certificate from M/s. S.R. Batliboi & Associates LLP, Statutory Auditors of the Company, confirming compliance with the conditions of corporate governance is attached to the chapter on Corporate Governance.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
A detailed report on the Management Discussion and Analysis in terms of Regulation 34 of the SEBI Listing Regulations is provided as a separate chapter in the Integrated Annual Report.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL
APPOINTMENTS
During the year, the appointment of Dr. Claudio Albrecht (DIN: 10109819), as an Independent Director of the Company, with effect from May 10, 2023, was approved at the Annual General Meeting held on July 27, 2023.
Further, the appointment of Dr. Alpna Seth (DIN: 01183914) and Mr. Sanjiv Mehta (DIN: 06699923), as an Independent Director of the Company, with effect from September 19,
2023 and December 29, 2023 respectively, were approved by the members through Postal Ballot, on November 15, 2023 and February 14, 2024 respectively.
The Board opined that the above Independent Director possessed requisite experience and expertise (including the proficiency).
RETIREMENT AND RESIGNATION
Mr. Sridar Iyengar (DIN: 00278512) has retired as an Independent Directors of the Company with effect from close of business hours on July 30, 2023, after completion of his second term of directorship which was from July 31, 2019 to July 30, 2023.
The Board placed on record its sense of deep appreciation for the services rendered by the above Independent Director to the Company.
RETIREMENT BY ROTATION
Mr. K Satish Reddy (DIN: 00129701), Chairman, is liable to retire by rotation at the forthcoming 40th AGM and being eligible, seeks re-appointment. For reference of members, a brief profile of Mr. K Satish Reddy DIN: 00129701) is given in the Chapter on Corporate Governance and in the Notice convening the 40th AGM.
RE-APPOINTMENT OF WHOLE TIME DIRECTOR
During the year, the members of the Company at its AGM held on July 27, 2023, approved the re-appointment of Mr. G V Prasad, a director retire by rotation, designated as Co-Chairman and Managing Director of the Company.
None of the Directors is disqualified under Section 164 of the Act. They are not debarred from holding the office of Director pursuant to any order of SEBI or any other authority. Further details are provided in the chapter on Corporate Governance.
CHANGES IN KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL (KMP)
During the year under review, there were no changes in the Key Managerial Personnel of the Company. As on the date of this report, the Company has the following Key Managerial Personnel as per Section 2(51) and Section 203 of the Act:
SL. |
NAME OF KMP |
DESIGNATION |
NO. |
||
1 |
Mr. G V Prasad |
Co-Chairman and Managing Director |
2 |
Mr. Erez Israeli |
Chief Executive Officer |
3 |
Mr. Parag Agarwal |
Chief Financial Officer |
4 |
Mr. K Randhir Singh |
Company Secretary, Compliance Officer & Head-CSR |
The Board at its meeting held on May 7, 2024 took note of the retirement of Mr. Parag Agarwal as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective from close of working hours on July 31, 2024, consequent to his decision to expand his involvement in philanthropy for the cause of making a meaningful difference to the lives of the most vulnerable segment of the society- the voiceless animals. The Board also approved the appointment of Mr. M V Narasimham, as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company with effect from August 1, 2024.
DECLARATION BY INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
In accordance with Section 149(7) of the Act, each Independent Director has confirmed to the Company that he or she meets the criteria of independence laid down in Section 149(6) of the Act, and is in compliance with Rule 6(3) of the Companies (Appointment and Qualifications of Directors) Rules, 2014 and Regulation 16(1)(b) of the SEBI
Listing Regulations. Further, each Independent Director has affirmed compliance to the Code of Conduct for Independent Directors as prescribed in Schedule IV of the Act. The Board has taken on record such declarations after due assessment of their veracity.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Act, and the SEBI Listing Regulations, the Board has carried out performance evaluation of its own performance, the Directors (including the Chairman) individually, as well as the evaluation of the working of the Committees. The recommendations were discussed with the Board and individual feedback was provided. The Board evaluation process was completed for FY2024. Further details of Board evaluation are given in the chapter on Corporate Governance.
APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTORS AND REMUNERATION POLICY
Assessment and appointment of members to the Board are based on a combination of criteria that includes ethics, personal and professional stature, domain expertise, gender diversity and specific qualifications required for the position. For appointment of an Independent Director, the independence criteria defined in Section 149(6) of the Act, and Regulation 16(1)(b) of the SEBI Listing Regulations are also considered.
In accordance with Section 178(3) of the Act,
Regulation 19(4) of the SEBI Listing Regulations and on recommendation of the Company''s Nomination, Governance and Compensation Committee, the Board adopted a Remuneration Policy for Directors, KMP, senior management and other employees that outlines the guidelines related to performance evaluation of Directors, remuneration principles and Board diversity. The Policy forms part of the chapter on Corporate Governance.
OVERVIEW AND PHILOSOPHY
Our executive compensation programme supports attracting, motivating, and encouraging continuity of relevant leaders who advance our critical business objectives and promote the creation of shareholders'' value over the long-term.
The key tenets are:
a) Attract highly talented individuals from within and across industries drawing from a diverse pool
of global talent.
b) Provide long term and short-term incentives that advance the interests of shareholders and deliver levels of pay commensurate with performance.
APPROACH TO PAY BENCHMARKING
The three principal components of the compensation package include, base salary, annual cash-based variable pay, and equity-based long-term incentives. In making decisions with respect to each element of compensation, the competitive market for executives and compensation levels of the comparable companies are considered.
Pay practices at companies with which Dr. Reddy''s competes for talent, including those engaged in similar activities are reviewed from time to time. Our approach is to be market aware and not market driven. We believe that information regarding pay practices at other companies is useful to assess the reasonableness and competitiveness of our own.
We generally target executive pay to be within range of 75th percentile of pay packages for executives in similar positions, responsibilities and/or experience in similar companies of comparable size.
We identify certain roles that are fungible across multiple industries where our comparative pool is not limited to peer generic pharmaceutical organisations. In such cases - a wider sample is selected comprising of non-pharma marquee organisations operating in the country with whom Dr. Reddy''s competes for talent.
REVIEW AND INCREMENTS
Executive compensation is reviewed annually.
Executive increment percentages approach is lesser than the Company average, while the frontline receiving the highest increase. A higher increase may be made in the event of a role change, promotion. The Company''s performance, affordability, individual performance and compensation history are other considerations, while deciding on compensation.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Our executive directors'' compensation comprises of a fixed monthly component and a profit based annual commission based on standalone net profits of the Company. The total remuneration to be paid to the executive directors is within the limits prescribed under the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013.
While recommending such a commission, the NGCC also takes into account the overall corporate performance in a given year and the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
The considerations include but are not limited to: Financial metrics covering growth in return on capital employed (RoCE) and profitability, non-financial metrics covering aspects such as health, brand building, compliance, quality and sustainability of operations of the organisation, as may be agreed upon from time to time with the Company.
Perquisites and retirement benefits are paid in accordance with the Company''s compensation policies, as applicable to all employees. The Company, in compliance with Section 197 of the Act and the SEBI Listing Regulations, does not grant any stock options to the Executive Directors. No severance fee is payable to them.
In terms of the approval given by the members of the Company, each of the Executive Directors was entitled to get
0. 75% of the net profits of the Company, i.e. '' 43.97 cr each. However, the Board, on the recommendation of the NGCC approved a fair commission for the Executive Directors,
1. e. '' 9 cr and '' 16 cr for Mr. K Satish Reddy and Mr. G V Prasad, respectively.
Our CEO compensation comprises of guaranteed cash, short term incentives in the form of variable pay, long-term incentives, retirals, and perquisites. 75% of our CEO pay is at risk and linked with the Company''s performance in terms of balanced scorecard achievement against plan and Company stock performance.
Short Term incentives are tied to the Company performance against the balanced scorecard and individual performance of the CEO as determined by the Board of Directors.
In FY2024, Mr. Erez Israeli, Chief Executive Officer, has received an increment of 2.4% on fixed compensation.
His fixed salary was '' 6.27 cr, with a target variable pay of 100%, and long term incentives of value '' 13.77 cr vesting at the end of 3 years.
PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT
Our current performance management follows a balanced scorecard approach comprising of current business performance, future business performance, ESG, digital, people, compliance and safety related metrics.
The Board of Directors uses a stringent process to set ambitious financial targets in line with the strategy of the Company. In addition to the financial targets, the scorecard also has ambitious strategic objectives across key priority areas, including targets related to ESG matters. The scorecard is proposed by management council to the Board of Directors for approval before the start of the financial year.
Each parameter is devised into a metric, financial or otherwise and is measured quarterly. Non-financial parameters have a cap of 100% achievement while financial parameters are scored based on a predetermined grid.
Additional considerations such as wind-falls, impairments and one-offs are measured separately.
Our performance management process is specifically adapted to different employee cohorts based on their specific needs, the overall principles remain the same across all the models.
Performance evaluation of Management Council (“MC”) member''s focuses on achievement of their Business Unit Scorecard. Individual MC evaluation focusses on achievement of
a) The BU (Business Unit) scorecard for the year that contributes to the delivery of the overall Company''s strategy.
b) Demonstration of desired leadership behaviours and aligned to the overall Company values
Balanced scorecard performance is measured in constant currencies to reflect operational performance that can be influenced.
COMPANY PERFORMANCE FOR FY2024
In FY2024, we achieved robust financial performance.
Our revenue grew by 14%, with EBITDA margins reaching 29.7% for the year. Additionally, our ROCE exceeded 36%. These impressive results were primarily fueled by our strong performance in USA. Our record financial performance in the last two years has been led by a blockbuster product in the U.S. We are working hard to ensure that our current investments and diversified business model approach help us maintain sustained growth in the upcoming years.
In our identified future growth spaces of access to novel molecules, digital therapeutics, and consumer healthcare, once again strategic partnerships have been important.
We have taken early steps in the area of digital therapeutics, starting with the launch of the drug-free migraine management device Nerivio® in partnership with Theranica. Our all-time readiness approach stood us in good stead but we continue our state of constant vigilance in Quality compliance.
We also continue our efforts to be viewed as the partner of choice for our commercial strengths and footprint, our governance, ESG and progressive practices, and our discipline. While our people put in every effort to ensure we meet our business targets and ESG goals, there are always challenges along the way.
A brief snapshot of our scorecard performance for FY2024 is given below. |
||
Pillar |
Wt |
Achievement |
Current Business Financial Performance |
45% |
Above Plan |
Future Business Readiness |
24% |
Below Plan |
Business Enablers - People and Digital |
14% |
Below Plan |
Compliance and Sustainability |
17% |
Below Plan |
Overall Evaluation - Met Performance Expectations VARIABLE PAY FOR CEO
Variable Pay is paid based on annual performance target achievements as cash in the first quarter of the next financial year. The payout range for individual performance is between 0% to 150%. Overall payout is capped at 300% of target.
The FY2023 balanced scorecard showed good financial results, including sales and operating income performance at target and most strategic objectives were achieved or exceeded. Based on the overall assessment, the Board of Directors decided on an Annual Incentive payout for the CEO amounting to '' 13.4 cr.
LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN FOR CEO
Majority of the grants are ESOPs granted at fair market value, a small portion is in the form of Performance modified phantom shares that allows for multiplicative upside basis performance against defined metrics.
Grants are made annually and they cliff Vesting at the end of 3 years. ESOPs are exercisable at fair market value (at the time of grant) and the Phantom Shares are payable in cash upon vesting.
MALUS AND CLAWBACK
Any performance linked compensation paid to Management Committee members is subject to malus and clawback rules. This means that the NGCC may decide - subject to applicable law - to retain any unpaid or unvested incentive compensation (malus), or to recover incentive compensation that has been paid or vested in the past (clawback).
This applies in cases where the payout has resulted from a violation of laws or conflicts with internal management standards, including Company and accounting policies.
This principle applies to both the short-term Annual Incentive and Long-Term Incentive (LTI) plans.
The Board of Directors met six times during the year.
In addition, an annual Board retreat was held to discuss strategic matters. The intervening gap between the meetings was within the period prescribed under the Act and the SEBI Listing Regulations. Details of Board meetings and the Board retreat are given in the chapter on Corporate Governance.
SEPARATE MEETING OF INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
In terms of requirements under Schedule IV of the Act and Regulation 25(3) of the SEBI Listing Regulations, four separate meetings of the Independent Directors were held during FY2024. Further details are mentioned in the chapter on Corporate Governance.
As on March 31, 2024, the Board has the following Committees:
i) Audit Committee;
ii) Stakeholders'' Relationship Committee;
iii) Nomination, Governance and Compensation Committee;
iv) Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility Committee;
v) Risk Management Committee;
vi) Science, Technology and Operations Committee; and
vii) Banking and Authorisations Committee
All the recommendations made by the Board committees, including the Audit Committee, were accepted by the Board. The details of the above Committees are given in the Chapter on Corporate Governance.
DIRECTORS'' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
In terms of Section 134(5) of the Act, your Directors state that:
1. Applicable accounting standards have been followed in the preparation of the annual accounts and that no material departures have been made from the same;
2. Accounting policies have been selected and applied consistently. Judgments and estimates made 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 FY2024 and of the profit of the Company for that period;
3. Proper and sufficient care has been taken to maintain 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;
4. Annual accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis;
5. Adequate internal financial controls for the Company to follow have been laid down and these are operating effectively; and
6. Proper and adequate systems have been devised to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws and these systems are operating effectively.
ADEQUACY OF INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROL SYSTEMS
The Company has in place adequate internal financial controls with reference to its financial statements.
These controls ensure the accuracy and completeness of the accounting records and the preparation of reliable financial statements.
ENTERPRISE RISK MANAGEMENT (ERM)
The Company has a Risk Management Committee of the Board, consisting entirely of Independent Directors. Details of the Committee and its terms of reference are set out in the chapter on Corporate Governance.
The Audit Committee and Risk Management Committee review key risk elements of the Company''s business, finance, operations and compliance, and their respective mitigation strategies. The Risk Management Committee reviews strategic, business, compliance and operational risks whereas the Audit Committee reviews issues around ethics and fraud, internal control over financial reporting (ICOFR), as well as process risks and their mitigation.
The Company''s Executive Risk Management Committee operates under the Company''s Risk Management Policy and focuses on risks associated with the Company''s business and compliance matters. This Committee periodically reviews matters pertaining to risk management. Additionally, the Enterprise wide Risk Management (ERM) function helps the Board and the Management to prioritise, review and measure business risks against a pre-determined risk appetite, and their suitable response, depending on whether such risks are internal, strategic or external.
During FY2024, focus areas of Risk Management Committee included review of risks and mitigations related to cyber security, data privacy, data governance, ethics
and compliance risk, quality, supply chain management, geo-political risks and business continuity, foreign exchange risk, pharmacovigilance and environmental risk.
In line with the requirements of the Act and the SEBI Listing Regulations, your Company has a Policy on Materiality of Related Party Transactions and Dealing with Related Party Transactions, which is also available on the Company''s website https://www.drreddvs.com/ investor#governance#policies-and-documents. The Policy intends to ensure that proper reporting, approval and disclosure processes are in place for all transactions between the Company and related parties.
In accordance with Section 134(3)(h) of the Act, and Rule 8(2) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, the particulars of the contracts or arrangements with related parties referred to in Section 188(1) of the Act, in Form AOC-2 is attached as Annexure II to this Board''s Report. All related party transactions and subsequent modifications are placed before the Audit Committee for review and approval. Prior omnibus approval is obtained for related party transactions on a quarterly basis for transactions which are of repetitive nature and/ or entered in the ordinary course of business and are at arm''s length. All contracts and arrangements with related parties were at arm''s length and in the ordinary course of business of the Company. Details of related party disclosures form part of the notes to the financial statements provided in the Integrated Annual Report.
VIGIL MECHANISM/ WHISTLE-BLOWER/ OMBUDSPERSON POLICY
The Company has an Ombudsperson Policy (Whistle-Blower/ Vigil mechanism) to report concerns. Reporting channels under the vigil mechanism include an independent hotline, a web based reporting site (drreddys.ethicspoint. com) and a dedicated e-mail to Chief Compliance Officer.
The Ombudsperson Policy also safeguards against retaliation of those who use this mechanism. The Audit Committee Chairperson is the Chief Ombudsperson. The Policy also provides for raising concerns directly to the Chief Ombudsperson. Details of the Policy are available on the Company''s website: https://www.drreddys.com/cms/cms/sites/ default/files/2021-12/Ombudsperson.pdf
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 37th AGM held on July 28, 2021, for a period of five years till the conclusion of the 42nd AGM to be held in the year 2026.
Pursuant to Section 204 of the Act, and the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, M/s. Makarand M. Joshi & Co., Practicing Company Secretaries (Certificate of Practice No.
3662), Mumbai, India, were appointed as Secretarial Auditors of the Company for FY2024. The Secretarial Audit Report for FY2024 is annexed as Annexure III to this Report.
Further, in compliance with Regulation 24A of SEBI Listing Regulations, the Annual Secretarial Compliance Report issued by the Secretarial Auditor, will be submitted to the stock exchanges within the statutory timelines.
Based on the consent received from M/s. Makarand M. Joshi & Co., Practicing Company Secretaries (Certificate of Practice No. 3662), Mumbai, India and on the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board has approved their appointment as the Secretarial Auditor of the Company for FY2025. They have confirmed their eligibility for the said re appointment.
Pursuant to Section 148(1) of the Act, read with the relevant Rules made thereunder, the Company maintains the cost records in respect of its ''pharmaceuticals'' business.
On the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board has appointed M/s. Sagar & Associates, Cost Accountants (Firm Registration No. 000118) as Cost Auditor of the Company for FY2025 at a remuneration of '' 9,00,000 (Rupees Nine Lakhs only) plus reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses at actuals and applicable taxes. M/s. Sagar & Associates have confirmed that they are free from disqualification specified under Section 141(3) and proviso to Section 148(3) read with Section 141(4) of the Act and that the appointment meets the requirements of the Act. They have further confirmed their independent status and an arm''s length relationship with the Company.
The provisions of the Act also require that the remuneration of the Cost Auditors be ratified by the members and therefore, the same is recommended for approval of the members at the forthcoming 40th AGM.
As a matter of record, relevant Cost Audit Reports for FY2023 were filed with the Central Government on August 22, 2023, within the stipulated timeline.
The Cost Audit Report for FY2024 will also be filed within the timeline.
AUDITORS'' QUALIFICATIONS, RESERVATIONS, ADVERSE REMARKS OR DISCLAIMERS
There are no qualifications, reservations, adverse remarks or disclaimers by the Statutory Auditors in their report, or by the Practicing Company Secretary in the Secretarial Audit Report. During the year, there were no instances of frauds reported by Auditors under Section 143(12) of the Act.
SECRETARIAL STANDARDS
In terms of Section 118(10) of the Act, the Company complies with Secretarial Standards 1 and 2, relating to the ''Meetings of the Board of Directors'' and ''General Meetings'', respectively as issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and approved by the Central Government.
The Company has also voluntarily adopted the recommendatory Secretarial Standards 3 on ''Dividend'' and Secretarial Standards 4 on ''Report of the Board of Directors'' issued by the ICSI.
SIGNIFICANT/ MATERIAL ORDERS PASSED BY COURTS/ REGULATORS/ TRIBUNALS
During FY2024, there was no significant or material orders passed by the Courts or Regulators or Tribunals impacting the going concern status and operations of the Company in the future.
INFORMATION REQUIRED UNDER SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT WORKPLACE (PREVENTION, PROHIBITION AND REDRESSAL) ACT,2013
The Company has a Policy to ensure prevention, prohibition and redressal of sexual harassment at the workplace.
It has an Apex Committee and an Internal Complaints Committee in compliance with the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, which operate under a defined framework for complaints pertaining to sexual harassment at workplace. The details are available in the Principle 5 of the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report as well as in the Corporate Governance Report forming part of this Integrated Annual Report.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR) INITIATIVES
As per Section 135 of the Act, the Company has a Board-level Committee. namely, Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (SCSR) Committee. As on March 31, 2024, the Committee consists of Dr. K P Krishnan (Chairman),
Ms. Kalpana Morparia, Mr. Sanjiv Mehta, Mr. G V Prasad and Mr. K Satish Reddy as members. Based on the recommendation of the said Committee, the Board has adopted a CSR policy that provides guiding principles for
selection, implementation and monitoring of CSR activities and formulation of the annual action plan. During the year, the Committee monitored the CSR activities undertaken by the Company including the expenditure incurred thereon as well as implementation and adherence to the CSR policy.
An impact assessment of the eligible projects has been carried by an independent agency and the report of such impact assessment was noted by the SCSR Committee and the Board. Details of the CSR Policy and initiatives taken by the Company during the year are available on the Company''s website: www.drreddvs.com. The report on CSR activities as well as executive summary of the impact assessment report are attached as Annexure IV to this Board''s Report.
INTEGRATED REPORT
Your Company has adopted the Integrated Annual Report for FY2024, which includes both financial and non-financial information. The reporting weaves together our purpose, values, strategy, governance, performance and future outlook, all of which influence the material aspects of our business.
BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY REPORT (BRSR)
The Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report for FY2024 as mentioned under Regulation 34 of the SEBI Listing Regulations, is given as a separate chapter in this Integrated Annual Report.
ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (ESG)
Providing cures and reducing the disease burden are central to our purpose as a leading pharma company. We believe that society and the environment are interdependent, and truly being sustainable supports human health and well-being, a sustainable planet, and a well-integrated society. In 2022, building on our incremental work in sustainability, we launched our sustainability vision for 2030 and published our renewed ESG goals and targets. Our sustainability goals span across diverse areas we care about - from environmental and social sustainability to stronger governance, from greater access and affordability of medicines to public health issues, from greater economic equity and accountability to acceptance of greater social parity. They reveal our bold vision for the future and what we collectively strive to achieve every day.
The Company has a Board Committee, namely, Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (SCSR) Committee, as the nodal committee to review the ESG and sustainability goals of the Company, its implementation, progress and other related matters as per its terms of reference.
The ESG details are available in the initial section and Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report of this Integrated Annual Report.
TRANSFER OF UNPAID AND UNCLAIMED AMOUNTS TO THE INVESTOR EDUCATION AND PROTECTION FUND (IEPF)
Pursuant to the provisions of the Act, read with IEPF Authority (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund) Rules, 2016, as amended, declared dividends which remained unpaid or unclaimed for a period of seven years have been transferred by the Company to the IEPF, which has been established by the Central Government.
The above Rules also mandate transfer of shares on which dividends are lying unpaid and unclaimed for a period of seven consecutive years to IEPF. The Company has issued individual notices to the members whose dividend is unclaimed and unpaid and advising them to claim their dividend. The details of transfer of unpaid and unclaimed amounts to IEPF are given in the chapter on Additional Shareholders Information.
EMPLOYEES STOCK OPTION SCHEMES
The Company has three employee stock option schemes namely, ''Dr. Reddy''s Employees Stock Option Scheme, 2002''; ''Dr. Reddy''s Employees ADR Stock Option Scheme, 2007'', and ''Dr. Reddy''s Employees Stock Option Scheme. 2018'' (the Schemes). The term of Dr. Reddy''s Employees Stock Optior Scheme, 2002. ended on January 28, 2022. However, the options already granted under the 2002 Scheme are eligible for exercise, in terms of the Scheme. There are no other changes in the said schemes during the year. The Schemes are in compliance with the SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits and Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021. The details of Company''s stock option Schemes as required under Regulation 14 of the SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits and Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021, are available on the Company''s website: https://www.drreddys.com/investors/ governance/policies-and-documents/#governance#policies-a nddocuments
The Company''s Secretarial Auditors, M/s. Makarand M.
Joshi & Co., Practicing Company Secretaries, have certified that the Employee Stock Option Schemes of your Company have been implemented in accordance with the Regulations and the resolutions passed by the Members in this regard.
The details also form part of Note 2.25 of the notes to accounts of the standalone financial statements.
PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES
Disclosures pertaining to remuneration and other details as required under Section 197(12) of the Act, read with Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, are attached as Annexure V to this Board''s Report.
In terms of Section 197(12) of the Act, read with Rule 5(2) and 5(3) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, a statement showing the names and other particulars of the employees drawing remuneration in excess of limits set out in the said rules forms part of the Integrated Annual Report.
Considering the provisions of Section 136 of the Act, the Integrated Annual Report, excluding the aforesaid information, is being sent to the members of the Company and others entitled thereto. The said information is available for inspection at the registered office of the Company or through electronic mode, during business hours on working days up to the date of the forthcoming 40th AGM, by members.
Any member interested in obtaining a copy thereof may write to the Company Secretary in this regard.
CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION, FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND OUTGO
Particulars as prescribed under Section 134(3)(m) of the Act, read with Rule 8(3) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, are attached as Annexure VI to this Board''s Report.
ANNUAL RETURN
The Annual Return of the Company as on March 31,2024, in terms of the provisions of Section 134(3)(a) of the Act, is available on the Company''s website: https://www.drreddys. com/investors/reports-and-filings/annual-reports/
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Your Directors place on record their sincere appreciation for the significant contribution made by your Company''s employees through their dedication, hard work and commitment, as also for the trust reposed in your Company by the medical fraternity and patients. The Board of Directors also acknowledges the support extended by the analysts, bankers, Government of India and various countries and other government agencies, media, customers, business partners, members and investors at large.
The Board looks forward to your continued support in the Company''s endeavour to accelerate access to innovative and affordable medicines, because “Good Health Can''t Wait”.
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